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

MIKE'S COMMENTARY AND SOME BITS OF WISDOM:
This could be the last time for several months
that winter is featured in the KCnet Newsletter.
I hope!

The Price of Children  The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle income family.  Talk about sticker shock!  That doesn't even touch college tuition.  But $160,140 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into: $8,896.66 a year,  $741.38 a month,   $171.08 a week. That's a mere $24.24 a day! Just over a dollar an hour. Still, you might think the best financial advice is don't have children if you want to be "rich."  Actually, it is just the opposite.  What do you get for your $160,140? Naming rights.  First, middle, and last! Glimpses of God every day. Giggles under the covers every night. More love than your heart can hold. Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs. Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies. A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate. A partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites.  Someone to laugh yourself silly with,  no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day. For $160,140, you never have to grow up. You get to: finger-paint,  carve pumpkins,  play hide-and-seek,  catch lightning bugs,  and never stop believing in Santa Claus. You have an excuse to: keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,  watching Saturday morning cartoons,  going to Disney movies, and wishing on stars. You get to:  frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets,  collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas,  hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day,  and cards with backward letters for Father's Day. For $160,140, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for: retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,  taking the training wheels off a bike,  removing a splinter,  filling a wading pool,  coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs,  and coaching a baseball team that never wins  but always gets treated to ice cream or pizza regardless. You get a front row seat to history, to witness the: first step,  first word,  first bra,  first date,  and first time behind the wheel. You get to be immortal.  You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in  nursing,  psychology,  criminal justice,  communications,  and human sexuality  that no college can match. In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God.  You have all the power to heal a boo-boo,  scare away the monsters under the bed,  patch a broken heart,  police a slumber party,  ground them forever,  and love them without limits.  So, one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost.  That is quite a deal for the price! Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren!!!!!!! Thanks to Jim Rockwell for this one.

 
 
 

IN CASE YOU QUALIFY - - OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT QUALIFIES NEW Seniors will be greatly impacted by qualifying income changes made in the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program.  Due to the recent passage of the Taxpayer Relief Act, the new law increases the income limit to $35,000 for homeowners/renters and raises the maximum rebate to $650.  Previously, the income eligibility for property owners OR renters was up to $15,000 a year (not including half of Social Security) and the maximum rebate was $500.  It’s estimated that because of this income expansion, over 400,000 Pennsylvania seniors will receive assistance in paying their property taxes or rent.  Also, more than 200,000 seniors will have their school property taxes eliminated all together.  Homeowners will now receive: Income Rebate:  INCOME REBATE $0 to $8,000 $650 $8,001 to $15,000 $500 $15,001 to $18,000 $300 $18,001 to $35,000 $250 Renters will now receive: INCOME REBATE $0 to $8,000  $650 $8,001 to $15,000  $500  In addition, seniors who live in metropolitan areas throughout Pennsylvania like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Scranton, where local wage and income tax rates are significantly higher than in other areas, will have their property tax rebate increase by an additional 50%, if their income is under $30,000.  Seniors who reside in other areas of the state who pay more than 15% of their income in property taxes will also have their property tax rebate increase by an additional 50% if their income is under $30,000. The new changes within the rebate program’s income limits and maximum rebate will go into effect for property taxes paid in the 2006 tax year.  The rebates will be paid in the summer of 2007.  Those living in urban school districts who pay more than 15% of their income in property taxes will receive their extra help once the first statewide property tax relief occurs for all homeowners.  Seniors aren’t the only individuals who qualify and benefit from the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program.  Any Pennsylvania residents or spouses age 65 or older, widows or widowers 50 years or older and those who are permanently disabled and 18 years of age or older may all receive assistance from this program. Gaming funds will pay for the full expansion of the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program. Finally, beginning in 2007, taxpayers will be able to pay their school property taxes on an installment plan.  This payment method will help seniors since they often don’t pay their school taxes through a mortgage company. For further information on the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program, as well as the Tax Relief Act, you can go to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s website, http://www.papropertytaxrelief.reachlocal.net This article is reprinted from a recent  Marshall, Parker & Associates’ Elder Care Law Alert February 19, 2007 Issue http://www.paelderlaw.com

 
 
 

Hopefully this will help you understand dogs and cats better...it's pretty much true!        Dog's Diary entries:   8:00am  -- Dog food! My favorite thing!   9:30am  -- A car ride! My favorite thing!   9:40am  --  A walk in the park! My favorite thing!   10:30am  -- Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!   12:00pm  -- Lunch! My favorite thing!   1:00pm  -- Played in the yard! My favorite thing!   3:00pm  -- Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!   5:00pm  -- Milk bones! My favorite thing!   7:00pm  -- Got to play ball! My favorite thing!   8:00pm  -- Wow! Watched TV with my master! My favorite thing!   11:00 pm  -- Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!        Cat's Diary entries:   Day 683 of my captivity: My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.  They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.  Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.  The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape..  In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the floor. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet.  I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of.  However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am.  The audacity!  There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food.  I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.  Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking.  I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.  The dog receives special privileges.  He is regularly released -- and seems to be more than willing to return.  He is obviously retarded! The bird has got to be an informant.  I observe him communicating with the guards regularly.  I am certain that he reports my every move.  The captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.......  for now.... Thanks to Irishrose, Rosemary Bednarczyk.

 
 

I wasn't sure where to put this one...  Here became the spot.  Heed the advice. (Mike)

RealAge Tip of the DAY for February 15, 2007 Colds Hate Positive People Dread colds? Then be a Little Miss Sunshine. That's the word from researchers who tested the emotional outlook and immune-system capabilities of a group of adults. Cold viruses had a harder time taking hold in the people who had mostly positive things to say. Not only that, but if they did get sick, they . . . Advertisement Click Here Apparently, emotions play a role in immunity. Positive thoughts not only help you steer clear of colds but also might make your colds milder if you do get sick. Good reasons to look on the bright side and to get help if you habitually feel negative, anxious, or depressed. Of course, thinking warm, fuzzy thoughts doesn't replace good ol' cold-killing facts. So follow these sniffle-stopping tips as well: •  Wash your hands frequently, especially if you spend time with someone who is sick. And keep hand towels separate to minimize the spread of germs. •  Avoid spending time with people who are newly sick; they are most infectious during the first few days of illness. •  Eat foods high in vitamin C -- oranges, strawberries, and red bell peppers are good choices. Better yet, get a big boost of vitamin C with a supplement. •  Avoid touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. •  Get plenty of rest. Of course, you can help other people stay healthy, too, by washing your hands after you blow your nose and covering your mouth with a tissue or the inner crook of your elbow when you sneeze. Because let's face it, what goes around comes around -- sooner or later.  http://www.realage.com/news_features/tip.aspx?cid=17703&#MI

 
 

"And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?" the reporter asked.  She simply replied, "No peer pressure."

COMPUTER CLASSES AND COURSES
Click here for Current Schedule and Registration

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

NEW CLASSES STARTING SOON:

Genealogy -- 2 Session Power Course A special genealogy class will be held at KCnet.  First Session:  March 8 at 6 – 8:30 PM for new researchers of family histories. The one-evening class is geared to the beginner family tree enthusiasts, but an advanced researcher will pick up tips and tricks to enhance their searches and make their tree grow faster. Second and Final Session:   March 15 at 6 – 8:30 PM, will be held at the local Ross Library, which has a special room for research and history.  Starting with the necessary basic information, Instructor Dave Wallace will teach class participants how to use pedigree charts and family group sheets and how to search various records.  He will briefly demonstrate the use of two of the most popular programs for creating a personal family tree.  Web sites for research and record keeping and charts will be provided on a Compact Disk (CD) to each participant.  Wallace will also teach techniques that can be used when researching  libraries and court houses throughout the country. The charge for the course is $25.00.  Advance payment and registration are necessary.  For more information or to register, call (570) 893-8111 or visit

 
 
 

PC Basics March 12th 14th, 19th, & 21st  12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Cost:  Members $35.00  Non-Members $40.00 Instructor:  Wayne Smith

 
ADVANCED USER CLASS NOTES:

KCnet Advanced Users Group: Every Wednesday The starting time is 9:00 AM and 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 these past two Wednesdays. We got rollin' with some pics sent by Advanced User viewers and others gleaned by Mike.  We then settled into our seats and took another wild tech ride.  Among the many 'puter topics covered we... ... viewed and discussed a number of virus, patches, and zombie problems that are current.  D. talked about his email problem. Apparently someone had D.in their address book and it was arbitrarily selected to be the return to address for emails that were sent to thousands the compromised computer. In other words the compromised computer belonging to who knows was sending messages and the non deliverables were coming back to D. because of the spoofed return address.  At one point D. could identify 20,000 plus emails coming back to his computer. He spent hours with the problem and got very little help from Comcast his broadband provider.  Not a pretty site. ... discussed the latest Microsoft patches released Tuesday Feb 13.  Microsoft on Tuesday released fixes for 20 vulnerabilities in a variety of products including Windows. The fixes arrived in a dozen security bulletins, released as part of Microsoft's monthly patch cycle. Six of the alerts were tagged "critical," the company's most serious rating. These flaws could enable an attacker to gain complete control over a vulnerable computer with no action, or minor action, on the part of the user, Microsoft warned.  ... reviewed an article about Office 2007 and explored the various packages available for sale. ... explored media codecs available for some of the newest video compressions.  We finished class with a download of a special media player.  The download is in a package from KLite.  You can download Download [ K-Lite Codec Pack 2.84 FULL ] at http://www.free-codecs.com/K_Lite_Codec_Pack_download.htm  We will continue this exercise next week. We did some other interesting stuff too, but you had to be there...   We enjoyed delicious Snacks like: Don Miller brought excellent Bologna and some HOT Cheese.  Joe Marasco brought the best Keebler Cookies.  We enjoyed leftover pretzels.   Of course we enjoyed sharing Birthday Cake with Skip Frye. Click on the following photos to see enlarged pics. 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:

Our class attendances have shown a significant increase, with the first PC Basics class filling to the brim very quickly last month.  We scheduled another and now another.  The next one, which will teach or refresh computer users about the very basics of computer use, starts March 12, Noon to 2 PM, Mondays and Wednesdays for 4 sessions. Some people use a computer until it stops.  It’s like operating a car until it runs out of oil.  You keep putting in gas (new programs) but never check the oil (hard drive).  You put air in the tires (save files) but the oil is getting polluted (hard drive receives adware, spyware and temporary internet files).  All at once, the car “seizes up.” It gets hot and stops.  Now you need a professional to get it going again. Our PC Basics class will help you avoid that way of operating a computer.  It teaches you how to use a computer and keep it running. Whether you’ve been using your computer for years or you are new computer user, you’ll learn how to do it better!  You’ll learn new ways to do the things you do or want to do.  I dare anyone to attend this class and NOT learn something.  Wayne Smith teaches the course, 8 hours of fun class time, 4 days, 2 hours each day.  Call 893-8111 to sign up. If you have signed up for the Job-Ready Certification Program, International Computer Driving License (ICDL), and haven’t completed your tests for your certification, we will be calling you!  We want to encourage you to finish this program. KCnet received funding from the State Department of Economic and Community Development to get 250 people in Clinton and Centre Counties involved in this program.  KCnet wants to be able to say, our community is “computer literate.” In order to do this, we decided to use this program and the series of tests to “certify” computer users as literate. This 42 hour class is worth 42 continuing education credits and/or 7 college credits.  We have more than 79 people enrolled in this self-study and instructor-lead certificate program.  We are looking for 121 more! Call, find out what the current classes are and let us know what you'd like to see on our schedule.  Evelyn is the contact person for registering your requests for classes.  Evelyn always has a smile for you and will do whatever she can to help. On another note: Thank you for your discarded ink cartridges.  We've enrolled in a recycling program and have already received $196.  That helps us pay for some of the neat things we do at KCnet! Our network administrative team, led by Kerry Clausen and Tim Snyder, will be making improvements in equipment, software and general operating procedures.  If you have questions or suggestions, just call me and I'll pass the word along and help "git it done!" Our high-speed services continue to grow.  We offer DSL in some of the areas that we cannot reach with our wireless network.  Call Ron Calhoun, our manager of the high-speed program if you are interested in a faster connection to the Internet. Thank you to those of you who included us in your giving.  As a non-profit technology center, donations allow us to provide free and low cost service to area residents.  We appreciate every one of them. 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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