Because You Can Never Have Too Many Dictionaries!

Hi All,

I've been waiting for just the right time to talk about OneLook Dictionary Search.  What is it you ask?

Simple, type in a word and you'll get links to all the dictionaries that OneLook links to for the definition of the world search for. 

See link below for a search for 'bluebird'.  Results are divided into categories - general, computing, medicine, miscellaneous and more depending on the word searched for. 

Examples of dictionaries included in the search are vast - including: Wikipedia. Merriam-Webster.com, Oxford Dictionaries, American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Vocabulary.com, Macmillan Dictionary, Webster's New World College Dictionary, Free Dictionary and Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913 edition).

Pretty cool.  Now you can - if that is you wont - trace the definition of a particular word over time.

And, too boot...the site has a reverse dictionary. Which means you can type in a word or a phrase and a the results will b related words.....the opposite of how a dictionary works!

Enjoy the site and the definitions!

Regards,
Stu

Senior's Guide to Computers

Hi All,

Just came across - yet again! - another interesting website. Site name is 'The Senior's Guide to Computers' and can be found by clicking here, here and here.

What is the site about you ask?  Great question....the site is simple, useful, and uncluttered - and easy to use.   The site walks you through everything computer and web related with their easy-to-navigate “Learning Center”. Want to back up your data? You’ll get written instructions complete with screen shots and animation.  And there is much, much more.

There are simple links to using the audio/sound feature on your computer, Backing Up Your Data, Basics of Computers, Email, a helpful Glossary, information about computer Hardware, the Internet, computer security and computer software.

There is also a blog attached to the site - just click here for the 'Seniors Guide to Computers' blog.  One caveat - it hasn't been updated in over a year - last updated was on 7/7/16!

Whew.  That's a lot of links - and a lot of information to go through!

To learn about the fella who designed and maintains 'The Senior's Guide to Computers' click on this link - he seems like a very, very knowledgeable guy! And self taught when it comes to computers!

Enjoy the site and the information on it!

Regards,
Stu

How Stuff Works?

Hi All, 

A very interesting, useful, practical - and somewhat fun - website is 'How Stuff Works?'.

Basically its a site that explains to readers 'how stuff works'.  Hence the name of the site.

There are categories on the site.  For example, there are sections on Health, Science, Home/Garden,
Auto, Tech, Culture, Money, Lifestyle, Entertainment, Adventure, Animals and more!

Ultimately the site yields an article that lets the reader learn how 'stuff' works.  For example, I drilled down to an article titled 'Are married couples genetically similar?'  The article is about 2 pages long and includes details about the topic.  Related content is available to link to from the bottom of the page. 

How Stuff Works? also has videos and podcasts

Readers can subscribe to the How Stuff Works? newsletter by entering their email address at the bottom of the page. Readers will get the latest How Stuff Works? podcasts, tours, latest news and more from the site. 

Enjoy learning How Stuff Works?!!!

Regards,
Stu

Hurricane Prepardeness

Hi All, 

As you might have guessed, hurricane season is in full swing now.  

And Senator Kemp Hannon sent an email out with a list of key contact numbers, phone numbers, and important websites for citizens to take note of.  The full text of the email with the information is below.  Finally, here is a link to Senator Hannon's website.

It is quite a handy resource - you can easily print it and keep it on a cabinet in the kitchen or just keep it in a 'reference' folder in the house so you can easily find it when needed. 

Regards, 

Stu 

  

Dear Friend,

How ready are you? Hurricane season is here.  Hurricane Sandy made landfall here just five years ago. Here are some safety tips and resources for storms and to encourage you to get prepared now. While peak hurricane season just began in August it can last until October. The KEY to hurricane and tropical storm safety is to always be prepared BEFORE the storm hits.

Always have an emergency supply kit.

At a minimum, have at least a 3-day supply of food and water,(allow for 1 gallon of water per person, per day), a week supply of all medicines, a first aid kit, flashlight, a battery-powered radio, charged cell phone, extra batteries, copies of important documents such as insurance policies, deeds, property records, insurance cards and immunization records (also store important documents in a safe and dry place, such as a sealed plastic bag or a safety deposit box away from your home), emergency contact information in your family emergency plan, and supplies for your children and pets. Perhaps most importantly, have a supply of extra cash (in the event of power failure, many ATMs won’t work, and even those that do may be out of money).

Evacuation.

Depending upon severity you may be asked to evacuate. If possible, first try to seek refuge with a friend or family member who lives away from the affected area, but there are hurricane shelters available in Nassau County (a link to those follows). If you have a pet, be sure to see if it can be accommodated at a shelter.

Emergency Contact Numbers:

• PSEG: 1-800-490-0025 (Customer Assistance Center) https://www.psegliny.com
• PSEG Emergency # (24/7) 1-800-490-0075 (Electric Service Problem Line)
• National Grid 1-800-490-0045 (Gas Emergency Line)
• National Grid Online (Long Island customers): http://www2.nationalgridus.com/index_li.jsp

Other Important Telephone Numbers:

• Nassau County Office of Emergency Management: 516-573-0636
• NYS Emergency Management Office (LI Region): 631-952-6322
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): 1-800-621-3362(FEMA)
• American Red Cross (Nassau County):  516-747-3500

Other Important Websites:

• FEMA: www.fema.gov
• NYS Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services: www.dhses.ny.gov

• National Hurricane Center:  http://www.nhc.noaa.gov

• Be Ready Long Island: http://www.bereadyli.org/
• Pet Emergency Preparedness: https://www.ready.gov/animals
• Family Evacuation: https://www.ready.gov/evacuating-yourself-and-your-family
• Nassau County Emergency Notification Signup:     www.nassaucountyny.gov/2920/Emergency-Notification-Sign-Up
• “Smart 911” (create a free safety profile for household): www.Smart911.com
• National Flood Insurance Program: www.floodsmart.gov

Information on Mass Transit Service:

• MTA/LIRR online: www.mta.info
• LIRR 24-hour travel information center: 718-217-5477
• MTA NYC Transit travel information: 718-330-1234

Real-Time Traffic Conditions:

• NYSDOT 511 service: Dial “511”
• NYSDOT 511 online: www.511ny.org

Weather/Storm Information:

• National Weather Service (New York):  www.weather.gov/okx/
• National Weather Service Tropical Weather: www.weather.gov/okx/tropical

If you’re ready now, and take steps ahead of time to safeguard your family and home, you can minimize any disruptions from future storms.  Much improvement has been done since Hurricanes Sandy & Irene, but the key to storm survival is; your preparation!

Sincerely,

KEMP HANNON

Cleveland Indians and Baseball Streaks

Hi All,

If you didn't know this you can be forgiven - unless you live in Cleveland or Ohio that is!

Did you know that the Cleveland Indians - yes, the Indians - have a streak going? No, not a one, or two, or even three game winning streak. 

How about a 22 game winning streak.  That means that if the Indians played a game a day - they haven't lost a game in over 3 weeks!

Click here for an article from the NYTimes about the streak.

And here from NPR - WNYC Radio about last nights' game - which went into extra innings. But they still won!  USAToday covered the game as well - and so did probably every major newspaper in America - but I wanted to cover two of the larger newspapers....

If you are a baseball fan, Wikipedia has an interesting page titled 'List of Major League Baseball Longest Winning Streaks'. 

Finally, click on this link from MLB.com to visit the Cleveland Indians' homepage.  You'll find lots of stories, statistics, articles, rosters, videos, scores, a community of like-minded Indian fans and schedules on the site.  Its a veritable encyclopedia of Cleveland Indian history! 

Enjoy the site and the links.  And how can you NOT cheer on a team with a 22 game winning streak!  Go Indians!

Regards,
Stu

Equifax Hack and Protecting Your Privacy and Help

Hi All,

As you might have heard by now, Equifax got hacked in late July 2017.  It was only a few days ago that they revealed that the company got hacked. Click on the following bunch of articles and links (10 of them in fact!) from various sources to learn more about the data breach.  Hope this helps!

Regards,
Stu

FTC - Equifax Data Breach: What to Do?

Get Your Annual - Free - Credit Report

FTC - Consider Placing a Credit Freeze on Your  Credit Report

FTC - All About Credit Scores 

USAToday - How to Freeze Your Credit? 

CBS News - video - How to Protect Yourself Against the Equifax Credit Breach

NYTimes -  Equifax's Instructions Are Confusing. Here's What to Do Now.

NYTimes -  After Equifax Breach - Here's Your Next Worry: Weak PINs

NYTimes - Equifax - Bowing to Public Pressure, Drops Credit Freeze Fees

NYTimes - Equifax Hack Exposes Regulatory Gaps, Leaving Consumers Vulnerable

USASpending.gov

Hi All,

Government spending isn't as glamorous a subject as movie stars or the latest scandal on a soap opera.  But it is so relevant to our life that it may as well be as important. 

After finding out about the website USASpending.gov I knew that I wanted to blog about it.

USASpending.gov is a result of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act.  Users of the site can find the following types of information on USASpending.gov: "All the data on prime recipient transactions is submiyted by the federal agencies making federal contract, grant, loan, and other financial assistance awards. Agencies are required to submit data within 30 days of making the award or after making a modification or amendment to an award. The exception is the Department of Defense which delays its submission by 90 days to protect operations. The data on sub-awards is provided by the prime recipients.  ​

The charts, graphs, and maps display data from October 1, 2008.  All data prior to September 30, 2008 can be downloaded.   For more information on the data displayed on USAspending.gov, the data sources, and the timing for refreshing the site, go to About the Data.

An example of the information available will make it more interesting and more understandable.

I did a search for 'navy seals' on the site.  The results summary lists the total number of transactions, total prime recipient transaction amount, total sub-aware transaction amount,  the number of contracts, the number grants, the number of loans and the amount of financial assistance.

Under the topics listed above is a table with the 36 transactions.  Clicking on the first one (ACS Cable Systems, LLC) yields contact information and even more information on transactions, total funds awarded and more. Under the search results, users can click on the Award ID to get more information about the transaction details.  Also in the table (which can be sorted by various columns) users can find the award amount, award type, awarding agency, funding agency and the role of the recipient.

Finally, note that in the Fall 2017 USASpending.gov will be releasing a new version of the site.  The new site will continue to provide data on federal awards as well as include data on agency expenditures. For a preview, go to this link from USASpending.gov.

I hope the site enables you to find out what the government is exactly spending its money on!  Hopefully transparency is more than just a catch-phrase - USASpending.gov might help that come to fruition!

Regards,
Stu 

National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Hi All,

Today is 9/11.  The 16th anniversary of the attacks on the United States.  With that said, here is some information on an educational, historical, relevant and timely website: the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. For some background on 9/11 and the history and some context of the events, click on this link from Wikipedia.

The site has a very well-written 'About Us' page.  Here is some of the page: "Through commemoration, exhibitions and educational programs, The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, a nonprofit in New York City, remembers and honors the 2,983 people killed in the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, as well as those who risked their lives to save others and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath of the attacks."

The 9/11 Museum & Memorial site has links for Visitors, a link to the Memorial, a link to the Museum, a link for Teaching/Learning, how to get involved and a link for visitors to the site to Donate
 
Finally, if you want to contact the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center, click on this link. Its the Contact Us page on the website. 

Regards,
Stu

Financial Calculators

Hi All,

Do you need to generate a timesheet calculator or work with a mortgage calculator?  What about a millionaire calculator? Or what about a college savings calculator, or how long will your savings last? or a coffee costs calculator?

Well - low and behold there is a website for these calculators and more on the site called DollarTimes.com.

Other calculators on the site include health/lifestyle calculators, math/conversion calculators, spreadsheet tools, a car insurance directory, popular car model information and more!


DollarTimes is a website generated by a Seattle-based company that designs useful websites.  The company name is H Brothers Inc.

Check out the site - its chock full of useful - and some not so practical (but still fun!) - calculators!

Enjoy the calculators!

Regards,
Stu

Good News - Its the GoodNews Network!

Hi all,

Between all the weather related news, international geopolitics and the fact that school began today for many kids on Long Island, I figured we could use a good news blog entry.  And that's just exactly what you'll find here. 

The GoodNewsNetwork (hereafter GNN) has, since 1997, been the place that many people have  turned to as an antidote to the barrage of negativity experienced in the mainstream media. Because of its long history, staying power, and public trust, the Good News Network has remained #1 on Google.

Click here for the GNN 'About Us' page. 

Users can click on various topics to get 'good news'.  For example there are links to News, Culture, Uplifting News and more.  Believe it or not there is a GNN app - which can be downloaded here. 

There is also a GNN newsletter - click here for that. 

Finally, there has been some press about GNN - click here for various news outlets take on GNN. 

Enjoy the good news and the links and GNN!

Regards,
Stu

Labor Day 2017

Hi All,

As if you didn't already know it, but the summer is slowly drawing to a close.  Yes - that means Labor Day is fast approaching!

And with that begins the yearly routine of students returning back to school classrooms, college students returning to college, the weather changing and becoming a bit more brisk and holidays are on the horizon.  Yep - things are changing in the early Fall!

But what are you going to do on Labor Day 2017? You might not know right now, but we've got a few ideas for you to choose from!

Long Island Pulse has an interesting, trendy, current article titled, Long Island Labor Day Celebrations 2017.  The article discusses festivities in Seaford, Long Beach and Smithtown among other locations.

Discover Long Island has an article under their Featured Events section of their website.

Long Island.com has a list of events to do on Labor Day as well. Users can search for events by day and by category. 

Finally. Newsday's Entertainment section has an article on 'Best Things To Do This Week and Weekend on Long Island' - which covers the Labor Day weekend.  

Enjoy the last weekend and enjoy the Labor Day holiday!

Regards,
Stu