Hope You Had a Great Thanksgiving!

Mom and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the family this year for Thanksgiving and had a wonderful time visiting everyone. Seeing everyone together from young and old is an amazing experience and it is so fun to be able to interact with so many generations of people.

I am excited to see the great Thanksgiving pictures my daughter is emailing me of the day and print some out to hang. I like Thanksgiving because it is a time to reflect on all the good things in my life and feel thankful that I have such a wonderful family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope today is a great one for you, filled with fun, family, and good food! Here are few interesting Thanksgiving facts to ponder on this special day.

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October in Canada.

The first Thanksgiving celebration lasted three days and was held in the fall of 1621.

Sarah Josepha Hale, an editor with a magazine, started a Thanksgiving campaign in 1827 and it was result of her efforts that in 1863 Thanksgiving was observed as a day for national thanksgiving and prayer.

Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States. But it was Thomas Jefferson who opposed him. It is believed that Franklin then named the male turkey as ‘tom’ to spite Jefferson.

Different Typing Methods Both "Correct" and "Incorrect"

Touch typing

The basic technique stands in contrast to search and peck typing as the typist keeps their eyes on the source copy at all times. Touch typing also involves the use of the home row method, where typists keep their wrists up, rather than resting them on a desk or keyboard as this can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. To avoid this, typists using this method should sit up tall leaning slightly forward from the waist, place their feet flat on the floor in front of them with one foot slightly in front of the other, keeping their elbows close to their sides with their forearms slanted slightly upward to the keyboard, fingers should be curved slightly resting on the home row.

Many touch typists also use keyboard shortcuts or hotkeys when typing on a computer. This allows them to edit their document without having to take their hands off the keyboard to use a mouse. An example of a keyboard shortcut is touching the Control key plus the S key to save your copy as you type or the Control key plus the Z key to undo a mistake. Many experienced typists can feel or sense when they've made an error and can hit the backspace key and make the correction without missing a beat.


Search and peck

Search and peck, also known as hunt and peck, is a common form of typing, in which the typist must find and press each key individually. This is almost always considerably slower than touch typing. Instead of relying on the memorized position of keys, the typist must find each key by sight. Use of this method may also prevent the typist from being able to see what has been typed without glancing away from the keys. Although good accuracy may be achieved, any typing errors that are made may not be noticed immediately, if at all. There is also the disadvantage that because fewer fingers are used, they are forced to move a much greater distance. There are many idiosyncratic typing styles in between "search and peck" and touch typing; for example, many people will type blindly, but use only two to five fingers, and not always in a systematic fashion. Some people have developed advanced forms of search and peck that don't require looking at keys, or losing too much speed.

Buffering

Some people use a combination of touch typing and Search and peck by using a buffering method. In the buffer method, the typist looks at the source copy, stores one or many sentences in his or her head, then looks at the keyboard and types out the buffer of sentences. Doing this allows the typist to eliminate frequent up and down motions with the head. It is particularly used in typing competitions, where the typist is not well versed in touch typing. It is not normally used in day-to-day contact with keyboards, only when time is of the essence.

Typing Software Recommendations to Improve your Typing Speed

The best way to improve your typing accuracy and gain speed is by using typing software. There are many good programs available online that you can use to improve your typing. Here are my favorites:

chestercreek.com - A unique typing software that works with a color coded keyboard to teach correct typing posture and improve speed and accuracy.

TypingMaster.com – This software makes learning to type fun with typing games and includes a free typing test.

EliteTyping - This typing software is good for both adults and children and has many great futures.

Key Advantage Typing – This is a good program and works with Mac as well as Windows

Thanksgiving is Coming!

The holidays are fast approaching, and I am looking forward to visiting with my family this year. This year Mom and I are going to travel and I can't wait to see the grandkids! I am fortunate that it is so easy to stay in touch via the computer, make travel plans, and keep in touch. Even though I have family that lives a few hours away I feel like I see them often because we are always emailing and sharing pictures online.

I think this year for Thanksgiving I will make a green bean casserole, yummy! It is one family traditional that is a favorite of everyone. Mom is very excited about the holiday as well and is spending lots of time online talking to family members about the holiday festivities. Hope your Thanksgiving is filled with love and family tradition.

Interesting Keyboard History

Many people are surprised to learn that the traditional layout of a keyboard is not the same layout that typewriters had when they were first invented. The "QWERTY" arrangement that is standard today was made by Christopher Sholes so that the most used letters were not close together. This means that the standard keyboard layout is not designed with the typist in mind because it was purposely designed to make the typist reach farther to hit the most common letters.

The arrangement was made to prevent the type bars on typewriters (way back before computers were ever though of) from sticking together and jamming the machine. Typists would type so fast on the old typewriters and strike keys that were next to each other so often that they would stick.

There are other keyboard layouts you can use today, but that is another story, and because the QWERTY keyboard is the hands down standard in keyboard layouts, it is still important to know how to type on this albeit archaic layout.

Indestructible Keyboards!

I was doing some holiday shopping online today and found the perfect gift for my daughter. She was just telling me how she had to replace her keyboard because my grandson spilled his cup of juice all over it. I found this keyboard cover http://www.chestercreek.com/KeyBoardSeals.html and decided it is the perfect way to make sure the grandkids don't ruin anymore keyboards!

Of course it won't really make a keyboard indestructible, but it's about the closest you can get. I may even pick one up for me and Mom incase the odd coffee mug decides to spill.

Great Websites for Seniors

With Mom using the computer more, we have been looking for websites designed specifically for seniors that offer information, resources, and other things that will interest her. We have found quite a few, and I would like to share what I have found incase they might interest anyone else:

www.chestercreek.com filled with useful computer accessories for seniors

www.grandparents.com lots of fun ideas to do with your grandkids, newsletters, games, activities listed by city and more.

www.elderlawanswers.com Medicaid, Medicare, nursing home rights, and estate planning advice.

http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Seniors.shtml government resources for seniors

http://www.seniorsummerschool.com Offers seniors the opportunity to enhance their summer through education, leisure and discovery at college campuses across the U.S. and Canada

Making Computers More Accessible for Seniors

My Mom loves her large print keyboard, and now that she is typing more (because she can see the keys) she has run into a common problem for older people, when she types she often hits the keys more than once by accident. This problem is very annoying, and I was not sure of what to do until I found some great information to solve the problem on one of my favorite websites http://chestercreek.com/faqs.html If you or your parents have a hard time hitting a key only once, you can change the following settings on your computer to fix the problem:

http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windowsxp/filterkeys.aspx

Now that mom has better control of the keyboard, she is enjoying her time online even more!

The Holidays are Coming!

I was speaking with my daughter today and she said that my grandkids are already excited about the holidays. My middle grandson has found the gift he wants this year and while the price tag is a bit hefty, I think it is a wonderful idea. He told me all about a cool new computer designed just for kids with a touch screen and everything. Technology is truly amazing and this computer from Chester Creek http://chestercreek.com/KidsCyberNetStation.html is one of the coolest I have seen. My grandson thinks that the all in one design and touchscreen is very cool too.

While the price of a new computer is a bit out of my price range (I have a few grandkids to buy for) I have seen plenty of technological gadgets that will make great Christmas gifts. Computer and video games are always popular, and can be educational as well. I was also thinking about some type of subscription based gift so they could enjoy my present all year round, like a magazine or dvd subscription. So many choices as the holidays draw near….

Gifts of a different color

There are gifts for people who have everything. There are also gifts for people who need everything. Then there are people whose lives would be made so much better by just that perfect gift, something they not only want, but need. There is a storehouse of web sites on the Internet with storehouses of gifts for everyone. Even those with everything. Check out www.gifts.com; or www.findgift.com. Amazon is amazing and has a wide variety of gifts for everyone on your list. For unique gifts, try www.uncommongoods.com. For kids…..(can’t forget the little ones) try: www.mailjust4me.com; www.potterybarnforkids.com, or www.chestercreek.com, where you will find kid’s colorful computer products.

Whomever your buying for, for whatever need, take some time to sit down and enjoy the holiday season.

Check out Community Computer Classes

I popped into the library today to look for new books and to borrow some DVD's and I noticed a flyer hanging up that advertised an upcoming computer course held at the library. The course was targeted for seniors, teaching them basic computer skills such as navigating the internet, sending emails, and using basic programs. Although Mom is pretty proficient at using the computer, I thought this was a great idea, and just wanted to get the word out about community programs like this which are the perfect way to get seniors involved in computing, and keep them connected to friends, family, and the world.

If you have an older parent or friend who would benefit from the many opportunities the internet has to offer, look for a community class near you to help them learn to use a computer. Combined with accessibility keyboards, mice, and magnifiers like these http://www.chestercreek.com/seniorsProducts.html computers can be a godsend for many seniors.

Kids and Computers These Days

I am always amazed at the way kids take to computers these days. My grandson started kindergarten this year but even before he started school he was playing games on the computer. He is always excited to tell me about his newest game or technological toy, and sometimes I think he knows more about computers than me! It is truly amazing that we have the technology today to connect the young and old alike, and that the computer is so easy to use my five year old grandson can make me a slideshow and send it to me from across the country.

I don't think there is an age that is too young to start using the computer, because most kids are familiar with the presence of mouse and keyboard starting from birth! If you have young children check out the computer products my grandson uses http://www.chestercreek.com/childrensProducts.html

Mom Loves Her New Visikey Keyboard

Mom's declining eyesight makes it difficult for her to see the letters on the keyboard, so we decided it was time to get a new keyboard that will make it easier for her (and me!) to see the keys. I finally decided on the Visikey keyboard from this website http://www.chestercreek.com/VisiKey.html because it was low priced and looked like it would make it much easier for mom to type.

It arrived in the mail yesterday, and we love it! The letters, numbers, and symbols on the keys are bright white and they are much bigger and more visible than those on regular computer keyboards. According to the packaging, the letters are 430% larger than the letters on a standard keyboard and I can really see the difference. It is also rated 20/300 on the Snelling visual acuity scale, which means people with diminished eyesight can still make out the letters. Compare that to most standard keyboards which are rated for 20/70, and you can get a feel for the visual ease that the keyboard provides.

I'm glad we chose this keyboard, it makes typing so much easier for Mom and me!

Great Typing Exercises

There is a lot to be said for excellent typing skills because when you type quickly and accurately you can get work done faster and communicate with friends and family quickly and with ease. There are many different programs and websites that have fun typing games as well as typing exercises that will help you learn to type faster and more accurately. These exercises are great for children learning how to type as well as older adults who want to sharpen typing skills, or seniors who are not very familiar with computers and need to be able to communicate effectively online. Here are some of my favorites:

http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/typing/

www.typeonline.co.uk/copypractice.php

www.nimblefingers.com/b_exer.htm

http://www.chestercreek.com/ClassRoomTyping.html

Happy Friday!

This weekend I hope to spend some time with Mom, the grand kids, and some other family members. It is amazing how close the family has stayed because of all the opportunities to connect online. Have a great weekend!

Finger and Hand Exercises to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Yesterday I gave you a list of useful wrist exercises you can do to prevent Carpal Tunnel and stay healthy while computing. Today I have a list of finger and hand exercises you can do as well.

Open and Close

•Clench the fingers of one hand into a fist tightly.
•Release, fanning out the fingers.
•Do this five times. Repeat with the other hand.

Thumb Bends

•To exercise the thumb, bend it against the palm beneath the little finger, and hold for 5 seconds.
•Spread the fingers apart, palm up, and hold for 5 seconds.
•Repeat five to 10 times with each hand.

Thumb Stretches

•Gently pull the thumb out and back and hold for 5 seconds.
•Repeat five to 10 times with each hand.

Wrist Exercises To Prevent Carpal Tunnel

If you spend hours a day on the computer typing or using the mouse, it is important to take precautions to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs because of continuous repetitive motions. Here are some wrist exercises you can do at your computer:

Palm Presses

•Make a loose right fist, palm up, and use the left hand to press gently down against the clenched hand.
•Resist the force with the closed right hand for 5 seconds. Be sure to keep the wrist straight.
•Turn the right fist palm down, and press the knuckles against the left open palm for 5 seconds.
•Finally, turn the right palm so the thumb-side of the fist is up, and press down again for 5 seconds.
•Repeat with the left hand.

Wrist Bends

•Hold one hand straight up shoulder-high with fingers together and palm facing outward. (The position looks like a shoulder-high salute.)
•With the other hand, bend the hand being exercised backward with the fingers still held together and hold for 5 seconds.
•Spread the fingers and thumb open while the hand is still bent back and hold for 5 seconds.
•Repeat five times for each hand.

Wrist Circles

•Hold the second and third fingers up, and close the others.
•Draw five clockwise circles in the air with the two finger tips.
•Draw five more counterclockwise circles.
•Repeat with the other hand.

Improve Your Typing Skills

If you work on the computer the faster you type, the more productive you are. Accuracy is important as well, because even if you can type very fast, that speed is wasted if you have to go back and make a lot of corrections. If you need help with speed, accuracy, or both, you can find the help you need online.

There are any exercises and games online you can use to improve your typing speed. www.typingtest.com has some fun games and typing speed and accuracy tests to help you determine just how fast you are and where you can improve. www.chestercreek.com/ClassRoomTyping.html is a great online program that teaches you how to type so you can be faster and more productive.

Which Magnifier for Mom?

Mom and I had a great Halloween, all the neighborhood kids were so cute and the grandkids were adorable too. Mom loves all the time she gets to spend with the little ones, kids sure do brighten her day. Today we wanted to look at some pictures on the computer and I noticed that Mom was having a hard time seeing them well. Unfortunately, her eyesight is not what it used to be, and I would love to find a good screen magnification program for her to use so that she has an easier time seeing the computer.

I have thought about an exterior magnifying screen that mounts on the monitor and hangs over the screen, as well as a software program that magnifies things on screen. I like not having to install new software if I use the screen, however it is bulk and will get in the way when Mom is not using it. The on screen magnification program will have a small learning curve, but I am confident Mom will be able to use it after she learns how.

So for now I have to do some more research, but pretty soon I will be getting some type of magnifier for Mom.