The new look for 2025
Welcome to our new look monthly tips where we are pleased to share a plethora of tricks and tips that are relevant to such things as technology, travel, managing your daily life, and much more.
So just come aboard, sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy!
If you wish to contact us then please do not hesitate to write to us at info@sterlingcreations.ca and we promise to respond within 2 business days as long as technology allows us to do so.
Give us your feedback, comments, suggestions, and thoughts!
For it is only through you and with you that we are able to do this!
Table of contents –
1. From our 10 tips on technology series
2. From the pages of Donna’s travel diary
3. A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna’s did you know diary
4. From the scam watchers
5. Tips from Melanie Mama Peach
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From our 10 tips on technology series
Hello everyone:
Welcome to my 10 tip series where each month I’ll be sharing 10 tips on various pieces of technology.
This would include tips on popular screen readers, office software, and browsers.
If you have any suggestions on what you would like me to share then by all means! Write to me at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.
For this month:
10 tips for learning Chat GPT
10 Tips for Learning and Using ChatGPT Effectively
1.
Understand Its Capabilities and Limitations
• ChatGPT excels in generating text, answering questions, brainstorming ideas, and simulating conversations. However, it may not have the most up-to-date information or deep subject-matter expertise. Use it as a tool to assist, not replace, critical thinking.
2.
Start with Clear Prompts
• Be specific about what you want. For example, instead of asking, “Explain something,” say, “Explain how photosynthesis works in plants in simple terms.”
3.
Experiment with Prompt Styles
• Test different ways to ask your questions. For instance, phrase your requests as questions, commands, or even storytelling prompts to see how the responses vary.
4.
Use Iterative Refinement
• If the first response isn’t what you expected, provide feedback or rephrase your question. For example, “Can you clarify?” or “Add more details about X.”
5.
Learn How to Use Role-Playing
• Ask ChatGPT to take on a specific role. For instance, “Act as a math tutor” or “Pretend you’re a historian,” to get tailored responses in specialized areas.
6.
Set a Tone and Context
• Specify the tone or format you need. For instance, “Write a formal email” or “Explain this concept in a fun and informal way.”
7.
Ask for Summaries or Simplifications
• Use ChatGPT to break down complex topics. For example, “Explain quantum physics in a way a 10-year-old would understand.”
8.
Explore Its Creative Side
• Request stories, poems, or ideas. For example, “Write a short story about a robot discovering emotions” or “Suggest ideas for a birthday party.”
9.
Check and Verify Information
• While ChatGPT can provide useful insights, it may generate incorrect or outdated information. Always cross-check facts with reliable sources.
10.
Practice Regularly and Build Complex Scenarios
• Regular use helps you understand how to better interact with ChatGPT. Challenge it with complex scenarios or tasks, such as drafting multi-step projects, planning events, or simulating debates.
By experimenting with these tips, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how to leverage ChatGPT to its full potential.
To contact me please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca
I’m Donna J. Jodhan (sight loss coach and accessibility advisor)
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Important tips from the travel table
From the pages of Donna’s diary
What makes for an accessible kiosk at the airport
Having an accessible kiosk at the airport is really important and I am referring to the check in kiosks.
I will say that some check in kiosks are more accessible and usable than others.
So here are some suggestions from me.
* The kiosks need to be accessible and usable meaning that it is easy to access.
It is easy to find and is located in a suitable spot.
* The keypad is easy to use and have distinguishing markings on the keys.
* There are accessible equivalents for a touch screen.
* the audible features are clear and easy to understand and listen to.
* Those with hard of hearing challenges can use the kiosk that are equipped with captioning.
* For those in wheelchairs, they can reach the keypads and touch screen easily and comfortably.
* that if assistance is required, there are agents close by to help.
This is a good start.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan enjoying my travels.
To learn more about me as a sight loss coach and author 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!
And now you can listen to Donna’s weekly podcasts!
Ask donna – a plethora of tips from a sight loss coach along with book and product reviews!
Dining with donna – recipes and time saving tips for the kitchen!
Your mental stretch with Donna – how to recharge, renew, and get going! Save yourself from those dramas, traumas, and stress!
Visit www.donnajodhan.com/youtube
and subscribe for free
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
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A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna’s did you know diary
June 2025
A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna’s did you know diary
Award winning sight loss coach, author and advocate
You can contact me via email at donnajodhan@gmail.com
Practical and natural!
Welcome to my Donna’s did you know diary for this month and pleased to share the following with you.
Here’s what I learned for this month.
1)To make sure that your food warms evenly in your microwave:
Spread out your food on your plate, dish, or bowl before warming.
2) When unplugging our device:
Make sure to grab the part that is closest to the I device.
Do not pull out by the chord.
3) And what exactly is Kale?
Well! Kale is a type of cabbage but it tastes a lot more delicious.
4) What exactly is pork belly?
And o yes! Pork belly is sliced bacon.
When you bake it the skin on it turns to crackling!
5) What’s this about your video doorbell?
According to the experts, criminals now have the ability to infiltrate your doorbell
And they can monitor your daily routine.
Who comes and who goes.
This means that you need to ensure that your video doorbell is able to thwart those infiltrators.
6) And here are some tips on fishing for you!
For the average person out for a fishing trip, casting their line into the water doesn’t mean there will be a successful catch.
We can follow the fishing rules of having a sinker attached to make the hook go deep;
being quiet;
threading the worm on the hook completely
and not to throw things in the water that would disturb the fish.
7) If you want to get the most accurate reading from your bathroom scale then?
Place the scale on a bare floor and not on the carpet.
If you place it on the carpet then the scale shows a lower reading.
8) Sitting in a window seat on a plane?
You are exposed to more sun rays.
9) Keep these indicators in mind the next time you think you may be having a heart attack.
First, you are sweating.
Second, you are having chest pains.
Third you are Nauseous.
10) Having problems cleaning your eye lashes?
Gently wash with some baby shampoo!
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From the scam watchers
Donna J. Jodhan is a world renowned advocate, author, blogger, sight loss coach, dinner mystery writer and producer, entrepreneur, law graduate, and podcast commentator.
Donna has been in the business since 2000 and her many roles have allowed her to recognize that there is a growing need for consumers and clients to be made aware of some of the most dangerous and popular scams.
Donna herself has been unwittingly scammed over the years a few times and now she is using her skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise to help others avoid pitfalls and heartache.
And as a vision impaired professional and person she is ready to help you stay ahead!
Donna knows only too well how much we all need to work overtime to protect the most vulnerable from those unscrupulous scammers!
Please read her latest suite of scams and she would love to hear from you with your own feedback.
Scams can happen year-round, but certain types may peak in June due to seasonal activities, events, and trends. Here are three common scams to watch out for during this time:
1. Vacation and Travel Scams
• Why in June? Summer vacations often start in June, and many people book last-minute trips.
• How it works: Scammers set up fake travel websites or listings for vacation rentals, promising great deals or luxury accommodations. Victims may pay upfront only to find the listing doesn’t exist, or it’s vastly different from what was advertised.
• Red Flags:
• Deals that are too good to be true.
• Pressure to book immediately.
• Requests for payment via untraceable methods like wire transfers or gift cards.
2. Summer Job Scams
• Why in June? Students and seasonal workers often search for summer jobs during this time.
• How it works: Scammers post fake job listings offering high pay for minimal work. Victims might be asked to pay fees upfront for training, equipment, or background checks. In some cases, they may receive counterfeit checks as part of an overpayment scam.
• Red Flags:
• Requests for upfront payments.
• Vague job descriptions or unrealistic promises (e.g., earn $1,000/day from home).
• No verifiable contact information for the company.
3. Festival or Event Ticket Scams
• Why in June? June marks the start of festival and concert season, with many high-profile events taking place.
• How it works: Scammers sell counterfeit tickets or claim to have tickets for sold-out events. Victims send money and either receive fake tickets or nothing at all.
• Red Flags:
• Tickets being sold on unofficial websites or social media.
• Prices that are significantly lower or higher than face value.
• Requests for payment through non-secure methods like peer-to-peer payment apps.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Research: Verify travel agencies, job offers, and ticket sellers by checking reviews and official sources.
• Payment Safety: Use secure payment methods like credit cards that offer fraud protection.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, it likely is.
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Tips from Melanie Mama Peach
A GUIDE TO SAUSAGE
The selection of sausages is so varied today it is helpful to have a basic understanding of the main kinds.
Fresh sausage is made from uncooked fresh meat, mainly pork, chicken and turkey, and occasionally beef–or even fish. Fresh sausage is perishable; refrigerate it promptly and use within a few days. (Or freeze it.) Cook thoroughly before eating.
Uncooked smoked sausage is much like fresh sausage, but the meats used have been cured and smoking gives it a characteristic flavor and color. Treat as fresh sausage.
Cooked sausage is prepared primarily from fresh, uncured meat (occasionally cured meat is used). If smoking is part of the flavoring process, the smoking takes place after the cooking process is completed. Cooked sausage is ready to serve and may be served cold or quickly grilled or fried for extra flavor.
Cooked smoked sausage, again, is prepared from uncooked meat, smoked and cooked fully. Although refrigeration is essential, any frying, grilling or heating may be short, since the sausage has been fully cooked.
Dry and semi-dry sausages are cured and dried. Dry sausages may be smoked or not; they are ready to eat. Most hard, dry sausages are air-dried from one to six months, during which time 30 to 40 percent of the moisture is lost, the texture firms or hardens, and the flavor intensifies. Certain salamis are cooked, then air-dried for a much shorter period; these belong to the cooked sausage group and must be refrigerated. Semi-dry sausages are cooked while in the smokehouse, but dried far less than the hard-dry kind. They have a softer texture and are ready to eat.
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Contact info:
Visit our websites at www.sterlingcreations.ca
www.donnajodhan.com
www.sterlingcreations.com
Email us at info@sterlingcreations.ca
Or call us at 416 491-7711
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