Let your heart warm your hands

from ThinkGeek

Being cold isn't fun. Vampires know this. That's one of the reasons they drink blood - to keep warm. Well, to celebrate the joys of being a vampire and to help keep your hands warm this winter, we bring you the perfectly named Heart Hand Warmer. But unlike most hand warmers, this one you can use over and over again. And, you don't have to pop it in the microwave to heat up.

The magic with the heart hand warmer is in the metal disc you see inside it. All you do is click the disc back and forth a few times and you'll see the clearish gel inside become opaque. As the opaqueness spreads, so does the heat! It's a crazy chemical reaction which we like to call AWESOME! Seriously, the pretty red gel is a supersaturated solution. Bending the disc starts an exothermic crystallization of the gel (i.e. it goes opaque and gets hot). And when it loses its warmth, all you have to do is wrap it in a towel and throw it into boiling water for about 15-20 minutes and the Heart Hand Warmer resets itself. Once it cools off from its boiling bath, it is ready to be used again. A great, fun way to keep your fingers warm this winter. Got a chilly butt? Then slip it in your back pocket. Just be careful when you sit down.

Dimensions: approx 3.75" wide

Added Bonus: You can pop the heart hand warmer in the fridge for a few hours and use it as a cooling pack too!

Cold mouse hand rantings every perspective

COLD HANDS
By LISA BEYER/JERUSALEM

For one man it was a giant leap. For the peace process, not quite a small step. Before his election as Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu had sworn he would never deign to meet Yasser Arafat, a man he considered little more than a terrorist. Last week, however, Netanyahu was finally nudged into a handshake with the Palestinian leader. It was an enormous psychological hurdle for the Israeli leader. His Palestinian partners, though, felt as if they were beginning a relationship from scratch.

Denials notwithstanding, Netanyahu had plainly been pressured into the summit. In his first three months in office he had assiduously shunned Arafat and frozen plans to expand Palestinian self-rule, as promised in previously signed accords. Then Israeli intelligence agencies began warning that as a result, Arafat was fast losing standing among his people and that instability, perhaps violence, might follow. Finally, Israel's dovish President, Ezer Weizman, threatened publicly that if Netanyahu would not meet Arafat, he would. Netanyahu agreed to a summit.

The summit produced no breakthroughs on the next steps of interim Palestinian self-rule: an Israeli redeployment in Hebron, the last major Palestinian city still under full occupation, plus further withdrawals in the West Bank. To Palestinian dismay, Netanyahu insisted on reopening the Hebron agreement already completed by the previous Labor government. And while Netanyahu said last week that he may eventually be prepared to start discussions on the final status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, those negotiations had already begun under Labor. Publicly, Arafat's aides praised last week's summit, but privately they expressed reservations. Said one: "We are not satisfied, and we are not hopeful."

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Cold hands, bright snow, dead batteries: challenges of cold-weather photography
by Find Articles

Snow may work white magic on the landscape, but it works black magic on photographs-and photographers. Few situations are as hard on you and your camera, or as tricky for your light meter.

The following tips can help you make photographing in snow easier and more effective, especially if you use a 35mm camera with adjustable settings.

Your equipment: avoid the big chill

If your camera depends on batteries for power, watch out. Cells are usually the first things to fail in the cold. Read your manual to learn what happens when your camera's batteries die. Some models quit altogether; other types with variable shutter speeds default to a single, fixed speed (usually 1/60 or 1/125 second).

If your camera switches to an unchangeable speed, you can still shoot if you can manually set the F-stop. To determine the correct exposure, use a handheld light meter or consult the printed guidelines that come with your film.

The best defense: keep batteries warm. Zip your camera inside your jacket between pictures. Or stow it in a camera bag. Tuck a hand warmer in the bag, too, being sure it doesn't touch the camera or acccssories. Check it often to make sure it isn't scorching your bag. Warmers, about $3 at sporting goods stores, can last several hours at a time.

And always carry spare batteries, stored in a warm, dry, inside pocket. Cut down condensation

Moisture can harm electronic and metal parts, especially if droplets freeze. Outdoors, try not to breathe on your camera; it causes condensation. Keep your camera in its case or bag when not in use; breathe away from it when shooting.

When you come in from the cold, you may see droplets forming on your gear. Beforeheading in, put all gear in your camera bag and close it up. The air inside will warm slowly, reducing or eliminating condensation. If you use your camera before it warms up, wipe off drops as they form. If getting into a car, stow gear in the unheated trunk.

Fend off frozen fingers

To set exposures and focus in cold weather, your fingers need to be both warm and nimble. Thin polypropylene gloves (about $8) or convertible wool mittens ($15, shown at middle right) afford a measure of both. Look for them in sporting goods stores and mountaineering .shops. You can try fingerless wool gloves ($9), though they don't offer as much protection. Don't let your camera go snow-blind Most light meters are averaging meters: they collect all the light in a scene, then give the proper exposure for the middle shades. In most situations, this means white comes out white, black looks black. But in a snow scene, the overabundance of white skews the averaee. Your camera doesn't let in enough light, and you end up with pictures of gray snow and dark faces. How you compensate for all that white depends on what kind of gear you use:

Automatic cameras. Some automatic cameras let you lock in an exposure. Move in close for a reading that measures your subject no snow lock that exposure in, then back up and shoot. For landscapes, lock in a reading on a relatively snowless part of the scene, then shoot.

If you can't manually override your camera's automatic settings, divide your film's ASA (ISO) number by four. Set your camera's ASA to that number. For ASA 400 film, for example, set your camera's meter to ASA 100. Note: If you decide to photograph a snowless situation on the same roll, remember to set the ASA back to 400.

Manual cameras. Take a close-up reading of your subject; that's your exposure.

If you can't lock in exposure or override the ASA (some cameras fix the ASA per a code on the film), include as little sunlit snow in your pictures as possible.

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Cold Hands?
by Nick Quarrier MHS PT OCS

Do you have cold hands much of the time? Especially before a performance? And even if the room is hot? If yes, you may be interested in this information.

Cold hands are a sign of an overactive autonomic nervous system. More specifically, the signs of an overactive sympathetic nervous system. Our emotional and physiological self are controlled by the autonomic nervous system - a system that increases and decreases our heart rate, breathing rate, etc. One group of nerves "speeds" us up and one group of nerves "slows" us down. These groups are known as the sympathetic nerves and parasympathetic nerves. When the sympathetic nerves are fired (stimulated) the heart rate increases and blood is shunted from our hands, feet, and abdomen to our large muscle groups such as thighs and hips. Many muscles tense during this stimulation. This is a primitive reflex response which prepares us to flee from a threatening situation. (remember in high school biology the fight or flight response?) The parasympathetics, when stimulated, slows the heart rate down, causing rest, relaxation, and eventually sleep. During parasympathetic stimulation blood flows throughout the body and into the abdomenal organs (to help digestion, etc).

We live in a world that causes a domination of sympathetic nervous system stimulation. Every time we drive in an automobile, more than likely our sympathetics are fired and our muscles tense as we maneuver through a threatening environment. On the job stress stimulates the sympathetics, athletic performance stimulates the sympathetics, and musical performance stimulates the sympathetics. If you feel stressed out much of the time, more than likely your sympathetics are firing. This constant firing of sympathetics can bias the body's muscles into a continuous state of contraction or increased tension. This tension is easily noticed in a piano player practicing a difficult and demanding score and is evident by the shoulders elevating and being held rigidly. As the blood is shunted from the hands there is a reduced amount of nutrients and oxygen available to feed those muscles that are wroking so hard to play the notes! And thus there is no wonder why soreness in the hands and forearms may develop!

One important factor in preventing a music related injury or in recovering from an injury is to make sure the muscles doing all the work are well fed with nutrients and oxygen. The sympathetic nervous system must be controled. Yes, we need the sympathetics to excite us and assist in us in many of our activities. But we must not let them rule and dominate our bodies. How can we control them?

One of the most effective ways to reduce the sympathetic nervous system firing and to increase the parasympathetic nervous system (to relax us and circulate more blood to distal muscles) is to deep breath. We have always heard, "relax, calm down, take a few deep breaths!" This is sort of true but not totally. By deep breathing (diaphragmatic breathing) a greater quantity of oxygen enters our lungs. And as a greater quantity of oxygen is inhaled, the breathing rate naturally slows down. As the rate slows down carbon dioxide released in exhalation slows down and accumulates in the lungs and in our blood stream. (remember, oxygen is inhaled, carbon dioxide and oxygen is exhaled). Well, as carbon dioxide builds up in our blood a pH change occurs in the blood. As the pH changes the chemical nature of the blood stimulates the parasympathetics to fire! And the heart rate slows, blood flows back to the hands and feet, and relaxation occurs. It is that simple!!! But! It takes a minimum of 10 minutes of deep breathing to get the pH in the blood to change! That is why, "take a few deep breaths" doesn't work to relax us.

So to help warm the hands, reduce tension in the shoulders, help prevent injury, practice deep breathing throughout the day. Deep breath in the car on the way to work, while at the desk, preparing to perform, while watching TV, etc., etc......... It takes some practice, but is extremely rewarding!!!! and Warming!!

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Warmer Hands Naturally! Ten Easy Free Tips
from Sound Feelings

Ten easy free tips on how to increase hand warmth naturally, from Sound Feelings. We offer this free cold hands information as self-improvement remedies and secrets to help bad circulation, shallow breathing and stress. These symptoms are known factors of freezing cold hands. Instead of the typical coping techniques of mittens and gloves, unique solutions are suggested. These include physical therapy, nutritional supplements, relaxation and affirmations. Say goodbye to freezing hands! See also: poor circulation, cold hands therapies, cold hands treatments, cold fingers.

The following tips are intended for pianists but are applicable to anyone who has the problem of cold hands.

1 Keep Your Neck and Wrists Covered.

Primary blood vessels come close to the surface of the skin in the neck and wrists. If you keep these areas protected from the air, less heat will escape.

2 Avoid:

tight clothing, smoking, drafts, the wrong calcium supplements and margarine. Tight clothing restricts the blood flow into the extremities. Smoking, of course is known to clog arteries. Drafts affect people sensitive to cold much worse than others. Dolomite or “elemental calcium” can clog blood vessels. “Organic” calcium like bone meal or oyster shell does not do this. Margarine, contrary to popular belief, cannot be absorbed or digested easily into the body. As a result it tends to leave a residue in the arteries which can cause arteriosclerosis, resulting in poor circulation. Also, never eat “hydrogenated vegetable oil” which is the same thing as margarine!

3 Use Exercise or Physical Therapy.

Three exercise movements are helpful for cold hands. (A) While you are standing, rotate the shoulders forward, up and back in a circular motion for about 30 seconds. (B) Rotate the wrists in both directions for a total of 30 seconds. (C) Make a fist without digging the nails into your palm. (The final joint of your fingers is not bent.) Alternatively tense and relax the hands in this position for about 30 seconds.

4 Supplement Your Diet.

All of the following supplements are known to be helpful to improve circulation. Many of them complement one another because they work in different ways. You can find many of the items in health food stores: ginger, fennel, cayenne, potassium, niacin, iron, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, lecithin, Ginkgo Biloba, apple cider vinegar, distilled water, lemon juice in hot distilled water. (Lemon juice in hot distilled water will have an amazing effect on cleansing your liver which is the “heat producer” for your body.) Also if you’re trying to avoid meat for whatever reason, this could be contributing to the problem! Some people just need to eat meat once in a while. Don’t be fanatical. Please allow about 30 days to see if any dietary changes have helped the situation. Also, most people develop a lining of old “mucoid plaque” in their intestines. People who have cold hands tend to have more of this layer than others. The supplements that you want to absorb through your small intestine cannot be absorbed very well if you have this layer of old material. You will see a direct connection in your hand warmth and the removal of old mucoid plaque in your intestines. Here’s what you can do about it.

5 Remove Fear.

The most extreme fear response is called the “fight or flight syndrome.” This is when our adrenal glands produce adrenaline and our physical reactions change. These physical symptoms include cold, sweaty or shaky hands, rapid heart beat, shallow breathing, disorientation, misperception of time, upset stomach, dry mouth, memory lapse and others. This response is named for our reaction to a predator at our cave door during our supposed prehistoric days, to fight or to flee the danger. The adrenaline is nature’s way of giving us the extra quickness of mind and body to make a life or death decision very fast. The down side is that this leaves the body somewhat worn out and tense. Some sensitive people have a tendency to live their whole life in a quasi-fear state so that they are always walking around feeling anxious. As a result, they are constantly experiencing subtle aspects of the fight or flight symptoms, even though they are not conscious of any impending danger. It almost becomes a habit or an addiction. This person’s personality is what one might call a “fear personality.” The solution is to gradually lessen or remove the fear. There are many methods of reducing fear, including psychotherapy, hypnosis, affirmations or plain old willpower.

6 Breathe Deeper.

People with cold hands tend to breathe shallow. Be aware of your breath and occasionally practice deep breathing. Eventually this will become automatic so that you won’t have to think about it. Consider this: the more deeply you breathe, the more oxygen you bring into your system. This oxygen is transferred from the lungs into the bloodstream and it is responsible for the transfer of heat throughout the body. The more oxygen you receive, the warmer you will be.

7 Practice Affirmations.

Affirmations are a way to actually reprogram your subconscious mind. Believe it or not, saying “I have warm hands” to yourself can have a profound effect, if you do it right. First of all, create the statement so that it makes sense to you. (“My hands are warm, Heat comes from my hands, I embrace life with abandon, etc.”) Affirmations only work when you engage your emotions. You must be in a joyful state and you must believe it. If you have doubt or you are negative, it won’t work. Some people repeatedly say or write affirmations in the morning, evening, or at various times throughout the day. Because affirmations are a tool to create a new reality, do not get discouraged while you are currently playing out your previously-created reality. Allow for an overlap of realities with patience.

8 Reduce Stress.

Many people have a healthy stress response. After the stressful event, they move on. But most of us tend to develop cumulative stress that builds and builds. This cumulative stress affects each person differently. Every illness in the world can be attributed to stress. Sometimes the tension is felt literally in the muscles of the body which has a sympathetic influence on the blood vessels. In other words, they constrict over time. With stress reduction techniques, the blood vessels can dilate back to their correct size. There are many different methods of stress reduction. Do some research and find one that seems suitable to your lifestyle.

9 See A Chiropractor.

Although it may sound wierd to most people, consider going to a chiropractor. Even if you don’t have back pain, your spine may be out of alignment, which can affect the proper functioning of your liver and other internal organs, because the spinal cord provides the neural nourishment to each organ. Your liver, among other things, is kind of like the”heat producer” for the body. Think of watering your plants with a hose and the hose becomes kinked and the water won’t come out. That is what could be happening with your liver and it is not working right, as if someone turned off the switch. A chiropractor can detect this and set it right in one visit.

10 In the Meantime, Do Whatever is Necessary.

Until the above suggestions provide a more permanent solution to cold hands, you still should do what it takes to keep your hands warm. This could include the obvious gloves and mittens to the less obvious warming creams, glove warmers and other devices. Also, before you need to play the piano try immersing your hands and forearms into the sink filled with warm water for one minute.

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Simple Method Found To Warm Cold Hands
from NY Times

A simple and inexpensive method of training the body to change the way it reacts to cold has proven highly successful in curing victims of a little-known disease that cuts circulation to the hands in cold weather, according to a researcher for the Army.

Using hot water and an ice chest, victims of ailment, Raynaud's disease, can train their body to prevent a routine reaction that leads to restricted circulation to hands and feet as the body saves energy to cope with cold, Dr. Murray Hamlet of the Army's Research Institute of Environmental Medicine said last week.

The curtailment of blood flow is harmless to most people because the circulation will resume after about 10 minutes, Dr. Hamlet said. But Raynaud's victims do not regain circulation to their fingers, causing a painful condition that increases the risk of frostbite and in severe cases can force amputation, he said.

Raynaud's is primarily caused by cold but also can be brought on by emotional stress and by frequent use of vibrating machinery, such as jackhammers and chain saws. For victims whose conditions are prompted by cold, the treatment has proven virtually foolproof in eliminating the problem, Dr. Hamlet said. Condition's Cause Unknown

When the body is exposed to cold, the nervous system constricts blood flow to hands and feet to retain heat. When the temperature of the extremities reaches dangerously low levels, the nervous system in effect throws a switch that dilates blood vessels and restores full circulation, Dr. Hamlet said.

But Raynaud's sufferers do not regain circulation because blood vessels leading to their hands do not dilate as they should. Researchers have been unable to determine what causes the condition, Dr. Hamlet said.

It is unclear how many people have Raynaud's, which occurs predominantly among women, affecting perhaps as many as 10 percent of them, Dr. Hamlet said. Many victims are not aware they have the disease because they think their body's response to the cold is normal, he said.

A procedure originally devised a decade ago by an Army doctor at an laboratory in Alaska to treat the disease has been refined by reasearchers at the Army laboratories here and now is being used more and more by civilian physicians, Dr. Hamlet said. Warm and Cold Water

Three to six times a day, every other day, Raynaud's sufferers undergo a treatment in which they first sit indoors with their hands submerged in warm water and then are put in a cold environment, exposed to the cold except for their hands, which are submerged in an ice chest filled with warm water.

After 50 rounds of treatment, all of the 150 test subjects at the laboratories here were able to venture into the cold without losing circulation to their hands, he said.

''We just retrain those blood vessels to dilate rather than restrict in response to cold,'' Dr. Hamlet said. ''It works extremely well.'' He said the treatment may not work, however, for victims of Raynaud's who developed the disease as a result of other illnesses, such as high blood pressure, arterial disease, drug abuse and trauma.

Dr. David Trentham, medical director of rheumatology at Boston's Beth Israel Hospital, said the success rate of the treatment had not been shown independently of the Army data but that it appeared to work well.

''It's a very innovative and interesting approach and there is an abundance of evidence to indicate why it should work,'' he said. ''It hasn't been confirmed but I think that is largely because it is so new.''

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Cold Hands and Feet
from Care First Library

Chronic cold hands and feet most often are caused by circulatory problems associated with medical conditions. Cold hands and feet can affect men and women of any age, but they are somewhat more common among older adults.

In an older person, cold hands and feet can indicate hardening of the arteries. In a younger person, the condition might mean vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels. When hardening of the arteries is the cause, physical exertion may bring on cold hands and feet, and rest may relieve the problem.

The most frequent but often misunderstood condition associated with cold hands and feet is a syndrome called Raynaud's phenomenon. Raynaud's is more common in women and may first appear between the ages of 20 and 50. Raynaud's may appear alone or be part of a more serious disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma or other types of vasculitis. About half of all people with Raynaud's have it alone, while others have Raynaud's as part of a more serious illness.

Raynaud's doesn't cause cold hands and feet, however; it is triggered by exposure to cold or stress. Exposure to cold causes blanching and pain in the extremities of individuals with with Raynaud’s.

People who suffer Raynaud's phenomenon are fine until they are exposed to very cold weather or place their hands or feet in cold water. Normally, your hands and feet will return to normal temperature within minutes after you leave the cold behind. But people with Raynaud's sometimes have cold hands and feet up to an hour after their exposure ends. They may experience cold, pain or a stinging sensation in their hands and feet. Their hands and feet may even appear abnormal after exposure to cold -- they look white, then blue, then red. This occurs in reaction to the blood vessels in the extremities becoming constricted (narrowed) and then taking awhile to dilate (widen).

What to Do
See your physician to rule out a serious condition, such as a major circulatory problem or a connective tissue disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma. People prone to cold hands and feet should be sure to wear warm gloves, socks and shoes in cold weather. They should also exercise care when exposing their hands to cold water by wearing special waterproof gloves. If you know you'll be going somewhere you'll be exposed to cold, wet weather, take an extra pair of gloves and warm shoes or boots in case the first pair gets wet.

Use Medicine Effectively
Medications can be used to treat cold hands and feet. Perhaps the most widely used medications are the class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Aspirin also improves blood circulation. Beta blockers, on the other hand, could worsen this problem.

Self-care Steps for Cold Hands and Feet
If you smoke, quit. Smoking can cause hardening of the arteries.

Use warm gloves, shoes and socks.

Limit your exposure to cold weather and cold water.

Eat a low-cholesterol diet.

Begin a graduated exercise regime with your physician's advice.

Voter Poll: Do you suffer from a cold mouse hand?

We stumbled upon this data and thought it was appropriate for a blog post:

View Poll Results: Do you Suffer from Cold Mouse Hand Syndrome?

Yes. 35 or 63.64%

No. 12 or 21.82%

Undecided. 8 or 14.55%

Voters: 55. Poll is closed to voting.

Mouse Pads - Choosing the Best Pad for Your Computing Needs

Mouse Pads - Choosing the Best Pad for Your Computing Needs

By Ilse Hagen

A mouse pad is made out of foam rubber with a fabric or plastic top cover, which may be plain or decorated. Other pads feature more unconventional materials such as silicone rubber, glass, wood, stone, recycled rubber tires, leather, cork, aluminum and stainless steel. Other pads are made especially for gaming and are usually made with high-quality materials. Most pads feature a textured or adhesive bottom to keep it from slipping while in use.

The main purpose of a mouse pad is to provide an even, almost flat surface to make mouse movement more accurate. You can place it on a separate mouse tray, but any flat surface (such as the computer table) will do. There are different kinds of mouse pads, each with different purposes.

Kinds of mouse pads:

1. Textured type - This kind comes with a rough surface and is made of thick and long-lasting materials. This is most suitable for roller-type mice.

2. Shiny type - This pad comes with a smooth, glossy surface and is made for optical mice, which use LED light instead of roller balls for tracking. The shiny surface enhances the mouse’s optical light tracking.

3. Ergonomic type – This type comes with a wrist rest that relieves the user from strain from extensive mouse usage. It is designed to prevent hand strain and repetitive stress injury among heavy users.

Tips when buying mouse pads

1. Choose a pad that uses a non-slip material (such as rubber) for backing.

2. Regarding size, it is better to select a thicker pad so that it would be at equal level to your keyboard.

Learn About The Three Basic Types Of Computer Mouse

The Hamburger USB Mouse for the meat lovers in your life!

Learn About The Three Basic Types Of Computer Mouse

By Bonnie Archer

1) Mechanical: This is a type of computer mouse that has a rubber or metal ball on its underside and it can roll in every direction. Sensors within the mouse, which are mechanical, detect the direction in which the ball is moving and moves the pointer on the screen in the same direction. A mouse pad should be used under the mouse to run on.

2) Optomechanical: This type is the same as the mechanical mouse except that it uses optical sensors to the motion of the ball. A mouse pad should be used under the mouse to run on.

3) Optical: This type uses a laser for detecting the mouse's movement. You don't need a
mouse pad but you can use one made for optical mice. Optical mice do not have any
mechanical moving parts. This type responds more quickly and precisely than the mechanical and optomechanical mice and now that they have been around awhile the price is pretty comparable.

How does a computer mouse hook up to the computer?

Serial mouse: these ones connect directly to an RS-232C serial port or a PS/2port. This is the simplest type of connection.

PS/2 mouse: connects to a PS/2 port.
USB mice

Cordless mouse: These are not physically connected to the computer. They rely on infrared or radio waves to communicate with the computer. Cordless are more expensive than both the serial and bus mouse. The nice thing is that there is no cord to constrain or get in your way.

Computer Mouse - Which One Is Right For You?

By Jesse Miller

The computer mouse is an accessory to the personal computer that has become an essential part of it's operation. Computer mouses is an instruments used to control your courser and function selection. There are many devices available in a variety of forms such as foot mouse, standard computer mouse, mouse keypad, light pen, joystick, touchpad, and trackball. The mouse cames in many designs, the device can be left hand only, right hand only or both left and right hand.

Mouse
The ball-mouse replaced the external wheels with a single ball that could rotate in any direction. The ball mouse utilizes two rollers rolling against two sides of the ball. The mouse sends these signals to the computer system. Some by means of connecting wires and some are wireless. Mouse movements should be made using the elbow as the pivot point, not the wrist.

Click
To select items or choose commands on the screen, the user presses one of the mouse's buttons, making the mouse click. The mouse gives directions to the computer where to move to the cursor on the monitor or screen, with one to three buttons (depending on design) allow the user to say yes by clicking the buttons. The press of a button closes the switch with a click and the computer has received a command. The driver tells the computer how to interpret the mouse's data stream including speed, direction, and clicked commands.

It's been almost half a century since the first computer mouse was put out of a Stanford lab in the '60s. Choices for a computer mouse has increased since then. The computer mouse has come a long way since then. The designs are many, Examples: wireless, small fats ones to fit kid hands,ones with three buttons, ones with a scroll in the center. Light pen design, short,long,thin, I could go on with all that they have in todays market. So when deciding which one to buy,take your time and get the one that is right for you.

Why does my mouse hand get cold?

" I wear a long sleeved sweater and use a Mouse Hand Warmer
to keep my mouse hand covered and warm."

There are many reasons why a mouse hand gets cold. The most obvious reason is it's exposed to the air holding the mouse in the same position for long periods of time. I don't think a person's mouse hand gets cold because there's something physically or medically wrong with the person. I truly believe because we sit for long periods of time in cold air-conditioned rooms or in winter temperatures.

The only solution to a cold mouse hand is to stop working. Well, that's not always an option. Sometimes I sit for several hours working and using my mouse. My hand gets cold and my fingertips get numb. I tried pulling a sweater sleeve ove the mouse hand to keep it warm, and that does not work.

A mouse hand warmer is designed to cover the hand and keep it warm. A mouse hand warmer is a computer gadget used to keep the mouse hand covered and warm. It is constructed of warm, soft, polyester, fleece blanket material and used to cover the exposed mouse hand. It is a computer accessory and can be used by computer users of all ages.

Under normal conditions, the computer user's mouse hand is exposed to air, drafts in air-conditioned rooms, or winter chilled temperatures. After hours of exposure and working at the computer a person's mouse hand can get cold and the finger tips get numb. A mouse hand warmer covers the mouse hand and keeps it warm.

A mouse hand warmer is energy-efficient and uses no electricity. The fleece blanket fabric acts as an insulator. Using heat generated by the body, the mouse hand stays warm inside a mouse hand warmer. When a person's mouse hand gets cold, the only relief is to stop working, and most of the time that's not an option. Using a mouse hand warmer allows a person to continue working by relieving the cold hand.

A mouse hand warmer is unique in that it is designed specifically for the mouse hand. It looks like a pouch or case in which a standard sized mouse pad and a person's favorite mouse fits inside. The average size of a mouse hand warmer is about 12" x 12" and has a non-slip surface to prevent movement of the mouse pad while working. The front of a mouse hand warmer is designed to accomodate an optical connected mouse or an USB connected mouse. A person using a mouse hand warmer has plenty of room inside to use the mouse keeping one's hand covered and warm.

Mouse Hand Warmer from IGM Products

Here's a new computer mouse gadget to keep your mouse hand warm. Does your mouse hand ever get cold?

The Perfect Gift for Computer Users! The Mouse Hand Warmer is an inexpensive way to keep your mouse hand warm during chilly weather or whenever you feel your mouse hand getting cold. A drafty air-conditioned office makes for an uncomfortable exposed hand if you sit and work all day at the computer. During the winter, a draft or drop in temperature makes your mouse hand cold, too. Sometimes fingers get numb due to the cold air. Keep your mouse hand warm inside a cozy blanket.

The idea for a Mouse Hand Warmer came about after spending many years working long, late hours sitting at a computer. When your mouse hand gets cold there's really nothing you can do to warm it except stop working or cover it with a warm blanket. That's why the Mouse Hand Warmer was created.

No wires or cords to get tangled on your desk top. The Mouse Hand Warmer is a contemporary, modern, techie-looking desk accessory in neutral colors of gray fleece with black and white trim. The pouch measures about 12" x 12" with a wide front opening to get your hand into and out of the Mouse Hand Warmer with ease. Fits most mouse sizes, from a standard small mouse to a large ergonomically shaped mouse.

Mouse Hand Warmer is a registered trademark and patented product made in the USA by i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. For more information, for distribution or wholesale orders, please write by clicking on the Contact Us located at the top of each page at IGMproducts.com. (via Mouse Hand Warmer)

Don't Laugh! A Mouse Hand Gets Cold

Don't laugh! Mice hands get cold. That's a fact. And, the motivation behind a new invention called the Mouse Hand Warmer. It's a blanket pouch to hold your favorite mouse pad and your favorite mouse. It keeps your mouse hand covered with a warm, fleece blanket so the hand is not exposed to cold drafts or chills.

See the photo above. The Mouse Hand Warmer looks neat on a desk top. It's sleek and modern in design. The gray, black and white color combination is neutral. The size is about 12" x 12" and has a non-slip surface to keep the hand warmer in place on the desk top.

Any standard sized mouse pad fits inside the Mouse Hand Warmer with plenty of space remaining for a mouse and your hand.

A large ergonomic mouse is being used as shown in the above photo. The model has a medium-sized hand. The overall size of the mouse hand warmer is about 12" x 12."

The large ergonomic shaped mouse and the standard mouse pad fit neatly inside the Mouse Hand Warmer as shown above. Notice the large front opening. The large front opening of the hand warmer makes it easy to get your hand inside or out quickly. We tested the usability, and it works perfect!

Once your favorite mouse pad and mouse is inside the Mouse Hand Warmer, you're ready to work and keep your mouse hand warm. Wear a long sleeved sweater to keep your entire arm covered from chills and drafts.

The above photo illustrates the use of the hand warmer without a mouse pad. This is another added feature of the Mouse Hand Warmer item. The white non-slip bottom shown above has a smooth, flat, surface facing the interior of the hand warmer. It's slick enough for mouse movement. So, if you prefer to keep your hand warm without the use of a mouse pad, that's your choice.

Also, notice the mouse being used in the photos is a wireless mouse. There's a net window in the front of the Mouse Hand Warmer for the optical connection. If you use an USB connected mouse, make a small slit in the front net to slip the cord. Either way, USB or wireless, the mouse hand warmer works like a charm. It's like having a cozy, warm house for your mouse!

For more information, to become a distributor or to contact the manufacturer, please click here.

Does your mouse hand get cold?

Visit IGMproducts.com to see the latest innovation in keeping your mouse hand warm. Photographs are shown in the slideshow above. Does your mouse hand get cold? Try a Mouse Hand Warmer, $19.95 shipped + no sales tax worldwide!

We tested the new computer mouse gadget and it works. The polyester fleece blanket insulates heat generated by your body. It actually feels like a cozy place for your mouse hand. Constucted with a non slip surface and any sized mouse pad and mouse fits inside.

If you'd like more information please contact the manufacturer.

Touch takes hold, but it's no mouse-killer: The iPhone is leading a touchscreen revolution, but don't eBay your old computer just yet

See innovations in computer mouse gadgets.

Guy Clapperton The Guardian

As reported a few weeks ago in these pages, the market is being flooded with touchscreen phones - and this time there's no controversy over whether they've succeeded: sales of the iPhone surprised even its most ardent admirers from day one.

Meanwhile, the desktop market is showing signs of adopting similar technology. Both Apple's next operating system and the next version of Windows will contain "hooks" for touchscreen technology, if installed on the right hardware.

This has led to speculation about the future of the keyboard and mouse. "We already have well-integrated touch technology on consumer electronics, from Apple's multitouch devices (iPhone, MacBook Pro, the new Mac operating system), games consoles (Nintendo DS) and now PCs and notebooks," says a spokesman for HP, which has now released the TouchSmart, a desktop system with a touch interface. And this month, Dell released a module to turn its Latitude XT Tablet computer into a full-blown touch-operated system.

All of this adds weight to comments from respected research house Gartner, which last week said the day of the mouse, if not the keyboard, may well be numbered. Speaking to the BBC's news website, the organisation said the mouse would last three to five years tops, to be replaced by gesture-based computing and other technologies, such as gesture recognition, which are emerging in the home entertainment market.

It could be that there's more going on than a few product launches, but there will be practical issues. Richard MacKinnon, a business psychologist for the people assessment company Talent Q, has a postgraduate diploma in ergonomics and says touchscreens are unlikely to be suited for use over long periods of time. They also inadvertently promote poor posture, and reduced productivity through reduced typing speeds. "Touchscreens can have a place in entertainment scenarios, but in the office environment? I don't think we're there yet," he says.

Dumbing down?

Other academics concur. "It all depends on the ease of use of the technology, whether or not it's fit for purpose, and how well it maps to people's mental model of their tasks," says Chris Clegg, professor of organisational psychology and deputy director of the Centre for Organisational Strategy, Learning and Change at Leeds University Business School. Future generations may also adapt better than the current Qwerty-bound people. "I couldn't have imagined taking to texting, and I still don't find it friendly, but a lot of people use it extensively."

Non-psychologists also have reservations. Pete Bennett, chief executive of the training provider Learning Resources International, has doubts about the quality of the information available to non-keyboardists. "Nobody wants to sound like a luddite, of course anything can happen and things can change - but I can't see it being anywhere near anything other than basic functions," he says. "Our background is in designing learning materials and if you're only using a finger, there isn't much action involved."

Fingers acting as a mouse is one thing, he says, but a mouse doesn't type. "The interaction of typing helps people read the words, retain the words and I don't see how a touchscreen can replace that requirement. It's a bit dumb, in a non-insulting manner." It could be great for some applications, he says - shopping and anything involving lists - but for anything requiring thought and which is challenging there's a need for more interaction.

Let's assume some sort of change is on the way. The next question for everyone will be how quickly it's going to happen - and therefore how soon to eBay those old non-touch screens. "As we've seen with Office and Vista, people can be very resistant to changes in their technology that are two steps ahead of the previous version," says Darren Van Laar, principle lecturer in psychology at the University of Portsmouth. "If it's incremental versions then people don't mind - if they have to unlearn too much then it gives them a problem." This is presumably why Microsoft is reportedly considering several mini-releases of Windows next time around rather than a single larger launch.

Reactions are bound to be mixed early on. One user of the HP Touchsmart, which is the first mainstream computer to be released based on touchscreens outside the Tablet PC (which is pen- rather than finger-sensitive), enthused at first. "It's a terrific box, loving the integrated DTV and dead easy to get going with," she said. However: "We don't use the touchscreen, though. Partly old habits, but mainly due to the fact that it gets intolerably grubby after use. Should come with a box of wipes, really."

Fingering the problem

If this is typical - and it's anecdotal rather than a scientific sample, of course - then the dawn of the touchscreen age may have a slightly bumpy beginning. Add to this the fact that at a pre-launch event another HP spokesperson pointed to the screen's value as a kitchen computer - eliminate all those recipe books, have demonstrations of cooking techniques on tap as well as static pictures, went the patter - and the idea of dirty fingerprints all over it becomes less of a small problem than an epidemic. Particularly when the current models retail for more than £1,000.

Nonetheless, the HP spokesman's original point - that we've adopted touch for phones and games consoles happily enough - remains valid. In January 2007 Apple launched the multitouch screen for what would evolve into its iPhone, while in February 2006 a professor from New York University demonstrated a full screen using touch technology (The hands-on revolution, January 18, 2007). Following a year in which the iPhone and iPod Touch enjoyed a near-monopoly, touchscreen products are now arriving on the market en masse. At this stage it looks unlikely that keyboards and mice will actually be displaced in people's affections, but they may find they have a new, touchy-feely running partner in the right niches before long.

computer mouse trivia

from Tech Republic

MouseCage (exe)
Using a computer mouse is almost impossible for people with shaky hands or tremors. MouseCage, a new software application, helps people with hand tremor control their computer mouse. MouseCage is simple to use, installs in seconds, and requires no additional hardware.Version 1.05 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

Happy birthday to the computer mouse
To quote myself: "For those of you not accessing this column using shortcut keys, touch screens, or voice-recognition interfaces, reading [this edition of] Geek Trivia is possible thanks to a critical computer peripheral that went on sale [26] years ago. On April 27, 1981, the first commercial computer mouse debuted...

Happy birthday to the computer mouse
Actually, go back a little furtherYou can thank Doug Englebart and his crew for many things, including the mouse. Doug demonstrated windowing, collaborative screen sharing, a mouse, and more in 1968. He also helped define the concept of hypertext that led to the WWW.Squeek squeekAlso view this

First Russian computer mouse (Dinosaur Sightings: First Russian computer mouse)
In Soviet Union...Mouse clicks YOU!That's funny.:) I could just hear your accent..."Russkaya Kompyooternaya Mishka"Powered by Stolichnaya Vodka and Borscht

Dinosaur Sightings: First Russian computer mouse
The first Russian computer mouse was used with the EC-1841 (IBM PC/XT compatible computer).Sergei Frolov, a programmer and engineer from Saint-Petersburg, Russia, has compiled an extensive collection of Soviet calculators and computer accessories. He has graciously allowed us to reprint these photos of early Russian computer mice. You can see...

Soundy Mouse (exe)
Soundy Mouse allows you to step your computer into the future by adding sound to your mouse movement (uses the PC-Speaker, available on most systems). Additionally, you can give your mouse more freedom with the mouse cursor wrapping technology. This technology makes the mouse wrap around the screen from one...

Mouse Master (exe)
Mouse Master is a mighty application ideal for mouse-control, automation macro and mouse parameters measurement. Independent running environment for every program Powerful Macro, support mouse extend buttons, Mouse sample rate setting, Mouse DPI/CPI measurement, and Statistics of the usage of mouse and keyboard. Version 2.1 may include unspecified updates, enhancements,...

Mouse Hand Warmer first photos arrive!

The first photos of the Mouse Hand Warmer have arrived! The slideshow above illustrates the appearance and the ease of use. We tested the warmth, and it works. Your mouse hand stays warm inside the cozy polyester fleece blanket.

The Mouse Hand Warmer is a pouch about 12" x 12" and has a non-slip surface. The front has a net window to allow for an optical mouse connection. When using an USB connected mouse make a small slit in the net to run the mouse's cord.

The Mouse Hand Warmer is easy to keep clean by hand washing with a mild detergent and air drying. The black, white and gray colors coordinate with any office decor. The website for purchasing this product is under construction and will be online soon. We'll continue to post information on this blog about the progress of the Mouse Hand Warmer.

For more information, please contat Service(at)i-GlobalMall.com.

Computer mouse facing extinction NO WAY!

Touch and gesture recognition tech taking over game & palm industry
from Pocket Lint

The humble computer mouse could soon be a rarity on desks around the world.

According to industry experts, alternative technologies, including gesture, movement and facial recognition interfaces could see the mouse and mouse mat pushed into the past.

Gartner has published a report, which states that computer giants including Microsoft, Intel and Apple are promoting gestural interfaces for future use.

It also found that consumer entertainment companies such as Sony, Panasonic and NEC are also moving towards new control systems, and are already demonstrating applications using facial and movement recognition.

Author of the report Steve Prentice says that using a mouse for desktop working would still carry on for a while but "for home entertainment or working on a notebook it’s over".

However, some disagree.

George Foot, director of sales and marketing at Kensington told IT Pro: "There will undoubtedly be change, driven by technology. Just look at the impact the Wii has had and how Wi-Fi has changed how and where we work. People need to be able to use and interact with their data as efficiently as possible, but new multifunctional mice have proven more than capable of meeting this need".

"Gartner’s predictions for the end of the mouse are ahead of their time. The mouse is an integral part of how we interact with our PCs and will continue to be for the foreseeable future."

Hand Warmer: Cold Hands, Cold Feet, Circulation and Cholesterol

Warm hands are important for the computer operator. Keep your mouse hand warm. Mouse Hand Warmer available only online. Click here for details.

Hand Warmer: Cold Hands, Cold Feet, Circulation and Cholesterol

The body is like a car. If you want to be a good mechanic, you have to learn the whole car, read the entire manual, cover to cover, several times or more before you become proficient. knowledgeable. While all my parts, articles have a whole view and answers, they are by no means whole. Do not be fooled by the part. Learn and obey the whole (body), otherwise, you will be punished by the part, i.e. cold hands and feet.

Hand Care

My mouse hand gets too cold! What can I do? CLICK HERE.

By Kelley O'Neal

Well-groomed hands make a great first impression.

Don't be embarrassed to get a professional manicure once a month or so. It's perfectly masculine and more men are doing this everyday. They know how important it is to have soft and smooth hands for that first meeting or intimate moment.

If you think you're too manly for a MAN-icure then there are steps for doing this yourself in the privacy of your own home.

1. Start by soaking your hands in warm water to soften the nails and cuticles and lock in moisture.

2. Using a metal file, clean beneath the nail to remove the dirt from the day (or days).

3. Trim the nails starting in the middle then rounding off the sides. Leave a thin white strip of nail at the end.

4. Smooth the edges of the nail by using a file. Make sure to go in one direction and not in a sawing motion.

5. Gently push back the cuticle on each nail (if you're not sure what this is, ask a woman) using a cuticle stick.

6. Massage in some hand cream. We recommend Jack Black's Industrial Hand Healer. This rich, non-greasy, long-lasting formula provides intense healing benefits. Road tested by guys who work with their hands - chefs, doctors, golfers and carpenters.

Since hands have the fewest and smallest oil glands, they tend to get the driest of any part of your body. So take care them since they'll be doing most of the "leg work" for you.

News Update: Mouse Hand Warmer energy efficient!

News update about the Mouse Hand Warmer available online soon. The IGMproducts site is being developed as I write. The Mouse Hand Warmer is at the manufacturer's being made! The entire project should be available online for viewing and purchasing within the next two weeks.

We are very excited at i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. to introduce a new computer mouse gadget just in time for a drop in temperature. By September, many of the areas will start experiencing chilly evenings. The Mouse Hand Warmer is an ideal item to keep yourself warm. For years, I sat and worked at the computer with a cold mouse hand. I was always too busy to turn the idea into a functional solution. Now, no more cold mouse hand on a chilly day in an air conditioned office or during drafty, winter months.

The Mouse Hand Warmer is constructed of a warm, polyester fleece blanket material. It's $19.95 price includes Free USA Domestic Ground Shipping & Sales Tax! It's the perfect gift idea for computer users.

Keeps your mouse hand covered by a warm blanket. Constructed of a warm polyester fleece blanket material with a non-slip surface. Fits standard mouse pads. Hand wash and air dry.

Instructions: Slip a standard sized mouse pad inside the Mouse Hand Warmer. If using a wireless mouse, the net front provides a clear optical connection. When using an USB connected mouse, slip the cord through a small slit opening made in the center front net. Easy to keep clean by hand washing with a mild detergent and air drying. Made in the USA.

The Mouse Hand Warmer is an inexpensive way to keep your mouse hand warm during chilly weather or whenever you feel your mouse hand getting cold. A drafty air-conditioned office makes for an uncomfortable exposed hand if you sit and work all day at the computer. During the winter, a draft or drop in temperature makes your mouse hand cold, too. Sometimes fingers get numb due to the cold air. Keep your mouse hand warm inside a cozy blanket.

The idea for a Mouse Hand Warmer came about after spending many years working long, late hours sitting at a computer. When your mouse hand gets cold there's really nothing you can do to warm it except stop working or cover it with a warm blanket. That's why the Mouse Hand Warmer was created.

No wires or cords to get tangled on your desk top. The Mouse Hand Warmer is a contemporary, modern, techie-looking desk accessory in neutral colors of gray fleece with black and white trim. The pouch measures about 12" x 12" with a wide front opening to get your hand into and out of the Mouse Hand Warmer with ease. Fits most mouse sizes, from a standard small mouse to a large ergonomically shaped mouse.

Mouse Hand Warmer is a registered trademark and patented product made in the USA by i-GlobalMall.com, Inc. For more information, for distribution or wholesale orders, please send an email to Service @ i-GlobalMall.com

FREE SHIPPING & NO SALES TAX makes this new item affordable for holiday gifts for every Computer Geek in your life!

5 tips to keep warm in winter

Mouse Hand Warmer.
Keep your mouse hand covered and warm this winter with a fleece blanket.

by Janice Wee

I remember the movie The Day After Tomorrow. Where everyone was facing an ice age ahead, with temperatures so cold your blood could freeze instantly.

The main characters in the story were hiding in a library. Wise move. You wouldn't run out of things to burn in a library that is full of books. In their effort to stay warm, they kept their fireplace ablaze by burning library books, feeding the fire continually for that much needed warmth.

A homeless guy who had to survive winter in the streets crushed up paper and stuffed his clothes with them for insulation. One of the key ways to stay warm in winter is to insulate your clothing. That way, you keep the warmth in and the cold out. Crushing the paper trapped air. Air is a great insulator of heat. So that made a lot of sense.

Here are 5 tips to help you fight the cold.

#1 Generate heat.
To generate heat, most modern homes have a proper heating system. Just make sure you pay your heating bills. If you can't pay the bills, get your bills paid on your behalf. For example, if you are a U.S. resident, here's where you can get free heating at http://www.cheapestsale.com/free-heating.html. If you use an old fashion log fireplace, stock up on plenty of firewood in case you get snowed in.

#2 Layer your clothing
Wear layers of clothing to keep warm. Start off with a base layer. The thermal underwear. Ideally, your thermal underwear should fit like second skin. The goal is to keep your body heat in. Pure cotton thermal underwear would probably work if the temperature is above 5 degrees celsius. Colder than that and you need something much warmer. Like merino wool. Or a base layer that is suitable for snow sports, like the Duofold Insulayer thermal underwear which has 2 layers of fabric that trap air between the layers, for added insulation.

On top of the thermal underwear, you might want to wear a wool sweater and thick denim jeans or wool pants. You might want to add on a warm jacket or even a trenchcoat over the sweater. Depending on the severity of cold you might face, you might want to add more layers. Don't forget your gloves , scarve,woolen hat, ear muffs and boots. If it is really very cold, you might even need a ski mask.

#3 Drink warming liquids
Drinking a cup of ginger tea helps you body fight the cold too. Drinking plenty of hot soup at meals warms up the body beautifully.

#4 Bring a warm shawl
Carry along a cashmere throw, or at least a wool wrap with you so you can wrap that around you when you need additional warmth.

#5 Keep one another warm
Finally, huddle up close to a loved warm so you can keep each other warm. That's how our ancestors survived the cold winters when they lived in caves. They would huddle close together near the fire to keep warm.