2008 retirees need $225,000 for health care

A couple retiring this year will need about $225,000 in savings to cover medical costs in retirement, according to a study released Wednesday by Fidelity Investments.

Have Publishers Lost Their Mojo?

Publishers of fake memoir say they checked the story out but were still duped.

Bernanke Floats Home Debt Reductions

The Fed chairman says more can be done by lenders to prevent foreclosures.

Is Your Gift Card Suddenly Worthless?

Gift cards can lose all value when retailers file for bankruptcy protection.

Cowabunga! They're Burning Books Online

At Abunga.com, buyers ban their own books, impressing marketing experts.

Obama wins on civil liberties

NY Times editorial says our privacy rights not as big a priority for Clinton

Answer Desk: A hostile takeover playbook

If Microsoft has the cash to buy rival Yahoo, why can’t it just call up a stock broker and? buy? all of Yahoo's stock? The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com's John W. Schoen.

How to tell if now is the time to refinance

A sharp drop in mortgage rates has sparked a wave of refinancing. But not everyone qualifies. Here is a guide on whether refinancing might be a good option for you.

Could You Walk Away From Your Mortgage?

New services seek to help homeowners who entered 'creative financing' mortgages.

As Economy Slips, Yacht Sales Skyrocket

Your home's value might be falling, but these billionaire toys are appreciating.

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

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

'Chemical Ali' execution OK'd in Iraq

The backing by Iraq's President Jalal Talabani and two vice presidents is the final step for the approval of Ali Hassan al-Majid's death sentence, which must be carried out within 30 days of the decision.

Hollywood's Greatest On-Screen Pairs

When the right chemistry is in place, one plus one equals big box office hit.

A Sit-Down with Warren Buffett - Thoughts on Business

Noted from a Q & A at Emory's Goizueta Business School with (according to Forbes) the world's second richest man, Warren Buffet.

Another Rate Cut Coming?

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned Congress that the nation is in for a period of sluggish business growth and sent a fresh signal Wednesday that interest rates will again be lowered to steady the teetering economy.

Energy-Efficient or a Pain in the Bulb?

As sales of environmentally friendly light bulbs grow, so do complaints.

Vale talks to take over Xstrata hit impasse: source (Reuters)

Reuters - A dispute over marketing rights held by
mining group Xstrata's biggest shareholder is threatening a
possible takeover by Brazil's Vale worth around $90 billion, a
source close to the situation said.

How to turn white evangelicals into Democrats

Feb. 26, 2008 | Amy Sullivan is a senior editor at Time, a liberal Democrat, and an evangelical Christian. One of those things is not supposed to be like the others, but she argues in her new book that her fellow Democrats need to reach out to her fellow evangelicals if they hope to build an electoral majority. In "The Party Faithful: How and Why D

US stocks higher despite grim data (FT.com)

FT.com - US stocks moved higher on Tuesday when investors weighed disappointing economic data against encouraging corporate news.

Alabama whistleblower says Rove trying to smear her

A whistleblower in the Don Siegelman case said Monday that the coordinated smear attack on her credibility by the state's GOP and the American Spectator publication are being pushed by Karl Rove – the former senior aide to President Bush – in retaliation for her revelations of his role in the investigation and conviction of Don Siegelman.

Another left-handed president? It's looking that way

Four out of five of the last U.S. Presidents were left-handed, and the next one probably will be, too

The World's Most Expensive Rental Markets

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

Answer Desk: Tax rebate riddles

As readers sit down to the annual brain-teaser of filing their income tax returns, this year offers a new enigma. Will I get one of these tax rebates from the government?

Russ Feingold: "I Voted for Barack Obama"

Senator Russ Feingold, a progressive icon who was the only Senator to vote against the Patriot Act in 2001, proposed the first timeline for bringing the troops home from Iraq and sought to censure Bush over warrantless wiretapping, said he voted in Tuesday's Wisconsin primary for Barack Obama.

The Burn Bag. When shredding evidence just isn't enough

A senior U.S. Secret Service inspector admitted today that she destroyed original evidence sought in a long-standing lawsuit alleging that the service routinely discriminates against African American agents. She placed the documents in a “burn bag” for destruction just two days before she was scheduled to testify in the case.

Is China Losing Its Edge?

Some companies look to cheaper markets as rising costs hit Chinese factories.

Escorts To Super Bowl Tickets, Inside Iraq war profiteering

The graft continued well beyond the 2004 congressional hearings that first called attention to it. And the massive fraud endangered the health of American soldiers even as it lined contractors' pockets, records show.

Tax Tactics front page

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.

If Obama Went 0-for-10 . . .

Humor me while we conduct a little thought experiment. Imagine that Obama had lost 10 contests in a row. What would the conventional wisdom say? That it was over, of course. The above, is an accurate description of where Clinton stands right now. Yet nobody is forcing her to respond to those questions. The reason is obvious: She's Hillary Clinton.

Monster Music Collection: $3M+ on eBay

Man's Library of Congress-sized collection fails to top $4.9M paid for jet.

Deputy tasers high school student against direct orders

Disgusting. Those things need to be banned.

Incredible lapse in security at Obama rally!

America wants a president of change, not a martyr, right? Keep our man safe!

United to Charge $25 to Check Second Bag

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

Supreme Court allows retirement plan suits

The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that individual participants in the most common type of retirement plan can sue under a pension protection law to recover their losses.

No Oil, No Peace, No Problem

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

The new US $5 (FIVE) Dollar Bill. It's got purple!

George Washington must be green with envy.

Building a Life on $25 and a Gym Bag

College Graduate Leaves Comfortable Life for Poverty Experiment

Pictures That Changed The World

Slate magazine has a collection of Magnum photos which changed the world. Mostly doused in black and white gradients, these pictures feature significant historical incidents. Some of them, like the picture of the girl who grew up in a concentration camp are remarkably powerful reflections on our actions.

Medtronic quarterly net falls (Reuters)

Reuters - Medical device maker Medtronic Inc
on Tuesday said quarterly earnings fell on charges
related to the acquisition of Kyphon.

Explosion Rocks Texas Oil Refinery

At least four people were injured in explosion that shook buildings miles away.

Solar Companies Beat Economic Slump

First Solar and SunPower ride high on solar energy, despite bleak economy.

New York Times Plans to Cut 100 Newsroom Jobs

"The newspaper will bow to growing financial strain and cut 100 newsroom jobs this year, primarily through attrition and buyouts, but layoffs are a possibility, the executive editor said."

Cost of Removing Body Thetans [PIC]

How about ?750,000?

Obama camp cries foul over Clinton stance in Florida

After eight losses in a row and no victories in sight this month, Hillary Clinton's campaign renewed calls Wednesday for the votes in Florida and Michigan to count toward delegates that would help her catch Barack Obama.

In Pictures: Where the World's Oil Money Is Going

A photo gallery of where your energy dollars are going. Shocking. A giant indoor ski slope. The world's first underwater hotel. 300 artificial new islands at $30 million a pop. And more...

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.

Too Many McMansions: Ride Storm or Sell?

Many homeowners struggle to find buyers for their million-dollar properties.

New Bill To Allow Police Misconduct Be Hidden From Public

A new bill proposed at the legislature would allow for police to withhold misconduct reports from the public. Supporters of the bill believe that police misconduct should be kept secret from the public so to not discredit police testimony. Others say that a forthright police unit is essential to the community.

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.

Clinton Ex-Campaign Manager Backs Obama!

An aide to Barack Obama says the man who led former President Clinton's 1992 bid plans to endorse the Illinois senator. ....the announcement would be made public later in the day.

Deere quarterly net rises (Reuters)

Reuters - Deere & Co said on Wednesday its
fiscal first-quarter earnings rose a better-than-expected 55
percent, as soaring crop prices boosted demand for agricultural
equipment across the globe.

Oval Office Eats for Just $500

Enjoy dishes created for past presidents; plus recipes to cook them yourself.

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.

Photo Gallery: Anonymous' Scientology Protest in Los Angeles

Portraits of the anons who raided the Church Of Scientology in Hollywood on 2/10/08.

Scientology Raid Austin, Texas

Pictures from this morning's events in Austin, Texas.

"We have brought to Iraq the worst of America" (Leaked Memo)

In a confidential memo, a long-time Republican, Manuel Miranda, who has served in the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad for the past year says the State Department's efforts in Iraq are so poorly managed they "would be considered willfully negligent if not criminal" if done in the private sector.

MSNBC's Chelsea Comment Angers Clinton

Clinton communications director Howard Wolfson Friday excoriated MSNBC's David Shuster for suggesting the Clinton campaign had "pimped out" 27-year old Chelsea by having her place phone calls to Democratic Party superdelegates on her mother's behalf.

Blue Chip panel puts U.S. recession odds at 50 percent (Reuters)

Reuters - The odds of a U.S. recession stand
at nearly 50 percent amid a spate of data showing a weakening
labor market, signs of more credit tightening and turmoil in
the financial markets, the latest Blue Chip Economic forecast
is projecting.

Are Muscle Cars Uncool?

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

Last chance to stop immunity and warrantless spying

Tell your legislators to stand up to President Bush's fear-mongering: let the Protect America Act expire and allow the FISA Court to do its job. Our ability to track and monitor terrorists overseas would not cease should the Protect America Act expire. If this were true, Bush would not threaten to veto any bill w/o immunity and let PAA expire.

Product (RED): $100 Million Spent, $18 Million Raised

Product (RED) - Amount spent on advertising: $100 million. Amount raised for AIDS: $18 million.

107,000 demand Wikipedia remove this image of Muhammed

At last count, 107,000 protesters have signed an online petition demanding that Wikipedia take down this medieval image of the prophet Muhammed. "Please remove these illustrations and respect the peaceful request by vote. I dont want to see this again on any other things too," signer Haris Haseeb from United Kingdom writes on the petition.

10 Tips: Frugal Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day sure can pack an unexpected financial punch. Consider these tips for dreaming up an approach to this year’s celebration that is both meaningful and economical.

[PIC] Hilary and Bill Clinton in the 1970's

Bill's got a scruffy beard and a mop on his head. Hilary is rocking the classic 70's style sunglasses and straight hairdo.

Obama Well Positioned for Stretch Run

With superior fundraising and a slate of primaries, the structure of which favors his style, Barack Obama is in good shape as we embark on the 2nd half of the primary slate.

Productivity slowed in 4th quarter (AP)

AP - Worker productivity, the key factor in rising living standards, slowed sharply in the final three months of the year as overall economic activity weakened considerably while labor pressures increased.

Fed wrestles with growth and inflation worries (Reuters)

Reuters - Federal Reserve officials on Wednesday
expressed concern about a possible U.S. recession but warned
that the central bank cannot let down its guard when it comes
to fighting inflation.

Online petition ask Wikipedia to remove pictures of Muhammad

An article about the Prophet Muhammad in the English-language Wikipedia has become the subject of an online protest in the last few weeks because of its representations of Muhammad, taken from medieval manuscripts.

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.

10 Tips: Beat 'Gotcha Capitalism'

New book provides step-by-step instructions to help ordinary consumers fight back against the fly-by-night companies and the Goliaths that are nickel-and-diming us to death.

Fourth undersea cable cut near UAE, suspicions rise

For the fourth time in a week, an undersea communications cable in the Mediterranean Sea has apparently been cut, and while no official reports of subversion have surfaced just yet, things are beginning to get suspicious.

Change Your Votes Everyone! Hillary Cries On Cue Again!

That's right. Hillary tears up at a Connecticut rally. Twice on the day before an important primary, where the momentum is against her? I'm not sure what to say.

IRS Pencil Sharpener Now Available

In an effort to offset tax payer costs for the operational costs of its organization, the IRS is introducing a line of products, beginning with this fantastic pencil sharpener.

Americans slow to spend down IRA balances

Americans who have money stored in Individual Retirement Accounts tend to hang on to it for use in the later years of their retirement, according to a study being released Monday.

Egypt says: No ships were in area when Internet Cables Cut.

The transport ministry added that footage recorded by onshore video cameras of the location of the cables showed no maritime traffic in the area when the cables were damaged.‘The ministry’s maritime transport committee reviewed footage covering the period of 12 hours before and 12 hours after the cables were cut and no ships sailed the area.

Keith Olbermann Blasts Hillary Clinton on her Iraq Vote

on reasons for voting against eleventh amendment.

Stocks Trade Flat on Mixed Economic News

Steep job losses and Microsoft's bid for Yahoo influence stocks.

Gas Hike? Prices Could Reach 50 Cents/Gal

Experts predict national average pump prices will jump to $3.50 a gallon.

Record Year: Shell Posts $27,500,000,000 Profit

Shell smashed all-time British company profit records today, posting 2007 earnings of $27.5billion (?13.9billion), and immediately ran into a storm with union leaders, who are demanding the Government hits the oil giant with a windfall tax.

Airport Luxe: Terminals Spare No Expense

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

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?

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.

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.

GIULIANI to DROP OUT, Endorse McCain!

SOURCES: Giuliani expected to endorse McCain, as early as Wednesday — in Los Angeles or Simi Valley.Now that the Sunshine has set, two old friends come to an understanding.

The List: The World’s Biggest Military Buildups

Since the end of the Cold War, most of the world’s militaries have downsized. But in recent years, a few countries have been bulking up. In this week’s List, FP takes a look at the countries that are going large while everyone else is slimming down.

Senator Mike Gravel on the Oppressive Nature of Religion.

One question that seems to embarrass all Presidential candidates is the question on Evolution. Some refuse to recognize its existence as a legitimate theory and prefer to let religious beliefs dictate their political message. Others refuse to discuss or advocate for the views of atheists, merely because they represent a minority of votes

Go to any Best Buy tomorrow and just TRY to buy these DVDS!

Silly Jason. He thought a Best Buy sign reading "2 for $25" meant he could buy two DVDs for $25. He obviously didn't read the part of the sign that requires customers to buy Saw IV.Oh, that's not part of the sign? Then why did the manager of the Best Buy in Beaumont, TX refuse to honor the in-store advertisement? Read Jason's story.

Planning for Your Company's Future

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

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.

Beleagured Hillary Defies DNC Rules - Heads to Florida

Hillary Clinton said she will go to Florida to assure Democrats that “their voices are heard” and to underscore her pledge to seat the state’s delegation at the convention. Though Democratic candidates largely have heeded the DNC’s request that they not campaign publicly in Florida, Clinton said it’s time to pay attention to FL voters.

Monte Carlo Casino in Las Vegas is ON FIRE, Literally.

The Monte Carlo Casino in Las Vegas Nevada is on fire. For unknown reasons, story developing.

Wall Street Woes Won't Stop Microsoft

Despite broader economic worries, Microsoft forecasts a rosy 2008.

GSK leads way in Sipp plan offering (FT.com)

FT.com - GlaxoSmithKline has become the first FTSE 100 company to offer employees a group option for self invested personal pensions (Sipps) - a move likely to be followed by many other big blue-chips.

John McCain & Miss Teen SC on Economics!

Ron Paul asked McCain an economics question, and McCain obviously had no clue how to answer. He reminded me of Miss Teen SC. Enjoy!

ANON leaks whole tom cruise movie (45minz)

Anon PWNS , Spread t3h word, we are legion.

The French Fraud King - $7.14 billion fraud by one man

French bank Societe Generale said Thursday it has uncovered a $7.14 billion fraud -- one of history's biggest -- by a single futures trader who fooled investors and overstepped his authority. The trader, who was not named, used his knowledge of the group's security systems to conceal his fraudulent positions, a statement from the bank said.

RSS Feed: Send News to Your Computer

Get the latest business headlines from ABC News.

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.

America's Most Lucrative Neighborhoods

The value of homes in these cities and towns has grown like nowhere else.

How does Obama really stand on the issue of Choice?

How does Obama really stand on the issue of Choice? Hillary Clinton sent out mailers to the voters in New Hampshire right before they voted in the primary about this very issue and where Obama stood. Did her mailers help to sway some of the Women in New Hampshire? Were the mailers accurate? You Decide.

Tentative deal reached on economic package (Reuters)

Reuters - The White House and the
Democratic-led Congress on Thursday reached a tentative deal on
an economic stimulus package of tax rebates for families and
incentives for business investment with a cost that a top
Democrat said may exceed $150 billion.

The Clintons are lying about Obama's remarks on Reagan

Eric Zorn, in the Chicago Trib: "Hmm. I see no reason to stop short. Bill and Hillary Clinton have lied brazenly about Obama's recent statement about Ronald Reagan."

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."

Why is the Fed so worried about inflation?

If the U.S. economy is slowing down, why is the Federal Reserve? still worried about inflation??? The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com’s John W. Schoen.

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.

Kid giving Hillary "the look"

Those kids just tell the story.

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.

U.S. Recession Fears Sink Global Markets

Asian, stock markets have little faith in Washington's stimulus plan.

1 in 5 soldiers returning from Iraq with brain injuries

On The Chris Matthews show, Richard Stengel, the managing editor of TIME gives us a chilling new report that the Pentagon is releasing about the serious head injuries our troops are sustaining in Iraq.

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.

Fox gives "fair and balanced" interview with Ron Paul.

Excellent interview with Ron Paul. Jan 18/08. First story about this video has vanished so i figured we should just put it up again.

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.

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.

Your 2008 Plan for Success

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

How to Keep Your Job in a Recession

Follow these few steps and you can better weather economic troubles at work.

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.

Diebold miscounts reported in first day of NH hand counts

Diebold miscounts reported across many candidates, wards, in first day of election contest hand counts

New House Bill Calls for Paper Ballots and an audit trail

A New Jersey congressman hopes to introduce a bill in the House that would offer $600 million to voting districts across the nation that convert to paper ballots or put in audit systems in time for the November presidential election.The Confidence in Voting Act of 2008, hopes to provide a paper audit trail for 2008 US Elections.

NH Democratic Primary recount has officially begun

Secretary of State William Gardner says his office has received $27,000 from Ohio Democrat Dennis Kucinich to pay for the start of the re-count. He said observers from campaigns and fair elections groups have the right to see and approve every ballot.

Jobs, Apple Push 'Swinging for the Fences'

Steve Jobs, Apple's stock plunge and why the competition hasn't caught on.

Money and Politics: Illuminating the Connection

MAPLight.org brings together campaign contributions and how legislators vote, providing an unprecedented window into the connections between money and politics. VERY very cool and useful site!

10 Tips: New Year’s resolutions from readers

Are you wishing you could do a better job financially in 2008? If so, many msnbc.com readers took the time to send all sorts of practical, money-saving ideas.

Mortgage Lenders Do Not Deserve to Be Rescued By Tax-Payers

The U.S. government is working to develop several different programs meant to stave off foreclosures. Although policymakers claim that these programs are for struggling mortgage borrowers, it is obvious that the real goal is to bail out mortgage lenders. The question is: do reckless lenders deserve to be rescued?

High Court Limits Stock Fraud Lawsuits

Securities case ruling set to impact massive lawsuit stemming from Enron scandal

Mysterious $100 counterfeit bills appear across world

These “supernotes" are not just any fake bills, but a counterfeit so perfect it’s become an international whodunit. The only way to distinguish some of these bills, experts say, is to compare photographically blown-up sections with magnifying instruments. About $50 million of the mystery money has been seized since 1989.

MSNBC Uninvites Kucinich To Vegas Debate

The original criteria for the debate called for the inclusion of the top four democratic candidates in national polling. When Bill Richardson dropping out of the race last week, that moved Kucinich to fourth place in polls. NBC decided to change the criteria to feature only the top three Dem. candidates: Clinton, Edwards, and Obama.

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.

Clinton group trying to prevent Nevada workers from voting

A Clinton-allied teachers' union has filed a lawsuit against voting in the coming Democratic caucus in nine Vegas Strip hotels. The legal move could prevent large numbers of Nevada's seasonal culinary and hotel workers (whose unions recently endorsed Barack Obama) from voting. Hillary Clinton will do anything she can to win this election.

A $2,500 Car: Environmental Nightmare?

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

What does ‘core’ inflation mean anyway?

Last week's reports on a strong uptick in prices have readers wondering how worried they should be about inflation.? The Answer Desk by msnbc.com's John W. Schoen.

US might lose triple A Credit Rating since 1917 - Moody.

The US is at risk of losing its top-notch triple-A credit rating within a decade unless it takes radical action to curb soaring healthcare and social security spending, Moody’s, the credit rating agency, said on Thursday.The warning over the future of the triple-A rating granted to US government debt since it was first assessed in 1917

Tough for China to steer economy: vice minister (Reuters)

Reuters - China has less scope than before to
raise interest rates and banks' required reserves, making it
very tough for policy makers to steer the economy to a soft
landing, Vice Finance Minister Li Yong said on Sunday.

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.

It's a Felony to Possess More Than 5 Dildos in Texas

If you have 6 or more dildos, Texas declares that you have 'intent to distribute' and therefore you are a felon. If you have less than 6 then you are merely a hobbyist, and therefore things are okay.

Gov't seen to favor Countrywide buyout (AP)

AP - A buyout of hobbled mortgage lender Countrywide Financial likely would be approved by regulators, analysts say, because otherwise the company could file for bankruptcy, injecting further uncertainty into the home-loan market.

Oil Rising: How to Save at the Pump

Inflate your tires, empty your trunk, get oil changes regularly and other tips.

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.

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.

The Dirty Secrets of Joining a Gym

Don't get bamboozled while trying to fulfill a New Year's resolution.

Hillary Clinton Cried This Morning

Sen. Clinton gets choked up when asked by a N.H. voter "how she does it."

Gravel To Teens: Marijuana Safer Than Alcohol

Democratic presidential candidate Mike Gravel told a group of high school students on Sunday that marijuana is safer than alcohol. Speaking to a group of students at Phillips Exeter Academy, he said that he believes people should be able to buy marijuana in package stores.

Town may pay seniors to work off taxes

A New York town is pushing a program that would let seniors work part-time, for $7 an hour, to help pay off some of their property taxes.

Left-out territories earn place on quarter

After nearly 10 years of lobbying, a measure will extend the popular state quarter program to the nation's capital as well as five territories.

Kucinich calling for protest at tonight's NH debate

Calling ALL Kucinich supporters -PROTEST OUTSIDE THE DEBATE TONIGHT 8PM.Stand up for Democracy! Do not let this corporate decision to exclude a candidate of the people pass by without voicing your dissent!Saint Anselm College - DANA CENTER100 Saint Anselm DriveManchester New Hampshire 03102 8:00 PM

Passenger Jets Get Anti-Missile Devices

Three American Airlines jets will be the first to test out the new jammers.

FTSE loses gains after weak US jobs data (FT.com)

FT.com - London lost intraday gains on Friday, after news of weaker-than-expected job creation in the US resurrected fears of a recession in the world's biggest economy.

10 tips on tipping: Who gets how much?

Have you ever felt unsure whether you really should be tipping someone at the end of the calendar year? Here are 10 tips on who should get how much.

Harman releases 2003 letter warning CIA not to destroy tapes

Lawmaker's Letter Warned Destroying Tapes Would 'Reflect Badly' on the CIA

Crush Time in the City ... Grapes, That Is

Forget the vineyard vistas -- this new wine country is right down the street.

Study: Airport Screening Process Pointless

All the security restrictions don't make flying any safer, a study finds.

Biden likely to endorse Obama in Iowa as 2nd choice

"A decision will be made tomorrow about who we'll encourage our supporters to stand behind if we aren't viable in a precinct. Right now, I'd guess Obama gets our support because we're more inline with his vision of foreign policy than any of the other candidates, and besides, we like him and how he's run his campaign."

The Grinch That Stole $10 Billion

The subprime mess will cut Wall Street bonuses by 30 percent this year.

9/11 commission slams the CIA over destroyed tapes

The 9/11 commission says the CIA has interfered with their investigation of US interrogation methods of detainees.

Answer Desk: Questions we didn’t get to in 2007

We get all kinds of business and financial questions at the Answer Desk. Here are some we didn’t get to in 2007. The Answer Desk, by msnbc.com’s John W. Schoen.

Little hope for Afghans in 2008

After two years in which the violence in Afghanistan has become worse, it is hard to see signs of hope in 2008.

The Viewer's Strike of 2008

The Writer's Strike of 2007 could potentially open the doors to better entertainment across the Internet, leading more Americans to truly "Fair and Balanced" news sources that they can actually trust. Help us bring down the cable box stranglehold and support the web alternative by telling everyone you know about the Viewer's Strike of 2008!

Bhutto: US Policy Causes World Terrorism

Benazir Bhutto paid the ultimate price for stating that US imperial policies of propping up tin horn dictators causes world terrorism. She dared to say so. Condemning what she called "A False Choice for Pakistan", the late Benazir Bhutto laid "terrorism" at the White House doorstep.

Congress Doesn't Exist Unless I Say It Does

Bush is now claiming a "pocket veto" on the Defense Authorization Bill even though Congress is still in session. The Constitution explicitly states that 'pocket veto" only exists when Congress is not in session.