About.com's Comprehensive Resource On Senior Living

Looking for a one stop resource on the Web where you can find out all the information you need to know about senior living? Look no further than Senior Living - Older Adult Lifestyle Advice & Information from About.com.

Some of the notable features of this comprehensive site include:

• Well researched articles about important topics like senior health & fitness, relationships after 50, retirement and more.

• The opportunity to sign up for a free e-mail newsletter so you can get updates from the site right in your inbox.

• A community forum where you can discuss the senior years with others.

And more! Put this one on your short list of informative resources about senior living on the Web!

5 Steps To A Smoother Online Dating Experience

Are you a senior who's thinking of venturing into the world of online dating? Here are a few tips you might want to consider before taking the plunge.

1. Explore all your options. Years ago, if you were going to try online dating, you had limited choices. Today, because of increased popularity, these types of sites come in all shapes and sizes. You can join paying sites as well as free ones and even niche sites that cater to people with special interests. And don't forget about all the online dating sites especially for seniors.
2. Make safety and security a priority. Before joining any site, learn as much as you can about the subject of Internet security. Also, before signing up for an online dating site, do your homework. Research the site and read their privacy policy as well as their terms and conditions. In short, make sure you're joining up with a reputable site that you can trust.
3. Choose your username wisely. What do you want people to think about when they see your username? A username like "ConservativeClod" says one thing, while one like "Love'em&Leave'em" says something quite different-you get the point. Give it some thought, in other words.
4. Choose your photograph wisely. What photograph of yourself do you want to show prospective partners? Again, as with the username you choose, make sure you're making the right impression. Ask yourself what you are trying to communicate with the image you select.
5. Put some thought into your profile. Think carefully about what you want to say about yourself. Make a list of your interests, hobbies, likes and dislikes, etc. Don't tell too much, but not too little either. Strike a balance that lets others gain some insight into what makes you tick, but leaves them intrigued enough to want to know more. Also, make sure you pay attention to grammar and spelling-why make a bad impression when it's so easy not to-hint: use spellcheck!

No one can guarantee that you'll avoid all the pitfalls of online dating, but if you follow these common sense tips, it should go a lot smoother-good luck!

Enjoy A Virtual Tour Of Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is one of our great national treasures. Now, thanks to the Web, even if you can't get there to experience it firsthand, you can do the next best thing. Courtesy of MountainVisions.com, you can take a virtual tour of Yellowstone National Park whenever the mood strikes you, right on your desktop!

This remarkable site features more than 50 panoramic views of the park and what's more, they've even included the types of sounds that you'd expect to hear if you were actually there in person!

Here's one virtual tour that's a feast for the eyes and ears!

Notable Web Resources About The Korean War

Yesterday marked the 55th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice. In honor of that important date in history, we're pointing out some notable web resources for those of you who want to learn more about the conflict dubbed "The Forgotten War."

Check out these sites:

• Korean-War.com - Detailed timeline of the conflict, as well as facts and statistics, are provided here.

• Korean War Pictures at About.com - An impressive gallery of images from the Korean War are accessible at About.com.

• Truman Museum & Library: The Korean War - This site, created by the Harry S. Truman Library staff, features online exhibits, photographs, sound clips and more.

Do you have a favorite site about the Korean War not listed here? Mention it in the comments section!

Keep Them In The Loop With A CaringBridge Web Site

When someone you love is in the hospital, things are tough enough without having to worry about keeping everyone in your circle up to speed on the situation. That's why you'll welcome the service that CaringBridge.org offers.

This non-profit organization makes it easy for you to create a Web site that becomes a point of contact for family and friends during times of serious illness. You can create a site for yourself or for a loved one quickly and easily, even if you've never designed a Web site before! Oh, and best of all, it's free!

To get started and learn more about this convenient service, simply log on to their site and click on Play Video or Take A Tour.

Antiques Roadshow Is Online Too

Are you a fan of the popular PBS show Antiques Roadshow? Did you know they maintain an impressive online presence as well? Antiques Roadshow Online is the companion Web site of the show you love so much.

Here are a couple of notable features from the site:

• They have an archive of shows dating back to 2005, so you can watch appraisals that you might have missed right on your computer screen.

• The site includes videos, slideshows and other Web only content you won't find on their TV show.

• You can sign up for Fanfare, the Antiques Roadshow E-Newsletter .

And much more! If you can't get enough of the show, you won't be able to get enough of their Web site either!

Featured Google How-To Video: "How to apply to the Google Books Partner Program"

So, you've written your magnus opus, obtained a copyright, and even self published the darn thing. Now what? Well, why not consider getting your book to show up in Google Book Search results?

First, you'll have to apply for a Google Books Partner Program account. Just watch the Google produced video below and it'll get you started in no time!

Have You Heard About The Wounded Warrior Project?

They've done everything their country asked of them. Now, many of these brave men and women are coming home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with severe injuries they sustained in battle. If you've ever wanted to make a difference in the lives of these courageous warriors but didn't know the first step, you might be interested in a non-profit program called the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Wounded Warrior Project offers a variety of programs to assist wounded veterans in their time of need. So how can you get involved? Several ways! You can make a tax-deductible donation, host a fundraising event, help spread awareness and more. To get started, simply visit their site to learn all the details!

Take A Virtual Tour Of Stonehenge

Few sites are shrouded in as much mystery or inspire as much awe as Stonehenge. Now you don't have to travel all the way to Wiltshire, England to experience this remarkable ancient wonder. You can tour it virtually right on the Web!

To take a virtual tour of Stonehenge, simply point your browser to The Stonehenge World Heritage Site where you can enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of one of the most intriguing places on the planet!

Enjoy National Geographic's Photo Of The Day

If you appreciate great photography you'll love the Photo of the Day feature from National Geographic. Each day their editors select a notable photograph from their immense archive to display on the National Geographic homepage.

You can also view the National Geographic photo of the Day right here on The Senior Surfer through the handy widget you'll find in the left-hand column of the page.

Enjoy!

Where To Find Free Printable Travel Guides

Do you like online travel guides but want to have something tangible that you can hold in your hands too? You'll be happy to know that many online travel sites offer printable travel guides as well-sometimes for free!

Here are a couple of places on the Web where you can download free travel guides that you can print out:

• MilebyMile.com - You'll find plenty of printable road map travel guides here.

• InYourPocket.com - Thinking of traveling to Europe this summer? Download a travel guide from this site before you leave!

• TakeOffGuides - If you'll be vacationing in either Barcelona or Rome, you might be able to use one of the downloadable guidebooks available at this site.

These sites conveniently put the travel information you're looking for in the palm of your hand-literally!

Tour The American Museum Of Photography

Want to know where you can see thousands of artistically and historically significant photographs? They're online at The American Museum of Photography, a collection of virtual exhibits that will be of interest to anyone who's ever held a camera.

Many of the pictures you'll see date back from the earliest days of the art form when photographs were known as daguerreotypes. Included in the digitized collection are works from notable photographers like Scott Mutter, Shotaro Shimomura, and Ansel Adams, among others.

If you're a budding digital photographer who wants to "see" the history of photography, you'll love the tons of classic images accessible right from your desktop-this is one museum you'll be visiting often!

Visit The Official Site Of The MLB All-Star Game

Believe it or not, it's that time of year again-time for what's popularly referred to as the midsummer classic, otherwise known as the All-Star Game. Before you watch it on TV tonight, head on over to the Web and pay a visit to the official site of the MLB All-Star Game.


Some of the highlights from the site include:

• Essential info on the 2008 All-Star Game

• Video highlights from previous All-Star games

• Notable All-Star Game facts and history

If you're a baseball fan and especially if you're interested in the history of the All-Star Game, you'll love this official site from Major League Baseball-it's a home run!

Featured Google How-To Video: "How to do an advanced search on Google Book Search"

Are you getting the most out of Google Book Search? Chances are, if you're not using their Advanced Book Search feature, you might be missing something.

Want to learn more about using this special feature? All you have to do is watch the short, Google produced instructional video below and you'll be on your way!

Have You Expanded Your Mind Today?

Since it's summer, you're probably thinking more about exercising you body than your mind. Well, if you want to give your body a break and exercise that muscle between your ears for a change, try the Logic Problems found on ExpandYourMind.com.

This terrific site boasts a variety of mental exercises for you to tackle, like classic logic problems, visual logic puzzles and lateral thinking problems.

Challenging and fun, these exercises are like circuit training for the brain!

How To Play Guitar With A Little Help From The Web

A couple of weeks ago, The Senior Surfer pointed out several sites that offer piano instruction on the Web. But what if you're interested in learning how to play guitar instead? Are there any sites that offer online guitar lessons? Of course-and some lessons are even free!

Here are a couple of spots on the Web where you can find guitar lessons:

• Over 90 free online video lessons at FreeGuitarVideos.com

• Guitar Lessons for Beginners Archive at About.com

• Free guitar video lessons at YouGuitarist.net

Don't forget to practice, practice, practice!

Tour The Great Wall Of China Right From Your Desktop

The Great Wall of China is arguably one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world. Now, thanks to the Web, it's also on your desktop! To see 360 degree panoramic views of this most impressive architectural marvel just point your browser over to the virtual tour of the Great Wall of China at TheBeijingGuide.com.

Maybe you can't really see the Great Wall of China from the moon, but you can definitely see it in 360 degree splendor on your computer screen!

Featured Google How-To Video: "The Tour de France in Google Maps Street View"

Are you a fan of the Tour de France? Ever wonder what it would be like to travel the route that the cyclists take? Now, thanks to Google Maps, you can do just that-right on your computer screen!

The Google produced video below illustrates how you can use Google Maps to see a 360 degree street view of the Tour de France.

Enjoy the tour!

Stop By The MayoClinic.com Senior Health Center

As a savvy senior who uses the Web for research, you're probably always on the lookout for authoritative health related information. Have you discovered the MayoClinic.com Senior Health Center yet?

Here a few of the helpful features you'll find there:

• Articles on senior health issues
  


• Senior health-related quizzes and slide shows
  
  
• Featured healthy aging questions & answers

Brought to you by the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, this is one health-related Web site to put on your must-see list!

5 Fun Things To Do Online This Independence Day

If you're going to watch a fireworks display tomorrow, in celebration of Independence Day-good for you! Don't forget to bring your digital camera and be sure to read yesterday's entry in The Senior Surfer. If, on the other hand, you plan on being a homebody for the 4th, there are still plenty of fun things you can do, especially if you're on the Web!

Here are a few suggestions for spending the 4th of July online:

• Visit A Capitol Fourth - America's Independence Day Celebration from PBS.org.

• View the Independence Day Cams at Earthcam.com.

• Go to YouTube.com and type in "Independence Day Fireworks" to watch videos of fireworks displays.

• Check out Fireworks! from NOVA Online where you'll learn everything about-you guessed it-fireworks!

• Learn more about the history of Independence Day at History.com.
  

Have a happy and healthy 4th of July!

Note: In observance of the holiday, The Senior Surfer will post again on Monday, July 7th.

Tips From The Pros On How To Photograph Fireworks

Do you plan on attending any fireworks displays in celebration of the 4th of July this year? Are you bringing your digital camera? Then you might want to turn to the Web for some tips on making sure the photographs you take are as spectacular as the fireworks themselves.

Here are a couple of great sites that will teach you everything you need to know about photographing fireworks:

• Photographing Fireworks - Tips and tricks from Kodak.com

• Take better photos: fireworks - Advice from The HP Digital Photography Center

• How to Photograph Fireworks - PC World's take on photographing fireworks

Good luck with your photos!

Take A Virtual Tour Of The Gettysburg National Civil War Battlefield

Today marks the anniversary of the start of one of the most important events in U.S. History: The Battle of Gettysburg. If you're a history buff, you might be interested to know that you can take a virtual tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield right now on your desktop!

The tour is on the Web site of the Official Visitor's Guide To Gettysburg and includes 360 degree panoramic views of the following points of interest:

• McPherson's Ridge

• Spangler's Spring

• East Cavalry Battlefield

And many more significant battle sites! With just a click of your mouse, you'll feel like you're stepping right out onto the battlefield!