Virtually all applications you install using the default installation these days decide that they should start-up when Windows starts. If you allow these to take control, you can end up with a situation where (unless you have sufficient memory installed) every other program slows down to be unusable. A few years ago, I found a website that helps to decode what processes are running at startup, and which ones that you don't need. It gives a good tutorial on what to look for, and how to stop them so your machine will start up quicker, and run faster. The website is HERE

If you are bored this winter, you can watch a live webcam of the Old Faithful geyser. Maybe you can see buffalo or other animals that roam around Yellowstone National  Park. You will need Windows Media Player. It erupts every 60-90 minutes.....so be patient!

The other day, Barb got a call from a group called the "Childhood Leukemia Foundation" and they ask for a pledge. She plegded to them, but when she got the notice for payment she asked me about the charity. I didn't know anything about them, so I found out about them by visiting Charity Navigator. What I found out about this group, was that they spend 60% of the money that they raise on fundraising and only 32% on program expenses. So we didn't send them any money. Visit http://www.charitynavigator.org/ before you give!