It’s been awhile since I’ve posted, but I wanted to share this deal, because it’s, well, awesome. If you are a student, or have a valid .edu email address, you can get the upgrade to Win 7 for $30. Here’s the link.

Just a few tips during the ordering process:

• If you just want a SIMPLE upgrade be sure to select the same version/type of Windows as you currently have installed.  For example, if you have Vista Home Premium 32-bit, select Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit.
• If you want to upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit, it is possible.
• You can purchase either Home Premium or Professional.
• The download is approx. 3GBs, so if your connection is slow, buy the additional “Backup DVD”.

My recommendation, Windows 7 Professional 64-bit.

Assuming you did the clean install, or as MS calls it, “custom install,” one issue I had was trying to figure out how I’m going to backup my email with Windows Live Mail.  I couldn’t find ANY information on doing this quick and easy, so I decided to do a test.  I just completely copied the storage folder for Windows Live Mail.  Then I simply replaced the storage directory for Windows Live Mail on another machine, and bam, all my email was moved with all my account settings.  It was amazing!  It will ask you for the username / passwords as it’s trying to resync IMAP accounts, or download email from POP accounts, but it works like magic.   My backup and restore process for Windows Live Mail (WLM):

1. Locate and copy the entire storage location for WLM.
2. Install WLM on new system.
3. Run it, cancel any prompts, and just close WLM out.
4. Find the storage location, and just pop all the files from your old WLM to the new location.
5. Start up WLM.

Finally, if you bought it from the link above and run into this error:

“We are unable to create or save new files in the folder in which this application was downloaded. Please check the folder properties to make sure that you have security permission on the folder to write files and that the folder is not read-only”

Go to this link:  http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7install/thread/aedb1245-f8f9-42ec-9a0c-1aa932363bbb

Look at the “Answer”.  It does require you have a DVD Burner and a few minutes to type out a few command old school style, but it’s not that bad.

I’m using Windows 7 now…for the first time.  Never used the release candidate.  So far, I’m fairly impressed.   Anyway, I just figured I’d share since I just went through the process. Good luck!

It’s not a fun topic, but one I’ve thought about many times.  There’s no legality in this post, but since I don’t actually have one yet, this might be a good start.  No real names disclosed here, but if you know me, you can probably guess what they mean.

• 40% The H’s, mainly for the use of school for the 2 girls.
• 30% The V’s - I hope they can use that to fund their downpayment for their own place (10%) and for C’s college (20%).
• 10% for Brownie’s care.
• 10% for my Alma Mater.
• 10% for my family, since they really have enough money already, I don’t think they need it.

Eventually I’ll work on solid numbers, but for now that’s a good starting point I guess.

If someone is deep in debt, trying to pay their way out of it, do you take their financial advice?  There are unusual circumstances that lead to debt, but in most cases bad judgement got them there.  So do you take advice from people like that?  I’m not so sure I would.

In life, I’ve met many who give others advice, and it’s the same in the blogging world.  I hope people are wise enough to decide for themselves what’s prudent and, ultimately, accountable for their own decisions –especially in these times when it’s so easy to blame other people.

Unreal.  UNREAL.

The “You” DeSantis refers to in that quote is Edward Liddy, AIG CEO.

I’m not going to say he speaks for all of the folks in the financial products division in AIG, but this is one guy, that made the decisions that has affected the GLOBAL economy and pretty much destroyed AIG, claiming he is “blameless.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29879463/

Even Obama understands the concept of responsibility and how everything that happens on his watch is his onus.

Times have just been strange.  My savings are literally vanishing…everyday, right before my very eyes.  Yet, I’m trying not to change anything.

For every 1 article like this one where Target opens a couple new stores, I read articles like this one where Hawaii lost nearly 1000 jobs in a month or this one where Circuit City is closing or this one where E&O Restaurant is closing leaving 1 restaurant where there used to be 4.

My retirment savings and investments are down nearly 40% from it’s peak.

Yes, I know it’s not money I need right now, but still.  That’s A LOT of money just gone.  How do you cope with that?

I know a couple people laid off.  They are no longer show up when I type their names in my company directory.  What am I supposed to say to them.

I’m just a little worried…okay, little is an understatement, but what can you do?  I just don’t know.

I was reading some posts on the current state of our financial system, and I came across a comment:

I have an idea, how we can take our country back…

If EVERYONE STOPPED paying their mortgage payments, could they really reposes that many homes!

Wow.  I didn’t even think this was an option unless you just can’t pay the bill.  Then I thought about it…1 in 6 homes are “underwater.”  1 in 6!  If a pretty significant group of people fed up with government helping some but not others and people tired of living within their means, trying to play by the rules, just said, “screw this!”  What would happen?  I did find this request to keep paying.  For now, I think that’s the best idea.  But what if?

• My 401k lost 15% of it’s value this year.
• My jar of coins I normally take to deposit in the bank, are not going to the bank this time. I feel safer with it sitting on my desk.
• My regular portfolio lost…I don’t even want to look.

How are you all doing?  Hopefully not too bad.  What are you doing to stay positive?  I’m going on vacation tomorrow…No more looking at politcal news or stock market tickers for a bit.  Thank goodness.

Are you serious??!??  They should be in there setting up camp!

And to blame Pelosi for changing your vote?  That’s the stupidest thing I’ve heard.  Obviously, blaming someone for changing your vote is obviously not voting on the bill rather it’s playing politics, doesn’t it?

Our political leaders need/needed to pass this plan, even though a majority of Americans don’t like it.  Get ready for a bumpy rollercoaster ride.  Even without the pay limitations I wanted, it still needed to be approved.

I’m sorry, but if my tax payer money is going to help these companies get out of a financial crisis, I will not agree to letting them use my money to line their own pockets.  I don’t care if they were promised this money.

I don’t agree with CEOsand other executives that have already profited from these awful times.  If the executives are unwilling to sacrifice a little of their own gains for being involved in this debacle, then I am not as well.  I’m sorry.  I just don’t agree with the principle.  I don’t want government to dictate rules to private business, but with the bailout happening, it’s not too much to ask executives to forgo millions in bonus pay for making bad decisions whether directly or indirectly.  Obviously, if these businesses are getting assistance from the government, then obviously they helped create the situation.

I am willing to assume the risks and consequences without a bailout.