May 29, 2013 – 2:00-4:00PM

Social Networking 2.0 – Beyond the Basics – A talk with The Transition Network at The Senior Planet Exploration Center, 127 West 25th Street, NYC. (This is a private event.)

May 28, 2013 – 12 noon

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology and Social Networking – A talk and book signing at The Loft, 252 Bryant Avenue, White Plains, NY.

May 23, 2013 – 11:00am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology and Social Networking – A talk and book signing at The Samarkand, Santa Barbara, CA. (This is a private event.)

May 21, 2013 – 11:00am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology and Social Networking – A talk and book signing at Covenant Village, Cromwell, CT. (This is a private event.)

May 20, 2013 – 4:00-7:00PM

Social Networking – Why? How? and Why not?- A practical talk about Facebook, Twitter and Linked in for The Transition Network at The Senior Planet Exploration Center, 127 West 25th Street, NYC. (This is a private event.)

May 17, 2013 – 11:00am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology and Social Networking – A talk and book signing at Covenant Village of Colorado, Westminster, CO. (This is a private event.)

May 16, 2013 – 11:00am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology and Social Networking – A talk and book signing at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes, Grand Rapids, MI. (This is a private event.)

May 15, 2013 – 2:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology and Social Networking – A talk and book signing at The Holmstad, Batavia, IL. (This is a private event.)

May 15, 2013 – 10:00am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology and Social Networking – A talk and book signing at Windsor Park, Carol Stream, IL. (This is a private event.)

May 14, 2013 – 10:00am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology and Social Networking – A talk and book signing at Covenant Village of Northbrook, Northbrook, IL. (This is a private event.)

May 10, 2013 – 11:00am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology and Social Networking – A talk and book signing at the Kinnelon Public Library, 132 Kinnelon Rd Kinnelon, NJ.

May 7, 2013 – 1:30PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology and Social Networking – A talk and book signing for Community Service Society/Retired and Senior Volunteer Program at 105 East 2nd Street, Conference Room 4a, NYC. (This is a private event.)

May 7, 2013 – 10:00am

10 Tips for Teaching Silver Surfers – A presentation at the New York Public Libray Tech Training session, Stephen A Scwarzman Building, 5th Ave & East 42nd, NYC. (This is a private event.)

May 3, 2013 – 1:30PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology and Social Networking – A talk and book signing at Castle Craig Adult Learning Center, Meriden, CT.

May 2, 2013 – 7:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology and Social Networking – A talk and book signing at Case Memorial Library,176 Tyler City Road, Orange, CT.

May 1, 2013 – 1:30PM & 3:30PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology and Social Networking – A talk and book signing at Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. (This is a private event.)

Up, up, and away!

About a month ago, a friend decided to host a dinner party. She was inspired by the downturn in the economy and the reality that some friends were at risk of losing their jobs. Her idea was to get together a handful of smart, creative, hardworking people, most of who didn’t know each other, and see if any connections could be made. By the end of the night cell numbers and e-mail addresses were exchanged.

I know you think I’ve diverted from topic, but I haven’t. What happened that night was good old-fashioned socializing with an underlying agenda of possibly making work connections. Certain websites are designed after the same idea – they’re referred to as “social networking” sites. Social networking has many purposes – create a discussion around a topic, share news and ideas, find a like-minded soul, discover a long-lost classmate, build your business, and the list goes on. Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr are social networking websites each designed differently. In this blog, I introduce Twitter. In the coming weeks we’ll get to the others.

Direct from Merriam-Webster (http://www.merriam-webster.com/):</>
Main Entry: ¹twit·ter

Pronunciation: \ˈtwi-tər\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English twiteren; akin to Old High German zwizzirōn to twitter

Date: 14th century

intransitive verb1: to utter successive chirping noises

How Twitter Works

“Tweets” are the entries that you type on the website Twitter to share with others. Each entry is limited to 140 characters. You can invite people (referred to as “followers”) to view your tweets and you can decide whose tweets (those you are “following”) you want to read. I have a wide variety of folks I follow – friends and family, NPR, CNN, several bookstores, other authors, and some really helpful computer geeks.

Here’s a look at Twitter’s site:

The box below “What are you doing?” is where you type your missive. You don’t need to worry about counting characters. The number 140 changes, as you type, to reflect how many characters are available. Once you’re ready to share your thoughts, simply click update.

As you can see, in the upper right, I’ve added a photo and my “user name” is abbystokes. Tbbycatt, whose entry is above, has chosen to have a photo as well. You can make those choices for yourself when you click on Settings.

Many tweets include a link. (To review links, refer to p. 178 in “Is This Thing On?”.) The use of links explains how the limit of 140 characters doesn’t really limit how much information can be had from a tweet. If you click on the suggested link, you’ll be brought to a website with more information on the subject tweeted upon.

Those really are the basics of how to operate Twitter. Looks pretty simple, doesn’t it? It is.

What I think can be more mysterious, for some, is why anyone would want to add Twitter to their lives. Keep in mind that you’re the one who controls how much time you spend on your computer and on a given website. I check out Twitter in the morning and evening, but it doesn’t consume any more time than I desire. Twitter is a rich source of information and/or entertainment depending on who you follow. You can get up-to-the-minute news, read a review of the lastest blockbuster, or ask if anyone knows the best way to treat jellyfish stings. Visit me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/abbystokes. See how it feels.

If you want more information about Twitter, let me know and I’ll post a follow up blog. In the meantime, you may find these links helpful: http://tinyurl.com/100tools, http://www.gissisim.com/2009/03/how-to-twitter-like-a-pro/, and http://mashable.com/category/twitter-lists/.

Here’s my schedule:

November 30, 2012

To speak at Bronx Age-Friendly Day. Details to come.

November 20, 2012 – 6:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology and Social Networking – A talk and book signing with the Hearing Loss Association of America at 209 West 23rd Street, 3rd floor, NYC. (Captioning will be available.)

November 19, 2012 – 8:ooPM EST

A Webinar: How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology with the Tuscon Computer Society in Tuscon, AZ.

November 12, 2012 – 12 noon

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology – A talk and book signing at the Westport Public Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT.

November 7, 20102 – 10:00am

Stay Connected with the iPad – A talk at the Apple Store, 1981 Broadway at 67th Street.

Come one, come all!

Here are my top ten favorite (FREE) apps:

Sit or Squat – Find public bathrooms all over the world. This bladder relieving app not only directs you to public bathrooms wherever you are around the world, but each bathroom is described in detail – the clean, the dirty, and the co-ed.

Kindle – Even if you never intend to purchase a book from Amazon, you’ll want this app because it allows you to borrow public library books wirelessly. When you renew your library card be sure to make a donation to your local library!

Units – Have you been wanting to convert feet to kilometers, pesos to rupees, ounces to drachma, or whole notes to quavers? This little app will do it for you in a second (or 0.016667 minutes).

UrbanSpoon – In a new city and have no idea where to eat? Craving Indian food and can’t remember that great local place? Want to take your sweetheart to dinner but on a limited budget? You can search by neighborhood, type of food and price or any combination thereof. I also dig the slot machine sound effects!

iTranslate – Ever have a non-english speaking Polish fellow standing on your fire escape cleaning your windows and not knowing how to offer him your bathroom without humiliating charades? I did. iTranslate to the rescue. Need I say more?

Pandora – This music app is a lot like having a customized radio station. The app allows you to search by artist, song, or composer. When you hear a song you like, let the app know and it will then make a suggestion of the next song which will be similar in nature.

QRReader – Have you been seeing those strange black and white boxes springing up all over the place – in magazines, on the side of Herman Cain’s campaign bus, at the grocery store? It is called a QR code (sort of like a barcode) that allows you to gather information (pricing, address, phone number) or link you to a website when you have a device that can read it.

StumbleUpon – My Goddaughter turned me on to this fun and informative distraction. You choose topics of interest and this app will randomly share what it finds online – some of which is mind boggling and a total hoot. You can “like” what you like so the app customizes it’s results more specifically to what you enjoy.

TapWord – There are 10s of thousands of game apps. This one is similar to Boggle. I like this app because I learn new words every time I play. Search for your favorite game and I’ll bet there’s an app available.

CheckPlease – Don’t let a lovely evening out with friends become awkward when the check arrives. Let this app figure the tip and per head cost of that yummy meal. The only thing better is if it would pay the bill.

Here’s a list of many more for you to investigate:
ABC, Amazon Prime , Dragon, Find My iPad, Flightaware, GoodReader, HBO, iFlashlight, iLevel, Instant Heart Rate, iTunes University, Kindle, Micromedex, MyRadar, Netflix, Noteshelf, NPR, Numbers, Pages, Retirement Planner, Seamless, Shazaam, SilverSurf, Skype, Subway, TED, Touchnote, The Weather Channel, Units, WebMD, Whatsapp

Now, I have a favor…If you find an app that you love, let me know and I’ll share it on the website.

Here’s my schedule:

October 27-28, 2012

Speaker at Texas Book Festival- Austin, TX. Details to come!

October 25, 2012 – 9:30am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology- A talk and book signing at the Bridgewater Public Library, 1 Vogt Drive, Bridgewater, NJ.

October 24, 2012 – 4:00PM

A Webinar: Good Computer Habits with the Glendora Seniors Club in Glendora, CA.

October 22, 2012 – 6:30PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology- A talk and book signing at the MidManhattan New York Public Library, 455 5th Avenue, New York City.

October 20, 2012 – 2:00PM

Demystifying Computers- A talk and book signing at the Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library at 40 West 20th Street, New York City.

October 17, 2012 – 5:30PM

Demystifying Computers- A talk and book signing at the Tompkins Square Library at 331 East 10th Street, New York City. (ASL Interpreted)

October 15, 2012 – 6:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology- A talk and book signing at the Peck-Berlin Library at 234 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT.

September 20, 2012 – 7:00PM

Using Technology As A Tool For Communication- A talk and book signing with Bloomingdale Aging in Place, 230 West 103rd Street, New York City.

September 19, 2012 – 6:30PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology- A talk and book signing at the Silas Bronson Library at 267 Grand Street, Waterbury, CT.

September 11, 2012 – 8:00PM

A Webinar: Social Networking with the CPUser Group in Tarentum, PA.

Come one, come all!

If you know of anyone in Connecticut, New Jersey, and/or New York, I’ll be visiting there in July and August. Send them my way for some computer demystification!

Here’s my schedule:

August 25, 2012 – 11:00am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology- A talk and book signing at the David M. Hunt Library at 63 Main Street, Falls Village, CT.

August 22, 2012 – 6:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology (for Job Seekers) - A talk and book signing at the Hartford Public Library Center for Contemporary Culture, 500 Main Street, Hartford, CT.

August 21, 2012 – 6:30PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology- A talk and book signing at the Cora J. Belden Library, 33 Church Street, Rocky Hill, CT.

August 17, 2012 – 8:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology- A talk and book signing with the Brookdale Computer Users Group at Brookdale Community College Main Academy, Building MAS, Room 100, Lincroft, NJ.

August 9, 2012 – 7:00PM

Social Networking - A talk and book signing at the Pequannock Township Library, 477 Newark-Pompton Tpke., Pompton Plains, NJ.

July 19, 2012 – 10:00am

Demystifying Computers- A talk and book signing at the Darien Library, 1441 Post Road, Darien, CT.

July 12, 2012 – 2:00PM

Demystifying Computers- A talk and book signing at the Bronx Library Center, 310 East Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY.

July 12, 2012 – 10:15am

Demystifying Computers- A talk and book signing at the Highbridge Library, 78 West 168th Street, Bronx, NY.

July 11, 2012 – 10:00PM

A Webinar: How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology with the Santa Clarita Valley Computer Group.

July 10, 2012 – 3:00PM

Demystifying Computers- A talk and book signing at the Castle Hill Library, 947 Castle Hill Avenue, Bronx, NY.

July 10, 2012 – 10:00am

Demystifying Computers- A talk and book signing at the Grand Concourse Library, 155 East 173rd Street, Bronx, NY.

Come one, come all!

If you know of anyone in Denver, Los Angeles, San Rafael, Sacramento, San Diego, New Jersey, and/or New York, I’ll be visiting there in May. Send them my way for some computer demystification!

Here’s my schedule:

May 26, 2012 – 5:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at the Singles Conference, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 4195 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA.

May 26, 2012 – 11:00am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at the Channel Islands PC User Groups, 1500 Temple Ave, Camarillo, CA.

May 24, 2012 – 6:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at the Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., CA.

May 22, 2012 – 6:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at the Sacramento Public Library, CA.

May 21, 2012 – 7:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing with the Golden Gate Computer Society, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Napa Rm, 1010 Northgate Dr, San Rafael CA.

May 9, 2012 – 10:30am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at Rochale Village Library, 169-09 137 Avenue, Jamaica, NY.

May 8, 2012 – 1:30PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at Sunnyside Queens Library, 43-06 Greenpoint Avenue, Long Island City, NY.

May 7, 2012 – 9-11:00am

The gap in perceptions, attitudes, and services between older adults and tech companies- A talk with the Age-Friendly Commission at the New York Academy of Medicine, NYC.

May 4, 2012 – 6:30PM

Social Networking- A talk and book signing at the Highlands Ranch Library, 9292 Ridgeline Blvd., Highlands, CO.

May 2, 2012 – 1:30PM

Understanding the Computer and Technology Gadgets- A talk and book signing at Queens Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Concourse Rm B & C, Jamaica, NY.

Come one, come all!

If you know of anyone in Illinois, Iowa, Connecticut, New Jersey, and/or New York, I’ll be visiting there in April. Send them my way for some computer demystification!

Here’s my schedule:

April 30, 2012 – 10:30am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at the Flushing Public Library, 41-17 Main Street, Flushing, NY.

April 27, 2012 – 10:30am

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at the Jackson Heights Public Library,  35-51 81 Street, Jackson Heights, NY.

April 25, 2012 – 7:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology - A talk and book signing at the Pequannock Township Library, 477 Newark-Pompton Tpke., Pompton Plains, NJ.

April 21, 2012 – 1:00PM

How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology for Job Seekers and Late Bloomers – A talk and book signing at the Wethersfield Library, 515 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT.

April 20, 2012 – 2:00PM

Social Networking – A talk and book signing at the Waterford Public Library, 49 Rope Ferry Road  Waterford, CT.

April 18, 2012 – 1:00PM

Demystifying the Computer and How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology – A talk and book signing at the Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Avenue, Canton, CT.

April 13, 2012 – 9:00am

A TV interview with WTNH CT Style.

April 12, 2012 – 10:00am

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the Lucy Robbins Welles Library, 95 Cedar Street, Newington, CT.

April 9, 2012 – 7:45PM (EST)

A webinar with Bristol Village Computer Group in Ohio.

April 7, 2012 – 1:00PM

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing with the SAUK Computer User Group at the Whiteside Countty Senior Center at 1207 West 9th Street, Sterling, IL.

April 5, 2012 – 8:00PM

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing with the West Suburban Chicago Computer Society at Naperville City Hall, 105 E Fourth Avenue, Naperville, IL.

April 4, 2012 – 6:00-7:30PM

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing at Geneseo Library, 805 N Chicago Street, Geneseo, IL.

April 4, 2012 – 10:00am

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing at the CASI Senior Center, 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA.

April 3, 2012 – 7:00PM

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing with the Quad Cities Computer Society at the Viking Club, 1450 41st Street, Moline, IL. There will be a social hour after the presentation.

April 3, 2012 – 1:00PM

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing with the Frances Banta Waggoner Community Library, 505 10th St., DeWitt, IA.

April 3, 2012 – 7:00PM

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing with the Quad Cities Computer Society at the Viking Club, 1450 41st Street, Moline, IL. There will be a social hour after the presentation.

April 2, 2012 – 7:00PM

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing at the CASI Senior Center, 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA.

April 2, 2012 – 2:00PM

Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing at Central Village, 4747 N. Canfield Avenue, Norridge IL.

Come one, come all!

Here’s my schedule:

March 25, 2012 – 9:00-10:15am
Speaker at 2012 Computer Technology Conference. How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology at Radisson Fort McDowell Resort, 10424 North Fort McDowell Road, Fort McDowell, AZ. http://www.comptechconf.com/default.htm

March 24, 2012 – 1:45-3:00PM
Speaker at 2012 Computer Technology Conference. Good Computer Habits – Ergonomics, Netiquette, and How to Make a Difference at Radisson Fort McDowell Resort, 10424 North Fort McDowell Road, Fort McDowell, AZ. http://www.comptechconf.com/default.htm.

March 19, 2012 – 9:00am
A TV interview with WTNH CT Style. (To air on March 20th.)

March 17, 2012 – 2:00PM
Social Networking - A talk and book signing with the Washington Computer Users Group George Mason University, 4210 Roberts Road, Fairfax, VA.

March 15, 2012 – 6:00PM
Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing with the Northwest One Public Library, 155 L St, NW, Washington,  DC.

March 15, 2012 – 2:00PM
Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing with the Fredericksburg PC Users Group at England Run Branch Library, 806 Lyons Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA.

March 14, 2012 – 7:00PM
Demystifying the Computer- A talk and book signing with the Chesapeake PC Users Group at Severn River Middle School 241 Peninsula Farm Rd Ste 2, Arnold, MD.

March 10, 2012 – 2:00PM
Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the New Haven Free Public Library, 133 Elm Street, New Haven, CT.

March 9, 2012 – 2:00PM
How to Navigate the Ever Changing Landscape of Technology for Job Seekers at 96th Street Library, 96th Street at Park Avenue, NYC.

March 9, 2012 – 10:30am
How To Safely Surf The Internet And Find (Almost) Anything Online at Aguilar Library, 174 East 110th Street, NYC.

March 8, 2012 – 10:00am
Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, 733 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT.

March 6, 2012 – 9:20am
A TV interview with Fox 25 Morning News in Boston, MA.

March 5, 2012 – 6:00PM
Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston Street, Boston Room, Boston, MA.

Come one! Come all!

Here’s my schedule:

February24, 2012 – 2:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the San Diego Public Library, Serra Mesa-Kearny Branch, 9005 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA.

February 22, 2012 – 1:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the Ocean Hills Computer Club, 4600 Leisure Village Drive, Oceanside, CA.

February 21, 2012 – 7:30PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the Claremont Senior Computer Club, 1700 Danbury Road, Claremont, CA.

February 21, 2012 – 1:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the Let’s Compute Club, Palm Springs, CA.

February 20, 2012 – 10:00am

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at the Mizell Senior Center, 400 South Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA.

February 17, 2012 – 9:00am

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the El Mirage Computer Club, 305 South Val Vista Drive, Mesa, AZ.

February 16, 2012 – 2:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Happy Trails Computer Club, 17200 West Bell Road, Surprise, AZ.

February 16, 2012 – 9:30am

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Sunflower Resort Computer Club, 16501 North El Mirage Blvd., Surprise, AZ.

February 15, 2012 – 6:30PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Phoenix PC User Group, University of Advancing Technology, 2625 W Baseline Rd., Tempe, AZ.

February 15, 2012 – 2:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Fountain of the Sun Computer Club, 8000 East Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ.

February 15, 2012 – 9:30am

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the RockComp Computer Club, 600 South Idaho Road, Apache Junction, AZ.

February 14, 2012 – 7:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Hacienda de Valencia Computer Club, 201 South Greenfield Road, Mesa, AZ.

February 14, 2012 – 10:00am

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Sun Village Computer Club, 14300 West Bell Road, Surprise, AZ.

February 13, 2012 – 6:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at Trilogy at Vistancia, 27980 N Trilogy Blvd #102, Peoria, AZ.

February 13, 2012 – 1:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Dreamland Computer Club, 320 N 55th Place, Room 9, Mesa, AZ.

February 13, 2012 – 9:00am

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Silvercom Computer Club, 8265 East Southern Avenue, Mesa, AZ.

February 11, 2012 – 12:30PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Arizona Society for Computer Information, 3030 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ.

February 10, 2012 – 1:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Sunland Village Computer Club, 4329 East Capri Avenue, Mesa, AZ.

February 10, 2012 – 9:00am

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing with the Supercom Computer Club at the 702 South Meridian Road, Apache Junction, AZ.

February 9, 2012 -7:00PM

Demystifying the Computer – A talk and book signing at Pueblo El Mirage, Recreation Hall, 11201 North El Mirage, El Mirage, AZ.