I have never tried to hide the fact that while I don’t shun technology, I am also not one to quickly embrace the latest gizmo that comes on the market. I’ve blogged in the past about “getting gadgetized” and how it’s not so much a fear of technology that holds me back but my impatience and a lack of time to devote to learning/installing what I need to put something new to use. Okay, if I’m going to be completely honest, I’m lazy, too. If I don’t think the benefits to me will outweigh the hassle (and expense) of adjusting to some new toy, I figure I don’t need it.

Lucky for me, I am prevented from remaining permanently in the Stone Age (or at least the VHS and cassette player age) by my loved ones. My husband, possessing what I have come to believe is an innate male trait, keeps our entertainment systems up to date . . . and thankfully knows how it all works. And my younger daughter has always been my go-to girl when I have any kind of computer question: “Jenny, how do I download the pictures from my camera to the computer? How do I delete these songs from my list? Show me again that thing you did in Excel.” She’s the one who handed me down her old iPod and introduced me to the iTunes store, too. She has long been well-acquainted with the various social networking sites, but I have no interest at present in joining one; a stance she seems to equally have no interest in changing (not surprising!). Just this past week, though, she nudged her dad and I into our latest techno adventure — Skypeing.

Both Jenny and big sister Sarah have webcams built into their computers, and after spending Easter weekend together and setting up their communications, they decided to get us in on the fun. Harry’s laptop also has a built-in camera, so after walking us through the free sign-up, Jenny had us hanging up our phone and chatting with her online, face-to-face, so to speak. For those of you who are uninitiated (and I doubt anyone reading this is), Skype allows you to make unlimited free calls over the Internet on computer, iPhone or PDAs. You can do so with or without the camera (we found we can teleconference with audio but not video–yet), but of course the whole point is to be able to see each other. With both girls in Chicago and us here in Oregon, it’s great to be able to see them in between our infrequent visits with each other. It means Jenny can show me the cute new top she bought instead of just describing it, and we will be able to show her live shots of our new home once we move in. I’m sure we will find lots of situations where we will be thankful for the ability to not just talk to each other but see each other, too — if for no other reason than the comfort of seeing that loving and familiar face.

Ain’t technology great?!

Patty Vanikiotis, proofreader

I woke up this morning to the sound of palm fronds rustling in the breeze and a view of the blue Pacific just beyond the red-tile roofs and white stucco of our resort complex. To think that less than 24 hours ago I was gazing upon slush-clogged streets and low, gray clouds! We arrived last night here after dark, and a chill wind was blowing at the time, so to wake up to this summery view and 60-degree temperatures makes it seem even more as if I have been dropped into some wonderful dream.

We are staying at the La Paloma Tennis Club and Resort complex where our time-share vacation plan has a number of condos. Located in Rosarito in northern Baja California, it is about 25 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border. While certainly not as trendy as Cabo San Lucas and likely not quite as warm, this place is a heavenly oasis after the past year of hustle and bustle I’ve experienced. We have several pools and hot tubs to choose from, tennis courts, sauna, spa facilities, FREE WiFi in our apartment, a gym and beautifully landscaped grounds.  For me, though, the best thing about this place is our west-facing balcony, giving me a quiet, sheltered, sunny spot from which to gaze out on the ocean and read (or not). Shortly, I will be watching the sun set and enjoying the fact that I don’t have to do anything or be anywhere by any particular time–for a whole week.

I have decided that I will not even consider any New Year’s resolutions until after we return north next weekend. In the meantime, I have made a few vacation resolutions: I will not put on make-up unless we go out to dinner (or unless my husband or daughter refuse to be seen with me, but they’re not likely to make a fuss–if they know what’s good for them!); I will read at least two books (GT’s editor in chief Lisa Matte and associate editor Jan Hecht gave me some great recommendations which found their way onto my Christmas list and under the tree); I will eat whatever I want whenever I want without thinking (too much) about the consequences; I will try to learn and use at least three new Spanish words or phrases a day; and beyond booking a massage and a facial, I will not schedule my days with places to go or things to do, but I will definitely, maybe, get out and do something each day–if I feel like it.

Now excuse me, but the sunset is not going to wait.

Patty Vanikiotis, proofreader

Many times you hear of the passing of someone when it is too late to pay your respects. Or perhaps distance, schedules or other circumstances prevent you from attending a service even if you do find out in a timely manner. I recently discovered a company which addresses these delicate issues surrounding the passing of anyone in your life.

Legacy.com is an online media company which provides a forum for people to share memories and express their condolences. Legacy works with over 650 newspapers in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia.

Legacy provides a place to post an obituary, sign a guestbook and create a memorial Web site. Legacy also offers other related services such as searchable obits, death notices and family histories.

In the business world, we might have hundreds of connections. I might not be able to fly across the country to attend a memorial service, but I certainly like the opportunity to leave behind some lasting thoughts on the dearly departed.

It isn’t just limited to the business world, though. According to Production Manager Jason Farber, “We frequently hear from families who are glad they have a place to go to connect with family and friends during this difficult time; from across the country or from another country entirely.”

When a card or flowers simply do not express enough, Legacy provides several options which allow you to express your feelings. “People often use our Guest Books to share  their thoughts and condolences when distance prevents them from attending the funeral of a loved one,” Farber explained.

There is also the possiblility that you don’t know the person; however, that person made some impact on your life. Perhaps an athlete or poet. Legacy provides you with an outlet for your thoughts. Despite not knowing you, the grieving family can take some comfort in your words and those of others like you.

An ad campaign once stated, “It’s the next-best thing to being there.” That’s exactly what Legacy is.

 John Wroblewski, distribution specialist

Have you ever heard the phrase “Don’t believe everything you read”? Well, the Internet has made this phrase even more important than ever. Wikipedia had their problems several years ago when Jay Leno made them a laughingstock by going online during his show and editing the definition of elephants. Leno altered the definition to claim that elephants roamed wild throughout North America. Wikipedia has since locked access to many of their sections to prevent this.

I received an email from a friend touting the fascism of Sarah Palin this weekend. He sent a list of books that Sarah has ’supposedly’ banned while she was mayor of Wasilla, Alaska. I looked at the list of books and was shocked, and then I noticed that all the Harry Potter books were on the list. This struck me as odd and so I googled “Sarah Palin banned books.” I found out this was a hoax. When Sarah Palin supposedly banned these books in 1996, none of the Harry Potter books had been published. But, of course, this Internet lie was circulating and some people will take this as Gospel and never believe anything else.

There is something to be said about electronic media having a “bricks and mortar” base. About seven years ago I was a guest speaker at The Leading Hotels of the World management conference, and I spoke about the Internet and my newsletter. There were so many websites and newsletters floating around the Internet touting travel, and many were written by disgruntled travelers or travel writers. My point was that a travel Internet site, backed with bricks and mortar, makes for a more reputable read.

As a publisher of two newsletters, eFlyer USA (celebrating its five-year run in December) and eFlyer Asia (launching this week), I find our way of producing and writing even more refreshing.

-Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO

Last week I saw a story about some private colleges and the University of Maryland this year handing out “free” iPhones or iPod Touch devices to some of their students (any parent who has ever written a tuition check understands that the concept of “free” and anything related to their child’s education is dubious, at best).

 Spokesmen for the schools explained the move, stating that, among other things, it would allow for improved security (in the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy) by allowing for a quick and accurate way to reach students with vital information. The technology was also being touted for its ability to help students maintain contact with professors regarding assignments and grades, do research and respond to surveys. It has also been suggested by some that participating schools may simply be trying to elevate their images as “cool”, cutting-edge institutions.

In searching for details on the story, I learned that while the hardware may be given to the students, they must pay for the monthly service fees. Also, the University of Maryland at least is emphasizing that theirs is a pilot program designed to answer specific questions about how both professors and students can integrate the new technology into the classroom, as well as enhancing safety and time management.

Nevertheless, there are concerns for misuse of the phones and the distractions they will cause. It doesn’t seem so long ago that we were hearing about colleges handing out PCs to incoming freshmen, and what a novel and even extreme move that seemed to be. I would imagine that, given a few years, we will wonder what all of the fuss over this latest issue was all about. Professors will still need to be engaging and informative in the lecture hall (if not, students have ALWAYS found ways to be distracted). Students who allow themselves to play games or text their friends instead of attending to their studies are the same ones who, 10 or 20 or 50 years ago, would have found some other way to goof off. And, finally, the “outside” world and its latest technologies and demands will be there waiting when the student leaves school and has to work in and survive that environment, whether they’ve been held at bay outside the ivy-covered walls or not. Better that those tools be invited in, studied and put to creative, positive uses than treated as a threat to the educational process.

Patty Vanikiotis, proofreader