Hello, my ICUFR friends!

As I sit here in London on Sunday afternoon, cursing the rain which has been pouring down all morning, I am mindful of the dreadful fires that have been raging in Southern California, where the rain I am bemoaning would be most welcome. We have heard this week of two Rotarian friends who have lost their homes and all their possessions, but are safe. I can’t imagine what that must be like. I am sure all our thoughts and prayers are with all who have suffered loss, whether or not they are part of the Rotary Family.

All around there are Rotarians eager to help, both with finance, accommodation and support of all kinds. I know that the RI website has up-to-date information for a centralised fund managed by the San Diego Foundation, should you wish to help.

The last time the fires raged through that region, ICUFR set up its own collection and the money was distributed quickly to twelve Rotarians by Carl. (I know of two Rotarians in my own District who have lost their homes, but undoubtedly the number will rise, as there are 6 other Districts involved that I haven’t heard from yet. Editor)

On a happier note, the Board has been working hard over the past couple of months to find a way of offering more incentives to our paid up members. Carl will report on the results and I hope members will appreciate what we hope will be acceptable.

We are looking ahead to two important events for 2008. First of all the RI Convention in LA. We shall be looking for help in the House of Friendship at the ICUFR booth. If you will be there and would like to spend an hour greeting visitors to the booth and generally enjoying the fellowship do let us know. It’s not an onerous task and you get to meet a lot more interesting people.

The second event is the ICUFR Conference usually held in the fall ­ September/October time. Please read Carl’s request and if you feel like hosting one of these conferences, either next year or further ahead, again let Carl know.

November is Foundation Month. What is your club doing this month to highlight this, our own Charity? If you have been working on a special project, obtaining a matching grant, or something else related to the Foundation programmes then why not tell everyone about it in the next ICUFR newsletter?

Stella

Dear ICUFR Members,

There are several items of importance this month.

I. The board has approved the continuation of the Members Only section in the website, in the belief that if the members are willing to pay dues, then we owe them some special privileges. There are additional items that are now included, and following is the list:

1. Database. You will be able to access and maintain your own personal information in a database that will be protected and secure. You will be able to find other members based on their geography. But personal information will be hidden, and only you will be able to change your own information.

2. Tech Folder: We already have a Tech Folder, and all Tech articles or virus alerts are sent there.

3. Board Minutes: You all have a right to know what business transpires in the Board.

4. Annual Financial Report: Again You have a right to know what business transpires in the Board.

4. Annual Meeting report: Again You have a right to know what business transpires in the Board.

5. Newsletter. As of Jan. 1, 2008 only Paid up members will have access to the MO section in the website. The rest of the website will continue to be in the open for anyone. In the December newsletter we give you the information about your ID and PW. In the meantime, the ID is icufrer, and the PW is member2006

II. LAST CHANCE for Proposals for Conference?

1, We are soliciting bids to hold the 2008 ICUFR conference. Historically it is held on a Friday-Sunday schedule one weekend between mid September and mid-October.

2. Historically the conferences have drawn approximately 20-30 people, not including locals who might attend.

3. A bid should at least include "ranges: of possible costs for lodging and the use of a meeting venue.

4. The meeting venue should have access to the internet.

5. The bidders vision on potential guest speakers (Computers, Internet, Website etc).

6. A short description of local amenities would assist the Board in reaching a decision on he location.

7. Also, a short narrative regarding transportation would be helpful as well, i.e, proximity to an airport with scheduled commercial service, rental cars, etc.

Bids should be forwarded to me at ccardey@verizon.net by November 15th 2007. All bids will be considered as part of the December 2007 regular Board meeting and an announcement made as soon as possible after the adjournment of the Board meeting.

(Traditionally since the majority of our membership is in the USA and Western Europe, we have held the conferences in the USA, Canada or UK, so we will probably stay within the same region. HOWEVER, there is NO reason why there cannot be an additional conference in the Far East, Oceana, Australia/New Zealand.... if the expenses are covered by the members attending.)

III. The FAMILY FILE SERVER article is by one of our experts, Roger Siddle, which he compiled from his presentation at our conference this year. If you have a family with several desktops and/or laptops, some of which may be older, only one broadband or modem connection, and everyone is always arguing over access time, then this article is for you. Roger explains that it is not difficult to set up a server in one computer, and network the rest of them.

The Table of Contents is:

1. An introduction, setting out why you may want a 'Family File Server' and indicating how this can be simplified.

2. The installation of the server software,

3. Setting up file sharing for a Windows network and backing up the server.

4. Installing a server to stream your CD's and internet radio around the house.

If any of you use the notes to set up a server, email me as to how it goes, and/or any details of problems or misunderstandings encountered, so I can let Roger know. ccardey@verizon.net. It will not show in the newsletter itself, so to see it, on the Table of Contents, be sure you check/open the link

How to set up a family network even with all your older computers & laptops

IV. INVOCATIONS. Notice this new section. We already have an Invocation section in the website, but it has been unchanged for some time, until Rod noticed and sent me a new one to add. I do get a lot of requests for ecumenical non-denominational prayers, so with his addition, please send me any new prayers that you use, and we will have an Invocation of the Month section starting with Rod's, and archive them in the Invocation folder.

As always, This is your newsletter and Fellowship. The more you send me, but better it will be.

Yours in ICUFR & Rotary Service,

Carl P Cardey

Editor & Director

Concerns about the fires raging in southern California have dominated the Friends and Fun section. Click here to be taken directly to the site.

The fires in the San Diego area have once again proved the support of the ICUFR. Carl Cardey has served as a clearing house for Galen Coffman who has a son in the area, Bob Collins and also Mel Fabrikant who has a granddaughter that just moved out there. Carl has provided us with live descriptions and has kept us up to date. He even provided a site map that is current.

Stella mentioned that Art McCullough of ROTI has lost all his possessions and is living temporarily at a time share. Once again, Carl is checking around all the Districts into the plight of not only Art, but all Rotarians who have suffered from the blaze.

Galen Coffman has a son in California, I have a granddaughter there and Carl is handling the requests for information. He has listed the way to Google the sites even though the normal channel claims it is not in their scope. Bob Collins has also been concerned even though he and Galen are discussing Bob's impending visit to Hawaii.

Under the ICUFR format, the discussions for the 2008 site have taken off. Ken Scheffel kicked it off, Stella, Sally, Bob Collins and Dave have been batting around the requisites for a site. We backed off on an immediate deadline to allow the proposals to come forth, and are still accepting proposals for the ICUFR annual conference. Bob Collins (Omaha, NE), Marlene Mackesy (Chattanooga, TN), and Sally Platt (Atlanta, GA) are interested.

Are their any other proposals? Easy air access and Late September or early October after the international air fares have dropped.

Contact Carl Cardey this is vital since the host will have to set everything up, and that will take a lot of effort and time.

1. Arrange Favorites Alphabetically

You have a LOT of Favorites now, and they are all mixed up and hard to find? Just alphabetize them by name: Click on Favorites, then Right Click the first name at the top of the list, drop-down to the bottom and select "Sort By Name".

Thanks to Smart Computing, November Pg. 37

2. Basic Rules for a Strong Password

Use at least "eight characters in your PWs, which need to include numbers, letters, [and] uppercase letters, with symbols." Standard symbols are: ! @ # $ % ^ & *. Alternate between capital and lower case. Change periodically.

Thanks to Smart Computing, November Pg. 36

3. Twist & Turn your LCD

24" LCD.

Dreaming of an awesome new monitor for your home office or entertainment? Open your eyes and feast them upon our w2408 Vivid Color 24" Widescreen Flat-Panel Monitor. In addition to a its vast viewing area, this display provides a high-resolution picture, vibrant color, and flexible height adjustment.

You can view horizontally with two pages side by side, or twist to view in portrait mode and see longer pages, and the software automatically adjusts the screen orientation to accommodate the mode. $570 @ www.hp.com

Thanks to Smart Computing, November pg. 7

4. Can't open an Office 2007 file?

Receive an attachment in the New MS Office format, and havent upgraded to Office 2007 yet? This is an article over two pages long so I can't copy it all. It's in the November Smart Computing pg. 11-13. I'll give you this much to get you started. You will need to DL la MS Office Compatibility Pack from support.microsoft.com which will let you open and read the Office Open XML docs. BUT, FIRST you have to have a variety of updates installed before you install the Compatibility Pack.

If you have Office 2003 then type KB923097 in the Search Support (KB) field. If you find you way through this first one, I will at least give you others to follow: KB923272; for Excel 2003 - KB923088; for Word 2003 - KB923094; PowerPoint 2003 - KB923091; Excel 2002 - KB918420; PowerPoint 2002 - KB917153; Word 2002 - KB917347.

Office 2000 does NOT need any special updates before you install the MS Office Compatibility Pack. If this doesn't make sense to you then go get your expert>G<.

Thanks to Smart Computing, November Pg. 11-13

5. A Washable Keyboard

In situations where germs, bacteria, and other nasty little critters that carry some danger to our health, a keyboard is often called a "bacterial cafeteria".

There is now a waterproof, washable keyboard made by Seal Shield at www.sealshield.com. They have many possibilities from $39.99 to $119.99 and some promotional programs as well.

There is a Seal Shield Infection Control Desktop Combo Kit for $99.99 which contains a dishwasher-safe medical grade keyboard; a washable medical-grade mouse; and a washable medical-grade antibacterial mouse pad.

Smart Computing, November Pg. 18

6. Home Computer Makeover. XP

A. Cleanup:

Is your desktop getting crowded with an increasing mess of icons. Use the MS WinXP's Desktop Cleanup Wizard to reduce and organize that clutter. To run the Wizard, right click a bare place on the desktop>Properties>Desktop tab>CustomizeDesktop button and finally the Clean Desktop Now button. You can then see what is on the Desktop. Any shortcuts with the check will be moved into a single folder on the desktop call Unused Desktop Shortcuts, where you can see and use them anytime. To keep the shortcut ON the desktop, remove the check from the box.

B. Spruce Up:

MS has PowerToys for Windows XP, a collection of individual utilities that you can DL from snipurl.com/1q1jw (one, not and L).

1. MS ClearType Tuner: Scan down to find it, and it is designed to enhance the way fonts are rendered in Windows. You'll see a Turn On ClearType check box with a paragraph of sample text below it. Click the box, then click the Start Wizard button and work your way through.

2. Tweak UI: The granddaddy of the PowerToys. There are two on the right side and be sure you don't use the second link down, which is for systems using Intel's Itanium processor.

Thanks to Smart Computing, November Pg. 28-29

7. Block Pop-ups in IE6 & IE7

"With the browser window open, click Tools>Internet Options>Privacy tab. Locate the Pop-up Blocker feature and select the Block Pop-ups checkbox (labeled Turn On Pop-up Blocker in IE7). Click Apply and OK to save any changes. Close the browser and reopen
and they should now be blocked. Also some security software does include blocking features."

Thanks to Smart Computing, November Pg. 75

8. Want to Upgrade to Windows VISTA?

Here are the recommended requirements for the Home Premium/Business/Ultimate Editions: 1GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor; 1GB of system memory; a 40GB hard drive with at least 15GB of available space; support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, at least 128MB of graphics memory, Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware, and 32 bits per pixel; a DVD-ROM drive; audio output; and Internet access. Before trying to install Vista (or even buying it!), check out possible problems with the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor utility, available free to download at Microsoft.com.

If you are buying a new computer, make sure it has "windows Vista Capable" designation logo.

Thanks to Smart Computing, November Pg. 80

9. Activate MSWVista.

IF you don't activate Vista before the 30-day activation period is over, you won't be able to save changes to files or create new files. The easiest way to do it is online. Click Start>Computer>System Properties> and then "Click Here To Activate Windows Now link". To check the status click Start>Control Panel>System And Maintenance>System. Under the Windows Activation section, and you should see the current Windows Vista Activation Status listed.

Thanks to Smart Computing, November pg. 11

10. Prevent Backup Woes

The Vista backup program uses a different file format than does the comparable program in WinXP, so you may have difficulty trying to restore the XP files after you have upgraded to Vista. SM advises "consider backing up your files using a third-party imaging tool such as Norton Ghost ($69l95; www.symantec.com) before you install Vista. (Personally I use Image for Windows $38.94; http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/imagew.html)

Thanks to Smart Computing, November Pg. 81

11. Vista "Windows Easy Transfer" Wizard for files and settings.

When you are ready to make the move to Vista, Windows Easy Transfer supports a number of ways to connect the two PCs to actually move the data:
Easy Transfer Cable (more info below)
Home or small business network
Removable or external hard drive
Writable CD or DVD

Easy Transfer Cables

In the past, one of the most difficult parts about the transfer process has been connecting the two computers if you don't have a home network. Fortunately, we've worked with hardware partners to create a really cool new product called Easy Transfer Cables. These are specially designed to work together with Easy Transfer to move all your data in the easiest and fastest way possible.

They're USB 2.0 cables with a special chip that enables them to connect two PCs. (A standard USB cable cannot do this, even if the USB connectors fit). The cable will come with a CD which has the Easy Transfer software on it -- you just install it on your Windows XP-based PC and then plug the cable into both PCs. That's it! The Easy Transfer wizard will popup automatically on both PCs and you can begin transferring right away.

These cables are being manufactured worldwide by a number of partners, including Belkin International, Vivanco Group AG and Bafo Technologies. They will be sold at retail stores, online retailers and from PC manufacturers. Look for the Certified for Windows Vista or Works with Windows Vista logo to know that the cable is supported.

Windows Easy Transfer Companion (Beta)

Although the standard Easy Transfer wizard does not move installed programs, this is a very important capability that's been requested by our customers. Because of this we have been working on a new tool called Easy Transfer Companion, which will transfer programs and program settings from a Windows XP-based PC to a Windows Vista-based PC. When used together with Easy Transfer, you will be able to move everything you need to your new PC running Windows Vista.

When ready to make these changes, it is too long for this NL, so to read the rest of the instructions, you should go to the Microsoft website.

Thanks to Microsoft - Website

55. First Rotary Banner

August Janssen, Proprietor of The Hofbrau House, the first permanent location where luncheons of the New York club were held, presented the Club with the first Rotary banner in 1914. It was a gigantic size, navy blue background with a white Rotary wheel in the center. The banner was on display outside the Hofbrau House on meeting days.

56 Not All Plain Sailing

In 1978, Clem Renouf as RIPE had selected his President's theme of "Reach Out," and was searching for a major project for the coming year. Discussion with his predecessor, RIP W.Jack Davis who was in favour of inoculations against contagious diseases, led to the development of the 3H programme. He had to overcome stiff resistance to its acceptance from the Board of RI, as some Board members considered that it ran counter to Resolution 23-24, among other reasons. Without his persistence we should not have Polio Plus as a jewel in Rotary's crown.

57. Rotary and Illiteracy

Alleviation of mass illiteracy on a global scale is essential to the alleviation of health, hunger and other major world problems. The first large scale international Rotary literacy project was implemented in Thailand from 1987-92 and funded by the Rotary Foundation.

58. Rotary and UNESCO

During and after World War II, Rotarians became increasingly involved in promoting international understanding. A Rotary conference held in London in 1942 planted the seeds for the development of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO.

59. A War-Weary World

Rotary Conventions are traditionally held over four consecutive days. In 1945, for the first and only time, the Chicago Convention was held on one day over four consecutive week-ends. Attendance was a mere 141, the lowest since the first Convention in 1910.

60 Rotary Heard Around the World

At the Boston Convention on June 26, 1935, Paul Harris delivered a speech which was broadcast around the world. At that time, radio communication was primitive and many people did not own radios.

James writes a weekly bulletin for his club, Langley Park, and the thing that started him on this line of thought was his club board who felt that they wanted something that represented the club better.

He said:" Hence a look at the life of Paul Harris, about which the Brits know little or nothing, and another chance to evaluate him using the life skills I have acquired through my career."

"Whilst he is revered, few stop to think and ask the most basic of questions - and the answers to these questions is what made him the man he was and made Rotary develop the way it did."

"Whilst he may have founded Rotary, he would have been the first to acknowledge that Ches Perry was the builder, so good in fact that when he handed on the RI secretary job in 1942 things went without a hitch. But it was Paul Harris's humanity that inspired the soul of the movement, and it does no harm to have another look at the man and see just how human he was."