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Hard to believe, but it’s nearly time to think about getting ready for the new school year. Make sure you put Back to school with Microsoft Office 2007 on your list this year!

CostCaptain.com is one of those resources that when you discover them you can hardly believe your eyes. CostCaptain is a Microsoft Authorized Education Reseller. This means that they sell brand new Office 2007 Suite and Vista to students and staff of schools, libraries and research labs. Home schools as well!

They offer:

• 100% Authentic Microsoft products at academic discounts

• Microsoft Office 2007 from $129, Vista Upgrade from $89

• Friendly customer service

• Gift certificates

To purchase all you must do is provide proof of your academic eligibility. Once this is satisfied the product is shipped!

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Tags: cost captain, costcaptain, Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft Vista, Publisher 2007, www.costcaptain.com

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The Pentagon is considering a plan to ship deadly chemical weapons to military sites in four states in order to destroy the munitions in a timely manner…according to a new report.

Might you live near one of these routes???

Transporting such lethal agents along routes perhaps from Colorado to Oregon has prompted strong opposition from Congress and watchdog groups as well.

Their complaint is that this plan exposes the American public to unnecessary risks.

According to a 1997 treaty which banned chemical weapons, Congress has ordered the military to destroy all munitions of this type by the end of 2017.

According to an unpublicized report delivered to lawmakers last week, the Pentagon has admitted that it probably could not meet that deadline unless begins to ship nerve agents and mustard gas to additional sites for destruction.

Even the possibility of adding more staff and working around the clock at the two sites with complicated dismantling requirements in Kentucky and Colorado probably won’t ascertain that the military meets the 2017 deadline, the report said.

So…work would be accomplished faster if some weapons at Kentucky’s Blue Grass Army Depot were moved to sites in Alabama and Arkansas, the report said. Also some at the Pueblo, CO, site will be sent to Utah and Oregon.

Congress would first have to change laws that prevent moving the weapons, the report said.

Pentagon officials do not have many options for meeting the congressional mandate to destroy all weapons by 2017. The US already expects to miss the 2012 deadline set by the international Chemical Weapons Convention.

Kevin Flamm (Pentagon manager for plans to eliminate weapons in Colorado and Kentucky) said that he is focusing on speeding up weapons destruction by adding workers and operating around the clock. He expects that this will enable destruction to be finished in Colorado by 2017 but probably not in Kentucky.

Feel like calling a Congressperson or something? I do!

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The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is the premier championship rodeo event in America. Wrangler Jeans is the title sponsor for this 10-day event. The NFR is held annually in the beginning of December.

Since 1985 the NFR has been held in the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. There is a lot of rivalry between Las Vegas and Oklahoma City for hosting privileges of this exciting event. Oklahoma City was the original home of the NFR, but in 1985 the event was switched over to Las Vegas as a result of a tumultuous struggle between the two locations.

To date, Oklahoma City is outbid for hosting every year by Las Vegas…however this may at last change because of the new construction of The Ford Center in Oklahoma City. This new facility is larger than the facility in Las Vegas and Oklahoma City is hoping that this fact will influence future bidding.

The first NFR was held in 1959 in Dallas. The Wrangler NFR has sold out every one of the last 220 performances, going back over two decades.

I don’t know about you, but getting National Rodeo Finals tickets a few rows up from the dirt would be like a dream come true for me. The opportunity to go and see the finest men and women riders compete in this amazing sport would be something to grab if it came along.

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Americans and just about everything that we like to buy are testaments to SUPERsizes.

However, rising commodity and fuel prices are driving up costs for everyone, including manufacturers. When presented with a choice between raising prices or quietly putting less ounces in a bag, carton or cup manufacturers are choosing the latter. Just this month, Kellogg’s started shipping some of their popular breakfast cereals with an average of 2.4 fewer ounces per box.

Other planned product reductions include: Tropicana orange juice containers are shrinking from 96 ounces to 89; Wrigley’s is dropping its the 17-stick PlenTPak in favor of the 15-stick Slim Pack; Dial soap bars now weigh half an ounce less.

Most people know prices but they don’t know how much is actually in a package. Reducing the size of products as a way of increasing prices is not new. This is definitely an effect of rising food costs and rising fuel costs, however.

Other areas of business have made similar moves to pass on higher costs to the consumer without raising prices directly. American Airlines is now charging for checked luggage.

To keep track of prices, the best way to compare products if you’re not sure if sizes have changed is to look at the “unit price,” which breaks down the cost per ounce or per quart.

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Attention small business owners! Awesome information ahead:

Microsoft Small Business is offering some tips they are calling Bump the Slump. This is tailored for small business owners to help them learn how to thrive in this down economy. Even better - enter and have a chance to win 5,000 gallons of gas!

Press Release:

Microsoft Small Business Addresses the Slumping Economy

Gas prices have gone through the roof and are in danger of hitting passing birds. The rise in prices not only affects how high your blood pressure gets when at the gas pump, but it’s making the cost of living and doing business go up and up. Gas prices aren’t solely to blame for the down economy, but they definitely have a huge impact. That’s why Microsoft is giving away 5,000 gallons of gas to one lucky small business. Microsoft is also offering 5 money saving tips that any small business can use in this slumping economy. The chance to win and the tips are available at http://www.bumptheslump.com/.

Although the current downturn isn’t enjoyable, it definitely isn’t all bad news—especially not for small businesses that are uniquely positioned to prosper in these tough times. Because they are more nimble and in-touch with every aspect of their operation, small businesses can cut costs faster and make efficiency changes in a way that much larger business cannot.

With this in mind, Microsoft Small Business wants to help small businesses make the changes necessary to adjust to the current economy and not only survive but thrive. At bumptheslump.com , customers will find a link that can put them in contact with a Microsoft Small Business Specialist who can consult a small business on a number of areas where businesses can cut costs and become more efficient. And while at bumptheslump.com , small businesses should make sure to register for their chance to win 5,000 gallons of gas. Even at 20 mpg, that’s 100,000 miles. It’s the type of prize that literally goes a long way.

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America’s resilience is under assault. A sense of powerlessness is chipping away at the Americans’ historic conviction that our destiny can always be commanded with sheer determination and will.

There is a sense of helplessness prevailing in our spirit. It is even reflected in the current presidential election. Each contender is offering their spin on a sense of order — and don’t forget hope as well.

Republican John McCain is promising an experienced hand for this frightening time. Democrat Barack Obama is promising bright and shiny change.

Americans are getting more and more discouraged by the continuous attack of dispiriting things. The American spirit ingrained in all of us is conditioned to expect things to get better…but so far that hasn’t happened.

Case-in-Point:

• Floods are engulfing Midwestern river towns.

• Food is becoming scarce and expensive because of increased consumption in growing countries such as China and India and rising fuel costs.

• Fuel prices are skyrocketing creating financial burdens for many, many Americans.

• People living in Washington, D.C. and surrounding suburbs repeatedly lose power for extended periods of time due to mere thunderstorms.

• In California people are warned to use less water due to the unrelenting drought.

• Need a vacation? The weak US dollar has made traveling abroad out of reach financially for many people.

• Want to just kick back and watch a good show? A writers’ strike halted your favorite TV show production for half a season.

• Your hardcopy newspaper delivered to your doorstep may soon be a relic of the past in this Internet age.

• You can’t even count on escaping into the world of sports anymore. Baseball’s Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens are accused of enhancing their accomplishments with drugs.

• Basketball referees are accused of cheating.

• There’s also the annual Tour de France coming up again and there is sure to be something corrupt about the Summer Olympics, too.

• Wildfires are blazing out of control again in California.

There have been times of comparable hardship for America. The economic woes of the 70s, the Iran hostage crisis, The Cold War, the Korean and Vietnam wars, the Depression of the 30s…and more.

All of these periods of hardship were followed by optimistic periods where the American people were blessed to have their confidence restored. Will this happen again?

It’s important to note that each of these periods was followed by a change in the party controlling the White House. This is obviously what is fueling much of what we are witnessing in the presidential election.

This is the 21st century, right? We must have the evolved knowledge and intellect and technology necessary to fix these problems…right?

Perhaps…maybe this is the purpose of the 21st century — a big and necessary reorganization of things long taken for granted.

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Weekend Greetings!

Here are a few GOOD news stories to help start your weekend off right…

Mexico City is planting rooftop gardens on public buildings as part of a program launched on Thursday. The goal is combating their pollution problems and in so doing, taking a stab at global warming as well.

The smoggy city plans to reform 100,000 square feet of publicly owned roof space each year with grass and bushes that will absorb carbon dioxide.

Most of their children don’t have access to green places to play. The city boasted blue skies and ample greenery as recently as the 1960s. But it has become overrun by traffic and pollution as the population exploded.

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California officials have abruptly canceled a state program that planned to spray chemicals to fight crop-eating moth in urban areas. There has been months of public uproar over these plans.

The state secretary of food and agriculture announced Thursday that California has stopped plans to send up pesticide-spraying planes to fight the light brown apple moth in cities.

Instead the plans are to keep the invasive pest from reproducing by releasing sterile moths that will render eggs useless.

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The mission of one kindly, 67-year-old barber is a great one. Rueben Martinez owns three bookstores - but he’s not just selling books. His goal is to sell kids on a life-changing experience. He goes to schools preaching reading as the solution to drop out rates.

He reads to children in his bookstore. One of his mottos is: “The more you read, the more you know. The more you know, the more you grow!”

Another great line of his: “Write down your goals and dreams! Be a teacher, singer, dancer, make money! Make lots of money! Learn so you can earn.”

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Joseph Baniak is a professional manager, project manager and natural leader. He served tours of active duty in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq and retired from the military with the rank of Major. He has a military record that is without a blemish.

During his active duty tours, Mr. Baniak developed a strong knowledge and love for the culture of the middle east. He has an MBA degree and is an expert in military hardware and engines. He also has a strong devotion to Harley Davidson motorcycles! How’s that for well-rounded? LOL

Joseph Baniak is seeking a position in industry where he can use these important leadership abilities that he has aquired. He will make a strong contribution with his experience and skills.

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Food prices could rise even more unless the mystery surrounding the honeybees is solved lawmakers were told yesterday by farmers and businessmen.

About three-quarters of flowering plants rely on pollinators (including birds and bees) to help them reproduce. Bee pollination is responsible for $15 billion yearly in crop value.

In 2006, beekeepers began reporting losing 30 percent to 90 percent of their hives. This phenomenon has become known as Colony Collapse Disorder. Scientists don’t know how many bees have died.

Food prices have gone up 83 percent in three years according to the World Bank.

The cause behind the disorder remains unknown. Possible explanations are pesticide contamination, a new unknown parasite or pathogen, and a combination of stresses including poor nutrition, contaminated water supplies, and the need to relocate bees long distances for pollination.

The House Appropriations Committee approved $780,000 on Thursday for research on the disorder and $10 million for bee research. The money is waiting for approval by the full House and Senate.

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Report Buyer has just added a new report which forecasts that the global market for telemedicine will increase to over $13.9 billion by 2012.

What is telemedicine? Telemedicine technology is expected to become part of the mainstream soon because it reduces costs and improves clinical outcomes.

Reading the Telemedicine: Medical and Electronic Providers report should answer all your questions and this report is available from Report Buyer.

Press Release:

Report Buyer, the online destination for business intelligence for major industry sectors, has added a new report which forecasts that the global market for telemedicine will increase to over $13.9 billion by 2012, showing a compound average annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19%.

“Telemedicine: Opportunities for Medical and Electronic Providers”, which is available at http://www.reportbuyer.com/go/BCC00185 finds that telemedicine is more than a buzzword in the healthcare industry today. Healthcare players are evaluating telemedicine technology as it is expected to be part of the mainstream as telemedicine reduces costs and improves clinical outcomes.

The telemedicine market is broken down into two segments- telehospital/clinic and telehome. Of these, says the report, the telehospital segment has the largest share of the market, worth an estimated $4.4 billion in 2007. Its value is expected to reach $8.8 billion by 2012,with a CAGR of 14.7%. The telehome market, which currently accounts for 22% of the market, is expected to capture almost 37% of the telemedicine market by 2012 and be worth $5.1 billion, up from an estimated $1.4 billion in 2007.

In addition, authors of the report say that the telemedicine market is also divided into technology and service segments. The telemedicine technology market consisting of hardware, software, telecom and network, is expected to grow from $2.2 billion in 2007
to $5,610 million in 2012, with a CAGR of 24.8%.

Analysts say that the telemedicine service market is expected to grow from $3.6 billion in 2007 to $8.3 billion in 2012, and will be mainly driven by the telehospital service market. The telehospital market will be the largest market for both the technology and service segments. The service market will grow from $3.6 billion in 2007 to $8.3 billion in 2012 at a CAGR of 18.3%.

“Telemedicine: Opportunities for Medical and Electronic Providers” is available from Report Buyer.

For more information go to: http://www.reportbuyer.com/pharma_healthcare/ehealth/telemedicine_opportunities_medical_electronic_providers.html

Report Buyer product ID: BCC00185

About Report Buyer.
Report Buyer is a UK-based independent online store supplying business information. The website now carries over 79,000 business information products, including market reports, studies, books and events. Subscribers receive a free monthly newsletter and email alerts on new titles in their areas of interest. A regularly updated blog provides information on the latest market trends.

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