Kenja's Newsletter & Updates

Volume 1/ Edition 13

December 26, 1999

Hello everybody

Welcome to latest edition of Kenja's Newsletter & Updates (the last one for this Millennium *smile*). Hope you all had a great Christmas Holiday. This should have been the 13th Edition, but I hate to end the year on anything that is called 13... call me superstitious. So instead, I have decided to start Volume 2, even though it is a couple of days ahead of the new year.

Site Related News:

By accident I ran across a website called Hotbar, and that in turn gave me an idea for a new section for my own website. The Hotbar technology offers free skins for Windows with Internet Explorer 4 or 5 users (sorry not for Netscape users). Hotbar lets you dress up your Internet Explorer toolbar with some really neat looking pictures.
I liked the concept and ease of installation/change of skins so much, that I decided to offer some very original skins of my own. So far I have created 25 skins (6 Christmas, 2 Valentine, 2 Native American, 4 Teddy Bears, and 11 Miscellaneous), which can be found at Kenja's Hotbar Skinz. Feel free to let me know how you like the new section with the skins.

Now to another topic... I know people have been waiting a long time for some new stationery that is also compatible with IE/OE 5. I finally added 23 new Stationery to the cat section, called Cats 1. All Stationery in that section are both for IE/OE 4 and 5 users. Clicking on the pre-view pictures will result in downloading the IE/OE 4 version and clicking on the link below the pre-view picture in downloading the IE/OE 5 versions. I will try and add more as time permits.

* NOTE* I use Zip Magic to compress and turn Stationery and/or Desktop Theme files into EXE format. If you ever get a password prompt during installation... ignore it and proceed. They are not password protected!
For more installation help visit either the Stationery Help or the Theme Help sections.

Two new Desktop Themes were added to the following categories:

African Waterhole is a new addition to the Animal section. This theme features one of my original wallpaper created entirely in PSP 6 with various brushes, tubes and filters for 800x600 screen settings, African & animal wave sounds for all Window events, set of my original icons, set of cursors (2 animated), a set of my original Logo SYS files and a free screensaver.
Stormy Nights is a new addition to the Fantasy section. This theme includes my original wallpaper, also made entirely with PSP 6 tubes, brushes and various effect filters for 800x600 screen settings, set of my original icons, set of cursors, ocean & music wave sounds for all Window events and a set of my original Logo SYS files (Start-up, Wait and Shutdown screens).

Don't forget to stop by the Native American Music Shop or Kenja's Gift Shop for some great Gift items to start your Christmas shopping with 20% discount over retail prices.

The Gift:

The Gift for this issue is a Stationery with scrolling background, a marquee with a special message and a midi. The graphic for the stationery was created with PSP 6.0 tubes, various brushes and filters for effect.
You may change the words of the marquee and/or the midi, if you know how. For more instructions on how to do this, refer to previous newsletters for tutorials on HTML and/or how to make Stationery!

If you use Outlook 2000 or Outlook 98 (upgrade for Outlook as part of Office 97) in conjunction with Internet Explorer 5.0, then you also need to install the OE 5 version and not the OE 4 version.

Please make note that the gifts are only for actual subscribers to this newsletter and not for visitors to the archive copies based on the net.

Y2K and Computer:

Many of us feel a bit uncertain of what will happen at the start of the new Millennium. Personally I am somewhat divided on the subject as far as the big "picture" goes. Though, I can honestly say that I did not jump on the band wagon as far as buying food, water or even weapons etc., to last me for the next 6 months or better. *smile*
I myself am more concerned about the small stuff like... will my computer and/or software still operate correctly the "Day After". Will the Internet and my websites still be there? Large companies are not the only ones who have the Y2K worry, small businesses or webmasters who depend on correct date displays for their files and work do as well.

You would think that large software companies like Microsoft would have had all their duckies lined up a long time ago... but surprisingly enough that is not the case! Here are a few tips, hints and free software that may help you check and prepare your computer and software for Y2K before the New Year.

BigFix (freeware | 2.04 MB) was something I found by accident, but it is extremely useful and user friendly (easy to use). If you ever used Windows Update, then you know how confusing that can be... they list software (lots of it) and chances are you may or may not need all of it. BigFix, once installed, will connect to several vital sites and list only what you really need on your computer. Sometimes it is a matter of settings and sometimes you have to download something, but it is made so easy that anyone can follow the directions... using this program is a breeze even for beginners... and ya can't beat the price!! *smile*
PC World Magazine is a well known and very popular computer magazine. A few days ago I found an article there that offered another free Y2K test utility for your computer, called Norton's Bio Test. This program will test your Bios and other aspects of your computers hardware for Y2K readiness. Since I unable to find the URL or the article for this program, I zipped up the exe file with an instructional Readme file... that way won't miss out and just download it from here. Unzip the file to a temporary location (i.e. desktop), read the instructions that come with it and follow directions. Very easy to use as well!
Phoenix PC Y2000 Test/Fix Tool is another free Utility that will test all of your installed software for Y2K readiness. If you run either Office 98, MS Word 97 or any version of Works, you are guaranteed an update. Many other programs like Zip Magic 98, Power Desk, Quick Clean (made by the Mijenix Company), just to name a few, also need updating. Updates and fixes are usually available at the software manufacturer's website. In most cases you can find the software manufacturer's URL by simply opening the software, go to "Help", and then "About".
CD Page offers information, tutorials on how-to, and so much more on all versions of CD ROMs, CD-RW (re-writeable), CD recorders, DVD-RW etc. This site is well laid out and easy enough written so that anyone can understand it. This is a must visit if you have a CD-RW of any sort. They also offer links to updated drivers and software etc.
WinDriver.Com is another site that has drivers for all kinds of hardware from printers to scanners to CD to... you name it, they have it. This site also offers Bulletin Boards, Trouble Shooting Guides, Tutorials, latest Utilities, Suggestion Guides, Installation Guides, and so much more. When you visit this site, make sure to bring plenty of time... you will be there a while. *smile*
Before buying hardware for your computer, check with Tom's Hardware Guide for Reviews and great descriptions. This site may actually save you some money in regards to that, you should always do some research before you buy!

Miscellaneous Utilities:

So here we are now with some smaller utilities that can save you time and energy and keep your machine running great.

IE 4 Tweakin' Tool 1.0b (freeware) is a great small tool for those of us still running Internet Explorer 4.x This tool lets you get rid of the "Favorites", "Documents" and "Log Off" features in your Start Menu, sort your favorites alphabetically, fix some minor details like restore the IE Globe, right click to open new window etc. Make sure to read the detailed instructions if you are running this program.
If you want to clean out cookies and/or hidden history files, use Spider (freeware). This nifty little program lets you get rid of all cookies and hidden URL's stored as files on your computer and restore space on your hard drive. Cookies store certain information about sites you visit, store passwords and member names. Please keep in mind if you delete all cookies, you will loose all saved member names and passwords as well. So only use this if you know for a fact that you will be able to remember member names and passwords!
Copernic 2000 is the ultimate freeware (advertising banner supported) search tool on the Internet today. Features include searches in multiple search engines, automatic updates, save old searches, verification of searches (will remove all unreachable or non existing URL's, which is probably the best feature), built in browser for results, choose between searching the Internet, or Usenet etc, and many more features. This program is free and is fairly easy to use.
Visit URL is another nifty little program (freeware) that lets you copy and paste URL's into a list (you may create different lists as well) with descriptions, and especially handy since it runs in your taskbar. If you run ICQ for instance, then you know that you can get URL's within a message, and sometimes just don't have the time to open the browser. In this case all you would have to do is copy the URL, open VisitURL and paste it in there for later use. This small utility is especially handy for me, as I always look for new URL's but hate to place them inside my favorites folder, unless I am sure that I want to keep them. The homepage for this program explains about all the different features that are included.

On the Lighter Side of Life -:)

I know this is a bit late, but thought you might enjoy this anyway... or in hind sight might even agree. *smile*

I know Santa Claus is a Woman

I hate to be the one to defy sacred myth, but I believe he's a she. Think about it. Christmas is a big, organized, warm, fuzzy, nurturing, social deal, and I have a tough time believing a guy could possibly pull it all off!

For starters, the vast majority of men don't even think about selecting gifts until Christmas Eve. Once at the mall, they always seem surprised to find only Ronco products, socket wrench sets, and mood rings left on the shelves. On this count alone, I'm convinced Santa is a woman. Surely, if he were a man, everyone in the universe would wake up Christmas morning to find a rotating musical Chia Pet under the tree, still in the bag.

Another problem for a he-Santa would be getting there. First of all, there would be no reindeer because they would all be dead, gutted and strapped on to the rear bumper of the sleigh amid wide-eyed, desperate claims that buck season had been extended. Blitzen's rack would already be on the way to the taxidermist.

Even if the male Santa DID have reindeer, he'd still have transportation problems because he would inevitably get lost up there in the snow and clouds and then refuse to stop and ask for directions.

Other reasons why Santa can't possibly be a man:
Men can't pack a bag.
Men would rather be dead than caught wearing red velvet.
Men would feel their masculinity is threatened having to be seen with all those elves.
Men don't answer their mail.
Men would refuse to allow their physique to be described, even in jest, as anything remotely resembling a "bowlful of jelly."
Men aren't interested in stockings unless somebody's wearing them.
Having to do the Ho Ho Ho thing would seriously inhibit their ability to pick up women.
Finally, being responsible for Christmas would require a commitment.

I can buy the idea that other mythical holiday characters are men: Father Time shows up once a year unshaven and looking ominous. Definite guy. Cupid flies around carrying weapons. Uncle Sam is a politician who likes to point fingers.

Any one of these individuals could pass the testosterone screening test. But not St. Nick. Not a chance.

Author: Unknown

The Finishing Touches:

I hope you enjoyed this edition of the newsletter, and found lots of useful information. Remember, the next newsletter will be published on or around December 10th. If you have any comments or suggestions, e-mail me at

webmaster@kenja.net

Subscribe/Unsubscribe:

You can subscribe and unsubscribe from my websites Kenja's Desktop Themes, Kenja's Theme Creations, Kenja's Stationery, or any other pages... just look for the Listbot boxes. Your e-mail address will never be sold and your privacy will be respected.

Share this newsletter with your friends and family or visit the website for current & previous Issues:
Kenja's Newsletter & Updates

Copyright © 1999-2001 Kenja's Newsletter & Updates ISSN: 1530-700X All Rights Reserved!
Content written & edited by A. Way aka Kenja. The opinions expressed herein are my own.
The reproduction and/or unauthorized use of any part(s) of this Newsletter, it's content, layout and/or graphics is strictly forbidden!

Quote of the Week * Friends will keep you sane, Love could fill your heart,A lover can warm your bed, But lonely is the soul without a mate. *
Author: David Pratt