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Dear Zelda, My concern has to do with my son and computers. I know computers are the future, but my teenage son is obsessed and very good at everything relating to computers. He even has a part-time job setting up websites for small start-up companies in our town. However, I’m afraid he is missing out on a social life in high school. He doesn’t have friends, attend any of the high school activities, and claims athletic events are “silly and ridiculous.” Should I be concerned? Mom Caught in Computer Conflict Dear Mom, Remember that really cool kid in high school, the popular one who got all the girls? Know what he’s doing now? Neither do I. But remember all those geeks programming all day down in the basement computer lab? Know what they’re doing? Running the world! Starting their own companies! Retiring at 35! You are right Mom, computers and tech-savviness are an incredibly important part of our future and an essential part of any education today. Your son may be a little lopsided in his perspective and his interests right now, but hey, he’s a teenager... they’re not known for their sense of balance. It’s important, of course, that he have SOME social connections, but I wouldn’t worry too much about his popularity or his willingness to play sports; everyone needs to march to their own drummer, and it sounds like your son has found his own beat. It’s worth reminding yourself that there are worse things for your son to be obsessed with in high school than computers… girls, for example! Now girls can truly turn a teenage male into a different kind of animal… a mad dog comes to mind. So, for the time being, I suggest you turn your disadvantage to an advantage and support your son’s ability and interest in his computer work. Relax, he’s doing something he’s passionate about. It’s a positive activity that isn’t illegal, immoral or fattening, and he’s even managed to open a small business. All in all, I’d say you’ve got a lot to celebrate. You might even ask him to help you set up your own blog. The more you learn about his world, the easier it will be to stay connected with him. Life is long, and socially speaking, your son will have a lot of time to catch up to everyone else later. In the meantime, remember that sage Biblical wisdom, “The geek shall inherit the earth.” Zelda Dear Zelda, The topic for your Dear Zelda column next week is “computers.” My question is, what are your Top Ten Computer Websites for Dog Lovers? Your Pal Chopper and his Computer-Crazy Owner Dear Chopper and Computer-Crazy, Team Zelda is crazy about computers too, and it seems like we’re on them all day long here... to get daily doses of information, to keep in touch with our fans, and to read all the pooch-pertinent news and reviews. Your question was a very welcome one, and we’ve put together our Top Ten Canine Computer Sites for you. Go ahead and take some bytes from our sites: 1. Wonder How To: This is a super site for computer geeks looking for canine information. You can choose from among 370 dog-specific videos and watch people who know what they’re doing (veterinarians for example). We just watched an episode on ear cleaning and learned a lot. Check out: www.wonderhowto.com. Click on “categories” and then “pets and animal videos.” 2. The Delta Society: Their Pet Partner Program trains volunteers and their pets for visiting animal programs in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools and other facilities. Pretty cool school! www.deltasociety.org 3. Petfinder: An online, searchable database of animals that need homes. It is also a directory of over 10,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations across the USA, Canada and Mexico. www.petfinder.com 4. Daily Kibble: a well written and researched daily newsletter with the latest products, trends, tips and stories about pets. My morning wouldn’t be complete without checking it out. www.dailykibble.com 5. Pet Vacation Rentals: Next time bring the ENTIRE family! This great site has over 5,300 pet-friendly vacation rentals, homes, cabins and bed-and-breakfasts. You can click on any state to browse listings. www.petvr.com 6. Pets Best Insurance: Since we’re talking universal health care this election season, let’s not forget about insuring us deserving canines and felines of the world! This pet health insurance company even insures old dogs like me! Their goal is good care for canines, and they take their work seriously. www.petsbest.com 7. The American Kennel Club: The AKC is a definitive registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States. The AKC also promotes events for purebred dogs. In addition, their website contains information pertaining to canine health as well as access to their email newsletters and magazines. www.akc.org 8. 1-800-petmeds: A terrific source for pet medications, vitamins, supplements and supplies. A great way to save. Quick and easy. www.1800petmeds.com 9. Bark Magazine: This great magazine can always be found on my coffee table, and their website is full of helpful information. We like to log onto their dog-blog and let them know our thoughts on canine care. www.thebark.com 10. The Humane Society of the United States: The national organization works primarily on research and public education while assisting local Humane Societies and rescue groups. Their site also includes access to the Animal Channel to watch some cool videos online. A wonderful organization, and a great site! www.hsus.org It’s hard to stop at just ten, but these are some of my absolute favorites! They’re all great resources when you want to get wired with all the latest doggy de-tails. Let us know if you’ve got any favorites of your own! Happy surfing, Zelda Share this column with a friend! |
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