tech of a wheelee http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie my life aa a tech junkie Mon, 26 May 2008 09:54:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 en Brain Power http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/06/22/brain-power/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/06/22/brain-power/#comments Fri, 22 Jun 2007 17:23:54 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/06/22/brain-power/ Hiroko Tabuchi of the Associated Press (via Yahoo! News) reports how scientists are studying ways in which the brain may be able to move objects. To me, the most important point in this article is the breakthrough for people with disabilities as follows:

“The technology could one day replace remote controls and keyboards and perhaps help disabled people operate electric wheelchairs, beds or artificial limbs.

Initial uses would be helping people with paralyzing diseases communicate even after they have lost all control of their muscles.”

I know so many people including myself that would benefit from this. Ain’t technology grand?

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/06/22/brain-power/feed/ Networking through Jaiku and Twitter http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/06/11/networking-through-jaiku-and-twitter/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/06/11/networking-through-jaiku-and-twitter/#comments Tue, 12 Jun 2007 01:44:09 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/06/11/networking-through-jaiku-and-twitter/ I am finding that Twitter and Jaiku are great places to meet friends.  It is like one big “chat”.  Through Jaiku I have met lots of new friends that I just think are great.  Before using these programs, the way I met folks was through message boards and email lists ( which I still do).

[tags]chat, Jaiku, Twitter[/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/06/11/networking-through-jaiku-and-twitter/feed/ New site for people with disabilities http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/05/22/new-site-for-people-with-disabilities-2/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/05/22/new-site-for-people-with-disabilities-2/#comments Wed, 23 May 2007 00:57:48 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/05/22/new-site-for-people-with-disabilities-2/ I am pretty late in posting and I apologize for that. I am getting ready for a short trip to my niece’s graduation in Galesburg, IL. Traveling for me is a full time job in just leaving for a week. Making sure clothes are packed for me and my husband, the medical supplies I need, the ventilator, and, ah, yes - the tech toys. I am feeling bad about boarding my critters.

One new site that I wanted to mention that I am getting involved in is disapedia.com. It’s similar to wikipedia.org/ but is related to disability issues. I think it has some potential. When I get back from my trip I am really going to work at this site to make it a good one.

[tags]disability, medical supplies[/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/05/22/new-site-for-people-with-disabilities-2/feed/ I am awed http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/05/10/i-am-awed/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/05/10/i-am-awed/#comments Thu, 10 May 2007 21:21:04 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/05/10/i-am-awed/ Anyone that knows me online or in real life also knows that I talk about my disability and ventilator. I do that because that is a part of who I am. That makes me, I am a survivor, and I love life. I am blessed with online friends and real life friends and family… and, more important, a wonderful husband who introduced me to the world of technology 16 years ago.

He got me hooked on technology and on him. He has been through good and bad times with me. He has supported me and accepted me with the ventilator, which isn’t fun sometimes. We manage a caregiver relationship and a mutual married partner relationship.

I guess what I am trying to say is that technology has helped me on those bad days when I figure life just isn’t worth it (which isn’t often). I have networked with geeks, people on vents, people with various disabilities, and people with animals, and love them as much as I do.

This is a magical place and it has enhanced my life.

No technology news today… just happiness.

Peace, all.

[tags]technology, friends, disability, friends, husband[/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/05/10/i-am-awed/feed/ Wii’ing for a week http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/05/03/wiiing-for-a-week/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/05/03/wiiing-for-a-week/#comments Thu, 03 May 2007 18:41:18 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/05/03/wiiing-for-a-week/ I have had the Wii now for a week and I must say that I have played it more than any gaming console we have had.  The wireless remotes are just awesome.

The game disk that comes with the Wii, sports, is wonderful.  It has really helped my arms get a bit stronger.  I can kick some major ass in boxing.  Along with feeling my upper arms get stronger day by day.

A couple of days ago I was so into playing a game that I forgot that my ventilator tube had come unhooked.  The arm action is helping me breathe a bit better.

Well worth the money.

[tags]Wii[/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/05/03/wiiing-for-a-week/feed/ Wii and the benefits of my new tech toy. http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/04/25/wii-and-the-benefits-of-my-new-tech-toy/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/04/25/wii-and-the-benefits-of-my-new-tech-toy/#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2007 01:09:04 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/04/25/wii-and-the-benefits-of-my-new-tech-toy/ As I sit here patiently waiting for my husband to hook up our new Wii we got today, I decided to look on line at information regarding the Wii.  On a side note I have tried many game consoles and the hand controls were hard for me regarding my hand strength from polio.  I got frustrated because I love tech of any type.  I have managed to use the PSP and the DS Lite. I have been longing for a console that I could use.  Well finally the Wii had some specs that I thought would be great for me to use easily.  Talking to many people with disabilities on my forum all were frustrated about gaming after their initial injury. Before the injury they were major gamers.

We all have been excited about the Wii, but it was just hard to find.  Well finally it is available on a hit and miss basis.  I was fortunate to find one at GameStop web site…good deal with 4 games included.

So as I wait for the big hook up I find articles that say that the Wii can help people with disabilities with range of motion, dexterity, and burning calories.  With my disability I cannot do much exercise with weights so this may be a chance to enhance my range of motion, burn off a few calories, and just return to girl gamer status of my age group.

http://wiinintendo.net/2007/01/15/wii-sports-experiment-results/

http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/wii/the-disabled-and-the-wii-an-open-letter-to-nintendo-216826.php[tags]Wii,disability,gamers[/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/04/25/wii-and-the-benefits-of-my-new-tech-toy/feed/ Not much to say…but this. http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/04/18/not-much-to-saybut-this/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/04/18/not-much-to-saybut-this/#comments Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:29:03 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/04/18/not-much-to-saybut-this/

[tags]honor,university, Virginia Tech[/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/04/18/not-much-to-saybut-this/feed/ Wii for people with disabilities http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/04/08/wii-for-people-with-disabilities/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/04/08/wii-for-people-with-disabilities/#comments Sun, 08 Apr 2007 20:01:09 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/04/08/wii-for-people-with-disabilities/ This post really isn’t for any articles or technology news. It is more of the frustration of companies making too little of their new and best products for the public. For instance the Wii. I would love to have one. We have and Xbox, Dreamcast (oldie), and all the smaller gaming systems. The controls have always been difficult to use for people with disabilities. Especially spinal cord injured people or folks with weak muscles.

I belong to a disabled gamers group and many have been wanting to purchase the Wii specifically for the easy use of the controls. Now people who were former gamers before their injury will have the possibility to game again.

I think I would like to purchase one because using the controls for certain games would help the range of motion of arms and hands. So I wait …. and wait for the next big shipment of the Wii.

shameless plug till I get my video numbers up.  Obsession, obsession….

http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/200943 

[tags]Wii, gamers, disability, disabled gamers, movement[/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/04/08/wii-for-people-with-disabilities/feed/ Journaling http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/03/24/journaling/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/03/24/journaling/#comments Sun, 25 Mar 2007 02:06:29 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/03/24/journaling/ The other day I was thinking that maybe I write too much on the computer. Do I really have anything to say? That was my last post here. I found an article tonight that says that journaling of any type whether it is blogging, writing in a journal, or even a paper napkin can be a healing way to deal with life’s experiences.

I know that I have a blog on myspace that I write on a daily basis. It does help me deal with issues in my life. Get some advice from friends and family who read it. It is therapeutic. For instance yesterday I had a terrible day dealing with assistants that help me with my medical stuff. I was just totally unhappy with people being late, etc. So I wrote about it and it helped deal with my frustration.

Since the last post about blogging I have changed my mind. It does help.

http://www.thecalifornian.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070324/LIFESTYLE/703240321
[tags]computer,blogs, journaling,life, daily happenings [/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/03/24/journaling/feed/ Is there a point where there is too much blogging? http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/03/18/is-there-a-point-where-there-is-too-much-blogging-for-the-average-person/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/03/18/is-there-a-point-where-there-is-too-much-blogging-for-the-average-person/#comments Sun, 18 Mar 2007 14:13:55 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/03/18/is-there-a-point-where-there-is-too-much-blogging-for-the-average-person/ Lately I have been thinking about all the blogging sites available to users of the internet. Many including myself, have blogs everywhere. Really and truly “do we all have that much to say?” Just the past couple of days I have been thinking about it.

I am not a computer professional, famous, or even rich. Do I really need all these places to say what I did today,yesterday, or my view of life? How many blogs do “you” read? Are the blogs of friends, famous people, or just political junkies spouting off their views?  Or are they like me, not quite sure what to say on a daily basis?

I signed up for twitter the other day and tumblr. The first real blogging I ever did was on my .mac site. As time went on I had a myspace site, then vox. There is facebook which I don’t have, (but considering) and I just signed up for DisableUnited.com.

I am beginning to think that I really don’t have that much to say. I don’t work due to my disability, I use a ventilator 24/7 that limits my experiences in traveling. So maybe it is time to scale down on my ramblings. I will keep this site and maybe myspace, because of my young nieces. But the others…well they may have to go. It will be something that maybe I can write about for a couple of days. :)

What I really should do is set up my computerwheelie.com web page that I have had forever. But how many pictures of cats, dogs, or trees can you put up?

It is a thought to ponder………

[tags]blogging, expressing views[/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/03/18/is-there-a-point-where-there-is-too-much-blogging-for-the-average-person/feed/ New site for people with disabilities http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/03/03/new-site-for-people-with-disabilities/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/03/03/new-site-for-people-with-disabilities/#comments Sun, 04 Mar 2007 04:47:46 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/03/03/new-site-for-people-with-disabilities/ Having a disability and really using the internet and technology as a tool for networking. I have found a sight called DisabledUnited.com.  It is a message board, forum for dating similar to myspace.  It is also a place where people with disabilities can learn about good ways to travel, accessible cities, and the best medical equipment available.  A friend introduced me to the site.  I have tried it for about two weeks and have mixed feelings about the forum.  In my profile I put “in relationship” and “here for friends” but the amount of guys that want to chat and hit on you is amazing.  I know it happens everywhere, but this is ridiculous.  I get an email about every hour from some guy wanting to chat. Disability networking would be great if the majority of members in the forums wanted to be there for more than just finding a companion.

Since a friend from myspace is a also a member I may stick with it to see how the forum grows.  Hopefully in a positive way.

[tags]disability, myspace knock off, dating, networking, message boards[/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/03/03/new-site-for-people-with-disabilities/feed/ New Technology Products for People with Disabilities http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/02/15/new-technology-products-for-people-with-disabilities/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/02/15/new-technology-products-for-people-with-disabilities/#comments Thu, 15 Feb 2007 19:41:36 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/02/15/new-technology-products-for-people-with-disabilities/ I am a bit late on some of the disability related technology news for 2007. In January of this year Microsoft and Assistive Technology Vendors introduced some new products for people with disabilities at the Assistive Technology Industry Associations 8th annual conference in Orlando. The products will be used in conjunction with Windows Vista.

Over 30 assistive technology companies worked with Microsoft in development of accessible products for people with disabilities ranging from physical, cognitive, sensory issues. Some of the products are one handed keyboards, screen magnification, joysticks and mice.

In years past, computer users with disabilities have had to wait 12 to 18 months for specialized software and hardware to work with the Windows Operating System. Research shows that with the population of the world aging and the possibility of disability increasing, technology needs to be accessible to all on an immediate basis.

Vista itself has specialized options within the OS so that people can read, hear, and type more easily.

For many people who use their computer as a major life line for communication with others, technology has finally caught up with our special needs.

[tags]disability, vista, Microsoft, Assistive Technology[/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/02/15/new-technology-products-for-people-with-disabilities/feed/ New Venture for Steve Case http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/02/09/new-venture-for-steve-case/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/02/09/new-venture-for-steve-case/#comments Sat, 10 Feb 2007 04:11:13 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/02/09/new-venture-for-steve-case/ Being on a ventilator 24/7 and loving technology as I do. I belong to several disability and health related message boards. I got a link the other day to a web site that Steve Case, formally of AOL has started. It is called Revolution Health. It is a website where individuals can find others with similar chronic conditions, evaluate local hospitals and medical professionals. I looked at the site and registered for a free membership yesterday. The first year is free and after that there is a membership fee.

Apparently Case started this venture in 2005. Some of the board of directors are Colin Powell, former Secretary of State and Carly Fiorina, the former chairman and CEO of HP.

I am not sure if I am going to like it, but the general idea is great. There are so many people out there that need and want to share their stories with others in similar situations. The down fall is the annual fee. Not a lot of people with chronic medical conditions can afford such a thing. The verdict is still out on this one.
We will see how it goes.

More later.

http://www.revolutionhealth.com/

By no means is this an endorsement from me.

[tags]health, message boards, Steve Case, doctors[/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/02/09/new-venture-for-steve-case/feed/ The Boston Scare http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/02/01/the-boston-scare/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/02/01/the-boston-scare/#comments Fri, 02 Feb 2007 01:31:33 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/02/01/the-boston-scare/ As I read more about the advertising campaign gone wild for a Turner channel cartoon.  Was it be too paranoid regarding strange objects?  Or rightfully so in making sure the city and it’s citizens were not in danger.  Not sure.  What do you think????

[tags]cartoons, Boston, bombs, geeks, advertising[/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/02/01/the-boston-scare/feed/ Awesome what people can do http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/01/18/awesome-what-people-can-do/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/01/18/awesome-what-people-can-do/#comments Thu, 18 Jan 2007 19:43:27 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/01/18/awesome-what-people-can-do/ The world of technology for everyone is awesome, but for people with disabilities it is even more. Sometimes a life line to the world and what people can actually do if they put their mind to it. I got this link from the ventilator email group I belong to.

Awesome!

If you see this, and have high speed… click on Disabled man goes scuba diving.

[tags]technology, disabilities, scuba diving, disabled man goes scuba diving[/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/01/18/awesome-what-people-can-do/feed/ They don’t make ‘em like they used to http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/01/04/11/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/01/04/11/#comments Thu, 04 Jan 2007 20:15:57 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/01/04/11/ I must admit that I am the biggest gadget junkie there is; it is just lately I am getting a bit frustrated with the quality of products. I have had my iPod nano less than a year - not quite eight months - and it is trashed. It won’t charge, and it won’t play. I have looked around the Web and it would cost me more to get it fixed than buy a new one. But buying these puppies is a bit expensive.

I may lean towards something rather than an iPod in later weeks or months.

On a brighter note, I just got my birthday present a couple of days early: The MacBook Pro, and it is awesome. It really loads pictures fast from camera to computer. The 105 pictures took seconds to load. I was quite impressed with that. Just hope it lasts longer than my iPod.

Peace, all.

[tags]gadget, ipod, depreciation, macbook pro, camera[/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2007/01/04/11/feed/ The frustration is growing http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2006/12/12/10/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2006/12/12/10/#comments Wed, 13 Dec 2006 03:39:09 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2006/12/12/10/ I know this is not an area with fix-it advice or technology manuals to solve gadget problems, but it is a place to vent.

I think a lot of companies that update their software don’t pay any attention to how buggy they can be, sometimes. For a month now I have not been able to use my iPod nano on any of my computers. Both platforms - OS X and Windows. The iPod works fine for listening, and charges via the FireWire or electrical adaptor. But the darn thing will not show up on my desktop, or my iTunes. I have looked at Apple discussion boards and there are tons of people with the same issues. No answer from anyone affiliated with Apple. UGGGH. Some poor sucker bought an iPod for his son, was going to load songs on it for him, and it won’t work. The frustration is growing.

My husband will kick me in the butt if I want another iPod. I give him all my hand-me-downs. :)

[tags]gadet, ipod nano, frustration, bug, software[/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2006/12/12/10/feed/ Christmas tech overload, already! http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2006/11/15/christmas-tech-overload-already/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2006/11/15/christmas-tech-overload-already/#comments Wed, 15 Nov 2006 17:42:33 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2006/11/15/christmas-tech-overload-already/ Every year there seem to be several new tech gadgets out for the holidays. And yes, I have to have one. This year I am wondering which would be better? Zune, video iPod, Mac PowerBook Pro, or just go with jewelry. That’s my weakness, too.

My old PowerBook is getting old and the screen is showing white blotches on the LCD screen. What do you suggest? Is the MacBook Pro worth it?

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2006/11/15/christmas-tech-overload-already/feed/ Gaming: the fountain of youth http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2006/10/31/gaming-yipppe/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2006/10/31/gaming-yipppe/#comments Wed, 01 Nov 2006 02:49:25 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/?p=8 I am sooo, sooo stoked. If you met me in real life you would probably freak. I am in my 40s, on a ventilator, use a wheelchair, and the best thing is I am so into tech stuff. Tonight, as I was trying to think of something to write that wasn’t the usual Happy Halloween, or something lame like that, I did a search and found something I have been looking for for ages. A forum for disabled gamers.

I totally love games. Anything. Well, almost anything. Not much for the total blood and gore, but a good shoot ‘em up is awesome.

My favorite games are simulation games. I have every sim game known to man. People who assist me with my medical stuff and do not know me all that well see all my game boxes lined up on the shelf and can’t believe the games are mine. They think I have some teenager hidden in a room or something. I think gaming keeps a person young. So first thing I am gonna do after writing this is hit the new gaming forum I have joined. COoooL, cool, cool.

[tags]gamers, disablity, disabled gamer, sim game [/tags]

]]> http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2006/10/31/gaming-yipppe/feed/ Flamingos RIP http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2006/10/30/flamingos-rip/ http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2006/10/30/flamingos-rip/#comments Mon, 30 Oct 2006 16:05:11 +0000 computerwheelie http://www.lockergnome.com/computerwheelie/2006/10/30/flamingos-rip/ As a user of the Internet for almost 11 years, lately I have been enticed by the strange and obscure news that is scattered throughout the Web. Today I woke up with my cup of coffee and found an interesting story. I read today that as of November 1, the factory that produces the yard ornaments - the infamous, yet tacky pink flamingos - will cease production. The factory says the main materials needed resin, and the high cost of electricity makes the production of these plastic pets financially impossible.

As a person who leaves at least one seasonal decoration up all year round, I find the news regarding these pink birdie buddies sad. Yes, I am a tech junkie and holiday decoration junkie. No 12 step program for me - I am proud of it! You should see my office. Helps with creative thinking.

Rest in peace, little buggers.

[tags]pink flamingo, lawn ornament, yahoo news, yard ornament, Union Products, kitsch[/tags]

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