http://www.savagechickens.com/2011/02/i-love-my-job.html
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Top 13 things about the new Mac OS X Lion first developer preview
You have seen the Mac OS X Lion Preview in the past Apple event. Today, the first developer preview is released. The reason why we want to talk about it because this first developer preview is different. Lots of new things and controls have been added.
We have reviewed and make up a list. Check out the top 13 things you probably don’t know about the Mac OS X Lion.
1. Migrate from other PC. Yes. A PC.
It should not be difficult for Mac users to switch or upgrade their Macs. What if switching from Mac to PC? In Mac OS X Lion, Apple have already added such option for existing PC users in the Migration Tool. Switching is not that hard anymore.
2. The scrollbar scrolls in opposite direction! Thankfully it can be disabled
3. Swipe to other Spaces and more finger gestures
The finger gestures in Lion is very similar to the recent iOS 4.3 beta for iPad. You can swipe left or right using 4 fingers to go to other Spaces. If you are a frequent Spaces users like me, that would be much better than using the hot keys.
And yes, the Launchpad is already included. It works just like the iOS. The reason why it becomes very useful is that you can launch it simply use 5 finger to pinch on the trackpad. No need to find it from Finder or spotlight.
4. New Finder: Improved Quick Look and different sidebar
The Finder of Lion is changed. “PLACES” now becomes “FAVORITES”. The Quick Look is now changed. It’s not transparent anymore. There is a “Open With” button on the top right which you can quickly launch the related apps.
5. Auto saving different versions
Time Machine is great to restore files. But, it needs extra partition or harddisks. Apple has added the new Versions feature in Lion. As long as you have choose to “Save a versions” from File menu. You can revert to any versions by clicking the “File” > “Revert to Saved” menu.
6. AirDrop: I wish it can share files with iOS devices
As long as the MacBook are on the same Wi-Fi network, you can share the files with each other easily from AirDrop. No configurations is required. In the past, you will have to enable “File Sharing” from system preferences. I just hope there is an official app for iOS so that I can share files instantly.
7. QuickTime can now record part of the screen with video
No one wants to record the whole screen all the time. In Lion, we finally have the option to drag and select the parts we want to record. After recording, it can be shared to more platforms like Vimeo.
8. Signature Preview: Create a clear signature easily with the iSight
Some companies have already started to sign things digitally. For those who don’t have a scanner, Lion now allows to create signature in preferences. The best part is that it will clear out all the unnecessary backgrounds and keep the black stroke only.
9. Reopening windows after re-login
It now provides an option to reopen windows when logging back in. That’s what Apple called as “Resume”. During our test, it works perfectly. However, it may increase the loading time if you have previously opened too much applications.
10. iChat is now enhanced – with support of Yahoo!
11. Missing Front Row, Rosetta (old Mac apps) Support, no Java runtime
Do you use the Mac as a multimedia center with Front Row? The app is now missed from the first beta of Lion. Rosetta, those old mac apps built before the Intel Mac released, are not supported.
No Java runtime is pre-installed. That means you may not be able to run pure Java apps. Thankfully, Apple will prompt you a dialog and lets you to download the Java runtime instantly when needed.
12. Podcast Publishers from server edition
If you are a top host, there is a “new” tool in Lion. It’s the Podcast Publishers. It is not “new” actually. It was only available in server edition, but now it’s available in Lion also.
13. About This Mac is different
Current Mac OS X shows a tree lists of system information. In Lion, it is presented in a very easy-to-understand way. It uses different tabs and colorful icons.
That’s it. If we got any additional information, we will keep you all posted. Just keep clicking on winandmac.com.
New Calculator of Income Tax Scenarios in 2011 Gets Good Press
July 29, 2010
New Calculator of Income Tax Scenarios in 2011 Gets Good Press
by William Ahern
Our new calculator of potential 2011 income tax liabilities at MyTaxBurden.org got a good technical review from a blog that builds and evaluates online utilities, many of which concern economics and public finances.
The blog is Political Calculations, which calls itself the blogosphere's toolchest. Here are some excerpts from their review:
We found it very easy to understand what kind of data we were supposed to enter as well as what the output results communicated.
We therefore find the compromise between a complicated user interface and the detailed results of the tool to be justified, ...
We're also fans of the tool's automatic update feature, which users have the option of disabling (by unchecking a box). This is a really nice touch, making it possible for users to change a number of fields without the distraction of having the output fields flicker and change with each edit. ...
The bottom line? The MyTaxBurden calculator is a very well done tool that will allow its users to obtain high quality information of special relevance to them.
The MyTaxBurden calculator, created by Nicholas A. Kasprak, therefore earns our second-highest online tool design award: the Silver Standard. The only thing keeping it from earning our Gold Standard is its very time-specific focus-it will only produce relevant results for the individuals who might use it in 2010 and 2011.
http://www.taxfoundation.org/blog/show/26563.html
New Calculator of Income Tax Scenarios in 2011 Gets Good Press
by William Ahern
Our new calculator of potential 2011 income tax liabilities at MyTaxBurden.org got a good technical review from a blog that builds and evaluates online utilities, many of which concern economics and public finances.
The blog is Political Calculations, which calls itself the blogosphere's toolchest. Here are some excerpts from their review:
We found it very easy to understand what kind of data we were supposed to enter as well as what the output results communicated.
We therefore find the compromise between a complicated user interface and the detailed results of the tool to be justified, ...
We're also fans of the tool's automatic update feature, which users have the option of disabling (by unchecking a box). This is a really nice touch, making it possible for users to change a number of fields without the distraction of having the output fields flicker and change with each edit. ...
The bottom line? The MyTaxBurden calculator is a very well done tool that will allow its users to obtain high quality information of special relevance to them.
The MyTaxBurden calculator, created by Nicholas A. Kasprak, therefore earns our second-highest online tool design award: the Silver Standard. The only thing keeping it from earning our Gold Standard is its very time-specific focus-it will only produce relevant results for the individuals who might use it in 2010 and 2011.
http://www.taxfoundation.org/blog/show/26563.html
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Cancer Survivors and Factors Affecting Employment
Cancer Survivors and Factors Affecting Employment
Article by Dr. Sloan, MD.
Disease Related Factors
Cancer type has the strongest determinant in employment of cancer survivors. Lower employment and work ability are commonly seen in cancer patients of nervous system, lung and hematological (leukemia). The fact that the recurrence rate of the cancer of nervous system is rather high coupled with the unpleasant side effects of the treatment and complications of the cancer, such group of cancer patients are less favored when it comes to employment. As for lung cancer, the survival rate is low with 10% men and 13% women achieve five year survival rate.
Breast, colorectal, prostate and testicular cancers are among the most prevalent and have higher survival rate due to advances in cancer treatment. Thus, the chances of returning to work following diagnosis and treatment within these groups are comparatively higher.
Other existing chronic illness like diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia would also affect the return to work and work ability of the employees.
Chemotherapy being a common treatment modality for cancer usually causes side effects like fatigue, menopause and cognitive impairment as compared to other mode of treatments. Fatigue level independently predicts how soon an employee with cancer is ready to return to work and significantly impact on work ability. Treatment related symptoms significantly decrease the quality of life among patients undergoing treatment. Such side effects should be addressed during follow up in order for the medical team to make necessary adjustments on the treatment.
Sociodemographic Factors
Sociodemographic factors of the employees do play a role in employment and work ability of cancer survivors. Employers are less likely to hire those who are older, working in blue collar jobs and have lower educational backgrounds. It is not uncommon for lower educated employees to work in more physically demanding jobs. Physical capacity of the these cancer survivors may be compromised by the diseases or even the treatment itself. Thus, it is not surprising that cancer survivors with a lower education might be more likely to discontinue their work after a bout with cancer than those with a higher education.
Work-Related Factors
The work ability of the employees resuming a job upon treatment would be improved greatly if there is practical support from their supervisors in the form of taking the illness into consideration when allocating work tasks to the employees at the workplace.
Potential social issues that cancer survivors may encounter upon rejoining the workplace are, fear of discrimination, unwillingness to change work tasks, and unwillingness to change their current jobs for the fear of losing insurance coverage. Such worries and fears have a negative impact on their quality of life and productivity.
The social support from the workplace, occupational physician and the willingness of the employer to accommodate the cancer survivors are the important factors in assisting cancer survivors to return to work.
Impairment of work ability associated with cancer varied in various reports from about 20% to 30%. It is crucial to identify those cancer survivors who are at the highest risk of impaired work ability and would most likely discontinue their working life earlier. Once this group of employees are identified, a more comprehensive type of return to work program could be designed and serve as a part of management of cancer survivors in returning to work via early assessment and intervention program.
References
i) Cancer survivors in the United States: Age, Health and Disability. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci
ii) F.Munir, J.Yarker and Hilary McDermott; Employment and common cancers: correlates of work ability during or following cancer treatment. Occupational Medicine 2009
iii) Lee MK, Lee KM, Bae-J et al. Employment status and work related difficulties in stomach cancer survivors compared with general population. Br J Cancer 2008
iv) Taskila T, Martikainen R, Hietanen P, Lindbohm ML. Comparative study of work ability between cancer survivors and their referents. Eur J Cancer 2007
Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/health/cancer/articles/92050.aspx#ixzz1DupEZ7Bt
Article by Dr. Sloan, MD.
Disease Related Factors
Cancer type has the strongest determinant in employment of cancer survivors. Lower employment and work ability are commonly seen in cancer patients of nervous system, lung and hematological (leukemia). The fact that the recurrence rate of the cancer of nervous system is rather high coupled with the unpleasant side effects of the treatment and complications of the cancer, such group of cancer patients are less favored when it comes to employment. As for lung cancer, the survival rate is low with 10% men and 13% women achieve five year survival rate.
Breast, colorectal, prostate and testicular cancers are among the most prevalent and have higher survival rate due to advances in cancer treatment. Thus, the chances of returning to work following diagnosis and treatment within these groups are comparatively higher.
Other existing chronic illness like diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia would also affect the return to work and work ability of the employees.
Chemotherapy being a common treatment modality for cancer usually causes side effects like fatigue, menopause and cognitive impairment as compared to other mode of treatments. Fatigue level independently predicts how soon an employee with cancer is ready to return to work and significantly impact on work ability. Treatment related symptoms significantly decrease the quality of life among patients undergoing treatment. Such side effects should be addressed during follow up in order for the medical team to make necessary adjustments on the treatment.
Sociodemographic Factors
Sociodemographic factors of the employees do play a role in employment and work ability of cancer survivors. Employers are less likely to hire those who are older, working in blue collar jobs and have lower educational backgrounds. It is not uncommon for lower educated employees to work in more physically demanding jobs. Physical capacity of the these cancer survivors may be compromised by the diseases or even the treatment itself. Thus, it is not surprising that cancer survivors with a lower education might be more likely to discontinue their work after a bout with cancer than those with a higher education.
Work-Related Factors
The work ability of the employees resuming a job upon treatment would be improved greatly if there is practical support from their supervisors in the form of taking the illness into consideration when allocating work tasks to the employees at the workplace.
Potential social issues that cancer survivors may encounter upon rejoining the workplace are, fear of discrimination, unwillingness to change work tasks, and unwillingness to change their current jobs for the fear of losing insurance coverage. Such worries and fears have a negative impact on their quality of life and productivity.
The social support from the workplace, occupational physician and the willingness of the employer to accommodate the cancer survivors are the important factors in assisting cancer survivors to return to work.
Impairment of work ability associated with cancer varied in various reports from about 20% to 30%. It is crucial to identify those cancer survivors who are at the highest risk of impaired work ability and would most likely discontinue their working life earlier. Once this group of employees are identified, a more comprehensive type of return to work program could be designed and serve as a part of management of cancer survivors in returning to work via early assessment and intervention program.
References
i) Cancer survivors in the United States: Age, Health and Disability. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci
ii) F.Munir, J.Yarker and Hilary McDermott; Employment and common cancers: correlates of work ability during or following cancer treatment. Occupational Medicine 2009
iii) Lee MK, Lee KM, Bae-J et al. Employment status and work related difficulties in stomach cancer survivors compared with general population. Br J Cancer 2008
iv) Taskila T, Martikainen R, Hietanen P, Lindbohm ML. Comparative study of work ability between cancer survivors and their referents. Eur J Cancer 2007
Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/health/cancer/articles/92050.aspx#ixzz1DupEZ7Bt
Monday, February 7, 2011
Inner Peace: This is so true
Inner Peace: This is so true
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment ,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
...Then You Are Probably .........
The Family Dog!
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment ,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
...Then You Are Probably .........
The Family Dog!
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