What’s in your e-mailbox that you don’t need?

canstockphoto26782238 (1)What are you doing to keep your e-mailbox organized, up-to-date, and under control so that there are not too many unanswered, unread, or e-clutter mail items? Sometimes, I move mail to a trash bin when I cannot get it under control.  But with Mailstrom, the task of organization becomes much easier.  I suggest you try it right away!

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Are you aware that you can get your e-mailbox clutter under control fairly easily using Mailstrom, which  works with Gmail AOL, Outlook, and any other email service that supports IMAP.  And you can try it for free just to get the hang of it.

  •  Mailstrom is a web-based email client that allows you to take bulk actions on your inboxes. Connect Mailstrom to your email (Gmail, Outlook, AOL, iCloud, etc) and then Delete, Archive and Move messages by the hundreds or thousands. Keep your inbox clean with features like Unsubscribe, Block Sender/Subject, automatic rules, and daily or weekly email reports.
  •  How does the free trial work? All users get a free trial of Mailstrom. When you sign up, Mailstrom takes a snapshot of the messages in your inbox (if you have more than 5,000 messages, it will load the latest 5,000).
  • You can use Mailstrom to delete, archive or move 25% of your messages. To act on more messages, you will need to subscribe to one of the plans. Your Mailstrom free trial does not require a credit card and entails no obligation on your part. Look at it as a chance to take some free whacks at your inbox with our awesome power tools. Source: Mailstrom: Frequently Asked Questions
  • Click the image below to access Mailstrom.

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Check for more details at: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2044597/review-mailstrom-puts-you-in-control-of-your-email.html

SENIOR Tutorials for iPads & iPhones

canstockphoto15622148Oftentimes,  we buy, or receive as gifts, new devices like iPads and iPhones. Then we assume that we should/ can learn how to use them by ‘tinkering’ around with the buttons and Icons.  However, if we just invest a little time by taking a tutorial (or two), we will enjoy and get better experiences from our new device.

Yes, I know that it may ‘seem’ cumbersome or unnecessary  – but I assure you that it’s well worth your time.

Check out these  videos and magazines for training:

Issue: VOL-13 BDM’S SENIORS SERIES is completely unique in this marketplace offering content aimed directly at senior iPad owners. The content offers a blend of jargon free user guides and targeted application reviews for use on the apple iPad.With high quality up-to-date expert editorial and focused design, this publication will be an unmissable purchase for all iPad owners aged over 60. Published Quarterly Source: BDM’S SENIORS SERIES | Discount Subscriptions | Allscript Magazines

♦ HOW TO USE THE IPAD FOR BEGINNERS Introducing a complete instructions manual for the iPad for beginners. This video guide teaches all the basics of using your iPad, from browsing its interface to downloading apps and browsing the web. The iPad is a revolutionary tablet with the power to do many functions. Your iPad can: check the weather, send e-mails, surf the internet, play music, watch movies, and so much more. Learning to do all this takes a basic understanding of how to use and navigate the iPad. This video guide teaches the basics, and allows you to become an expert at using your iPad in 30 minutes. Source: How to Use the iPad for Beginners – Apple Video Guides

Black History Resources

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Nowadays there are many resources available to us via the Internet and APPS, which give Black History information.  Below are some that I like.

♦ ORIGINS OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH. The story of Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. That September, the Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by black Americans and other peoples of African descent. Known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the group sponsored a national Negro History week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The event inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs and host performances and lectures. Source: Black History Month – Black History – HISTORY.com

For those of you who like to explore information using APPS these links will lead you to some interesting sources.

  • Get fresh and razor-sharp insights on black news and perspectives from The Root. Download The Root Android app to get: *Highlights of the hottest news stories from around the web *Our hand-picked selection of commentary by the top African-American writers *Original features tackling race, politics, society, culture and the day’s most-talked about topics.Source: The Root – Android Apps on Google Play
  • Description The Then and Now Series offers an informative look into the lives of 100 people in history. The initial product covers 100 people in Black History.Source: Then and Now Series: Black History on the App Store

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Finding e-waste freedom!

canstockphoto2309692How many of your old e-book readers, video games, cell phones and laptops are taking up your living space, or just lying around discarded and you can’t figure out what to do about them?

Well, I am happy to report that HELP is available for you to recycle your e-waste/junk.

What if you could get money for your e-waste items? Well, it turns out there are three companies that are available to aid you with just that. Those companies are Amazon, Gazelle and Best Buy.  In the article I read  Amazon.com was the FAVORITE. The Amazon-trade-in program accepts a lot of old devices/equipment and you can receive Amazon gift cards for items like: PlayStation 3 Controller, old DVD’s, Wi-Fi routers, used video games, and cable modems. They also accept books!

The process may take a little time, but how long do you want to store/drag around that old equipment in your home?  Amazon will send you free shipping labels. All you need to do is pack up and drop off the packages at a U.P.S. mailbox.  It’s certainly worth a try. Don’t you think so?

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Other sites to check out are: Gazelle.com and Best Buy.com
Read more about these programs at: How to Sell or Recycle Old Electronics

SeniorNet

canstockphoto3944292As a senior citizen, I would like to inform you there is no getting around using computers to assist us with our  lives. If you are 65,  by now you have most likely been advised to apply for your medicare benefits ‘online‘. Unless you are located in a remote place on the planet (for example, living in the woods without any access to technology at all), sooner or later, you will have to apply for something, which is not available unless you use a computer. Most of your family probably uses email to ‘stay in touch‘. It’s the best way to expediently ‘communicate’ .  Yes, the  www (world wide web) has changed how we work, play, entertain, shop and much more.  This post is for those of you who do not have ANY computer skills.  However, it is also for the many proficent computer users who are senior citizens and could appreciate a little extra help for their computer questions. Use this opportunity to acquaint yourself with SeniorNet.com.

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SeniorNet’s mission is to provide older adults education for and access to computer technologies to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom. Find out how you can become a part of SeniorNet and start enjoying the benefits of membership today!   If you are looking for some help to learn new or enhance existing computer skills, you have found the right place. Welcome. Come on in and make yourself at home. SeniorNet is the nation’s most respected nonprofit organization that specializes in computer and Internet education for older adults. Since 1986, SeniorNet has empowered over two million Boomers and Seniors providing encouragement, lifelong learning opportunities and new worlds to explore via the Internet.

Source: SeniorNet

Christmas Cheer with the ElfYourself APP

canstockphoto23581046One excellent way to entertain friends and get yourself into the holiday mood is to download the ElfYourself app. To use it, snap photos of as many as five faces — yours and those of friends and family. Then center the faces in a special frame, add a custom text message and press “O.K.” ElfYourself pastes the faces onto animated dancing elves in a short, funny musical cartoon — for example, a Christmas countdown song that includes kittens popping up in unexpected places. You can share the resulting video on Facebook, Twitter or elsewhere. Be prepared for giggles. The app is free on iOS and Android, but comes with just one video — the kitten one. Unlocking more video themes costs $6, for which you get different music styles like hip-hop or an “Oh Hanukkah” video.

Source: Video Feature: Apps, Like Elves, Help Make the Season Bright – The New York Times

 

Happy Holidays!

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Best Gifts 2015 – Useful Gifts for Laptop and Tablet Users

canstockphoto22555290Whether you’re buying a high-tech token of affection for that special someone or a birthday gift for Mom, everyone loves gadgets. Finding the right gift, however, can be a challenge with so many compelling products vying for your attention. Fortunately, we’ve picked the best products to get you started. From budget-friendly Chromebooks to the fastest tablets and the sleekest-looking bags, these are the hottest gadget gifts available now. For even more ideas, see our full list of 100+ gift recommendations on Tom’s Guide by clicking the link below.

Source: Best Gifts 2015 – Useful Gifts for Laptop and Tablet Users

The Accidental Family Help Tech…

canstockphoto15142264In your family tree are you the Help Tech?  That is to say, you have “some” experience with fixing relatively easy computer problems, but you seem to be the most knowledgeable one in the family for random computer issues. Isn’t it often the case that you don’t know the answer right off the top of your head, chances are you know where to go to find the best answer(s) to ‘fix’ the problem.

I am often searching the www for computer solutions to issues that come up with mobile phones, computers, word processing, or new Apps.  The list is very long.  However, now and then I find a piece of information that is one of the best solutions I’ve come across to explain how to do something step-by-step. Continue reading

SmartPhone Leasing…What’s the deal?

canstockphoto16723097Just when you thought you understood how to get a new smartphone after your contract period is up, the wireless carriers introduce the “early upgrade plan”.  Do you have any idea what that is, or if will it work for you?  I checked out an article that discusses the pros and cons of this new “deal“.  Apparently,  it’s still cheaper to own your smartphone, but it depends on what type of smartphone user you are.  One thing is for sure, if you’re the kind of smartphone user who gets excited about any new feature, then this may be the plan for you.  Below are some of the highlights reviewed in the NYTimes article.  Make sure to check out the link at the end of this post for exact details. Continue reading

Getting Politically Savvy with APPS

social vote_oct 15The APP phenomenon allows us to be connected socially using Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, to name a few. More recently,  we can also be connected using politically social apps.

The 2016 presidential race will not only be televised, now you can participate in the social conversation via your smartphone.  In addition, you can cast your vote on issues like gun control, healthcare and the environment. There are apps that have a transcript of the US Constitution.  Did you know the Library of Congress has a Constitution app, which is free?  You can also use an app that takes top political stories and makes them available all in one place. Many of these apps are available free of charge.

Take a moment to check out the links below, then review the article for detailed information.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

  1. Library of Congress APPs: http://www.loc.gov/apps/
  2. Brigade: iTunes app
  3. Polito-MixAndroid
  4. Polito-Mix: iTunes app

I hope this is helpful 🙂canstockphoto6234770