Blogroll | Sterling Creations | By Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan

Hello there and welcome to our = monthly feature of all kinds of tips.

We at the business desk are pleased to bring you our = monthly feature of a plethora of tips that cover a wide range of = topics.

All of our tips are designed = to help you save time, cut down on your research, and help you get = ahead.

So go ahead and read = on.

This week we bring you our = monthly tips.

It’s what we do for a = living! We help you to help yourself!

Enjoy!

From the = business desk team at http://www.sterlingcreations.co= m.

+++++++++++++++

Helpful tips = for February 2022

In this issue:

General tips

Articles of the day

* What Causes the Air to Smell Nice After it Rains =

From the pages of Donna’s travel = diary

* Can I travel = safely?

_________________________

Important: In time for the Olympics in Beijing =

See how you can use Alexa to help = you!

Hey Alexa

A) Don’t miss any of the action in the 2022 Beijing = Winter Olympics. Ask Alexa when the games start, when closing and = opening ceremonies will be happening and more. Just say, "Alexa, = when is the Opening Ceremony?"

B) Alexa can tell you when specific sports begin. Get = ready for curling, snowboarding, speed skating and all your favorite = winter sports. Just say, "Alexa, when is Figure = Skating?"

C) Hear insider = coverage leading up to the games. Learn about the stories that have = defined past games and those that will shape this year’s event. Just = say, "Alexa, play The Podium Podcast."

D) Once the games begin on February 4th 2022 Alexa can = give you daily updates on what’s happening. Ask about a specific sport = or country too. Just say, "Alexa, what’s my Olympics = update?"

_________________________

General = tips

Courtesy of the research team at = http://www.sterlingcreations.ca

Scams of the month:

Before giving you our scam tips of the month, here are = some very valueable tips.

You need to = remember that scams come in the following formats:

As emails, as phone calls both recorded and via a live = caller, and o yes! It can even show up at your door and in your = mailbox.

And now they are targeting = us through texts being sent to our cell phones.

Before = giving you the latest scams making the rounds; we have some do nots to = share with you.

Do not respond to = emails that look strange to you.

Do = not download attachments from unknown senders.

Do not share your username and password to your online = banking and any other online payments facilities with = anyone.

Do not give out any banking = or personal details on the phone to unknown callers.

Do not pay any attention to threats from automated = phone recordings or from live persons with regard to your credit card or = that you owe money to any revenue agency.

Do not entertain any offers either via email or by = phone from senders and callers offering incredible service packages as = they may pertain to cable and tv services, prizes that you have won, or = any sort of any type of service package.

Do not answer the door to unknown = callers.

Take extra caution to make = sure that the details of your credit cards and debit cards are fully = protected when you make payments at restaurants or at stores, = pharmacies, and elsewhere.

Do not = enter your password for Facebook or Twitter in response to a text = request on your cell phone.

The same = if you are asked for your Apple ID.

Do not fall prey to a text message telling you that = your banking details have been compromised online.

From = Donna:

Hey Alexa

A.) Create an Alexa Voice ID for a more personalized = on-device experience. Just say, "Alexa, learn my = voice."

B.) Let loved ones know = they’re on your mind by sending them a hug message with fun sound = effects. Just say, "Alexa, send a hug."

C.) Share your dietary preferences with Alexa and get = personalized recipe ideas. Just say, "Alexa, open my food = preferences."

Washing or = cleaning greasy pots and pans?

Before = you apply water to said pot or pan, take a paper towel and wipe the = surface.

This will help to avoid lots = of scrubbing and washing.

From Melanie = mama Peach with huge thanks!

1) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Temperature Control Part 2: Keeping The Cold Food = Cold:

In Ice Chests

* If you’re going camping, solid frozen foods should = keep frozen for 2 to 3 days and very cold for at least one more day if = they’re packed snugly in the ice chest. They should keep longer if = packed with no air spaced between foods.

_____

2) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Temperature Control Part 2 – Keeping The Cold Food = Cold

In Icy Bowls

* Filla large bowl with crushed ice and embed a bowl = of potato salad or whatever in the ice up to its rim. Add a little = kosher or ice cream salt to the ice to make it colder.

* Use an ice bowl; put the serving bowl you’ll be = using, weighted down, in a bowl filled with water (no water in serving = bowl). Freeze. Use the empty center bowl for serving salads or = dips.

_____

3) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes

Blender

* Fill part = way with hot water and a few drops of detergent, cover and turn it on = for a few seconds. Rinse and drain dry.

_____

4) = Best Of Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes

Cutting = Boards

* To rid cutting boards of = onion, garlic or fish smell, cut a lime in two and rub the surface with = the cut side of the lime.

* Make a = paste of baking soda and water and apply generously. = Rinse.

_____

5) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes: Cutting Boards

Broiler Pan

* = Sprinkle the hot pan heavily with dry laundry detergent. Cover with a = dampened paper towel and let the burned food steam for a while. When you = get around to washing up, the pan should require little = scouring.

_____

6) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes

Broken = Egg

* If you break an egg on the = floor, sprinkle it heavily with salt; after 5 to 10 minutes, sweet the = dried egg into the dustpan.

_____

7) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes

Broken = Glass

* Use a dampened paper towel or = cotton ball to pick up all slivers of glass.

_____

8) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes: Burnt Pan

* = Fill pan immediately with cold water (for starchy foods and milk) or hot = (for greasy foods) water. Soak for an hour or so.

* Sprinkle burnt pots liberally with baking soda, = adding just enough water to moisten. Let stand for several hours. You = can generally lift the burned portion right out of the = pan.

* Loosen burnt foods by boiling = water in the pan for a few minutes.

_____

9) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes

Can = Opener

* To clean blades or cutter on = your electric can opener, run a paper towel through the cutting = process.

_____

10) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes:

Cast Iron = Skillet

* Clean the outside of the = pan with commercial oven cleaner. Let set for 2 hours ad the accumulated = black stains can be removed with vinegar and water.

* After cleaning pan, take a piece of waxed paper and = while the skillet is still warm, wipe around the inside to prevent = rusting.

* When clean, rub a small = amount of oil on the inside of the pan to keep it = seasoned.

_____

11) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes

Dishes

* To quickly = remove food that’s stuck to enamelware or to a casserole dish, fill with = boiling water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.

* Remember, when loading your dishwasher, be sure that = the silver and the stainless steel do not touch each other, as pitting = may occur.

_____

12) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes

Copper = Pots

* Try = toothpaste.

* Dip lemon halves (after = the juice has been extracted) in salt and rub. Rinse.

* Rub with Worcestershire sauce. Or another good = substitute is ketchup. Rub and the tarnish will = disappear.

_____

_________________________

Articles of = the day

Chosen by the Business Desk = team

What Causes the Air to Smell Nice After it = Rains?

by Daniel = Ganninger

It’s a smell that anyone with a working olfactory = system will immediately

recognize, = the smell of fresh rain. What happens after a new rainstorm to =

make the air smell so pleasant? It = all comes down to plants and a little

chemistry.

The = pleasant odor after a rain is called "petrichor". It comes = from the

Greek words = "petra", which means "stone", and "ichor", = which was the fluid

that flowed in = the veins of the mythological Greek gods. The term was first =

used by a pair of Australian = scientists in 1964 as they studied the odor

after a rain.

The = scientists discovered that during a dry period certain plants secrete =

oils that are absorbed into the soil = and rocks. When the first rainstorm

comes along after one of these prolonged dry periods, = the oils are released

into the air = and combine with a substance called geosmin. This is a chemical =

produced by a soil bacteria called = actinomycetes when it’s producing spores.

This produces the scent of petrichor, but how does the = scent get into the

air after a = storm?

MIT scientists in 2015 used = high-speed cameras to determine how the scent

got into the air. When a raindrop lands on a porous = surface, it traps tiny

areas of air = in the raindrop. These air pockets travel up and burst from the =

drop’s surface, releasing = microscopic particles called aerosols. It’s

believed these aerosols, when dispersed by the wind, = are what enable us to

smell the = pleasant odor after a rain.

But = that’s not the end of the smelly story. Lightning can split oxygen and =

nitrogen molecules during a = thunderstorm, and these molecules will commonly

form into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide then combines = with other chemicals to

form ozone, = another odor you can smell in the air.

Why do we find this particular odor so pleasing then? = It may come down to

evolution. The = hypothesis by scientists is that the smell after a rain has =

been passed down by our ancestors = who relied on the signal for rain to

survive. Plants grew and animals were healthy when it = rained which allowed

people to eat. = This association may have been hardwired into our brains. Now =

think about that the next time you = get a good whiff of petrichor.

Sources: Smithsonian Magazine, Wikipedia, Live Science = (1), Live Science (2)

Daniel = Ganninger

________________________

To learn = more about me as a sight loss coach and more, visit

http://www.donnajodhan.com

On your next trip you could enrich your down time with = some of my audio mysteries. Take them with you wherever you = go!

In the car, on the plane, on the = bus or train, at the beach, anywhere!

Affordable, portable, (computer or i device) and you = could either purchase or Subscribe for unlimited access to my library at = www.donnajodhan.com/store.= html

and you can now take = advantage of our free downloads here.

If you enjoy = podcasts then check out my weekly one called take another 5! From = recipes to apps, and from mystery moment to tips for entrepreneur and = scam alerts!

Available for download = at http://www.donnajod= han.com/takeanother5.html

Follow me on = Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/donnajodhan= and at www.facebook.com/autho= rdonnajodhan

Hello there and = welcome to our monthly feature of all kinds of tips.

We at the business desk are pleased to bring you our = monthly feature of a plethora of tips that cover a wide range of = topics.

All of our tips are designed = to help you save time, cut down on your research, and help you get = ahead.

So go ahead and read = on.

This week we bring you our = monthly tips.

It’s what we do for a = living! We help you to help yourself!

Enjoy!

From the = business desk team at http://www.sterlingcreations.co= m.

+++++++++++++++

Helpful tips = for February 2022

In this issue:

General tips

Articles of the day

* What Causes the Air to Smell Nice After it Rains =

From the pages of Donna’s travel = diary

* Can I travel = safely?

_________________________

Important: In time for the Olympics in Beijing =

See how you can use Alexa to help = you!

Hey Alexa

B) Alexa can tell you when specific sports begin. Get = ready for curling, snowboarding, speed skating and all your favorite = winter sports. Just say, "Alexa, when is Figure = Skating?"

C) Hear insider = coverage leading up to the games. Learn about the stories that have = defined past games and those that will shape this year’s event. Just = say, "Alexa, play The Podium Podcast."

D) Once the games begin on February 4th 2022 Alexa can = give you daily updates on what’s happening. Ask about a specific sport = or country too. Just say, "Alexa, what’s my Olympics = update?"

_________________________

General = tips

Courtesy of the research team at = http://www.sterlingcreations.ca

Scams of the month:

Before giving you our scam tips of the month, here are = some very valueable tips.

You need to = remember that scams come in the following formats:

As emails, as phone calls both recorded and via a live = caller, and o yes! It can even show up at your door and in your = mailbox.

And now they are targeting = us through texts being sent to our cell phones.

Before = giving you the latest scams making the rounds; we have some do nots to = share with you.

Do not respond to = emails that look strange to you.

Do = not download attachments from unknown senders.

Do not share your username and password to your online = banking and any other online payments facilities with = anyone.

Do not give out any banking = or personal details on the phone to unknown callers.

Do not pay any attention to threats from automated = phone recordings or from live persons with regard to your credit card or = that you owe money to any revenue agency.

Do not answer the door to unknown = callers.

Take extra caution to make = sure that the details of your credit cards and debit cards are fully = protected when you make payments at restaurants or at stores, = pharmacies, and elsewhere.

Do not = enter your password for Facebook or Twitter in response to a text = request on your cell phone.

The same = if you are asked for your Apple ID.

Do not fall prey to a text message telling you that = your banking details have been compromised online.

From = Donna:

Hey Alexa

A.) Create an Alexa Voice ID for a more personalized = on-device experience. Just say, "Alexa, learn my = voice."

B.) Let loved ones know = they’re on your mind by sending them a hug message with fun sound = effects. Just say, "Alexa, send a hug."

C.) Share your dietary preferences with Alexa and get = personalized recipe ideas. Just say, "Alexa, open my food = preferences."

Washing or = cleaning greasy pots and pans?

Before = you apply water to said pot or pan, take a paper towel and wipe the = surface.

This will help to avoid lots = of scrubbing and washing.

From Melanie = mama Peach with huge thanks!

1) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Temperature Control Part 2: Keeping The Cold Food = Cold:

In Ice Chests

_____

2) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Temperature Control Part 2 – Keeping The Cold Food = Cold

In Icy Bowls

* Filla large bowl with crushed ice and embed a bowl = of potato salad or whatever in the ice up to its rim. Add a little = kosher or ice cream salt to the ice to make it colder.

* Use an ice bowl; put the serving bowl you’ll be = using, weighted down, in a bowl filled with water (no water in serving = bowl). Freeze. Use the empty center bowl for serving salads or = dips.

_____

3) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes

Blender

* Fill part = way with hot water and a few drops of detergent, cover and turn it on = for a few seconds. Rinse and drain dry.

_____

4) = Best Of Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes

Cutting = Boards

* To rid cutting boards of = onion, garlic or fish smell, cut a lime in two and rub the surface with = the cut side of the lime.

* Make a = paste of baking soda and water and apply generously. = Rinse.

_____

5) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes: Cutting Boards

Broiler Pan

_____

6) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes

Broken = Egg

* If you break an egg on the = floor, sprinkle it heavily with salt; after 5 to 10 minutes, sweet the = dried egg into the dustpan.

_____

7) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes

Broken = Glass

* Use a dampened paper towel or = cotton ball to pick up all slivers of glass.

_____

8) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes: Burnt Pan

* = Fill pan immediately with cold water (for starchy foods and milk) or hot = (for greasy foods) water. Soak for an hour or so.

* Sprinkle burnt pots liberally with baking soda, = adding just enough water to moisten. Let stand for several hours. You = can generally lift the burned portion right out of the = pan.

* Loosen burnt foods by boiling = water in the pan for a few minutes.

_____

9) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes

Can = Opener

* To clean blades or cutter on = your electric can opener, run a paper towel through the cutting = process.

_____

10) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes:

Cast Iron = Skillet

* Clean the outside of the = pan with commercial oven cleaner. Let set for 2 hours ad the accumulated = black stains can be removed with vinegar and water.

* After cleaning pan, take a piece of waxed paper and = while the skillet is still warm, wipe around the inside to prevent = rusting.

* When clean, rub a small = amount of oil on the inside of the pan to keep it = seasoned.

_____

11) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes

Dishes

* To quickly = remove food that’s stuck to enamelware or to a casserole dish, fill with = boiling water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.

* Remember, when loading your dishwasher, be sure that = the silver and the stainless steel do not touch each other, as pitting = may occur.

_____

12) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Cleanups/For The Drops And Disasters, Plus Some Of The = Ordinary Dreary Messes

Copper = Pots

* Try = toothpaste.

* Dip lemon halves (after = the juice has been extracted) in salt and rub. Rinse.

* Rub with Worcestershire sauce. Or another good = substitute is ketchup. Rub and the tarnish will = disappear.

_____

_________________________

Articles of = the day

Chosen by the Business Desk = team

What Causes the Air to Smell Nice After it = Rains?

by Daniel = Ganninger

It’s a smell that anyone with a working olfactory = system will immediately

recognize, = the smell of fresh rain. What happens after a new rainstorm to =

make the air smell so pleasant? It = all comes down to plants and a little

chemistry.

The = pleasant odor after a rain is called "petrichor". It comes = from the

Greek words = "petra", which means "stone", and "ichor", = which was the fluid

that flowed in = the veins of the mythological Greek gods. The term was first =

used by a pair of Australian = scientists in 1964 as they studied the odor

after a rain.

The = scientists discovered that during a dry period certain plants secrete =

oils that are absorbed into the soil = and rocks. When the first rainstorm

comes along after one of these prolonged dry periods, = the oils are released

into the air = and combine with a substance called geosmin. This is a chemical =

produced by a soil bacteria called = actinomycetes when it’s producing spores.

This produces the scent of petrichor, but how does the = scent get into the

air after a = storm?

MIT scientists in 2015 used = high-speed cameras to determine how the scent

got into the air. When a raindrop lands on a porous = surface, it traps tiny

areas of air = in the raindrop. These air pockets travel up and burst from the =

drop’s surface, releasing = microscopic particles called aerosols. It’s

believed these aerosols, when dispersed by the wind, = are what enable us to

smell the = pleasant odor after a rain.

But = that’s not the end of the smelly story. Lightning can split oxygen and =

nitrogen molecules during a = thunderstorm, and these molecules will commonly

form into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide then combines = with other chemicals to

form ozone, = another odor you can smell in the air.

Why do we find this particular odor so pleasing then? = It may come down to

evolution. The = hypothesis by scientists is that the smell after a rain has =

been passed down by our ancestors = who relied on the signal for rain to

survive. Plants grew and animals were healthy when it = rained which allowed

people to eat. = This association may have been hardwired into our brains. Now =

think about that the next time you = get a good whiff of petrichor.

Sources: Smithsonian Magazine, Wikipedia, Live Science = (1), Live Science (2)

Daniel = Ganninger

________________________

To learn = more about me as a sight loss coach and more, visit

http://www.donnajodhan.com

On your next trip you could enrich your down time with = some of my audio mysteries. Take them with you wherever you = go!

In the car, on the plane, on the = bus or train, at the beach, anywhere!

Affordable, portable, (computer or i device) and you = could either purchase or Subscribe for unlimited access to my library at = www.donnajodhan.com/store.= html

and you can now take = advantage of our free downloads here.

If you enjoy = podcasts then check out my weekly one called take another 5! From = recipes to apps, and from mystery moment to tips for entrepreneur and = scam alerts!

Available for download = at http://www.donnajod= han.com/takeanother5.html

Follow me on = Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/donnajodhan= and at www.facebook.com/autho= rdonnajodhan

A review of the Sage = store

By Donna J. = Jodhan

Introduction:

This = store has done a more than decent job at adhering to the Covid = restrictions and I do commend them for this.

So how would = I rate their services? With 1 being the lowest and 5 being the = highest, here are my ratings.

Service = desk assistance – 4

Assistance for = shoppers with special needs – 4

Assistance in the store – 4

Remarks = :

Navigating the interior of the = store was comfortable and pleasant.

About = staff:

Extremely friendly and = welcoming.

Very knowledgable about = their products.

Willing to go beyond = the call of duty to provide assistance.

Any = suggestions?

Keep up your wonderful = work!

Contact info:

Located at the Fairview Mall in North York = Toronto

To learn more about me as a sight loss coach visit www.donnajodhan.com

Hello everyone:

Each month I will be responding to a question; chosen from a = pool of some of the most commonly asked ones that I have been asked over = the years and continue to be asked.

This month, I’d like to answer the following question: =

Planning meals for special needs = persons

By Donna J. Jodhan

Before you say no or turn thumbs down on these suggestions; = consider these thoughts.

You can definitely increase your revenue and reduce both your = internal and external costs and here’s how.

Take it from me! I have been an accessibility = awareness consultant and advisor since 1998 and I continue to help = companies to increase their revenues, reduce their costs, and reach = hidden consumer markets!

I truly believe that planning meals for persons with special = needs is a somewhat unique or niche market but at the same time it is a = growing market because of more consumers qualifying for = it.

Planning meals is just the start; how about advertising it, = delivering it, plus more?

The first fact to keep in mind is that a person with a = special need is someone who could be a senior, someone with a physical = disability, or someone with a learning, invisible, or vision = disability. With this in mind, here are some very potent tips to = get you started.

1. Make sure that your meals are simple; no fuss or no = muss.

That is, easy for your clients to be able to navigate and = negotiate when they embark on eating it.

2. That your meals meet the neutrition and medical = requirements of your consumers.

That is, be aware of the needs of diabetics, and those who = need to follow special diets.

3. Home delivery is always a very welcomed service to = consumers with disabilities and served in containers that are easy to = handle and open.

4. If you advertise online then you need to go the extra mile = to ensure that your website is easy to navigate and = negotiate.

5. Then it would definitely be a huge bonus to provide = customer service via phone by staff who are suitably trained to = communicate effectively with customers with special = needs.

6. Make sure that your delivery staff are also suitably = trained to communicate with customers with special needs. =

There is nothing more gratifying to have your customers tell = you that your delivery staff was so helpful when they came to their = door.

The secret to success lies in planning and = executing.

I hope that these tips are a good start for you. =

From the AppleVis December = newsletter

Welcome to the December = 2021 edition of AppleVis Unlimited, our monthly

Newsletter which highlights what’s new and = noteworthy on the AppleVis

website. = Below, you’ll find a selection of content posted to AppleVis by =

members of the community – from new = app entries, to app updates, to the

latest news and podcasts.

View in browser

https://www.applevis.com/newsletter/applevis-unl= imited-whats-new-and-noteworthy-December 2021

…. New and = Noteworthy App Entries

1. = Adventures of Karna (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

Adventures of Karna by UNAR Labs, is a series of free = and fully accessible trivia game that is inclusively designed to support = both sighted and visually-impaired users.

The app harnesses the power of Midlina – an AI-based = platform, which is the core product of UNAR Labs. Midlina enables = multimodal access to otherwise visual information on digital media and = makes it accessible to users with visual impairments.

This version of our app, i.e., Episode–1, is a = research effort from UNAR Labs to understand how multisensory cues can = be used to provide graphical access to people with visual-impairments. = Optimized for use with VoiceOver, the app enables visually-impaired = users to feel and hear the visual/graphical images (e.g., paths and = locations on a map) through a combination of haptics (touch), audio, and = kinesthesis.

As our research = progresses, Midlina will constantly evolve, and we will be adding more = features to this app. We will also be releasing new applications powered = by Midlina, for enabling equal access in education, for navigation, to = enhance productivity, and for fun.

Current = Version: 2.2 (January 22, 2021)

Read = Adventures of Karna’s AppleVis App Directory entry for more = information

https:/= /www.applevis.com/apps/ios/games/adventures-karna

Visit Adventures of Karna’s App Store page =

h= ttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/adventures-of-karna/id1449854062

2. = SM Music Reader (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

SM = Music Reader is a free and fully accessible app for everyone to read = scores written in MusicXML format. It supports drawing the score, = playing and reading with screen reader like Voiceover, so both sighted = and blind users can exchange the same score at the same time. The app is = connected to Sao Mai online music library with thousands of MusicXML = scores.

SM Music Reader currently = provides the following features:

• = Read music files written in MusicXML = format,

• = Draw sheet music for exchanging scores among = both sighted people and people with visual impairment at the same = time,

• = Play MIDI files:

• = Support reading with screen = readers:

o Speak in order of by voice = (horizontal) and by timestamp (vertically),

• = Braille music translation

• = Navigate to a certain bar or = line,

• = Set bookmarks,

• = Manage your favorite lists and view the = file’s details,

• = Access Sao Mai music sharing = library,

Current Version: 1.0 (December 2, = 2021)

Read SM Music Reader’s = AppleVis App Directory entry for more information =

https://= www.applevis.com/apps/ios/music/sm-music-reader

Visit SM Music Reader’s App Store page =

https= ://apps.apple.com/us/app/sm-music-reader/id1532411611

3. = TweeseCake (macOS, Free)

TweeseCake = is a light-weight, multi-purpose, robust software suite. It can either = be controlled entirely without a window, or from a handy easy to use UI! = Some highlights include:

• = Supports Twitter and Telegram.

• = Allows you to navigate your file system without = ever bringing up a window, or in a very fast, no fuss = window.

• = Customizable global keyboard = shortcuts.

• = Very light on system = resources.

• = Customizable soundpacks.

• = And a lot more!

Current = Version: 0.8.2

Read = TweeseCake’s AppleVis App Directory entry for more = information

h= ttps://www.applevis.com/apps/mac/social-networking/tweesecake

Visit TweeseCake’s website =

https://tweesecake.app/

4. Twitterrific: Tweet Your Way (macOS, = US$7.99)

Re-imagined from the ground = up to be the Mac’s most friendly, powerful and modern Twitter = client. Twitterrific makes Twitter fun.

• = A clean, uncluttered timeline featuring just = the content you care about. Tweets are presented in chronological order = and other people’s likes aren’t placed in your = timeline.

• = Twitterrific feels right at home on the Mac. = Support for Notification Center, Retina displays, built-in sharing, = beautiful animations, full-screen mode & more.

• = Take control of your tweets with multiple = timeline windows from the same account or multiple accounts, all = organized on your Mac’s desktop.

• = Navigate the timeline, compose tweets, and even = attach image descriptions quickly and easily using Voice = Over.

• = Twitterrific’s appearance panel supports = themes, lets you customize fonts & type sizes, and even lets you = control how media appears in the timeline.

• = Whether you use Twitterrific on your iPhone, = iPad, or another Mac, the app automatically syncs your reading position = for a seamless Twitter experience.

Current = Version: 5.4.8 (August 31, 2021)

Read = Twitterrific: Tweet Your Way’s AppleVis App Directory entry for = more information

https://www.applevis.com/apps/mac/social-networking/twitt= errific-tweet-your-way

Visit = Twitterrific: Tweet Your Way’s App Store page =

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/twitterrific-tweet-your-way/= id1289378661?mt=3D12

5. VIP Code = Reader (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

This QR and = barcode scanner was designed with the needs of Visually Impaired People = (VIP) in mind. Under the default settings, a radar-like sound rings when = opening the application’s camera. The scanner is able to detect = any QR code or barcode that is present in the camera’s field of = vision. As soon as a code is detected, the application redirects the = user to the corresponding webpage.

Using this application, VIPs can easily scan any 2-cm = (or larger) code present on printed matter and listen to the contents = using VoiceOver technology.

Current = Version: 2.4.1 (May 8, 2019)

Read VIP = Code Reader’s AppleVis App Directory entry for more = information

http= s://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/utilities/vip-code-reader

Visit VIP Code Reader’s App Store page =

https:/= /apps.apple.com/us/app/vip-%E3%82%B3%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%= E3%83%80%E3%83%BC-%E3%83%90%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B3%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89-%E8%A6%96= %E8%A6%9A%E9%9A%9C%E5%AE%B3%E8%80%85/id1273427754

All recent = app entries posted to AppleVis can be found at:

iOS/iPadOS

ht= tps://www.applevis.com/apps/latest?type=3Dios_app_directory

Mac

ht= tps://www.applevis.com/apps/latest?type=3Dmac_app_directory

Apple Watch

ht= tps://www.applevis.com/apps/latest?type=3Dmac_app_directory

Apple TV

https:/= /www.applevis.com/apps/latest?type=3Dtv_directory

Hello there and welcome to our = monthly feature of all kinds of tips.

We at the business desk are pleased to bring you our = monthly feature of a plethora of tips that cover a wide range of = topics.

All of our tips are designed = to help you save time, cut down on your research, and help you get = ahead.

So go ahead and read = on.

This week we bring you our = monthly tips.

It’s what we do for a = living! We help you to help yourself!

Enjoy!

From the = business desk team at http://www.sterlingcreations.co= m.

+++++++++++++++

Helpful tips = for January 2022

In this issue:

General tips

Articles of the day

* salt stains on leather boots? old paint on carpet? =

From the pages of Donna’s travel = diary

* Travel in the new = year?

_________________________

General = tips

Courtesy of the research team at = http://www.sterlingcreations.ca

Scams of the month:

Before giving you our scam tips of the month, here are = some very valueable tips.

You need to = remember that scams come in the following formats:

As emails, as phone calls both recorded and via a live = caller, and o yes! It can even show up at your door and in your = mailbox.

And now they are targeting = us through texts being sent to our cell phones.

Before = giving you the latest scams making the rounds; we have some do nots to = share with you.

Do not respond to = emails that look strange to you.

Do = not download attachments from unknown senders.

Do not share your username and password to your online = banking and any other online payments facilities with = anyone.

Do not give out any banking = or personal details on the phone to unknown callers.

Do not pay any attention to threats from automated = phone recordings or from live persons with regard to your credit card or = that you owe money to any revenue agency.

Do not answer the door to unknown = callers.

Take extra caution to make = sure that the details of your credit cards and debit cards are fully = protected when you make payments at restaurants or at stores, = pharmacies, and elsewhere.

Do not = enter your password for Facebook or Twitter in response to a text = request on your cell phone.

The same = if you are asked for your Apple ID.

Do not fall prey to a text message telling you that = your banking details have been Compromised online.

From Melanie = Mama Peach

1) Best Of Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Substitutions/When You Are Out Of What You Need, Plus = Some Switches You May Prefer To Make:

No Unsweetened Chocolate? (For 1 Square – 1 = ounce)

* Use 3 tablespoons = unsweetened cocoa plus 1 tablespoon shortening.

_____

2) = Substitutions/When You Are Out Of What You Need, Plus Some Switches You = May Prefer To Make:

No = Eggs?

* If you omit an egg in a = recipe, increase the liquid by 3 or 4 tablespoons for each egg omitted. = It’s risky, however, in delicately balanced cake or cookie recipes, or = in recipes using lots of eggs.

_____

3) = Substitutions/When You Are Out Of What You Need, Plus Some Switches You = May Prefer To Make:

No Fresh Herbs Or = Spices?

* Substitute dried herbs or = spices. Dried are more concentrated. The ratio is about 1 to 3, so in = recipes calling for 3 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs, use 1 = tablespoon of dried.

_____

4) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Substitutions/When You Are Out Of What You Need, Plus = Some Switches You May Prefer To Make:

No Honey? (1 cup)

* = Use 1 1/4 cups of sugar plus 1/4 cup water (or the liquid called for in = the recipe?. You’re taking a chance, however, whenever you substitute = sugar for liquid sweetener, or vice versa, in delicately balanced = recipes.

_____

5) = Substitutions/When You Are Out Of What You Need, Plus Some Switches You = May Prefer To Make:

No Cake = Flour?

* Use all-purpose flour. Sift, = pile lightly into a 1 cup measure; level off. Then remove 2 tablespoons. = Use this 7/8 measure for each cup of cake flour.

* To reverse the process when you have only cake flour = and need all-purpose, use 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cake flour for each = cup of all-purpose flour.

_____

6) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

The = Egg

How To Prepare A Hard-Boiled = Egg:

Don’t laugh, there’s more to it = than you think. Place eggs in a pan, cover with cold water and sprinkle = in some salt. The salt will keep the eggs from oozing out if the shells = crack while cooking. Bring to a boil and simmer gently for 10 minutes. = Drain off the hot water and place in cold water; be sure to crack all = the eggs. Allow to cool. This will make peeling easier and will prevent = a green ring around the yolk.

_____

7) est Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

The = Egg

More About Eggs

* To determine whether an egg is fresh without = breaking the shell, immerse the egg in a pan of cool, salted water. If = it sinks to the bottom, it is fresh. If it rises to the surface, it is = stale.

* Fresh eggs are rough and = chalky in appearance. Old eggs are smooth and shiny.

* To determine whether an egg is hard-boiled, spin it. = If it spins round and round, it is hard-boiled. If it wobbles and will = not spin, it is raw.

* Pierce the end = of an egg with a pin, and it will not break when placed in boiling = water.

* A few drops of vinegar will = keep poached eggs from running all over the pan.

* To remove egg yolk which has dropped into the white, = use a corner of a wet cloth or a piece of the egg = shell.

* Eggs beat up fluffier when = not too cold. They should be at cool room temperature for best = results.

* By adding vinegar to the = water, you can boil cracked eggs without having the white run out of the = shell.

* By adding 1 tablespoon of = water per egg white, you can increase the quantity of beaten egg whites = for meringue.

* When eggs are stuck = to the carton, just wet the box and the eggs can be easily removed = without cracking the shells.

* Beaten = egg whites will be more stable if you add 1 teaspoon cream of tartar to = each cup of egg whites (7 or 8 eggs).

* A small funnel is handy for separating egg whites = from egg yolks. Open the egg over the funnel and the white will run = through and the yolk will remain.

* = For baking, it’s best to use medium to large eggs. Extra large eggs may = cause cakes to fall when cooled.

* = Brown and white shelled eggs are of the same quality.

* Egg shells can be removed easily from hot = hard-boiled eggs if they’re quickly rinsed in cool water = first.

* To keep egg yolks fresh for = several days, cover them with cold water and store in the = refrigerator.

_____

8) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

The = Egg

A Good Cup Of = Coffee

* One pinch of salt in the = basket will remove some of the acid taste. For clear coffee, put egg = shells in after perking. And remember, always start with cold = water.

_____

9) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Temperature Control Part 1/Keeping Hot Foods = Hot

In The Oven

* If your oven holds a very low temperature, Set it at = 140 degrees or warm. Cover the hot food with a loose tent of foil or the = cover of a pan set slightly askew, not tight or the food will steam. It = will keep hot an hour or more.

_____

10) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Temperature Control Part 1: Keeping Hot Foods = Hot

On Hot Trays And = Trivets:

* Always preheat the tray = and have the food hot and covered when it’s placed on the = tray.

_____

11) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Temperature Control Part 1: Keeping Hot Foods = Hot

In Hot Water

* A small amount of food can be kept hot in the top of = a double boiler, with boiling water in the bottom pan.

* Set a baking dish or platter holding hot food on top = of a pan of simmering water. Cover with foil, the food should stay hot = up to an hour.

_____

12) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Temperature Control Part 1: Keeping Hot Foods = Hot

Wrapping Up

* Wrap a roast in a double thickness of foil or 10 or = more layers of newspaper to keep it hot for up to an hour. Food can be = transported this way, too.

_____

13) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Time = Control Part 1: Keeping Hot Foods Hot

Boxing In

* Hot = casseroles or a Dutch oven filled with hot foods, covered or = well-wrapped, can be stored or transported in an insulated picnic = carrier. The food will stay hot longer if the carrier is filled. Stuff = any spaces with crumpled paper.

* Use = an ice bucket with a cover to keep stews, soups, etc. hotfor an hour or = longer. Rinse the bucket in hot water first to warm it. Don’t use the = plastic foam types because the food may leak.

_____

14) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Temperature Control Part 1: Keeping Hot Foods = Hot

Vacuum Bottle

* To keep the contents of a vacuum bottle hot longer, = first rinse in hot water. Fill again with scalding hot water and let = stand until ready to pour in the hot liquid.

_____

15) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Temperature Control Part 2 – Keeping The Cold Food = Cold

In Refrigerator Or = Freezer

* Chill plates, serving = bowls, platters and serving pieces about 15 minutes before adding = chilled foods.

* Many foods, such as = cut fruit and milk, can be given an extra chill by placing them in the = freezer for 15 minutes, or so before serving. Don’t do it with salad = greens because they will wilt.

_____

16) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Temperature Control Part 2: Keeping Cold Food = Cold

Canned Ice

* Use canned ice to set around foods on a buffet table = or tuck in insulated bags in which cold foods are packed. To make it, = fill sturdy plastic bags with ice cubes and water and freeze solid; or = fill empty milk cartons three-fourths full with water, freeze and set = upright in a picnic bag; or use plastic bowls with tight-fitting covers, = then submerge them in bowls of food. Individual cans of frozen fruit and = vegetable juices can be used in the same way, and they will also provide = the mealtime beverage.

_____

17) Best Of = Helpful Hints: The Kitchen

Time = Control Part 2: Keeping Cold Food Cold

In Ice Buckets

* = Use an insolated ice bucket for serving chilled foods. To pre-chill the = bucket, fill it with ice for 15 minutes; empty out the ice and put in = the chilled foods. Covered, it will stay cold for an hour or = longer.

* Set a bottle of wine or = carafe of a beverage in an ice bucket filled about half full full of = ice.

_____

_________________________

Articles of = the day

Chosen by the Business Desk = team

salt stains on leather boots? old paint on carpet? =

no worries! and lots = more

salt. it’s mandatory in a = human diet. but salt can be as destructive as it is needful due to its = ability to eat holes through metal and leave ugly stains on footwear. = here’s a

terrific way to take = care of that problem—quick and easy!

salt stains. olive oil removes salt and stains from = leather boots and shoes. shines the leather, too. it’s an italian = thing!

super-quick dry. need to dry a = pair of jeans or pajamas in a hurry? put them and a completely dry bath = towel into the dryer. they’ll be dry in a fraction of the time = they

would have taken on their = own.

ice bag. pour 1/2 cup water and = 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol into a quart-size ziploc bag and seal tightly. = put it into another bag and seal it for double protection. label clearly =

as non-edible and freeze. it will = remain slushy because the alcohol cannot

freeze. perfect to mold to the wounded area when you = need an ice pack

paint stains. even = if it’s been there for a long time, you can get latex paint out of = carpet or fabric with lacquer thinner (not paint thinner), available at = hardware or home

improvement = centers. using a clean white cloth, wet the dried paint with the = thinner. allow it to penetrate then gently blot with the cloth. be sure = to test the

carpet or fabric for = color fastness in an inconspicuous place first, keep the thinner out of = the reach of children and pets and use in a well-ventilated = area.

closet strategy. when you = change your closets over for a new season, put

the hangers on the rod backwards. when you wear an = item, turn the hangers the conventional way. at the end of the season = you can easily see what you haven’t worn and the items =

you need to evaluate for = culling.

power brush. if you = use an electric toothbrush and are like me you hate

throwing away those old, not so cheap but need-to-be = replaced toothbrush heads. hang onto them because i recently found a use = for them. the stones in my wedding rings tend to

get dull and dirty from everyday wear but now i just = place an old head on the toothbrush and spin the dirt away. once you = decide to replace the entire toothbrush hang on to

the old one to be used for deep down house cleaning in = smaller places such as baseboards, corners or between the knobs on your =

faucets.

visit the men’s department. buy mens toiletries = if you have a choice when

it comes = to unscented deodorant, shaving foam and hair colorings, for example. = products manufactured specifically for men are significantly cheaper = ounce for ounce than those

made for = women. go figure.

straight cut. = ladies: need only the bottom of your long hair trimmed a barber can cut = just as straight as a beautician. and the cost? typically, less than = half the salon

price.

heartbreak = in the dryer. melted-on crayon can be removed by first

applying wd-40 to the area, working it into the stain = with your fingers. once the wd-40 has begun to break down the petroleum = base of the crayon, apply

concentrated detergent to remove both the stain and = and the wd-40. put back into the washer and launder as usual. it works = like a charm.

suede spot remover. = most leather cleaning products caution that they should not be used on = suede. recently i managed to some kind of ugly gunk on the suede portion = of my

leather shoe. i grabbed the = folex carpet spot remover (my favorite for carpet spots) and an old = tooth brush and went to work on it. it worked fabulously to remove the = stain.

stains treated with folex = just don’t reappear either—in carpet or suede = shoes.

cucumbers. you know how the = expensive english cucumbers at the store are wrapped in plastic? the = guys at cooks illustrated tested wrapping regular uncut and cut = cucumbers in

plastic wrap. both work = and amazingly to allow you to keep any cucumber fresh for up to a = week!

by mary hunt

www.everydaycheapskate.com=

_________________________

To learn = more about me as a sight loss coach and more, visit

http://www.donnajodhan.com

On your next trip you could enrich your down time with = some of my audio mysteries. Take them with you wherever you = go!

In the car, on the plane, on the = bus or train, at the beach, anywhere!

Affordable, portable, (computer or i device) and you = could either purchase or Subscribe for unlimited access to my library at = www.donnajodhan.com/store.= html

and you can now take = advantage of our free downloads here.

If you enjoy = podcasts then check out my weekly one called take another 5! From = recipes to apps, and from mystery moment to tips for entrepreneur and = scam alerts!

Available for download = at http://www.donnajod= han.com/takeanother5.html

Follow me on = Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/donnajodhan= and at www.facebook.com/autho= rdonnajodhan

A review of the Home Sense = store

By Donna J. = Jodhan

Introduction:

This = store has done its very best to adhere to the Covid restrictions and the = layout of the store and its staff should be commended on a job well = done!

So how would I rate their services? With 1 being = the lowest and 5 being the highest, here are my = ratings.

Service desk assistance – = 5

Assistance for customers with = special needs – 5

Assistance on the = floor of the store – 5

Remarks = :

This is a very welcoming store and = things are made so easy when products are easy to find and staff are so = very helpful and more than willing to assist.

About = staff:

Knowledgeable about what they = sell.

Any suggestions?

Just keep up your wonderful work!

Contact = info:

Located at the Fairview mall in = North York Toronto.

To learn = more about me as a sight loss coach visit www.donnajodhan.com

Hello = everyone:

Each month I will be = responding to a question; chosen from a pool of some of the most = commonly asked ones that I have been asked over the years and continue = to be asked.

This month, I’d like to = answer the following question:=A0

Making your dinner table more = accessible

By Donna J. = Jodhan

Before you = say no or turn thumbs down on these suggestions; consider these = thoughts.

You can definitely increase = your revenue and reduce both your internal and external costs and here’s = how.

Take it from me!=A0 I have been an accessibility = awareness=A0 consultant and advisor since 1998 and I continue to help = companies to increase their revenues, reduce their costs, and reach = hidden consumer markets!

At this time = of the year, we need to ensure that everyone is kept happy at the dinner = table so that they can enjoy dining together.

The thing to = keep in mind when making your dinner table more accessible is = this!

A dinner table can refer to = instances such as dinner tables in the home, dinner tables at a = restaurant, and dinner tables wherever meals are shared by families and = friends.

So here are some tips to = make your dinner tables more accessible to everyone.

You need to = ensure that most dishes on your dinner table can be easily reached by = all diners.=A0

This could be = accomplished by avoiding clutter or by only having the minimal number of = dishes at each stage of the meal.

A = suggestion would be to have your dishes split into stages as = follows:

Group dishes by category = such as appetizers, entr=E9s, and desserts.

Serve soups = and salads in bowls and/or dishes that are easy to handle and those that = help to avoid spills.

Do the same for = dessert.

For entr=E9s, avoid serving meals in plates or bowls = that are too large.=A0

Do the same = for desserts.=A0

Ensure that = there is enough space on your dinner table to accommodate each guest.=A0 =

That is, that each person has enough = elbow room to sit comfortably and to maneuver their = dishes.

Ensure that cutlery is placed so that your guests can = easily find them without too much difficulty.

That is, that you don’t have too many cutlery pieces = on your table at any given time.

A = good suggestion would be to only have cutlery pieces for each stage as = dinner progresses.

Remember = now; access to your dinner table applies when your guests are being = served as well aswhen they are serving themselves at the = table.

Finally, be sure to have enough room for all = guests.=A0

Chairs should not be = crammed around your dinner table.

This is especially so for those who are in = wheelchairs, those with walkers, and those who are vision = impaired.

Sterling Creations

Straight from the Apple Vis January online newsletter

Helpful tips for February 2022 – a bit of this and a bit of that

A review of the Sage Store – bravo!

Planning meals for special needs persons – a rapidly growing market

Straight from the December Apple Viz online newsletter

Helpful tips for January 2022 – read more and keep informed

A review of the Home Sense Store – Bravo

Making your dinner table more accessible – great during this pandemic

From the November Apple Viz online newsletter – follow the latest

Helpful tips for December – important info

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