The 1963 March On Washington: Sights & Sounds From The Web

Led by crusaders for racial equality like Martin Luther King Jr. and A. Philip Randolph, the 1963 March On Washington represented an important milestone in the civil rights movement. If you want to learn more about this seminal event that was a catalyst for change, visit these resources on the web:

• NPR.org has assembled a nice collection of March On Washington resources including, excerpts of Martin Luther King's I Have A Dream Speech and archival radio coverage.
• About.com features an extensive gallery of images from the March that qualifies as must-see material.
• The U.S. Department of State has a web site commemorating the March complete with an image archive and audio recordings of some of the event's most important speeches.

By the way, if you or someone you know actually attended The March On Washington back in 1963, let us know by posting a comment!

You Can Discuss Classic Films Online

Have you ever watched a classic movie, like Casablanca or High Noon and wished there was someone you could discuss it further with? If your family or friends don't share a similar passion you're out of luck, right? Not necessarily...

There are some great places online where you can discuss classic movies any time you feel like it and with people who are just as interested in them as you are. Here are a couple especially worth noting:

• IMDB.com (The Internet Movie Database) - This movie lover's nirvana includes message boards for practically every film imaginable. There are general message boards as well, including one just for classic films. Click on message boards at the top menu on the homepage for more information.
• TCM.com (Turner Classic Movies) - Another impressive site about movies, this one is specifically tailored to enthusiasts of classic movies. To join in the movie discussions simply click on message boards at the top menu on the homepage.

You should know that you have to register at each of these sites to take full advantage of the message boards, but the process is relatively easy and won't cost you a dime!

Where To Play "Spot The Difference" On The Web

If you grew up enjoying "spot the difference" games you'll be happy to know that these types of games are available online as well. Here are a couple of places on the web where you can play these fun and challenging games:

• Challenge yourself with these Spot The Difference Puzzles from About.com.
• This spot the difference game at TheKidzpage.com will entertain you and your grandkids!
• Race against the clock when you play spot the difference at Addictinggames.com.

Take A How-To Online Course At CNET.com

You know all those things about computers and technology you say you'd want to learn some day but just don't have the time or money - or you think it's just not easy enough to understand yet? Well, you can set all those excuses aside now because CNET.com, a leader in technology information, offers free how-to classes you can take online and they're intended for a broad audience - novices included!

The classes are moderated by experts in their fields and include message forums where you can post questions and participate in class discussions. Here's just a small sampling of the subjects currently covered by CNET online courses:

• Windows Vista Basics
• Wireless Basics
• Fix Your Digital Photos
• Plan Your Home Entertainment Center
• PC Troubleshooting

Don't worry if you see that a class has ended, by the way. You can sign up to receive an e-mail notification for future course dates and in most cases you can still read all the lessons from the course. Also, keep in mind that course offerings may vary so check with CNET to see which ones will be repeated.

Enjoy your new learning experience!

The 2007 Consumer Action Handbook Is Available Online

Are you familiar with The Consumer Action Handbook? This free 178 page book is a Federal Government publication that provides practical advice and guidance on a whole host of consumer-related issues. From the Federal Citizen Information Center's Consumer Action Website:

Mistakes happen, problems pop up. Where can you turn for help? Visit the Consumer Action Handbook online and register your consumer complaint directly with consumer contacts at hundreds of companies and trade associations, state and federal government agencies, local and national consumer organizations and many more. Use its sample complaint form as a guide for your own letter or e-mail.

To read the book online just click the above link and that will take you to the homepage where you can access the contents from the left hand sidebar. Additionally, from the top menu on the homepage, you'll have the option to download a copy (click View Handbook), or order a print version (click Order Handbook).

It's free, it's chock full of helpful information for consumers like you, and you can read it online if you choose. Why not check it out today?

What's The Weather Going To Be Like Today?

Want to check your local weather forecast while reading The Senior Surfer? Now it's easier than ever. Go over to the right sidebar on any page of The Senior Surfer and look under Check The Weather - it's located just above Today's Headlines.

To get your forecast simply type in your local zip code or your city and state, then click GO. You'll be connected to Timetemperture.com's web site and they'll provide you with a detailed weather forecast for your specified area. To get back to The Senior Surfer just click the Back button on your web browser.

Enjoy this new convenience!

Let Uncle Sam Point The Way To Reliable Health Info Online

Are you concerned about all the misinformation on health that's floating around cyberspace these days? You're not alone. The fact is it can be a challenge to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to looking for reliable health information online - unless you happen to have an Uncle in the business named Sam!

The U.S. Federal Government sponsors a website called healthfinder.gov which is specifically designed to help consumers find reliable sources of health information on the web.

A project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the site features links to over 1,500 reputable health-related organizations and has been named one of the "top ten" most useful websites for health consumers by the prestigious MLA(Medical Library Association).

Some of the highlights include:

• A flu clinic locator
• A drug database
• The latest Health News
• Dozens of online checkup tools

And much more! Next time you're searching for health information on the web, give it a try!

How To Use The Web To Compare Prices At Local Stores

Comparison shopping sites are designed to help you determine which online retailer offers the best price for a given product. Did you know that some of these comparison shopping sites can help you determine price and availability of a particular product in your local area as well?

Froogle, for example, the shopping search engine created by Google, will allow you to search both online and offline for the best prices. So, let's say you were in the market for a new digital camera but you wanted to buy it at a local store instead of online. Here's how you'd use Froogle to help you find the best prices in your local area.

1. Go to Froogle.com and type in the make and model of the camera you want-we'll use the Canon PowerShot A630 for this example-then click Search Froogle.
2. On the results page that appears you'll see the phrase, Search for Canon PowerShot A630 near you, followed by a text entry box. Type in your zip code or city and state in that box and then click Go.
3. Froogle will now display a list of stores and prices in or around the area you specified. A map of store locations is included as well.

It's as simple as that. Once you find a price you like at a store near you, you can always give the retailer a call to verify that the information you found online is current.

Fun Brain Games For The Young And Young At Heart

Here's the challenge: How do you spend an afternoon online with your grandkids that's fun and educational for them while mentally challenging for you? Easy - just spend the time at a web site called Neuroscience For Kids.

This terrific site, maintained by Eric H. Chudler, Ph.D, will help you introduce your grandchildren to the wonders of the human brain and nervous system through a variety of fascinating facts, entertaining games and related activities.

If you're the competitive sort, try some of the brain games yourself and see who scores higher - you, or your grandkids. Good luck!

Classic Radio Is Just A Click Away

Today, another new feature debuts here on The Senior Surfer: Classic Radio Shows courtesy of Radio Spirits!

Now, you don't have to go far to listen to some of your favorite shows from the golden age of radio. Just head on over to the sidebar on this page and click on the Listen Now button located under Listen To Classic Radio Shows.

Enjoy the trip back in time!

This Just In...Read The Latest Headlines Here

Starting today, you can read the latest news headlines right here at The Senior Surfer. Whenever you're on the site and want to stay on top of breaking news, just scroll down to the section titled Today's Headlines located in the right sidebar.

Courtesy of Reuters.com, these headlines are updated regularly to help keep you up to speed. Want the whole scoop? Simply click on a headline and you'll go directly to the Reuters website where you can read the corresponding news article in its entirety.

What's Your Chocolate I.Q.?

It's a perennial Valentine's day favorite and you've probably eaten more of it over your lifetime than several times your body weight. We're talking about chocolate, of course, the mere mention of which is enough to fire up the pleasure center of your brain. Still, how much do you really know about this gustatory wonder?

This Valentine's day you can learn all about chocolate online, courtesy of The Field Museum. Ever wonder where chocolate comes from or how it's made? Curious about its history? All these questions and then some are answered at this fascinating and educational site. You'll enjoy it almost as much as the taste of chocolate itself!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Learn The Lingo In Bits & Bytes

Let's face it, nobody likes jargon - techno or otherwise - which is why it's always kept to a minimum here at The Senior Surfer, but sometimes it's unavoidable. For those times, you'll be happy to know that there's a great site called Webopedia, that should help clear things up for you.

Webopedia, a leading online dictionary of computer and Internet terms, provides definitions in a language you can understand - English. Now, you can learn a new term from Webopedia every day right here at The Senior Surfer when you click on the Term Of The Day Button located in the sidebar.

Don't let the jargon overwhelm you - just learn the lingo in bits and bytes!

A Senior Portal You Don't Want To Miss

One of the great things about web portals is that they typically offer a variety of useful web-based services like online shopping malls, message forums, etc., conveniently organized on one site.

That's exactly what you'll love about Wired Seniors. It's an all-in-one feature rich web portal and it's designed especially for seniors like you. Here are just some of the highlights you'll find there:

1. An online shopping mall with plenty of senior discounts.
2. A dating service exclusively for senior singles age 50 and over.
3. A seniors travel guide directory.
4. The Seniors Search directory which lists over 5,000 web sites.
5. A seniors message forum.

- and much more. If you're a senior, this is one site you don't want to miss!

How Sharp Is Your Memory?

Want to test your memory and have fun doing it? Try one of the short term memory tests over at Braingle.com, a leading online game and puzzle web site. Select either the numbers test or letters test, follow the simple instructions and see how sharp your memory is.

If you'd like even more mental stimulation, check out some of the other puzzles and brain teasers they offer!

How To Get Your Local Weather Forecast Delivered To You By E-mail

Do you check your e-mail inbox on a regular basis? If so, then you might find it convenient to check your local weather forecast there as well. At many weather-related web sites you can sign up to receive weather forecasts by e-mail and it won't cost you a dime!

Take a weather site like Qwikcast.com, for example. To sign up for your free local weather forecast by e-mail at Qwikcast, just follow these easy steps:

1. From the homepage, click Email under the heading Free Forecast in the left hand column.
2. On the resulting page, fill in the information they request - your first name, email address, city or zip code, time of day you'd like the email delivered, etc.
3. Click Send. You're done! You'll start receiving your local 5-day weather forecast by e-mail, shortly.

Rain or shine? Just check your inbox!

New Feature: This Day In History

Do you enjoy reading the popular "This Day in History" section available in many newspapers and other print publications? Now you can enjoy this type of thing online as well. Starting today, you can read similar-styled content, each and every day, right here in the sidebar of The Senior Surfer!

This new feature, provided by TheFreeDictionary.com, is sure to satisfy the history buff in you!

Web Resources For Windows Vista

Got questions about Windows Vista, Microsoft's new operating system? You'll find the answers you want on the web - if you know where to look. Here's a selection of sites that offer just about everything you need to know about Vista:

• Windows Vista: Home Page - This is the official Vista Home Page of Microsoft. Here you'll learn all about the new features and find out if your PC has the necessary requirements to run Vista.
• Windows Vista Center at About.com- This well organized site from About.com includes a concise overview of Vista's features as well as a variety of additional relevant information.
• CNET.com Windows Forum and Discussion - Ask questions, take part in discussions and get advice regarding Vista from experts at CNET.com, a leading provider of technology information on the web.

Of course there are plenty of other sites on the web regarding Vista, but these are a great start and among the more authoritative on the subject.

Never Miss A Classic Movie Again

How many times has this happened to you? You're flipping through the channels and stumble upon a great movie you had been planning to watch - only you forgot all about it and now it's half over. Well, you'll be happy to know that some networks offer e-mail reminders(see related info) through their accompanying web sites, so missing your favorite movie can be a thing of the past!

Turner Classic Movies, for example, offers this helpful service as a courtesy to its viewers. Here's how you'd set up a reminder at their web site:

1. From the homepage, click on schedule(menu at top of page).
2. You'll see a list of the movies that are scheduled to air this month. You can view by day or week and even select up to two months in the future. Find the movie or movies that you're interested in and then click on the corresponding clock icon(in the far right column under the heading Remind).
3. In the pop-up window that appears select which showing you want to be reminded about(if there are more than one) and input your e-mail address. Then click Remind Me.

That's all there is to it. Now you'll receive an e-mail a week before(if it's more than a week away) and the day before your movie airs. Never miss a classic movie again!

Watch Your Favorite Super Bowl Ads Online

If you're like most people who watched the Super Bowl yesterday, you probably couldn't wait to see the television commercials. Today, you can watch them all over again by heading to one of the many popular video sharing sites on the web.

At Ifilm.com, for example, not only can you view the 2007 Super Bowl commercials, but ones from previous years as well. You can search them by year - everything from 2002 to the present, by advertiser, and more. See the ads that are considered classics, the ones that are the most popular and even some that were banned!

So, what was your favorite Super Bowl ad of 2007? All time?

Build Up Your Vocabulary At The Senior Surfer

Starting today you can test your word smarts and help build up your vocabulary by playing the Match Up game right here at The Senior Surfer. Courtesy of TheFreeDictionary.com, you can find this fun game in the sidebar under the heading Build Your Vocabulary.

To play, simply click on a word in the left column and then click on its synonym in the right column. Repeat with the remaining words, then click answer to see how many you got right. You can play here every day!

Make A Wish List

How can you make it easier for your family and friends to get you exactly what you want for your birthday or that next big holiday? Make a wish list of your heart's desires and broadcast it online! Some of the most popular online retailers make it easy for you to create a wish list and even give you the option to make the list private, or public so you can let others know what you want!

Take Amazon.com for example. Whenever you're shopping at Amazon all you have to do is click on the Add to Wish List button that you'll find on the page of any product that interests you. It's that simple to get the wish list process started! Visit Amazon's Help Page on Wish Lists to learn more!

How To Meet Bestselling Authors Online

How many times have you read a wonderful book and wondered what it would be like to discuss it with its author? In the past that meant going to a book signing, but if there wasn't one near you, well, you were out of luck. Now, thanks to the power of the web you have another option!

Barnes & Noble.com has recently introduced Barnes & Noble Book Clubs, which include message boards where, you'll not only be able to discuss bestselling books with other readers, but, in many cases with the actual authors themselves!

To join the book clubs just follow these easy steps:

1. Go to Barnes & Noble Book Clubs.
2. Click on register at the top of the page.
3. Follow the instructions on the registration page - include a username, password and valid e-mail address. Read the terms of use and accept them by checking the appropriate box. Then click Register Now.
4. You'll receive a confirmation e-mail with simple instructions for you to follow to complete the registration process.

That's all there is to it. Now go mingle with those bestselling authors!