Create Your Own Newspaper
By Richard Sherman
Q. I’m a news junkie and though many sites permit me to customize the type of news I want, I was wondering if there is any way to pull together news from various sources so I can just go to one place and see my favorite news items?
A. One of the oldest news sites on the Web is one that does permit you to do that in a clever way, and for free. The site is called CRAYON (www.crayon.net). The name is an acronym derived from Create Your Own Newspaper. After registering on the site, go to <Your Paper’s Settings> where you can name your publication, give it a motto, select the page layout, graphics, and then select your news sources from a vast array of publications, news media, by topic or other criteria. Once you’ve made and saved all your selections, log-in and click <Read My Paper.> It will be assembled and presented to you faster than you can holler, “Extry! Extry! Read all about it!” If you’re a news junkie, be sure to check out www.newser.com, also.
Q. When I click <View Details> in a folder, is there any way I can keep that view so I don’t have to re-select the Details view again with the next folder?
A. Theoretically, Windows will remember the View selected for each folder and will display it the same way each time the folder is opened. The operative word in the previous sentence is “theoretically.” Sometimes Windows remembers, sometimes Windows doesn’t. I can relate.
You can encourage Windows to remember your View settings by first configuring a folder the way you want it to appear. Then, go to the Control Panel <Folder Options View> tab. For versions of Windows prior to XP, look at the list of options in the Advanced Settings section and locate <Remember each folder’s view Settings.> Click to place a check mark in front of this option, then click <Apply > <OK> to save and exit. XP users, click the <Apply to All Folders> button, followed by <Apply > <OK.>
Vista users, go to the Control Panel <Appearance and Personalization > <Folder Options View> tab and click the <Apply to Folders> button. A less click-intensive method with Vista is to click the <Start> button and in the <Start Search> field, type “Folder Options.” Click <Folder Options> when it appears as a search result and you’ll be transported to the Folder Options dialog box.
Q. I’m divorced, but my married name appears in the “From:” field of e-mail that I send using Outlook. I can’t figure out how to change the name people see when I send messages. Can you help, Mr. M?
A. You can easily change the name that identifies you as the sender. The process is the same for both Outlook and Outlook Express: Click Tools <Accounts Mail> tab. If you have more than one e-mail address, you will see them displayed in a list. If you only have one, it will be the only one displayed. (When it comes to stating the obvious, you can count on Mr. Modem.)
Click to select the account you want to change, then click the <Properties> button. The current name displayed on your e-mail will appear in the “Name:” field, which you can edit to reflect your new name -- or old name, as the case may be. When you’re finished, click <Apply > <OK> to save your changes.
Mr. Modem’s DME (Don’t Miss ‘Em) Sites of the Month
The American Roadside
This site is bumper-to-bumper full of entertaining roadside attractions, interesting destinations along scenic routes, and wonderful old “meat-loaf-and-taters” diners. Read articles, view the photo gallery, or buy books, t-shirts, and other American Roadside paraphernalia, all destined to end up in your junk drawer.
About Big Numbers
Have you ever wondered how big an octovigintillion is? How about a tredecillion, or a quattuordecillion, or a million-jillion, or perhaps a penicillin? There are so many big numbers here that you’ll have a splitting headache in no time.
Brain Training
BrainMetrix advises us that when it comes to our neurons, “use ‘em or lose ‘em.” To help keep the ol’ brain cells stimulated, BrainMetrix provides an assortment of cerebral games and exercises that will keep our minds sharp for … for… well, perhaps it’s too late for me, but hopefully it won’t be for you. Give your gray matter a vigorous workout by participating in any of a number of these mind-training exercises.
*
Mr. Modem’s weekly newsletter delivers helpful computer tips, great Web sites and his personal answers to your questions! Trial offer: Subscribe online using Promo Code 1146 and receive one free month with your 6-month subscription (28 issues!) To view a sample issue or subscribe, visit www.MrModem.com.