Computerworld – Users should wait for Microsoft to work out the bugs in Windows 7 before jumping on the new operating system, a Syracuse, N.Y.-based computer support company said today.

“From the calls we’re getting, as well as our own experience in the past with all Microsoft’s operating systems, we’re recommending that people stick with their time-tested OS and wait for the dust to settle,” said Josh Kaplan, president of Rescuecom.

Citing a litany of reasons, ranging from the risk of losing data during an upgrade to tough economic times, Kaplan urged Windows users to put off upgrading to Windows 7 or buying a new PC with the operating system pre-installed. “There are some compelling reasons for both businesses and home users to move to Windows 7,” Kaplan said, “so we’re saying ‘just wait for a bit.’”

Read the rest of this entry »

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has urged the Israelis and Palestinians to restart talks “as soon as possible”.

She was speaking after meeting Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, in a new US drive to restart the region’s peace process.

Palestinians said Israel must freeze settlement building in the occupied territories before talks can resume.

But Mr Netanyahu said this was a “pretext and an obstacle” to prevent the renewal of negotiations.

Read the rest of this entry »

A card in the pocket reminds students at Palo Verde Middle School in Phoenix that being kind, respectful and responsible – in other words, demonstrating outstanding character at school – leads to rewards. And what reward motivates students to be accountable and helpful?

According to Mike Scantlin, a social-studies, government and history teacher at Washington Elementary School District’s largest middle school, an extra 90 minutes of playing soccer, basketball or flag football or listening to music.

Read the rest of this entry »

Quick: What city do you think of when you think great coffee shops? How about terrific music? What if you’re in search of the perfect winter getaway?

Say you just want to meet some friendly locals — where would you go? Or perhaps you have aleast favorite city, where the restaurants are overrated or overpriced and the people aren’t so attractive — or smart?

Read the rest of this entry »