Issue Date: May 21, 2006
Ways to unload an old computer
Give it to charity and get a tax break.
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You just unpacked a shiny new computer. It's fast, powerful and cost next to nothing. The problem: that old, slow model lurking under your desk.
Castoff technology is a burden. In 2005, more than 63 million personal computers were expected to be retired, according to a recent study by the National Safety Council. Does that mean now you are stuck using that old PC as a footrest?
Nope. Start by boning up on possible solutions at plugintoecycling.org, an EPA website. If your computer is recent, find a charity to take it. Enter your ZIP code at Goodwill.org to find a local branch, then call and ask if they want the computer. Or, if you're lucky, the Salvation Army will pick it up. Go to satruck.com/MakeDonation.asp and click on your part of the country to find a donation site near you.
If you strike out with charities, then try a local recycling center. Find one through Earth 911 (earth911.org) or the Consumer Education Initiative (eiae.org).
Act soon: Your old computer could offer a lifeline to someone in need -- and maybe a tax break for you.
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See America from a river
An intriguing way to slow down and see America is from the deck of a paddle-wheel steamer or a small cruise ship on a river. River ships can take you to the Columbia River gorge in Oregon or small towns on the banks of the Mississippi. These vessels, which accommodate from 12 to about 450 people, are a world away from 2,000-person-plus ocean ships. Prices usually include all meals and entertainment and may cover shore excursions. And there's typically a good dose of history and local culture.
The granddaddy of river cruise operators is the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. This summer, two of its classic paddle-wheel steamers, the 174-passenger "Delta Queen," below, and the 416-passenger "Mississippi Queen," will ply the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers, among others, sailing between cities such as Memphis and Nashville, Baton Rouge and St. Louis, and Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. A three-night river cruise begins at $795.
On the West Coast, American West Steamboat Company's two paddle-wheel steamers travel the Snake, Columbia and Willamette rivers in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Seven-night cruises start at $2,189.
American Safari Cruises offers California wine-country trips on the Petaluma and Napa rivers, as well as voyages on the Columbia and Snake rivers. Their three yachts accommodate 12 to 21 passengers each and include private lunches at wineries. Six-night cruises start at $4,795.
Everett Potter is an award-winning travel writer.
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Don't panic; supervise your teen's blog
With the explosion among teens of personal Web page sites such as MySpace (myspace.com), which has a reported 70 million-plus users, parents should know there's a safe way for your teen to use them. A primer:
Warn about the danger of predators. Sexual predators may be a threat if your child communicates with strangers, agrees to meet them or uses a webcam, says Parry Aftab, executive director of wiredsafety.org.
Ask your teen if he has a blog or personal Web page. Don't freak out if he says yes. Instead, ask to look at it tomorrow. This will give him time to clean up the content.
Nix suggestive photos, screen names and inappropriate language.
Make sure teens know that what they post exists in cyberspace for anyone to see -- forever. Prospective employers now search applicants' Web pages.
Check for alternate profiles of your child; try searching by name or e-mail address. Other popular blog sites: livejournal.com and xanga.com.
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Be safe, don't strain
Although there is nothing wrong with pushing yourself during a workout, it's vital that you don't risk serious injury in a bid for results.
"Those who are drawn to intense workouts tend to jump into high-intensity athletic training instead of focusing on fitness training," says Mitch Whaley, M.D., chair of the school of physical education, sport and exercise science at Indiana's Ball State University.
Initial focus on form and technique is key. If you thrive on intense workouts, find a fitness professional to review your goals and to help establish a base level of fitness. If you do join an intense workout program, be sure the instructor is aware of individual fitness and tests it before pushing the group at high levels.
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