ATLANTA – Sleepless in Seattle? Hardly. West Virginia is where people are really staying awake, according to the first government study to monitor state-by-state differences in sleeplessness.
West Virginians' lack of sleep was about double the national rate, perhaps a side effect of health problems such as obesity, experts said.
Nearly 1 in 5 West Virginians said they did not get a single good night's sleep in the previous month. The national average was about 1 in 10, according to a federal health survey conducted last year and released Thursday.
Tennessee, Kentucky and Oklahoma also were notably above average in their reported lack of sleep. In contrast, North Dakota had fewer problems sleeping, with only 1 in 13 reporting that degree of sleeplessness.
Health officials do not know the exact reasons for the differences.
"We didn't ask 'Why didn't you get enough rest or sleep?'" said Lela McKnight-Eily, an epidemiologist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who led the study.
But experts noted several possible explanations: West Virginia ranks at or near the bottom of the nation in several important measurements of health, including obesity, smoking, heart disease and the proportion of adults with disabilities. Studies have increasingly found sleeping problems in people with certain health problems, including obesity.
"You would expect to see poorer sleep within a chronically diseased population," noted Darrel Drobnich of the National Sleep Foundation, a nonprofit advocacy and research organization.
Some experts believe sleep-deprived people are more inclined to eat fatty foods during the day.
"There's growing evidence sleep deprivation promotes obesity," said Dr. Ronald Chervin, a University of Michigan sleep disorders expert.
Financial stress and odd-hour work shifts can play roles in sleeplessness, too, Chervin added. He suggested those may be contributing factors in West Virginia, an economically depressed state with tens of thousands of people working in coal mining.
Thursday's report was based on results of an annual telephone survey of more than 400,000 Americans, including at least 3,900 in each state. The survey did not include people who use only cell phones.
The results mirrored earlier studies that found women are more likely to have sleeping problems than men, and blacks are more likely than white or Hispanics to get less sleep.
The survey did not ask people how many hours of sleep they got, and different respondents may have had different views of what counted for a good night's sleep. Sleep experts recommend seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
If you're wondering about Seattle — scene of the Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan film "Sleepless in Seattle" — the report did not provide information on cities. But the state of Washington had slightly fewer sleep-deprived people than the average state as reflected by the percent of residents reporting a solid month of sleeplessness.
New York and California — two states with large, stressed-out cities — were also a little better than average.
The survey also asked people the opposite question: Did you get enough sleep every single night for the last month? Hawaii racked up the most zzz's, with nearly 36 percent saying they were fully rested every day. The national average was about 31 percent.
In every state, most people reported a mix of nights when they got enough sleep and nights they did not.
___
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Asians Top Auto Reliability; Ford Cars Score Well
DETROIT – Asian automakers are still building the most reliable cars and trucks, with eight of the top 10 brands from Japanese and Korean companies, according to an annual survey by Consumer Reports.
But several models from Ford Motor Co. are now consistently scoring above Honda and Toyota, the perennial leaders.
While Toyota's youth-oriented Scion brand finished first for the second year in a row, several Ford models, including the midsize Ford Fusion and its cousin, the Mercury Milan, consistently have been at or near the top of their classes, a trend that led Consumer Reports editors to declare that Ford is now making some vehicles with world-class reliability.
After Scion, Honda, Toyota, Infiniti and Acura rounded out the top five brands in reliability based on surveys taken in March of subscribers who own or lease 1.4 million vehicles.
"Ford is definitely doing something right," said Rik Paul, the magazine's automotive editor.
Ford's Detroit-area competitors, General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC, didn't fare as well, however.
Chrysler had only one model that Consumer Reports recommended based on reliability and its staff test, and the Chrysler brand finished last out of 33 brands sold in the U.S. One third of Chrysler's models were much worse than average in reliability.
Six models from GM were recommended by the magazine, but it's still inconsistent. Only 21 of 48 models the magazine studied scored average or better in reliability.
The relatively poor performance by GM and Chrysler could hurt efforts to fight back from financial problems that led to stays in bankruptcy court earlier this year. Auto industry officials say the nonprofit Consumer Reports is among the most widely consulted sources when people buy vehicles.
Officials at GM and Chrysler say they are committed to improving quality.
At Ford, though, four-cylinder versions of the Fusion and Milan finished second in the family car category, beaten only by Toyota's Prius gas-electric hybrid. The Fusion and Milan outscored Toyota Motor Corp.'s Camry and Honda Motor Co.'s Accord, the two top-selling cars in the U.S. "which many people view as the paradigms of reliability," Paul said.
Of the 51 Ford, Lincoln or Mercury models in the survey, 46 were ranked average or better in reliability.
Yet while Mercury was the only Detroit brand to finish in the top 10 (10th), the Ford brand finished 16th, while Lincoln finished 20th. That's largely due to higher-end models — many with all-wheel-drive — scoring below average in reliability, said Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports' senior automotive engineer.
"Those types of problems are keeping them from being truly world class," Fisher said.
Bennie Fowler, Ford's vice president of global quality, said the company is applying the same methods that worked with the Fusion and other models to the ones that didn't perform as well. The company constantly listens to customer complaints and tracks warranty claims to improve quality, he said.
"We know that the quality levels today have to be greater tomorrow," he said.
Toyota, despite a recent spate of recalls, and Honda consistently build cars that cause few problems for Consumer Reports readers, Paul said. Ford, he said, is approaching that consistency, and while GM has some bright spots, it still has a ways to go to match the Japanese.
The Dodge Ram pickup, the only Chrysler model recommended by the magazine, did well in road tests and was average in reliability. The recommendation is important, though, because the Ram is Chrysler's top-selling model.
Paul said automakers often can only make quality improvements when new models come out, and those have been few for Chrysler in the last two years.
"Hopefully for them, when they do release new models, they will still have the same level of quality that we saw in the Ram," he said.
Honda's Insight hybrid was the most reliable vehicle in the survey, while the Volkswagen Touareg was the least reliable.
The Consumer Reports survey also found that higher-priced cars aren't necessarily more reliable than less-expensive ones. Inexpensive small cars and midsize family sedans were the most reliable in the survey, which questions subscribers about 17 potential problem areas.
But several models from Ford Motor Co. are now consistently scoring above Honda and Toyota, the perennial leaders.
While Toyota's youth-oriented Scion brand finished first for the second year in a row, several Ford models, including the midsize Ford Fusion and its cousin, the Mercury Milan, consistently have been at or near the top of their classes, a trend that led Consumer Reports editors to declare that Ford is now making some vehicles with world-class reliability.
After Scion, Honda, Toyota, Infiniti and Acura rounded out the top five brands in reliability based on surveys taken in March of subscribers who own or lease 1.4 million vehicles.
"Ford is definitely doing something right," said Rik Paul, the magazine's automotive editor.
Ford's Detroit-area competitors, General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC, didn't fare as well, however.
Chrysler had only one model that Consumer Reports recommended based on reliability and its staff test, and the Chrysler brand finished last out of 33 brands sold in the U.S. One third of Chrysler's models were much worse than average in reliability.
Six models from GM were recommended by the magazine, but it's still inconsistent. Only 21 of 48 models the magazine studied scored average or better in reliability.
The relatively poor performance by GM and Chrysler could hurt efforts to fight back from financial problems that led to stays in bankruptcy court earlier this year. Auto industry officials say the nonprofit Consumer Reports is among the most widely consulted sources when people buy vehicles.
Officials at GM and Chrysler say they are committed to improving quality.
At Ford, though, four-cylinder versions of the Fusion and Milan finished second in the family car category, beaten only by Toyota's Prius gas-electric hybrid. The Fusion and Milan outscored Toyota Motor Corp.'s Camry and Honda Motor Co.'s Accord, the two top-selling cars in the U.S. "which many people view as the paradigms of reliability," Paul said.
Of the 51 Ford, Lincoln or Mercury models in the survey, 46 were ranked average or better in reliability.
Yet while Mercury was the only Detroit brand to finish in the top 10 (10th), the Ford brand finished 16th, while Lincoln finished 20th. That's largely due to higher-end models — many with all-wheel-drive — scoring below average in reliability, said Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports' senior automotive engineer.
"Those types of problems are keeping them from being truly world class," Fisher said.
Bennie Fowler, Ford's vice president of global quality, said the company is applying the same methods that worked with the Fusion and other models to the ones that didn't perform as well. The company constantly listens to customer complaints and tracks warranty claims to improve quality, he said.
"We know that the quality levels today have to be greater tomorrow," he said.
Toyota, despite a recent spate of recalls, and Honda consistently build cars that cause few problems for Consumer Reports readers, Paul said. Ford, he said, is approaching that consistency, and while GM has some bright spots, it still has a ways to go to match the Japanese.
The Dodge Ram pickup, the only Chrysler model recommended by the magazine, did well in road tests and was average in reliability. The recommendation is important, though, because the Ram is Chrysler's top-selling model.
Paul said automakers often can only make quality improvements when new models come out, and those have been few for Chrysler in the last two years.
"Hopefully for them, when they do release new models, they will still have the same level of quality that we saw in the Ram," he said.
Honda's Insight hybrid was the most reliable vehicle in the survey, while the Volkswagen Touareg was the least reliable.
The Consumer Reports survey also found that higher-priced cars aren't necessarily more reliable than less-expensive ones. Inexpensive small cars and midsize family sedans were the most reliable in the survey, which questions subscribers about 17 potential problem areas.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Cold/Flu Products: What Works, What Doesn't
From Airborne to vitamin D, the truth behind preventative measures and treatments.
In 2004, People magazine interviewed Dr. Peter Katona, an associate clinical professor of infectious diseases at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, about a money-making dietary supplement called Airborne.
The small tablets, then being marketed as a handy cold prevention and treatment remedy, are chock-full of vitamins, herbs and minerals and fizz once placed in water.
Katona gave a frank opinion, calling the over-the-counter supplement a "waste of money." The actor Kevin Costner, on the other hand, gave a brief but glowing review and confessed to stashing them on his private plane.
"Who do you think readers listened to?" says Katona, with a laugh.
In Depth: Cold/Flu Products To Try, And Toss
Katona's assessment was reinforced last December when Airborne agreed to pay up to $30 million to settle a class-action lawsuit. The Federal Trade Commission, which announced the settlement, said Airborne lacked "competent and reliable scientific evidence to support the claims."
Airborne is still on the shelves--with a slightly different marketing claim that it supports the immune system--but that doesn't make the product any more effective.
Though Americans spent $4.6 billion on cough, cold and sore throat remedies in 2008, in fact there are only a handful of scientifically proven preventions and treatments for viruses that cause the cold and flu, and none of them involve excess doses of vitamins. Instead, public health officials and physicians have a more common-sense approach, including avoiding sick people, getting vaccinated for the seasonal and H1N1 flues, managing symptoms with reliable medications like an anti-inflammatory or decongestant, and seeking treatment for the flu within the first 48 hours of flu symptom onset.
Prevention and Treatment Myths
Still, this doesn't stop sufferers from relying on a host of ineffective treatments. Like Dr. Katona, emergency physician Dr. Frank McGeorge often deals with patients who rely on remedies that lack scientific proof until their symptoms worsen and they have to see a health care professional.
McGeorge, a Detroit-Mich.-based spokesman for the American College of Emergency Physicians, says a lot of patients often take vitamins like echinacea, zinc and vitamin C once they get sick. While research on the use of the herb echinacea to treat colds and flues is still ongoing, many studies--including two funded by the government--have found no benefit.
Similarly, there's not enough scientific evidence to demonstrate that zinc and vitamin C are powerful weapons against the cold and flu. On the contrary, both can be harmful in excessive doses. Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration warned consumers that the homeopathic cold-treatment nasal spray Zicam, which contains the mineral zinc, had been linked to a loss of smell in more than 100 people since 1999. McGeorge also advises against regularly taking more than 500 milligrams of vitamin C per day. Doing so over a long period of time may be harmful; excess vitamin C can cause severe diarrhea.
"There are very intelligent, well-grounded people who swear by this stuff," says McGeorge, referring to vitamin supplements and homeopathic remedies. "My problem is that people taking these [products] sometimes ignore things that will really help them and instead choose voodoo medicine."
Getting Smart About the Cold and Flu
Instead, McGeorge would prefer patients to practice cold and flu prevention by washing their hands, avoiding sick people, staying healthy and, for the flu, getting vaccinated. This year that means obtaining both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine. The second vaccine is particularly important for high-risk patients like pregnant women and young children.
Controlling uncomfortable symptoms of either the cold or flu can be done with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory that reduces fever and pain; a decongestant, which relieves swollen tissue in the nose; or an antihistamine, which minimizes sneezing, runny nose and coughing. And staying hydrated, which helps keep mucus moist and easy to clear from the nose, will do more to help the body heal than any alternative or homeopathic remedy.
Dr. Norman Edelman, chief medical officer at the American Lung Association, says an effective cold and flu prevention strategy should also include a healthy diet, exercise and plenty of sleep. Following these guidelines will help support the immune system, though Edelman stresses that minor slip-ups, like missing an hour or two of exercise during the week, won't severely compromise one's natural defenses.
And if you've been unfortunate enough to catch a cold or flu, Edelman has a final recommendation: be considerate of others.
"Cancel that trip to grandma's or don't go to work," he says. "If you're sick and spread it to someone else, that's an impolite thing to do."
Cold/Flu Products To Try, And Toss
Echinacea
Some who use this herb to shorten the duration of a cold or treat its symptoms say that it's effective, and at least one study of 95 people made a similar observation. Yet many studies, including two funded by the government, have found no benefit. The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Health, a division of the National Institutes of Health, is continuing to study the use of Echinacea in treating upper respiratory infections and in supporting the immune system.
Vitamin C
There is no conclusive evidence to support vitamin C as a cold prevention or treatment remedy, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Several controlled studies have been conducted, but the data on whether or not vitamin C reduces the severity or duration of symptoms is unclear. In fact, taking more than 500 milligrams of vitamin C daily over a long period of time may be harmful; excess vitamin C can cause severe diarrhea.
Consider Vitamin D
If there is a supplement you might consider taking this winter, says Dr. Edelman, it is vitamin D. Recent research has demonstrated an association between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease and increased risk of the common cold. It's easy to get sufficient levels of vitamin D--which the body processes when it's exposed to the sun's UV-B rays--during the summer months but more difficult throughout winter. Research on the use of vitamin D to protect against the cold is still ongoing; discuss the appropriate dose with your physician.
Tamiflu and Relenza
Practicing prevention doesn't guarantee immunity; for those who do come down with the flu, McGeorge recommends seeing a health care professional within the first 48 hours. That's a critical window of time during which a doctor can prescribe the antiviral medications Tamiflu or Relenza, both of which have been shown to shorten the course of the flu.
In 2004, People magazine interviewed Dr. Peter Katona, an associate clinical professor of infectious diseases at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, about a money-making dietary supplement called Airborne.
The small tablets, then being marketed as a handy cold prevention and treatment remedy, are chock-full of vitamins, herbs and minerals and fizz once placed in water.
Katona gave a frank opinion, calling the over-the-counter supplement a "waste of money." The actor Kevin Costner, on the other hand, gave a brief but glowing review and confessed to stashing them on his private plane.
"Who do you think readers listened to?" says Katona, with a laugh.
In Depth: Cold/Flu Products To Try, And Toss
Katona's assessment was reinforced last December when Airborne agreed to pay up to $30 million to settle a class-action lawsuit. The Federal Trade Commission, which announced the settlement, said Airborne lacked "competent and reliable scientific evidence to support the claims."
Airborne is still on the shelves--with a slightly different marketing claim that it supports the immune system--but that doesn't make the product any more effective.
Though Americans spent $4.6 billion on cough, cold and sore throat remedies in 2008, in fact there are only a handful of scientifically proven preventions and treatments for viruses that cause the cold and flu, and none of them involve excess doses of vitamins. Instead, public health officials and physicians have a more common-sense approach, including avoiding sick people, getting vaccinated for the seasonal and H1N1 flues, managing symptoms with reliable medications like an anti-inflammatory or decongestant, and seeking treatment for the flu within the first 48 hours of flu symptom onset.
Prevention and Treatment Myths
Still, this doesn't stop sufferers from relying on a host of ineffective treatments. Like Dr. Katona, emergency physician Dr. Frank McGeorge often deals with patients who rely on remedies that lack scientific proof until their symptoms worsen and they have to see a health care professional.
McGeorge, a Detroit-Mich.-based spokesman for the American College of Emergency Physicians, says a lot of patients often take vitamins like echinacea, zinc and vitamin C once they get sick. While research on the use of the herb echinacea to treat colds and flues is still ongoing, many studies--including two funded by the government--have found no benefit.
Similarly, there's not enough scientific evidence to demonstrate that zinc and vitamin C are powerful weapons against the cold and flu. On the contrary, both can be harmful in excessive doses. Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration warned consumers that the homeopathic cold-treatment nasal spray Zicam, which contains the mineral zinc, had been linked to a loss of smell in more than 100 people since 1999. McGeorge also advises against regularly taking more than 500 milligrams of vitamin C per day. Doing so over a long period of time may be harmful; excess vitamin C can cause severe diarrhea.
"There are very intelligent, well-grounded people who swear by this stuff," says McGeorge, referring to vitamin supplements and homeopathic remedies. "My problem is that people taking these [products] sometimes ignore things that will really help them and instead choose voodoo medicine."
Getting Smart About the Cold and Flu
Instead, McGeorge would prefer patients to practice cold and flu prevention by washing their hands, avoiding sick people, staying healthy and, for the flu, getting vaccinated. This year that means obtaining both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine. The second vaccine is particularly important for high-risk patients like pregnant women and young children.
Controlling uncomfortable symptoms of either the cold or flu can be done with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory that reduces fever and pain; a decongestant, which relieves swollen tissue in the nose; or an antihistamine, which minimizes sneezing, runny nose and coughing. And staying hydrated, which helps keep mucus moist and easy to clear from the nose, will do more to help the body heal than any alternative or homeopathic remedy.
Dr. Norman Edelman, chief medical officer at the American Lung Association, says an effective cold and flu prevention strategy should also include a healthy diet, exercise and plenty of sleep. Following these guidelines will help support the immune system, though Edelman stresses that minor slip-ups, like missing an hour or two of exercise during the week, won't severely compromise one's natural defenses.
And if you've been unfortunate enough to catch a cold or flu, Edelman has a final recommendation: be considerate of others.
"Cancel that trip to grandma's or don't go to work," he says. "If you're sick and spread it to someone else, that's an impolite thing to do."
Cold/Flu Products To Try, And Toss
Echinacea
Some who use this herb to shorten the duration of a cold or treat its symptoms say that it's effective, and at least one study of 95 people made a similar observation. Yet many studies, including two funded by the government, have found no benefit. The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Health, a division of the National Institutes of Health, is continuing to study the use of Echinacea in treating upper respiratory infections and in supporting the immune system.
Vitamin C
There is no conclusive evidence to support vitamin C as a cold prevention or treatment remedy, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Several controlled studies have been conducted, but the data on whether or not vitamin C reduces the severity or duration of symptoms is unclear. In fact, taking more than 500 milligrams of vitamin C daily over a long period of time may be harmful; excess vitamin C can cause severe diarrhea.
Consider Vitamin D
If there is a supplement you might consider taking this winter, says Dr. Edelman, it is vitamin D. Recent research has demonstrated an association between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease and increased risk of the common cold. It's easy to get sufficient levels of vitamin D--which the body processes when it's exposed to the sun's UV-B rays--during the summer months but more difficult throughout winter. Research on the use of vitamin D to protect against the cold is still ongoing; discuss the appropriate dose with your physician.
Tamiflu and Relenza
Practicing prevention doesn't guarantee immunity; for those who do come down with the flu, McGeorge recommends seeing a health care professional within the first 48 hours. That's a critical window of time during which a doctor can prescribe the antiviral medications Tamiflu or Relenza, both of which have been shown to shorten the course of the flu.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Windows 7 !!!
Yes, Windows 7 didn't even hit the market until Thursday. But that hasn't stopped a fog of myths from enveloping the newest version of the much loved--and much hated--PC operating system from Microsoft.
[Slide Show: The Best of What's New in Windows 7.]
The software giant hoped that wide exposure to Windows 7 would help smooth its entry. Microsoft let millions of consumers and professionals download test versions of the operating system. And by a wide margin, testers have found the new system to be the best yet from Microsoft. Version 7 is leaner, more useful, and prettier than past editions--a worthy effort to update the Windows world.
Still, the fictions are legion. Much of it is innocent confusion that accompanies any major software release. Some of it arises from Microsoft apologists trying to bury the botched release of Windows Vista, sniping Apple fans who want the Mac to continue gaining market share, or diehard techies who revere free Linux software.
[Why some analysts argue that Linux is better than Windows or the Mac.]
With so much misinformation swirling, we've sorted through seven points that are confusing consumers:
1. It's only a minor update to Vista. Overstated, but there is some truth. With Win7, Microsoft had the luxury of going back to basics. Vista was a massive effort to update the core of Windows. The edition following Vista didn't have to be as ambitious. Programmers could focus on the edges of Vista, reducing its hardware-hog tendencies and annoying security nags. But Microsoft went further, adding consumer-friendly functions to paint Windows 7 as an upgrade. HomeGroups greatly simplify home networking, libraries organize jumbled collections of files, and multifinger power makes touch screens more powerful. Aero Peek allows users to roll over 10 or 20 open windows in a flash, proving that Apple isn't the only company that can make computing easier and more fun.
[Even the name suggests that Windows 7 is a return to basics.]
2. Vista users need to upgrade. The Vista launch was painful. The system nagged consumers with unnecessary security concerns, didn't support enough of the hardware that plugs into PCs, and was too bloated to run decently on some hardware advertised as "Vista ready." But most Vista users are past those problems. If they have a system that's working well, Windows 7 offers nothing that's compelling enough to make the switch. Upgrading an operating system costs users in dollars, time, and frustration. Vista is a good operating system--one that's secure and stable. Windows 7 offers nifty new features and runs more quickly. Gamers and power users would appreciate the bump in speed. But most users wouldn't notice a big difference as they surf the Web, write E-mail, and maybe edit a photo or two.
[Microsoft hopefully learned its lessons in the dismal mistakes of Vista's launch.]
3. Windows XP is still better. WinXP ran faster than Vista on many, if not all, computers. It also was more compatible with existing equipment, particularly scanners, printers, and other peripherals. But Microsoft spent years working to make Vista's core more stable and secure, and the company succeeded. Buggy software that runs on a Vista PC is much less likely to cause problems with the rest of the system, resulting in many fewer "Blue Screens of Death." Windows 7 has all those benefits of Vista while also running as fast as, if not faster than, Windows XP. Another consideration is that some companies that make PC hardware and software have already stopped making versions for XP. That trend will accelerate if Win7 proves to be the hit that is promises to be.
4. Windows XP users can't upgrade. It's true that Microsoft has not made it easy to move from WinXP to Win7. If installed over Vista, Win7 will transfer software, settings, and data. Not so with Windows XP. All is not lost, however. XP users can find third-party software that eases the transition. "PCMover Upgrade Assistant" ($30) from LapLink preserves most software, settings, and data when users upgrade their XP machine to Win7, what's called an "in-place upgrade." No need to copy files to an external drive or to reinstall programs. There can be hiccups. Installed programs might need to be reactivated with a call to the manufacturer. But it's relatively painless. And WinXP users qualify for the upgrade prices that Microsoft offers for Win7, rather than having to buy a "full" version.
5. It's too expensive. The price of Windows 7 may seem unreasonable, considering it is a derivative of Vista and Microsoft is charging nearly as much for Win7 as it does for Vista. The Home Premium version, which is what most consumers will want, costs $119 for upgrading to Win7, versus $129 for Vista. The discount seems particularly thin when viewing Win7 as a fix to Vista's problems. But happy Vista users don't have much reason to upgrade (see No. 2). For Windows XP users, the upgrade cost is fair. Plus, for homes with multiple PCs, which seem to be a majority these days, Microsoft is offering a Family Pack that will upgrade three PCs for $150. That's a good deal for homes that can use it.
6. The initial release will be a mess. It's always safer to wait for new software to get tested in the market, and for Microsoft to release the inevitable fixes. But the pedigree of Windows 7 suggests that the problems will be fewer this time. Many bugs and hardware issues were worked out with Vista. For example, Microsoft worked to make sure that hardware drivers for Vista will also work for Win7. Problems will undoubtedly crop up, but they're unlikely to affect the core of the operating system, which also remains largely true to the battle-tested Vista. Win7 at the start seems to be one of the least risky system upgrades to make.
7. Mac users should abandon Apple. The Mac is still the standard for a computer that "just works." Apple has more control over the end product because it also assembles and sells the hardware. The Mac system is also more secure, if for no other reason than that a smaller market share makes a smaller target for criminals. Windows has to run on any batch of hardware that a maker or user throws together. That's one reason Windows requires more tinkering. But Windows also comes from a culture that is more influenced by techies who like tinkering and think everyone else does. Macs cost more. But they also benefit from the aura of success that surrounds the iPhone and iPod. Windows 7 may cut into the momentum behind the Mac, but it alone is unlikely to reverse Apple's gains.
[Slide Show: The Best of What's New in Windows 7.]
The software giant hoped that wide exposure to Windows 7 would help smooth its entry. Microsoft let millions of consumers and professionals download test versions of the operating system. And by a wide margin, testers have found the new system to be the best yet from Microsoft. Version 7 is leaner, more useful, and prettier than past editions--a worthy effort to update the Windows world.
Still, the fictions are legion. Much of it is innocent confusion that accompanies any major software release. Some of it arises from Microsoft apologists trying to bury the botched release of Windows Vista, sniping Apple fans who want the Mac to continue gaining market share, or diehard techies who revere free Linux software.
[Why some analysts argue that Linux is better than Windows or the Mac.]
With so much misinformation swirling, we've sorted through seven points that are confusing consumers:
1. It's only a minor update to Vista. Overstated, but there is some truth. With Win7, Microsoft had the luxury of going back to basics. Vista was a massive effort to update the core of Windows. The edition following Vista didn't have to be as ambitious. Programmers could focus on the edges of Vista, reducing its hardware-hog tendencies and annoying security nags. But Microsoft went further, adding consumer-friendly functions to paint Windows 7 as an upgrade. HomeGroups greatly simplify home networking, libraries organize jumbled collections of files, and multifinger power makes touch screens more powerful. Aero Peek allows users to roll over 10 or 20 open windows in a flash, proving that Apple isn't the only company that can make computing easier and more fun.
[Even the name suggests that Windows 7 is a return to basics.]
2. Vista users need to upgrade. The Vista launch was painful. The system nagged consumers with unnecessary security concerns, didn't support enough of the hardware that plugs into PCs, and was too bloated to run decently on some hardware advertised as "Vista ready." But most Vista users are past those problems. If they have a system that's working well, Windows 7 offers nothing that's compelling enough to make the switch. Upgrading an operating system costs users in dollars, time, and frustration. Vista is a good operating system--one that's secure and stable. Windows 7 offers nifty new features and runs more quickly. Gamers and power users would appreciate the bump in speed. But most users wouldn't notice a big difference as they surf the Web, write E-mail, and maybe edit a photo or two.
[Microsoft hopefully learned its lessons in the dismal mistakes of Vista's launch.]
3. Windows XP is still better. WinXP ran faster than Vista on many, if not all, computers. It also was more compatible with existing equipment, particularly scanners, printers, and other peripherals. But Microsoft spent years working to make Vista's core more stable and secure, and the company succeeded. Buggy software that runs on a Vista PC is much less likely to cause problems with the rest of the system, resulting in many fewer "Blue Screens of Death." Windows 7 has all those benefits of Vista while also running as fast as, if not faster than, Windows XP. Another consideration is that some companies that make PC hardware and software have already stopped making versions for XP. That trend will accelerate if Win7 proves to be the hit that is promises to be.
4. Windows XP users can't upgrade. It's true that Microsoft has not made it easy to move from WinXP to Win7. If installed over Vista, Win7 will transfer software, settings, and data. Not so with Windows XP. All is not lost, however. XP users can find third-party software that eases the transition. "PCMover Upgrade Assistant" ($30) from LapLink preserves most software, settings, and data when users upgrade their XP machine to Win7, what's called an "in-place upgrade." No need to copy files to an external drive or to reinstall programs. There can be hiccups. Installed programs might need to be reactivated with a call to the manufacturer. But it's relatively painless. And WinXP users qualify for the upgrade prices that Microsoft offers for Win7, rather than having to buy a "full" version.
5. It's too expensive. The price of Windows 7 may seem unreasonable, considering it is a derivative of Vista and Microsoft is charging nearly as much for Win7 as it does for Vista. The Home Premium version, which is what most consumers will want, costs $119 for upgrading to Win7, versus $129 for Vista. The discount seems particularly thin when viewing Win7 as a fix to Vista's problems. But happy Vista users don't have much reason to upgrade (see No. 2). For Windows XP users, the upgrade cost is fair. Plus, for homes with multiple PCs, which seem to be a majority these days, Microsoft is offering a Family Pack that will upgrade three PCs for $150. That's a good deal for homes that can use it.
6. The initial release will be a mess. It's always safer to wait for new software to get tested in the market, and for Microsoft to release the inevitable fixes. But the pedigree of Windows 7 suggests that the problems will be fewer this time. Many bugs and hardware issues were worked out with Vista. For example, Microsoft worked to make sure that hardware drivers for Vista will also work for Win7. Problems will undoubtedly crop up, but they're unlikely to affect the core of the operating system, which also remains largely true to the battle-tested Vista. Win7 at the start seems to be one of the least risky system upgrades to make.
7. Mac users should abandon Apple. The Mac is still the standard for a computer that "just works." Apple has more control over the end product because it also assembles and sells the hardware. The Mac system is also more secure, if for no other reason than that a smaller market share makes a smaller target for criminals. Windows has to run on any batch of hardware that a maker or user throws together. That's one reason Windows requires more tinkering. But Windows also comes from a culture that is more influenced by techies who like tinkering and think everyone else does. Macs cost more. But they also benefit from the aura of success that surrounds the iPhone and iPod. Windows 7 may cut into the momentum behind the Mac, but it alone is unlikely to reverse Apple's gains.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Production of swine flu vaccine is way behind
SWIFTWATER, Pa. – The federal government originally promised 120 million doses of swine flu vaccine by now. Only 13 million have come through.
As nervous Americans clamor for the vaccine, production is running several weeks behind schedule, and health officials blame the pressure on pharmaceutical companies to crank it out along with the ordinary flu vaccine, and a slow and antiquated process that relies on millions of chicken eggs.
There have been other bottlenecks, too: Factories that put the precious liquid into syringes have become backed up. And the government itself ran into a delay in developing the tests required to assess each batch before it is cleared for use.
What effect the delays will have on the course of the outbreak is unclear, in part because scientists cannot say with any certainty just how dangerous the virus is, how easily it spreads, or whether it will mutate into a more lethal form.
Since April, swine flu has killed more than 800 people in the U.S., including 86 children, 39 of them in the past month and a half, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than half of all hospitalizations since the beginning of September were people 24 and under.
"We're in this race against the virus, and only Mother Nature knows how many cases are going to occur over the next six to 10 weeks," said Michael Osterholm, a vaccine expert at the University of Minnesota.
In the meantime, many states have had to postpone mass vaccinations. Clinics around the country that managed to obtain doses of the vaccine have been swamped. And doctors are getting bombarded with calls from worried and angry parents.
"Nobody has it," said AnnMarie O'Connor, who waited more than four hours for the vaccine in Rockville, Md., standing in line with her two young children and about 1,000 other people. Health officials "said the shots would be here in early October. But where are they?"
Federal officials counsel patience, saying that eventually there should be enough of both vaccines for everyone who wants them.
"We wish we had better ways to produce vaccines perfectly predictably, but this is how influenza vaccine production often goes," Dr. Anne Schuchat, who heads the CDC's immunization and respiratory disease section, said last week.
The delays have led to renewed demands for a quicker, more reliable way of producing vaccines than the chicken-egg method, which is 50-year-old technology and involves injecting the virus into eggs and allowing it to feed on the nutrients in the egg white.
Federal officials initially projected that as many as 120 million doses of the vaccine would be ready to dispense by mid-October. They later reduced their estimate to 45 million. As of Tuesday, only 12.8 million were available. (Health officials say a single dose will protect adults, while children under 10 will need two doses.)
In a sign of how rapidly the virus is spreading, education officials said 198 schools in 15 states were closed Wednesday because of swine flu, with more than 65,000 students affected. That was up from 88 school closings the day before.
"Right now, the vaccine is in a race against the virus, and the virus is winning," Osterholm said.
The government now hopes to have about 50 million doses out by mid-November and 150 million in December, Dr. Nicole Lurie, assistant health and human services secretary for preparedness, told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
"By the end of November, I think we're going to be pretty well back on track," she said.
However, a study by Purdue University researchers said the vaccinations will probably come too late to significantly reduce the number of infections. The study, published last week, predicted that infections would peak in late October and that by the end of the year, 63 percent of the U.S. population will have caught the virus.
The blame for the delays has been placed in part on the chicken-egg technology. It is a slow process, and the pressure on manufacturers to produce two vaccines at the same time — for both swine flu and ordinary flu — has made it even slower.
Also, the virus on which the swine flu vaccine is based was found to reproduce very slowly in eggs — much more slowly than the ordinary flu virus. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who on Wednesday was grilled about the delays by the Senate Homeland Security Committee, said the problem has been fixed.
The U.S. government is funding newer technologies that hold the promise of a more reliable and expandable vaccine supply.
"We need a man-to-the-moon effort for flu vaccine if we don't want to find ourselves in the same position in the future," Osterholm said.
Flu vaccines are not nearly as profitable as other kinds of drugs, and most of the biggest vaccine makers have little incentive to switch from a method with which they are familiar.
At its two plants in the Pocono Mountains town of Swiftwater, Sanofi Pasteur, the top U.S. supplier of seasonal vaccine, is churning out more than 75 million doses of swine flu vaccine and 50 million doses of the winter flu variety.
Sanofi spokeswoman Donna Cary said egg-based production of flu vaccine is "tried and true" and will probably remain the dominant method for years to come.
"If it weren't for the egg-based process, we wouldn't be able to respond to this pandemic," she said.
More than 30 farms in the eastern United States are under long-term contract to provide eggs for vaccines, tending 9 million to 12 million chickens.
Once the fertilized eggs arrive at the vaccine plant, the flu virus is injected into them and allowed to multiply for several days. Then the eggshells are cracked; the virus-laden fluid is extracted, the flu virus is killed and the substance is purified. The inactivated strain is tested to determine purity, potency and yield.
From start to finish, the process takes about six months. In normal years, that is usually enough time to get the vaccine to anyone who wants it. But in an all-out epidemic, egg-based production is incapable of producing huge batches quickly.
The government has awarded a $487 million contract to Novartis for a plant in North Carolina that will make flu vaccine by growing the virus inside animal cells, preferably from mammals. The plant is expected to be up and running by 2011 or 2012.
Also, Protein Sciences Corp. of Meriden, Conn., landed a five-year, $147 million contract to develop a vaccine using its recombinant technology — flu proteins grown in insect cells. The hope is that the first doses would be available within 12 weeks of the beginning of a pandemic. That is about twice as fast as flu vaccine produced from eggs.
"I think you're going to see these new technologies come on board rapidly, especially given what's happened this year," said Paul Radspinner, president and chief executive of FluGen Inc., a Madison, Wis., company working on several new vaccine technologies of its own.
As nervous Americans clamor for the vaccine, production is running several weeks behind schedule, and health officials blame the pressure on pharmaceutical companies to crank it out along with the ordinary flu vaccine, and a slow and antiquated process that relies on millions of chicken eggs.
There have been other bottlenecks, too: Factories that put the precious liquid into syringes have become backed up. And the government itself ran into a delay in developing the tests required to assess each batch before it is cleared for use.
What effect the delays will have on the course of the outbreak is unclear, in part because scientists cannot say with any certainty just how dangerous the virus is, how easily it spreads, or whether it will mutate into a more lethal form.
Since April, swine flu has killed more than 800 people in the U.S., including 86 children, 39 of them in the past month and a half, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than half of all hospitalizations since the beginning of September were people 24 and under.
"We're in this race against the virus, and only Mother Nature knows how many cases are going to occur over the next six to 10 weeks," said Michael Osterholm, a vaccine expert at the University of Minnesota.
In the meantime, many states have had to postpone mass vaccinations. Clinics around the country that managed to obtain doses of the vaccine have been swamped. And doctors are getting bombarded with calls from worried and angry parents.
"Nobody has it," said AnnMarie O'Connor, who waited more than four hours for the vaccine in Rockville, Md., standing in line with her two young children and about 1,000 other people. Health officials "said the shots would be here in early October. But where are they?"
Federal officials counsel patience, saying that eventually there should be enough of both vaccines for everyone who wants them.
"We wish we had better ways to produce vaccines perfectly predictably, but this is how influenza vaccine production often goes," Dr. Anne Schuchat, who heads the CDC's immunization and respiratory disease section, said last week.
The delays have led to renewed demands for a quicker, more reliable way of producing vaccines than the chicken-egg method, which is 50-year-old technology and involves injecting the virus into eggs and allowing it to feed on the nutrients in the egg white.
Federal officials initially projected that as many as 120 million doses of the vaccine would be ready to dispense by mid-October. They later reduced their estimate to 45 million. As of Tuesday, only 12.8 million were available. (Health officials say a single dose will protect adults, while children under 10 will need two doses.)
In a sign of how rapidly the virus is spreading, education officials said 198 schools in 15 states were closed Wednesday because of swine flu, with more than 65,000 students affected. That was up from 88 school closings the day before.
"Right now, the vaccine is in a race against the virus, and the virus is winning," Osterholm said.
The government now hopes to have about 50 million doses out by mid-November and 150 million in December, Dr. Nicole Lurie, assistant health and human services secretary for preparedness, told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
"By the end of November, I think we're going to be pretty well back on track," she said.
However, a study by Purdue University researchers said the vaccinations will probably come too late to significantly reduce the number of infections. The study, published last week, predicted that infections would peak in late October and that by the end of the year, 63 percent of the U.S. population will have caught the virus.
The blame for the delays has been placed in part on the chicken-egg technology. It is a slow process, and the pressure on manufacturers to produce two vaccines at the same time — for both swine flu and ordinary flu — has made it even slower.
Also, the virus on which the swine flu vaccine is based was found to reproduce very slowly in eggs — much more slowly than the ordinary flu virus. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who on Wednesday was grilled about the delays by the Senate Homeland Security Committee, said the problem has been fixed.
The U.S. government is funding newer technologies that hold the promise of a more reliable and expandable vaccine supply.
"We need a man-to-the-moon effort for flu vaccine if we don't want to find ourselves in the same position in the future," Osterholm said.
Flu vaccines are not nearly as profitable as other kinds of drugs, and most of the biggest vaccine makers have little incentive to switch from a method with which they are familiar.
At its two plants in the Pocono Mountains town of Swiftwater, Sanofi Pasteur, the top U.S. supplier of seasonal vaccine, is churning out more than 75 million doses of swine flu vaccine and 50 million doses of the winter flu variety.
Sanofi spokeswoman Donna Cary said egg-based production of flu vaccine is "tried and true" and will probably remain the dominant method for years to come.
"If it weren't for the egg-based process, we wouldn't be able to respond to this pandemic," she said.
More than 30 farms in the eastern United States are under long-term contract to provide eggs for vaccines, tending 9 million to 12 million chickens.
Once the fertilized eggs arrive at the vaccine plant, the flu virus is injected into them and allowed to multiply for several days. Then the eggshells are cracked; the virus-laden fluid is extracted, the flu virus is killed and the substance is purified. The inactivated strain is tested to determine purity, potency and yield.
From start to finish, the process takes about six months. In normal years, that is usually enough time to get the vaccine to anyone who wants it. But in an all-out epidemic, egg-based production is incapable of producing huge batches quickly.
The government has awarded a $487 million contract to Novartis for a plant in North Carolina that will make flu vaccine by growing the virus inside animal cells, preferably from mammals. The plant is expected to be up and running by 2011 or 2012.
Also, Protein Sciences Corp. of Meriden, Conn., landed a five-year, $147 million contract to develop a vaccine using its recombinant technology — flu proteins grown in insect cells. The hope is that the first doses would be available within 12 weeks of the beginning of a pandemic. That is about twice as fast as flu vaccine produced from eggs.
"I think you're going to see these new technologies come on board rapidly, especially given what's happened this year," said Paul Radspinner, president and chief executive of FluGen Inc., a Madison, Wis., company working on several new vaccine technologies of its own.
Don't buy now !!!...Homes: About to get much cheaper
If you thought home prices were bottoming out, you may be wrong. They're expected to head a lot lower.
Home values are predicted to drop in 342 out of 381 markets during the next year, according to a new forecast of real estate prices.
Overall, the national median home price is predicted to drop 11.3% by June 30, 2010, according to Fiserv, a financial information and analysis firm. For the following year, the firm anticipates some stabilization with prices rising 3.6%.
In the past, Fiserv anticipated the rapid decline in home-sale prices over the past few years -- though it underestimated the scope.
Mark Zandi, chief economist with Moody's Economy.com, agreed with Fiserv's current assessments. "I think more price declines are coming because the foreclosure crisis is not over," he said.
In fact, those areas with high concentrations of foreclosure sales will experience the steepest drops, according to Fiserv. Miami, for example, is expected to be the biggest loser. Prices are forecast to plunge 29.9% by next June -- after having already fallen a whopping 48% during the past three years.
If Fiserv's forecast holds, Miami real median home price will tumble to $142,000 by June 2011.
In Orlando, Fla., the second-worst performing market, Fiserv anticipates a 27% price collapse by June 2010, followed by a less severe drop the following year. In Hanford, Calif., prices are estimated to drop 26.9% and continue falling 9.5% in 2011; in Naples, Fla., they're expected to fall 26.8% and then flatten out.
Other notable losers include Las Vegas, where prices have already fallen 54.6% and are expected to lose another 23.9% by June 2010. In Phoenix values have already collapsed by 54% and could fall another 23.4%. In both cities, Fiserv anticipates the losses to continue into 2011, but they will be less than 5%.
Prices had stabilized
The latest forecast is at odds with the past few months of the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price index. That report has given hope that most housing markets may have already stabilized because the composite index of 20 cities rose in May, June and July. Nationally, it found that home prices have gained 3.6%.
Brad Hunter, chief economist for Metrostudy, which provides housing market information to the industry, however, expects a change in fortunes, however.
"I'm afraid Case-Shiller may be just a temporary reprieve," he said.
He pointed out that the tax credit for first-time home buyers helped support prices during the three months of Case-Shiller gains. By the end of November, the credit will have been used by 1.8 million homebuyers, at least 355,000 of whom would not have bought a house without the tax break, according to estimates by the National Association of Realtors. But the market assistance ends when the credit expires on Dec. 1.
Hunter also sees a new wave of foreclosure problems coming from higher priced loans and prime mortgages. He expects a high failure rate for option ARM loans that were issued to prime customers so they could buy homes in bubble markets, such as California and Florida. In those areas, prices for even modest homes had skyrocketed.
Winners
A handful of metro areas will buck the trend, according to Fiserv. Six markets will remain flat, and 33 will actually post gains. The biggest winner will be the Kennewick, Wash., metro area, where home prices have ramped up 8.9% over the past three years and are expected to increase another 3.4% by June 2010.
Fairbanks, Alaska, prices are anticipated to rise 2.5%, while Anchorage will climb 2.1%. Elmira, N.Y., prices may inch up 1.8%.
The nation's biggest metro area, New York City, will underperform the nation as a whole over the next two years, according to Fiserv. Prices, which have already fallen 21.7% to a median of $375,000, are expected to fall 17.4% by June 2011.
Home values in the nation's second largest city, Los Angeles, have fallen 43.3% since June 2006 to a median of $313,000. They are expected to dive another 20.2% over by June 2010, and then start to climb in 2011. Chicago prices, which have fallen 25.2% to $227,000, will drop only 4.1% over the next 12 months and then starting to climb.
The Detroit metro area now has the dubious distinction of having the lowest home prices in the country. Prices have dropped 51.7% to a median of $50,000. They're expected to fall another 9.1% and then stabilize.
Home values are predicted to drop in 342 out of 381 markets during the next year, according to a new forecast of real estate prices.
Overall, the national median home price is predicted to drop 11.3% by June 30, 2010, according to Fiserv, a financial information and analysis firm. For the following year, the firm anticipates some stabilization with prices rising 3.6%.
In the past, Fiserv anticipated the rapid decline in home-sale prices over the past few years -- though it underestimated the scope.
Mark Zandi, chief economist with Moody's Economy.com, agreed with Fiserv's current assessments. "I think more price declines are coming because the foreclosure crisis is not over," he said.
In fact, those areas with high concentrations of foreclosure sales will experience the steepest drops, according to Fiserv. Miami, for example, is expected to be the biggest loser. Prices are forecast to plunge 29.9% by next June -- after having already fallen a whopping 48% during the past three years.
If Fiserv's forecast holds, Miami real median home price will tumble to $142,000 by June 2011.
In Orlando, Fla., the second-worst performing market, Fiserv anticipates a 27% price collapse by June 2010, followed by a less severe drop the following year. In Hanford, Calif., prices are estimated to drop 26.9% and continue falling 9.5% in 2011; in Naples, Fla., they're expected to fall 26.8% and then flatten out.
Other notable losers include Las Vegas, where prices have already fallen 54.6% and are expected to lose another 23.9% by June 2010. In Phoenix values have already collapsed by 54% and could fall another 23.4%. In both cities, Fiserv anticipates the losses to continue into 2011, but they will be less than 5%.
Prices had stabilized
The latest forecast is at odds with the past few months of the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price index. That report has given hope that most housing markets may have already stabilized because the composite index of 20 cities rose in May, June and July. Nationally, it found that home prices have gained 3.6%.
Brad Hunter, chief economist for Metrostudy, which provides housing market information to the industry, however, expects a change in fortunes, however.
"I'm afraid Case-Shiller may be just a temporary reprieve," he said.
He pointed out that the tax credit for first-time home buyers helped support prices during the three months of Case-Shiller gains. By the end of November, the credit will have been used by 1.8 million homebuyers, at least 355,000 of whom would not have bought a house without the tax break, according to estimates by the National Association of Realtors. But the market assistance ends when the credit expires on Dec. 1.
Hunter also sees a new wave of foreclosure problems coming from higher priced loans and prime mortgages. He expects a high failure rate for option ARM loans that were issued to prime customers so they could buy homes in bubble markets, such as California and Florida. In those areas, prices for even modest homes had skyrocketed.
Winners
A handful of metro areas will buck the trend, according to Fiserv. Six markets will remain flat, and 33 will actually post gains. The biggest winner will be the Kennewick, Wash., metro area, where home prices have ramped up 8.9% over the past three years and are expected to increase another 3.4% by June 2010.
Fairbanks, Alaska, prices are anticipated to rise 2.5%, while Anchorage will climb 2.1%. Elmira, N.Y., prices may inch up 1.8%.
The nation's biggest metro area, New York City, will underperform the nation as a whole over the next two years, according to Fiserv. Prices, which have already fallen 21.7% to a median of $375,000, are expected to fall 17.4% by June 2011.
Home values in the nation's second largest city, Los Angeles, have fallen 43.3% since June 2006 to a median of $313,000. They are expected to dive another 20.2% over by June 2010, and then start to climb in 2011. Chicago prices, which have fallen 25.2% to $227,000, will drop only 4.1% over the next 12 months and then starting to climb.
The Detroit metro area now has the dubious distinction of having the lowest home prices in the country. Prices have dropped 51.7% to a median of $50,000. They're expected to fall another 9.1% and then stabilize.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
'Today Show' Checks in with 19-Pound Baby and Family
The 19 LB boy born in Indonesia about a month ago is at home with his parents, sister, and brother in their tiny village, where he's become a local celebrity in addition to an international marvel. "Today Show" checked in with the family, learning that little Akbar is healthy (and has put on another half-pound), though his mom isn't strong enough yet after her C-section surgery to pick him up. Akbar's mother is also shown wearing a "traditional soothing cream" on her face:
As touched on in the "Today Show" report, Akbar's mother lives in such a small village that she didn't receive adequate prenatal care (she actually thought she was having twins), but doctors suspect that Akbar's size can be attributed at least partially to gestational diabetes, a serious condition that caused him to get too much glucose in the womb. The doctor who delivered him expressed concern about Akbar's care once he's out of the media spotlight, but village officials have promised help. Let's hope he gets some
Thursday, October 15, 2009
വാനമ്പാടിക്ക് എണ്പതിന്റെ സൌകുമാര്യം
ലതാ മങ്കേഷ്കറുടെ പാട്ടുകള് കാതിനിമ്പം പകര്ന്ന് മനസ്സിലേക്ക് ഇടം തേടുമ്പോള് നാം ഒരിക്കലും ഗായികയുടെ പ്രായത്തെ കുറിച്ച് ഓര്ക്കാറില്ല. കാരണം ആ ശബ്ദ സൌകുമാര്യത്തിന് എന്നും 16 വയസ്സാണ്! മനസ്സിന്റെ ചെറുപ്പം പാട്ടുകളില് ചാലിച്ച ഭാരത് രത്ന ലതാ മങ്കേഷ്കര്ക്ക് തിങ്കളാഴ്ച 80 വയസ് തികയുന്നു.
ഹിന്ദിയെക്കൂടാതെ വിവിധ ഭാഷകളില് ലത പാടിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. മലയാളത്തില് 'നെല്ലി' ലെ “കദളീ ചെങ്കദളീ പൂവേണോ” എന്ന ഒരു പാട്ടു മാത്രമേ ലതയുടെ വകയായുള്ളു.
മുപ്പതിനായിരത്തിലധികം പാട്ടുകള് പാടിയ ലതാ മങ്കേഷ്കറെ ദേശീയതയുടെ പ്രതീകമായാണ് മിക്കവരും കാണുന്നത്. പാട്ടുകള്ക്ക് പൂര്ണത നല്കാന് കഴിവുള്ള അനുഗൃഹീത ശബ്ദത്തിനുടമയാണ് ബോളിവുഡില് ‘ലതാജി’ എന്നറിയപ്പെടുന്ന ഈ ഗായിക.
ഇരുപതില് അധികം ഭാഷകളിലാണ് ഈ അനുഗ്രഹീത കലാകാരി പാടിയിട്ടുള്ളത്. ബോളിവുഡിലെ പ്രഗത്ഭമതികളായ മിക്കവാറും സംഗീത സംവിധായകരുടെയും പാട്ടുകള് പാടാന് ലതാജിക്ക് കഴിഞ്ഞിട്ടുണ്ട്. സെമി ക്ലാസിക്കല്, ഗസല്, ഭജന് എന്നിങ്ങനെ പലവിധ സംഗീതങ്ങളിലൂടെ ലതാജി ബോളിവുഡ് സംഗീത ലോകം അനേക വര്ഷം അടക്കി വാണിരുന്നു.
ലതാജിക്ക് തിരക്കേറുകയും എല്ലാ പാട്ടുകളും പാടാന് വയ്യാതാവുകയും ചെയ്തപ്പോഴായിരുന്നു ഹിന്ദി ചലച്ചിത്രങ്ങളില് പുതിയ ഗായകര് രംഗപ്രവേശനം ചെയ്തത്. സുമന് കല്യാണ്പൂര്, ചന്ദ്രാണി മുഖര്ജി, അനുരാധാ പൊഡുവാള്, അല്കാ യാഗ്നിക് എന്നിവര്.
1940 കളിലാണ് ലതാ മങ്കേഷ്കര് ചലച്ചിത്ര രംഗത്തേയ്ക്ക് കടന്നു വരുന്നത് .അഭിനയരംഗത്തായിരുന്നു തുടക്കം. എട്ടോളം മറാത്തി ഹിന്ദി സിനിമകളില് ലത അഭിനയിച്ചു .പിന്നീട് ഗാനരംഗത്ത് ശ്രദ്ധ കേന്ദ്രീകരിച്ചലതയ്ക്ക് ആദ്യബ്രേയ്ക്ക് ലഭിയ്ക്കുന്നത് 1947 ല് ഇറങ്ങിയ ‘ആപ് കി സേവാ മേം‘ എന്ന ചിത്രത്തിലൂടെയാണ് .
1950 ഓടെ ലത ഇന്ത്യന് ചലച്ചിത്രസംഗീതരംഗത്തെ അനിഷേധ്യ ശബ്ദസാന്നിധ്യമായി. പ്രശസ്തസംഗീത സംവിധായകന് നൗഷാദില് തുടങ്ങി പുതിയ തലമുറയിലെ എ ആര് റഹ്മാന്റെ ഗാനങ്ങള്ക്കുവരെ ലത തന്റെ ശബ്ദസൗകുമാര്യം പകര്ന്നുനല്കി
1929 സെപപ്റ്റംബര് 28ന് മറാത്തി നാട്യസംഗീതിന്റെ ആചാര്യനായിരുന്ന ദീനനാഥ് മങ്കേഷ്കറുടെ മകളായി മധ്യപ്രദേശിലെ ഇന്ഡോറിലാണ് ലത പിറന്നത്. ചെറുപ്പം മുതല് വളര്ന്നത് പക്ഷെ മഹാരാഷ്ട്രയിലാണ് .
ഉസ്താദ് അമാന് അലി, ഉസ്താദ് അമാനത്ത് ഖാന്, തുളസീദാസ് ശര്മ്മ എന്നിവരായിരുന്നു ലതയുടെ ഗുരുക്കന്മാര്. നൂര്ജഹാന്, കെ.എല്.സൈഗള് എന്നിവരുടെ പാട്ടില് ആകൃഷ്ടയായ ലത തന്റെ ജീവിതം സംഗീതത്തിനായി സമര്പ്പിക്കുകയായിരുന്നു.
നിരവധി പുരസ്കാരങ്ങള്ക്ക് ഒപ്പം ലതാമങ്കേഷ്കര്ക്ക് 1969 ല് പത്മഭൂഷണും 1989 ല് ദാദാ സാഹിബ് ഫാല്ക്കേ അവാര്ഡും 1999ല് പദ്മവിഭൂഷണ് അവാര്ഡും ലഭിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. “ആയേഗാ ആയേഗാ ആനേ വാലാ” , “ആയേ മേരെ വതന് കേ ലോഗോം”, “ലഗ് ജാ ഗലേ ” എന്നിവ ആദ്യകാല ഹിറ്റുകളായിരുന്നു.
ഹിന്ദിയെക്കൂടാതെ വിവിധ ഭാഷകളില് ലത പാടിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. മലയാളത്തില് 'നെല്ലി' ലെ “കദളീ ചെങ്കദളീ പൂവേണോ” എന്ന ഒരു പാട്ടു മാത്രമേ ലതയുടെ വകയായുള്ളു.
മുപ്പതിനായിരത്തിലധികം പാട്ടുകള് പാടിയ ലതാ മങ്കേഷ്കറെ ദേശീയതയുടെ പ്രതീകമായാണ് മിക്കവരും കാണുന്നത്. പാട്ടുകള്ക്ക് പൂര്ണത നല്കാന് കഴിവുള്ള അനുഗൃഹീത ശബ്ദത്തിനുടമയാണ് ബോളിവുഡില് ‘ലതാജി’ എന്നറിയപ്പെടുന്ന ഈ ഗായിക.
ഇരുപതില് അധികം ഭാഷകളിലാണ് ഈ അനുഗ്രഹീത കലാകാരി പാടിയിട്ടുള്ളത്. ബോളിവുഡിലെ പ്രഗത്ഭമതികളായ മിക്കവാറും സംഗീത സംവിധായകരുടെയും പാട്ടുകള് പാടാന് ലതാജിക്ക് കഴിഞ്ഞിട്ടുണ്ട്. സെമി ക്ലാസിക്കല്, ഗസല്, ഭജന് എന്നിങ്ങനെ പലവിധ സംഗീതങ്ങളിലൂടെ ലതാജി ബോളിവുഡ് സംഗീത ലോകം അനേക വര്ഷം അടക്കി വാണിരുന്നു.
ലതാജിക്ക് തിരക്കേറുകയും എല്ലാ പാട്ടുകളും പാടാന് വയ്യാതാവുകയും ചെയ്തപ്പോഴായിരുന്നു ഹിന്ദി ചലച്ചിത്രങ്ങളില് പുതിയ ഗായകര് രംഗപ്രവേശനം ചെയ്തത്. സുമന് കല്യാണ്പൂര്, ചന്ദ്രാണി മുഖര്ജി, അനുരാധാ പൊഡുവാള്, അല്കാ യാഗ്നിക് എന്നിവര്.
1940 കളിലാണ് ലതാ മങ്കേഷ്കര് ചലച്ചിത്ര രംഗത്തേയ്ക്ക് കടന്നു വരുന്നത് .അഭിനയരംഗത്തായിരുന്നു തുടക്കം. എട്ടോളം മറാത്തി ഹിന്ദി സിനിമകളില് ലത അഭിനയിച്ചു .പിന്നീട് ഗാനരംഗത്ത് ശ്രദ്ധ കേന്ദ്രീകരിച്ചലതയ്ക്ക് ആദ്യബ്രേയ്ക്ക് ലഭിയ്ക്കുന്നത് 1947 ല് ഇറങ്ങിയ ‘ആപ് കി സേവാ മേം‘ എന്ന ചിത്രത്തിലൂടെയാണ് .
1950 ഓടെ ലത ഇന്ത്യന് ചലച്ചിത്രസംഗീതരംഗത്തെ അനിഷേധ്യ ശബ്ദസാന്നിധ്യമായി. പ്രശസ്തസംഗീത സംവിധായകന് നൗഷാദില് തുടങ്ങി പുതിയ തലമുറയിലെ എ ആര് റഹ്മാന്റെ ഗാനങ്ങള്ക്കുവരെ ലത തന്റെ ശബ്ദസൗകുമാര്യം പകര്ന്നുനല്കി
1929 സെപപ്റ്റംബര് 28ന് മറാത്തി നാട്യസംഗീതിന്റെ ആചാര്യനായിരുന്ന ദീനനാഥ് മങ്കേഷ്കറുടെ മകളായി മധ്യപ്രദേശിലെ ഇന്ഡോറിലാണ് ലത പിറന്നത്. ചെറുപ്പം മുതല് വളര്ന്നത് പക്ഷെ മഹാരാഷ്ട്രയിലാണ് .
ഉസ്താദ് അമാന് അലി, ഉസ്താദ് അമാനത്ത് ഖാന്, തുളസീദാസ് ശര്മ്മ എന്നിവരായിരുന്നു ലതയുടെ ഗുരുക്കന്മാര്. നൂര്ജഹാന്, കെ.എല്.സൈഗള് എന്നിവരുടെ പാട്ടില് ആകൃഷ്ടയായ ലത തന്റെ ജീവിതം സംഗീതത്തിനായി സമര്പ്പിക്കുകയായിരുന്നു.
നിരവധി പുരസ്കാരങ്ങള്ക്ക് ഒപ്പം ലതാമങ്കേഷ്കര്ക്ക് 1969 ല് പത്മഭൂഷണും 1989 ല് ദാദാ സാഹിബ് ഫാല്ക്കേ അവാര്ഡും 1999ല് പദ്മവിഭൂഷണ് അവാര്ഡും ലഭിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. “ആയേഗാ ആയേഗാ ആനേ വാലാ” , “ആയേ മേരെ വതന് കേ ലോഗോം”, “ലഗ് ജാ ഗലേ ” എന്നിവ ആദ്യകാല ഹിറ്റുകളായിരുന്നു.
BMI - 'ബോഡി മാസ്സ് ഇന്ഡക്സ്'
ഇന്നത്തെ ജീവിത സാഹചര്യത്തില് ഏവരേയും അലട്ടുന്ന പ്രശ്നമാണ് അമിത വണ്ണം. തീരെ മെലിഞ്ഞിരുന്ന കാലത്ത് തടി വെക്കാന് കൊതിച്ചവര് ഇപ്പൊ തടി കുറയ്ക്കാനുള്ള തത്രപ്പാടിലാണ്. ഇവിടെ വില്ലനാകുന്നത് മറ്റാരുമല്ല തടിയുടെ ഉറ്റ ബന്ധുവായ കൊളസ്ട്രോള് തന്നെ.
നിങ്ങളുടെ വണ്ണം അമിതമാണോ അല്ലയോ എന്ന് എങ്ങനെ കണ്ടെത്താനാവും?
BMI എന്ന മൂന്നു അക്ഷരം ഇതിനു സഹായിക്കുന്നു. 'ബോഡി മാസ്സ് ഇന്ഡക്സ്' എന്നാല്
നിങ്ങളുടെ ഭാരത്തിനും പൊക്കത്തിനും അനുസരിച്ചുള്ള ശരീരത്തിലെ കൊഴുപ്പിന്റെ അളവാണ്.
ഇതു സ്വയം കണ്ടെത്താനാവും. ആദ്യം നിങ്ങളുടെ BMI കണ്ടെത്തുക.
BMI = ഭാരം (kg)
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പൊക്കം x പൊക്കം (m)
ഉദാഹരണത്തിന് പൊക്കം 1.70 മീറ്ററും ഭാരം 60 കിലോയും ആണെന്നിരിക്കട്ടെ. നിങ്ങളുടെ BMI എന്നത് ( 60 / (1.7 x 1.7) ) 20.8 ആയിരിക്കും.
നിങ്ങളുടെ BMI 18.5ല് താഴെ ആണെങ്കില് ഭാരക്കുറവ്, 18.5 മുതല് 24.9 വരെ സ്വാഭാവിക ഭാരം , 25 മുതല് 29.9 വരെ അമിതവണ്ണം, 30ല് കൂടുതല് പൊണ്ണത്തടി എന്നിങ്ങനെ കണക്കാക്കാം.
ഭാരം കുറക്കാന് സഹായിക്കുമെന്ന് അവകാശപ്പെടുന്ന പലതരം മരുന്നുകള് ഇന്ന് വിപണിയില് ലഭ്യമാണെങ്കിലും അവ കഴിവതും ഒഴിവാക്കുന്നതാണ് നല്ലത്. 'അത്താഴം മുടങ്ങിയാല് അരത്തൂക്കം കുറയും' എന്ന പഴമൊഴി അനുസ്മരിച്ചു രാത്രിയില് ലഘുഭക്ഷണം ശീലമാക്കുക. ഉറക്കം കൂടുതലോ കുറവോ ആകാതെ സന്തുലനമാക്കുന്നതും തടി കുറക്കാന് സഹായിക്കുന്നു. കൃത്യമായ വ്യായാമം കൊണ്ടും, ആല്ക്കഹോളിന്റെ ഉപയോഗം കുറച്ചും, കൃത്യമായ ഇടവേളകളില് കഴിക്കുന്ന ഭക്ഷണത്തിന്റെ അളവ് കുറച്ചു കൊണ്ടും സാവധാനം അമിത വണ്ണത്തെ നേരിടുന്നതാണ് ഉത്തമം.
പ്രമേഹം, രക്തസമ്മര്ദ്ദം തുടങ്ങി ശരീരത്തിന്റെ താളം തെറ്റിക്കുന്ന ഒരു പിടി രോഗങ്ങളിലേക്കുള്ള ചവിട്ടുപടിയാണ് അമിത വണ്ണം എന്നത് മറക്കാതിരിക്കുക. ആരോഗ്യമുള്ള ഒരു ശരീരത്തിന് ഉടമകയാവാന് ഇന്ന് തന്നെ തയാറെടുപ്പ് തുടങ്ങിക്കോളൂ.
നിങ്ങളുടെ വണ്ണം അമിതമാണോ അല്ലയോ എന്ന് എങ്ങനെ കണ്ടെത്താനാവും?
BMI എന്ന മൂന്നു അക്ഷരം ഇതിനു സഹായിക്കുന്നു. 'ബോഡി മാസ്സ് ഇന്ഡക്സ്' എന്നാല്
നിങ്ങളുടെ ഭാരത്തിനും പൊക്കത്തിനും അനുസരിച്ചുള്ള ശരീരത്തിലെ കൊഴുപ്പിന്റെ അളവാണ്.
ഇതു സ്വയം കണ്ടെത്താനാവും. ആദ്യം നിങ്ങളുടെ BMI കണ്ടെത്തുക.
BMI = ഭാരം (kg)
———————————
പൊക്കം x പൊക്കം (m)
ഉദാഹരണത്തിന് പൊക്കം 1.70 മീറ്ററും ഭാരം 60 കിലോയും ആണെന്നിരിക്കട്ടെ. നിങ്ങളുടെ BMI എന്നത് ( 60 / (1.7 x 1.7) ) 20.8 ആയിരിക്കും.
നിങ്ങളുടെ BMI 18.5ല് താഴെ ആണെങ്കില് ഭാരക്കുറവ്, 18.5 മുതല് 24.9 വരെ സ്വാഭാവിക ഭാരം , 25 മുതല് 29.9 വരെ അമിതവണ്ണം, 30ല് കൂടുതല് പൊണ്ണത്തടി എന്നിങ്ങനെ കണക്കാക്കാം.
ഭാരം കുറക്കാന് സഹായിക്കുമെന്ന് അവകാശപ്പെടുന്ന പലതരം മരുന്നുകള് ഇന്ന് വിപണിയില് ലഭ്യമാണെങ്കിലും അവ കഴിവതും ഒഴിവാക്കുന്നതാണ് നല്ലത്. 'അത്താഴം മുടങ്ങിയാല് അരത്തൂക്കം കുറയും' എന്ന പഴമൊഴി അനുസ്മരിച്ചു രാത്രിയില് ലഘുഭക്ഷണം ശീലമാക്കുക. ഉറക്കം കൂടുതലോ കുറവോ ആകാതെ സന്തുലനമാക്കുന്നതും തടി കുറക്കാന് സഹായിക്കുന്നു. കൃത്യമായ വ്യായാമം കൊണ്ടും, ആല്ക്കഹോളിന്റെ ഉപയോഗം കുറച്ചും, കൃത്യമായ ഇടവേളകളില് കഴിക്കുന്ന ഭക്ഷണത്തിന്റെ അളവ് കുറച്ചു കൊണ്ടും സാവധാനം അമിത വണ്ണത്തെ നേരിടുന്നതാണ് ഉത്തമം.
പ്രമേഹം, രക്തസമ്മര്ദ്ദം തുടങ്ങി ശരീരത്തിന്റെ താളം തെറ്റിക്കുന്ന ഒരു പിടി രോഗങ്ങളിലേക്കുള്ള ചവിട്ടുപടിയാണ് അമിത വണ്ണം എന്നത് മറക്കാതിരിക്കുക. ആരോഗ്യമുള്ള ഒരു ശരീരത്തിന് ഉടമകയാവാന് ഇന്ന് തന്നെ തയാറെടുപ്പ് തുടങ്ങിക്കോളൂ.
ലോകത്ത് 100കോടി ജനങ്ങള് പട്ടിണിയില്
നെയ്റോബി: ലോകത്ത് 100 കോടി ജനങ്ങള് പട്ടണിയിലാണെന്ന് ഐക്യരാഷ്ട്രസഭ റിപ്പോര്ട്ട്. യുഎന്നിന്റെ ഭക്ഷ്യ ഏജന്സി പുറത്തിറക്കിയ റിപ്പോര്ട്ടിലാണ് ഇക്കാര്യം വ്യക്തമാക്കിയിരിക്കുന്നത്.
20 ആഫ്രിക്കന് രാജ്യങ്ങള് ഉള്പ്പെടെ ആഗോള തലത്തില് 30 രാജ്യങ്ങള്ക്ക് അടിയന്തരമായി ഭക്ഷ്യസഹായം ആവശ്യമാണെന്ന് റിപ്പോര്ട്ടില് പറയുന്നു.
ആവശ്യവസ്തുക്കളുടെ വിലവര്ധനയാണ് ദരിദ്ര രാജ്യങ്ങളില് ആളുകള് പട്ടണി കിടക്കാനുള്ള പ്രധാന കാരണമായി പറയുന്നത്. ഏറ്റവും കൂടുതല് ആളുകള് പട്ടിണി ദുരിതം അനുഭവിക്കുന്നത് ആഫ്രിക്കന് രാജ്യങ്ങളിലാണ്.
കാര്ഷിക മേഖലയുടെ വികസനത്തിനായി സര്ക്കാറുകള് കൂടുതല് നടപടികള് സ്വീകരിച്ചില്ലെങ്കില് പട്ടിണി നേരിടുന്ന ജനങ്ങളുടെ എണ്ണം ഇനിയും കൂടുമെന്നാണ് റിപ്പോര്ട്ടില് പറയുന്നത്.
പോഷകാഹാരത്തിന്റെ കുറവുമൂലം ഓരോ ആറു സെക്കന്റിലും ഒരു കുട്ടി വീതം മരിക്കുന്നതായി യുഎന് റിപ്പോര്ട്ട് ചൂണ്ടിക്കാട്ടുന്നു. സൊമാലിയയില് കഴിഞ്ഞ രണ്ടുവര്ഷത്തിനുള്ളലില് 85ശതമാനമാണ് വിലക്കയറ്റമുണ്ടായത്.
ഈ സാഹചര്യത്തില് പല കുടുംബങ്ങളിലേയും കുട്ടികള്ക്ക് വദ്യാഭ്യാസം തുടരാനോ നല്ല വസ്ത്രം വാങ്ങാനോ സാധിക്കുന്നില്ല. കെനിയയില് 38 ലക്ഷം പേരാണ് ആവശ്യത്തിന് ഭക്ഷണം ലഭിക്കാതെ വലയുന്നത്. ഭക്ഷ്യവസ്തുക്കളുടെ കനത്ത വിലയ്ക്കു പുറമേ വരള്ച്ചയാണ് ഇവിടത്തെ പ്രധാന പ്രശ്നം.
20 ആഫ്രിക്കന് രാജ്യങ്ങള് ഉള്പ്പെടെ ആഗോള തലത്തില് 30 രാജ്യങ്ങള്ക്ക് അടിയന്തരമായി ഭക്ഷ്യസഹായം ആവശ്യമാണെന്ന് റിപ്പോര്ട്ടില് പറയുന്നു.
ആവശ്യവസ്തുക്കളുടെ വിലവര്ധനയാണ് ദരിദ്ര രാജ്യങ്ങളില് ആളുകള് പട്ടണി കിടക്കാനുള്ള പ്രധാന കാരണമായി പറയുന്നത്. ഏറ്റവും കൂടുതല് ആളുകള് പട്ടിണി ദുരിതം അനുഭവിക്കുന്നത് ആഫ്രിക്കന് രാജ്യങ്ങളിലാണ്.
കാര്ഷിക മേഖലയുടെ വികസനത്തിനായി സര്ക്കാറുകള് കൂടുതല് നടപടികള് സ്വീകരിച്ചില്ലെങ്കില് പട്ടിണി നേരിടുന്ന ജനങ്ങളുടെ എണ്ണം ഇനിയും കൂടുമെന്നാണ് റിപ്പോര്ട്ടില് പറയുന്നത്.
പോഷകാഹാരത്തിന്റെ കുറവുമൂലം ഓരോ ആറു സെക്കന്റിലും ഒരു കുട്ടി വീതം മരിക്കുന്നതായി യുഎന് റിപ്പോര്ട്ട് ചൂണ്ടിക്കാട്ടുന്നു. സൊമാലിയയില് കഴിഞ്ഞ രണ്ടുവര്ഷത്തിനുള്ളലില് 85ശതമാനമാണ് വിലക്കയറ്റമുണ്ടായത്.
ഈ സാഹചര്യത്തില് പല കുടുംബങ്ങളിലേയും കുട്ടികള്ക്ക് വദ്യാഭ്യാസം തുടരാനോ നല്ല വസ്ത്രം വാങ്ങാനോ സാധിക്കുന്നില്ല. കെനിയയില് 38 ലക്ഷം പേരാണ് ആവശ്യത്തിന് ഭക്ഷണം ലഭിക്കാതെ വലയുന്നത്. ഭക്ഷ്യവസ്തുക്കളുടെ കനത്ത വിലയ്ക്കു പുറമേ വരള്ച്ചയാണ് ഇവിടത്തെ പ്രധാന പ്രശ്നം.
HP jump-starting Compaq brand with ultra-cheap machines
Remember Compaq? Hewlett-Packard acquired the venerable computer company way back in 2002, but it's kept the name alive as a secondary brand ever since, mainly relegating Compaq to overseas markets (Compaq is particularly popular in Asia) and as second-tier PCs sold on the cheap at warehouse-style stores.
But now HP is looking to breathe a little new life into the Compaq brand, positioning it not just as a label for extremely cheap computer equipment but also as one with mainstream appeal in the U.S.
Today the company is announcing the rollout of a line of ultra-inexpensive PCs, both laptops and desktops, with extreme budgets in mind.
Consider first the Compaq CQ61z (pictured), a 15.6-inch laptop with an AMD Sempron CPU, 2GB of RAM, DVD burner, 160GB hard drive, and discrete graphics. Running Windows 7 Home Premium, the machine costs a nearly unfathomable $399. That price point probably sounds familiar -- it's the usual cost for your average netbook, which in comparison offers a tiny screen, minimal hard drive, and an ultra-low-power Atom CPU.
With the $400 laptop's arrival, Compaq wants potential buyers to ask: Why not jump up to a much larger and more capable system for exactly the same price? I'm having a hard time seeing any reason not to. Seriously, it even has a numeric keypad.
Even better bargains abound for desktop shoppers. The attractive Compaq Presario 4010f has similar specs (with a 250GB hard drive) and starts at just $309 after a $100 rebate.
Both systems are available on Windows 7 launch day, October 22.
Compaq's aggressively inexpensive hardware -- particularly the $399 laptop -- could have massive ramifications for the computer market. Will netbooks finally feel the pinch that they've been giving to standard laptops for two years now? And what kind of pressure will machines like this bring to bear on more expensive notebook PCs? Price war in 3... 2... 1...
But now HP is looking to breathe a little new life into the Compaq brand, positioning it not just as a label for extremely cheap computer equipment but also as one with mainstream appeal in the U.S.
Today the company is announcing the rollout of a line of ultra-inexpensive PCs, both laptops and desktops, with extreme budgets in mind.
Consider first the Compaq CQ61z (pictured), a 15.6-inch laptop with an AMD Sempron CPU, 2GB of RAM, DVD burner, 160GB hard drive, and discrete graphics. Running Windows 7 Home Premium, the machine costs a nearly unfathomable $399. That price point probably sounds familiar -- it's the usual cost for your average netbook, which in comparison offers a tiny screen, minimal hard drive, and an ultra-low-power Atom CPU.
With the $400 laptop's arrival, Compaq wants potential buyers to ask: Why not jump up to a much larger and more capable system for exactly the same price? I'm having a hard time seeing any reason not to. Seriously, it even has a numeric keypad.
Even better bargains abound for desktop shoppers. The attractive Compaq Presario 4010f has similar specs (with a 250GB hard drive) and starts at just $309 after a $100 rebate.
Both systems are available on Windows 7 launch day, October 22.
Compaq's aggressively inexpensive hardware -- particularly the $399 laptop -- could have massive ramifications for the computer market. Will netbooks finally feel the pinch that they've been giving to standard laptops for two years now? And what kind of pressure will machines like this bring to bear on more expensive notebook PCs? Price war in 3... 2... 1...
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Newest Professions, Growing Salaries
The latest directory of job titles from Occupational Information Network (O*Net) features a variety of new entries that many people have never heard before.
Some of these jobs -- at least the duties -- have been around in some form for a while. What's new is a "professional pathway" for these careers, according to employment expert and author Laurence Shatkin. "O*Net officially recognizes job titles once there is a critical mass of workers in those jobs and a clear road map for attaining the positions," he says.
Green Energy
There are many new green-collar job titles on O*Net, which is developed for the U.S. Department of Labor. The number of new green jobs is not surprising, given the federal government's active role in building a green economy.
Even before the federal stimulus dollars kicked in, wind energy was big and growing. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) reports that the wind industry grew by 45 percent in 2007 alone. Civil engineers who work on various aspects of the wind farm now have their own job category: wind farm engineers. These engineers work on performance of turbines and the overall performance of the wind farm and also oversee aspects of construction and mechanical development. They usually have a B.S. in engineering with a focus in construction or civil or structural engineering. Some technical colleges now offer degrees in wind farm engineering. AWEA pegs the average salary at $80,000.
Solar thermal technicians design, develop, install, and maintain solar thermal systems used to heat water and produce energy. Renewable energy plants, companies that install solar panels for domestic use, construction companies, consulting firms, and hotel chains use these technicians. A degree (2- or 4-year) in mechanical engineering or electronics is helpful, but some apprenticeship programs exist as well.
Salaries vary widely and will increase if demand continues to outstrip supply. Solar thermal technicians can expect to start at around $40,000 a year or $20 an hour, according to Red Rocks Community College in Colorado. The upper salary limit is a moving target, as the job category is emerging so quickly.
Health Care
Nursing informatics is a nursing specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. Informatics nurse specialists are registered nurses trained in graduate level informatics. Salaries start at $60,000 but can more than double after a few years' experience.
"Most often they are liaisons between clinicians and information and computer science people. These jobs are growing because information technology is now becoming a major tool in health-care settings," says Stacey Prince of the American Nurses Association.
Anesthesiologist assistants work under the direction of a licensed and qualified anesthesiologist in hospitals. They perform preoperative tasks, support therapy, recovery room care, and intensive care support. They do well money-wise: around $90,000 to start and more than double that with 10 years of experience, according to the American Medical Association. A master's degree in nursing and certification by the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants are required.
Business and Management
The roles of IT professionals continue to splinter and become more specialized as new technologies dominate businesses. Business continuity planners are responsible for developing plans to recover from cyber attacks, terrorism, or natural disasters. They also may be responsible for scaling IT as a company grows (from regional to national, for example), duties that used to be handled by information systems managers. A bachelor's degree in business, management, or disaster management is the minimum requirement. The median salary for disaster recovery managers, who have a similar job description, is $100,000, according to salary.com.
America's interest in getting healthy has led to a growing business specialization of spa managers, who are employed by resorts, health clubs, and other facilities offering sports and wellness activities. The median income for spa managers in the U.S. is $56,000. A college degree is not mandatory, but a high school diploma or GED and at least five years experience in the managing a related area are usually required.
Education
Distance learning, which provides instruction to students who are not on-site, is booming. O*Net now recognizes distance learning coordinators, who prepare and run online courses at colleges, trade schools and secondary schools. A master's degree instructional design, curriculum design, curriculum development is usually required, as is a strong understanding of Web-based technologies.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't yet recognize distance learning coordinators as a job category, but an analysis of job openings shows a range from the upper $30s to the low $60s for a coordinator with at least two years' experience.
Entertainment and Media
Video game designers have been around for a while, but as the $9 billion interactive entertainment industry matures, new specialties are emerging, such as user experience designer, which focuses solely on improving the user interaction. Designers can also move up to be creative directors as well. A college degree is still not mandatory everywhere, however, strong skills in computer programming, computer engineering, software development, computer animation, graphic design, and computer graphics -- or all of them -- are helpful.
Big employers like Microsoft and Electronic Arts snag a large chunk of new designers, but smaller companies are starting to offer competitive wages and career tracks as well. Designers earn $50,000 and $80,000 annually, and the highest reported salary was $200,000, according to the International Game Developers Association.
Social media is a specialty field of public relations that uses the growing social networking technologies, including RSS, Twitter, Facebook, and blogs. A few years ago, social media duties were performed by marketing managers or communications directors. Now there is a social media career track.
An entry-level company blogger can earn less than $20 per hour (and many blogging jobs are part-time). A director of social media, the top of the social media chain, can pull in $70,000 or more. In the middle, a social media manager, can expect to earn around $50,000. A bachelor's degree is usually required, and job seekers should possess strong writing abilities and a keen understanding of online marketing, public relations, and new media.
Some of these jobs -- at least the duties -- have been around in some form for a while. What's new is a "professional pathway" for these careers, according to employment expert and author Laurence Shatkin. "O*Net officially recognizes job titles once there is a critical mass of workers in those jobs and a clear road map for attaining the positions," he says.
Green Energy
There are many new green-collar job titles on O*Net, which is developed for the U.S. Department of Labor. The number of new green jobs is not surprising, given the federal government's active role in building a green economy.
Even before the federal stimulus dollars kicked in, wind energy was big and growing. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) reports that the wind industry grew by 45 percent in 2007 alone. Civil engineers who work on various aspects of the wind farm now have their own job category: wind farm engineers. These engineers work on performance of turbines and the overall performance of the wind farm and also oversee aspects of construction and mechanical development. They usually have a B.S. in engineering with a focus in construction or civil or structural engineering. Some technical colleges now offer degrees in wind farm engineering. AWEA pegs the average salary at $80,000.
Solar thermal technicians design, develop, install, and maintain solar thermal systems used to heat water and produce energy. Renewable energy plants, companies that install solar panels for domestic use, construction companies, consulting firms, and hotel chains use these technicians. A degree (2- or 4-year) in mechanical engineering or electronics is helpful, but some apprenticeship programs exist as well.
Salaries vary widely and will increase if demand continues to outstrip supply. Solar thermal technicians can expect to start at around $40,000 a year or $20 an hour, according to Red Rocks Community College in Colorado. The upper salary limit is a moving target, as the job category is emerging so quickly.
Health Care
Nursing informatics is a nursing specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. Informatics nurse specialists are registered nurses trained in graduate level informatics. Salaries start at $60,000 but can more than double after a few years' experience.
"Most often they are liaisons between clinicians and information and computer science people. These jobs are growing because information technology is now becoming a major tool in health-care settings," says Stacey Prince of the American Nurses Association.
Anesthesiologist assistants work under the direction of a licensed and qualified anesthesiologist in hospitals. They perform preoperative tasks, support therapy, recovery room care, and intensive care support. They do well money-wise: around $90,000 to start and more than double that with 10 years of experience, according to the American Medical Association. A master's degree in nursing and certification by the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants are required.
Business and Management
The roles of IT professionals continue to splinter and become more specialized as new technologies dominate businesses. Business continuity planners are responsible for developing plans to recover from cyber attacks, terrorism, or natural disasters. They also may be responsible for scaling IT as a company grows (from regional to national, for example), duties that used to be handled by information systems managers. A bachelor's degree in business, management, or disaster management is the minimum requirement. The median salary for disaster recovery managers, who have a similar job description, is $100,000, according to salary.com.
America's interest in getting healthy has led to a growing business specialization of spa managers, who are employed by resorts, health clubs, and other facilities offering sports and wellness activities. The median income for spa managers in the U.S. is $56,000. A college degree is not mandatory, but a high school diploma or GED and at least five years experience in the managing a related area are usually required.
Education
Distance learning, which provides instruction to students who are not on-site, is booming. O*Net now recognizes distance learning coordinators, who prepare and run online courses at colleges, trade schools and secondary schools. A master's degree instructional design, curriculum design, curriculum development is usually required, as is a strong understanding of Web-based technologies.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't yet recognize distance learning coordinators as a job category, but an analysis of job openings shows a range from the upper $30s to the low $60s for a coordinator with at least two years' experience.
Entertainment and Media
Video game designers have been around for a while, but as the $9 billion interactive entertainment industry matures, new specialties are emerging, such as user experience designer, which focuses solely on improving the user interaction. Designers can also move up to be creative directors as well. A college degree is still not mandatory everywhere, however, strong skills in computer programming, computer engineering, software development, computer animation, graphic design, and computer graphics -- or all of them -- are helpful.
Big employers like Microsoft and Electronic Arts snag a large chunk of new designers, but smaller companies are starting to offer competitive wages and career tracks as well. Designers earn $50,000 and $80,000 annually, and the highest reported salary was $200,000, according to the International Game Developers Association.
Social media is a specialty field of public relations that uses the growing social networking technologies, including RSS, Twitter, Facebook, and blogs. A few years ago, social media duties were performed by marketing managers or communications directors. Now there is a social media career track.
An entry-level company blogger can earn less than $20 per hour (and many blogging jobs are part-time). A director of social media, the top of the social media chain, can pull in $70,000 or more. In the middle, a social media manager, can expect to earn around $50,000. A bachelor's degree is usually required, and job seekers should possess strong writing abilities and a keen understanding of online marketing, public relations, and new media.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Microsoft's New Operating System Is Good Enough to Erase Bad Memory of Vista
In just two weeks, on Oct. 22, Microsoft's long operating-system nightmare will be over. The company will release Windows 7, a faster and much better operating system than the little-loved Windows Vista, which did a lot to harm both the company's reputation, and the productivity and blood pressure of its users. PC makers will rush to flood physical and online stores with new computers pre-loaded with Windows 7, and to offer the software to Vista owners who wish to upgrade.
With Windows 7, PC users will at last have a strong, modern successor to the sturdy and familiar, but aged, Windows XP, which is still the most popular version of Windows, despite having come out in 2001. In the high-tech world, an eight-year-old operating system is the equivalent of a 20-year-old car. While XP works well for many people, it is relatively weak in areas such as security, networking and other features more important today than when XP was designed around 1999.
After using pre-release versions of Windows 7 for nine months, and intensively testing the final version for the past month on many different machines, I believe it is the best version of Windows Microsoft has produced. It's a boost to productivity and a pleasure to use. Despite a few drawbacks, I can heartily recommend Windows 7 to mainstream consumers.
Like the new Snow Leopard operating system released in August by Microsoft's archrival, Apple, Windows 7 is much more of an evolutionary than a revolutionary product. Its main goal was to fix the flaws in Vista and to finally give Microsoft customers a reason to move up from XP. But Windows 7 is packed with features and tweaks that make using your computer an easier and more satisfying experience.
Windows 7 introduces real advances in organizing your programs and files, arranging your taskbar and desktop, and quickly viewing and launching the page or document you want, when you want it. It also has cool built-in touch-screen features.
It removes a lot of clutter. And it mostly banishes Vista's main flaws -- sluggishness; incompatibility with third-party software and hardware; heavy hardware requirements; and constant, annoying security warnings.
I tested Windows 7 on 11 different computers, ranging from tiny netbooks to standard laptops to a couple of big desktops. These included machines from Lenovo, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Acer, Asus, Toshiba and Sony. I even successfully ran it on an Apple Macintosh laptop. On some of these machines, Windows 7 was pre-loaded. On others, I had to upgrade from an earlier version of Windows.
In most cases, the installation took 45 minutes or less, and the new operating system worked snappily and well. But, I did encounter some drawbacks and problems. On a couple of these machines, glacial start-up and reboot times reminded me of Vista. And, on a couple of others, after upgrading, key features like the display or touchpad didn't work properly. Also, Windows 7 still requires add-on security software that has to be frequently updated. It's tedious and painful to upgrade an existing computer from XP to 7, and the variety of editions in which Windows 7 is offered is confusing.
Finally, Microsoft has stripped Windows 7 of familiar built-in applications, such as email, photo organizing, address book, calendar and video-editing programs. These can be downloaded free of charge, but they no longer come with the operating system, though some PC makers may choose to pre-load them.
In recent years, I, like many other reviewers, have argued that Apple's Mac OS X operating system is much better than Windows. That's no longer true. I still give the Mac OS a slight edge because it has a much easier and cheaper upgrade path; more built-in software programs; and far less vulnerability to viruses and other malicious software, which are overwhelmingly built to run on Windows.
Now, however, it's much more of a toss-up between the two rivals. Windows 7 beats the Mac OS in some areas, such as better previews and navigation right from the taskbar, easier organization of open windows on the desktop and touch-screen capabilities. So Apple will have to scramble now that the gift of a flawed Vista has been replaced with a reliable, elegant version of Windows.
Here are some of the key features of Windows 7.
New Taskbar: In Windows 7, the familiar taskbar has been reinvented and made taller. Instead of mainly being a place where icons of open windows temporarily appear, it now is a place where you can permanently "pin" the icons of frequently used programs anywhere along its length, and in any arrangement you choose. This is a concept borrowed from Apple's similar feature, the Dock. But Windows 7 takes the concept further.
For each running program, hovering over its taskbar icon pops up a small preview screen showing a mini-view of that program. This preview idea was in Vista. But, in Windows 7, it has been expanded in several ways. Now, every open window in that program is included separately in the preview. If you mouse over a window in the preview screen, it appears at full size on your desktop and all other windows on the desktop become transparent -- part of a feature called Aero Peek. Click on the window and it comes up, ready for use. You can even close windows from these previews, or play media in them.
I found this feature more natural and versatile than a similar feature in Snow Leopard called Dock Expose.
You can also use Aero Peek at any time to see your empty desktop, with open windows reduced to virtual panes of glass. To do this, you just hover over a small rectangle at the right edge of the taskbar.
Taskbar icons also provide Jump Lists -- pop-up menus listing frequent actions or recent files used.
Desktop Organization: A feature called Snap allows you to expand windows to full-screen size by just dragging them to the top of the screen, or to half-screen size by dragging them to the left or right edges of the screen. Another called Shake allows you to make all other windows but the one you're working on disappear by simply grabbing its title bar with the mouse and shaking it several times.
File Organization: In Windows Explorer, the left-hand column now includes a feature called Libraries. Each library -- Documents, Music, Pictures and Videos -- consolidates all files of those types regardless of which folder, or even which hard disk, they live in.
Networking: Windows 7 still isn't quite as natural at networking as I find the Mac to be, but it's better than Vista. For instance, now you can see all available wireless networks by just clicking on an icon in the taskbar. A new feature called HomeGroups is supposed to let you share files more easily among Windows 7 PCs on your home network. In my tests, it worked, but not consistently, and it required typing in long, arcane passwords.
Touch: Some of the same kinds of multitouch gestures made popular on the iPhone are now built into Windows 7. But these features won't likely become popular for a while because to get the most out of them, a computer needs a special type of touch screen that goes beyond most of the ones existing now. I tested this on one such laptop, a Lenovo, and was able to move windows around, to resize and flip through photos, and more.
Speed: In my tests, on every machine, Windows 7 ran swiftly and with far fewer of the delays typical in running Vista. All the laptops I tested resumed from sleep quickly and properly, unlike in Vista. Start-up and restart times were also improved. I chose six Windows 7 laptops from different makers to compare with a new MacBook Pro laptop. The Mac still started and restarted faster than most of the Windows 7 PCs. But the speed gap has narrowed considerably, and one of the Lenovos beat the Mac in restart time.
Nagging: In the name of security, Vista put up nagging warnings about a wide variety of tasks, driving people crazy. In Windows 7, you can now set this system so it nags you only when things are happening that you consider really worth the nag. Also, Microsoft has consolidated most of the alerts from the lower-right system tray into one icon, and they seemed less frequent.
Compatibility: I tried a wide variety of third-party software and all worked fine on every Windows 7 machine. These included Mozilla Firefox; Adobe Reader; Google's Picasa and Chrome; and Apple's iTunes and Safari.
I also tested several hardware devices, and, unlike Vista, Windows 7 handled all but one smoothly. These included a networked H-P printer, a Canon camera, an iPod nano, and at least five external flash drives and hard disks. The one failure was a Verizon USB cellular modem. Microsoft says you don't need external software to run these, but I found it was necessary, and even then had to use a trick I found on the Web to get it to work.
System Requirements: Nearly all Vista PCs, and newer or beefier XP machines, should be able to run Windows 7 fine. Even the netbooks I tested ran it speedily, especially with the Starter Edition, which lacks some of the powerful graphics effects in the operating system. (Other netbooks will be able to run other editions.)
If you have a standard PC, called a 32-bit PC, you'll need at least one gigabyte of memory, 16 gigabytes of free hard-disk space and a graphics system that can support Microsoft technologies called "DirectX 9 with WDDM 1.0." You'll also need a processor with a speed of at least one gigahertz. If you have a newer-style 64-bit PC, which can use more memory, you'll need at least two gigabytes of memory and 20 gigabytes of free hard disk space. In either case, you should double the minimum memory specification.
Installation, Editions and Price: There are four editions of Windows 7 of interest to consumers. One, a limited version called Starter, comes pre-loaded on netbooks. A second, called Business, is mainly for people who need to tap remotely into company networks (check with your company to see if you need this). A third, called Ultimate, is mainly for techies who want every feature of all other editions. Most average consumers will want Home Premium, which costs $120 for upgrades.
The system for upgrading is complicated, but Vista owners can upgrade to the exactly comparable edition of Windows 7 while keeping all files, settings and programs in place.
Unfortunately, XP owners, the biggest body of Windows users, won't be able to do that. They'll have to wipe out their hard disks after backing up their files elsewhere, then install Windows 7, then restore their personal files, then re-install all their programs from the original CDs or downloaded installer files. Then, they have to install all the patches and upgrades to those programs from over the years.
Microsoft includes an Easy Transfer wizard to help with this, but it moves only personal files, not programs. This painful XP upgrade process is one of the worst things about Windows 7 and will likely drive many XP owners to either stick with what they've got or wait and buy a new one.
In my tests, both types of installations went OK, though the latter could take a long time.
Bottom line: Windows 7 is a very good, versatile operating system that should help Microsoft bury the memory of Vista and make PC users happy.
With Windows 7, PC users will at last have a strong, modern successor to the sturdy and familiar, but aged, Windows XP, which is still the most popular version of Windows, despite having come out in 2001. In the high-tech world, an eight-year-old operating system is the equivalent of a 20-year-old car. While XP works well for many people, it is relatively weak in areas such as security, networking and other features more important today than when XP was designed around 1999.
After using pre-release versions of Windows 7 for nine months, and intensively testing the final version for the past month on many different machines, I believe it is the best version of Windows Microsoft has produced. It's a boost to productivity and a pleasure to use. Despite a few drawbacks, I can heartily recommend Windows 7 to mainstream consumers.
Like the new Snow Leopard operating system released in August by Microsoft's archrival, Apple, Windows 7 is much more of an evolutionary than a revolutionary product. Its main goal was to fix the flaws in Vista and to finally give Microsoft customers a reason to move up from XP. But Windows 7 is packed with features and tweaks that make using your computer an easier and more satisfying experience.
Windows 7 introduces real advances in organizing your programs and files, arranging your taskbar and desktop, and quickly viewing and launching the page or document you want, when you want it. It also has cool built-in touch-screen features.
It removes a lot of clutter. And it mostly banishes Vista's main flaws -- sluggishness; incompatibility with third-party software and hardware; heavy hardware requirements; and constant, annoying security warnings.
I tested Windows 7 on 11 different computers, ranging from tiny netbooks to standard laptops to a couple of big desktops. These included machines from Lenovo, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Acer, Asus, Toshiba and Sony. I even successfully ran it on an Apple Macintosh laptop. On some of these machines, Windows 7 was pre-loaded. On others, I had to upgrade from an earlier version of Windows.
In most cases, the installation took 45 minutes or less, and the new operating system worked snappily and well. But, I did encounter some drawbacks and problems. On a couple of these machines, glacial start-up and reboot times reminded me of Vista. And, on a couple of others, after upgrading, key features like the display or touchpad didn't work properly. Also, Windows 7 still requires add-on security software that has to be frequently updated. It's tedious and painful to upgrade an existing computer from XP to 7, and the variety of editions in which Windows 7 is offered is confusing.
Finally, Microsoft has stripped Windows 7 of familiar built-in applications, such as email, photo organizing, address book, calendar and video-editing programs. These can be downloaded free of charge, but they no longer come with the operating system, though some PC makers may choose to pre-load them.
In recent years, I, like many other reviewers, have argued that Apple's Mac OS X operating system is much better than Windows. That's no longer true. I still give the Mac OS a slight edge because it has a much easier and cheaper upgrade path; more built-in software programs; and far less vulnerability to viruses and other malicious software, which are overwhelmingly built to run on Windows.
Now, however, it's much more of a toss-up between the two rivals. Windows 7 beats the Mac OS in some areas, such as better previews and navigation right from the taskbar, easier organization of open windows on the desktop and touch-screen capabilities. So Apple will have to scramble now that the gift of a flawed Vista has been replaced with a reliable, elegant version of Windows.
Here are some of the key features of Windows 7.
New Taskbar: In Windows 7, the familiar taskbar has been reinvented and made taller. Instead of mainly being a place where icons of open windows temporarily appear, it now is a place where you can permanently "pin" the icons of frequently used programs anywhere along its length, and in any arrangement you choose. This is a concept borrowed from Apple's similar feature, the Dock. But Windows 7 takes the concept further.
For each running program, hovering over its taskbar icon pops up a small preview screen showing a mini-view of that program. This preview idea was in Vista. But, in Windows 7, it has been expanded in several ways. Now, every open window in that program is included separately in the preview. If you mouse over a window in the preview screen, it appears at full size on your desktop and all other windows on the desktop become transparent -- part of a feature called Aero Peek. Click on the window and it comes up, ready for use. You can even close windows from these previews, or play media in them.
I found this feature more natural and versatile than a similar feature in Snow Leopard called Dock Expose.
You can also use Aero Peek at any time to see your empty desktop, with open windows reduced to virtual panes of glass. To do this, you just hover over a small rectangle at the right edge of the taskbar.
Taskbar icons also provide Jump Lists -- pop-up menus listing frequent actions or recent files used.
Desktop Organization: A feature called Snap allows you to expand windows to full-screen size by just dragging them to the top of the screen, or to half-screen size by dragging them to the left or right edges of the screen. Another called Shake allows you to make all other windows but the one you're working on disappear by simply grabbing its title bar with the mouse and shaking it several times.
File Organization: In Windows Explorer, the left-hand column now includes a feature called Libraries. Each library -- Documents, Music, Pictures and Videos -- consolidates all files of those types regardless of which folder, or even which hard disk, they live in.
Networking: Windows 7 still isn't quite as natural at networking as I find the Mac to be, but it's better than Vista. For instance, now you can see all available wireless networks by just clicking on an icon in the taskbar. A new feature called HomeGroups is supposed to let you share files more easily among Windows 7 PCs on your home network. In my tests, it worked, but not consistently, and it required typing in long, arcane passwords.
Touch: Some of the same kinds of multitouch gestures made popular on the iPhone are now built into Windows 7. But these features won't likely become popular for a while because to get the most out of them, a computer needs a special type of touch screen that goes beyond most of the ones existing now. I tested this on one such laptop, a Lenovo, and was able to move windows around, to resize and flip through photos, and more.
Speed: In my tests, on every machine, Windows 7 ran swiftly and with far fewer of the delays typical in running Vista. All the laptops I tested resumed from sleep quickly and properly, unlike in Vista. Start-up and restart times were also improved. I chose six Windows 7 laptops from different makers to compare with a new MacBook Pro laptop. The Mac still started and restarted faster than most of the Windows 7 PCs. But the speed gap has narrowed considerably, and one of the Lenovos beat the Mac in restart time.
Nagging: In the name of security, Vista put up nagging warnings about a wide variety of tasks, driving people crazy. In Windows 7, you can now set this system so it nags you only when things are happening that you consider really worth the nag. Also, Microsoft has consolidated most of the alerts from the lower-right system tray into one icon, and they seemed less frequent.
Compatibility: I tried a wide variety of third-party software and all worked fine on every Windows 7 machine. These included Mozilla Firefox; Adobe Reader; Google's Picasa and Chrome; and Apple's iTunes and Safari.
I also tested several hardware devices, and, unlike Vista, Windows 7 handled all but one smoothly. These included a networked H-P printer, a Canon camera, an iPod nano, and at least five external flash drives and hard disks. The one failure was a Verizon USB cellular modem. Microsoft says you don't need external software to run these, but I found it was necessary, and even then had to use a trick I found on the Web to get it to work.
System Requirements: Nearly all Vista PCs, and newer or beefier XP machines, should be able to run Windows 7 fine. Even the netbooks I tested ran it speedily, especially with the Starter Edition, which lacks some of the powerful graphics effects in the operating system. (Other netbooks will be able to run other editions.)
If you have a standard PC, called a 32-bit PC, you'll need at least one gigabyte of memory, 16 gigabytes of free hard-disk space and a graphics system that can support Microsoft technologies called "DirectX 9 with WDDM 1.0." You'll also need a processor with a speed of at least one gigahertz. If you have a newer-style 64-bit PC, which can use more memory, you'll need at least two gigabytes of memory and 20 gigabytes of free hard disk space. In either case, you should double the minimum memory specification.
Installation, Editions and Price: There are four editions of Windows 7 of interest to consumers. One, a limited version called Starter, comes pre-loaded on netbooks. A second, called Business, is mainly for people who need to tap remotely into company networks (check with your company to see if you need this). A third, called Ultimate, is mainly for techies who want every feature of all other editions. Most average consumers will want Home Premium, which costs $120 for upgrades.
The system for upgrading is complicated, but Vista owners can upgrade to the exactly comparable edition of Windows 7 while keeping all files, settings and programs in place.
Unfortunately, XP owners, the biggest body of Windows users, won't be able to do that. They'll have to wipe out their hard disks after backing up their files elsewhere, then install Windows 7, then restore their personal files, then re-install all their programs from the original CDs or downloaded installer files. Then, they have to install all the patches and upgrades to those programs from over the years.
Microsoft includes an Easy Transfer wizard to help with this, but it moves only personal files, not programs. This painful XP upgrade process is one of the worst things about Windows 7 and will likely drive many XP owners to either stick with what they've got or wait and buy a new one.
In my tests, both types of installations went OK, though the latter could take a long time.
Bottom line: Windows 7 is a very good, versatile operating system that should help Microsoft bury the memory of Vista and make PC users happy.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Countries Billionaires Could Buy!!!!
These American moguls could buy some of the world's economies
Castles in France. Islands in the Caribbean. Private jets. With a collective $1.27 trillion at their disposal, the members of The Forbes 400 could buy almost anything.
More from Forbes.com:
• In Pictures: Countries Billionaires Could Buy
• In Pictures: The 400 Richest Americans
• Fun Billionaire Statistics
How about a country? A quick glance at the CIA Fact Book suggests the individual fortunes of many Forbes 400 members are as big as some of the world's economies.
Bill Gates, America's richest man with a net worth of $50 billion, has a personal balance sheet larger than the gross domestic product (GDP) of 140 countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Bolivia and Uruguay. The Microsoft (MSFT) visionary's nest egg is just short of the GDP of Tanzania and Burma.
Warren Buffett, who lost $10 billion in the past 12 months and is this year's Forbes 400 biggest dollar loser, still has a fortune the size of North Korea's economy at $40 billion. (The Oracle of Omaha probably would steer clear of that investment, though.)
One Forbes 400 member does actually run a small chunk of a state in an official capacity: Mayor Michael Bloomberg. While he is busy serving as the chief executive of New York City and grappling with its sluggish economy, his own personal balance sheet -- amassed through financial information services and media company Bloomberg LP -- equals the value of all the goods and services produced in South Africa's Republic of Zambia's ($17.5 billion).
More from Yahoo! Finance:
• Top Business Leaders Rate Obama's Performance to Date
• Temping at the Top: Executives Going Hourly
• World's Most Admired Companies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visit the Career & Work Center
Some say that land developer Donald Bren, whose assets throughout the vicinity of Orange County, Calif., include 475 office buildings, 115 apartment communities, 41 retail centers, resort properties and new housing, runs Orange County -- he certainly owns most of it. And with a net worth of $12 billion, he could, in theory, buy Haiti's economy, too.
Casino mogul Sheldon Adelson's $9 billion net worth is akin to the Bahamas' GDP ($9 billion). Pierre Omidyar, founder of eBay (EBAY), the world's biggest auction marketplace, could theoretically control Somalia's market with his $5.5 billion fortune.
George Lucas, the famed Hollywood director behind the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises and ILM, the world's most bankable special effects shop, has a $3 billion fortune, making him worth as much as the GDP of Guyana.
Hedge fund founder David Shaw's $2.5 billion net worth parallels Belize's marketplace.
Investor John Paulson amassed much of his fortune by exploiting the real estate bubble and shorting the subprime market in 2007. Today he has a net worth of $6.8 billion -- the equivalent of Montenegro's gross domestic product.
Although Eli Broad's fortune suffered because of AIG's (AIG) collapse last fall -- he's lost $1.3 billion in the last 12 months -- he still has a bank account that rivals Barbados' economy ($5.4 billion).
Forbes 400 members with net worths just under $1 billion still possess fortunes that could operate the economies of significant fractions of the globe. Gary Magness, who owns water rights in Colorado through his ranch holdings, has a net worth of $990 million, which barely exceeds Vanuatu's GDP ($988.5 million).
If this year's three poorest Forbes 400 members were to combine their wealth (a combined $2.9 billion), their amassed fortune would be worth more than the workings of Belize's entire economy.
Castles in France. Islands in the Caribbean. Private jets. With a collective $1.27 trillion at their disposal, the members of The Forbes 400 could buy almost anything.
More from Forbes.com:
• In Pictures: Countries Billionaires Could Buy
• In Pictures: The 400 Richest Americans
• Fun Billionaire Statistics
How about a country? A quick glance at the CIA Fact Book suggests the individual fortunes of many Forbes 400 members are as big as some of the world's economies.
Bill Gates, America's richest man with a net worth of $50 billion, has a personal balance sheet larger than the gross domestic product (GDP) of 140 countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Bolivia and Uruguay. The Microsoft (MSFT) visionary's nest egg is just short of the GDP of Tanzania and Burma.
Warren Buffett, who lost $10 billion in the past 12 months and is this year's Forbes 400 biggest dollar loser, still has a fortune the size of North Korea's economy at $40 billion. (The Oracle of Omaha probably would steer clear of that investment, though.)
One Forbes 400 member does actually run a small chunk of a state in an official capacity: Mayor Michael Bloomberg. While he is busy serving as the chief executive of New York City and grappling with its sluggish economy, his own personal balance sheet -- amassed through financial information services and media company Bloomberg LP -- equals the value of all the goods and services produced in South Africa's Republic of Zambia's ($17.5 billion).
More from Yahoo! Finance:
• Top Business Leaders Rate Obama's Performance to Date
• Temping at the Top: Executives Going Hourly
• World's Most Admired Companies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visit the Career & Work Center
Some say that land developer Donald Bren, whose assets throughout the vicinity of Orange County, Calif., include 475 office buildings, 115 apartment communities, 41 retail centers, resort properties and new housing, runs Orange County -- he certainly owns most of it. And with a net worth of $12 billion, he could, in theory, buy Haiti's economy, too.
Casino mogul Sheldon Adelson's $9 billion net worth is akin to the Bahamas' GDP ($9 billion). Pierre Omidyar, founder of eBay (EBAY), the world's biggest auction marketplace, could theoretically control Somalia's market with his $5.5 billion fortune.
George Lucas, the famed Hollywood director behind the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises and ILM, the world's most bankable special effects shop, has a $3 billion fortune, making him worth as much as the GDP of Guyana.
Hedge fund founder David Shaw's $2.5 billion net worth parallels Belize's marketplace.
Investor John Paulson amassed much of his fortune by exploiting the real estate bubble and shorting the subprime market in 2007. Today he has a net worth of $6.8 billion -- the equivalent of Montenegro's gross domestic product.
Although Eli Broad's fortune suffered because of AIG's (AIG) collapse last fall -- he's lost $1.3 billion in the last 12 months -- he still has a bank account that rivals Barbados' economy ($5.4 billion).
Forbes 400 members with net worths just under $1 billion still possess fortunes that could operate the economies of significant fractions of the globe. Gary Magness, who owns water rights in Colorado through his ranch holdings, has a net worth of $990 million, which barely exceeds Vanuatu's GDP ($988.5 million).
If this year's three poorest Forbes 400 members were to combine their wealth (a combined $2.9 billion), their amassed fortune would be worth more than the workings of Belize's entire economy.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Winning Lotto numbers not always the ticket to dreams, success
TAMPA - One person's blessing is another person's curse.
Most of us dream of winning the lottery; of days spent leisurely on the new boat, or jetting to sun-splashed beaches in southern France. For some, that sudden wealth is a burden; a constant struggle of having to say no to family and friends and yes, take what you want, to the government.
In all the cases, the sudden, life-changing wealth changes them. Whether the change is for the better depends on the person. While some relish never having to worry about how much a car or house costs, others find the newfound wealth too much to handle.
Some have stories about dreams fulfilled, about investments that ensure wealth for generations to come. Others talk about making an effort not to change at all; of continuing to work; of driving the same car, living in the same house.
And others tell of a plague of problems and of sieges of beggars; family, friends and strangers; of lawsuits between relatives and of being dragged to court by the government; and in one case, prison on tax fraud charges.
Many, contacted for this story, just didn't want to talk about it. Here are a few who did:
Jay Vargas
Jay Vargas was only 19 last year when he won $35.3 million in the Powerball jackpot. He lived in South Carolina and worked a no-end-in-sight construction job. At the time, he lived on his own, went to school, worked and paid his own rent, he said. Life was hard.
Then his numbers came in. His life forever changed.
"I was living large, at first," he said. "I partied hardy. When this first happened, I partied like a rock star."
Having to deal with sudden wealth at first was a problem.
"I thought about how I'm going to maintain it," he said. "That was the biggest thing. I had hundreds come up to me looking for money. I had a lot of lost cousins."
He said that for the past year and a half, he has kept track of his own money and kept the partying to a minimum, which isn't so easy when you're 20 years old, with millions in the bank. He took a course in personal finance and so far has been on what appears to be the right track.
"I watch my own money myself," he said, and he has made sure his life slowed down since he came to Tampa.
Now, the young entrepreneur is dabbling in the creation of a reality television show that melds two of his dreams: professional wrestling and beautiful women. He spends all his time promoting the project called "Wrestlicious."
He works on the show out of the New Tampa home he shares with his wife and former model, Shana, and his new baby daughter.
He chose Tampa, he said, because it is home to a lot of professional wrestlers who he wants to get to appear on his show.
"Wrestling is to Tampa," he said, "like NASCAR is to Charlotte." Wrestlers live here and that's who he needs to be part of his show. "If you go out," he said, "you are going to just see a lot of those guys."
He plans on staying in Tampa.
"I love it here," he said. "I plan to stay here for awhile. And I'm still working. But it's just following my dream working, the kind of work that I want to be doing,"
Rhoda Toth
For $13 million Lotto winner Rhoda Toth, who, along with her second husband, Alex, picked the winning Lotto numbers in 1990, the good luck spiraled into full blown misery.
The winnings accelerated a downward trajectory for the Hudson couple, ending in allegations of infidelity, gambling losses, estrangement, death and prison.
The money sparked enough strife within the Toth family to spark a lawsuit pitting mother against daughter.
Now 30, Tifany Diehl, the daughter, lives in Indiana and is largely estranged from Rhoda Toth, her on-again, off-again mother. Only recently has she begun speaking to her and then, only sparingly via e-mail and telephone conversations to the federal lockup that her mother calls home.
"I hurt every day inside not having a mother in my life," Diehl said.
The winnings didn't make a monster out of her mom, but it didn't help, either, Diehl said. Rhoda Toth abandoned her first husband and her two children long before she won the lottery.
"There is a piece of my heart that hates that woman," Diehl said in a recent interview. After she hit the Lotto, Toth tried to woo her children back into her life, but it didn't work.
"She was busy gambling and running with men and living the high life," Diehl said, and within two years of the windfall, the Toths were borrowing money to pay bills.
The Toths found themselves living in a trailer in Pasco County, drawing electricity from a device hooked up to a running car engine. The 25-year marriage, which had been in trouble for years, crumbled amid allegations of infidelity and that was before the Internal Revenue Service came knocking, looking for $1.1 million it says the Toths owed in back taxes.
Alex Toth died in 2008, several months before his trial on tax fraud charges and last year, a federal judge ordered Rhoda Toth to serve two years in prison.
The 52-year-old ex-multimillionaire pleaded guilty to filing false tax returns over several years.
Rhoda Toth is in the Federal Medical Center Carswell in Fort Worth, Texas. She is scheduled to be released in April and she's counting the days, she said in a recent telephone interview.
She's well known among the inmates there because of her Lotto history, she said. They call her Martha Stewart.
"I'm struggling," she said. "It's very hard, depressing. I have no family left. It seems like it's been a curse on the family from day-one. When we found out we had the winning ticket, I was in shock. I told him [her husband, Alex] I wanted to give it back, I was not happy."
The money flew out of the accounts, she said. Gambling and living large took a lot of it. Giving it away took the rest, she said.
"We were trying to please everybody," Toth said. "We were buying cars and homes and taking people on vacation and doing things with them they have never gotten to do. Our friends, they didn't have anything. We were paying their bills and buying them clothes. We didn't want them running around like we were running around before."
She has some advice to lottery winners.
"I would go get financial counseling," she said. "I'd make sure I'd get a proper attorney and two accountants who knew what they were doing, who specialized in this kind of thing. I would go get some type of counseling myself to make sure I was able to control and handle all this."
That winning ticket, she said, ruined her life.
"I have a trailer with no power," she said. "I have no husband. He gave up. He didn't want to live anymore. He hated life in general. He hated the way the money took us down."
When she gets out, she plans to move back to Florida where a widow's pension and a disability check amounting to nearly $1,100 a month will have to do. Out of that, she has to pay $100 a month to the IRS, which has placed a lien on her home and all her property, she said.
"It's like a curse," she said. "I will never get out from underneath the IRS for as long as I live. And when I die it will still be there."
Tony Antoniou
Mamas Kitchen's owner Tony Antoniou was born in Cyprus and won $12 million in the lottery in 1998.
Antoniou had always wanted to travel, and now he's fulfilling his dream, although he still owns the popular eatery -- well, actually, three Mamas restaurants in the Tampa Bay area and one in Nevada. That's not to mention investments in his native land.
His three sons run the restaurants, said Mike Antoniou, who oversees the Mamas on North Florida Avenue.
The original Mamas opened on South Dale Mabry Highway in 1995 and served as the home-away-from-home for servicemen and women stationed at MacDill Air Force Base. Back then, Tony Antoniou just never took time off because he felt obligated to his customers there.
Now with his restaurants still in the hands of family, he travels a lot, Mike Antoniou said.
When he first came to the United States in 1968, he worked nights in the basement of a hotel across from LaGuardia Airport in New York.
There's nothing like a $12 million windfall to get your hands out of the dishwater.
Investments in real estate years ago are solid, even in the downturned economy, Mike Antoniou said, and his father seldom shows up at the eateries in town, opting rather for trips to Greece and around the states.
"He's enjoying his life," Mike Antoniou said, adding with a chuckle, "He's making his sons work, though. He says, 'Hey, it's my money.'
"He's flies around a lot, between Greece and Nevada and here," his son said. "He's everywhere. He has a family business in Greece.
"Things," he said, "are going well."
Larry J. Gispert
Larry J. Gispert, director of Hillsborough County's Emergency Operations Center, claimed the Jan. 12, 2007, $1.8 million Mega Money jackpot. Gispert chose the one-time lump sum payment of $1.3 million.
"I don't think he wants to talk," said a woman who answered the telephone at Gispert's South Tampa home. He himself wished to keep news of his windfall on the down-low, even more than two years after his ship came in.
Gispert continues to direct operations at the EOC, taking center stage as spokesman during disasters, such as hurricanes. A county employee for nearly 30 years, Gispert has been in charge of the EOC for the past 16 years. He did not wish to be interviewed for this story.
Noreene and James Gordon
Noreene and James Gordon, a north Tampa homemaker and a retired textile worker, claimed the February 2000 Florida Lotto jackpot of $52.4 million. They chose a one-time lump sum payment of $24 million. Their first big planned purchase: a cell phone for James.
Things have changed since then.
"It's a nightmare," she said recently, with friends and strangers knocking and calling for a chunk of her prize.
"They don't want a piece," she said. "They want it all."
Her husband died in 2006, and she has suffered three strokes since the windfall.
"People come out of the walls to take advantage of you every day of your life," she said before ending the short telephone interview.
Betty Ann and David Messick
In December 1998, four years after winning a $9.5 million lottery, Betty Ann Messick and her husband, David, climbed back into the work force and opened the Apple Tree restaurant in Plant City.
Their money train arrived in the form of a Lotto ticket in April 1994. At the time, David Messick worked in the Plant City Parks and Cemetery department. It didn't take long for him to decide to retire. But four years later, the Messicks un-retired.
The restaurant remained open until just recently when the shopping center where it was located remodeled and reconfigured the space. The Apple Tree never returned.
Bill Griffiths
Bill Griffiths of San Antonio won $4.1 million on June 13, 1998, a third of the total Lotto jackpot. He was 27 at the time.
"After I double-checked my numbers on Sunday," he said at the time, "I walked into my shop on Monday at Zephyrhills Bottled Water Co. and told my boss I quit."
With $208,666 coming his way in annual installments over 20 years, he made his hobby his full time labor of love: drag racing. Griffiths planned to pursue the sport full time and not have to worry about expenses.
The 1989 Pasco High School graduate who at the time was single and lived with his parents, vowed to put some of his winnings into a home of his own. He could not be reached for comment.
Here are the numbers
The Florida Lottery first started selling chances on Jan. 12, 1988; that was for a scratch-off game called "Millionaire."
During the past 21 years, the lottery has donated more than $20 billion to education and doled out more than $30.4 billion to winners.
Most of us dream of winning the lottery; of days spent leisurely on the new boat, or jetting to sun-splashed beaches in southern France. For some, that sudden wealth is a burden; a constant struggle of having to say no to family and friends and yes, take what you want, to the government.
In all the cases, the sudden, life-changing wealth changes them. Whether the change is for the better depends on the person. While some relish never having to worry about how much a car or house costs, others find the newfound wealth too much to handle.
Some have stories about dreams fulfilled, about investments that ensure wealth for generations to come. Others talk about making an effort not to change at all; of continuing to work; of driving the same car, living in the same house.
And others tell of a plague of problems and of sieges of beggars; family, friends and strangers; of lawsuits between relatives and of being dragged to court by the government; and in one case, prison on tax fraud charges.
Many, contacted for this story, just didn't want to talk about it. Here are a few who did:
Jay Vargas
Jay Vargas was only 19 last year when he won $35.3 million in the Powerball jackpot. He lived in South Carolina and worked a no-end-in-sight construction job. At the time, he lived on his own, went to school, worked and paid his own rent, he said. Life was hard.
Then his numbers came in. His life forever changed.
"I was living large, at first," he said. "I partied hardy. When this first happened, I partied like a rock star."
Having to deal with sudden wealth at first was a problem.
"I thought about how I'm going to maintain it," he said. "That was the biggest thing. I had hundreds come up to me looking for money. I had a lot of lost cousins."
He said that for the past year and a half, he has kept track of his own money and kept the partying to a minimum, which isn't so easy when you're 20 years old, with millions in the bank. He took a course in personal finance and so far has been on what appears to be the right track.
"I watch my own money myself," he said, and he has made sure his life slowed down since he came to Tampa.
Now, the young entrepreneur is dabbling in the creation of a reality television show that melds two of his dreams: professional wrestling and beautiful women. He spends all his time promoting the project called "Wrestlicious."
He works on the show out of the New Tampa home he shares with his wife and former model, Shana, and his new baby daughter.
He chose Tampa, he said, because it is home to a lot of professional wrestlers who he wants to get to appear on his show.
"Wrestling is to Tampa," he said, "like NASCAR is to Charlotte." Wrestlers live here and that's who he needs to be part of his show. "If you go out," he said, "you are going to just see a lot of those guys."
He plans on staying in Tampa.
"I love it here," he said. "I plan to stay here for awhile. And I'm still working. But it's just following my dream working, the kind of work that I want to be doing,"
Rhoda Toth
For $13 million Lotto winner Rhoda Toth, who, along with her second husband, Alex, picked the winning Lotto numbers in 1990, the good luck spiraled into full blown misery.
The winnings accelerated a downward trajectory for the Hudson couple, ending in allegations of infidelity, gambling losses, estrangement, death and prison.
The money sparked enough strife within the Toth family to spark a lawsuit pitting mother against daughter.
Now 30, Tifany Diehl, the daughter, lives in Indiana and is largely estranged from Rhoda Toth, her on-again, off-again mother. Only recently has she begun speaking to her and then, only sparingly via e-mail and telephone conversations to the federal lockup that her mother calls home.
"I hurt every day inside not having a mother in my life," Diehl said.
The winnings didn't make a monster out of her mom, but it didn't help, either, Diehl said. Rhoda Toth abandoned her first husband and her two children long before she won the lottery.
"There is a piece of my heart that hates that woman," Diehl said in a recent interview. After she hit the Lotto, Toth tried to woo her children back into her life, but it didn't work.
"She was busy gambling and running with men and living the high life," Diehl said, and within two years of the windfall, the Toths were borrowing money to pay bills.
The Toths found themselves living in a trailer in Pasco County, drawing electricity from a device hooked up to a running car engine. The 25-year marriage, which had been in trouble for years, crumbled amid allegations of infidelity and that was before the Internal Revenue Service came knocking, looking for $1.1 million it says the Toths owed in back taxes.
Alex Toth died in 2008, several months before his trial on tax fraud charges and last year, a federal judge ordered Rhoda Toth to serve two years in prison.
The 52-year-old ex-multimillionaire pleaded guilty to filing false tax returns over several years.
Rhoda Toth is in the Federal Medical Center Carswell in Fort Worth, Texas. She is scheduled to be released in April and she's counting the days, she said in a recent telephone interview.
She's well known among the inmates there because of her Lotto history, she said. They call her Martha Stewart.
"I'm struggling," she said. "It's very hard, depressing. I have no family left. It seems like it's been a curse on the family from day-one. When we found out we had the winning ticket, I was in shock. I told him [her husband, Alex] I wanted to give it back, I was not happy."
The money flew out of the accounts, she said. Gambling and living large took a lot of it. Giving it away took the rest, she said.
"We were trying to please everybody," Toth said. "We were buying cars and homes and taking people on vacation and doing things with them they have never gotten to do. Our friends, they didn't have anything. We were paying their bills and buying them clothes. We didn't want them running around like we were running around before."
She has some advice to lottery winners.
"I would go get financial counseling," she said. "I'd make sure I'd get a proper attorney and two accountants who knew what they were doing, who specialized in this kind of thing. I would go get some type of counseling myself to make sure I was able to control and handle all this."
That winning ticket, she said, ruined her life.
"I have a trailer with no power," she said. "I have no husband. He gave up. He didn't want to live anymore. He hated life in general. He hated the way the money took us down."
When she gets out, she plans to move back to Florida where a widow's pension and a disability check amounting to nearly $1,100 a month will have to do. Out of that, she has to pay $100 a month to the IRS, which has placed a lien on her home and all her property, she said.
"It's like a curse," she said. "I will never get out from underneath the IRS for as long as I live. And when I die it will still be there."
Tony Antoniou
Mamas Kitchen's owner Tony Antoniou was born in Cyprus and won $12 million in the lottery in 1998.
Antoniou had always wanted to travel, and now he's fulfilling his dream, although he still owns the popular eatery -- well, actually, three Mamas restaurants in the Tampa Bay area and one in Nevada. That's not to mention investments in his native land.
His three sons run the restaurants, said Mike Antoniou, who oversees the Mamas on North Florida Avenue.
The original Mamas opened on South Dale Mabry Highway in 1995 and served as the home-away-from-home for servicemen and women stationed at MacDill Air Force Base. Back then, Tony Antoniou just never took time off because he felt obligated to his customers there.
Now with his restaurants still in the hands of family, he travels a lot, Mike Antoniou said.
When he first came to the United States in 1968, he worked nights in the basement of a hotel across from LaGuardia Airport in New York.
There's nothing like a $12 million windfall to get your hands out of the dishwater.
Investments in real estate years ago are solid, even in the downturned economy, Mike Antoniou said, and his father seldom shows up at the eateries in town, opting rather for trips to Greece and around the states.
"He's enjoying his life," Mike Antoniou said, adding with a chuckle, "He's making his sons work, though. He says, 'Hey, it's my money.'
"He's flies around a lot, between Greece and Nevada and here," his son said. "He's everywhere. He has a family business in Greece.
"Things," he said, "are going well."
Larry J. Gispert
Larry J. Gispert, director of Hillsborough County's Emergency Operations Center, claimed the Jan. 12, 2007, $1.8 million Mega Money jackpot. Gispert chose the one-time lump sum payment of $1.3 million.
"I don't think he wants to talk," said a woman who answered the telephone at Gispert's South Tampa home. He himself wished to keep news of his windfall on the down-low, even more than two years after his ship came in.
Gispert continues to direct operations at the EOC, taking center stage as spokesman during disasters, such as hurricanes. A county employee for nearly 30 years, Gispert has been in charge of the EOC for the past 16 years. He did not wish to be interviewed for this story.
Noreene and James Gordon
Noreene and James Gordon, a north Tampa homemaker and a retired textile worker, claimed the February 2000 Florida Lotto jackpot of $52.4 million. They chose a one-time lump sum payment of $24 million. Their first big planned purchase: a cell phone for James.
Things have changed since then.
"It's a nightmare," she said recently, with friends and strangers knocking and calling for a chunk of her prize.
"They don't want a piece," she said. "They want it all."
Her husband died in 2006, and she has suffered three strokes since the windfall.
"People come out of the walls to take advantage of you every day of your life," she said before ending the short telephone interview.
Betty Ann and David Messick
In December 1998, four years after winning a $9.5 million lottery, Betty Ann Messick and her husband, David, climbed back into the work force and opened the Apple Tree restaurant in Plant City.
Their money train arrived in the form of a Lotto ticket in April 1994. At the time, David Messick worked in the Plant City Parks and Cemetery department. It didn't take long for him to decide to retire. But four years later, the Messicks un-retired.
The restaurant remained open until just recently when the shopping center where it was located remodeled and reconfigured the space. The Apple Tree never returned.
Bill Griffiths
Bill Griffiths of San Antonio won $4.1 million on June 13, 1998, a third of the total Lotto jackpot. He was 27 at the time.
"After I double-checked my numbers on Sunday," he said at the time, "I walked into my shop on Monday at Zephyrhills Bottled Water Co. and told my boss I quit."
With $208,666 coming his way in annual installments over 20 years, he made his hobby his full time labor of love: drag racing. Griffiths planned to pursue the sport full time and not have to worry about expenses.
The 1989 Pasco High School graduate who at the time was single and lived with his parents, vowed to put some of his winnings into a home of his own. He could not be reached for comment.
Here are the numbers
The Florida Lottery first started selling chances on Jan. 12, 1988; that was for a scratch-off game called "Millionaire."
During the past 21 years, the lottery has donated more than $20 billion to education and doled out more than $30.4 billion to winners.
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