Morning Media Summary

Tech:

Windows XP usage finally falls below 50% mark:
“At the end of July 2011, Microsoft can say that Windows XP finally fell below the 50 percent mark. In other words, Redmond’s decade-old operating system is now used by less than half of all Internet users.”

Facebook Firing: Feds, Managers Navigate ‘New Territory’ In Employment:
“The federal agency tasked with enforcing labor law has been fielding complaints from workers across the country who have been fired or disciplined for their work-related indiscretions on Facebook. Although the feds have taken up the cases of a number of jaded workers, others have essentially been told they have no one to blame for their workplace troubles but themselves.”

Global Warming / Environment / Energy:

N.R.C. Lowers Estimate of How Many Would Die in Meltdown:
“The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is approaching completion of an ambitious study that concludes that a meltdown at a typical American reactor would lead to far fewer deaths than previously assumed.”

Insurance / Gambling:

Bill to allow online gambling sites in California pits tribe against tribe:
“A bill to allow California businesses to operate online poker gambling has made for strange bedfellows and split traditional alliances as some Indian tribes have allied in support of the bill with card-room owners, often their political foes, against other tribes.”

Health / Safety:

Colon Cleansing Does More Harm Than Good: Study:
“Trendy colon cleanses don’t actually do anything to help your health, and they can even cause unwanted side effects, according to a new review of studies.”

Economics:

Compromise Passes House: $2.4 Trillion More In Debt:
“The debt compromise passed the House on Monday evening with a vote of 269-161.”

Legal:

Woodpecker-Saving Daughter Costs Mom $500:
“Eleven-year-old aspiring veterinarian, Skylar Capo, sprang into action the second she learned that a baby woodpecker in her Dad’s backyard was about to be eaten by the family cat.”

Labor:

Gowanda workers strike:
“Workers of the Gowanda Rehabilitation Nursing Center, a privately owned company, engaged in a 24-hour work stoppage Monday. About 100 workers ceased working from 6 a.m. Monday until 5:59 a.m. today.”

Transportation/ Land Use:

Federal spending cuts may hit California farm subsidies, high-speed rail:
“There are about 866,000 Californians who are paying for college with federal Pell grants. This week, they should count themselves lucky.”