The Lökwest "Digital Life" - April 2020
What a difference a month makes! Yesterday marked 1 million diagnosed cases of coronavirus world-wide. And how many more infected? 😥 Before we start, we're praying and rooting for all those affected by the current situation. Thanks to everyone that's out there supporting the fight against the virus, whatever your profession.
We took early action on March 16th, canceling our volunteer time and on-site appointments. In the meantime, we've been helping clients remotely via phone, remote desktop, and video chat. These actions are in effect until further notice. It appears, at least in California, we've got at least a month to go. It's time to add "coronavirus" to your spell checker! (we just did)
Do your civic part - stay home! If there's anything we can do to help you via the magic of today's technology - we're here for you!
Coronavirus resources and tips
Some tips we sent to our clients on the 16th, newly updated:
When media events arise – SCAMS follow. We’re already seeing an uptick on virus related spam. Watch your inbox and clicks closely!
When seeking information, GO TO THE SOURCE. Avoid “click bait”. Here is a list of links we've been following for COVID related information:
Johns Hopkins Coronavirus map: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6
State of California: https://covid19.ca.gov/
California Dept of Health: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx
Orange County: https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/
San Clemente: https://www.san-clemente.org/about-us/city-news/covid-19-coronavirus-information/covid-19-coronavirus
You can also TEXT the phone number 888777 with the message OCCOVID19. They will send you daily updates and links to information.
Previously recommended apps Ground News and the website The Factual are good balanced sources of information: https://www.thefactual.com/news.
Be careful of online price gouging, and track your deliveries closely.
Consider re-engaging with friends, family and neighbors through social media. Try NextDoor – the “Facebook for neighborhoods”. I have a feeling it’ll become more popular in the coming weeks.
Check with your digital service providers - most of them are offering pandemic related fee reductions. For example, my mobile carrier is giving away free data. My Internet provider has lifted data caps. Make sure you take advantage of these offers - they're for everyone.
If you order food or groceries through an app, TIP WELL. Gig workers are trudging through the aisles or picking up things for you, and in-house diners aren’t there to tip the cooks.
This month's top three
Google’s coronavirus website launches alongside enhanced search results — ow.ly
In addition to the links above, the much publicized Google coronavirus website is also available. All the information on this site can be trusted.
COVID-19 Social Distancing Scoreboard — ow.ly
Remember when you clicked on "I agree" when you installed that game? You're probably sharing anonymous location data. Here's one instance where a company put that aggregated data to use. See how well your county is social distancing, based on average travel by user by week.
Apple Just Gave Millions Of Users A Reason To Quit Their iPhones — ow.ly
Do you use an iPhone and did your data bill jump unexpectedly? You may be a victim of the bug described here. This came out during the virus news, so it flew under the radar. It's definitely something to know about - it could save you a bunch of headaches with the phone company.
How to stay entertained
6 ways seniors can use Google Home to make the COVID-19 quarantine easier — ow.ly
If you or a senior you know has been resisting a smart speaker or screen, now might be a great time to re-introduce the idea. These devices are more than playing music - you can stay in touch, get the news, and be entertained!
Books worth reading twice. — ow.ly
Oh, if we really had time to read all of the books that we've wanted to. For that next book - make it a good one with a recommendation from one of the highly respected people on this website.
The 10 most relaxing TV shows that aren’t The Office — ow.ly
A few suggestions on relaxing shows to stream, from our friends at Polygon. Check them out - try something new! (Personally, I've been digging the FX show Devs 😉)
Here’s how to try every major streaming service for free during the coronavirus quarantine — ow.ly
If you play your cards right with free trials, you can stream TV for free for the next couple of months. And as a bonus, you'll learn which service is your favorite if you want to "cut the cord." Just don't forget to cancel the services you don't want to keep!
How to stay sane
Here are some happy websites to go to if you’re sick of reading articles about coronavirus — ow.ly
The outside world is scary enough right now. The internet doesn’t have to be scary, too. Check out some suggestions from The Outline on how to distract your brain.
Coronavirus Sanity Guide — ow.ly
From Ten Percent Happier - Check out these free resources to build resilience and cope with coronavirus stress and anxiety. These meditations, podcasts, talks, and blogposts will help you find some calm amidst the chaos.
Stop watching Netflix and tackle these 8 tech projects instead — ow.ly
We love these suggestions, and did you know WE CAN HELP with any of these projects remotely? 🙂 From organizing digital photos to re-purposing old tech, here’s some ideas on how to use your free time during the coronavirus lock down.
Tip of the month
How Do I Adjust Closed-Captioning on Streaming Video? — ow.ly
Having trouble reading the closed captions on your streaming video? We didn't know it could be changed, until a friend asked about it. Even we learn new tricks! Check out how the adjust captions on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix or Hulu here.
Exploring Technology talks
Our regular talks have been cancelled for the foreseeable future. However, we're working on a potential Zoom presentation to brighten up your April. Stay tuned!
The final word - help small business!
Square, the payments processor has set up a site called Give and Get Local. It's a place where small businesses who use Square can sell electronic gift cards during the crisis. Guess what? We're listed! Support your local business today even if you can't go out - visit Give and Get Local today!
Order Lökwest Digital Life Coaching eGift Cards — ow.ly
Here's a special offer for you: Gift cards are now 10% off. Buy a card now for you or someone else. They never expire, and as a bonus - gift card holders receive priority booking (must mention when booking). Think about it as your "tech support" insurance. Thanks for your support! 🙂🙂