Microsoft To Lay Off 5,000 Employees

The price of Microsoft stock fell to a 20 year low as their proprietary opperating system, Vista, continues to have trouble.

Here is an email from the CEO:

From: Steve Ballmer
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 6:07 AM
Subject: Realigning Resources and Reducing Costs

In response to the realities of a deteriorating economy, we’re taking important steps to realign Microsoft’s business. I want to tell you about what we’re doing and why.

Today we announced second quarter revenue of $16.6 billion. This number is an increase of just 2 percent compared with the second quarter of last year and it is approximately $900 million below our earlier expectations.

The fact that we are growing at all during the worst recession in two generations reflects our strong business fundamentals and is a testament to your hard work. Our products provide great value to our customers. Our financial position is solid. We have made long-term investments that continue to pay off.

But it is also clear that we are not immune to the effects of the economy. Consumers and businesses have reined in spending, which is affecting PC shipments and IT expenditures.

Our response to this environment must combine a commitment to long-term investments in innovation with prompt action to reduce our costs.

During the second quarter we started down the right path. As the economy deteriorated, we acted quickly. As a result, we reduced operating expenses during the quarter by $600 million. I appreciate the agility you have shown in enabling us to achieve this result.

Now we need to do more. We must make adjustments to ensure that our investments are tightly aligned with current and future revenue opportunities. The current environment requires that we continue to increase our efficiency.

As part of the process of adjustments, we will eliminate up to 5,000 positions in R&D, marketing, sales, finance, LCA, HR, and IT over the next 18 months, of which 1,400 will occur today. We’ll also open new positions to support key investment areas during this same period of time. Our net headcount in these functions will decline by 2,000 to 3,000 over the next 18 months. In addition, our workforce in support, consulting, operations, billing, manufacturing, and data center operations will continue to change in direct response to customer needs.

Our leaders all have specific goals to manage costs prudently and thoughtfully. They have the flexibility to adjust the size of their teams so they are appropriately matched to revenue potential, to add headcount where they need to increase investments in order to ensure future success, and to drive efficiency.

To increase efficiency, we’re taking a series of aggressive steps. We’ll cut travel expenditures 20 percent and make significant reductions in spending on vendors and contingent staff. We’ve scaled back Puget Sound campus expansion and reduced marketing budgets. We’ll also reduce costs by eliminating merit increases for FY10 that would have taken effect in September of this calendar year.

Each of these steps will be difficult. Our priority remains doing right by our customers and our employees. For employees who are directly affected, I know this will be a difficult time for you and I want to assure you that we will provide help and support during this transition. We have established an outplacement center in the Puget Sound region and we’ll provide outplacement services in many other locations to help you find new jobs. Some of you may find jobs internally. For those who don’t, we will also offer severance pay and other benefits.

The decision to eliminate jobs is a very difficult one. Our people are the foundation of everything we have achieved and we place the highest value on the commitment and hard work that you have dedicated to building this company. But we believe these job eliminations are crucial to our ability to adjust the company’s cost structure so that we have the resources to drive future profitable growth. I encourage you to attend tomorrow’s Town Hall at 9am PST in Cafe 34 or watch the Webcast.

While this is the most challenging economic climate we have ever faced, I want to reiterate my confidence in the strength of our competitive position and soundness of our approach.

With these changes in place, I feel confident that we will have the resources we need to continue to invest in long-term computing trends that offer the greatest opportunity to deliver value to our customers and shareholders, benefit to society, and growth for Microsoft.

With our approach to investing for the long term and managing our expenses, I know Microsoft will emerge an even stronger industry leader than it is today.

Thank you for your continued commitment and hard work.

Steve

Full Article

What would happen if Antarctica were to get too warm? Scientist believe sea levels could rise 165 feet. Though it is unlikely that it will completely turn to water, it is melting.

Find out more about global warming’s impact on the environment.

Full Article

Did you think Google.com was just a search engine? Well, they do lots of other things, such as, invented a cell phone, mapping and aerial photos.

Now, they have developed a web browser that helps protect your personal information. Your browsing history, cookies and other Internet activity are treated with special care.

Full Article
Firefox is the safest way to surf the world wide web according to Mozilla. It is an open source project by the same group that invented one of the web’s first browsers, Netscape. Some years ago AOL purchased the Netscape brand, but the Mozilla group remained independent.

By Rev. LeRoy Montana

So, there’s this little planet. Eight people live there.

And there’s an apple tree that has seven apples.

Make sure everybody gets an equal share of the apples; socialism?

The apples belong to the planet and everybody gets some; communism?

Somebody doesnt get an apple – maybe they can trade a something equal in value, or, maybe they trade at a profit? Capitalism? War?

What’s the best system?

Is there enough food on planet Earth for everybody?

Maybe we should not be fruitful and multiply; we DO live on a planet of

limited resources. How do we enforce the strong urge not to “do it?”

Who enforces it?

Now is the smallest space to create something approaching equanimity.

Let’s imagine that we’re all really here right now.

Poverty is the worst, where someone gets left out.

Capitalism can lead to excess profit and greed.

NOW, let’s shape a fair, generous future.

We’re really all here. The earth provides for us all.

Air water food, all materials…

Let’s think how we can make it best for all of us.

Some may be satisfied to have little. Some may want much.

As long as our HOST PLANET isnt damaged, and no one is left out,

… let’s imagine something for us all.

Change has come to WhiteHouse.gov
Welcome to the new WhiteHouse.gov. I’m Macon Phillips, the Director of New Media for the White House and one of the people who will be contributing to the blog.

A short time ago, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States and his new administration officially came to life. One of the first changes is the White House’s new website, which will serve as a place for the President and his administration to connect with the rest of the nation and the world.

Millions of Americans have powered President Obama’s journey to the White House, many taking advantage of the internet to play a role in shaping our country’s future. WhiteHouse.gov is just the beginning of the new administration’s efforts to expand and deepen this online engagement.

Just like your new government, WhiteHouse.gov and the rest of the Administration’s online programs will put citizens first. Our initial new media efforts will center around three priorities:

Communication — Americans are eager for information about the state of the economy, national security and a host of other issues. This site will feature timely and in-depth content meant to keep everyone up-to-date and educated. Check out the briefing room, keep tabs on the blog (RSS feed) and take a moment to sign up for e-mail updates from the President and his administration so you can be sure to know about major announcements and decisions.

Transparency — President Obama has committed to making his administration the most open and transparent in history, and WhiteHouse.gov will play a major role in delivering on that promise. The President’s executive orders and proclamations will be published for everyone to review, and that’s just the beginning of our efforts to provide a window for all Americans into the business of the government. You can also learn about some of the senior leadership in the new administration and about the President’s policy priorities.

Participation — President Obama started his career as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago, where he saw firsthand what people can do when they come together for a common cause. Citizen participation will be a priority for the Administration, and the internet will play an important role in that. One significant addition to WhiteHouse.gov reflects a campaign promise from the President: we will publish all non-emergency legislation to the website for five days, and allow the public to review and comment before the President signs it.

We’d also like to hear from you — what sort of things would you find valuable from WhiteHouse.gov? If you have an idea, use this form to let us know. Like the transition website and the campaign’s before that, this online community will continue to be a work in progress as we develop new features and content for you. So thanks in advance for your patience and for your feedback.

Later today, we’ll put up the video and the full text of President Obama’s Inaugural Address. There will also be slideshows of the Inaugural events, the Obamas’ move into the White House, and President Obama’s first days in office.

From <a

href=http://www.xconomy.com/boston/2009/01/18/dont-truck-your-waste-to-a-landfill-truck-a-gasification-plant-to-your-waste/>

This technology ought to be taken a step further. A polymeriaztion unit could synthesize long chain fuel hydrocarbons from the methane, butanol is a much better target than ethanol </a>

“…IST Energy in Waltham, MA, the question was how to scale down a waste gasification plant until it fit inside a standard cargo container, a space roughly 30 feet by 8 feet by 8.5 feet…

The unit takes up as much space as about three cars, and can be backed up to a building’s loading dock, or wherever its dumpsters are stowed.

…And not only does the machine power itself, but the extra gas produced can run a 120-kilowatt electrical generator or a 240-kilowatt-equivalent gas furnace.

Might work. then again, I can think of other ways to spend the money. Although, compared to the trillions given to the banks….

Highlights of the putative legislation include:

“Drivers who apply for the program must ensure that their vehicles turned in for scrapping match the following criteria:

• Vehicles must be in drivable condition;
• Be currently registered in the U.S.; and
• Have a when-new fuel economy rating of less than 18 miles per gallon (as reported by the original manufacturer for purposes of CAFE compliance).

The bill specifies that during the first year of the program, vouchers will be issued for the following amounts:

• For traded-in vehicles that are model year 2002 and later, drivers would receive a voucher for:
  • The purchase of a new vehicle: $4,500
  • The purchase of a used vehicle: $3,000
  • Transit fare credit: $3,000
• For traded-in vehicles that are model year 1999 – 2001, drivers would receive a voucher for:
  • The purchase of a new vehicle: $3,000
  • The purchase of a used vehicle: $2,000
  • Transit fare credit: $2,000
• For traded-in vehicles that are model year 1998 and earlier, drivers would receive a voucher for:
  • The purchase of a new vehicle: $2,000
  • The purchase of a used vehicle: $1,500
  • Transit fare credit: $1,500

In each subsequent year (2010, 2011, and 2012), the model years would be advanced by one year. Vouchers would be eligible for redemption for up to two years after the date of issuance, and no individual would be eligible to obtain more than one voucher in any three-year period. Dealers, dismantlers and scrap recycling facilities would also be eligible for a payment of $50 per vehicle, or an alternative amount to be specified by the Department of Energy.”

Read the whole thing: text included below

From US Senator Dianne Feinstein and others

<a href=http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=NewsRoom.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=d6137935-0a4f-1ab7-ddb4-8a1760ea170>

Washington, DC – A measure introduced today by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) would establish a national voucher program to enable and encourage drivers to voluntarily trade in their older, less fuel efficient car, truck or SUV for a more fuel efficient vehicle.</a>

Specifically, the so-called “Cash for Clunkers” program would reimburse drivers with a credit of $2,500 to $4,500 for drivers who turn in fuel-inefficient vehicles to be scrapped, and purchase a more fuel efficient vehicle. The traded-in vehicles must have a fuel economy of no more than 18 miles per gallon, be in drivable condition, and have been registered for at least the past 120 days. Vouchers could also be redeemed for transit fares for participating local public transportation agencies. The program would operate for four years, from 2009 – 2012, and is expected to encourage the early retirement of up to one million vehicles per year.

“Last Congress, we successfully enacted legislation – which I authored with Senator Snowe and others – to improve the fuel efficiency of America’s fleet of new cars, trucks and SUVs by at least 10 miles per gallon over 10 years. But we face real challenges with trying to encourage drivers to trade in their older, less fuel efficient vehicles – particularly in this tough economic climate,” Senator Feinstein said.

“This bill will help address that problem. It will create a voucher program to reimburse drivers who trade in their old cars, trucks and SUVs with a coupon of $2,500 to $4,500, depending on the fuel efficiency of the purchased car. If enacted, this bill would be an important part of helping getting America’s struggling automobile industry back on its feet – and help consumers who are concerned about covering the cost of buying a more fuel efficient vehicle. I’d like to thank my colleague Senator Salazar for his leadership in helping to craft some of the bill’s key concepts,” Senator Feinstein added.

“This legislation would give consumers an incentive to turn over their old, inefficient vehicles, saving 80,000 barrels of motor fuel every day,” Senator Collins said. “Taking these cars and trucks off our roads and highways would help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and stimulate the economy. In addition, it would help boost demand for manufacturers of newer, efficient models and bring in new business for car dealers who are struggling in the current economy.”

Senator Schumer said: “For Americans who have a clunker sitting in their driveway, this is an even better trade-in offer than they could get from any car dealership. Our proposal will take inefficient cars off the roads in exchange for a down payment on a newer, cleaner vehicle. Car owners also have the option of swapping their old car for vouchers to ride their local bus or subway for free. This is a classic win-win that can provide stimulus for the economy and make long-term gains for the environment.”

When implemented, as estimated by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the program would:

• Save between 40,000 to 80,000 barrels per day of motor fuel by the end of the fourth year, (based on an estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 vouchers issued per year).
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 6.6 million metric tons to 7.6 million metric tons, or the equivalent of removing 1.1 million to 2.2 million vehicles from the road in one year, (based on an estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 vouchers issued per year).
• Reduce nitrogen oxides, which cause ground-level ozone (a leading cause of respiratory health problems, like asthma), by 3,043 short tons (2,761 metric tons) by 2013, (based on an estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 vouchers issued per year).

The legislation is intended to help compliment the implementation of the new fuel economy law – authored by Senators Feinstein, Snowe and others – which would raise average fuel economy standards for America’s fleet of vehicles by at least 10 miles per gallon (mpg) over 10 years or from 25 mpg to at least 35 mpg by Model Year 2020.

Companion legislation is also being introduced today in the House by Representatives Steve Israel (D-N.Y.), Jay Inslee (D-Wash.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), and Dennis Moore (D-Kansas).

How the legislation would work:

Eligible drivers would receive a reimbursement voucher for the purchase of a new or used vehicle with a fuel economy rating that exceeds the CAFE target for that class of vehicle by at least 25 percent. The bill also requires that the voucher be used towards the purchase of a vehicle that has an MSRP of less than $45,000, is model year 2004 or later, and meets or exceeds federal emissions standards. Vouchers could also be redeemed for transit fares for participating local public transportation agencies.

Drivers who apply for the program must ensure that their vehicles turned in for scrapping match the following criteria:

• Vehicles must be in drivable condition;
• Be currently registered in the U.S.; and
• Have a when-new fuel economy rating of less than 18 miles per gallon (as reported by the original manufacturer for purposes of CAFE compliance).

The bill specifies that during the first year of the program, vouchers will be issued for the following amounts:

• For traded-in vehicles that are model year 2002 and later, drivers would receive a voucher for:
  • The purchase of a new vehicle: $4,500
  • The purchase of a used vehicle: $3,000
  • Transit fare credit: $3,000
• For traded-in vehicles that are model year 1999 – 2001, drivers would receive a voucher for:
  • The purchase of a new vehicle: $3,000
  • The purchase of a used vehicle: $2,000
  • Transit fare credit: $2,000
• For traded-in vehicles that are model year 1998 and earlier, drivers would receive a voucher for:
  • The purchase of a new vehicle: $2,000
  • The purchase of a used vehicle: $1,500
  • Transit fare credit: $1,500

In each subsequent year (2010, 2011, and 2012), the model years would be advanced by one year. Vouchers would be eligible for redemption for up to two years after the date of issuance, and no individual would be eligible to obtain more than one voucher in any three-year period. Dealers, dismantlers and scrap recycling facilities would also be eligible for a payment of $50 per vehicle, or an alternative amount to be specified by the Department of Energy.

Ron Paul: Strengthening or Weakening the Economy?

Texas Straight Talk | Weekly Column
January 19, 2009 by Congressman Ron Paul, TX 14

Strengthening or Weakening the Economy?

The economic situation continues to deteriorate this week as past and future bailouts were discussed on Capitol Hill. The debate was over the accountability of already disbursed TARP money, and on whether or not to release remaining funds. Banks that had already been bailed out before are looking for more money to fill the black holes that are their balance sheets, warning that they are simply too big to fail. However, whatever ‘devastating’ consequences these banks are dreaming up and pushing on Capitol Hill regarding their own collapse will be nothing compared to the collapse of our currency if we keep debasing it through these foolish bailouts. It should be that they are too big to bailout. The world will not come to an end without this or that bank. The most troubling thing to me is this rhetoric that only government can save the economy, and must act. This is so counter-productive.

We must ask ourselves what strengthens this country, and what weakens it.

Government is a monumental drag on this economy. Government at all levels currently absorbs about 35-40f GDP, which is still not enough for its voracious appetite. While productivity is already overtaxed, the government routinely spends more than it takes in and makes up for the shortfall by constantly borrowing or debasing our dollars through inflation. It pains me to think of all the opportunities for productive economic growth we have given up simply because our government is super-sized instead of Constitution-sized. There are just a few constitutionally sanctioned activities for government to engage in, but it is so overstretched with unconstitutional encroachments that what it is legitimately supposed to do, it does very badly. And yet we are to believe the solution to our problems is to make government bigger. On the contrary, government makes our problems bigger. The central bank’s meddling with monetary policy led to overheated lending, and now massive defaults. The government used manipulative tax policy to distort the housing market which has had many unintended consequences, and here we are. Government is quick to enact and slow to correct bad policy. Yet in spite of government’s failures, it flourishes and grows, thanks to the continual bailouts from the unwitting taxpayer.

Big government has been tried and has failed miserably. What we need now is small government, and freedom. We need the freedom to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps again, as we traditionally do in this country. But try to start a business or charity today, and you will understand how little economic freedom we really have left. Freedom, not government, made this the land of opportunity. Freedom laid the foundation that catapulted us to becoming the strongest economic power in the world. The American people are strong and capable. We can pull ourselves out of this mess. All we need is for the nanny-state to get out of the way and allow us to do it. Freedom is our strength, government is our weakness. Only by recognizing this and unleashing our strengths will we solve the problems we face today.

Web browsing has become safer with Chrome, Google.com ’s browser. You can download if for free. It’s lightweight on your computer resources but heavy duty on surfing the web. Pages load faster.

There is also an awesome feature that is the antithesis of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE) web browser — secure browsing. Whereas Microsoft tries to track your movements and uses practices that are questionable for your privacy and security, Google has built in features to help protect you. In particular, you can click on the little wrench icon in the upper right hand corner and select, “New incognito window.”

A new browser window opens and tells you:

You’ve gone incognito. Pages you view in this window won’t appear in your browser history or search history, and they won’t leave other traces, like cookies, on your computer after you close the incognito window. Any files you download or bookmarks you create will be preserved, however.

Going incognito doesn’t affect the behavior of other people, servers, or software. Be wary of:
* Websites that collect or share information about you
* Internet service providers or employers that track the pages you visit
* Malicious software that tracks your keystrokes in exchange for free smileys
* Surveillance by secret agents
* People standing behind you