So much going on that I had to add this post.

My goodness!  This is a long message.  The MOST time-sensitive items are the first two: if you want to get the free "My Audio Studio" application, you must download, install, and authorize it on EACH computer you want to run it on before 3am Friday morning.  Dale Atchison will schedule a free class on its use within the next month.  How can you lose?  If you have trouble installing, you should drop by Doc's Place on Friday morning (at the Resource Center) at 10am for a class on installing software properly.

I've included the agenda for Saturday afternoon's "New Media" SIG, and I also need volunteers for another WEDU trip on Thursday, August 6th.

Finally, I have four items that will be of interest to various TBCS members, their families, and their friends.  While I hesitate to use these messages for non-computer related items, some of these items will be very useful to some of our readership I assure you.

FREE (Today ONLY): My Audio Studio - application for recording, converting, editing, extracting, audio CD burning, and ripping applications to create your masterpiece.

Designed for audio industries, My Audio Studio is a digital audio facility dedicated to offering services of top quality and most cost-effective solutions to customers.  Whether it’s sound recording, audio conversion, video to audio extraction, or CD burning.  Features:

• Record audio from microphone, CD, video, and any audio you can hear from your PC.
• Convert audio files as you want, whether you need MP3 in pocket player or WMA for Web delivery.
• Visual editing and applying of effects help you with your master piece production.
• Video to audio extraction get all sound out from video of tons of formats.
• Ripping function brings every track in CDs to your professional productions.
• Use the burner to create your own audio CDs.

Download from here:
http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/my-audio-studio/

Doc's Place tomorrow morning 10-noon

Main topic: "Finding, Downloading, & Installing Software PROPERLY".  Here's where a lot of people have trouble.  If you are not careful, you can infect your computer.  I will show you how to find useful software and install it safely and successfully.

While I will attempt to broadcast live via UStream.tv, we've had lots of problems lately:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/doc's-place-live

New Media SIG on Saturday the 25th from 2-4pm

I'm going to teach how to properly write business and promotional emails.  "Everybody already knows how to write email," you say.  The mechanics are easy, but many, many emails are not EFFECTIVE.  There are strategies and methods that will improve your email response.  Wouldn't it be worth a little bit of your time to learn what you need to know?

We'll also take a look at MySpace and MeetUp.  Two more tools that we can use to increase our visibility.

While I will attempt to broadcast live via UStream.tv, we've had lots of problems lately:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/doc's-place-live

On Saturday, August 8th, I have a guest speaker, Steve Scott.  While it was June Hollister who made me aware of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and how important a tool it is, it has become ever more important to be aware of basic SEO principles because almost EVERYTHING is stored and indexed by the search engines today.  Steve is going to give us his primer on SEO that day.

Grants for Home Repairs Available to Seniors: Up to $20,000 Available

Seniors, now is the time to make home repairs.  Pinellas County’s Senior Grant Program provides funding for home improvements.  The money does not have to be paid back and may be used to repair a leaking roof, replace windows and doors, upgrade the electrical system, exterior painting, fencing and driveways. The money may also be used to construct a wheelchair ramp and more.

Qualifying, low income homeowners age 62 and older are eligible. Other restrictions may apply.  Additional grant funds up to $3,500 are available to make a home accessible to someone with a physical disability to make accessibility improvements.

Pinellas County also offers home improvement loans at a low interest rate of 2 percent and there is no application fee.  This special offer ends September 30, 2009.

For more information, contact Community Development at 727-464-8210 or visit the Community Development website:
http://www.pinellascounty.org/community/

Helpful Advice to Avoid Foreclosure When Your Lender Won't Work With You

A lot is happening in the current housing market with foreclosures, refinancing and government programs.  At times, it can be confusing.  Many people have started the foreclosure process with their lender and may need additional assistance about the process, including available resources.  The Department of Housing and Urban Development is an excellent resource and has helpful information on its website.  Residents who are working with a lender and need additional assistance are encouraged to visit:
http://www.hud.gov/foreclosure/workingwithlenders.cfm

"The information on this website is excellent for those with FHA, VA or conventional loans.  We are trying to help get information on sites like this to the public to keep them informed and we hope to help them keep their homes," said Karmen Lemberg, Pinellas County Community Development.  Information on this website is useful for those just starting the foreclosure process, too.

For more information, Call 727-464-8210 or visit:
www.pinellascounty.org/community

City of Clearwater Website: http://www.myclearwater.com

"Safeguard Our Seniors" Wed, July 29, 1pm, Gulfport Senior Center

Every day, hundreds of Floridians fall victim to financial fraud.  Many trusting seniors are misled by unscrupulous agents and scam artists into making risky or inappropriate financial investments such as annuities or reverse mortgages.  To help seniors be aware of these scams, Florida Chief Financial Officer, Alex Sink, launched the Safeguard Our Seniors initiative to inform older Floridians on services available to help them avoid financial fraud.

Find out more by joining us:
Gulfport Senior Center
5501 27th Avenue South
Gulfport, FL 33707

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Karen Bolin, 727-587-7280 (Please leave message if I’m unable to answer)

Presented by:
Department of Financial Services Division of Consumer Services
Division of Insurance Fraud
Gulfport Senior Center
City of Gulfport

For more information on Safeguard Our Seniors, please visit our website:
www.myfloridacfo.com