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General => The Stay Safe Board => Topic started by: sarah on Thursday 19 March 20 20:20 GMT (UK)
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There are lot of us who are trying to keep everyone safe by staying at home, it is important that we keep ourselves busy and happy here are some idea's if you are fed up of housework.
If anyone else has any good ideas please add them to the list.
https://chatterpack.net/blogs/blog/list-of-online-resources-for-anyone-who-is-isolated-at-home
Big Hugs to you all
Sarah
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What an exhaustive list of online entertainment, thanks for sharing Sarah. I have jigsaw puzzles, OH has Sudoku puzzle books, and an extensive collection of unread books. I have also put my easel up and dusted of the paints and brushes and I tend to start painting again. I have many boxed games and jigsaws that I plan to take to a residential home in the next few days.
Stay safe.
Carol
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Thanks Sarah!
At the point in time that I looked . . . . .
Don't see "Genealogy" / Genealogy Help = Rootschat :)
Don't see ( Don't need ) "Chudleigh Rocks and Stones" ( Facebook ) or Devon or anywhere else = very popular all over.
R
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I posted this some months ago but it might not have received the attention it deserves. The site is MapCrunch and it shows random street view images from all over the world. You have to imagine that you've somehow woken up there, you don't know where you are, and you need to get home. By travelling along the roads, you can eventually, with a bit of detective work, find out where you are, and then with a bit of googling, find out where the nearest airport is, and so navigate to that.
https://www.mapcrunch.com/
How to play:
On the home page, press Options and select Stealth at the bottom of the locations sheet. Then press GO, and you will be taken to somewhere in the world. I've had hours of fun on this, although to be honest, I've never yet got myself to an airport.
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Looks like great fun, will give it a try :D
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Ooh mapcrunch looks good, I used to do a similar one, GeoGuessr, until they made you pay for it. Very addictive!
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If anyone is interested in MMOs I can heartily recommend "Villagers and Heroes"
It has a very friendly community, no pvp, a huge variety of things to do and chat is generally friendly and polite. Perhaps because of the above, it also has an unusally large number of shall we say more mature players and also an unusually high number of women who play.
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I posted this some months ago but it might not have received the attention it deserves. The site is MapCrunch and it shows random street view images from all over the world. You have to imagine that you've somehow woken up there, you don't know where you are, and you need to get home. By travelling along the roads, you can eventually, with a bit of detective work, find out where you are, and then with a bit of googling, find out where the nearest airport is, and so navigate to that.
https://www.mapcrunch.com/
How to play:
On the home page, press Options and select Stealth at the bottom of the locations sheet. Then press GO, and you will be taken to somewhere in the world. I've had hours of fun on this, although to be honest, I've never yet got myself to an airport.
Clever idea, Who thinks them up :D will pass that one on, it looks fun.
Carol
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Albufera, what are MMOs and pvp?
Martin
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MMO = Massively Multiplayer Online (games like World of Warcraft etc) and pvp is player versus player.
Villagers and Heroes is a much milder and more gentle game in the same mold as World of Warcraft (or for those who remember good old Dungeons and Dragons with paper and pencil) but without the players fighting each other.
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Try indexing or reviewing at familysearch [free to view results] or UKindexers [earn credits] .....gets addictive - 'just one more batch'....
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https://www.mapcrunch.com/
This looks right up my alley. Thanks for that. :)
So much of interest on your link Sarah! :)
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I've just had a look at site. Is the lady in today's location a panic buyer or is she carrying this week's shopping?.
:)
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;D
My screen only goes down as far as USA and there doesn't seem to be a slider to move further down. ???
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If you are not a subscriber to the likes of Ancestry and Find My Past you could subscribe and make the most of any trial periods.
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Don’t forget physical exercise
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Learn something new that involves hand movement ie drawing, painting, crafts, playing a musical instrument.
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Keep your brain active
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Look up how to use Skype and set yourselves up so you can see and talk to family and friends
7
Learn to count
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If you are not a subscriber to the likes of Ancestry and Find My Past you could subscribe and make the most of any trial periods.
2
Don’t forget physical exercise
3
Learn something new that involves hand movement ie drawing, painting, crafts, playing a musical instrument.
4
Keep your brain active
5
Look up how to use Skype and set yourselves up so you can see and talk to family and friends
7
Learn to count
Nice one, Colin. After I'd 'got' your joke I added 'read more carefully' to my own list of things to do
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https://www.mapcrunch.com/
This looks right up my alley. Thanks for that. :)
So much of interest on your link Sarah! :)
I thought I would enjoy this but I tried the other day and now today but after a very short time, I get a black screen and that is it.
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https://www.mapcrunch.com/
This looks right up my alley. Thanks for that. :)
So much of interest on your link Sarah! :)
I thought I would enjoy this but I tried the other day and now today but after a very short time, I get a black screen and that is it.
I had exactly the same, but I suspect it is simply that my router needed to be reset, since I also ran out of bandwidth listening to the PMs daily briefing on the radio.
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Message from the U3A yesterday inviting us all to keep a journal while self-isolating during the crisis. Need not be daily, could just be random thoughts, humorous & positive notes welcome but also a chance for people to jot down their fears and hopes too.
The plan is to create some kind of archive which would be of interest to future readers/historians.
Samuel Pepys did it during the plague & his diary is famous! ;D
Pat
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What an interesting idea. Must mention it to my U3A.
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I am trying to get my hubby to clear out the garage whilst we're self isolating.
We have lived in our house for nearly 40 years.
If we haven't needed and item in all that time,I doubt we will now.
He insists that the minute he throws something away,we'll need it.
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I am trying to get my hubby to clear out the garage whilst we're self isolating.
We have lived in our house for nearly 40 years.
If we haven't needed and item in all that time,I doubt we will now.
He insists that the minute he throws something away,we'll need it.
Oh Yes!!!!! :-\ we've lived here even longer & my husband is just like yours. I've been trying to get him to clear out the garage for years (it's a 4 car garage, we can only just fit in 1 now) I try not to think about it.
Good luck ;D [size=78%] [/size]
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This just came up in my recommendations
If anyone fancies a read. I wonder if there will be others in this ‘series’ maybe crime based?
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Think I preferred the original :)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9712.Love_in_the_Time_of_Cholera
I've read it about 3 or 4 times :D
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Message from the U3A yesterday inviting us all to keep a journal while self-isolating during the crisis. Need not be daily, could just be random thoughts, humorous & positive notes welcome but also a chance for people to jot down their fears and hopes too.
The plan is to create some kind of archive which would be of interest to future readers/historians.
Samuel Pepys did it during the plague & his diary is famous! ;D
Pat
I'm a member of the Mass Observation project & we have been urged to keep a diary during this time as well as the designated directives that are requested from time to time.
I had already started doing this anyway, as I think it may prove a useful set of data for those studying aspects such as mental health in the aftermath of this crisis.
If nothing else, as genealogists, it could prove interesting for us to leave a record for future family generations we may never meet.
Stay safe, folks!
Regards,
Stoney
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I'm a member of the Mass Observation project & we have been urged to keep a diary during this time as well as the designated directives that are requested from time to time.
I had already started doing this anyway, as I think it may prove a useful set of data for those studying aspects such as mental health in the aftermath of this crisis.
If nothing else, as genealogists, it could prove interesting for us to leave a record for future family generations we may never meet.
Stay safe, folks!
Regards,
Stoney
Ah yes, Stoney, that was it! I knew it was to contribute to a large-scale project but couldn't remember all the details ;D
Pat
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What a brilliant idea stoney.
I have been trying to think of a photographic project to start, to record daily life. We have also started off lots of seedlings etc so maybe something to follow there.
Yes stay safe folk, it will pass
Sarah :)
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Virtual Desert Island Discs.
I've just sent out to about 16 of my friends/acquaintances a suggestion for a Virtual Desert Island Discs.
They are asked to list their 8 favourite pieces of music and if appropriate any stories behind their choices.
The outcome will be to collate the responses into a Virtual DID with stories and music to circulate among the responders in an appropriate manner.
Initial response encouraging.
Will be interesting to see the choices of music.
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https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=808226.msg6843771#msg6843771
Read and review a book on this thread. :)
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;D
My screen only goes down as far as USA and there doesn't seem to be a slider to move further down. ???
Ctrl and minus will zoom your screen out, and Ctrl and plus will zoom in. I had a similar problem on one of my laptops.
I have this morning thought of a way one could play the map game with others. Agree amongst you which country you are visiting. Then each go to the home page, click on that country, and then select Stealth at the bottom. Then everyone playing tries to navigate to the capital city of that country for a virtual party. I was just trying it out - I selected Iceland, and I find I'm on a car ferry surrounded by icebergs! Great way to see the world whilst we're stuck at home.
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;D
My screen only goes down as far as USA and there doesn't seem to be a slider to move further down. ???
Ctrl and minus will zoom your screen out, and Ctrl and plus will zoom in. I had a similar problem on one of my laptops.
I have this morning thought of a way one could play the map game with others. Agree amongst you which country you are visiting. Then each go to the home page, click on that country, and then select Stealth at the bottom. Then everyone playing tries to navigate to the capital city of that country for a virtual party. I was just trying it out - I selected Iceland, and I find I'm on a car ferry surrounded by icebergs! Great way to see the world whilst we're stuck at home.
Is there any way of ‘saving’ the point you’ve reached so that you can continue your journey another day?
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A few more ideas:
The Ramblers Association are mounting a campaign to re-open old footpaths and are asking volunteers to compare old and modern maps and indicate where the old rights of way were so they can see if it's feasible to reinstate them. For people who like maps (I'm a retired digital cartographer) this is interesting and useful:
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/dont-lose-your-way-2026.aspx
There are always loads of projects available on Zooniverse, the people-powered research site, where volunteers are known as citizen scientists, and you get great satisfaction from ensuring that valuable data is digitised.
. https://www.zooniverse.org/projects
Beats playing Spider Solitaire mindlessly, I promise you. I know these things..... ;D
PS: Hi JenB - if there is, I haven't worked it out yet. The other day I was in the midst of a terrifying journey in the mountains of Northern Greece on the border with Albania. I had ALMOST got to the main road to Athens when I had to go out. Now I shall never know what's at the end of that crumbling mountain road. ;D
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PS: Hi JenB - if there is, I haven't worked it out yet. The other day I was in the midst of a terrifying journey in the mountains of Northern Greece on the border with Albania. I had ALMOST got to the main road to Athens when I had to go out. Now I shall never know what's at the end of that crumbling mountain road. ;D
Bother! If you do find out please let me know. I was just turning left at a roundabout towards Lake Balaton in Hungary the other day when we had a momentary power cut.....
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I've just ordered yet more books ( I need more shelf space!) from that well known South American river so that, and FH will keep me going.
I also want to re-learn how to play backgammon. I used to be pretty good at it years ago but have forgotten all I knew. I'm sure there must be something online where you can play the computer!!
Gardening on the fine days and reading on the not so fine days. Lots of stuff on Netflix and Amazon Prime (I really recommend The Man In The High Castle).
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;D
My screen only goes down as far as USA and there doesn't seem to be a slider to move further down. ???
Ctrl and minus will zoom your screen out, and Ctrl and plus will zoom in. I had a similar problem on one of my laptops.
I have this morning thought of a way one could play the map game with others. Agree amongst you which country you are visiting. Then each go to the home page, click on that country, and then select Stealth at the bottom. Then everyone playing tries to navigate to the capital city of that country for a virtual party. I was just trying it out - I selected Iceland, and I find I'm on a car ferry surrounded by icebergs! Great way to see the world whilst we're stuck at home.
Aah thank you Greensleeves :D I knew I'd encountered this problem before but couldn't remember the solution to it. Much appreciated.
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As maps have been mentioned a few times already, here is a mapping project I have suggested as a possible 'Friday night challenge' for our local Scout Group - perhaps it might be of interest to some here or an idea you can pass on to your local youth groups such as Scouts, Guides, BB, etc:
https://www.missingmaps.org/
and some info from their site, as to what it is all about:
. Each year, disasters around the world kill nearly 100,000 and affect or displace 200 million people. Many of the places where these disasters occur are literally 'missing' from any map and first responders lack the information to make valuable decisions regarding relief efforts. Missing Maps is an open, collaborative project in which you can help to map areas where humanitarian organisations are trying to meet the needs of vulnerable people
So, "Entertainment" of sorts, but with a very worthwhile purpose.
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Oh brilliant - thanks so much for that Scotmum. Just up my street and will be nice to be able to use my rusty mapping skills again.
Ha ha JenB - how frustrating to lose your Hungarian trip. I tried selecting Iceland and 'stealth' earlier and found myself on a boat surrounded by icebergs - the scenery was fantastic so it was a shame I had to go out and never found out where the boat was going.
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Well I am knitting baby clothes for premature babies for the hospitals and its very therapeautic knowing you are helping that way. I also have lots of unread books to read, videos, DVDs, jig saws, CD's to listen to, adult colouring books and fibre tips and of course the internet which is a boon you can look at places all over the world on Google Earth site. So keep happy and keep the faith whatever you like to do xx
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I'm just relaxing and waiting for Match of the Day.
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I went out and bought a notebook today (my pre lock down panic shop) and have stared my Covid 19 Lockdown journal.
I decided to do it in pencil so I could rub out, and thank goodness. I am already admitting my handwriting, which I am desperately trying to keep at least uniform, could well be an example of something that will be posted on a site like this asking for help transcribing! (Assuming it doesn’t get thrown away (most likely by me ;D).
I thought I wouldn’t have much to say. Then I realised it would be useful to describe where everyone was on the day, who they all are, things we had done leading up to it. To introduce my wider circle of friends and relations (incase they have to be mentioned later) etc so now I am wondering if I should have bought TWO notebooks.
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Make two Bucket Lists, one for things you want to do now whilst these restrictions are in place and another for post Covid19 activities.
Go to the Future Learn website and see if there are any free courses that they have that may be of interest to you.
Exercise mind and body daily.
Stay safe.
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The Daily Telegraph has started to insert 4 pages of puzzles daily; 2 days in and my little pile is growing steadily! Our walk was combined with a visit to the shop for milk, and we've been gardening this aft. Still full of ideas of what to do, the house is going to be so decluttered that we won't recognise it! The point is, do one job per day and not ALL day. We have 30-45 mins of activity after breakfast, have coffee and read for an hour. Then exercise/activity for another 45-60 minutes, then a go at the jigsaw puzzle before lunch. After lunch, a short rest to allow it to go down, no more than 1.5 hours of activity before settling down to a seated activity. I get to wander around the kitchen for 30-40 minutes preparing dinner (I'm now starting to try those recipes that I've been collecting for years!) and then TV. That way, we keep our hearts exercised, and our brains and have enough different activities through the day to keep us from feeling bored. And we haven't even broken open the Scrabble yet!
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Free and fascinating - tune in to one of the many amazing wildlife webcams!
Having followed the peregrines at Norwich Cathedral a few years ago, I started following an osprey nestcam at Loch Arkaig last year and got totally hooked on these wonderful birds. The Woodland Trust has a number of nestcams throughout the UK - the Lock Arkaig link is https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/
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Saw this earlier on BBC News page - The Rainfall Rescue Project is seeking volunteers to help digitise old handwritten records pertaining to rainfall:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-52040822?fbclid=IwAR0PnMrs-gR_4WX2q2PBIYrdt3mVJe7gJ2kl-M0km2mylKY5GzzABYhUbCo
There's a link in the artical to log on and you can download scanned copies of handwritten documents which then need to be recorded digitally onto their database.
Might be of interest for those looking for 'something different' to do!
Stoney
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I am trying to get my hubby to clear out the garage whilst we're self isolating.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
You should start cleaning out the garage ..................that will get him moving on the cleaning very quickly.
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Come on you Beatles fans, have a go at this! :D
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Colin mentioned the Future Learn courses - I've just started this one which looks as if it's going to be interesting
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/forensic-archaeology-and-anthropology
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I have to reread books because I didn't get out in time to buy some new ones before the virus was upon us. The best bookstore in town used to be located just two blocks from my house and there was an English language bookstore just five or six blocks away but the first relocated and the second folded. By the time I got my wits about me, I didn't dare take public transportation to get to a bookstore.
So, I am rereading books that provide lots of opportunity for looking things up online. The first was 'Two Years Before the Mast' - I read up on brigs, how they were rigged and how they were sailed; early California ports and missions; Cape Horn, Isla Juan Fernández, Richard Henry Dana, etc. And now I'm rereading 'Wonderful Life' by Stephen Jay Gould and looking up all the "weird wonders" to see what has been written about them since they were discussed by Gould 30 years ago. Lots of changes, re-interpretations and new higher level taxonomy proposed.
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Hi,
Google Project Gutenberg... : :) :)
It has 7 books listed when I entered the word 'taxonomy' at the keyword search option.
Then clicking further on the first listed book .... well I have no understanding of taxonomy, but 37 books are listed
All seemingly available without any fee, and out of copyright.
JM
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I have kindle unlimited which works out more cost effective than buying individual books if you're reading a lot.
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The following 'wireless' shows are available for free if anyone fancies a trip back in time and a giggle.
https://archive.org/details/BeyondOurKenSeries1
https://archive.org/details/completeroundthehorne
https://archive.org/details/NavyLarkTheSeries1
http://www.bennewsam.co.uk/Goons.html
http://www.bennewsam.co.uk/ISIHAC.html
Boo
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Any Game of Thrones fanatics out there?
Currently free to download the Kindle edition, The Ultimate Game of Thrones Quiz Book: Over 1000 Questions!
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Any Game of Thrones fanatics out there?
Currently free to download the Kindle edition, The Ultimate Game of Thrones Quiz Book: Over 1000 Questions!
Yes, loved the whole series! Not read the books though.... sounds like a good one to download.
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We have just finished watching all 10 series of Spooks on I-Player
Now looking for another series to binge-watch.
Possibly Luther
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I'm "breaking up the day" into sections - kitchen tasks, tidying etc, after breakfast, Then gardening if fine /housework if not, until lunchtime.
After that, sewing / mending/ironing etc, then crossword or reading, in garden if weather permits. Then a spell online, before early evening television news.
Then preparing for dinner. after clearing that away, a spell reading /watching television, talking, 'phoning family and friends, watching usually things recorded rather than real time scheduled stuff.
No longer watch late evening news, depresses me too much.
And so to bed....