Dona's Computer Capers- Jan 05
Here's another GOOGLE-ism that's sure to make you moor erudite more quickly. And two pens to make your money more secure. Check your penholder and toss out all those freebie pens you pick up at auction, hotels, meetings, and even the bank. For your continued safely, there's also information about a talking first aid kit that could save a life.
I found another invaluable Google feature that may send the on-line Webster dictionary to the trash bucket. Need to find the meaning of a word and where to find lots more information about it. Just put the word definition in the Google search box followed by the word. Not only will you get the definition but you'll find resources and research. Try it with a few odd, or even common words, and you'll be amazed at what you get.
Try definition blacksmith for example and see where that leads you. Or definition ganache and you'll be an instant candy gourmand. Don't know what a gourmand is? Look it up. Put Definition gourmand in the Google box.
Always looking for a pen that will write on a CD and not smear? And be legible? And so much more. I didn't believe the press release for Pilot's new Permaball pen so I requested a test pen and it has hardly left my hand since I've had it. Anyone who spirits it off my desk will have a hand chopped off. Yes, it's that good and it gives even more than it promises.
It doesn't smear on the backs of glossy paper photo prints or leave its imprint on one that is placed over it. It writes clearly on plastic, cloth, glass, wood, cloth, leather, etc. and it doesn't smear. I haven't been able to prove other claims such as fade-proof and waterproof, but I bet it's true. It's odorless and won't bleed through paper.
It's a rolling ball pen with a nice fine tip that has the utility and permanence of a felt tip pen but it won't splay or bleed like a felt tip will.
.
Yep, some chemist got it right. I
predict you'll have them all over the house for writing on freezer labels,
marking the kid's sport and school gear, labeling things in the workshop and
craft room. They are available in
black, red, and blue, at most retail and office supply stores, retailing for
$4.99 for a four-pack. Next time you buy pens, note the manufacturer, and look
for their specific products. www.pilotpens.com for more
information
We've been so buy chronicling identity thefts, that many of us overlook old fashioned check stealing. But the retro style of "check washing" has made a comeback and there is a pen that will thwart any thief from laundering your money. It's the Uni-ball 207 Gel pen by Sanford. The Uni-ball gel inks contain color pigments that are absorbed into the check's paper fibers. When an individual tries to "wash" the information written on the check, the ink is in effect "trapped."
Check washing refers to a thief practice of stealing checks, erasing the ink using common household products, then rewriting the check payable to themselves in the amount they want. According to the National Check Fraud Center, check washing costs individuals in the United States an estimated $815 million annually.
Can't happen to you? Rent a video copy of he movie, Catch Me If You Can, the story of Frank Abagnale. Abagnale has also written a book called, "The Real U - Guide to Identity Theft". Abagnale, a consultant to Sanford, says your first line of defense is to write checks with the Uni-Ball pen because it can't wash out. He also offers these suggestions for check writing year around.
1. When mailing checks make sure
the check is wrapped with a sheet of paper or in a card, so the envelope's
contents aren't obvious.
2. Never leave mail in an
unsecured mailbox, such as "curb-side" in front of a residence. Instead, drop
your outgoing mail at a post office or locked postal boxes. Abagnale says
approximately 99 percent of all checks that are washed are stolen from home
mailboxes.
3. If public mailboxes are nearly
full, find another secure box to drop your mail in. Thief's prey on mailboxes
that fill up during the weekend and when access is easy.
The Uni-ball pens come in black, blue, and red ink and are available in 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-pack options at the suggested retail prices of $2.29, $4.69, $6.89, and $8.85, per box respectively. For more information about defending against check washing and other forms of identity theft, go to www.uniball-na.com.
There's a growing
concern over safety in the home and the workplace, While most people have some
kind of first kits available, they wouldn't know what to if an injury occurred
beyond a cut or a simple twisted ankle. The Talkin’ First Aid™ kit removes the
guess work and provides knowledge and guidance to help reduce the severity of an
injury's outcome.
The Talkin’ First Aid™ kit organizes supplies with
instructions into individually labeled
and color-coded packs for each type
of injury. Audio instructions are delivered via a chip affixed to each of the
injury instruction cards. A press of a button starts, stops, and pauses the
audio instructions.
Scott Kappmeyer, Vice President—Safety & Health Programs, National Safety Council, says, "Our research has found that very few individuals retain first-aid training when faced with a medical emergency and most are unable to adequately assist an injured person. Through its combination of medical supplies and detailed written and verbal instructions, first-aid givers can be more effective and have confidence in the care they’re providing,”
DLH, Inc. has teamed with the National Safety Council (NSC) to offer this awesome technology. Kits will be available in early 2005 and retail for $149.95. Call 888-388-4854 or see www.talkinfirstaid.com, http://www.futureoffirstaid.com.
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Dona Meilach is the author of over 85 books with 10 on computers. Her just released newest book is WOOD ART TODAY from Schiffer Publishers. http://www.schifferbooks.com. Put her name in the search box. Other computer organizations interested in running this column should contact the author. The column is also available as a free E-zine. Subscribe DCC: Contact Dmeilach@msn.com. Dona's Computer Capers may also be found at http://www.smalladdictions.com/Skateboard.