Dancing baloney refers to web page-based animated images, Java applets, music, voice-overs, and other bells and whistles that tend to detract from the overall usefulness of a site.

In the early years of the net, programmers and graphic artists enjoyed showing off their skills by applying all sorts of these features. They had some impact then, and still do to a very limited extent with some web users, usually newbies. Site builders and designers now focus on the core function of the internet – to provide information. This makes sense, too, since even with high-speed access, seasoned surfers tend to avoid these slower-to-load sites.

Have you ever been to a web page that had dark text on a dark background? It happens. Sometimes a background doesn't load properly. And sometimes it’s just bad site design. Either way, it's hard to read. Well, next time that happens to you, just hit CTRL-A.

When you do so, all the text on the website will be selected (highlighted). The selection colour is often much easier to read than the original.

Try reading the text below. Then view it a second time after you hit CTRL-A.

Until the late 1800’s, more than three quarters of the world's paper was made from hemp fibre. Why? Because hemp is a better source for paper than trees:

·        Hemp takes 4 months to mature. Trees take approximately 20 years.

·        A Hemp crop produces nearly 4 times as much raw fibre as an equivalent-sized tree plantation.

·        Hemp can grow in virtually any climate and soil condition, and is excellent for reclaiming otherwise-unusable land.

·        Hemp needs no pesticides because it is unpalatable to insects.

·        Hemp needs no herbicides because it grows too quickly for any weed to compete.

·        Hemp paper does not need chlorine bleach, which heavily pollutes rives near wood-pulp paper mills.

·        Hemp uses the sun more efficiently than virtually any other plant on the planet.

·        Hemp paper is stronger, finer and lasts longer than wood-based papers.

When it comes to understanding your children, nothing can take the place of conversation. Studies suggest that parents who listen to their children and ask probing questions create a high level of closeness. Furthermore, kids who feel close to their parents are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol use.

But many parents feel that this fast-paced world we live in leaves little or no time to be effective in this regard. Try the following suggestions to help listen more effectively:

• Don’t put them off. Seize the opportunity to engage your child in conversation whenever your child asks to talk to you. Avoid saying "in just a minute," or "not right now."
• Frequently ask your child about his or her life, and the lives of his or her friends. What fashions, music, television and movies do people their age follow? Why?
• Encourage your child with phrases such as "That's interesting" or "I didn't know that."
• Establish regular weekly "together time". It need not be elaborate -- just taking a walk or going out for ice cream can spark meaningful conversation.
• Try to get one-on-one with them. Even the most considerate brother or sister can make a child feel uncomfortable talking about being open about their feelings.

Whatever your age, the Internet can be a wonderful tool. Unfortunately, it can also be a forum for people who exploit children and teens. Parents and kids need to be aware of it's dangers and how to avoid them.

Now that the school year is upon us, students will be browsing the Internet to research assignments and keep in touch with friends - some of them for the first time. If you are a parent who is not comfortable with the internet environment, learn as much as you can now. Talk with your children about their time on the net. Ask them what they do online. Get them to show you – to help you learn. And, if possible, set-up the computer in a family room or other common area of the home.

 

Enforce these simple rules to reduce the risks to your children:

• Keep your identity private. Do not give your full name, street address, telephone number, name of your school, or any other personal information.
• Never meet with someone you talk to online unless you get permission from an adult. And never go to the meeting alone.
• Never respond to e-mail, chat comments or newsgroup messages that are hostile, belligerent, inappropriate or in any way make you feel uncomfortable. It’s best to simply ignore them.

Loose electrical cords, printer cables, phone lines, etc. around the office or in the shop can be both unsightly and dangerous. To tidy up those problem areas, clamp ‘em! Simply run the wires through the mouth of a small clamp and secure the clamp to the back of your workbench or under the computer desk. Since clamps come in a variety of sizes, you’ll be sure to find one that suits your needs. And you can easily reposition them when necessary.

“Give a small boy a hammer and he will find that everything he encounters needs pounding.” ~ Kalan

 

“Experience is the worst teacher; it gives the test before presenting the lesson.”

~ Vernon S. Law

 

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.” ~ Albert Einstein

 

“A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the word you first thought of.” ~ Burt Bacharach