How do you like this idea?

[Noreen]

"Lack of exercise causes numerous health problems, and the personal computer particularly discourages exercise, admits the software giant Microsoft.

PC use encourages people to sit motionless for hours at a time, which may result in chronic back pain. Constant tapping on a keyboard and use of a mouse can also cause repetitive strain injuries. What's needed, Microsoft says, is a different form of interaction that encourages more vigorous movement.

The company thinks it has developed one in the form of a foot-based interface that asks users to tap their feet on an interactive mat to perform basic tasks such as browsing the web and reading text. The mat below a user's feet would feature the commands neededto open and close documents and click on different web links.

Information could then be beamed onto a large screen, Microsoft says, so that it can be seen easily while standing up. This "can transform tedious tasks, such as reading through email messages or managing photos, into a more fun and enjoyable experience," the company reckons."

http://www.newscientist.com/blog/invention/2007/10/foot-based-computing.html

[Rik]

I think computers do pose a health-threat, Noreen, I know I spend way too much time sat in front of one and have done for many years. So, I'm all in favour of some bright ideas.

[cavillas]

I get up out of my chair and walk around in circles.  Does that count as exercise?

[J!ll]

Same here  although I do have a typist chair, which I think is important.

[cavillas]

Same as me, the typist wasn't happy though.

[J!ll]

Naughty! 

[john]

I get up out of my chair and walk around in circles.  Does that count as exercise?

I get up out of my chair and walk to the fridge for a beer, I then walk to the cupboard where we keep the glasses and then I walk to the draw where we keep the bottle opener. After opening the bottle and lifting it to pour its contents into the glass I then return to the cahir to use the computer. All this carrying and lifting I think I've done quite enough 

I have to do this myself as I can't persuade my wife to get the beer for me 

[Rik]

Sue takes pity on me and tends to bring a supply of beverages and comestibles. Perhaps you need to work harder on your 'cute puppy' look, John? 

Enough, time to go and get the embrocation on then sit down to the rugby.

[Ann]

John, I think you need to be careful not to do too much.  You might do a userability study and see if you can merge two of those activities into one.  Maybe keep the opener in the same place as the glasses or maybe move the glasses and opener closer to the fridge.  Much of it depends on your own circumstances but you should look carefully and see what you can do to be sure not to be overdoing things. 

[john]

Sue takes pity on me and tends to bring a supply of beverages and comestibles. Perhaps you need to work harder on your 'cute puppy' look, John? 

Enough, time to go and get the embrocation on then sit down to the rugby.

If I adopted the 'cute puppy' look I'd just get treated like a dog. It'd be 'down boy' all the time 


Thanks for the advice Ann, maybe I should invest in a fridge just for drinks and keep it near the computer, or maybe it'd be easier to sit in the kitchen with the laptop. 

[Rik]

see what you can do to be sure not to be overdoing things. 

Mmm. I see a role opening up as our resident agony aunt, Ann.

[Rik]

If I adopted the 'cute puppy' look I'd just get treated like a dog. It'd be 'down boy' all the time 

Nasty. Very nasty...

[jupiter]

I feel myself disintegrating as my computer use increases. 

Dry eyes, the optician tells me, is caused by using the screen, which reduces blink rate and, if you have impaired quality tears, creates irritation.

And sitting still is reducing circulation to my legs causing numbness and "claudication" - the symptoms of which include pain in leg muscles when starved of blood supply.

So I try to walk about, crying whilst rubbing my legs.  Unfortunately, this is causing back problems plus irritation when people imagine they are the first to crack a joke by calling me Claude.

[Rik]

So we should stick to Cecil then??

[jupiter]

What has he been doing to be so sticky?

[Rik]

A finger in too many pies, perhaps.

[alcav]

I got me an allotment and I b****r off down there at every opportunity


Alan

[Rik]

Does it have wifi?? 

[Lance]

In this day and age, it wouldn't surprise me if it did Rik!

[Rik]

True enough, it's spreading around MK at the moment.

[Inactive]

True enough, it's spreading around MK at the moment.

Is there a cure for it?

[Rik]

Faraday cages?

[john]

Faraday cages?

If they're anything like squirrel cages then we're back on topic then as we could use them to get the exercise 

[Inactive]

Faraday cages?

They are I believe a system built in to a building to prevent any inward interference from unwanted transmissions, I may be wrong.

( I often am  ).

[Rik]

You're not.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faraday_cage

Most often found in TV studios and embassies...

[Inactive]

You're not.

Wow, that must be a first, and I didn't look it up either.. 

[Rik]

I vaguely remember learning about them in physics lessons, but more recently I've been aware of them in a broadcasting context. Of course, the braiding in co-ax cables is a form of cage.

[Inactive]

Of course, the braiding in co-ax cables is a form of cage.

Indeed Rik, a not very good one without a foil shield added it seems.

[Rik]

The foil certainly works better, In, but they are both relying on the cage effect. It's strange how old Michael impacts on our every day lives still, but hardly gets mentioned.