Didn't it just launch a couple of weeks ago, if that? Like any other web tool it's going to take a while before it reaches everyone. I agree, having an open source code, and eventually allowing third parties to develop Wave services, is a major plus.

Or exercise while watching your favorite dramas/reality TV/comedies! That's what I do (or at least attempt to do). I think most people who record shows do it because they aren't able to watch during the regular airing, but I'm sure there are also a lot of people who tape shows just to be able to watch them over again - so in that sense, yes, DVRs are enabling people to be lazy over and over again, in the name of good television lol. But I still think the DVR is one of the best inventions ever (right behind the iPod, which does get me to exercise!).

My vote is for West Seattle Blog! It has a lot of useful, up-to-date info on community news (school news, crime watch, events, etc), and the layout is straightforward and simple - unlike Seattlest and Slog, which are more busy. I don't feel like I'm being bombarded by bright, blinking ads or links to this and that every time I log onto West Seattle Blog.

I agree with most of what everyone has been saying - the quality and selection of Target's merchandise is better than Wal-Mart and you get a better overall shopping experience there - clean stores, helpful employees and fast-moving lines.... which is basically what you should expect from any store, but obviously that's not always the case. Ever notice how the lines at Wal-Mart are ALWAYS long, no matter what time of day or night it is?! The Target in my neighborhood recently expanded their food and produce section which is great because now I don't always have to drive the longer distance to the supermarket.

Good points above - there are a lot of different factors that need to be considered to determine whether the Volt is cost-effective these days. Gas prices, driving conditions, maintenance and insurance costs like Anonymous said above, varied electricity rates for when the driver charges it, overall usage, etc. can make a big difference. U.S. News & World Report explains in simple terms why the Volt could be a smart buy now, largely because of current gas prices. GM says it will cost the average driver about $2.75 of electricity for every 100 miles, which is about 2.75 cents per mile - much less than the Mazda's 10.5 cents/mile, the Highlander's 14 cents/mile and even the Prius' 5 cents/mile, based on gas currently costing $2.62.

So, if gas stays at its current rate, or goes back to $4/gallon, Volt buyers who make the most of the electric charge could be making a smart choice and saving money overall. But if gas prices take a steep dive like last winter, or if those other factors like insurance and maintenance aren't reasonable, the Volt could end up being a disappointment, and a huge cost.

Despite there being directions/warnings on the back of the bottle, has anyone heard of other incidents where children have had problems using the VapoRub? Or adults, for that matter?

I agree with blackdiamond - MyFaves is a genius idea and us AT&Ters could really benefit from a similar program. Most of my friends have iPhones and are in-network, but many of my professional colleagues have Blackberrys and consequently, my monthly minutes get used up in no time (I'm not one of the privileged few who get a work phone). I'd even be ok with a Top 4, instead of a Top 5. Or even a Top 3..... just something!!

@ Tamalomax - green and black goo? lol I guess kids today should be grateful for Vicks then, right? Although the VapoRub doesn't seem all that enjoyable either..... Anonymous is right though, there is a baby version of Vicks, meant for children 3 months and up. It's non-medicated and has relaxing scents like eucalyptus and lavender. Is that all it takes to cure a cold now?

So what should parents do if their child has a cold and is 28 months old? Technically, according to the instructions, they would be heeding the directions if they chose to give him or her Vicks, but does four months really make that much of a difference? My point is that there's always a small risk with taking over-the-counter products - more so with children, but even with adults. How do we know what's really safe? Has anyone experienced problems with other OTC cold remedies?

To echo themiamigrrl's post on the need for and presence of advanced manufacturing jobs in the U.S., and to pick up on comments made earlier in the conversation, colleges are now offering degrees to better prepare students for such jobs in the green sector - specifically Sinclair Community College, which offers degrees in advanced manufacturing and advanced technical intelligence. The school's Advanced Integrated Manufacturing Center advises local businesses and has specifically retrained people who were laid off from manufacturing jobs (G.M., Delphi), so they can find better-paying, permanent work in the same sector. So you're right, annonymous, manufacturing jobs have declined in recent history, but the industry isn't dead yet - and hopefully won't die, with programs like this. Read more here.

According to the map, about 85 percent of the country still has a ways to go. Have you read recently about the 20% Wind Energy by 2030 initiative that began under the Bush administration? This report details the challenges, needs and impact in areas of technology, transmission, manufacturing and employment associated with making the project a successful one, and here are some of the economic goals in a "20% wind scenario":

- 46 states will experience "significant" wind power development, with no technological breakthroughs needed

-starting in the 2020s, the wind industry could pave the way for 500,000 U.S. jobs, with 150,000 of them being actual wind jobs; 100,000 in associated industries like law and business; 200,000 other jobs through increased available local funds

- by 2030, wind energy will replace about 50% of electric utility natural gas consumption

Think this is all possible? I actually do. The estimates could change a bit, but I think the state and federal government are moving in the right direction in ways to tackle the economic and environmental challenges.

re: Copyright suit

Crazy! Can you imagine life without Word? But the latest word on Word (ha), according to ZDNet, is that Microsoft may disable the XML files, instead of having to discontinue it altogether. It shouldn't affect the release of Office 2010, but a new version of Word 2007 may be released that would disable the XML function once it's installed. Even if Word is forced off the shelves, do you think this ruling will affect people and businesses who already own it and rely heavily on it? I read that Microsoft won't be able to offer support, but is there anything else they can be forced to do/not do? My guess is that Microsoft will appeal or settle. Or maybe even buy out i4i?

I agree, biking is always a great option when it's possible - even better than public transportation - good exercise and it's free! Speaking of costs, federal funding is a consistent issue with many mass transit systems throughout the country. One can argue that transportation fares are cheaper (depending on the commute) than the cost of gas but, as this article states, people still don't want to see a hike in fares. 

From the Chicago rep: “[T]ransit providers throughout the country are raising fares and cutting back on well-utilized service because of shortfalls in operating funding,” she said. “Cutbacks of this magnitude will force a reduction in service and possibly another increase in fares. People will be forced back into their cars.”

Are the fares reasonable in Baltimore and San Fran?

Do you think Microsoft is being fair with the limited features it offers through Office Web Apps? Users can view documents and do "lightweight" editing and other basic functions such as changing fonts, but they can't perform any advanced operations, like collaborating and editing a document with other people at the same time - one of the nicer new features. I expect the free Web Apps will be popular for individual use, like at home, school, etc., and that most businesses will pay for the desktop and access to advanced online features, but I wonder if people will complain at all about how condensed the basic online version is. But I guess you can only complain so much about something that is free.

Is there a "maybe" option?

Here's a link to an online forum for the few who have access to the Technical Preview of Office 2010. I'm sure everyone is still getting used to the upgrades and changes, but some complaints listed are: not being able to open OneNote, Word or Excel through SharePoint, Outlook crashing after opening e-mails and just not being able to install the suite. Let's hope these are just initial problems....