Doctor Percy Julian. Chemist. Brilliant. Determined. Forgotten. Black.
Black History Month is an appropriate time for networks to feature shows about significant contributions of Blacks, whether American or not. But I wish these didn't seem timed for Black History Month. How about just working on a good project and releasing it when ready? Let's not limit recognition of the significant contributions of African Americans and other Blacks to February, shall we? A great show about a great person is a welcomed change from most TV drivel (that, sadly, I watch).
That said, I missed a really good PBS piece on Dr. Percy the first time around. The Nova show site for "Forgotten Genius" refers to him as one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century. The site has very good sidebar pieces plus the ability to watch online. I picked up on this while doing a late read of Angela Gunn's Tech_Space blog at USA Today. I did manage to locate a reshowing of this excellent piece late at night on February 7th. Fascinating, yet it will pluck your heartstrings with the agony he went through.
Do it. Do it now. You'll be glad you did.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Adobe Reader 8 - get it
Adobe has released Adobe Reader 8.0. Adobe considers it a critical update to version 7 for security reasons.
Get Adobe Reader 8.0.
Caution – Adobe will install Yahoo! Toolbar by default unless you specifically deselect (disable) that. I do choose not install Yahoo! Toolbar or Google Toolbar. I use IE7 and avoid the extra "overhead" that the toolbars introduce, to say nothing about possible glitches or conflicts.
After you install it, select "Edit", then "Preferences" from the menu bar and check every single option. Many options are now located in different places from the prior versions. For example, you can choose to set the default display of a "document" to single page, continuous. I prefer that to the unnatural page "jump" that happens by default when you reach the bottom of a PDF's page.
Also, a toolbar button for copying text in a PDF is not present by default. Check out each option. Experiment. You can always change it back.
Get Adobe Reader 8.0.
Caution – Adobe will install Yahoo! Toolbar by default unless you specifically deselect (disable) that. I do choose not install Yahoo! Toolbar or Google Toolbar. I use IE7 and avoid the extra "overhead" that the toolbars introduce, to say nothing about possible glitches or conflicts.
After you install it, select "Edit", then "Preferences" from the menu bar and check every single option. Many options are now located in different places from the prior versions. For example, you can choose to set the default display of a "document" to single page, continuous. I prefer that to the unnatural page "jump" that happens by default when you reach the bottom of a PDF's page.
Also, a toolbar button for copying text in a PDF is not present by default. Check out each option. Experiment. You can always change it back.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Safer Internet Day
Today, February 6, is Safer Internet Day, observed by over 40 countries. This year's focus is on mobile phones and child safety. The European Union (EU) has a special ins@fe site, which features a special worldwide blogathon for Safer Internet Day.
Among U.S. sites, the U.S. Department of Justice sponsors iSafe, with an iLearn section that aims at several groups: teachers, over-50, parents, students, and even law enforcement and prosecutors. The site also contains tips for parents and tips for students. A series of "Dig Deeper" articles seems sure to grow over time. It already includes downloadable PDF format files ranging in topic from Copyright basics to the Perils of Blogging (I'd better read that one).
Other resources:
Among U.S. sites, the U.S. Department of Justice sponsors iSafe, with an iLearn section that aims at several groups: teachers, over-50, parents, students, and even law enforcement and prosecutors. The site also contains tips for parents and tips for students. A series of "Dig Deeper" articles seems sure to grow over time. It already includes downloadable PDF format files ranging in topic from Copyright basics to the Perils of Blogging (I'd better read that one).
Other resources:
- The FBI offers a "Parent's Guide to Internet Safety".
- At the NetSmartz Workshop, Dr. Sharon offers advice via several 2+ minutes online videos.
- Online security company McAfee offers an online guide for parents.
- Security company Symantec joins with iKeepSafe.org to present an online video, "10 Common questions about Internet safety."
- Microsoft has a whole "Protect your family" section.
- Google offers "OneKey," the kid-safe search engine use Google and filters.
- Keeping Children Safe Online (US-CERT)
- WiredSafety.org
- Keeping Internet Kids Safe (KIKS)
- Google Directory: Internet/Child Safety
- McGruff: Internet Safety tips and cons for kids
- Panel addresses net threats to kids
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