Flash 05/03

Say Goodbye:
So long, floppies, and farewell toanalog
We predicted the floppy's demise ("AFloppy Finish," September 2001). Now Dell Computer Corp.has stopped putting floppy drives in its desktop computers. Expertspredict every major vendor will follow suit in the next year . . .The FCC will phase out analog wireless service within five years.Although 85 percent of U.S. wireless subscribers now use digitalcell phones, about 20.5 million people still use analog.

FamilyMatters:
Proving that the way to a mom's walletis through her kid
Making life easier for parents: At The Little LeprechaunAcademy day-care center in Mason, Ohio, parents picking up theirkids can also pick up gourmet takeout meals such as burgundy beefstew or roasted ginger pork loin. They can also drop off their drycleaning and fuel up on free Starbucks coffee . . . Making lifeharder for parents: Supermarkets are partnering with toyretailers to part parents from more dollars. Albertson'sJewel-Osco division recently announced it will launch in-store Toys"R" Us departments in some Chicago-area stores. Toys"R" Us already has a similar relationship withAhold's Giant Food division, as does KoB Toys with Safeway.