srspg2_08

"I Believe In Music"

KCNET NEWSLETTER
08/13/06 & 08/20/06
COMMENTS AND CLASS SCHEDULES

MIKE'S COMMENTARY
COMPUTER CLASSES AND COURSES
ADVANCED USERS CLASS NOTES
NEWS & NOTES BY SUE FOUST

MIKE'S COMMENTARY AND SOME BITS OF WISDOM

Isaac Asimov and The Star Spangled Banner Unless you know all four stanzas of the Star Spangled Banner you may find this most interesting. Perhaps most of you didn't realize what Francis Scott Key's profession was or what he was doing on a ship. This is a good brush-up on your history.
Near the end of his life, the great science fiction author Isaac Asimov wrote a short story about the four stanzas of our national anthem. This well-circulated piece is an eye opener from the dearly departed doctor......
" I have a weakness -- I am crazy, absolutely nuts, about our national anthem. The words are difficult and the tune is almost impossible, but frequently when I'm taking a shower I sing it with as much power and emotion as I can. It shakes me up every time."

NO REFUGE COULD SAVE : BY DR. ISAAC ASIMOV
I was once asked to speak at a luncheon. Taking my life in my hands, I announced I was going to sing our national anthem -- all four stanzas. This was greeted with loud groans. One man closed the door to the kitchen, where the noise of dishes and cutlery was loud and distracting. "Thanks, Herb," I said. "That's all right," he said. "It was at the request of the kitchen staff."
I explained the background of the anthem and then sang all four stanzas.
Let me tell you, those people had never heard it before -- or had never really listened. I got a standing ovation. But it was not me; it was the anthem.
More recently, while conducting a seminar, I told my students the story of the anthem and sang all four stanzas. Again there was a wild ovation and prolonged applause. And again, it was the anthem and not me.
So now let me tell you how it came to be written.
In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain, primarily over freedom of the seas. We were in the right. For two years, we held off the British, even though we were still a rather weak country. Great Britain was in a life and death struggle with Napoleon. In fact, just as the United States declared war, Napoleon marched off to invade Russia. If he won, as everyone expected, he would control Europe, and Great Britain would be isolated. It was no time for her to be involved in an American war.
At first, our seamen proved better than the British. After we won a battle on Lake Erie in 1813, the American commander, Oliver Hazard Perry, sent the message, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." However, the weight of the British navy beat down our ships eventually. New England, hard-hit by a tightening blockade, threatened secession.
Meanwhile, Napoleon was beaten in Russia and in 1814 was forced to abdicate. Great Britain now turned its attention to the United States, launching a three-pronged attack.
The northern prong was to come down Lake Champlain toward New York and seize parts of New England.
The southern prong was to go up the Mississippi, take New Orleans and paralyze the west.
The central prong was to head for the mid-Atlantic states and then attack Baltimore, the greatest port south of New York. If Baltimore was taken, the nation, which still hugged the Atlantic coast, could be split in two. The fate of the United States, then, rested to a large extent on the success or failure of the central prong.
The British reached the American coast, and on August 24, 1814, took Washington, D.C. Then they moved up the Chesapeake Bay toward Baltimore. On September 12, they arrived and found 1,000 men in Fort McHenry, whose guns controlled the harbor. If the British wished to take Baltimore, they would have to take the fort.
On one of the British ships was an aged physician, William Beanes, who had been arrested in Maryland and brought along as a prisoner. Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and friend of the physician, had come to the ship to negotiate his release.
The British captain was willing, but the two Americans would have to wait. It was now the night of September 13, and the bombardment of Fort McHenry was about to start.
As twilight deepened, Key and Beanes saw the American flag flying over Fort McHenry. Through the night, they heard bombs bursting and saw the red glare of rockets. They knew the fort was resisting and the American flag was still flying. But toward morning the bombardment ceased, and a dread silence fell. Either Fort McHenry had surrendered and the British flag flew above it, or the bombardment had failed and the American flag still flew.
As dawn began to brighten the eastern sky, Key and Beanes stared out at the fort, trying to see which flag flew over it. He and the physician must have asked each other over and over, "Can you see the flag?"
After it was all finished, Key wrote a four stanza poem telling the events of the night. Called "The Defense of Fort McHenry," it was published in newspapers and swept the nation. Someone noted that the words fit an old English tune called, "To Anacreon in Heaven" -- a difficult melody with an uncomfortably large vocal range. For obvious reasons, Key's work became known as "The Star Spangled Banner," and in 1931 Congress declared it the official anthem of the United States.
Now that you know the story, here are the words. Presumably, the old doctor is speaking. This is what he asks Key:
Oh! say, can you see?
by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
("Ramparts," in case you don't know, are the protective walls or other elevations that surround a fort.) The first stanza asks a question.
The second gives an answer:
On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mist of the deep
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep.
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream
'Tis the star-spangled banner.
Oh! long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
"The towering steep" is again, the ramparts. The bombardment has failed, and the British can do nothing more but sail away, their mission a failure.
In the third stanza I feel Key allows himself to gloat over the American triumph. In the aftermath of the bombardment, Key probably was in no mood to act otherwise? During World War I when the British were our Staunchest allies, this third stanza was not sung. However, I know it, so here it is:

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

(The fourth stanza, a pious hope for the future, should be sung more slowly than the other three and with even deeper feeling):
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war's desolation, Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven - rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause is just, And this be our motto --"In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
I hope you will look at the national anthem with new eyes. Listen to it, the next time you have a chance, with new ears. Pay attention to the words.
And don't let them ever take it away ... not even one word of it."
--Isaac Asimov, March 1991
And by the way - it's supposed to be sung in English!
~ Forwarded to me by Bert Rice and others ~

THE STRANGER.... (as told by a friend)
A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on.

As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family.

In my young mind, he had a special niche My parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey. But the stranger...he was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies.

If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry. The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind.

Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.)

Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them.

Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home... not from us, our friends or any visitors. Our longtime visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush.

My Dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol. But the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly and pipes distinguished.

He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing.

I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked... and NEVER asked to leave.

More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first still, if you could walk into my parents' den today, you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name?....
We just call him, "TV."
He has a younger sister now. We call her "Computer."

HELP US RECYCLE

KCnet is collecting empty print cartridges. They must be in good shape and not been refilled before. Scott Schaefer, a KCnet staff member, is in charge of the project which should produce a bit of money for educational projects. The empty cartridges, both ink and toner, will be sent to a company that pays us per cartridge and then refills them for their customers. Please drop them off in a plastic bag, either at the front or back doors, we will thank you very much.

COMPUTER CLASSES AND COURSES
Click here for Current Schedule and Registration

Would you like to make your own professional looking newsletters,
fliers, brochures, and more, for your family events
or a church, business, or other organization?
KCnet is offering a new course, Desktop Publishing, beginning August 17th. This is a 4 session class, remaining classes will be held August 22nd, 24th, and the 29th.
Class Description: This class will teach basic concepts and methods of design related to desktop publishing. Microsoft Publisher will be used to create a variety of projects, such as fliers, newsletters, and brochures. Publisher’s tools will be emphasized to create a functional and eye-catching document for personal, organizational, or small business use.
Prerequisites:
· Basic computer skills and familiarity with common Microsoft Office tools (can open programs, save, print, copy, paste etc)
· Familiarity with inserting clip art or images into documents Registration for this class is due by August 10.
To register, please call 570-893-8111, visit www.kcnet.org/class, or email educate@kcnet.org. The fee for this class is $30 for KCnet members and $35 for non-members.
Keystone Community Network is a non-profit community technology center located in downtown Lock Haven. All classes are held in the KCnet Learning Center located at 18 East Main Street. KCnet is an equal opportunity service provider.

HOME COMPUTER MAINTENANCE
Is your computer running slower than it used to? Are you annoyed by constant pop-ups and spam? Are you concerned about viruses, identity theft and spyware? If so, KCnet has the class for you, HOME COMPUTER MAINTENANCE. This is a 2-hour class, to be held Tuesday, August 22, from 6 - 8 PM.
In this class you will learn how to make your computer run more efficiently, how and when to back up your system, and how to perform general upkeep. Also, you will learn about the latest in pop-up blockers, anti-spyware, and spam filters, and how to use them effectively to keep your computer safe. In addition, you will learn how to minimize your risk from viruses, and learn to use and update antivirus software.
Registration for this class is due by Friday, August 18. To register for Home Computer Maintenance, please call 570-893-8111 or email educate@kcnet.org. The cost for this class is $15, which includes software to take home.
Keystone Community Network is a non-profit community technology center located in downtown Lock Haven. All classes are held in the KCnet Learning Center located at 18 East Main Street. KCnet is an equal opportunity service provider.

We’re having a party! KCnet’s helpdesk answers many questions about how to run spyware and adaware and anti-virus programs. We'd like to SHOW people on their own machines. Some folks have never set up their e-mail! It’s like learning to program your cell phone – you have to have someone show you on your own equipment. There will be free software for each attendee.
This Windows Workshop should raise awareness that a computer must be maintained, somewhat like a car. Sometimes “ya gotta put oil and gas in it.” The workshop will feature learning how to operate your own computer. We won’t be showing how to build a computer or replace a motherboard!

Date:                Saturday August 26th, 2006
Time:                1:00 PM until 4:00 PM
Place:               Keystone Community Network (KCnet)
                        18 East Main Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745
Price:                Ten Dollars ($10) Register in advance, by mail or in person
570-893-8111 or educate@kcnet.org

This is a hands-on workshop for Windows computers. We offer to help you repair, upgrade or use your own computer. That's right; bring in your computer from home. Also bring any specialized components such as external power supplies for laptops or USB keyboards or mice. For most desktop computers, we'll supply a monitor, keyboard, mouse, power cords and an Ethernet connection to the Internet.
This event is often noisy and very busy. It's a room full of people who love to work on computers. Come prepared to ask a question, solve a problem or learn how to do something specific. We won't be "teaching" in the usual sense. The room is air-conditioned, so it’s a good place to be on a Saturday afternoon.
You may bring new components, accessories, or software to install in your computer. An instructor and volunteers will be in the workshop to help answer your questions and guide you in working on your computer.
VERY IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:
This workshop is an opportunity to learn more about your computer. It should not be used in place of having professional repair people work on your computer. You should not bring a computer which is critical to your studies or your work. While we will take precautions against creating problems, anything could happen to the computers at this
session. We will not take responsibility for any mistakes made or problems created during this workshop. We don't have the capacity to backup your computer for you at this time. Please backup your computer data before coming.

Deadline for registration is Monday, August 21.
If you have questions, call Sue Foust or Ron Calhoun at 893-8111.

ADVANCED USER CLASS NOTES:

KCnet Advanced Users Group:
Every Wednesday
The starting time is 9:00 AM on this Wednesday, August 16. We meet in Computer Lab 1 (The Big Room). Leadership is Mike Foust and anyone that wants to jump into the fray.

Quite a day this past Wednesday. But first I gotta tell you what Wayne Smith covered three weeks ago in Mike's absence. It sounds like a great class, I wish I had been with ya'll to see and hear it.
Wayne wrote these notes to me about that session.
We...
... looked at a composite picture of Earth by night. Argued over which dark area was Lock Haven and surrounding woodlands.

... visited a website http://hubblesite.org that has pictures produced by the Hubble telescope of the solar system as well as stars and nebula.

... reviewed a program called Disk View http://www.sysinternals.com/Files/DiskView.zip that analyzes a computer's hard drive. You can then click on any segment and see what file it contains. It was amazing to see how Windows has files scattered all over the hard drive. One file was spread over 18 locations.

... learned how to turn off the "Desk Top Cleanup" utility. Otherwise every 60 days Windows wants to take unused icons off the desktop and put them in a folder.

... revisited label making. Created a database in Word using the tables feature. Created labels with a picture and fields from the database and demonstrated merge to document and merge to printer.

... learned how to set paragraph indents or hanging paragraphs using the sliders on the ruler toolbar.

and ... we ended class by getting sidetracked, discussing bullets and how to change their appearance.

Wednesday August 02
We got rollin' right off the starting line with a dynamite presentation by Advanced User class member, Ray Rathmell. Ray has been active in studying on site the effects of reintroduction of Wolves to the animal populations at Yellowstone National Park. What an impact and all positive. Thanks Ray. I'd watch and listen again.

Then we...

... reviewed three of the latest scamming tricks and viruses.

... reviewed a Kim Komando site suggestion featuring official Service Manuals for hundreds of popular product manuals. http://www.usersmanualguide.com

... downloaded and perused a toolbar helper called Global Spec. Global Spec is an engineering search engine. Similar to the Thomas Register, but more specific to engineering needs. Find sensor companies, fabricators, and more. You should be able to find any part or information about any manufacturing concern or product from this specialized search engine. Some of the features include:
Data Acquisition and Signal Conditioning
Analog I/O, Analog-to-Digital Converter Chips (ADC) , Analog-to-Digital Converters, Bridge Conditioners, Charge and Capacitive Signal Conditioning, Charge Amplifiers and Charge Converters, Chart Recorders and Strip Charts, Chart Recording Paper and Consumables, Computer Boards, Data Acquisition, Counter and Timer Boards, Current Loop Converters, Current-to-Voltage Converters, Data Acquisition, Data Acquisition Input Modules, Data Acquisition Systems and Instruments, Data Acquisition Output Modules, Data Collection Terminals, Data Input Devices, Data Loggers and Data Recorders, Digital I/O, Digital-to-Analog Converter Chips (DAC), Digital-to-Analog Converters, Encoder and Resolver Signal Conditioners, Frequency / Pulse Signal Conditioners, Frequency Converters and Translators, Frequency-to-Current Converters, Frequency-to-Voltage Converters, I/O Modules, Data Acquisition, Instrumentation Amplifiers, Isolation Amplifiers, LVDT and RVDT Signal Conditioners, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Products, Sensor Multiplexers, Sensor Transmitters, Signal Amplifiers, Signal Conditioning, Signal Converters, Signal Filters, Signal Isolators, Signals Intelligence Systems, Spectrum Analyzers and Signal Analyzers, Telemetry Receivers and Telemetry Transmitters, Temperature Signal Conditioning, Voltage and Current Signal Conditioners , Voltage Converters and Voltage Inverters, Voltage-to-Frequency Converter Chips, Voltage-to-Frequency Converters
Electrical and Electronic Components
Bar Code Devices, Batteries and Accessories, Connectors, Data Input Devices, Electrical and Electronics Fasteners and Hardware, Electrical Distribution and Protection Equipment, Electrical Testing Equipment, Enclosures, Fans and Electronic Cooling, Fuses, Industrial Counters and Timers, Industrial Heaters and Heating Elements, Lighting Fixtures and Lamps, Magnets, Meters, Readouts and Indicators, Motors, Passive Electronic Components, Power Generation and Storage, Power Supplies and Conditioners, Relays and Relay Accessories, Surge Suppressors, Switches, Transformers, Wires, Cables, and Accessories
Flow Control and Fluid Transfer
Density and Specific Gravity Sensing, Flow Sensing, Level Sensing, Pumps, Related Flow Transfer Products, Valve Actuators and Positioners, Valves, Viscosity Sensing
Fluid Power Components
Hydraulic Equipment and Components, Pneumatic Equipment and Components
Imaging and Video Equipment
Bar Code Devices, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), Image Sensors, Machine Vision Equipment, Meters, Readouts and Indicators, Video Cameras and Accessories, Video Equipment
Industrial and Engineering Software
Bar Code Software, BPM Software (Business Process Management), Business Transaction and Personal Business Software, CAD / CAM Software, Calibration Management Software, Civil Engineering and Architectural Software, Cluster Software / Tools, CMMS / EAM Software, Code Analyzer Software / Tools, Communications Software, Computational Fluid Dynamics Software (CFD), CRM Software, Data Acquisition and Analysis Software, Data Storage Management Software, Document Management Software and ECM, EDA Software, Educational and Training Software, Engineering Analysis Software, ERP Software, Finite Element Analysis Software, Fleet Management Software, Graphics Software, Graphing and Visualization Software, HMI Software, Image Analysis Software, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Machine Control Software, Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software, Manufacturing Support Software, Math Calculation Software, MCAD Software, Media and Presentation Software, Medical Software, Microprocessor Compilers and Debuggers, Mobile / Wireless Software, Motion Control Software, Network Monitoring Software, PDM / PLM Software, Programming Languages and Database Tools Software, Protocol Stack Software, Quality Assurance, Inspection, and Compliance Software, RFID Software, Scanning / OCR / Imaging Software, Scheduling and Productivity Software, Security Software, Server & Operating System Software, Shipping, Mailing, and Logistics Software, Simulation Software, Software Drivers, Specialty Software, Statistical Analysis Software, Supply Chain Management Software (SCM), Voice Recognition Software, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
Industrial Computers and Embedded Systems
Bus Systems, Computer Peripherals, Connectors, Data Acquisition, Desktop Personal Computers, Embedded Systems, Industrial Computing, Mobile Computing, RAID Products
Laboratory Equipment and Scientific Instruments
Analytical Instruments, Chromatography Instruments, Clinical and Research Labware, Environmental Instruments, Filtration and Separation Products, Imaging Equipment, Dimensional Metrology, Lab and Test Equipment, Laboratory Air Handling Equipment, Laboratory Safety Equipment, Laboratory Thermal Processing, Labware Consumables, Liquid Handling Equipment, Microscopes, Recorders and Loggers, Sample Preparation and Wet Chemical Analysis, Separation Techniques, Spectrometers and Analytical Photometers, Water Quality Instruments
Manufacturing and Process Equipment
Abrasives, Grinding and Finishing, Air Quality, Ceramics and Glass Materials, Cutting Tools, Electronics and Microelectronics Manufacturing, Environmental Instruments and Equipment, Gas Handling Equipment, Filtration and Separation Products, Heating and Cooling Equipment, Industrial Assembly, Industrial Cleaning and Surface Preparation, Industrial Heaters and Heating Elements, Industrial Machine Safeguarding, Inspection Tools and Instruments, Machine Tools, Machine Tool Accessories, Materials Processing Equipment, Pipe, Tubing, Hose, Fittings and Accessories, Personal Protective Equipment, Pumps, Safety Sensors and Switches, Solids Processing and Bulk Material Handling, Specialty Manufacturing Products, Stock Fabricated Materials and Components, Surface Coating and Protection, Tanks and Vessels, Vacuum Equipment, Web Handling and Processing Equipment
Material Handling and Packaging Equipment
Material Handling Equipment, Packaging and Labeling Equipment, Web Handling and Processing Equipment
Materials, Chemicals and Adhesives
Ceramics and Glass Materials, Chemicals and Raw Materials, Composites, Textiles and Reinforcements, Electrical, Optical, and Specialty Materials, Industrial Adhesives, Industrial and Specialty Gases, Industrial Coatings and Sealants, Industrial Oils and Fluids, Metals and Alloys, Plastics, Elastomers and Polymers, Stock Fabricated Materials and Components
Mechanical Components
Bearings and Bushings, Belts and Pulleys, Brakes and Clutches, Chains and Sprockets, Couplings, Collars and Universal Joints, Enclosures, Fans and Electronic Cooling, Gaging and Shop Tools, Gears and Gearing, Industrial Heaters and Heating Elements, Industrial Tools, Limit Switches, Mechanical Fasteners and Hardware, Power Transmission, Pulleys and Belts, Seals, Shock and Vibration Control Products, Solenoids, Springs, Switches
Motion and Controls
Bearings and Bushings, Clutches and Brakes, Drive Components, Encoders and Resolvers, Limit Switches, Linear Actuators, Linear and Rotary Motion Components, Linear Position Sensing, Machine and Motion Controllers, Magnets, Motor Controls and Drives, Motors, Operator Interfaces, Orientation Position Sensing, Piezoelectric Devices, Pneumatics and Pneumatic Components, Positioning Stages, Slides & Guides, Power Transmission, Seals, Shock and Vibration Control Products, Slip Rings, Solenoids, Springs
Networking and Communication Equipment
Networking Equipment, RF, Microwave, and Wireless Components, Communication Devices
Optical Components and Optics
Fiber Optics, Lasers, Light Sources, Optoelectronics, Optical Components, Optical Assemblies
Semiconductors
Analog and Mixed Signals, Audio, Video IC, Communication IC, Discrete, IC Circuit Protection Devices, IC Interface Devices, IC Optoelectronics, Logic, JTAG Products, Memory Chips, Microprocessors and Microcontrollers, Passive, Power and Power Management IC, Programmable Logic Devices, Sensor IC, Timing Circuits
Sensors, Transducers and Detectors
Acceleration and Vibration Sensing, Acoustic and Audio Equipment, Analytical Sensors, Density and Specific Gravity Sensing, Displacement Sensing, Electrical and Electromagnetic Sensing, Encoders and Resolvers, Environmental Sensors, Flow Sensing, Force Sensing, Gas Sensing, Humidity and Moisture Sensing, Level Sensing, Linear Position Sensing, Orientation Position Sensing, Pressure Sensing, Proximity or Presence Sensing, Rotary Position Sensing, Safety Sensors and Switches, Temperature Sensing, Tension Sensing, Tilt Sensing, Torque Sensing, Vacuum Sensing, Velocity Sensing, Vibration and Acceleration Sensing, Viscosity Sensing, Vision Sensing, Weather Sensing
Test and Measurement Equipment
Analytical Instruments, Calibration Instruments, Standards and Reference Sources, Chromatography Instruments, Dimensional Measurement, Electronic Test and Interconnect Accesories, Electrical Testing Equipment, Environmental Instruments, Environmental Test Equipment, Fiber Optic Test Equipment, Lab and Test Equipment, Machine Vision Equipment, Meters, Readouts and Indicators, Multimeters and Electrical Test Meters, Non-destructive Testing Equipment, Process Controllers, Product and Material Testing, Recorders and Loggers, Sample Preparation and Wet Chemical Analysis, Separation Techniques, Sensing and Measurement Instruments, Spectrometers and Analytical Photometers, Vibration Testing, Water Quality Instruments
Business Services
Advertising and Marketing Services, Business Consulting Services, Career and Staffing Services, Commercial Printing Services, Education Services, Equipment Auctions and Trading Services, Financial and Legal Services, Human Resources Services, Logistics and Sourcing Services, Media Duplication Services, Online Directories and Search Engines, Shipping and Freight Services, Specialty / Other Business Services, Technical Communications, Trade and Standards Organizations
Calibration and Testing Services
Acoustic and Vibration Test Equipment Repair Services, Bioanalytical Services, Calibration and Repair Services, All Types, Chemical Testing Services, CMM, Gage and Inspection Equipment Services, Condition Monitoring and Machine Maintenance Services, Dimensional Measurement and Metrology Services, Electrical and EMC Testing Services, Environmental Exposure Testing Services (Climatics), Environmental Test Equipment Services, Flammability and Fire Testing Services, Flow and Pressure Testing Services (Fluid Dynamics), Hydraulic and Pneumatic Testing Services, Instrument Calibration Services, Material Testing Services, Non-destructive Testing (NDT) Services, Product and Component Testing Services, Certification Services, Shock and Vibration Testing Services (Dynamics), Specialty Testing and Inspection Services, Test Equipment and Instrument Rental Services, Wind Tunnel Testing Services
Contract Manufacturing and Fabrication
Brazing and Soldering Services, Cam Manufacturing Services, Ceramic Manufacturing Services, Chemical Manufacturing and Material Processing Services, Coating Services and Finishing Services, Cold Forming and Cold Heading Services, Composite and Fiberglass Molding Services, Contract Manufacturing Services, Converting Services, Cutting Services, Die Cutting Services, EDM Tooling, Electroforming Services, Extrusion Services, Fiberglass Fabrication Services, Foam Fabrication Services, Forging Services, Formulation, Synthesis and Compounding Services, Gear Manufacturing Services, Glass Fabrication Services, Heat Treating Services, Hydroforming Services, Industrial Design and Product Development Services, Laminating Services, Laser Cutting Services, Laser Marking and Laser Engraving Services, Laser Welding Services, Machine Shop Services, Marking Services and Engraving Services, Mechanical Assembly Services, Metal Casting Services, Metal Spinning Services, Molding Services, Mold Making Services, Optical and Optoelectronic Assembly Services, Optical Manufacturing Services, Plastic Fabrication Services, Plate Forming Services, Powder Metal Services, Rapid Prototyping Services, Refractory Services, Roll Forming, Screen Printing Services, Sheet Metal Fabrication Services, Signs and Signmaking Services, Spring Winding Services, Stamping Services, Toll Processing Services, Textile Fabrication Services, Tool and Die Makers, Tool Grinding Services, Tube Bending and Pipe Bending Services, Tube Fabrication Services, Used and Refurbished Equipment, Welding and Fabrication Services, Wire Assembly Fabrication Services, Wire Forming Services, Wire Manufacturing Services
Electrical and Electronic Contract Manufacturing
Cable Assembly Services, Cable Harness and Wire Harness Services, Custom Control Panels, Device Programming Services, Electrical and Electromechanical Assembly Services, Electrical Winding Services, Electronic and IC Packaging Services, Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS), Industrial Electronic Repair Services, Membrane Switch and Keypad Services, MEMS Foundry, Motor and Generator Winding Services, PCB Design and Layout Services, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Fabrication Services, Semiconductor Foundry Services, Transformer Winding Services
Engineering Services
Acoustical Design Services, Civil Engineering and Architectural Services, Communication Service Providers, Computer Aided Design (CAD) Services, Electrical Utility Services, Engineering Consulting Services, Engineering Design Services, Environmental Services, Equipment Rental and Leasing Services, Industrial Design Services, Information Systems Services, Research and Development Services, Software Development Services, Systems Integrators, Telecommunications Infrastructure Services, Thermal Management Design and Analysis Services
Industrial Automation Services
Automated Assembly Equipment, Automation Controls Design and Installation, Automation Equipment and Systems, Dispensing and Spraying Equipment, Machine Design and Fabrication, Machine Redesign and Rebuild Services, Manufacturing Cells and Systems, Material Handling Automation, Packaging Equipment Design and Fabrication, Painting Systems and Coating Systems, Plastic Mold Equipment Design and Fabrication, Process Equipment and Process Systems, Systems Integrators
Industrial Maintenance
Calibration and Repair Services, All Types, Ceramic Manufacturing Services, Condition Monitoring and Machine Maintenance Services, Environmental Test Equipment Services, Industrial Electronic Repair Services, Installation and Rigging Services, Machine Redesign and Rebuild Services, Non-destructive Testing (NDT) Services, Refractory Services, Repair and Maintenance Services, Spindle Repair Services, Test Equipment and Instrument Repair Services
Material Handling and Packaging Services

Obviously we didn't touch on all the opportunities. Take a look at Global Spec and download from: http://www.globalspec.com/?fromtoolbar=1
Oh did I mention that it's free?

... also browsed the Thomas Register and liked it for its ease of use and excellent content. Industrial Product/Service Search — Search ThomasNet.com, the most comprehensive resource for industrial information, products, services, CAD drawings, and more… By the way Don Miller endorsed this site and users this source in his CAD work. It too is a scientific search engine but not a Toolbar like Global Spec.
http://www.thomasnet.com/index.html?INCP=1&WT.mc_t=PPC&WT.mc_n=gaw&WT.srch=1

Wednesday August 09
We...
... reviewed the latest Microsoft patches released August 8. See the Technical page for an overview and links to access patch descriptions.

... played with a webpage programed to identify songs by deciphering spacebar taps. We had fun with that one.
Give it a try. http://www.songtapper.com/s/tappingmain.bin

... discussed adding USB 2 To YOUR Computer!! One Of The Best Upgrades Around!
If your computer is still putting around at USB 1 speeds, this is one upgrade you're gonna love. First time you try USB 2 and see how much faster it is, you'll wonder why you didn't upgrade sooner. It's like the difference between a broadband internet connection and dialup!
Basically, you just pop this into your computer, run the CD, and you have 4 shiny new USB 2 ports! It's that easy! You'll be able to take full advantage of USB 2 speeds in a matter of minutes and the price is fantastic! Worried you can't handle it? I'll make you this deal - if you can't figure out how to install this card, give our tech support a call and we'll walk you though it! How's that?
Your cost for this card is just $16.97, US shipping is FREE, and you have our 60 day satisfaction guarantee! For that kind of deal, it's worth upgrading any computer to USB 2! Check it out:
http://store.worldstart.com/product.php?productid=2047
or latch on to one through Tiger Direct, Walmart, Circuit City, Best Buy, etc.
NOTE: Check inside your computer to determine if you have an empty PCI slot to mount this USB Card.

... toured CNets worst of for 2006. Take a look. One can learn a lot from viewing the worst of instead of the best of: Take a browse @: http://www.cnet.com/4520-11524_1-6478472-1.html?tag=txt

... viewed a videotape from Worldstart. It demonstrated a technique for easy scrolling up/dow and side to side when using Internet Explorer. It employs right mouse clicks in the scroll bar area and choosing one of the many opportunities. Access the tip @: http://imgsrv.worldstart.com/videotips/index.htm

... got started on an indepth comparison of Internet Explorer 7.0 beta vs. Firefox 2.0 beta. The comparison was done by Ed Bott and is featured on the Technical Page of this Newsletter.

We did some other interesting stuff too all three days, but you had to be there...

Snacks for some of the latest sessions included:
Bert Rice made a delicious 3 Bean delight. Don Miller brought Peanuts and assorted beef jerkys. Gary Clark brought an outstanding Chocolate Cake. Kitty Laubscher brought Lil Debbies. We also enjoyed leftovers of peanuts, pretzels, and chips.

This class often becomes idea swapping and we learn by sharing our many experiences and I'll tell you all again, that really happened this week.
Thanks to all that brought in suggestions, asked questions, and helped with explanations.

NEWS AND NOTES WITH SUE FOUST:

Have you ever heard of a free encyclopedia?
Have you ever heard of an encyclopedia you can edit?
Welcome to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.
Since its creation in 2001 , Wikipedia has rapidly grown into the largest reference website on the Internet. The content of Wikipedia is free , written collaboratively by people from all around the world. This website is a wiki , which means that anyone with access to an Internet-connected computer can edit, correct, or improve information throughout the encyclopedia, simply by clicking the edit this page link (with a few minor exceptions, such as protected articles and the main page ).
Wikipedia is a registered trademark of the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation , which has created an entire family of wiki projects . On Wikipedia, and its sister projects, you are welcome to be bold and edit articles yourself, contributing knowledge as you see fit in a collaborative way. So go ahead!

In every article, links will guide you to associated articles, often with additional information. You are welcome to add further information, cross-references, or citations, so long as you do so within Wikipedia's editing policies and to an appropriate standard. You do not need to fear accidentally damaging Wikipedia when you add or improve information, as other Wikipedians are always around to advise or correct obvious errors if needed, and the Wikipedia encyclopedia software, known as MediaWiki , is carefully designed to allow easy reversal of editorial mistakes.

Because Wikipedia is an ongoing work to which in principle anybody can contribute, it differs from a paper-based reference source in some very important ways. In particular, older articles tend to be more comprehensive and balanced, while newer articles may still contain significant misinformation, unencyclopedic content, or vandalism. Users need to be aware of this in order to obtain valid information and avoid misinformation which has been recently added and not yet removed. (See Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia for more details). However, unlike a paper reference source, Wikipedia is completely up-to-date, with articles on topical events being created or updated within minutes or hours, rather than months or years for printed encyclopedias.

If you have not done so, we invite you to take a few moments to read What Wikipedia is and is not and Researching with Wikipedia , so that you have an understanding of how to use, rely upon or contribute to Wikipedia as you continue. Wikipedia is not a paper encyclopedia, a dictionary, a publisher of original thought, a soapbox, a mirror or repository of links, images, or media files. It is not a free host, blog, webspace provider or a social networking site. Wikipedia is not a directory and not an indiscriminate collection of information. It is not a crystal ball and it is not censored. If I have your curiosity piqued, go to http://www.wikipedia.org. You can click on the word “English” and start reading! Learn about Wikipedia and then start writing.

HELP US RECYCLE KCnet is collecting empty print cartridges. They must be in good shape and not been refilled before. Scott Schaefer, a KCnet staff member, is in charge of the project which should produce a bit of money for educational projects. The empty cartridges, both ink and toner, will be sent to a company that pays us per cartridge and then refills them for their customers. Please drop them off in a plastic bag, either at the front or back doors, we will thank you very much.

Hijacked, right here in Central Pennsylvania!
If you are using Internet Explorer and your home page has been changed, hijacked, you most likely can get it back to what you want by following these instructions:
1. On your Internet Explorer's Menu bar, click Tools and select Internet Options from the drop-down menu to open IE's Options window.
2. Click the General tab if not already on the forefront. You should see a Home Page box listing your current home page.
3. If the Home Page box is not displayed, or if it has been "grayed out" and the radio buttons are inaccessible, you are dealing with a browser hijacking that involves significant changes to your Windows registry. These will have to be addressed before you can restore your home page. I'll discuss this at a later point.
4. Type a website address in this box (e.g., http://www.kcnet.org/ ), click OK, and the website in question becomes your home page. Alternatively, you can navigate to whatever website you wish to make your home page, open the IE Options window as previously described, then click the Use Current radio button immediately below the home page box.
5. Exit the Internet Options window and close Internet Explorer (IE).
6. Open IE. Your new home page should appear.

If you use the Netscape browser, go to Edit, Preferences and change the home page. Click OK. Close Netscape. Open Netscape and your home page should appear.

If you use Firefox go to Tools, Options, General Tab and change the home page. Click OK. close Firefox. Open Firefox again and your home page should appear.

If these instructions don't make the page permanent; if the next time you start your computer and open the home page, it's changed again, you may want to run a program that detects spyware and removes it. Download.com has free security and spyware software. If everything fails, call a KCnet technician for help at 893-8111.

Until next time…

KCnet Board Of Directors Officers: President Bill Raco, Vice President Bob Rolley, Secretary Jon Ahrens, Treasurer Don Miller and Past President Judy Yoho. Other members of the board: Carolyn Carl, Lori Hoy, R. Keith Kelly, Donna Lannan, Amy Lapriola, Tom Livingston, Ray McGill, and Ray Rathmell.

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