Young Windsorites; Determined to know "Why"

I realize that I have not written for this blog in a long time, and I am sorry for that. I intend to write much more in the coming months. Though there should be no excuses as to why I have not taken advantage of such an opportunity, I have managed to find some. I have come to the conclusion that the reason I have not contributed is because I am, in fact, a teenager. In saying this I only mean that I have been occupied with my own development and that I have been changing and coming into myself. I do believe I have matured a lot in the last few months. I have learned much about myself and about those who surround me. Not only this, but I have learned a lot about Windsor, Ontario, the place I call home.

Windsor, though not the most popular city, is quite interesting. As it should be with any city, the people are what make it so. The artists, the teachers, the businessmen and women, the news reporters, the authors, the hairdressers, the city workers and more all contribute to the beauty of Windsor, or rather its aesthetic appeal. You see, at first glance, Windsor may seem like a miniature New York. With every coming Monday, the streets are filled with cars and people heading to work or to school. There never ceases to be someone going somewhere. Everyone seems to have a purpose. Everyone seems to know where they want to go and when they have to be there but, no one ever asks “Why?” No one stops and asks “Why am I going there?” I think this question summarizes Windsor quite well. It is the image of success and productivity; Windsorites are always working and moving closer to their final destination, without really knowing where that is.

The Windsor I have just described is what I assume most teenagers see. As a result we have become obsessed with knowing the answer. We need to know “why”. Our incredible desire to understand has become enough to drive some mad and to make others stop caring altogether. However, there are many young people in this city who remain determined to know “why”. For them, understanding is a necessity. These young Windsorites are among the most productive and active people in the community.

Despite such productivity, these young people are constantly bombarded with new ideas and new questions. Not only do these teens fuss over “Why?” but they begin to fuss over “How?” as well. These questions, combined with the overwhelming and perpetual anxiety that comes with planning for their future, are one of the main reasons for the uncertainty among teenagers. Whether it be about what they want or how they feel, it is rare to find a teen who is one hundred percent sure about everything.

Essentially, Windsor is a mess of things, one that greatly affects its youth. Every person is connected and whether this connection is acknowledged or not, it exists. The influence others may have on an individual is immeasurable. This influence is particularly strong among teens. We watch adults, both successful and not so successful, in an attempt to understand the “Why?” and “How?” of their situations and later our own. All this to say, teenagers are impressionable, let us not give them the wrong one.  

~ Joy

Ticks and Lyme Disease - A Growing Concern Across Canada

Lyme-carrying ticks are now found in almost all Canadian provinces.  At one time, they were only found in Ontario.  They were once limited to areas along the U.S. Border in Southern Ontario such as, Point Pelee and Fort Erie.  Now, the organisms can be found everywhere along the border.

Medical professionals are becoming more worried about the spread of the disease and feel there are so many more at-risk Canadians.  Read more ...

Symptoms of Lyme disease:

If you suspect that you may have been in contact with a Lyme-carrying tick, seek medical help right away.  Tips on avoiding the possibility of contracting the disease include, staying out of areas that ticks thrive in.  Check yourself and your pets thoroughly if you have been in any of these areas.

Read more ...

Learn how to remove ticks

This Is What Lyme Disease Feels Like

Personal story by Molly Napolitano

It's a beautiful day -- stunning actually -- but I've been lying in bed since one in the afternoon. I's now almost six and I've wasted yet another day thanks to Lyme disease.

In the last week, my joint pain has been getting worse and worse. Today, it feels like I've been hit by a truck. Every muscle hurts to touch. My hair started falling out in the shower. Most joints in my body are extremely painful. It hurts to open my hands or bend my elbows. It hurts to stand up because my right forefoot screams out in agony. My right knee, both hips and my neck are joining in on the fun. I have a horrible headache, but none of these pains are the worst of it.

I feel like the life has been literally sucked right out of me. The fatigue is overwhelming. I'm so tired that my eyelids struggle staying open --

Read more ...

Written By: Mike Crawford

Gordie Howe International Bridge

Naming ceremony of the new Windsor-Detroit International Bridge

There has been much controversy over the construction of a new bridge that will connect Windsor and Detroit.  One of the biggest concerns, is that Canada is footing the bill for construction on the U.S. side.  The money we are contributing will be used to build a Customs plaza.  It is alleged that it will be paid back from tolls collected and, won't cost Canadian tax payers a cent but, many believe this is just a dream.  Canada already had plans to pay for 95% of the new bridge and then came the decision to move forward, a customs plaza was needed on the American side of the border.

The new bridge is being designed to connect directly to Highway 401 via the Herb Gray Parkway on the Canadian side and to Interstates 75 and 95 in Detroit.  The current Ambassador Bridge is connected to city streets which causes a lot of traffic and congestion within the city itself.  The design of the new bridge connecting to major highways is expected to improve the flow of freight traffic over the border using six lanes instead of the current four.  The Windsor-Detroit border crossing is one of the busiest in North America.  At an estimate of 2.5 million trucks, carrying over $100 billion in trade used this corridor in 2012.

The proposal for a new bridge came about in 2004 and in 2007.  In 2008 the proposal received approval.  Work began in 2011 to construct the Herb Gray Parkway in Windsor, preparing to connect the bridge to highway 401.

Owner of the Ambassador Bridge, Manuel "Matty" Moroun, opposed the idea of building a new bridge.  He did everything in his power to sue the Canadian and Michigan Governments in an effort to stop construction on a new bridge.  He came up with a proposal of his own, to build a second span to the Ambassador Bridge.  In the end, that doesn't do anything to help the current bridge which is 86 years old and is in need of major repairs.  It was not made to accommodate the heavy duty freight vehicles that are used today nor, was it originally made for the high volume of traffic that uses it daily.  It's estimated that 10,000 trucks use the bridge daily.  The second span would also not alleviate the traffic congestion within the city.

More controversy ensues when Moroun begins to buy properties and land in a Historic community within Windsor.  It would be where the second span of the Ambassador Bridge would be located. Many of the residents in the community were outraged at the idea and were worried that this would cause their property value to decrease.  Many of these properties have houses on them and they are now abandoned and boarded up.  They have become targets for vandalism and this has residents concerned.  People are getting into these houses illegally and destruction and arson have ensued.

The choice of using the Delray neighbourhood in South Detroit has been under scrutiny. The community doesn't believe that this is an ideal location but, there is room to grow economically there. Warehouses and other businesses can be created to assist with trade that passes over the bridge. Creating more jobs, along with more revenue.  It's agreed that citizens focus more on that aspect and, to build up the area and begin to train people to fill those jobs that will be created.

A public-private partnership from Canada will oversee the bridge project and the construction of Inspection plazas, on both sides. The United States has agreed to staff, operate and maintain the Detroit customs plaza. Although, Canada's main decision to pay for the project was so it would benefit Canadian's, doesn't mean they were not thinking of their U.S. neighbours.  The span will be of vital importance to communities and businesses on both sides of the border, states Transport Minister, Lisa Raitt.

As it stands now, the Ambassador Bridge is privately owned and used for profit by Moroun and does not benefit everyone but, mainly adds to his own wealth.

The new Gordie Howe International Bridge is proposed to be completed and in service by 2020.

Written By:  Mike Crawford

FUNdraiser for HOSPICE

FUNdraiser for HOSPICE May 9 & 10  
Windsor Business Networks along with K.Michael’s Flowers & Gifts, present “Celebrating Life: FUNdraiser for HOSPICE”.    This 2 day open-air event is being held at K.Michael’s Flowers & Gifts (4974 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor) from  10 AM -  5 PM. 
Barbecue, raffles, face painting, entertainment, sweets. Proceeds to benefit The Hospice of Windsor. 
For more information, visit WindsorFundraiser.com

The Future Of Windsor, Ontario.

Windsor is seriously in need of a make-over throughout the entire city.  Efforts are being made to do just that.  Financial incentives are being offered to business owners and investors through the  Economic Revitalization Community Improvement Plan (CIP).  It's not limited to any one area but, the downtown core and the manufacturing sector are the top priorities for the most part. With Windsor being a border city, with the United States on the other side, it is one of the busiest and most important border crossings there is.  Thousands of people cross the border both ways for tourism and the transport of goods.   Windsor relies greatly on the manufacturing sector, it tops the list.  It also relies on health care, education, retail, accommodation and food services.  Followed by many smaller sectors.  The manufacturing sector experienced a huge loss from the most recent global recessions.  Many jobs were lost or wages were cut in an effort to save money and to keep manufacturing companies in Windsor.  Unfortunately, manufacturing companies were lost to other countries as it was determined it would be a cheaper route to take.  Luckily, other companies were able to upgrade and expand with the decision to be able to stay in the city.

Diversification of the manufacturing sector and the overall economy, will play a big role to strengthen Windsor's local economy and give hope to stop downfalls in the future.  The diversity of Windsor's economy will help create more jobs in industries such as warehousing, logistics, professional services, media, tourism, education, health science, and many more opportunities.  This diversification will help established manufacturing sectors  create jobs in advanced manufacturing such as health care, renewable energy and aerospace. The Windsor Essex Economic Development Corporation (WEEDC) is responsible for attracting economic development to the Windsor-Essex region.  Their goal is to attract new businesses, strengthen and diversify existing businesses, maintain an attractive environment for business and the economy with the government and community groups.  Lastly, they promote the city as a desirable place to invest and live. To reach these goals, WEEDC must concentrate on delivering strategy development, regional branding and data collection services.  They must also make an effort to target key industries, create and maintain cross-border relationships, cultivate excellent quality of life and lead the development of a world class infrastructure.  These are just a few examples and the CIP directly supports them.  Every effort is also made to align the City's efforts with those of the Windsor Essex Economic Development Program. Grants are available to help develop, expand business and to invest and create small businesses. Revitalization of Windsor's downtown core is another project that the city is working on.  The main goal is to make it more desirable to residents and to attract tourists.  The idea is to create new businesses and improve the overall appearance of the area.  Although, other corridors, communities and other areas in decline are included too. The Economic Revitalization Community Improvement Plan will encourage investors to establish and maintain businesses, create new and maintain jobs, and provide goods and services to the public in the downtown area.  More people are utilizing downtown with the addition of the St. Clair College campus and, the University campus that is due to be  built.  The area is already populated with what some say, is an overkill of bars and nightclubs.  A variety of restaurants are also available with new ones continuing to open.   The city hopes to attract more retail stores and service industries.  Clothing stores are slowly moving back into the downtown area and a new medical centre is being built.  It's been suggested that small businesses like a butcher, bakery or a small grocery store be opened for the residents of the many apartment buildings that populate the area.  

Repairs to buildings and sidewalks will be done as well as, trees, shrubbery and plants.  Improvements will be made to the parks along the riverfront to welcome tourists as Windsor becomes a port for an increased number of cruise ships that will be stopping here.  The revitalization project is expected to also impact the many festivals and events that take place downtown.  New businesses and the current ones will benefit from these activities in a positive way and, the city will benefit from the economic growth from people shopping, eating and supporting businesses in the downtown area. The Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA) implemented a Commercial Rent Subsidy Program (CRSP).  This program is to encourage up to eight businesses per year to fill unoccupied buildings downtown.  The DWBIA will contribute 50% of the rent for a building to a successful applicant for a year, up to $625/month.  Applicant's must represent the commercial sector and be in an eligible business category. These grants and rent subsidies are the key to a safe and profitable future for the City of Windsor.  If you or someone you know is interested in a grant or rent subsidy program, contact the city or visit the city's website for more information and online forms. Written By:  Mike Crawford

"Little Tornado Alley" - Windsor, Ontario, Canada

On June 17, 1946 the third largest tornado in Canadian history hit Windsor, Ontario.  It occurred around 6pm in Windsor's Southeast corner, seventeen people were killed and hundreds more were injured.  Witnesses said that the tornado lasted only minutes and they estimated it to be 600 feet across the top and about 100 feet across the base.

Tornado in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
June 17, 1946.

The tornado touched down in Michigan and then crossed the river into the Brighton Beach area of Windsor, crossing into South Windsor and then into Northern Sandwich West which is now known as LaSalle.  It touched down again in the intersection that is known today as, Walker and Grand Marais roads, barely missing the Windsor Airport.  It then touched down in Tecumseh and disappeared over Lake St. Clair.  It was determined it was an F4 tornado, causing F5 damage in certain areas and, that it travelled a path of 60 kilometers.

Windsor was then hit again on April 3, 1974.  Numerous dangerous storms in the US, dubbed as a "Super Outbreak", created an F3 tornado that touched down in Michigan and again, crossed into Windsor.  During the Super Outbreak there were 148 twisters recorded in the US in a 24 hour period.  After crossing the river, this tornado touched down in River Canard and headed Northeast.  This happened at approximately 8pm.  

Tornado in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.  

April 3, 1964.

Photo of the Windsor Curling Club

It hit the Devonshire Mall where an expansion was taking place. It gnarled steel framing and toppled a crane.  Then, heading for the Windsor Curling Club.  The Chrysler Blue Broom Bonspiel tournament was going on.  One of the last tournaments of the season and the building was packed full of people.  The tornado ripped off the roof, collapsed walls and then disappeared.

The tornado left a path of destruction of 22 km long and about 200 metres wide.  It was labelled the sixth deadliest tornado in Canadian History.  Total damage was estimated at $1.8 million. In total 9 people lost their lives and 30 people were injured in the collapse of the curling club.  

Leamington, Ontario, Canada
June 6, 2010

Chaos struck when a tornado hit the Southern part of Essex County, on June 6, 2010, very early in the morning.  No one got a good look at the tornado but, the destruction they faced when the sun rose was more than shocking.  Residents could not believe what they were seeing and were puzzled and relieved that no one was injured or dead.  The town of Leamington and it's 30,000 residents faced downed trees, loss of hydro for days, crushed cars and, severely damaged homes and scattered parts of them around the neighbourhood.  The most heavily damaged area was Seacliff Drive located along Lake Erie.

Leamington, Ontario, Canada
June 6, 2010

The tornado was categorized as an F1 tornado in strength.  It left a path of destruction 2 kms long.  Total damage estimates were close to $90 million for the area.  Across Lake Erie, near Toledo, Ohio, a tornado had touched down several hours earlier.  It's path nearly 100 metres wide and 16 kms in length. More than 50 homes were destroyed and numerous lives lost and many more injured.

The area between Windsor and Barrie is known as, "Little Tornado Alley."  Ontario has an estimated a dozen or so tornadoes every year.  The real "Tornado Alley" located in the 

US between the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains, sees about 500 tornadoes a year.

Near Windsor Airport
June 17, 1946

With Windsor being the thunderstorm capital of Canada, there is always the possibility of tornadoes here.  The most active period being between late May and early August, most often during the afternoon hours.

Another shot of the Windsor Curling Club
April 3, 1964

Fortunately, we have a much better warning system in place.  Credible sources such as Environment Canada's Weather Office and the Weather Network, are now able to track and, relay weather more efficiently, which you should check regularly during bad weather.  It's advised you have a plan in place to protect your family during extreme weather and, keep a survival kit on hand.  

Written By:  Mike Crawford

Media and Youth

Over the course of time, technology has evolved and improved immensely. In doing so, it has altered the lives of billions of people worldwide. Thanks to technology, people of all kinds are able to connect and communicate. Evidently, the evolution and advancement of technology has its perks. However, what effect does this evolution have on society? What effect will it have on future generations?

Social media has been and will continue to be very important to this generation. It seems people pride themselves on how many friends or followers they have on websites like Twitter and Facebook. This is not necessarily a bad thing. In gaining followers and friends on the internet, people are establishing connections which allow them to participate in social networking and keep up on current events. For example, important news and events are often posted to Twitter before being broadcasted on television.

Since today’s technology has so many perks, it is estimated 2 billion people use the Internet each day. There is no denying the effect it has on youth, a 2013 study states that teenagers are viewing friendship, intimacy and social interaction differently. Young people feel sufficient social support by having networks of online friends, even if they may never see them in person. In this, many young people no longer feel the need to go out and meet people or experience life outside of school at all for that matter. If teens are not at home on the computer, they are somewhere else on their phones or other wireless electronic devices. This can cause many problems such as a lack of exercise causing weight gain and other health problems and difficulty communicating with others in person. Needless to say, society’s dependence on technology and social media has become a problem for current and future generations.

Next, not only does social media affect youths ability to go out, participate and communicate with others, it affects their perception of who they are and who they are supposed to be. Before popular social networking sites made their debut, celebrities were able to influence youth via magazines and television. Now, not only are those more accessible, but they have become more common and influential. Sadly, celebrities do not always promote acceptable behaviour and positivity and, even when they do, young people may misinterpret or compare themselves to those celebrities. As a result, this generation may view themselves as inadequate and become anxious or experience other emotional problems due to social pressures and standards set by celebrities in the media.

How can we fix this? How can we help young people find a balance between technology and face-to-face social interaction? The answer is simple, get your child involved in extracurricular activites, allow them to participate in life, have them do things that do not always involve using their phones or their electronics but that encourage the use of their social skills. As for the effect that social media has on young peoples’ self esteem, reinforce the idea that your child is enough, let them know that they are worth it and that they are capable of achieving great things just like the celebrities they like to compare themselves to. There is no reason for your child to feel inferior to someone in the media unless you allow them to. Throughout your child’s development, they will look to you for advice and reassurance. It is up to you, as a parent, to give it to them.

Canadian Mental Health Association and Bell's Let's Talk Program

We all have Mental Health and it impacts each and every one of us.  Mental Health is the absence of illness or a condition.  It allows us to face challenges, and enjoy our lives.  People can have positive mental health or, they can have poor mental health without having a condition.  Mental Health is not fixed and can be influenced by your workplace, our experiences and other experiences such as social and economic conditions.

Just like physical illness, mental illness can be caused by a variety of reasons.  People are still afraid of and still don't fully understand mental illnesses.  On a positive note, people are becoming more educated which lessens their fears.  It was hardly ever talked about so, many people suffered through it alone and were left to cope anyway that they could on their own.  Bi-polar disorder, anxiety, depression, eating disorders are just a few of the many mental illnesses as well as, addictions.  The good thing is, all mental illness can be treated.  Medication prescribed by a Psychiatrist, along with therapy and counselling are the usual steps taken toward recovery.

Community agencies, health clinics and hospitals offer programs and services that meet your needs. If you feel that you could use some help with your mental health, here in Windsor, we have the Canadian Mental Health Association.  They will get you on the road to recovery.  You can get all the education you and those around you need.  Of course, if you feel like you are in a crisis situation, call 911.

The CMHA was founded in 1918 and is one of the oldest voluntary organizations in Canada.  They have representation in every province and territory from urban to rural communities.  The CMHA continues to change to meet society's evolving mental health.  Through a network of staff and volunteers, the CMHA is able to fulfill their vision of mentally healthy people in a mentally healthy society.

Windsor and Essex county were in dire need of mental health services.  As people were discharged from provincial institutions, they had no where to go to get the help they needed.  They also needed somewhere that was local, close to their families and homes.  With next to nothing for funds and the hard work and dedication of the original Board of Directors, the Windsor-Essex CMHA was formed.

Other organizations are available to assist you also.  Mental Health Connections, Community Crisis Centre and for kids and youth, there is Children First and We R Kids to name a few.  Also, more workplaces are getting involved with employee mental health and have opted to have counsellors available. 

Tomorrow, January 28, 2015 is Bell's Let's Talk yearly program to break the silence on mental illness and support mental health across Canada.  Talking is the first step to change, awareness, acceptance and action.  The Let's Talk program was created as a way to raise funds to improve programs and services that allow people with mental illness to get the care and support they need.  Get to know the facts and take your first step to a better understanding of mental illness.  

On January 28, 
Let’s Talk

Bell will donate 5¢ more to mental health initiatives for every:

• Text message sent*
• Mobile & long distance call made*
• Tweet using #BellLetsTalk
• Share of the Facebook image

To find out more about mental health and the Bell Let's Talk program, visit their site at http://letstalk.bell.ca/en/

Written By: Mike Crawford

What You May Not Know About Drones

 Its becoming more apparent that Drones are all the rage.  They are very versatile.  They can hover in mid-air, do back flips and are able to fly into small places.  They are equipped to carry small electronic gadgets among other items, depending on the size and weight of the cargo.  Most popular item to carry is a camera.  You can get into places that aren't easy to get to otherwise.  Drones were originally built specially for the Military, allowing soldiers to see what was going on out in the battlefields from above where it wouldn't be so easily spotted.  Before you run out and buy one, there are laws pertaining to owning and flying a drone, especially when it comes to privacy.

So what is a Drone?  A Drone is a unmanned aircraft, meaning there is no on-board pilot.  They vary in size, speed, form, as well as, many more attributes.  They can be bought in stores as models and they can be built the same size of a plane. The larger Drones are mostly built to send to war.  

Drones come in many shapes and forms.  They serve different purposes, some are used depending on the altitude that is needed to reach and their endurance.  Some look like smof all helicopters and airplanes.  They can even look like birds and other animals.  Some are even the size of regular manned aircraft and can stay in the air for days.  They are constantly evolving, getting smaller, smarter and cheaper.

The use of  Drones is beginning to expand more into civil aviation rather than for military purposes.  Government organization, private sector entities and amateur users are all eager to fly their Drones for many different uses in domestic skies.  Domestic operations are very limited in Canada because of licensing approvals and safety parameters by Transport Canada.

Use of Drones, also know as UVAs are fairly restricted in the private sector.  They are becoming more of a practical for commercial businesses and also be used for profitable uses.  They can be used for communication and -sale broadcast services, infrastructure inspection, natural resource monitoring as well as used for real estate agents to sell properties.  These are just some of the activities under the private sector.  The popularity is expanding as the regulations  change and are updated as UAVs.

In the Public sector, Drones are used for different law incidents.  They have become a useful tool to take aerial photos of accident scenes and make it so much easier to chase and track people easier that by doing it by foot.  They also aide in the safety of people that may be in anger if someone is tracking them down, hoping to get to the innocent to get them to safety.

The popularity of Drones for Recreational use has been growing faster than expected.  The cost of them has been slowly decreasing but, they are still costly enough that there hasn't been an explosion of people purchasing.  Transport Canada and the FFA are working on laws and regulations regarding small model aircrafts.  They are becoming smaller, they can fit in the palm of your hand and can carry cameras that can take still pictures as well as streaming video that ends up on social sites.

UVAs are regulated under two different licensing streams.  Transport Canada is the civil regulating authority and the Department of National Defense is the military authority. For the most part, anything regarding regulations will be thoroughly explained for the Public sector and the private sector,  Transport Canada is responsible for establishing, managing, and developing safety and security standard and civil aviation in Canada.  Civil operations  include law enforcement, scientific research, or use by private sector companies for commercial purposes.  Domestic or foreign military UAVS come under the authority of DND when operating in civil airspace or military restricted airspace.

Use for civil or commercial purposes are only authorized to fly with a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) issued by transport Canada.  No person shall operate an unmanned vehicle in flight except in accordance with a Special Flight Operations Certificate or an Air Operator Certificates.  SFOCs are generally short term and used on a case by case basis however, long term or blanket authorities can be issued for situations for those who have received a number of SFOCs in the past.  To be issued and SFOC, the operator must be able to demonstrate they are equipped to safely operate the UAV in the desired environment.  There may be restrictions where the UAV can not be operated over or within a built up city or town, or within a certain distance.  They may be denied operations around noise sensitive areas such as churches, hospitals, schools and parks.

The main concern regarding Drones is privacy.  With the wide range of technology that can be mounted on them allows them to be used for many reason.  The most popular attachment is a camera. There are different privacy laws depending on the use of cameras and what information they are collecting with them.  Of course, if you are a hobby photographer, you have to be more careful of where you operate your UAV compared to a UAV being used by law enforcement to gather information.  With the small size of some and their flexibility, they can reach into places where you might think would be a great place to explore but, you could be asking for trouble as it could be considered trespassing.  Always check rules and regulations if you are not sure and get the proper certificates that you need.  Check to see if you have to file a flight plan and to see if you need to have to be formally trained to be a pilot.  Not doing this could result in fines.

With the popularity of Drones exploding over the last few years, the laws have not been updated.  The same laws being used date back to 1996.  Recreational Drones are still classified under the same laws as the military are.  They were all the same that far back.  Today, there are hundreds of different types of UAVs and the regulations are being updated to match.

Written By:

Mike Crawford

Keyboarding: Proper Form for Increased Speed

Typing or keyboarding, is a skill that is required in many of todays jobs.  What was once a predominately office related skill utilized by secretaries, is now required and applied to many jobs in all sectors and industries.  

To increase productivity and keyboarding speed, requires proper form and muscle memory.  Once you memorize the keyboard,  develop or adjust digit positioning and reach, you will create muscle memory that will put your typing skills into auto-pilot when you're faced with a project at the computer.  

To begin, sit on a comfortable chair, back straight and feet flat on the floor. Place your fingers lightly on the home keys.  Fingers should be slightly rounded.   This is the resting position even when you're just staring into space wondering what you should type next.

Home keys 

Left hand:  A, S, D, F

Right hand:  J, K, L, Semicolon

Once you're comfortable, begin typing this pangram several times as shown.  

the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog

Once you can do this at least three times with fewer than 3 mistakes, move onto capitalizing the first letter of each word.  Again, type the phrase repeatedly until you can do it three consecutive times with fewer than three errors.

The Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over The Lazy Dog

In no time at all, you will be touch typing all your documents for business or personal use, like a pro.