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FLOODING: Manitoba braces for flood like 2009

A stint of warmer weather did nothing to reduce the spring flood threat in Manitoba.

By Bruce Owen , February 24, 2011

UND FOOTBALL: Running back Murray dismissed from team

Josh Murray’s return to UND football in 2010 was a feel-good story for the Sioux. The running back from Pepin, Wis., missed the 2009 season because of academics. But he got his grades in order and received a second chance with the Sioux. Murray, however, was dismissed from the UND football team Thursday because of a violation of team rules, according to Sioux coach Chris Mussman.

By Wayne Nelson , February 03, 2011

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Analysts' advice on tax break: Why not spend it?

Thank Uncle Sam for your small pay raise. Included in the tax package that President Barack Obama signed in late December was a one-year, 2 percentage point reduction of the Social Security tax paid by employees. Through 2011, the tax will drop from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent. If you're your own boss, your tax will drop from 12.4 percent to 10.4 percent.

By Kara McGuire , January 21, 2011

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Turn your photo into a work of art

The creator of FotoSketcher, an otherwise free program for Windows PCs, would appreciate enough of a donation so he can afford a cup of coffee. A few cookies would be nice, too, he hints. However, if you have either Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, the gold and silver standards of photo-editing software, you might want to skip this column and the cup of coffee.

By Noah Matthews , January 21, 2011

Mentors offer invaluable aid to young professionals

If you're trying to pull yourself up by your bootstraps, it's nice to have a helpful tug. The work world has long been peppered with boss-protege relationships. "I saw something of myself in him when I was that age" is a comment I've often heard from successful businessmen who have nurtured the careers of rising stars.

By Diane Stafford , January 21, 2011

Q and A: The case of the disappearing Gmail photos

QUESTION: I've been using Google's free Gmail service to send photos inside an e-mail rather than as attachments. But a month ago, the photos stopped being sent. My friends received e-mails from me that had a red X where the photo should have been. My "sent" e-mail looks the same. Is this a Google issue, or is it something I caused on my PC?

By Steve Alexander , January 20, 2011

Q and A: Play to strengths, prepare for pitfalls with new business

QUESTION: I'm starting a small business and want to be sure that I set myself up to be successful. Apart from the usual — make a business plan, etc. — what else should I be thinking about?

By Liz Reyer , January 20, 2011

8 resolutions for retirement savers in 2011

Many Americans go off the grid in the final weeks of the year, but now that 2010 year-end statements are arriving in the mail it's time to get back on the grid — and to make sure you start 2011 on the right foot, especially with your retirement accounts.

By Robert Powell , January 20, 2011

Q and A: When is a volunteer really a volunteer?

QUESTION: I am the director of a nonprofit who depends on our volunteers for everything from animal care to answering phones. Without our volunteers, we would not be able to survive. We have been in business for 40 years and have been blessed to have so many caring volunteers throughout the years. Your column about the public-library volunteer who might deserve pay took me by surprise.

By Carrie Mason-Draffen , January 19, 2011

Get a handle on spending with fresh year ahead

The new year brings new goals, and those goals often include financial ones. Saving money is the third most popular goal, according to a survey of 5,000 people by 43things.com. And the way to save money is to either make more or spend less. For most of us, the latter is the most realistic option.

By Dan Serra , January 19, 2011

Q and A: Windows Vista challenges user's authority

QUESTION: I have a Dell PC with Microsoft Windows Vista as the operating system. Whenever I try to install a program, I get this message: "The system administrator has set policies to prevent this installation." When I attempt to uninstall programs, I get "You do not have sufficient access to uninstall (insert program here). Please contact your system administrator."

By Anne Krishnan , January 19, 2011

Q and A: An ink-efficient printer/scanner/copier?

Q. We are hoping to find an all-in-one printer/scanner/copier that does a good job of printing/scanning/copying, but uses the least amount of ink cartridges possible as that is the real cost. Can you recommend one for us?

By Don Lindich , January 18, 2011

Q and A: Reform law's effects on health care costs

QUESTION: I have a Medicare Advantage plan, and I love it. Small co-payment, no deductible and a fair limit of yearly out-of-pocket expenses, plus coverage for (Medicare) Part D drug benefit included in the premium. So, why is the new health care program going to eliminate it? What is wrong with it?

By Bruce Japsen , January 18, 2011

Q and A: Politely resist pressure to donate

QUESTION: Our manager is involved with a lot of community groups and charitable organizations. She is also a physical fitness nut who runs in marathons for various causes. The problem is that whenever she participates in something, she sends the staff an e-mail asking for contributions.

By Marie G. McIntyre , January 18, 2011

Computers don't get older; software gets younger

I can hear the groans from all those people who recently bought computers equipped with Intel's latest processor. They wanted the fastest computer their money could buy and they paid top dollar for it. And for a brief moment in time, they were happy. Some even bragged they owned the speediest Windows-based personal computer on the planet. But their happiness was short-lived. Intel has announced an even faster multi-core processor.

By Craig Crossman , January 17, 2011

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