US corruption probe nets dozens

More than 40 people, including politicians, officials and several rabbis have been arrested in a major FBI operation in the US.

Get ready for Windows 7 RC with this FAQ

While I have been working with Microsoft Windows 7 for quite some time now, I downloaded the Windows 7 Release Candidate on May 5, 2009, just to experience the procedure. While I was an early bird downloader (I actually began my download at 11:45 p.m. on May 4 and let the download progress as I slept), the download went off without a hitch, and from what Ive heard so far, there hasnt been a repeat of the crash that took down the Windows 7 Beta download servers in January. The installation also went very smoothly, and this RC version of the operating system is amazingly responsive and very stable.
In this edition of the Windows Vista and Windows 7 Report, Ill present you with a brief Windows 7 RC FAQ combined with some of my initial experiences. In the coming weeks, Ill continue to focus on various aspects of the RC version of the operating system.
This blog post is also available in PDF format in a free TechRepublic download.
What are the hardware requirements?
Actually, the hardware requirements for Windows 7 RC are relatively mild. I suppose thats because Windows Vista has been out for over two years and weve all had time to get used to the idea of advanced hardware requirements from an operating system combined with the fact that hardware that was once deemed as a steep-and-expensive increase has become commonplace.
In any case, the minimum system requirements youll need for Windows 7 include:
DVD burner/drive
1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
1 GB RAM (32-bit) / 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
16 GB available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit)
DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
My test system, on which I installed the 32-bit version, has a DVD burner, AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ processor, 1 GB RAM, an NVIDIA GeForce 6100 nForce 405 onboard video, and plenty of disk space. (For this particular test system, I installed an additional SATA hard disk, switched the cables, and installed Windows 7 RC on it. When I need to switch back to Vista, I just shut down and switch the cables. While it may sound like a crude mechanism, it is relatively quick to make the switch due to the SATA connectors, and I can reformat and reinstall at will without having to worry about dismantling my Vista test configuration.)
Can anyone get in on the release candidate program?
In days gone by, you had to be signed up/registered in the testing program in order to take part in release candidate testing, but not with Windows 7 RC. In fact, Microsoft is treating the RC like shareware. Anyone can download it for free and use it for a limited time before actually purchasing it. However, instead of a 30-, 60-, or 90-day trial, Microsoft is giving you 300 days. On March 1, 2010, the RC will start shutting down every two hours and will completely stop working on June 1, 2010.
To get your free copy, just go to the Windows 7 Release Candidate Download page and follow the instructions. The RC will be available for download at least through July 2009, and Microsoft is not limiting the number of product keys.
Whats new in this version?
The short answer is plenty! If youve been following my blogs over the past few months, you already have an overview of many of the new features, such as a new Taskbar, Jump Lists, Aero Snap, Aero Peek, Problem Steps Recorder, file system Libraries, User Account Control Settings, and enhancements to Task Manager and Resource Monitor just to name a few. At this point, Windows 7 RC is said to be feature-complete, which means that everything that was planned is now in the operating system
One of the hottest new features being introduced as an add-on with the RC version is XP Mode, which will allow you to run older apps that work fine in XP but are incompatible with 7 in a virtual environment. XP Mode is based on Microsofts Virtual PC and runs Windows XP SP3 in a virtual machine. Keep in mind that XP Mode is available only with Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions and requires that your CPU support hardware virtualization.
Other new features being introduced with the RC include BitLocker To Go, which extends the BitLocker drive encryption feature to USB removable drives. Another new security feature aimed at removable drives is actually something that Microsoft removed from the operating system  AutoRun. When you connect a removable drive, malware will no longer be able to piggyback off of AutoRun to launch its attack.
While not as crucial as some of the other features in the operating system, youll now find a plethora of new multimedia-based features, new sound schemes, new themes, and new desktop wallpapers, including a picture shuffle that changes your wallpaper every 30 minutes. And theres much, much more&
Where can I learn more?
Of course, Ill be covering Windows 7 RC in more detail in upcoming blogs, so you learn more right here at TechRepublic. You should also frequent Microsofts Windows 7 page and sign up for the Windows Vista and Windows 7 Report newsletter.
Whats your take?
Have you downloaded and installed Windows 7 RC? If so, what is your impression? If you havent done so yet, are you planning on downloading and installing Windows 7 RC? As always, if you have comments or information to share, please take a moment to drop by the TechRepublic Community Forums and let us hear from you.
TechRepublics Windows Vista and Windows 7 Report newsletter, delivered every Friday, offers tips, news, and scuttlebutt on Vista and Windows 7, including a look at new features in the latest version of the Windows OS. Automatically sign up today!

Installation 5: Self Portrait

Opening this Thursday at the Showroom in New York City will be the latest installment of the Scion touring series titled, Installation 5: Self Portrait. In the Scion tradition of supporting both established and emerging artists, the proceeds from this season's tour will benefit the art programs of the Creative Capital Foundation.The fifth Installment of the art tour features an amazing roster of artists, including, Aj Fosik, Andrew Schoultz, David Choe, Kelsey Brookes, Mark Mothersbaugh, and Codak, among many others. The exhibition will visit 9 cities in total during the full tour making upcoming stops in San Jose, Philadelphia, Portland and reaching its final destination at the Scion Installation Gallery in Culver City, California.
Top Image (left to right): AJ Fosik, Kelsey Brookes, and Codak

Space shuttle finally blasts off

The US space agency Nasa has successfully launched the space shuttle Endeavour - at the sixth attempt.

Earlier launches at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida were called off because of bad weather and fuel leaks.

The crew will spend 11 days on the International Space Station, finishing work on a Japanese research laboratory.

Special issue of Applied Cognitive Psychology on eyewitness research

The latest issue of Applied Cognitive Psychology (Volume 22 Issue 6, September 2008) is a special devoted to Basic and Applied Issues in Eyewitness Research, edited by Brian H. Bornstein, Christian A. Meissner. Published to mark the centenary of the publication of On the Witness Stand by Hugo Munsterburg, one of forensic psychologys founding fathers, this issue contains a feast of articles by some of the top names in the field, and will be a valuable resource for anyone interested in eyewitness psychology. The editors explain why the publication of Munsterbergs text is worth marking: Hugo Munsterberg, who was one of the earliest researchers on eyewitness memory, is probably the first figure to advocate strongly for a wider reliance by the courts on psychological research& [His] efforts were largely rebuffed & and since that time, there have been repeated calls for the courts to take eyewitness research (indeed, all social science research) more seriously, accompanied by a range of judicial responses ranging from ready acceptance to outright rejection (Monahan & Walker, 2005). Nor are all psychologists of one mind on this issue. Indeed, even Munsterberg himself, who is widely regarded as one of the founders of applied psychology, at times urged caution in applying psychological research findings to real-world problems& Bornstein and Meissner go on to highlight two other reasons to revisit the issue of applying psychology in the courtroom: First, despite the increasing acceptance of eyewitness research in the courtroom (they say the American courtroom but of course other countries judicial systems have also taken note) there remain disagreements about the quality and ecological validity of such research. And second, the editors suggest that the trend for greater acceptance of research findings by the legal system has, in the opinions of some observers, created a situation in which there is an overemphasis on practical questions, accompanied by a lack of theoretical relevance. In other words, applied researchers need to pay equal attention to theoretical and practical implications of their research. The articles in this issue set eyewitness research in a historical context and address the specific issues associated with such research and its applications. Highly recommended. Contents include: Basic and applied issues in eyewitness research: A Münsterberg centennial retrospective - Brian H. Bornstein, Christian A. Meissner Lessons from the origins of eyewitness testimony research in Europe - Siegfried Ludwig Sporer Hugo who? G. F. Arnolds alternative early approach to psychology and law - Brian H. Bornstein, Steven D. Penrod Toward a more informative psychological science of eyewitness evidence - John Turtle, J. Don Read, D. Stephen Lindsay, C. A. Elizabeth Brimacombe A middle road approach to bridging the basic-applied divide in eyewitness identification research - Sean M. Lane, Christian A. Meissner Study space analysis for policy development - Roy S. Malpass, Colin G. Tredoux, Nadja Schreiber Compo, Dawn McQuiston-Surrett, Otto H. MacLin, Laura A. Zimmerman, Lisa D. Topp The importance (necessity) of computational modelling for eyewitness identification research - Steven E. Clark Estimating the impact of estimator variables on eyewitness identification: A fruitful marriage of practical problem solving and psychological theorizing - Kenneth A. Deffenbacher Eyewitness confidence and latency: Indices of memory processes not just markers of accuracy - Neil Brewer, Nathan Weber Münsterbergs legacy: What does eyewitness research tell us about the reliability of eyewitness testimony? - Amina Memon, Serena Mastroberardino, Joanne Fraser Theory, logic and data: Paths to a more coherent eyewitness science - Gary L. Wells See also: British Psychological Society guidelines on memory On the Witness Stand: Essays on Psychology and Crime by Hugo Munsterberg

Chicago Cubs @ Milwaukee Brewers: 6:05 ET/7:05 CT CSN

The only part of Ararmis Ramirez currently un-injured.
Yes, we lost last night. Yes, we're back in 4th place, once again looking up at the Reds (boo!). Yes, Aramis Ramirez has been mortally wounded, thus necessitating additional playing time for Aaron Miles. Yes, Ryan Freel is now for some reason on our team. Yes, I have a headache.
I suppose I could sit here and give you all a list of silver linings after yesterday's debacle, but I won't. Because Umbra has already done it for me: Umbra's Top Ten Reasons Not to Panic
10. The Cubs are 2-4 in 1-run games. A run here or there, and this team wins more of those. Yeah, but a quarter inch the other way and you'd have missed completely.
9. Milton Bradley has already blown up at the Ump and gotten tossed. He is contrite and wants to change, so this will never happen again.
8. Fukudome has changed his approach from last year. He only changes approaches about once a year, so if the team does poorly, Fukudome can take few months off, change his approach again, and come out swinging.
7. The Cub's farm system will be its saving grace. The infusion of young blood in the form of 31-year-old rookie sensation Bobby Scales and 29-year-old Micah Hoffpauir is what this club needs.
6. Ryan Theriot hasn't been caught stealing since April 23. Maybe he is learning. At this rate, he will stop getting picked off third base by mid-July.
5. Jeff Samardzija is widely considered to be the best catching tight-end in all of baseball.
4. With Manny Ramirez out 50 games, he will not be able to crush our dreams like he did last year in the playoffs when the Cubs play the Dodgers at the end of May. Orlando Hudson will.
3. Denise Richards has already sung the 7th inning stretch this month and cannot legally sing it again until June.
2. Ryan Freel can be rearranged to spell "Fern Relay".
1. We're all going to die of swine flu anyway.
And (and I know this bound to offend SOMEONE, but whatever):
Tonight it's Canadian Ryan Dempster against Northern Beern Town Prodigy Yovanni Gallardo (who is on my fantasy team, so this is a tough night for me). The game starts at 6:00 on CSN. Lineups to come.

Seattle Mariners Team Report

INSIDE PITCH The Mariners are getting a little closer to having the bullpen they envisioned at the start of the season. Brandon Morrow came back from the disabled list Saturday, got into Sunday's game and collected his sixth save. Tyler Johnson, who is coming back from shoulder surgery last year when he was playing with St. Louis, is still in Peoria, Ariz., working out in extended spring training. He's scheduled to throw a simulated game Tuesday, after which he could go on an injury rehabilitation assignment. The club could see him back by the end of the month. Chad Cordero, also at the spring facility in Peoria, is set to throw in Tuesday's simulated game, too. However, he has more of those to come in the wake of surgery to repair a torn labrum last July 8. Still, he's getting closer and could be back next month. Johnson and Corder are significant because of their history. Johnson was an up-and-coming pitcher with the Cardinals from 2005-07 before a bout with bursitis ultimately led to surgery. In the 2006 playoffs, he helped the World Series champion Cardinals by appearing in 10 postseason games, striking out 12 in 7 1/3 innings. He held left-handed hitters to a .221 average that season, and held all hitters to a .217 average in 2007. Cordero was an All-Star with the Nationals in 2005 (47 saves) and had 113 saves in 2005-07 before needing his shoulder worked on. Meanwhile, Cesar Jimenez is out on an injury rehabilitation assignment and could be back sooner than either from his bout with left biceps tendinitis. And Roy Corcoran, on the disabled list with strained neck, is due to resume throwing this weekend.NOTES, QUOTESDH Ken Griffey Jr.'s eighth-inning home run Sunday was his 26th in the Metrodome. That's the most he's had as a visitor in any ballpark. And it will be his last, as the Mariners have already played twice in Minneapolis this season and the Twins move into a new stadium next season. And the homer was his seventh on Mother's Day. In baseball history, the only men who have hit more Mother's Day homers than Griffey Hank Aaron and Frank Robinson, both with nine.RHP Brandon Morrow, activated from the disabled list on Saturday, has moved right back into his role as the closer. RHP David Aardsma, who was closing in Morrow's absence, will now pitch the eighth inning. Morrow's appearance Sunday was his first in 17 days.RHP Carlos Silva went on the disabled list Saturday with right shoulder inflammation, but manager Don Wakamatsu is at least as concerned with Silva's confidence level as with his shoulder. "It's not mechanical, it's a matter of confidence," Wakamatsu said. "We believe he can pitch effectively, he doesn't right now. He has to, to be successful."BY THE NUMBERS: 26 Metrodome home runs by Ken Griffey Jr., including a game-tying shot in the eighth inning Sunday. That's the most for him in any road ball park.QUOTE TO NOTE: "The test is all year, not six games." DH Ken Griffey Jr., on the Mariners' just-ended six-game losing streak.ROSTER REPORT1B Mike Sweeney was unavailable to play Sunday after a recurrence of back spasms. He should be ready to play again when Mariners open a three-game series in Texas on Tuesday.LHP Jason Vargas, who pitched two games in relief after being called up from Tacoma, will get his first start as a Mariner on Tuesday in Texas. Vargas spent most of his limited time with the Marlins and the Mets the last few years as a starter.LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith, on the disabled list with left triceps tendinitis, will throw a simulated game this week in Texas, then throw a bullpen session a couple of days later. After that, he's likely to go out on an injury rehabilitation assignment. He's not likely to be back with the Mariners much before the end of the month.RHP Shawn Kelley, who went on the disabled list with a strained left oblique, is likely to need more time than the mandatory 15 days on the DL. He could miss a month or more.RF Ichiro Suzuki has 34 hits this season. Of those, 11 have been infield hits, including three in the last five games.DH Ken Griffey Jr. had a double Sunday, the 507th of his big-league career. That moves him past Babe Ruth (506). Griffey is alone in 42nd place on the all-time list. Next up is Rickey Henderson (510).LHP Tyler Johnson, on the disabled list as he recovers from last year's elbow surgery, is scheduled to throw a simulated game in extended spring training Tuesday in Arizona. At that point he will go on an injury rehabilitation assignment, although the Mariners have not said which club he'll be assigned to.RHP Carlos Silva, on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation, is expected to resume throwing this week during the series in Texas. MEDICAL WATCH: 1B Mike Sweeney (back spasms) did not play May 10 but is expected back in the lineup May 12. RHP Brandon Morrow (right biceps tendinitis) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 24. He was activated May 9. RHP Carlos Silva (right shoulder inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 7. RHP Shawn Kelley (strained left oblique muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list May 6. He could miss at least one month. RHP Roy Corcoran (strained neck) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 29. LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith (left triceps tendinitis) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 11. He threw a bullpen session May 5, and he will throw another May 7. He is scheduled for a simulated game the following week, after which he might start a rehab assignment. LHP Cesar Jimenez (left biceps tendinitis) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 29. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Tacoma on April 24, and he could be activated in early May. LHP Ryan Feierabend (Tommy John elbow surgery in March 2009) went on the 60-day disabled list March 16. LHP Tyler Johnson (left shoulder surgery in May 2008) started the season in the minors. He might start a rehab assignment with Class AAA Tacoma during the weekend of May 8-10. RHP Chad Cordero (right shoulder surgery in July 2008) signed a minor league deal with the Mariners during the spring, and he wasn't ready for opening day. He was throwing in extended spring training in early May. ROTATION: RHP Felix Hernandez LHP Erik Bedard LHP Jarrod Washburn RHP Chris Jakubauskas LHP Jason Vargas BULLPEN: RHP Brandon Morrow (closer) RHP David Aardsma RHP Miguel Batista RHP Mark Lowe RHP Sean White RHP Denny Stark LHP Garrett Olson CATCHERS: Kenji Johjima Rob Johnson INFIELDERS: 1B Russell Branyan 2B Jose Lopez SS Yuniesky Betancourt 3B Adrian Beltre INF Mike Sweeney INF Ronny Cedeno OUTFIELDERS: LF Endy Chavez CF Franklin Gutierrez RF Ichiro Suzuki DH Ken Griffey Jr. OF Wladimir Balentien