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Details the evolution of prisons into nursing homes in the United States. Observation of Texas Department of Criminal Justice's managed-health-care advisory-committee executive director Jim Riley concerning prisoners' old age; Obligations to provide medical care for prisoners; Implications on the institutions' federal budget.

Offers strategies for saving money on long-distance calls. Making inquiries on discounted rates; Comparison of rates of long-distance carriers; Identification of personal calling habits; Reading of restrictions and extra fees disclosed in fine print.

Presents a guide for donating to a charity and giving financial gifts. Charity watchdog organizations in the United States; Checklist for charity; Careful planning for a successful financial gift.

Provides information on a computer's hardware, operating system and software programs that are vital to testing its vulnerability to the Year 2000 (Y2K) problem. Resetting of the internal clock of the basic input/output system using Windows; Microsoft Windows 98 and Windows NT operating systems as Y2K compliant.

Focuses on technological products which are available for adults. Launching of an armchair control system; Features of the system; Details on Broom Vac; Other information on elctrical products; Cost of the items; Contact information.

Focuses on some of the dangers which can be experienced when persons combine drugs with other products, while focusing on an experience encountered by Jack Haines. Details on Haines; medical background; Effects of the drug combination with grapefruit on Haines; Importance of obeying instructions provided by pharmacists. INSET: Play it safe by J.R.H..

Offers a warning to people seeking advice from insurance agents regarding replacing current cash-value life insurance policy with new or an additional life insurance. Sales practice of `churning' by agents; Definition; Disadvantages of replacing insurance policy; Recommendations from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for up-to-date model regulations; Contact information for advice from insurance group.

Discusses how retired people in the United States can raise funds to help schools. Tips from the book `Raising Funds for Your Child's School,' by Cynthia Francis Gensheimer; Earnings schools would derive by selling merchandise; Criticisms against certain fundraising methods. INSET: Five effective ways to help your local schools..

Reports that bank fees has increased according to a survey by the Consumer Federation of America and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. Increase in the cost of maintaining bank accounts; Increase in the minimum-balance requirements; Charging of service fees of some banks; Points to consider to minimize service fees.

States that in an effort to decrease dental costs, patients should practice good preventative maintenance. Comments from Christine Dumas, a Los Angeles, California dentist; Other suggestions for decreasing costs.

Describes cards that facilitate cashless payments. Bank accounts required for debit cards; Convenience of stored-value money cards; High-technology capacities of smart cards.

Informs about the services offered by small long-distance telephone companies as compared to larger better known companies. Their performance and rate structures; Other aspects of dealing with smaller and large telephone companies.

Cites guidelines offered by real-estate appraisers on home improvements with the aim of putting it up for sale. Hiring of a professional; Focus on the average buyer; Modernization of plumbing, electrical wiring or heating fixtures; Basic interior facelift; Kitchen and bathroom improvements; Landscaping.

Reports on the advertising efforts of United States companies towards grandparents as consumers. Attitude of Americans towards the grandparent role; Dislike on too flashy/modern portrayals of the grandparent role.

Focuses on prepaid telephone cards. Advantage of curbing long-distance calling habits; Expensive rates; Contact information.

Answers questions on extended warranties. Definition; Implications; Results of a study in `Consumer Reports' regarding extended warranties on electronic items and appliances; Cost for extended auto warranties; Precautions in getting extended warranties.