And I was still under the impression that FaceBook etc were a younger generational thing. This article shows just how much social media is influencing baby boomers.

For example;

That must include both beloved old friends who will remind you who you are, especially as you start forgetting, and new, younger friends who will keep you active and engaged. As a bonus, they’ll likely be around long after your older friends are gone.

“We’re moving into a period of interdependency. It’s very much a two-way street. We’re going to need friends, but they’re going to need us,” says Green, 61. “As we age we’re going to have to abandon the pride that has been part of baby boomers’ strength — our determination to handle things ourselves, to be in charge and not rely on anyone else.”

For the whole article click here.

I have had to move to a new hosting plan as my previous hosting site was sooo difficult to get around.
And after a lot of reading of reviews etc I have decided that, especially having a WP blog to go with HostGator.

They have 3 easy to understand plans and have been fantastic on their chat service. So anyone looking to have a hosting account check out HostGator.

I also buy my Domain Names here at GoDaddy.com

They are probably the most recognised name in this very competitive business.

In an attempt to increase rankings I have been looking at a few blog directories. I have been surprised at how many have the pay only option with a relative few allowing a free listing option.

I have just tried bloggapedia with the free listing option so am keen to see how it may help rankings.
So if you want a free listing head over to….

As I list with more I will post here.

I suppose this is good news for a tech challenged baby boomer like me. It will be even easier to find what we want online!

Google has sped up its internet search engine by launching a new product, Google Instant, that displays results as soon as users type in queries.
Googles ‘Instant’ Searches have happened. No more touching the enter key, you will now get results straight away. Watch out Microsoft.

“This is search at the speed of thought. It represents a quantum leap in search,” the company said.

Previously Google’s suggested search terms and did not reveal results until the “enter” key was hit or the “search” button was clicked.

Google Instant goes live in the next week and on mobile devices by autumn.

It will be rolled out in US on Wednesday and in the UK, Spain, Germany, France and Russia during the coming week.

Shell Art - Whats that?

That was the first question I asked a mate of mine when around at his place for a coffee one day. He showed me what his wife Bernice was doing and I was blown away. Particularly her shell mirrors. I went from sceptic to convert on the spot.

Well finally Bernice and her work are getting the recognition they deserve. Here is an extract from an Australia wide syndicated article last weekend.

Bernice Standen is perhaps the best-known Australian shell artist. Her latest exhibition, Venus Rising, is now on at My Island Home in Double Bay.

Standen’s work is available as mirrors, picture frames, hurricane lamps, crosses and larger bespoke pieces.
Prices range from $185 for small crosses made from barnacles and coral to several thousand for the largest mirrors. A large coral-and-shell mirror sold recently for $5800. Prices increase with the amount of coral used.

Born in South Africa, Standen trained in fashion and design with her mother Iris Dennis, who created wedding gowns for more than 30 years from her bridal boutiques in the Strand Arcade and Double Bay. Eight years ago, Standen moved to Noosa where, inspired by walks on the beach, she began her interest in shell art.

Initially doing it as a hobby, it soon grew into paid commissions from boutiques and interior designers. Standen applies the disciplines and techniques she mastered by hand-sewing intricate beadwork on gowns for her mother’s bridal boutiques.

Patience is essential. Every shell and piece of coral is hand chosen and individually glued into place. A large mirror frame can take a month to complete.

She points out that it is now illegal in many parts of Australia to remove natural materials from beaches. All coral used in her work is supplied by a licensed harvester who takes it from officially designated areas. Shells are also sourced from beaches where local legislation allows removal for commercial purposes.

Shell artists are notoriously secretive.

Bernices website is being revamped at the moment but I’ll get back and do an update when Grant has finished.