By Dona Z. Meilach
1. FOR SECURITY'S SAKE- ICE YOUR
CELL PHONE
3. A RADIO ATTACHMENT FOR YOUR
IPOD
The computer industry and its broader technological tentacles can easily lead to stimulation overload. Companies produce so many items…many that quickly fall by the wayside while others stick like darts on a board. When I get around to sorting out items on which I've reported in the past, I'm amazed at how many electronic devices have strut their place on stage only to be hooked off by a whimsical market…or by the lack of promotion finances. So here are a few things that can have a lasting usage…at least until something else replaces, or displaces, them.
Many of us have cell phones more for security and emergencies than for heavy telephoning. For whatever reason you have a cell phone, it's wise to follow this notice that I've had from several sources. In case you missed it here it is:
Paramedics are trained and tuned in to check a person's cell phone for identifying family when necessary. So, ICE = In Case of Emergency should be entered into your cell phone. Name the entry ICE with the name and phone number of the person the emergency services should call on your behalf. It can save them time and let your loved ones know what is happening. Remember ICE. Do it now while it's on your mind.
And, to eliminate unwanted phone calls to your home or cell hone, call the Do-Not-Call Registry at 1-888-382-1222 or register at www.donotcall.gov. This quick call will block your number for 5 years!
With our
children returning to school, that means writing papers. And writing papers
means learning to punctuate sentences correctly. With that in mind, Jeff Rubin,
declared August 22 National Punctuation Day. But one day isn’t enough for all
the ins and outs of those 14 little marks that can make or break
someone who is passing tests, and eventually job hunting. At www.nationalpunctuationday.com discover all the correct uses for each of the marks.
There are t-shirts with clever images of the mis-uses of each of the marks. Any
one is sure to make your students English teachers notice. The Web site also
suggests the following resources.
The Blue
Book of Grammar and Punctuation, by Jane Straus is organized into rules with
examples exercises and quick quizzes. Take the quiz yourself to be sure you're
helping your student get everything right. www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/cnt_punc.asp
Eats,
Shoots & Leaves Punctuation Game is based on British author, Lynne Truss's,
best selling book by the same name. The Web site is http://eatsshootsandleaves.com/ESLquiz.html
And at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/pp/index.html#presentations you'll find a group of PowerPoint presentations developed by Purdue University aimed at improving writing skills. You will need Office 2000 and PowerPoint to run theses presentations.
Whether you use one or all of these aids to help students, and anyone who goofs on grammar usage, to get everything right…here's a place to look up questionable punctuation mark usage.
Now
you can get more than music on your music iPod mini thanks to DLO, Digital
Lifestyle Outfitters who have introduced the DLO mini FM in response to people
who want to use the radio while they work out at the gym. The DLO mini FM is a
self-powered radio and volume amplifier that fits seamlessly onto the top of the
iPod mini and lets users tune into their favorite stations for news, sports and
weather. It also allows users to switch between radio and iPod mini mode with
just the push of a button. The DLO mini FM began shipping in early October for
$39.99. In addition to adding FM radio capability to the iPod mini, it amplifies
and boosts the volume capacity by over 25%. This improves the sound experience
in noisy environments like an airplane, or while using a headphone splitter for
two listeners.
The
mini FM is designed to match the shape and style of all iPod minis. It is ideal
for those who use their iPods at gyms and health clubs where they can catch the
TV broadcasts or just listen to the radio. It will fit the unit even when
wearing a workout case or armband holder. No batteries are required because it
powered by the iPod .It uses very little working voltage - so little in fact,
that you can listen to the DLO mini fm on an iPod mini for over 48 continuous
hours, according to the manufacturer.
There
are still reasons to listen to the radio especially when you're working out or
walking. You can get the news, current events, weather conditions, sports and TV
shows that are broadcast over the FM band. The DLO mini will not connect to the
iPod Shuffle…only to the iPod mini. Check it out at www.dlo.com.
While we're talking about iPods, if you're having a
problem getting it to work, check out the Rough Guide to iPods that
covers the use of iTunes and acquiring music on line. It's aa small book, 4-1/2
x 6" with 216 pages but covers almost everything you need to know plus
Troubleshooting methods because there are many with the iPods. The book begins
with a discussion of which models are available and how to determine what to
buy. iTunes aberrations are covered along with how to buy music on line. Then
there are the accessories...check out the iPod accessory counter at your
computer store and you know it's like the old razor blade hook. Buy the pod but
you'll spend the most money on things to go with it. The only problem with the
guide is it can't update as fast as the iPod programs and new products for the
accessories can. $8.95 for the book.
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Dona
Meilach is the author of over 85 books with 10 on computer. Her newest books are
WOOD ART TODAY from www.SchifferBooks.com. And a new cookbook is just
out, THE 50 BEST PUDDINGS AND SOUFFLES from www.Bristolcookbooks.com. 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.