History of New Years Resolutions….

At one time or another, most of us have created our list of New Years Resolutions – and most of us usually can't find or remember the list by the end of January – and very few of us can accomplish all or even some of those resolutions on the list when it’s time to think of creating our new list for the next year… Then why are resolutions so important and how and why did this tradition begin..

Personally, I think resolutions are a great idea – because setting goals is always a great idea and resolutions tend to give us hope.. Yes, HOPE that we can and will become a better person than who we see ourselves to be today – you know, we resolve and hope that we will become healthier, kinder, more successful, more financially responsible, spend more time with family and friends, become a better spouse and or parent and or child and or sibling; generally better to our friends and co-workers, and maybe – just maybe, finally at peace with and accepting ourselves, just the way we are…

But before you create your new list for 2012 - check out a few of the hundreds or maybe it was thousands of websites found when we were checking out this subject...  After all, you may want to do a little research on the history of resolutions and which are the most popular in years gone by – if so, enjoy some of these websites – and trust me – there are many thousands more if you don’t like these…

In the meantime, know that we like you, just the way you are… So from our families to yours, best wishes for happy, healthy and fabulous new year ahead… and enjoy and take advantage of all the hope and possibilities of having that fresh new slate in just a few days.

www.infoplease.com/spot/newyearcelebrations.html

www.ezinearticles.com/?The-History-of-New-Years-Resolutions&id=245213

www.goalsguy.com/events/n_facts.html

www.proactivechange.com/resolutions/statistics.htm

www.goal-setting-guide.com/statistics-facts-setting-years-resolutions

Listen to Christmas & Holiday Music Online

Thought you might enjoy listening to Christmas and Holiday Music Online - check out these free sites and enjoy the musical magic of the holidays... Remember you can minimize the website and continue to work or browse the Internet...

Enjoy and remember these are just a few of the hundreds of music and radio websites available world wide.....

www.Pandora.com/ChristmasMusic

www.christmasmusic247.com

www.xmasmelody.com


www.accuradio.com/more/accuholidays

How to easily enlarge what you are looking at in a document

If you zoom in and out of your documents quite a bit, you may get tired of using the pull-down zoom control on the toolbar or ribbon.

If you have a mouse that has the wheel between the two buttons, you can do a neat trick. All you need to do is hold down the Ctrl key as you turn the small wheel.

Each click of the wheel, up or down, increases or decreases the zoom factor by 10%.

Remember the zoom does not impact/change the actual font size - it simply changes the magnification of what you are zooming up and or down on...This is true anywhere in any application or browser software (word, excel, PowerPoint, etc) that you use on your computer...

How can I replace an "X" throughout my document with a "Check Mark"

Q: How can I replace an X throughout my document with a Check Mark?

A: It’s easier than you think to replace any word, number, phrase or character in a document without doing it one at a time.  You can do it quickly and easily by using your Find and Replace Dialog Box.  In this case you will be finding the capital X in your document and replacing it with a check mark character.

ü                     Note: you can find the check mark character " ü "   that I used in the Wingdings font.

There are several ways you can go about the task, but they all follow these general steps:

1. Press Ctrl+H to display the Replace tab of the Find and Replace dialog box.
2. Click the More button, if it is available and  the Find and Replace dialog box will appear.
3. In the Find What box enter an uppercase X.
4. Make sure the Match Case check box is selected.
5. Place the insertion point in the Replace With box.
6. Click the Format button and then choose Font. Word displays the Font dialog box.
7. In the Font list, select the Wingdings font.
8. Click OK to close the Font dialog box. The insertion point should still be in the Replace With box, and the font specification you made should appear just under the box.
9. Type the character you want to use for your check mark. (More on this in a moment.)
10. Use the control buttons in the dialog box (Find Next, Replace, or Replace All) as desired to make your replacements.

The confusion sometimes occur in Step 9, so there are several ways you can specify the check mark character.

One way is to copy the check mark to the Clipboard before you start the steps. Just type the check mark into the document, as desired, and then use Ctrl+C to copy it to the Clipboard. Then, in step 9, you can either press Ctrl+V to paste it into the Replace With box or you can use the ^c characters to tell Word you want to use the contents of the Clipboard as your replacement.

Or remember that all characters, such as the check mark or any style bullet have specific "character codes" in Word, Word Perfect and other Word Processing programs..  If you can find out the character code for the check mark (it is available in the Symbol dialog box if you use that method of creating the check mark), then you can use the code in the Find and Replace dialog box. 

The character code for a check mark ü  is 252, which must be entered using four characters and a carat mark, like this ^0252 in the Replace With box. When you do the replacement, you'll see the check mark (which corresponds to the character code) appear in your document.

Think twice before rushing to buy a new computer

Before you rush out to buy a new computer you’ve seen advertised, because your PC might seem a little slow, you might want to consider a few things…

First of all, when you are on the Internet visiting various websites – are you one of those individuals who always clicks “install this toolbar” assuming it will be helpful when you visit the website again in the future..  Many experts say that more than 75% of the software that is on your computer – either pre-installed or installed by you is never used…  So be careful about what you install and why and consider removing software that you have never used - It is easy to do, but if you aren't sure how to do this, ask for help.. 

Second, organize what you have on your current computer.  Be sure that all document, photos etc. are neatly stored away in specific topic folders so that it is easy for you to find…   Once eveything is neatly organized, if that hasn't helped - consider storing all for your documents, photos, music and videos on a portable hard drive,  You can purchase a 1TB portable hard drive for under $100 – much less than a new computer will cost.  Once you have cleaned off unnecessary application software programs and documents you don’t want or need – you may be pleasantly surprised at how well your computer performs…  Also once you know where everything is it helps to control duplicates – and this especially applies to any of us who have been allowing our digital cameras or camcorders to download our digital media files…  we may have many more copies on our computers than we think, which will cause your computer to crawl…

Third, make sure your drivers are current.  Drivers are the software that allow peripheral equipment to work well with your computer, and those for your printer & scanner should be updated periodically..

Fourth, while we’re talking equipment, we also find it helpful (and healthful) to use the keyboard shortcuts as often as possible.  You want to protect your wrist, elbow & shoulder from tendinitis related issues, caused by the repetitive motion of going back & forth all day long from keyboard to mouse and vice versa… If you are hands are on the keyboard than use keyboard shortcuts to give commands and if they are on the mouse, use the menu or toolbar/ribbon icons… 

11th Annual Spring Frenzy ~ February 6-12, 2012 Join in the Fun!!

Spring Frenzy is a fun-filled week of activities and classes designed not only for fun, but for improving your quality of life as well. It is an annual event held the first week in Feburary, February 6-12, 2012...

This year Lake Havasu City Parks & Recreation is offering 192 classes featuring 14 special activities including fishing, golfing, field trip to the Bluewater Casino and to Stagecoach Trails. Happy Hour will be happening every day Monday-Thursday from 4 -  6 p.m. and on Friday there is a concert.

February 7, 8 & 9: Tuesday thru Thursday 9am-5pm, I will be offering 21 different one hour introductory computer related classes at MCC - Mohave Community College on a variety of subjects including using Skype to call worldwide no charge; how to Edit your Digital Photos with free Picasa Software; Basics of several different application software programs including Word, Excel, Power Point; How to master the Internet, Your Smart Phone; Your Digital Camera; How to Buy and Sell Online; How to Save Money by making travel arrangements online; Using your digital photos to create memory & scrapbooks & other great gift ideas; or to create a movie with digital photos and much much more…  

Call the Aquatic Center (which is located at 100 Park Avenue off Rt. 95 /south Side of town) 928-453-8686 x24 – Candie Carbone or email Candie at carbonic@lhcaz.gov

Price: $4 a class or $30 for the week

For more details on my classes or any of the hundred events being hosted throughout the city, pick up a brochure at the Aquatic Center on December 27th or go online to:

www.lhcaz.gov/aquaticCenter

Take advantage of this wonderful event - but remember space in limited and all classes and events are offered on a first come - first serve basis - so be sure to register early...

Look forward to seeing you...

And to keep current on what's happening in Lake Havasu City, be sure to visit our Tourism website often...

http://www.golakehavasu.com/

108 Stores with Senior Discounts ~ Part 2 of 2

Special thanks again to Nancy Donovan for sharing the following article with us – this is the 2nd part, continued from our posting on Wednesday this week…..

Since many senior discounts are not advertised to the public, our advice to men and women over 55 is to ALWAYS ask a sales associate if that store provides a senior discount. Most WILL NOT automatically give it to you so ASK! That way, you can be sure to get the most bang for your buck. And also remember that if you are a member of groups such as AAA, CAA & AARP in the United States and Canada you are also eligible for countless discounts, but the same applies, you have to ask.. (and yes-these groups have apps for your smartphones to help you find those discounts in specific locations).

And check out this website for more senior discount suggestions: http://www.sciddy.com/

The following list of a continuation of the senior savings we hope will help you keep more cash in your pocket. Whoever said getting older was a bad thing, obviously didn't know about these fantastic senior discounts!

Travel
· Alaska Airlines: 10% off (65+)
· Alamo: up to 25% off for AARP members
· American Airlines: various discounts for 65+(call prior to booking)
· Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
· Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
· Best Western: 10% off (55+)
· Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members (50+)
· Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
· Clarion: 20%-30% off (60+)
· Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
· Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
· Continental Air: no initiation fee/Presidents Club & special fares
· Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off (50+)
· Econo Lodge: 20%-30% off (60+)
· Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members
· Greyhound: 5% off (62+)
· Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance
· Hertz: up t0 25% off for AARP members
· Holiday Inn: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+)
· Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
· InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
· Mainstay Suites: 10% off Mature Traveler's Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
· Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+)
· Motel 6: 10% off (60+)
· Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off (55+)
· National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members
· Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
· Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
· Sleep Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
· Southwest Air: various discounts ages 65+ (call before booking)
· Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50 and up
· United Air: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking)
· U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65+(call before booking)

Activities & Entertainment
· AMC Theaters: up to 30% off (55+)
· Bally Total Fitness: up to $100 off memberships (62+)
· Busch Gardens Tampa: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)
· Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
· Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
· US National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off addt’l services(62+)
· Regal Cinemas: 30% off
· Ripley's Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket (55+)
· SeaWorld Orlando: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)

Cell Phone Discounts
· AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+)
· Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service (50+)
· Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+)

Miscellaneous
· Great Clips: $3 off hair cuts (60+)
· Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60+)

Since many senior discounts are not advertised to the public, our advice to everyone over 55 is to ALWAYS ASK a sales associate if that store provides a senior discount. That way, you can be sure to get the most bang for you buck.

108 Stores with Senior Discounts ~ Part 1 of 2

Special Thanks to Nancy Donovan for sharing the following article with us, which we are posting in 2 parts - today and Friday on our blog...

Since many senior discounts are not advertised to the public, our advice to men and women over 55 is to ALWAYS ask a sales associate if that store provides a senior discount. Most WILL NOT automatically give it to you so ASK! That way, you can be sure to get the most bang for your buck. And also remember that if you are a member of groups such as AAA, CAA & AARP in the United States and Canada you are also eligible for countless discounts, but the same applies, you have to ask.. (and yes-these groups have apps for your smartphones to help you find those discounts in specific locations).

And check out this website for more senior discount suggestions: www.sciddy.com

The following list of senior savings we hope will help you keep more cash in your pocket. Whoever said getting older was a bad thing, obviously didn't know about these fantastic senior discounts!

Retail and Apparel
· Banana Republic: 10% off (50+)
· Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+)
· Belk's: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)
· Big Lots: 10% off
· Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55+)
· C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
· Clarks: 10% off (62+)
· Dress Barn: 10% off (55+)
· Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
· Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
· Kmart: 20% off (50+)
· Kohl's: 15% off (60+)
· Modell's Sporting Goods: 10% off
· Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
· Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)
· The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)
· Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+)

Restaurants
· Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
· Arby's: 10% off (55+)
· Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
· Bennigan's: discount varies by location
· Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
· Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
· Burger King: 10% off (60+)
· Captain D's Seafood: discount varies on location (62+)
· Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)
· Chili's: 10% off (55+)
· CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
· Culver's: 10% off (60+)
· Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+)
· Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+)
· Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
· Fuddrucker's: 10% off any senior platter (55+)
· Gatti's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
· Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
· Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
· Hard Rock Café: 10% off food, non-alcoholic beverages & merchandise with AAA
· IHOP: 10% off (55+)
· Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)
· KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+)
· Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+)
· Long John Silver's: various discounts at participating locations (55+)
· McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday (55+)
· Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
· Shoney's: 10% off
· Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
· Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)
· Subway: 10% off (60+)
· Sweet Tomatoes 10% off (62+)
· Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
· TCBY: 10% off (55+)
· Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+)
· Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
· Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
· Wendy's: 10% off (55+)
· White Castle: 10% off (62+)

Grocery
· Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+)
· American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50+)
· Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
· DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
· Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+)
· Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (55+)
· Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
· Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
· Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
· Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
· Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
· Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
· The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+)
· Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55+)
· Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)

Dealing With Error Messages

From time to time, we all have error messages appear on our monitor that we don’t know what they mean. Next time this happens this tip will help:

First:
I always save the error message in word for future reference. To do that easily:

· Use your CTRL Key – Print Screen Key together (this will take a copy of the error message & all that is on your monitor at the time)

· Now open your WP software (Word, Works, Word Pad) and use your PASTE command-now the error message is on a clean piece of paper-Now Save it so once you know what this means, you can type the answer on the same page for future reference

· And print the message so you can see it easily

Next:

· Type the error message into Google Search.

· You are not the first (and won’t be the last) to get this error message.

· Personally I read a few answers, to be sure I am getting an answer I understand and resolution I can work with

Last:
Once I have the explanation and resolution I need, I use my copy and paste skills:

· Highlight the information

· Activate your copy command

· Open the document that has the error message copy on it

· Put my cursor on that document and activate the paste command, which adds the answer and resolution

· And save it once again

Now in the future if the error message comes back up, I have my answer.