So, here's the premise. AOL isn't available on Linux or BSD, therefore people who are happy with AOL but considering switching to Linux/BSD would not switch, because AOL isn't available.
There's just one problem. How many AOL users are even aware of the mere EXISTANCE of Linux/BSD? The people who use AOL when there are other options available are the same types of people who use Windows simply because that is what is loaded onto their computer when they bought it. The vast majority of AOL users aren't going to bother to find out whether other OSes would be good for them, considering that they haven't bothered to see whether ISPs are better.
Just a thought, but if that CD isn't shielded by anything, what happens if you're the type who likes to set the portable down on a table/your legs/etc when you play? Seems like perhaps that CD shouldn't have been exposed, IMHO.
I never had much in the way of back pain until I was in a car accident which put me into physical therapy for four months...So, I've got a few tips...I'm not a doctor or physical therapist or anything, so don't try to sue me if you take my advice and hurt yourself, yadda yadda yadda.
I know this concept might be frightening, but do situps. The back has to do quite a bit of work to keep you upright, but if you have nice strong abdominal muscles, they do a bit of work (some of the abdominal muscles stretch back to your spine) and make your back do less work, therefore less pain. When you do the situps, concentrate on keeping your tummy and butt muscles real tight. You DON'T have to go all the way up (contrary to white evil highschool PE teachers told you!), you just have to get your shoulder blades off the floor. Also, if you can, try to hold the up position for a few seconds. If you can't, don't;) Two sets of 20 situps a day is a good figure to shoot for, but if you can only do five a day, do five a day. It's better than nothing.
Another thing that'll help...lay on your back on the ground, with your knees bent so that you're comfortable. First try and suck in your tummy and butt muscles, then lift your ass into the air. Hold for five seconds. Do a few of those and you'll start to feel it, but it really does strengthen your back and stomach muscles really well. Don't overdo these at first, though, stop after five or so, you WILL feel them tomorrow.
And, lastly...This one is mostly for when your hsoulders and upper back hurt. You know those funny styrofoam swim "noodles" that little kids use? Buy one of those. You want one of the straight ones, not one of the curved ones. Put it on the ground, lay down on it so that it runs the length of your spine, from your pelvis to your head. Have your knees bent, and your arms out to your side. Stay that way for 2-5 minutes. It WILL be uncomfortable the first few times, but what it does is it pretty much forces the shoulder and upper back muscles to relax. As soon as you get off it, your upper back will feel better. You can work your way up to making snow angel motions with your arms, but that will also be painful at first, so only go to the point of pain, don't force yourself to do that which is painful.
Hope that helps.
-Jenn
While the name "Flexi" conjures up ideas more about maxi pads than keyboards, this is what you're looking for. It's totally waterproof, rolls up, and costs 38 UK pounds plus shipping. I've seen similar keyboards for sale on various US sites, but they tend to be significantly more expensive (taking exchange rates into account, ofcourse)... http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/flexi_keyboard.htm
Slashdot Mirror
So, here's the premise. AOL isn't available on Linux or BSD, therefore people who are happy with AOL but considering switching to Linux/BSD would not switch, because AOL isn't available.
There's just one problem. How many AOL users are even aware of the mere EXISTANCE of Linux/BSD? The people who use AOL when there are other options available are the same types of people who use Windows simply because that is what is loaded onto their computer when they bought it. The vast majority of AOL users aren't going to bother to find out whether other OSes would be good for them, considering that they haven't bothered to see whether ISPs are better.
-Jenn
Just a thought, but if that CD isn't shielded by anything, what happens if you're the type who likes to set the portable down on a table/your legs/etc when you play? Seems like perhaps that CD shouldn't have been exposed, IMHO.
I never had much in the way of back pain until I was in a car accident which put me into physical therapy for four months...So, I've got a few tips...I'm not a doctor or physical therapist or anything, so don't try to sue me if you take my advice and hurt yourself, yadda yadda yadda. I know this concept might be frightening, but do situps. The back has to do quite a bit of work to keep you upright, but if you have nice strong abdominal muscles, they do a bit of work (some of the abdominal muscles stretch back to your spine) and make your back do less work, therefore less pain. When you do the situps, concentrate on keeping your tummy and butt muscles real tight. You DON'T have to go all the way up (contrary to white evil highschool PE teachers told you!), you just have to get your shoulder blades off the floor. Also, if you can, try to hold the up position for a few seconds. If you can't, don't ;) Two sets of 20 situps a day is a good figure to shoot for, but if you can only do five a day, do five a day. It's better than nothing.
Another thing that'll help...lay on your back on the ground, with your knees bent so that you're comfortable. First try and suck in your tummy and butt muscles, then lift your ass into the air. Hold for five seconds. Do a few of those and you'll start to feel it, but it really does strengthen your back and stomach muscles really well. Don't overdo these at first, though, stop after five or so, you WILL feel them tomorrow.
And, lastly...This one is mostly for when your hsoulders and upper back hurt. You know those funny styrofoam swim "noodles" that little kids use? Buy one of those. You want one of the straight ones, not one of the curved ones. Put it on the ground, lay down on it so that it runs the length of your spine, from your pelvis to your head. Have your knees bent, and your arms out to your side. Stay that way for 2-5 minutes. It WILL be uncomfortable the first few times, but what it does is it pretty much forces the shoulder and upper back muscles to relax. As soon as you get off it, your upper back will feel better. You can work your way up to making snow angel motions with your arms, but that will also be painful at first, so only go to the point of pain, don't force yourself to do that which is painful.
Hope that helps.
-Jenn
While the name "Flexi" conjures up ideas more about maxi pads than keyboards, this is what you're looking for. It's totally waterproof, rolls up, and costs 38 UK pounds plus shipping. I've seen similar keyboards for sale on various US sites, but they tend to be significantly more expensive (taking exchange rates into account, ofcourse)... http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/flexi_keyboard.htm