Buffett Ousts Gates as World's Richest Man

Gates held top spot for 13 years; new to list is 23-year-old Facebook founder.

In denial: Why file tax returns?

While we may sometimes fantasize about just not paying our income taxes, such wishful thinking has turned into actions of denial by some would-be filers. Big mistake.

Big Auto Sales Drops for the Big Three

GM, Ford and Chrysler all report sales declines for February.

Banks should accept mortgage principal cuts: Bernanke (Reuters)

Reuters - Banks may have to swallow
reductions in the principal of some troubled home loans to ward
off greater losses that could result from outright default,
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said on Tuesday.

10 Tips: Renting rather than buying?

Given the current state of the housing market in many parts of the country, it might make more financial sense for you to rent for the time being rather than buy a home.

What U.S. Workers Need: A Pillow

American workers need about 40 more minutes a sleep each day.

10 Tips: Dating services help

Consumer complaints about dating services has jumped 73 percent. If you’re using a dating service, these tips can help you avoid feeling heartbroken because you spent too much.

Clinton Is Urged to Drop Out if She Loses on Tuesday

Some top Democrats are putting pressure on Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton to bow out unless she scores clear victories in the crucial big-state primary contests. “I just think that D-Day is Tuesday,” said Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, a former Democratic presidential candidate who has yet to throw his support behind either candidate.

Investors Dump Equities For Bonds (Investor's Business Daily)

Investor's Business Daily - Investors trying to come to grips with a sharp market sell-off yanked $44.84 billion from stock funds in January, reversing December's inflow of $2.17 billion, according to the Investment Company Institute.

How A Secret Pentagon Program Came To Abu Ghraib

"The roots of the Abu Ghraib prison scandal lie not in the criminal inclinations of a few Army reservists but in a decision, approved last year [2003] by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, to expand a highly secret operation, which had been focussed on the hunt for Al Qaeda, to the interrogation of prisoners in Iraq."

Anti-marijuana laws need relaxation

The time has come to relax our laws on marijuana use and possession. Admitting one's past use of marijuana is trendy in modern America. It's even a little presidential. Barack Obama smoked his fair share of cannabis. John Kennedy, Howard Dean and John Kerry all owned up to the dirty deed as well. But it's more than just politicians.

Who's No. 1? $14.3M License Plate Buyer

Man pays record amount for car license plate at Abu Dhabi auction.

Re-Listing Homes: Marketing or Deception?

Many real estate agents re-list homes that haven't sold. Is it bad business?

Northrop-EADS beats Boeing to build U.S. tanker (Reuters)

Reuters - Northrop Grumman and Airbus parent
EADS won a $35 billion U.S. Air Force refueling plane deal on
Friday in a surprise blow to Boeing, until now the Pentagon's
sole supplier of aerial tankers.

Wall Street woes a drag on FTSE (FT.com)

FT.com - Yell was hit by heavy selling again Thursday after a US rival reduced its earnings forecast because of the weakening domestic economy.

What the Fed's big rate cut means to you

If you’ve been investing for a while, you’ve lived through the '87 crash and the tech-stock collapse , but that doesn’t make this year’s plunge easy to stomach. So, what’s it mean to you ?

Clinton at Risk of Losing Latino Vote

"A recent Gallup survey found Obama in a slight, but not statistically significant, lead over Clinton among Latinos. Obama-mania has gone multicultural. And it's about time."

Economy Comes to Near Halt

The U.S. economy grew by a minuscule 0.6 percent in the last quarter of 2007.

Stealthy Stack

Four USAF F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighters fly in formation during a sortie over the Antelope Valley, California, USA. Photographer: Bobbi Zapka, Chief, Aerial Photo Department at Edwards Air Force Base

The most overpriced suburbs in America

While many of the nation's homeowners are worried about falling home prices, others would argue they're not falling fast enough.

Fly First Class at Coach Prices

Learn how to get luxury treatment in the air while paying economy prices.

Dollar Sinks to All-Time Low Against Euro

Weak US economy to blame for dollar's woes worldwide.

16-yo has Sex w/13-yo, now registered sex offender for life

When Ricky was 16, he went to a teen club and met a girl named Amanda, who said she was the same age. They hit it off and were eventually having sex. Two years later, Ricky is a registered sex offender, and his life is destroyed. Amanda turned out to be 13. Ricky was arrested, tried as an adult, and pleaded guilty. Is Ricky really a sex offender?

When And How: The U.S. Lost 8 Nuclear Weapons

During the Cold War the United States military misplaced at least eight nuclear weapons permanently. These are the stories of what the Department of Defense calls “broken arrows”

The World's Most Expensive Rental Markets

Thinking of renting a home overseas? These prices might force you to reconsider.

2004: Nader was funded by high-dollar Republican donors

GOP donors funding Nader: Among those who had given to Nader were businessman Nijad Fares, who donated $200,000 to Bush's 2000 inaugural committee; Richard and Pamela Egan, who have raised more than $300,000 for Bush; and Michigan developer Ghassan Saab, who has given $30,000 to the RNC since 2001. Follow the money.

GOP congressman indicted for extortion, money laundering

Republican Rep. Rick Renzi has been indicted for extortion, wire fraud, money laundering and other charges related to a land deal in Arizona

More people are tapping their 401(k) for cash

Trent Charlton knew the risks when he borrowed $10,000 from his 401(k) and cut his retirement savings in half.

Bernanke to tell Congress has eyes on growth risks (Reuters)

Reuters - * What: Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke delivers
semi-annual economic outlook testimony to Congress

Texans rally against planned Mexico-to-Canada superhighway

CNN's Lou Dobbs: Somebody's messing with Texas here.

I found the BEEF - Obama's Senate Record

What is Obama's legislative record in the Senate? This might surprise you...

Talk of bond insurer rescue spurs late stock rally (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. stocks rallied late on Friday on
news that banks were near an agreement to bail out bond insurer
Ambac Financial, a deal that could prevent further damage to
the banking industry and credit markets.

No Oil, No Peace, No Problem

In 'Fuel of War,' players can have fun as an oil shortage spurs a new world war.

Sad, self-absorbed shoppers spend more

If you’re sad and shopping, watch your wallet: A new study shows people’s spending judgment goes out the window when they’re down, especially if they’re a bit self-absorbed.

10 Tips: What to do with tax rebate?

Under a federal government stimulus plan, checks would be sent out in amounts ranging from $300 to $1,200 per household. How should you spend it?

MUST SEE: Hillary chants "Yes we will! Yes we will!"

Hillary was at an Ohio rally and began to chant "yes we will!" while the crowd looks on in horror..

Fed forecasts inflation, unemployment (AP)

AP - The Federal Reserve on Wednesday lowered its projection for economic growth this year, citing damage from the double blows of a housing slump and credit crunch. It said it also expects higher unemployment and inflation.

Love can hurt — your bank account

From the first date until the time you finally head down the aisle, you can easily have spent more than $40,000 on vacations, jewelry, wedding expenses, and meals out, according to BusinessWeek's calculations .

Protecting investments from steep stock slides

There are ways to minimize losses in a stock market downturn, and you can even profit from one. But each technique, from stop-loss orders to short sales to “put” options, has drawbacks.

Wal-Mart profit rises, revenue up (AP)

AP - Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, said Tuesday its renewed focus on low prices paid off with a 4 percent rise in profit for its fourth quarter as holiday shoppers brought discounted groceries and home electronics as well as health and wellness products.

Don't Get Fat While Waiting for Your Flight

From "guiltless salmon" to tapas: How to find healthy food at the airport.

Airport Luxe: Terminals Spare No Expense

Virgin, British Airways fight for the sleekest, hippest terminal in London.

Kosovo Declares Independence

Kosovo has formally declared its independence from Serbia and become the world's newest state...

REUTERS: 22k [Americans] Died Amid Delayed Bayer Drug Recall

"Dr. Dennis Mangano, the study's researcher, said during the program that 22,000 lives could have been saved if Trasylol had been taken off the market when he first published his study in January 2006."

House GOP Stages Walkout On House Floor

On the House floor today, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) led Republicans in a walkout in protest of a contempt vote, alleging the vote is “embarrassing political activity.” The GOP is pushing for the House to approve the Senate’s version of the Protect America Act, which includes retroactive immunity for telecommunications firms.

How “Flat Earth” News is Killing Journalism

For hundreds of years everyone knew the Earth was flat. Indeed it was a heresy to challenge that statement. Eventually someone, Galileo or Copernicus, bothered to check and discovered they were wrong. But if you look at the way the mass media functions today you’ll see we are riddled with “flat earth” statements.

Answer Desk: How much will my rebate be?

What could be simpler than handing out tax rebates? Alas, with all things related to the U.S. tax code, the question of who gets what turns out to be not so simple.

Riding Momentum, Obama Cuts Deep Into Clinton’s Base

Hillary Clinton’s crushing losses in Maryland and Virginia highlight an erosion in what had been solid advantages among women, whites, older and working-class voters. And while last year’s polls showed Clinton leading among men, Obama now leads her among males by 11%. Her presidential campaign could be doomed if the trends continues.

Luxury Hotels Boom in the Middle East

Palace-style hotels combine ancient aesthetics with modern indulgences.

Clinton & Obama have given superdelegates over $800,000 cash

Elected officials serving as superdelegates have received about $890,000 from Obama and Clinton in the form of campaign contributions over the last three years the Center for Responsive Politics reported today.

Clinton - All Obama Wins Besides Illinois Insignificant

Do you live in the following states? WA, ID, NV, UT, CO, ND, MN, IA, NE, KS, MO, AK LA, AL, GA, SC, VA, MD, ME, CT?The Clinton campaign believes all these states which voted for Barack Obama aren't "significant" states according to Clinton pollster, Mark Penn, only Illinois fits that description. Show Hill what is significant and vote Obama!

U.S. Trade Deficit Shrinks for the Year

Despite a record deficit with China, the total deficit dropped 6.2 percent.

Buying past winning stocks: easy and worthwhile (Reuters)

Reuters - Buying past winners in the stock markets
sounds like a no-brainer, but this simple momentum strategy
gives long-term returns at least twice as great as
short-selling past losers, a study showed on Thursday.

Senate OKs immunity for telecoms

The Senate voted Tuesday to shield from lawsuits telecommunications companies that helped the government eavesdrop on their customers without court permission after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Buffett plan lifts European stocks (FT.com)

FT.com - European equities swung higher on Tuesday after traders latched on to positive news from Germany and the US, giving battered cyclical stocks a lift.

Pelosi to Kucinich: drop impeachment or lose Congress seat

Before Nevada primary, Dennis was visited by representatives of Nancy Pelosi and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee — AIPAC. They told Dennis that if he would drop efforts to impeach Cheney & Bush, they would guarantee his re-election to Congress. He kicked them out, and now faces several well-financed primary challengers.

Obama's Average Vote Share is 16% Higher Than Clinton's

Obama has shown an ability to clobber Clinton in state contests, whereas Clinton simply edges Obama in the larger states. Who is a more viable candidate? Amazing that the mainstream media has not covered this analysis.

And the Grammy goes to ... Barack Obama!

Obama on Sunday won the spoken word Grammy for the audiobook version of his blockbuster tome "The Audacity of Hope." It marked his second Grammy statuette, following a win in 2006 for "Dreams From My Father."

Man Arrested For Stealing and Selling 500 Kidneys

In Nepal (AP)- The leader of a black market kidney ring is being sent back to India. Amit Kumar is wanted for removing hundreds of kidneys from poor laborers often at gunpoint.

Are Muscle Cars Uncool?

Makers of the Camaro and the Challenger now cringe at the term "muscle car."

Barack Posters in California made by Shepard Fairey

"The California Primaries are over, but the pasters will still stay up."OBEYGIANT's Shepard Fairey has (awesome) Obama posters scattered throughout California, check them out!

Want a Mortgage? Now is Not the Time

Survey shows "significant numbers" of lenders have tightened credit standards.

Your 2008 Plan for Success

It's a new year, and 2008 can be the best year ever for you and your business.

What This Recession Nonsense Really Means for Us

Recession, shmecession. Everyone keeps blathering on about the dwindling dollar, the deflating markets, and an economy that is sure to dissolve into something obscenely dire any day now. But what does that all really mean and what exactly are we supposed to be doing about it?

Which businesses hold up well in a recession?

A reader wonders which businesses do well when the economy heads south.? The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com’s John W. Schoen.

10 Tips: How to score big at yard sales

With a little bit of advance planning, you can greatly improve your experience at garage sales and save serious cash on all sorts of purchases, both big and small.

Obama's Super Tuesday Post Election Speech

The full 20 minute speech.

United to Charge $25 to Check Second Bag

The airline, struggling with high fuel costs, hopes to raise more money this way

The CIA operation that should have prevented the Iraq war

When Saad Tawfiq watched Colin Powell's presentation to the United Nations on February 5 2003 he shed bitter tears as he realised he had risked his life and those of his loved ones for nothing.

In uncertain times, invest in the long-term

While Wall Street debates whether the U.S. is headed for recession, investors don't have to wait for an answer — they can take steps to limit their risks.

How much will I get from the stimulus plan?

Now that the dust has settled on the government's plan to spend $100 billion on tax rebates, readers have ?one question in mind: how much do I get??? The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com’s John W. Schoen.

Clinton suggests tapping wages to pay for healthcare

Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton said Sunday she might be willing to garnish the wages of workers who refuse to buy health insurance to achieve coverage for all Americans. The New York senator has criticized presidential rival Barack Obama for pushing a health plan that would not require universal coverage.

Why American kids hate books

American kids hate books because they are rejecting all one-to-many media (including TV). If you want to make kids fall in love with books, make them participatory like Japan has. To increase the reading of novels, figure out how to let young people publish their own.

Clinton Push Poll in California: Dirty Tricks Again

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton or one of her well monied supporters is up to the old style down right Rovian dirty politics again. So buyer beware. If you are getting a "POLL" call and they start talking "POLICY" you are not taking a poll at all. You are getting lied too.

A $2,500 Car: Environmental Nightmare?

India's Tata Motors unveils ultracheap car, bringing ownership to millions.

Third Cable Cut -- Now Iran Has No Internet Access

I told you early Wednesday morning that much of the Middle East and most of India lost Internet access when an undersea cable was cut (it turns out that two cables were cut). Now, a third cable has apparently been severed, and the entire nation of IRAN HAS ZERO INTERNET ACCESS.

Rio Tinto's chief waits for richer BHP offer (Reuters)

Reuters - With his formal training in geology, Tom
Albanese could be excused for believing he'd struck the mother
lode after orchestrating a bump-free $38 billion acquisition of
Alcan just six months into his new job as chief executive of
Rio Tinto, the world's second-largest mining house.

Hillary's Looming Electability

The case that Dems will lose the election in November if Hillary wins the nomination. To win the election, Obama has by far the best chance.

Breaking: Large Internet failure hits Africa and Asia

Large swathes of Asia, the Middle East and north Africa had their high-technology services crippled Thursday following a widespread Internet failure which brought many businesses to a standstill and left others struggling to cope.

Share price falls erode income drawdown plans (FT.com)

FT.com - When stock markets fall, one of the biggest triggers of panic for private investors is the thought that their retirement savings are being chipped away before their eyes.

An Army of Mavericks

The Florida GOP, iPhone hacking, Societe Generale and institutional loyalty.

This is how Internet can help make a better world! Want in?

By watching a video online right here and now, you're effectively helping a homeless guy in Paris - with documented proof! How is that for a butterfly effect?

As economy tumbles, retirees scramble to cope

Rising food and fuel prices, falling interest rates and screeching declines in global stock markets have retirees paring spending to levels some haven't seen in decades.

Obama Could WIn New York City!

A WNBC/Marist poll released last week found that although Mrs. Clinton had a 47% to 31% lead over Mr. Obama among likely New York State voters, he was far closer in New York City, drawing 39% of likely voters versus 43% for Senator Clinton. In recent weeks, Mr. Obama's support has been surging among black voters, a demographic he won 4 to 1 in SC.

Fund managers: Keep cool in volatile market

Stock markets are likely to remain volatile for some time dogged by persistent worries about a U.S. recession and the credit crunch, fund managers said on Wednesday, with Fidelity advising investors to keep their cool.

Where tax savings are: Detailing deductions

With the start of the new tax year, the hunt for tax-lowering deductions and credits is officially on. But new opportunities are scarcer this year.

10 Tips: Fix credit-report errors

Have you ever been horrified to discover errors on your credit report? Such inaccuracies can and should strike fear into any conscientious consumer’s heart. Here are some helpful tips.

China concerns delay HK trade by mainlanders (FT.com)

FT.com - China's worries over the subprime debacle are contributing to delays in allowing individual mainland citizens to buy shares on the Hong Kong stock market, the head of the self-governing territory's central bank said on Tuesday.

Interview with Romney, reporter decides who to vote for

This reporter has had enough with the lies of Candidate, and decides after an interview in which Romney laughed at his opponents just who to vote for.

Do You Want to Recession-Proof Your Career?

Nightline is looking for people who want to weather a turbulent economy.

Debt Consolidation and You...

Being in debt is one of the most terrible feelings you can experience. It takes away your pride, and any hopes of feeling free. Debt has consumed our nation like none other, and shows no signs of stopping. The greedy are getting their money at a record pace, and it doesnt seem like they care to do much more about it then collect money at any cost. Most of the blame can be carried over to the government, which is coaxed into doing the financial institutions bidding, and being wined and dined by lobbyists alike.


debt counseling, debt consolidation, finance, credit, loans, financial freedom, finance guide, business loans

HILLARY IS TRYING TO STEAL THE ELECTION

Clinton said Friday — just four days before Florida's primary — that she wants the convention delegates from Florida and Michigan reinstated. The National Democratic Party eliminated all the delegates from those states because they broke party rules by holding their primaries before Feb. 5. Democrats agreed not to campaign there.

Victoria's Secret, Super Bowl Resume Affair

Lingerie chain to run ads during Super Bowl for first time since '99.

Embattled Palm will Close All But One Retail Store (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - Caught in a fierce competitive market populated by BlackBerries, iPhones and other innovative devices, Palm announced this weekend that it will close most of its retail stores.

URGENT: Oppose Telecom Immunity and Contact Your Senator

As early as Monday, the Administration and its allies are trying to end Senate debate on FISA and telecom immunity and force a vote on the Senate Intelligence Committee's bill-a bill that would broadly expand the executive branch's spying powers while granting immunity to telecoms that broke the law and assisted in the NSA's illegal domestic spying

New Hampshire Primary - Breakdown of chain of custody

They decided NOT to put the ballots in the vault and the "Seal" does NOT seal the box. Smoke and mirrors in New Hampshire recount.Our tax dollars pay these people to gaurd them don't they?

How Will You Spend Your Rebate?

From shoes to savings, some already know how they'll use government refunds.

Yahoo in Crisis: Stuck in 90s Internet Era

Columnist Michael Malone looks at how the tech giant missed the boat.

Recession 2008: How bad it can get

Many economists are predicting a short, shallow recession. But there's also a significant risk of a more serious economic decline.

Home Depot to slow store growth this year-analyst (Reuters)

Reuters - Home improvement retailer Home Depot
Inc , pressured by continued weakness in the U.S. housing
market, is expected to ramp down new-store openings this year
and boost spending to maintain existing outlets, an analyst
said on Friday.

Anonymous - Second address to Scientology

Anonymous does not wish to destroy the lives of Scientologists - but rather save them from the slavery of Scientologist brainwashing techniques. This war is not about religious persecution - but rather the abolishment of a tax-exempt and vicious business. Make up your own mind.

NBC: Group wants to destroy scientology

Anonymous has gained more media attention.

Chomsky on World Ownership

Noam Chomsky is a noted linguist, author, and foreign policy expert. On January 15, Michael Shank interviewed him on the latest developments in U.S. policy toward Iraq, Iran, and Pakistan. In the first part of this two-part interview, Chomsky also discussed how the U.S. government’s belief in its ownership of the world shapes its foreign policy.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Says Obama is No Rookie

Abdul-Jabbar said he doesn't fault Magic Johnson for his endorsement. "Mrs. Clinton is not a bad choice, I just think Mr. Obama is the best choice."But he noted, "Unfortunately, Mrs. Clinton has been at many times a divisive figure, and I don't think that's intentional on her part, but I do think that's the case."

Market Woes: Should You Stick It Out?

The easy advice is the best advice: don't panic. Rash decisions could backfire.

42 Reasons We Won't Miss President Bush [QUOTES and PICS]

Would you believe it’s possible to narrow the reasons we won’t miss Bush down to 42? No, but it’s a start. We all know the penalty for forgetting history - after all, we’ve been through two Bushes! Here's to the next four years of anything but Bush:

Live on Camera - News Crew attacked by Palestinian Snipers

A must see movie - a short while after Palestinian snipers shot dead a volunteer from Ecuador, the news team covering the incident became the next target. The camera caught it all - the fear, the uncertainty, knowing your life can end with the next bullet.

ABC News Calls Out Clintons for Consistent Lies about Obama

The ease with which a former President and former First Lady of the United States of America lie to the American people should disturb us. An ABC News reporter reviews the lies the Clintons have told voters recently about Senator Barack Obama.

Barack Obama's Speech at Ebenezer, MLK's Church (Video)

The whole video, including a link to the text version.

Rich Enough to Own the Universe

Dubai's state development arm pushes forward with yet another luxe coastal plan.

What happens when greed runs rampant?

Being Christmas time, many readers turn to thoughts of good will.? But what happens if a society is guided by greed??The Answer Desk by msnbc.com's John W. Schoen.

The Fraud of Bushenomics: They’re Looting the Country

The voodoo economics the Bushies have sold America obscure their systematic fleecing of the nation's public wealth.

IRS: You may have to wait for your tax refund

More than 3 million people will have to wait until February to get their tax refunds because of Congress' late fix to the alternative minimum tax, the IRS said Thursday.

Watchdog: Congress causes biggest tax problem

End-of-year congressional votes to change the tax code have created havoc for the Internal Revenue Service and top the list of problems bedeviling taxpayers, according to an annual report released Wednesday.

Scientology and Me by BBC's Panorama

First of three parts, other two are in the related videos. It's an interesting documentary about Scientology in the UK.

Housing Slump? Not in Manhattan

Some New Yorkers still shell out millions for lavish apartments.

Money tips for cash-strapped retirees

More and more retirees are struggling to make ends meet in their golden years, in large part because they’re being walloped by the effects of inflation.

The country is bankrupt

In a remarkable paper posted by the Federal Reserve of St. Louis, and authored by a Boston University teacher named Prof Kotlikoff, it is revealed in blunt, powerful language that the era of borrowing and spending without consequence may soon come to a close. The paper, entitled, Is the United States Bankrupt?, may not remain posted for very long..

Bush's Legacy Must Not be Passed to the Next U.S President

President Bush is discussing a new agreement with Baghdad that would govern the deployment of American troops in Iraq. With so many Americans adamant about bringing our forces home as soon as possible, Bush must not be allowed to tie the hands of his successor and ensure the country’s continued involvement in an open-ended war.

Taxpayers getting more privacy with new rule

The final rules issued by the IRS on Thursday require tax preparers to get informed consent before disclosing tax information to third parties or using it for non-return purposes.

BREAKING: BA flight lands short of runway

It is not clear if anyone has been injured during the incident. Emergency services are currently at the scene. The incident happened as Prime Minister Gordon Brown was due to leave Heathrow for China and India. His flight was delayed because of the incident.

Is it Genocide Yet? 2,000,000 Iraqis Have Died Since 2003

So far two million innocent Iraqis have died because of years of sanctions and the 2003 Iraq War.

Canada puts U.S., Israel on torture watchlist

Canada's foreign ministry has put the United States and Israel on a watch list of countries where prisoners risk being tortured and also classifies some U.S. interrogation techniques as torture, according to a document obtained by Reuters on Thursday.

Taxman giveth this holiday season

Just in time for Christmas, Oregon taxpayers have gotten some extra spending money from an unlikely Santa Claus: their state government.

Pull Over: Worst States for Speeding

Even a first offense can bring a four-digit fine in some parts of the country.

Forget oil, the new global crisis is food

A new crisis is emerging, a global food catastrophe that will reach further and be more crippling than anything the world has ever seen.

European stocks lower on growth fears (FT.com)

FT.com - European equity markets closed off session lows on Wednesday, but small gains in the US during morning trade were not enough to take them higher.

Planning for Your Company's Future

Ensure that your company is headed in the right direction with these few steps.

Help! I Can't Sell My McMansion

In these tough times, even the rich find it tough to sell a house.

Samsung Group Headquarters Raided

Investigators raid Samsung Group headquarters in corruption probe.

Soft retail sales may signal recession (Reuters)

Reuters - Retail sales fell unexpectedly in
December to close out the weakest year at the cash register
since 2002, data showed on Tuesday, the strongest signal yet
that the economy may be sliding into recession under the weight
of a housing and credit crisis.

Citi writes off $18 billion, Merrill gets capital (Reuters)

Reuters - Citigroup wrote off a colossal $18.1
billion on Tuesday and secured new capital as Merrill Lynch,
also seen heading for big losses due to the U.S. subprime
mortgage meltdown, announced a $6.6 billion shot in the arm.

Late payments on consumer loans climb

Late payments on consumer loans, including those for autos, home improvement and certain home equity loans, have hit their highest point since the last U.S. recession.

Texas judge rules in favor of strip-club tax

A judge has denied a request from owners of nude entertainment clubs to temporarily block Texas' upcoming $5-per-person strip club fee from taking effect.

Audit: 308,000 barrels missing from Petroleum Reserve

How do you not notice when 308,000 barrels of oil go missing? That's the question government auditors were asking after they looked into the Department of Energy's management of oil received for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Your money is no good at the Taj Mahal

In yet another troubling sign for the greenback, at least one of the seven wonders of the world is now off limits if you have only U.S. currency in your pocket.

School Inc. front page

Although Uncle Sam might not usually be included in your holiday plans, wrapping up a few simple financial tasks before the end of the year can help carry the joy of the season all the way through April 15. ?Financial Editor Jean Chatzky shares practical advice on how to prepare your accounts for the new year.

Fox News Caught Rigging Their Focus Groups [VIDEO]

Wow, I don't think we all had intended to make today about Fox. But damn, if they don't provide the material.

The Victorian Holocaust: how come no one knows about it?

The Victorian Holocaust: Hitler and Stalin were rank amateurs compared to the British Empire. So how come no one knows about it?As the peasants began to starve, officials were ordered "to discourage relief works in every possible way". The Anti-Charitable Contributions Act of 1877 prohibited "at the pain of imprisonment private relief donations

Mayhem and Madness in a Shot Glass

Absinthe spurred Van Gogh to remove ear; now liquor is in a store near you.

Still M.I.A.: Millions of White House Emails

Last spring it was revealed that a "technical issue" had caused between five and ten million internal Bush administration emails to disappear—and the White House doesn't seem like it's in a very big hurry to find them.

Smart ways to trim your year-end tax bill

Although Uncle Sam might not usually be included in your holiday plans, wrapping up a few simple financial tasks before the end of the year can help carry the joy of the season all the way through April 15. ?Financial Editor Jean Chatzky shares practical advice on how to prepare your accounts for the new year.

Alternative minimum tax growth blocked

Congress acted in its final hours Wednesday to block growth of the alternative minimum tax, putting off an economic hardship affecting more than 20 million taxpayers.

Culinary Workers' Union Endorse Barack Obama

The union, which boasts a membership of more than 60,000, is seen as a key endorsement in Nevada, a state where there are less than 500,000 registered Democrats in the whole state and certainly not all come out for caucuses.

10 Tips front page

Although Uncle Sam might not usually be included in your holiday plans, wrapping up a few simple financial tasks before the end of the year can help carry the joy of the season all the way through April 15. ?Financial Editor Jean Chatzky shares practical advice on how to prepare your accounts for the new year.

Nearly 90,000 Mortgage Jobs Eliminated in 2007

More than 86,000 mortgage jobs were cut in 2007 because of the weakening real estate market, according to a new report released Monday. Countrywide shed the most jobs in the mortgage disaster; California was hit the hardest; more cuts expected.

Answer Desk front page

Although Uncle Sam might not usually be included in your holiday plans, wrapping up a few simple financial tasks before the end of the year can help carry the joy of the season all the way through April 15. ?Financial Editor Jean Chatzky shares practical advice on how to prepare your accounts for the new year.

video of Iranian small boats harrasing U.S. Warships

here's to the well trained Sailors who waited for the order to fire. It takes a hell of alot of self control to see a boat coming at your ship at a high rate of speed and not fire on him before he lets loose on you.

Market sinks as AT&T stirs recession fear (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. stocks tumbled on Tuesday after a
warning by phone company AT&T of soft consumer spending
sparked a new round of recession fears, helping drive the S&P
to its worst-ever five-day start to a year.

Fox News focus groups never change [PIC]

All the major newspapers refused to print Wexler, Gutierrez, and Tammy Baldwin’s impeachment op-ed recently so it’s surprising to see The Washington Post finally allow an argument to be made for just that on their sacred pages: “Why I Believe Bush Must Go: Nixon Was Bad. These Guys Are Worse.” The Village elders will be most upset.

Oil recovers after 3-day fall (Reuters)

Reuters - Oil rebounded above $95 a barrel on
Tuesday after falling 3 percent a day earlier as the potential
of a recession in top fuel consumer the United States led
investors to expect lower demand.

Liberals: This Is How You Roll When On FOXNews

By now many of you have heard about Bill O’Reilly’s meltdown at a Barack Obama event in New Hampshire Saturday and on Sunday, The Huffington Post’s Roy Sekoff went on FOXNews to discuss the blogs’ coverage of the primaries — as the topic turned to BillO, Sekoff gave a textbook example of how all liberals should act when on FOX.

McCain: I would have started Iraq war regardless of WMD

(w/video) When Russert asked him if, like Bush, McCain would have supported the Iraq war even if no weapons of mass destruction were believed present in Iraq, McCain seemed to dismiss the question as irrelevant.

Unemployment up, stoking recession fears (AP)

AP - Wary employers clamped down on hiring and pushed the unemployment rate to a two-year high of 5 percent in December, an ominous sign that the economy may slide into recession. President Bush explored a rescue package, including a tax cut, with his economic advisers.

Boys Behaving Badly: Romney & Huckabee's Final Bout

In the final hours before the Iowa caucuses, the top two Republican candidates continued their verbal slugfest by trading accusations of foul play, which could sour an electorate that says it abhors negative campaigning and slime-ball politicking.

Time to Fix or Trash Your Appliances?

Elisabeth Leamy's tips about what to do with your aging appliances.

Giuliani Keeps Campaign Focus on Terror Terror Terror

With the political world focused on Iowa, Rudolph W. Giuliani released a graphic new television advertisement Wednesday in which scenes of Osama bin Laden firing a rifle segue to the smoking wreckage of the World Trade Center. Tune into Fox News for Rudy's latest Ad Copy featuring more Death, Murder, Madness, Chaos and Mannequins.

IRS may restrict tax-refund loans

The Internal Revenue Service said Thursday it may restrict tax preparers such as H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt Tax Service from offering refund loans to customers to prevent fraud.

Retail sector hit hard by job cuts (AP)

AP - Employees at car dealerships, furniture stores, gas stations and clothing retailers were among the hardest hit by job losses in December, when unemployment climbed to a two-year high.

Take that New Year’s resolution to the bank

Want to save money or boost your earnings in the coming year? TODAY Financial editor Jean Chatzky shares tips on how to get your finances into shape for 2008.

Truckers Push for Uniform Idling Laws

Interstate truckers say it is difficult to follow the hodgepodge of state laws.

couple banned from shopping center for photoing grandkids

for taking a photoraph of their grandkids in a shopping center the security "police" have banned them for life. sure this happened in the UK, but "authorities" here in the US want to play the same way, this is totally outrageous!

London's FTSE-100 index down 12 points (AP)

AP - Share prices on the London Stock Exchange were lower at midday Thursday.

Police Pepper-Spraying Inmate's Genital Area

Three Los Angeles Sheriff Department deputies are suspended (or, paid leave, that is) as a criminal investigation is opened into accusations from an inmate saying that he was isolated by them, punched and pepper-sprayed in the anus and scrotum area.

Huckabee on Gays and women’s rights: it's not pretty

Huck digs himself a hole and keeps on digging. It's pretty clear that he is a sincere evangelical. But that is not necessarily a recommendation. Here he disputes the notion that being gay is a pre-disposition and also supports the idea that abortion is wrong because all human life (apparently, from conception on) is equally valuable.

10 Tips: Happy returns after the holidays

Want to return an unwanted gift? If you attempt to return stuff this year, these tips can help you play the returns game successfully or decide in advance to avoid the game altogether.

Britain Drops 'War on Terror' Label

The words "war on terror" will no longer be used by the British government to describe attacks on the public, the country's chief prosecutor said Dec. 27.Sir Ken Macdonald said terrorist fanatics were not soldiers fighting a war but simply members of an aimless "death cult."

Homeland Insecurity

The Homeland Security Dept.'s over reliance on outside contractors and insufficient management of them could leave the U.S. vulnerable

Don't Tell Bill: Hillary Says He Won't Have a Policy Role

If she makes it to the White House, Sen. Hillary Clinton said today her husband will take on the same responsibilities as traditional presidential spouses, with no access to National Security Council meetings.

The Must-See Top Ads of 2007

Geico's cavemen, an amateur Doritos ad and Dove soap all make this year's list.