Products being sold with inaccessible manuals

Greetings!  I'm Scott Savoy, editor of writing services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.  Today, I am delighted to bring you an editorial written by our president Donna J. Jodhan.
Today, Donna takes aim at those companies that offer products for disabled persons but sadly, there are no accompanying manuals in alternate formats.
Here now is Donna's editorial.
I wish you a great weekend.
 
Products being sold with inaccessible manuals
By Donna J. Jodhan
 
This is probably one of the most frustrating things for me; products that cater for the needs of blind and visually impaired persons being sold with manuals in inaccessible formats.  I am just sick and tired of the excuses and I think that it is time for us to start speaking out on this.  Shocker or shaker?  Just a darn shame that manufacturers and vendors continue to sell us products without manuals in accessible formats.
 
Frankly, I think that it is a downright insult that they do so and it is absolutely a shame that we continue to allow them to get away with this.  Now, before you start to yell at me, I will say that there are some companies that have made the effort or gone the extra mile to provide accessible manuals but you know what?  It should not be viewed as a nice to have; it is only logical and courteous that when a product is sold to us that manuals in readable formats be provided.  How would it be if a product were to be sold to a mainstream person and that the manual were to be provided in Braille?  Or not at all?  I don't think that the mainstream person would put up with this.  So why should we?

 

I have a few real examples to report and I'll let you be the judge.  In 2007 I ordered a Sudoko game from Independent Living Aids and when they shipped it to me I discovered to my horror that the manual only consisted of 1 page of Braille and that the printed manual consisted of several pages.  When I phoned Independent Living Aids, they were very understanding and suggested that I contact the manufacturer which was a company in Washington DC called R E B Magnetics.  When I pointed out my problem to them their comeback was "It is too costly to put the manual in Braille."  Just imagine how horrified I was to receive this response.  I reported back to Independent Living Aids and to their credit, they produced the manual on cassette for me.  They also took steps to curtail their relationship with R E B Magnetics. 
 
Last year I bought a talking microwave from a Toronto store that specializes in products for blind and visually impaired persons and guess what?  The microwave came with a manual that was partially produced on cassette.  I had to seek sighted assistance to learn my way around the menus.  This same store sold me a talking calculator without any instructions in an alternative format and as a result I had to seek sighted assistance to set the clock on the calculator.  When I spoke to the store about this, their response was that I should talk to the manufacturer.  In essence, they refused to take responsibility for selling a product that was supposed to cater to my needs except that there was no accompanying manual in a format that I could read.
 
Over the years, I have bought timers, calculators, and other products that have not been accompanied by manuals in readable formats and my humble opinion is that there are sellers out there that are more interested in making a buck at our expense rather than ensuring that the products they sell contain manuals in readable formats.  This to me should not be allowed to continue and the only way to put an end to it is for us to do something about it.  As long as there is a printed manual, then there should also be an accompanying manual in an alternate format if the product in question is advertised as one that can be used by blind and visually impaired persons.

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.
 
Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan!  Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com 
a weekly feature on important answers to consumers concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca
a monthly editorial on business issues and concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/magazine.html 
weekly editorials on accessibility issues in Canada
http://www.accessibilitynews.ca/acnews/editorials/donna.php
Editorials:  An International perspective on issues of accessibility and disability
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com (under the editorials section, an international perspective)
A general perspective on issues of access and accessibility
http://numpadplus.com/blog/?page_id=7 

Your best American cities

Hello there!  I'm Donna J. Jodhan and I am just so delighted to be with you once more.
Are you ready for some really clean fun?  Ready to put your imaginations into high gear?  Ready to imagine yourself in a really cool location?  Then come with me!
Enjoy and have fun!

 

Week of October 31 2009:
 
Your best American cities
 
1. Saltlake City Utah
This is a city with magnificent and natural outdoors beauty.
Outdoor recreation is a natural part of Salt Lake City's life.
This is a very safe city in which to live and a vibrant economy is part of the landscape.
Friendly neighborhoods abound and this is a metropolitan city with a community ambiance.
If you are seeking a city with one of the world's best snow hills, great health care, and lots of recreational activities, then Salt Lake City is for you.
 
 
2. Pembroke Pines Florida
Here is another city that offers you warm and pleasant weather all year round.
For the retiree wishing to retire into a rosy sunset, Pembroke Pines is an ideal place as it offers many options for retirement homes.
For the vacationer, there are lovely homes for sale at very affordable prices.
For the person just wishing to establish a second home, Pembroke Pines has many second homes to choose from.
If you are looking for a city to get away from it all, retire to, or just vacation, then why not Pembroke Pines.
 
 
 3. Springfield Missouri
This is a city that offers an extremely affordable alternative to living in California.
Springfield is one of the safest cities in America in which to live.
It has one of the best quality of life options to offer, and is highly regarded as a place with one of the highest rates for job creation.  It is also highly regarded by the business world for recruitment.
If you are seeking a city with excellent health care, quality of life, and warm weather to bring up your family, then Springfield Missouri is the place for you.

 

4. North Las Vegas
If you are looking for pure scenic beauty then North Las Vegas is for you.
Punctuated by majestic mountains and sloping desert valleys, this beautiful area is just within a stone's throw of down town Les Vegas.
There are tons of beautiful properties for sale; grand estates, modern condos, riverfront homes, and rustic log cabins.
Great entertainment, excellent dining, and great educational facilities are at your fingertips.
If you are looking to relocate to an area with opportunity and possibility then North Las Vegas is for you.

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan bidding you a happy travel time.
Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca if you would like to learn more.
Or send me an email at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.

 

 

What separates one 9-year-old from the next?

    Greetings!  I'm Nico Trimoff, manager of transcription and accessibility services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I have a light hearted article to share with you; one that focuses on our nine-year-olds.  I really liked htis article and I invite you now to join me in having some fun.
I wish you a great day.
 
 
Poster child Glynis, age 9; INTIMACIES OF A PIVOTAL AGE
What separates one 9-year-old from the next?
Extensive study finds family wealth, a child's
attention span and supportive parents play a key role in development

 

Kristin Rushowy
The Toronto Star , Sept. 26, 2009

 

This is the life of 9-year-old Glynis Weir Parkin: likes school, loves her
teachers, takes Highland dancing and swimming lessons, plays piano and the
recorder and gets homework two nights a week.

 

The Grade 4 student lives in a good neighbourhood, has parents who are
involved in her education - they spent Thursday evening at the school's
curriculum night, in fact - and her school has a positive environment.

 

In short, she's the poster child for achievement at her age, according to a
Statistics Canada report released yesterday on 9-year-olds and school.

 

The report is based on participants in the National Longitudinal Survey of
Children and Youth, as it's formally known - a long-term study of Canadian
children designed to follow their development and well-being from birth to
early adulthood, covering a range of topics including health, physical
development, learning and behaviour. Results are used by governments,
universities and policy-making organizations.

 

The report, based on 2006-07 data of 3,379 children, found:

 

Children from very low income households tended to have lower achievement
than more affluent children on most measures, but many of the differences
were not statistically significant;

 

Children with higher attention skills were less likely than others to have
repeated a grade, to be participating in special education, or to be
receiving tutoring or extra help for academic problems;

 

Repeating a grade, participating in special education, and receiving extra
help or tutoring for academic problems tended to occur together; and

 

Few differences appeared between girls and boys in the study, or between
income groups in their education environments.

 

And, significantly, the study notes, "Most 9-year-olds had parents who were
actively involved in their children's schooling, talking with their children
daily about school work and school friends, monitoring homework and
participating in activities at their children's school."

 

"I'm good at reading, writing, French and English," says Glynis, who is
enrolled in French immersion at the Runnymede public school in Toronto's
High Park area.

 

"My favourite class is English, because I get to speak English."

 

She likes gym class, also art, and while she does fairly well in math, she's
not as keen on it. "It's boring."

 

Glynis says she's doing all kinds of great things at school: learning about
rocks, minerals and volcanoes in science, pictograms in math, how to play
the violin in music class and baseball and softball in gym, as well as
journal writing.

 

"For curriculum night, we wrote down a paragraph about ourselves and our
parents had to guess which one was ours. Then once they guessed, they opened
up (a folded page) and there was a picture of the kid inside," she says.

 

Glynis wrote: "I am 9 years old. I am short, my hair is blond, my eyes are
green and I'm good at swimming, gym and Highland dance. I like pigs, fish
and pizza."

 

But, she quickly adds in an interview, "I'm talking pigs and fish as animals
- not food."

 

She'd like to be a kindergarten teacher or a lawyer when she grows up.

 

In her spare time, she likes to play tag and house with her friends.

 

"We also play school where one person is a teacher and the others are
students, and one is a bad kid," she says.

 

One of her favourite after-school activities is the Harry Potter League of
Champions, run by a Runnymede teacher every Thursday.

 

Just like in the books, the kids are sorted into groups - Gryffindor,
Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin - and discuss the series' characters and
plots and play games inspired by the novels, such as spell casting,
protect-a- muggle, as well as a more human-friendly version of quidditch.

 

"We don't actually fly on broomsticks," Glynis adds. "But we play something
like hockey."

 

Another bonus about school? "I also get to see my friends and I usually have
a really nice teacher."

 

If you would like to learn more about us and the services we offer, then please visit www.sterlingcreations.ca
If you would like to keep abreast of some of the most important happenings affecting your lives today, then please visit http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm.  There you will get the latest news roundups on such topics as:
Stress, anxiety, and depression. News for retirees, seniors, and aging baby boomers.  Security tips for home computer users.  Home business opportunities, Internet business opportunities, small business opportunities, business opportunities in Asia.  You will also learn how to obtain tremendous personal and financial satisfaction by selling your knowledge and experience.

 

 

Real-Time Search Competition Heating Up

Greetings!  I'm Mark Micheau, manager of research and translation services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I have an important article to share with you; one that centers the attention on the arena of real time search and how competition is really heating up in this area.
I invite you to read on and I wish you a great day.
 
 
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
 Real-Time Search Competition Heating Up

 

Facebook has begun rolling out a new version of its search feature, which it began testing with a select few last month. Of course, this would be real-time search, in the company's latest effort to move into Twitter territory. The announcement of Facebook's real-time search comes hot off the heels of their big announcement about the acquisition of FriendFeed, which comes with a pretty nifty real-time search engine of its own. But that's a different story.

 

How important to do you think real-time search is to the industry? For finding relevant info?  Share your thoughts.

 

Interestingly enough, Google's got its own project in the works that looks to have some real-time search implications. The company has announced a search update called "Caffeine," which among other things is aimed at indexing content faster. "It's the first step in a process that will let us push the envelope on size, indexing speed, accuracy, comprehensiveness and other dimensions," says Google's Webmaster Central team. Perhaps Google can bring some added relevancy to real-time search.

 

Well, Google already indexes content fairly quickly, even more so in recent weeks, as a matter of fact. The faster it gets at doing so, the closer it will get to real-time search, a direction the company has acknowledged that it needs to pursue.

 

Google is still testing the Caffeine update, but it is allowing users a glimpse into it here. WebProNews has more on the update here. (Read Below)

 

With regards to Facebook's own search, the company's Akhil Wable says, "You now will be able to search the last 30 days of your News Feed for status updates, photos, links, videos and notes being shared by your friends and the Facebook Pages of which you're a fan. If people have chosen to make their content available to everyone, you also will be able to search for their status updates, links and notes, regardless of whether or not you are friends. Search results will continue to include people's profiles as well as relevant Facebook Pages, groups and applications."

 

Just search like normal, and then use the filters on the left side of the screen (on the results page) to adjust your results to view by people, pages, groups, apps, events, your own friends, etc.

 

 

 

I would speculate that at some point, this real-time search functionality would incorporate more of what FriendFeed brings to the table. Searching FriendFeed gives you access to real-time results from all kinds of social networks - whatever the service's users are sharing.

 

 

 

Facebook could bring masses of people into the mix on that front, and make it far more useful as an all-encompassing real time search engine. We don't know what they're going to do with that yet though. Facebook does say that FriendFeed will continue to operate independently, but it will no doubt become integrated into Facebook in some capacity.

 

As far as Facebook's new search feature, the company reminds users that if they don't want their stuff to show up in other people's search results, they can adjust thier privacy settings accordingly. They're still in the process of rolling the feature out, so you may not be able to use it just yet, but rest assured, it's on the way.

 

What do you think of Facebook's move into real-time search? Will you use the feature? Tell us.

 

About the Author:
Chris Crum has been a part of the WebProNews team and the iEntry Network of B2B Publications since 2003. 
 
Google Allows Hands-On Preview Of Caffeine Update

 

 By Doug Caverly | Comment 

 

Google may have a huge lead over its competitors in terms of market share, but the search giant isn't resting on its laurels. A next-generation infrastructure codenamed "Caffeine" has been unveiled, and it's already available for individuals to test.

 

Fair warning: don't expect Caffeine to introduce natural language recognition, search results from Twitter, or anything else too fancy. Matt Cutts cautioned, "The Caffeine update isn't about making some UI changes here or there. Currently, even power users won't notice much of a difference at all. This update is primarily under the hood: we're rewriting the foundation of some of our infrastructure."

 

Still, he continued, "[S]ome of the search results do change, so we wanted to open up a preview so that power searchers and web developers could give us feedback."

 

Comment 

 

 

 

About the Author:
Doug is a staff writer for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest eBusiness news. 
 
08.11.09

 

WebProNews network includes WebProWorld, Jayde and Twellow. 

 

If you would like to learn more about us and the services we offer, then please visit www.sterlingcreations.ca
If you would like to keep abreast of some of the most important happenings affecting your lives today, then please visit http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm.  There you will get the latest news roundups on such topics as:
Stress, anxiety, and depression. News for retirees, seniors, and aging baby boomers.  Security tips for home computer users.  Home business opportunities, Internet business opportunities, small business opportunities, business opportunities in Asia.  You will also learn how to obtain tremendous personal and financial satisfaction by selling your knowledge and experience.

Translation Software And Critical Business Documents | Language ...

Top of the day to you out there!  I'm Donna J. Jodhan, and today I am here to focus some very important attention on the importance of the translation of our websites, documents, plus more.
 
Translation Software And Critical Business Documents | Language ...

 

In order to maintain any website in multi languages requires the services of professional translators but for many small businesses it can be fairly expensive.  This does not mean that they should forgo their efforts to ensure proper translation of their websites.  More and more, we are finding that translation software can be obtained for more affordable prices and it can do a fairly good job in translating.  The same applies when it comes to the translation of documents. 
 
No one is saying that translation software could and would ever take the place of the services of professional translators, but when it comes to affordability the argument for using translation software looks much better through the eyes of small business owners.  As long as we continue to be mired in the present economic crisis we are going to find that small businesses will probably use translation software as a cheaper substitute and alternative to the hiring of professional translation services.  So, what does this mean for the future of both professional translators and translation software?
 
There is a school of thought that both can probably coexist and that each will be able to serve users based on affordability and need.  Translation software may be for those who are price conscious and those who are just seeking to carry out quick and dirty jobs.  Whereas for others, the use of professional translators would be for those who can afford to hire professional translators and for those who are more concerned about having their websites and documents translated more professionally.  The growth and popularity of the use of translation software could very well herald the birth of a new type of career; that being the need for translation software developers and programmers.

 

I am going to leave you with an excellent reference to check out.  One that talks about how you can use translation software to help you advertise your products and services to foreign consumers.  Please see below.
Translation Software And Critical Business Documents | Language ...
By language
Say, you're selling a beauty product on the web using a landing page in English and want to expand your market to a country like Germany. Since a professional translator is very expensive, you opt to use a language translation software ...
Language Software -
http://www.languagesoftware.net/ 

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day.
Donna J. Jodhan is the president of Sterling Creations
Now you can view blogs and editorials written by Donna at:
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com (Donna Jodhan!  advocating accessibility for all)
 http://numpadplus.com/blog/?page_id=7 (access and accessibility)
http://www.accessibilitynews.ca/acnews/editorials/donna.php (accessibility issues in Canada)
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com (under the editorials section, an international perspective)
http://www.onestopbookcafe.com (under the café talk link) 
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm (important answers to consumers concerns)
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca (monthly editorial on issues concerning diversity)
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/magazine.html (monthly editorial)
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html (blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants) 

Jobs and careers identified

Greetings everyone!  I'm Jill Christiansen, manager of writing services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I am pleased to bring you some headlines on how our economy is doing and what people are doing to cope.

 

Jobs and careers identified

 

How many employees over the age of 65 are there in our labor force today?
Are they choosing to keep working or just retire?
Please read on.
Economyincrisis.org - America's Economic Report - Daily
From 1977 to 2007 employment of workers 65 and over increased 101 percent and from 2005 to 2008 8.3 million Americans lost their jobs. Many jobs were lost due to the economic downturn, however, millions were lost due to America's failed ... Finally, the nation must prepare for the retirement of millions of Baby Boomers, and the loss of years worth of skills, knowledge and experience in the workforce. To do so, America will have to do a much better job of educating and ...
EconomyInCrisis Articles -
http://www.economyincrisis.org/articles 

 

What are boomers doing with their funds these days?
Are they pulling out of Wall Street investments houses or are they choosing to stay?
Please read on.
As boomers pull out funds, - Wall Street Examiner Forums
"Some economists have warned of the possibility of a dramatic decline in demand as baby boomers sell off their assets to finance their retirement; they assert that the sell-off could cause a dramatic decline in prices," Douglas Elmendorf, ... One exception is housing in particular, where there will be a gross oversupply of McMansions as boomers downsize, and the next cohort coming up is smaller in number. Not to mention that they have lower paying jobs and are ...
Bears Chat at The Wall Street Examiner -
http://forums.wallstreetexaminer.com/index.php 

 

Are baby boomers and retirees competing with grads for jobs these days?
If so, why so?
Please read on.
Generation war - Business - Macleans.ca
By Rachel Mendleson
These days an influx of retirees on the supply rolls—baby boomers supplementing their pensions with part-time work—means that new grads are increasingly competing with veterans. ... Boomers, though, are not without their own plight. The fear that is prompting many older workers to hold on to their jobs longer or to return for another kick at the can is very real. Though they're less likely to be laid off, as University of Toronto economics professor Aloysius Siow points ...
Macleans.ca -
http://www2.macleans.ca/ 

 

If you would like to learn more about us and the services we offer, then please visit www.sterlingcreations.ca
If you would like to keep abreast of some of the most important happenings affecting your lives today, then please visit http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm.  There you will get the latest news roundups on such topics as:
Stress, anxiety, and depression. News for retirees, seniors, and aging baby boomers.  Security tips for home computer users.  Home business opportunities, Internet business opportunities, small business opportunities, business opportunities in Asia.  You will also learn how to obtain tremendous personal and financial satisfaction by selling your knowledge and experience.

 

 

 

 

The ad that does not say much

Greetings!  I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor of writing services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I am delighted to present an editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan and today Donna is voicing her concern about a TV ad that the Canadian Government has put out.  One that does not offer any audio description to blind Canadians; and one that is being presented to all Canadians.
Here now is Donna's commentary.
Have a great weekend.
 
 The ad that does not say much
     
I vividly remember writing about the same topic at this time last year and I had hoped that someone in the Canadian government responsible for putting out this ad would somehow have paid attention; but alas!  no one has and we find ourselves with having to depend on sighted assistance to figure out what this ad is all about. 
 
The ad in question seems to be advertising Canadian savings bonds.  For those of us without adequate vision to see the ad, we hear coins falling and geese squawking and there are just two audio sentences; "Canada savings bonds."  This would automatically lead a blind person to infer that this ad does indeed have something to do with Canada savings bonds but there is absolutely nothing else for us to identify with.
 
This to me is an insult, and a slap in the face by our Canadian Government to those of us who are unable to read what's on a TV screen.  For after all, why would blind persons not be interested in or eligible to participate in the purchase of Canada savings bonds?  Should I venture to ask the following question: Has the government structured their ad in this way because they have either failed to take the needs of blind Canadians into account, or maybe they simply believe that blind persons are unable to participate in the purchase of Canada savings bonds?  Or with tongue in cheek, should I be left to think that maybe and just maybe, this government would find it too costly to inject some audio description into this ad? 
 
Whatever the reason for this error, I hope that someone in our government is listening and that next year we will see a correction to this.
 

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.
 
Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan!  Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com 
a weekly feature on important answers to consumers concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca
a monthly editorial on business issues and concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/magazine.html 
weekly editorials on accessibility issues in Canada
http://www.accessibilitynews.ca/acnews/editorials/donna.php
Editorials:  An International perspective on issues of accessibility and disability
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com (under the editorials section, an international perspective)
A general perspective on issues of access and accessibility
http://numpadplus.com/blog/?page_id=7 

 

 

Your best American cities

Hello there!  I'm Donna J. Jodhan and it's time to have some fun.  Are you ready to travel a bit?  Enjoy some sites and sounds?  Want to learn more about your best American cities?  Then come with me.
Have a great weekend.

 

Week of October 24 2009:
 
Your best American cities
 
1. Kansas City Missouri
If you are looking for a city that will remind you much of Europe, then Kansas City Misouri is the place for you.
Kansas City is blessed with oodles of fountains; just like Rome and wide boulevards just like the city of Paris.  
Many of its neighborhoods sit atop of bluffs that overlook rivers.
The water flowing out of the fountains is the cleanest in America.
The cost of living is below the National average and home styles are of a wide range.
If you are looking to live in a city that reminds you much of Europe, then why not Kansas City?
 
 
2. Plano Texas
Are you looking for a city that can offer you a variety of home possibilities?
Lovely vacation homes, comfortable retirement homes, breathtaking riverfront homes, private log cabins, plus much more?
A city with friendly neighborhoods and very affordable housing?
A city that has great health care services?
Then you got it!  Come to the city of Plano Texas to learn more.
 
 
3. Wichita Kansas
Here you will find a city that is filled with lots of job opportunities in the aircraft industry.
A city for the arts and culture lover.
A city that is located not too far from Topeka and Cansas City Missouri.
The largest city in the State of Kansas.
If you are looking for a city that has lots of shopping adventures to offer, then Wichita is for you.
 
 
4. Virginia Beach
If you are seeking a city where you can enjoy a wide variety of homes to choose from, then this is the city for you.
There are magnificent riverfront homes, grand and luxurious estates, private log cabins, and even modern retirement homes to choose from.
Virginia Beach is not just for vacation time; you can also retire there in grand style, obtain lucrative employment, plus more.
If you are seeking a city with pleasant weather and one that is located not too far from the Nation's capital, then Virginia Beach is for you.
 
 
I'm Donna J. Jodhan bidding you a happy travel time.
Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca if you would like to learn more.
Or send me an email at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.

A Friendship Alphabet

Greetings!  I'm Nico Trimoff, manager of transcription and accessibility services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I have yet another light hearted article to share with you but one that makes for very interesting reading and thinking.
Please enjoy it.
I wish you a great day.
 
 
A Friendship Alphabet

 

. A Friend....

 

(A)= Accepts you as you are

 

(B)= Believes in "you"

 

(C)= Calls you just to say "HI"

 

(D)= Doesn't give up on you

 

(E)= Envisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts)

 

(F)= Forgives your mistakes

 

(G)= Gives unconditionally

 

(H)= Helps you

 

(I)= Invites you over

 

(J)= Just "be" with you

 

(K)= Keeps you close at heart

 

(L)= Loves you for who you are

 

(M)= Makes a difference in your life

 

(N)= Never Judges

 

(O)= Offer support

 

(P)= Picks you up

 

(Q)= Quiets your fears

 

(R)= Raises your spirits

 

(S)= Says nice things about you

 

(T)= Tells you the truth when you need to hear it

 

(U)= Understands you

 

(V)= Values you

 

(W)= Walks beside you

 

(X)= X-plains thing you don't understand

 

(Y)= Yells when you won't listen and

 

(Z)= Zaps you back to reality

 

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

If you would like to learn more about us and the services we offer, then please visit www.sterlingcreations.ca
If you would like to keep abreast of some of the most important happenings affecting your lives today, then please visit http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm.  There you will get the latest news roundups on such topics as:
Stress, anxiety, and depression. News for retirees, seniors, and aging baby boomers.  Security tips for home computer users.  Home business opportunities, Internet business opportunities, small business opportunities, business opportunities in Asia.  You will also learn how to obtain tremendous personal and financial satisfaction by selling your knowledge and experience.

Netbooks moving in next door

Greetings!  I'm Mark Micheau, manager of research and translation services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
How much do you really know about the growing popularity of Netbooks?  Have you already bought one or are you contemplating buying one?
I have a very interesting article to share with you this week and I now invite you to read on.
Have a great day.
 
 
Thursday, July 16, 2009
 Yay! More e-crap to carry around

 

Netbooks are apparently surging in popularity. Some of the more recent data suggests that some 30 million netbooks will be sold this year. That's a fair amount of hardware. Clearly, people are hot for netbooks. I just don't see why.

 

Are you interested in buying a netbook? Share why or why not in the comments.

 

 Netbooks are like like a regular laptop except they are smaller. Kind of like the iPhone or one of the 20 Android phones coming out. They aren't as powerful as a regular laptop, but you can do basic web surfing, texting and Twittering. Kind of like iPhones or one of the 20 Android phones coming out. They are a smaller form factor and easier to lug around than a full fledged laptop. Also kind of like the iPhone or one of the 20 Android phones coming out.

 

So, what the heck is a netbook? Is it a phone with a bigger screen or a laptop with a little brain? Either way, is there a real reason why I am supposed to want to drag yet another gadget around with me everywhere? What am I missing here? Where's the draw? I can check my email on my phone. I web surf on my phone. I can update Twitter, catch up on sports scores and read articles all just fine on my phone -- and my phone sucks (I am upgrading soon). What do I need a netbook for?

 

More to the point, what does ANYbody need a netbook for? Today's phones do a pretty good job with the web. Over the next 2 or 3 years, assuming technology progresses like it always has, they will get even better. I guess I just need somebody to explain to me the netbook's 'niche' here because to this point, I see no 'need' for their existence whatsoever.

 

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Hardware and service providers are definitely on board. Most telecom providers have announced or already launched some sort of subsidized netbook program. Your telecom providers love subsidy programs. They typically involve lengthy contract extensions. Maybe there's more to it here... I just don't see it.

 

Google has even announced a new Netbook oriented open source OS. MS has invaded Google's search turf with Bing. So, it's only natural for Google to want to fire a shot across Microsoft's bow and announce an open source OS for netbooks. Of course, this new open source OS isn't due until late next year which is pretty 'forward looking' even for Google.

 

I'm not saying anything, but some people might think this announcement had as much to do with Bing's impressive (early) numbers than anything else. I don't think Google really believes they are going to be snatching much of Microsoft's OS business with this thing for netbooks, but it probably gives the hardware vendors the semblance of some bargaining chip with Redmond for a price break. I hope that isn't the rationale for the 10 month advance notice for the Chrome OS though, because that just sounds desperate.

 

But back to the actual gadgets. Somebody explain to me how these things aren't the the epitome of a useless 'tweener' device. Not quite a laptop, not quite a phone but still apparently considered desirable by some 30 million people. Basically so they can do stuff they were already doing with their phones and laptops.

 

Do you think a netbook is a 'needful' thing or just a redundant gadget? Weigh in in the comments.

 

I have used these things a little bit too, so telling me how the screens are bigger and the keyboards are nicer is only going to get you so far. We have one of these things floating around the office. The Sony P-Series even, one of the best you can buy. It's not even a 'real' netbook because it has laptop-ish specs. Guess what? The screen is still too small and it's sitting here somewhere collecting dust. Why? Even though it would be easy to carry around if you needed to, nobody needs to carry it around.

 

If you would like to learn more about us and the services we offer, then please visit www.sterlingcreations.ca
If you would like to keep abreast of some of the most important happenings affecting your lives today, then please visit http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm.  There you will get the latest news roundups on such topics as:
Stress, anxiety, and depression. News for retirees, seniors, and aging baby boomers.  Security tips for home computer users.  Home business opportunities, Internet business opportunities, small business opportunities, business opportunities in Asia.  You will also learn how to obtain tremendous personal and financial satisfaction by selling your knowledge and experience.

Flights of Fancy - What do we think about endangered languages?

Top of the day to you out there!  I'm Donna J. Jodhan and today I would like to chat about somehting very real; endangered languages.
Please read on.
 
Flights of Fancy - What do we think about endangered languages?

 

Language is what makes our world go around.  We use language to communicate with each other; verbally, orally, and in written format.  We communicate with each other in same language format and in foreign language format.  Example, English to English, and Spanish to French.  Most of us take all of this for granted but what if?  What if there was to be just only one global language for us to contend with?  What a world it would be!  Or, what if we did not have translators and interpreters to translate and interpret?  What a complete disaster it would also be!

 

If we were to look at this picture on a more general basis, we could be asking ourselves this very sobering question.  Are there any languages on the endangered list these days and if so, what criteria would we be using in order to measure this?  I can bet anything that the majority of native English speaking persons would quickly say that there is no way that English could or would ever become an endangered language but for other much less spoken languages this opinion could easily be the opposite. 

 

Could or would there come a day when English could indeed become an endangered language?  With the majority of the world's population speaking English as a second language, who knows what could happen by the turn of the next century.  If this were to take place then we can be very sure that global commerce as we know it today would not be the same and the landscape of international trade would be surely be one that we would never have expected.  Much food for thought.

 

I am going to leave you with a very futuristic article to ponder.  I invite you to give this one some serious thought.  Please see below.
Flights of Fancy - What do we think about endangered languages?
By Marianne Dashwood
While it's impossible for native English speakers to imagine that, I think it's also impossible to make a categorical statement because of the huge diversity of circumstances surrounding the various endangered languages of the world. Take for example first, ... Because, ultimately, language is a tool that humans create to communicate with each other, and that's its primary function. It would be a beautiful world that didn't require translators and mistrust and fear. ...
Flights of Fancy -
http://marianndashwood.livejournal.com/  
       

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day.
Donna J. Jodhan is the president of Sterling Creations
Now you can view blogs and editorials written by Donna at:
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com (Donna Jodhan!  advocating accessibility for all)
 http://numpadplus.com/blog/?page_id=7 (access and accessibility)
http://www.accessibilitynews.ca/acnews/editorials/donna.php (accessibility issues in Canada)
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com (under the editorials section, an international perspective)
http://www.onestopbookcafe.com (under the café talk link) 
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm (important answers to consumers concerns)
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca (monthly editorial on issues concerning diversity)
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/magazine.html (monthly editorial)
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html (blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants)

Jobs and careers identified

Greetings everyone!  I'm Jill Christiansen, manager of writing services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I have news on where baby boomers and retirees should be looking in order to find jobs.
Please read on.

 

Jobs and careers identified

 

Are you a baby boomer in search of a new job?
Not sure how or where to start looking?
Please read on.
 Jobs Careers for Experienced Workers, Baby Boomers, Retirees ...
By rachelcb
Baby Boomer Job Search. Keywords Search for jobs by typing in keywords. For example "Registered Nurse". Manager or Sales or enter a Web ID. Location Search for jobs in a location by typing in the city/state combination combination ...
PrimeCB -
http://www.primecb.com/ 

 

Having difficulty managing your money in a better way?
Looking for ways to preserve your money during these difficult times?
Please read on.
MoneyMaiden - How to build wealth, save time and live a better ...
A second career is what many Baby Boomers need today. At the current life expectancies in most parts of the world, people retiring at 60 could look forward to at least 20 more years. Although it's normal for retiring Boomers to look forward ... That presents rich opportunities for second careers. 2. Teaching and education jobs. Retirees from the corporate world with master's degrees match their technical education with practical experience. They'd make very good teachers, ...
MoneyMaiden - How to build wealth,... -
http://moneymaiden.com/ 
 
Ever thought in investing in a location outside of the United States?
Investing in a location where you plan or would like to retire?
Please read on.
IF YOU LOVE ROCKYPOINT, WHY DON'T HAVE A PIECE OF IT: Mexicare ...
By Nadie en especial
... an advisory group, said the agency needs to guard against becoming a catch basin for uninsured U.S. Baby Boomers. But he also said retirees have helped the country, providing jobs and bringing development to many towns. ...
IF YOU LOVE ROCKYPOINT, WHY DON'T... -
http://i-love-rockypoint.blogspot.com/ 

 

If you would like to learn more about us and the services we offer, then please visit www.sterlingcreations.ca
If you would like to keep abreast of some of the most important happenings affecting your lives today, then please visit http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm.  There you will get the latest news roundups on such topics as:
Stress, anxiety, and depression. News for retirees, seniors, and aging baby boomers.  Security tips for home computer users.  Home business opportunities, Internet business opportunities, small business opportunities, business opportunities in Asia.  You will also learn how to obtain tremendous personal and financial satisfaction by selling your knowledge and experience.

 

 

 

 

The priority barrier

Greetings!  I'm Scott Savoy, editor of writing services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I am delighted to introduce an editorial by our president Donna J. Jodhan.  Today, Donna focuses on a very interesting topic; the priority barrier. 
I invite you now to read on and I wish you a great weekend.
 
 
The priority barrier
By Donna J. Jodhan
 
I don't think that fellow vision impaired persons would be too shocked to hear mme ask this question:  Is there a priority barrier in the midst of our society?  No shocker or shaker to the blind community but probably a mild to medium one to the sighted world.  What exactly am I talking about today?  It is this:  Do we face a priority barrier because of our blindness?  A question that continues to haunt me and one that I hear several others asking on a continual basis.
 
Whenever a doctor says things like "Well, why should you be concerned with this because you can't see it anyway" it leaves me to wonder.  Whenever a doctor deliberately turns away from me and chooses to speak to the person accompanying me, it makes me wonder if they just can't be bothered to speak to me because in their eyes I am either not much of a priority or they do not believe that I can understand what they are saying. 

 

Whenever a customer service person tells me that it is just too costly to send me my statements or other information in an alternate format, it sure makes me feel that I am just not a priority on their radars.  When  governments cut programs and services that directly affect the well beings of disabled persons it is no wonder that many of us ask ourselves why.  Are we not Human Beings?  Persons with as much rights as our fellow Canadians?  Persons who must be treated equally?  For after all, we pay our taxes on time and I don't think that our government would be too amused if we were to say that we would not pay our taxes because we did not feel that we were receiving equal access to information and services.

 

Or, how about this one for consideration.  With more and more talk of getting ready to face the oncoming swine flu,  I have had a few persons telling me in the last few weeks that they have been to meetings where it has been asked if information is going to be available in alternate formats and the overwhelming response has been that it is just too costly to provide information in alternate formats.

 

Nine out of 10 times, whenever budget cuts and/or job cuts take place both within private industry as well as within government departments,  the cuts almost always affect the well being of the disabled.  We seem to be one of the first groups to be directly affected.  For some reason, we seem to be expendable in the eyes of the majority.  I am wondering out loud whether this is due to the general attitude that we are not really considered as contributing members to society; economically as well as socially, probably could never be, so why should we be made a priority?
 
Could it be that the statement out of sight out of mind would be most suited for this editorial?  Could it be that much of society would prefer not to make us a priority because they feel uncomfortable with us and vulnerable because they are afraid of becoming disabled at some point in time in their life?  If the picture were angled in a different way to focus on a particular province, a particular religious group, or a particular group of persons based on language or race, chances are that they would most definitely feel the same way about being faced with a priority barrier.
 
Before you take the big step to call me a negative nagger, I will acknowledge that despite its existence, the priority barrier has become a bit less steep in recent years but it is threatening to rise again and will surely do so if we do not act now to start bringing it down and reducing its size to manageable proportions.  A friend recently told me that maybe and just maybe, we should form a group and march to the American border in order to claim refugee status.  His comments put a smile on my face but I think that there are other things that we can think of doing before resorting to such drastic action.
 
I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.
 
Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan!  Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com 
a weekly feature on important answers to consumers concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca
a monthly editorial on business issues and concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/magazine.html 
weekly editorials on accessibility issues in Canada
http://www.accessibilitynews.ca/acnews/editorials/donna.php
Editorials:  An International perspective on issues of accessibility and disability
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com (under the editorials section, an international perspective)
A general perspective on issues of access and accessibility
http://numpadplus.com/blog/?page_id=7 

 

 

Your best American cities

Hello there!  I'm Donna J. Jodhan and I'm here to start off your weekend with an early dose of some fun and enjoyment.
I invite you now to come with me and explore some of the best American cities to visit.
Have fun and dream a bit.
 
 
Week of October 17 2009:
 
Your best American cities
 
1. Rockford Illinois
If you are seeking a city that has both a big city atmosphere as well as a small town ambiance, then you've got it made in the city of Rockford.
This well connected city is close in distance to Chicago as well as Milwaukee.
There is lots of sizzlin night life to enjoy as well as excellent entertainment and fine dining.
There is much shopping to enjoy and well known educational facilities for you and your kids.
 If you're seeking a city that will keep you well connected to the rest of the world as well as give you a wonderful life style, then Rockford Illinois is for you.
 

 

2. Irvine California
This beautiful Orange County city is within spitting distance of Anaheim thus making it an ideal location for anyone who wants to live in a city with friendly neighborhoods and be able to visit Disneyland.
There is a wide range of architectural styles to choose from when it comes to the look of your home.
There are also excellent educational facilities for both you and your kids to take advantage of.
Lots of entertainment and fine restaurants abound.
If you are seeking a friendly city in which to live with warm weather all the time, then Irvine California is for you.

 

3. Anchorage Alaska
This city offers you breath taking views of Alaska's landscape along with the opportunity to enjoy lots of outdoor activities and wild life.
See the bears from a safe distance!  Go bird watching and whale watching!
Get involved in the dog sledding races!
Lots of employment to be found in the booming oil industry.
If you are seeking a fresh new start in a pristine city, then Anchorage Alaska is for you.
 

 

4. Santa Rosa California
This city is only about an hour's drive away North of San Francisco.
It prides itself on being able to offer a magnitude of various properties.
A city for all; it offers grand old estates, breath taking riverfront homes, modern condos, private log cabins, plus more.
There are beautiful vacation homes for you to enjoy as well as second homes where you can get away from it all when you get tired of the rest of the world.
If you are seeking a pleasant and comfortable home to retire, or simply looking for somewhere new to live, then Santa Rosa is for you.

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan bidding you a happy travel time.
Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca if you would like to learn more.
Or send me an email at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.

Internet Turns 40

Greetings!  I'm Nico Trimoff, manager of transcription and accessibility services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I have a very lighted hearted but yet sobering article to share with you.  Happy belated #40 birthday to the Internet.  Please join me in reading the following article.
I wish you a great day.

 

  Copied from
httpcctechinsiderddnextgovddcom/blebjjistjistinternetounturns40dd
php

 

 Internet Turns 40
  By Allan Holmes
09/01/09 12:42 pm ET
  Robert Charette, a risk management consultant and a contributor
to Tech Insider and Government Executivest magazine noted on his Risk Factor blog that Sept.  2, 2009, marks the 40th
anniversary of the "official" creation of the Internet, or its predecessor,
ARPANET
  Charette wrote that at about the same time articles appeared on the 40th anniversary
of the Internet, touting its initial intent "to openly and freely
exchange information among scientists and engineers," articles were
published recognizing other milestones such as:
  * Internet users in the United States watched 21.4 billion
videos in  July and the average online video viewer watched 8.3 hours of
video.
  * The video game company Electronic Arts proudly announced that
its  Battlefield 1943 customers had killed more than 43 million
enemies
  in just one week:
  * Google said it now lists 330,000 Web sites as being
malicious,
  more than double the150,000 a year ago.
  * The London Daily Express discussed various Internet- and
  technology-related injuries people now have that they didn't 40
  years ago.

 

If you would like to learn more about us and the services we offer, then please visit www.sterlingcreations.ca
If you would like to keep abreast of some of the most important happenings affecting your lives today, then please visit http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm.  There you will get the latest news roundups on such topics as:
Stress, anxiety, and depression. News for retirees, seniors, and aging baby boomers.  Security tips for home computer users.  Home business opportunities, Internet business opportunities, small business opportunities, business opportunities in Asia.  You will also learn how to obtain tremendous personal and financial satisfaction by selling your knowledge and experience.

Facebook runs afoul of Canadian law: privacy czar; Findings set stage for

Greetings!  I'm Mark Micheau, manager of research and translation services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I would like to give you a headsup of how Facebook has been accused of running into afoul with Canadian law.  Facebook is growing by leaps and bounds and it is only expected that incidents such as these will occur from time to time.
Please read on.
I wish you a pleasant day.
 
 
Facebook runs afoul of Canadian law: privacy czar; Findings set stage for
possible court showdown

 

Sarah Schmidt
Ottawa Citizen , July 17, 2009

 

Canada's privacy commissioner ruled that Facebook violates the country's
privacy laws, citing serious gaps in the way the popular social-networking
site treats its 12 million Canadian users.

 

If the California company doesn't comply with Jennifer Stoddart's directives
within 30 days, Facebook will likely be hauled to Federal Court to face a
judge with the power to order the company to implement the recommendations.

 

"It's clear that privacy issues are a key concern for Facebook, and yet we
found some serious gaps. In some cases, Facebook must make changes to its
site to bring it into compliance with Canadian privacy law," Stoddart said
at Thursday's release of the investigative report, the result of the first
governmental investigation into Facebook and privacy issues.

 

The two sides, while offering conciliatory words about the process so far,
remain at odds over this basic point.

 

In an interview after the report was issued, Chris Kelly, Facebook's chief
privacy officer, said the site is continually refining its privacy controls.

 

"Certainly we think that our approach right now is compliant with Canadian
law, and to the extent that we would need to establish that, we're ready to
do that," he said.

 

The probe began last year after the Canadian Internet Policy and Public
Interest Clinic at the University of Ottawa filed an 11-part complaint,
alleging Facebook violated key provisions of Canada's Personal Information
Protection and Electronic Documents Act, the country's private-sector
privacy law.

 

While some portions of the complaint were tossed out, the report notes
Facebook has already changed certain practices and policies flagged by the
complaint to the satisfaction of the investigators, including instituting
new privacy settings.

 

But the report singles out outstanding problems the commissioner says put
the social-networking site at odds with Canada's privacy law.

 

In addition to an "overarching" concern relating to the "confusing" or
"incomplete" way in which Facebook provides information to users about its
privacy practices, the report concluded Facebook's policy to keep
indefinitely the personal information of people who have deactivated their
accounts is a violation of the privacy law.

 

But the biggest sticking point has to do with the practice of sharing users'
personal information with third-party developers that create Facebook
applications, such as games and quizzes.

 

"I want to underline that this is no trivial issue. There are close to a
million developers out there, scattered across some 180 countries,"
Elizabeth Denham, assistant privacy commissioner and lead investigator, told
reporters.

 

On Thursday, Kelly said he looks forward to talks with the commissioner in
the next few weeks to try and resolve the matters.

 

"There are extensive controls in place, and I think that it's unfortunate
that they haven't been fully recognized in the report, but we have
confidence that we will get to a good place."

 

But David Fewer, acting director of the University of Ottawa law clinic that
filed the complaint, anticipates a court battle over third-party
applications.

 

"Facebook can't say the law is wrong here, or is being misinterpreted.
Instead, what they need to do is go back and re-engineer how they do
third-party apps. I think they rolled out third-party apps out without
figuring privacy obligations into the design. There was a fork in the road
early on in the design. They went left and they needed to go right. And left
is where the money tree is," Fewer said.

 

If you would like to learn more about us and the services we offer, then please visit www.sterlingcreations.ca
If you would like to keep abreast of some of the most important happenings affecting your lives today, then please visit http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm.  There you will get the latest news roundups on such topics as:
Stress, anxiety, and depression. News for retirees, seniors, and aging baby boomers.  Security tips for home computer users.  Home business opportunities, Internet business opportunities, small business opportunities, business opportunities in Asia.  You will also learn how to obtain tremendous personal and financial satisfaction by selling your knowledge and experience.

 

 

Stanford Hospital interpreters make health care a universal language

Top of the day to you out there!  I'm Donna J. Jodhan and today I am here to shine the light on the good work being done by some very important persons; hospital care interpreters.

 

Stanford Hospital interpreters make health care a universal language

 

There is a welcoming trend taking place across the United States and it is being lead by the Standford Hospital.  What we are seeing is this:  The translation and interpretation professions being integrated into the medical field.  Good for the Stanford Hospital and we can be sure that more health and medical facilities across America will be watching closely and quickly following suit.  This can only mean greater foreign language services will be offered to many more patients.

 

Those Americans whose first language is not English will definitely benefit from this fledgling trend; Hispanics and Chinese-Americans as an example.  On a global level, those millions of visitors from foreign countries to the United States seeking medical help will also be beneficiaries of all of this.  This trend will also stand to help open doors for hundreds of thousands of those translators and interpreters who have an interest in working in the medical field.  For now they will have an opportunity to enrich their foreign language skills with additional knowledge in the health sciences.  Finally, the medical profession will stand to become more diversely trained; in foreign languages.  A win-win situation for all concerned. 

 

I am sure that this trend will be watched closely by other sectors, organizations, universities, and various other educational institutions.  Even our own government will be watching closely to see how things develop and if things go according to prediction, then programs could easily be developed to suit the needs within other sectors. Stanford Hospital could be the springboard for the birth of thousands of similar types of programs right here in America and eventually around the world.

 

I am going to leave you with a very insightful reference to check out.  This one highlights the work being done at Stanford Hospital.  Please see below.
Stanford Hospital interpreters make health care a universal language
Then came a torrent of medical phrases, in English, from the coordinator who was leading the orientation session for prospective kidney transplant patients. Human leukocyte antigen. Cross match negative. Urethral stenonis.  Nephrotoxicity. ... Many of the Stanford interpreters have received intensive training in medical terminology, and some  hold degrees in science or in formal interpreting and translation from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. ...
        Stanford News Headlines –
http://news.stanford.edu/

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day.
Donna J. Jodhan is the president of Sterling Creations
Now you can view blogs and editorials written by Donna at:
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com (Donna Jodhan!  advocating accessibility for all)
 http://numpadplus.com/blog/?page_id=7 (access and accessibility)
http://www.accessibilitynews.ca/acnews/editorials/donna.php (accessibility issues in Canada)
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com (under the editorials section, an international perspective)
http://www.onestopbookcafe.com (under the café talk link) 
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm (important answers to consumers concerns)
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca (monthly editorial on issues concerning diversity)
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/magazine.html (monthly editorial)
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html (blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants)

Jobs and careers identified

Greetings everyone!  I'm Jill Christiansen, manager of writing services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I have news and headlines for you on how our economy is doing and where jobs and careers are presently gathering for baby boomers and retirees.
Please read on.

 

Jobs and careers identified

 

Would you like to know where or in which regions the economy is starting to right itself?
Did you know that the economy is starting to stabalize faster in certain areas than in others?
Please read on.
        Economy shows signs of stabilizing, but some regions may lag in a ...
        Los Angeles Times - CA,USA
        But some states are harder hit than others, and some jobs may never return. ... "Baby boomers are in between now. Even ones who could potentially retire are ...
Read more at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-economy22-2009aug22,0,1933819.story

 

Are you familiar with the three degrees of retirement preparedness?
If so, do you know how to implement it?
Please read on.
Three degress of retirement preparedness
Sad to say, "the average Baby Boomer either is, or will be soon, in the red zone," Otar warns. Their best hope is to remain in the workforce as long as possible, which may be fine for those who enjoy their jobs. ...
FPL FP Top Stories List -
http://www.financialpost.com/executive/accounting/16994.rss?type=rss 

 

Are you having difficulty dealking with the credit squeeze?
Not sure how to start earning more on your stocks and bonds?
Please read on. 
Owner Earnings: Chain reaction of events that leads to blatantly ...
By Owner Earnings
Not to mention the retirees living off the interest on their bonds are receiving less money. To top it off, credit has been drastically scaled back. To sum it all up, people simply don't have the money or the credit to keep spending. .... More people, especially the baby boomers, who would have retired won't retire because they need the money, hence increasing the supply of labor. This creates a negative feedback loop where baby boomers staying in their jobs prevent other ...
Owner Earnings -
http://ownerearnings.blogspot.com/ 

 

If you would like to learn more about us and the services we offer, then please visit www.sterlingcreations.ca
If you would like to keep abreast of some of the most important happenings affecting your lives today, then please visit http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm.  There you will get the latest news roundups on such topics as:
Stress, anxiety, and depression. News for retirees, seniors, and aging baby boomers.  Security tips for home computer users.  Home business opportunities, Internet business opportunities, small business opportunities, business opportunities in Asia.  You will also learn how to obtain tremendous personal and financial satisfaction by selling your knowledge and experience.

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving Canada

Greetings!  I'm Christian Robicheau, assistant editor of writing services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, and on the eve of our Thanksgiving holiday here in Canada, I'd like to present you with a powerful editorial from our president Donna J. Jodhan.
Donna has written this article in response to her recent experiences on certain lists. 
Here now is Donna's editorial.
Happy Thanksgiving Canada!

 

Good morning:
On the Eve of our Thanksgiving holiday, I thought that I would take the liberty of asking for just a few minutes of your precious time.

 

Thanksgiving is a time for us to sit back and remember the things that we need to be thankful for.  A wonderful family, great friends, and a country that offers much to us.  There is always going to be more that we hope and wish for but much of our hopes and dreams can only be realized if we ourselves lend a helping hand to push things along.

 

Having spent some time living in a third world country, I can tell you that It is very easy for me to realize that Canada is a country that has the ability to offer much to disabled persons and to the blind community in particular.  However, it is up to us to become teachers and conduits for change and we can only do this if we as a community make a concerted and committed effort to work together to accomplish our common objectives.

 

Each time we carry out personal attacks on each other or disrespect each other's opinion, it only serves to show the rest of the world how much we are unable to work together; how much we as a community are unable to respect each other let alone respect ourselves.  Each time we pick on each other's posts and criticize them for their opinions, it only goes to show how much we fail to allow another their free speech.  Each time we make fun of each other's opinion, we throw mutual respect and courtesy out of the window replacing it with contempt and ill feelings towards each other.

 

Our community is blessed with a wealth of experience, skills, and immensely talented persons.  Many of us have been around long enough to hand down stories of battles, wars, and disappointments; but let us not forget those stories of success and triumphs.  Yes, there are stories of triuphs and successes for us to pass along to others and it is with this thought in mind that I ask that we think of tomorrow's generation.  The kids of the future are depending on us to help create a brighter future for them.  They are depending on us to help claim their legitimate rights; equal access to information, equal access to the Internet, and equal access to services.  They are innocent pawns in this continuing game of chess and we as a community should consider it our duty and obligation to help put them in a more favourable position on the chess board of life. 

 

In many ways, our community is no different to many others; we complain, we nag, we rip each other apart.  Just like the majority of other groups both within and outside of the disabled arena but this is no excuse for us to continue on our present ways.  It would be such a feather in our caps if we can somehow find a way to show the rest of the world that we are different; that we can put our differences aside for our common good, that we can listen, learn, and understand from each other, and that we can allow each other free speech. 

 

Respect is always earned; not a given and humility is something that many of us often forget when we take that unfortunate step to attack others without stopping to think or taking a few moments to read or listen to one's opinion thoroughly.  Healthy and heartfelt criticism is always a plus for any community be it positive or negative but personal attacks have no business being in our emails.  We have the ability to rise above this and now is the time to put our claws away and show our kinder and gentler side to each other.  In short as President John F. Kennedy once said:  "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."

 

Strength lies in numbers and we need to use our numbers to start building bridges and lowering barriers; not burning bridges and erecting barriers.  I have learned a lot from having been on this list and I thank all of you who have taken the time to respond to me both on and off the list.  I have also learned that there are some persons who are vitally needed to assist us in pulling our paddles out of the swampy marshes and help us to launch our ship into more peaceful and calmer waters.  These are the persons who I would like to refer to as the more experienced states persons; persons who need to show others by example.  Persons who are willing to share, teach, and mentor; not berate others at the drop of a hat or at a whim of a fancy.

 

 I wish you and your families a very happy Thanksgiving. 
Donna
 
 
I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
Happy Thanksgiving Canada!
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.
 
Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan!  Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com 
a weekly feature on important answers to consumers concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca
a monthly editorial on business issues and concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/magazine.html 
weekly editorials on accessibility issues in Canada
http://www.accessibilitynews.ca/acnews/editorials/donna.php
Editorials:  An International perspective on issues of accessibility and disability
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com (under the editorials section, an international perspective)
A general perspective on issues of access and accessibility
http://numpadplus.com/blog/?page_id=7 

Best American cities

Hello there!  I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your so-called travel companion and it's time for us to buckle up those seat belts and kick our imaginations into high gear.
Have fun and enjoy!
 
Week of October 10 2009:
 
Your Best American cities
 
1.  Scottsdale Arizona
A city that is primarily for the rich!
With lots of things to see and do including:
Upscale shopping, golfing, being pampered at some of America's most luxurious spas, plus much more.
Fine dining at some of the nation's best restaurants abound and there are loads of art galleries to satisfy the art lover.
Scottsdale is famous for its Mayo clinic.
If you are looking for an upscale city to move to, then Scottsdale is for you.
 
 
2. Santa Clarita California
If you are seeking a city that is very close in proximity to Los Angeles, then Santa Clarita is a great place to be.
One of the safest cities in America in which to live, and with an above average quality of life.
Santa Clarita is an upscale community and is one of the largest cities in the County of Los Angeles.
This city is a great asset to the film industry.
It also has lots of outdoor parks, biking trails, and golf courses for you to enjoy.
If you're seeking a city with an upscale dimension in which to live, and one that is safe with a great quality of life, then Santa Clarita is for you.
 
 
3. St Petersburg Florida
A city that offers unimaginable possibilities for retirees as well as young professionals.
Clean and sandy beaches, the best in the world for swimming.
Peaceful and glassy waters for sailing.
Industries that offer boundless opportunities for job seekers.
A great vacation spot for Europeans as well as North Americans.
If you are thinking of moving to a warmer climate where you can find ready employment as well as immediate enjoyment, then St Petersburg is for you.

 

4. Raleigh North Carolina
A beautiful city in North Carolina that is part of the research triangle.
This city is blessed with lots of friendly neighborhoods with a wide range of home styles.
They range from urban homes to new and modern subdivisions and in between.
Excellent educational facilities can be found in Raleigh.
Housing is extremely affordable and cost of living is also very attractive.
If you are seeking a city with great potential and pleasant weather then Raleigh is for you.
 
 
5.  Virginia Beach
This beautiful city is one for all stages of life.
If you're seeking a location to retire to, then Virginia Beach is for you.
There are lots of luxurious estates, vacation homes, second homes, and log cabins to choose from as well.
Virginia Beach is one of the major locations in the Hamptons and is close in distance to the Nation's capital.
If you are thinking of retiring to a pleasant spot with lots to do then Virginia Beach is for you.
 
 
I'm Donna J. Jodhan bidding you a happy travel time.
Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca if you would like to learn more.
Or send me an email at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.

Telecom Union Urges Access for Disabled

Greetings!  I'm Nico Trimoff, manager of transcription and accessibility services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I have a fitting article to share with you; one that expresses the point of view of a telecom company with regard to accessibility for the disabled.
Please read on.
I wish you a great day.
 
 
Telecom Union Urges Access for Disabled

 

By Asina Pornwasin
The Nation, August 25, 2009

 

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is urging lawmakers and
regulators in Asia-Pacific countries to make a greater effort to provide
access to information and communication technology for disabled people.

 

The message will be delivered at an Asia-Pacific Regional Forum on
Mainstreaming ICT Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities which starts
today at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok and runs until
Thursday.

 

The head of the ITU's Asia-Pacific regional office, Eun-Ju Kim, said the
forum would also introduce the "e-Accessible Policy Toolkit for Persons with
Disabilities", developed by ITU and G3ict.

 

The policy toolkit aims to support various stakeholders in developing
policies and strategies for ICT accessibility for disabled people, in line
with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

 

The toolkit provides a framework for developing policies and strategies for
mainstreaming digital accessibility at regional, national and international
levels and offers specific guidance to developing countries.

 

"We aim to raise awareness and generate momentum for the implementation of
the CRPD, especially in countries across this region. Participants at the
forum will exchange experiences and case studies, as well as learning about
innovative ICT-accessibility measures for disabled people, especially
through assistive technologies and applications," Kim said.

 

She said that initiatives in Thailand for ICT accessibility for disabled
people, led by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who was also one of
ITU's Patrons, had been carried out. However, the government still needed to
take action.

 

"ICT accessibility policies, especially for disabled people, will not emerge
overnight. Consistent and persistent steps must be taken to properly design
policies and to implement them for an effective ICT-accessible environment
in any given country," Kim said.

 

ICT-accessibility issues must be considered in relevant laws, regulations,
policies and programmes at all stages from design to implementation. She
gave as examples Web technologies including information services, websites
and online applications; public access terminals such as ATMs, information
kiosks, vending machines, information displays, point-of-sale payment
systems and door-entry systems; and application software, telecommunication
devices and services.

 

The most recent survey in Thailand, undertaken by the National Statistical
Office in 2007, showed that around 1.9 million people, or about 2.9 per cent
of the population, had disabilities.

 

Despite efforts to bridge the digital divide, the gap for disabled people is
getting wider and deeper as they fail to catch up with new technologies and
services, while assistive technologies, devices and applications
specifically designed for these people are barely affordable, she said.

 

Kim emphasised the role of not only policy-makers and regulators, but also
that of industries, in their ability to contribute appropriate designs and
affordable ICT products and services for disabled people - taking into
account potential markets in an ageing society.

 

"ICT products and services built with the needs of disabled people in mind
will be easier for everyone to use. This helps people who are not
technologically skilled to use these products and services. Otherwise, they
will be intimidated by them and won't use them," she said.

 

The ITU will continue to promote the toolkit and deliver appropriate
training based on the toolkit to various stakeholders, including
policy-makers, regulators and others interested in mainstreaming, developing
and implementing ICT accessibility issues for disabled people.

 

"In Thailand, the ITU is working with the ICT Ministry, the National
Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and Nectec in areas such as
accessibility standards, telecommunications relay services, policy and
regulations and human-capacity building," Kim said.

 

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/08/25/technology/technology_30110578.ph
p

 

If you would like to learn more about us and the services we offer, then please visit www.sterlingcreations.ca
If you would like to keep abreast of some of the most important happenings affecting your lives today, then please visit http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm.  There you will get the latest news roundups on such topics as:
Stress, anxiety, and depression. News for retirees, seniors, and aging baby boomers.  Security tips for home computer users.  Home business opportunities, Internet business opportunities, small business opportunities, business opportunities in Asia.  You will also learn how to obtain tremendous personal and financial satisfaction by selling your knowledge and experience.

Is Google Really Threatened By This Yahoo Microsoft Deal?

Greetings!  I'm Mark Micheau, manager of research and translation services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.  Today, I have a thought provoking article to share with you; from an excellent source.  It's all about how Google is perceived in its fight to survive against Microsoft.
I wish you a pleasant day.

 

Is Google Really Threatened By This Yahoo Microsoft Deal?
Chris Crum| Staff Writer

 

Or Will It Just Make Google Better?

 

Are you tired of reading about the Microsoft Yahoo deal yet? Obviously not or you wouldn't be reading this. There has been a whole lot of coverage to digest, and there will certainly be a whole lot more as the deal gets scrutinized and continues its journey to fruition.

 

There has been a lot of talk about the deal being bad for Yahoo and good for Microsoft. This may or may not be true, as it's really way too early to tell for sure, but Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has been doing his best to try to convince people (mainly Yahoo shareholders) that Yahoo is in fact getting a good deal.

 

Yahoo's shareholders of course didn't see it that way, and Yahoo's stock plummeted after the announcement of the deal. But that's because "nobody gets it," according to Ballmer. Shareholders wanted cash, but Ballmer says they should be happy with the elimination of Yahoo's search costs and the added advertisers that will surely come from the deal.

 

Others in the industry feel that Yahoo is simply making a big mistake by eliminating its own search business. Although there's no denying that Bing has been building some buzz, and those pricey TV ads are helping to fuel that, but how many of the average Yahoo users will even care?

 

Learn More about the Yahoo Microsoft Partnership Now
 
 

 

The ultimate question of this whole thing is will this really give Google significant competition in the search space? Again, it's too early to truly tell, but my gut is telling me it's not going to make an incredible difference.

 

If a typical Google user has tried Bing and decided to continue using Google as their primary search engine of choice, they're not going to abandon it because Yahoo's using it. Does it matter that much to Google if Yahoo users are using Bing? They were already using Yahoo over Google, so what's the difference?

 

Microsoft and Yahoo may get some more advertisers out of this with the combination of Bing and Yahoo making up a greater percentage of the search market share, but it's not like its going to draw advertisers away from Google, which still controls an incredibly dominant amount of that market.

 

And let's not overlook the fact that when something eye-catching occurs in the search industry, and Google's not the one catching eyes, they are usually quick to counter with their own offerings (or at least acknowledge that they will be forthcoming). When Bing launched and started highlighting all of its "cool new features," Google was quick to add a link to its homepage highlighting some of its own "decision-engine-like features."

 

As some discussed back then (namely Danny Sullivan if I'm not mistaken), Bing's launch merely highlighted some things you could do with a search engine that other search engines (like Google, and in some cases even Microsoft's own Live Search) were already doing. Bing's launch has been more about branding than anything (despite the fact that it does bring some new things to the table).

 

I could be incredibly wrong, but I just don't see this partnership between Yahoo and Microsoft having a tremendous effect on Google. Many want to see more competition in the search industry, and that's a good thing. Competition can only make the industry as a whole better.

 

But Google is so dominant for a reason. People like Google. Like I said when Bing launched, even if the competition offers a product that is just as good or even better in some ways, it's going to take Google dropping the ball and driving people away on their end to make a significant impact on its share of the search market.

 

Google is so far ahead, and it has been for so long. Think about all of the products that Google users are already tied into from Gmail to Google Docs to AdWords to Google Calendar, etc. Google search is always right there. Users have a lot of their online lives invested in Google, and switching is probably asking a lot to most of them. Yes, you can use both Gmail and Bing, but it's about convenience and familiarity.

 

Microsoft has done a very good job combating the branding issue that has held them down in the search market for so long though. Bing appears to be doing much better than Live Search from that standpoint. We'll see what happens.

 

»» Does the Yahoo Microsoft deal mean real competition for Google? Is Google sweating? What do you think? 
 
--- WebProNews is an iEntry.com publication ---
http://www.iEntry.com
iEntry, Inc. 2549 Richmond Rd Second Floor Lexington, KY 40509
 

 

If you would like to learn more about us and the services we offer, then please visit www.sterlingcreations.ca
If you would like to keep abreast of some of the most important happenings affecting your lives today, then please visit http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm.  There you will get the latest news roundups on such topics as:
Stress, anxiety, and depression. News for retirees, seniors, and aging baby boomers.  Security tips for home computer users.  Home business opportunities, Internet business opportunities, small business opportunities, business opportunities in Asia.  You will also learn how to obtain tremendous personal and financial satisfaction by selling your knowledge and experience.

NY AG: 5 Cos To Provide Pharmacy Foreign Language Instructions

Top of the day to you out there!  I'm Donna J. Jodhan and for the second week in a row, I am here to shine the light on some very interesting initiatives being undertaken by our pharmacies.  Please read on.
 
        NY AG: 5 Cos To Provide Pharmacy Foreign Language Instructions

 

People in New York can finally start looking forward to better an wider types of translation services and why is this?  Pharmacies recently started to provide foreign language translations of prescriptions and now a group of stores have joined the ranks of providing translations of instructions in certain languages plus more.  This can only be goodness for New Yorkers and hopefully better news for other large cities across the United States.  In addition, many immigration organizations can only see this as the start of better things to come. 

 

This can only mean the opening up of doors of opportunity for anyone aspiring to become translators, interpreters, and foreign language teachers.  For the millions of those Americans whose first language is not English, it will mean that they can now begin to hope for a better life of keeping up and staying ahead in their new homeland.  For let us face facts:  the more that a new immigrant is able to melt into a land where English is the first language, the better it would be for them.  By providing instructions and directions in foreign languages not only help others to keep up but it also allows them to enhance their positions in society and they can use this new trend to create new opportunities for themselves. 

 

More foreign language professionals will be needed to help provide these services.  More foreign language teachers will be needed to help turn out more skilled foreign language professionals, and more colleges, schools, and universities will be required to provide courses in foreign languages.  A bonus for all!  A win-win situation for both companies and consumers and you know what?  Companies will have a brilliant opportunity to increase their customer databases and this will naturally lead to much more revenue.   

 

I am going to leave you with a very interesting reference to check out.  One that will give you a more detailed picture of what is going on.  Please see below.
        NY AG: 5 Cos To Provide Pharmacy Foreign Language Instructions
        Wall Street Journal - USA
        The stores will also provide written translations in Spanish, Chinese, Italian, ... people in New York who don't speak English as their first language, ...
Read more at:
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090421-712288.html
      

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day.
Donna J. Jodhan is the president of Sterling Creations
Now you can view blogs and editorials written by Donna at:
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com (Donna Jodhan!  advocating accessibility for all)
 http://numpadplus.com/blog/?page_id=7 (access and accessibility)
http://www.accessibilitynews.ca/acnews/editorials/donna.php (accessibility issues in Canada)
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com (under the editorials section, an international perspective)
http://www.onestopbookcafe.com (under the café talk link) 
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm (important answers to consumers concerns)
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca (monthly editorial on issues concerning diversity)
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/magazine.html (monthly editorial)
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html (blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants)

Jobs and careers identified

Greetings everyone!  I'm Jill Christiansen, manager of writing services at www.sterlingcreatins.ca. 
Today, I have news and headlines for you on how aging baby boomers and retirees are doing and what they are thinking when it comes to their future as income earners.  Please read on.

 

Jobs and careers identified

 

Do you think that aging baby boomers are too young to retire? 
Or, do you think that they are too old to be hired?
Let's see what others are thinking.  Please read on.
Too Young to Retire, Too Old to Hire | EmploymentDigest.net
By EmploymentDigest@gmail.com
Some Baby Boomers who feel that they are in the prime of their careers and too young retire, have postponed leaving the labor force for several more years. While other retiree-wanna be's are forced to continue working because current economic circumstances have depleted their retirement savings, ... Jennifer Rallis is co-author of Ugly Resumes Get Jobs and Other Fishing Lessons (http://www.uglyresumes.com) CEO of CORPX, a technical recruiting firm and VP of BM Imports. ...
EmploymentDigest -
http://www.employmentdigest.net/ 

 

Do you think that seniors should continue to work given the present economic conditions?
Or do you think that they should just look for volunteer opportunities?
Well, here's the pulse opinion of the week.  Please read on.
Top 14 Reasons to be A Working Senior
By My Jobs Assistant
Economists are not entirely sure of the actual effects baby boomer retirement will have on the U.S. economy. However, the idea of 76 million baby boomers entering retirement is cause for alarm. Employers may need baby boomers to continue working. ... These working retirees may not earn as much money as they did in their lifelong careers, but they enjoy the work or the flexibility of their new jobs. Click here for more information about jobs for retirees. ...
My Job Assistant -
http://www.myjobsassistant.com/ 

 

Is the economic recovery finally on the way?
If so, which states are leading the way?
Read on to learn more.
        Economic Recovery Hopes Raised
        KFSM - Fort Smith,AR,USA
        Combined, the three states have lost more than 830000 jobs in the last year ... "Baby boomers are in between now. Even ones who could potentially retire are ...
       Read more at:
http://www.kfsm.com/sns-dc-economy-recovery,0,4416083.story

 

If you would like to learn more about us and the services we offer, then please visit www.sterlingcreations.ca
If you would like to keep abreast of some of the most important happenings affecting your lives today, then please visit http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm.  There you will get the latest news roundups on such topics as:
Stress, anxiety, and depression. News for retirees, seniors, and aging baby boomers.  Security tips for home computer users.  Home business opportunities, Internet business opportunities, small business opportunities, business opportunities in Asia.  You will also learn how to obtain tremendous personal and financial satisfaction by selling your knowledge and experience.

 

 

So near but yet so far away

Hello there!  I'm Scott Savoy, editor of writing services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Today, I am delighted to share an editorial with you written by our president Donna J. Jodhan.  In this editorial, Donna talks about how near technology is for the mainstream person, but yet so far away for blind and visually impaired persons.  Please read on.
I wish you a great weekend.

 

So near but yet so far away
By Donna J. Jodhan
 
A few months ago I attended the CSUN conference in Los Angeles California where I co-presented a paper on the Framework to support online evaluation of information credibility
by blind screenreader users.  It was a great presentation if I could say so and after all was said and done my friend and I decided to visit the exhibit hall to catch up on the latest and greatest inventions and breakthroughs.  There was much to see and many people to meet and greet but at the end of it all I came away feeling very sad.  I should have been feeling quite exhilarated, but no!  I was feeling very sad and why was this?
 
Despite the fact that many companies are doing their best to introduce breaking technology that would help us to become more savvy at keeping up with technology, the Internet, and more, I realize that no matter how many devices there are for us to choose from the important thing to remember is that 99.99% of them are almost out of our reach.  They are simply too pricy for the majority of blind and visually impaired Canadians to afford.  Shocker or shaker you ask?  Absolutely neither of the above.  With well over 80% of blind and visually impaired Canadians presently unemployed, and over 70% of disabled Canadians presently living below the poverty line, devices like the ones that I saw at the exhibit hall are simply out of reach and are at best just a dream or a dim glimmer of hope. 
 I got the opportunity to see several variations of Braille displays.  I also saw one of the newest hot sellers, the Icon.  I also saw several pieces of access software designed to make cell phones more accessible and yes!  I saw the newest release of the KNFB reader.  I also took time to drop by the APH booth and was quite impressed with their display.  There was so much to see and investigate and overall it took me and my friend over two hours to cover the entire exhibit hall and even at that we were not able to see everything.
 
I was really glad that I had been able to see so much in such a short space of time but as I said at the start of this editorial, I came away feeling very sad.  For really and truly, how will the majority of blind and visually impaired Canadians ever be able to take advantage of all of this spanking new technology?  The least expensive Braille display that I saw cost $2500 US and the most expensive cost over $5000 US.  Most of the other products that I saw ranged between these two limits.  At the best of times most of us can reach out and barely touch these devices with our fingertips but at the end of the day we will probably never be able to pick them up and take them home because we would probably never have the funds to pay for them.
 
Could it be possible that in the not too distant future blind and visually impaired Canadians may have a decent chance to become proud owners of some of these nifty devices?  Or maybe this could only happen for tomorrow's generation?  Or thinking more realistically, probably never?  It's simply not good enough for us to just be able to dream.  We need to start taking steps to convince our government to become more proactive at making these devices more readily available to us.  We need to become more vocal about our needs but above all we need to tell our government that the time has come for them to design and develop a technology plan whereby disabled Canadians will be able to take better advantage of breaking technology.

 
I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.
 
Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan!  Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com 
a weekly feature on important answers to consumers concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca
a monthly editorial on business issues and concerns
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/magazine.html 
weekly editorials on accessibility issues in Canada
http://www.accessibilitynews.ca/acnews/editorials/donna.php
Editorials:  An International perspective on issues of accessibility and disability
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com (under the editorials section, an international perspective)
A general perspective on issues of access and accessibility
http://numpadplus.com/blog/?page_id=7 

Your best American cities

Hello there!  I'm Donna J. Jodhan and it's that time of the week for us to dream a bit.  Travel around in our minds and have a bit of fun.
Enjoy!
 
 
Week of October 03 2009:
 
Your best American cities

 

 1. Mobile Alabama
If you are looking to relocate to for either personal or business reasons, then Mobile is it.
This cultured city is located along the Northern shores of the Gulf of Mexico.
It is well known for its health care; being the main center for the central region of the Gulf coast region.
It is a sports minded city; well known for hosting the annual LPGA Tournament of Champions.
Also well known for its annual Mardi Gras celebrations.
If you're seeking a city that has culture, sports, lovely homes, and lots of business opportunities, then Mobile is for you.
 
 
2. Tacoma Washington
Here is a city that is ideal for anyone seeking employment in the technology industry.
A city that also offers tons of job opportunities for blue collar workers.
Close to Seattle, and has a great education system.
Manufactures paper products and refines oil.
If you are seeking a city with great neighborhoods as well as a city with a great education system, then Tacoma Washington is for you.
 
 
3. Tallahassee Florida
Are you looking for a city that offers a bit of everything for all stages of life?
A city with a magnitude of modern vacation homes, grand old estates, inviting retirement homes, plus a lot more?
A city with all year round warm weather and one with great entertainment and excellent dining?
Tallahassee has it all.
If you're seeking a city that can offer you fun, sun, and relaxation, then Tallahassee is for you.
 
 
4. Oakland California
This Bay Area city is blessed with luxurious estates, wonderful vacation homes, modern condos, riverfront homes, plus much more.
It is also full of excellent restaurants, events, entertainment,
education facilities, friendly neighborhoods and much more.
If you are seeking a city to retire comfortably to, then Oakland is your city.
 

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan bidding you a happy travel time.
Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca if you would like to learn more.
Or send me an email at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.

Free speech vs. surveillance in the digital age

Greetings!  I'm Nico Trimoff, manager of transcription and accessibility services at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Are you often confused about the difference between free speech and surveillance in the digital world?  Is it becoming more and more of a concern to you?  Well, I have a really great article for you to read and I hope you find it of interest.
I wish you a great day.
 
 
Free speech vs. surveillance in the digital age

 

By  Amy Goodman
Rabble.ca, June 24, 2009

 

Tools of mass communication that were once the province of governments and
corporations now fit in your pocket. Cell phones can capture video and send
it wirelessly to the Internet. People can send eyewitness accounts, photos
and videos, with a few keystrokes, to thousands or even millions via social
networking sites. As these technologies have developed, so too has the
ability to monitor, filter, censor and block them.

 

A Wall Street Journal report this week claimed that the "Iranian regime has
developed, with the assistance of European telecommunications companies, one
of the world's most sophisticated mechanisms for controlling and censoring
the Internet, allowing it to examine the content of individual online
communications on a massive scale." The article named Nokia Siemens Networks
as the provider of equipment capable of "deep packet inspection." DPI,
according to the Electronic Privacy Information Center, "enables Internet
Service Providers to intercept virtually all of their customers' Internet
activity, including Web surfing data, e-mail and peer-to-peer downloads."

 

Nokia Siemens has refuted the allegation, saying in a press release that the
company "has provided Lawful Intercept capability solely for the monitoring
of local voice calls in Iran." It is this issue, of what is legal, that must
be addressed. "Lawful intercept" means that people can be monitored, located
and censored. Global standards need to be adopted that protect the freedom
to communicate, to dissent.

 

China has very sophisticated Internet monitoring and censoring capabilities,
referred to as "the Great Firewall of China," which attracted increased
attention prior to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. A document leaked before a
U.S. Senate human rights hearing implicated Cisco, a California-based maker
of Internet routers, in marketing to the Chinese government to accommodate
monitoring and censorship goals. The Chinese government now requires any
computer sold there after July 1, 2009, to include software called "Green
Dam," which critics say will further empower the government to monitor
Internet use.

 

Josh Silver, executive director of Free Press, a media policy group, says
the actions of Iran and China should alert us to domestic surveillance
issues in the U.S. He told me: "This technology that monitors everything
that goes through the Internet is something that works, it's readily
available, and there's no legislation in the United States that prevents the
U.S. government from employing it. ... It's widely known that the major
carriers, particularly AT&T and Verizon, were being asked by the NSA
[National Security Agency], by the Bush administration ... to deploy
off-the-shelf technology made by some of these companies like Cisco." The
equipment formed the backbone of the "warrantless wiretapping" program.

 

Thomas Tamm was the Justice Department lawyer who blew the whistle on that
program. In 2004, he called The New York Times from a subway pay phone and
told reporter Eric Lichtblau about the existence of a secret domestic
surveillance program. In 2007, the FBI raided his home and seized three
computers and personal files. He still faces possible prosecution.

 

Tamm told me: "I think I put my country first ... our government is still
violating the law. I'm convinced ... that a lot more Americans have been
illegally wiretapped than we know."

 

The warrantless wiretapping program was widely considered illegal. After
abruptly switching his position in midcampaign, then-Sen. Barack Obama voted
along with most in Congress to grant telecom companies like AT&T and Verizon
retroactive immunity from prosecution. The New York Times recently reported
that the NSA maintains a database called Pinwale, with millions of
intercepted e-mail, including some from former President Bill Clinton.

 

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder was recently asked by Sen. Russ Feingold
if he felt that the original warrantless wiretap program was illegal:

 

Feingold: "[I]s there any doubt in your mind that the warrantless
wiretapping program was illegal?"

 

Holder: "Well, I think that the warrantless wiretapping program, as it
existed at that point, was certainly unwise, in that it was put together
without the approval of Congress."

 

Feingold: "But I asked you, Mr. Attorney General, not whether it was unwise,
but whether you consider it to have been illegal."

 

Holder: "The policy was an unwise one."

 

Dissenters in Iran and China persist despite repression that is enabled in
part by equipment from U.S. and European companies. In the U.S., the Obama
administration is following a dangerous path with Bush-era spy programs that
should be suspended and prosecuted, not extended and defended.

 

Amy Goodman is the co-founder, executive producer and host of Democracy
Now!, a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program airing on
more than 450 public broadcast stations in North America.

 

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