More Doldrums Ahead for Stocks
The first six months of 2008 ended with U.S. stock markets in the dumps. Now, with the major indexes in or near bear market territory after touching highs in October, hopes for a happier second half are fading fast thanks to rising unemployment and inflation.
Stocks: More Doldrums Ahead

Retirement Strategies for Tough Times
Nest egg looking a little fragile? Chances are you need to rethink your old investment tactics -- and consider a few new approaches.
BusinessWeek's Annual Special Retirement Guide
Plus: Your Post-Subprime Portfolio

How to Uncode the Hidden Dangers of Plastic Bottles
The portability of recycled plastic bottles has made toting water convenient, but just how healthy is reusing them? For years, glass has been out, and plastic has been in. But, before you take another sip, did you know there may be bacteria lurking in the bottle you are reusing? Fortunately, plastic bottles, and other storage containers, are assigned a resin identification code (that's fancy talk for the triangle circling a number on the bottom of plastic bottles). This system has been in place for nearly 20 years to help with recycling, but it can also help with consumption. How so? What do the numbers mean? Elizabeth Royte, the author of Bottlemania, reveals the hidden meaning of the numbers on your bottle, and to explain what's lurking behind the labels.
How To Uncode the Hidden Dangers Of Plastic Bottles | MainStreet

The Spectacular Collapse of Sharper Image
Sharper Image's founder reflects on the chain's demise and the challenges retailers face in today's economy. Founded in 1977 by Richard Thalheimer, the gadget retailer got fat on high-end massage chairs and its hugely popular Ionic Breeze air purifier. It grew into a $760 million public company with 196 stores. But the business took a hit in 2005, the same year Consumer Reports questioned the safety of the Ionic Breeze. A group of investors ousted Thalheimer, but they couldn't stop the losses. In February of this year, the company filed for bankruptcy, and it planned to auction its assets in late May. Thalheimer opens up about dark days for retailers, what went wrong at Sharper Image, and his plans for the future.
Losing An Edge - Sharper Image - Inc.

Debt Collectors on the Rampage: What You Need to Know
Six months after Rob Hruskoci closed his business, a debt collector called and demanded payment that day for the $5,000 balance on his business credit card. "They want me to wire them $1,900 in 5 hours," Hruskoci said. "It was all about intimidation and harassment." As more consumers are finding themselves the target of aggressive agents who don't always play by the rules. Here's what you need to know.
Debt collectors on the rampage: What you need to know - CNNmoney

Beat High Prices
Gas! Food! Credit! Ouch! Three families tell how they save -- and how you can, too. Cutting back can be especially challenging for couples like Ron and Jenn Newman of Lindenhurst, N.Y., who face the additional costs of a new baby. Minding their outlays for food and gas saves Kristina and Kurt more than $160 per month. All three families have come up with creative ways to cut back without feeling deprived -- and they've even found money to put aside for college, retirement and future vacations.
Beat High Prices - Kiplinger.com

World's Wealthiest Dropouts
For these billionaires, the road to wealth didn't include finishing school. At least 73 of the world's 1,125 billionaires dropped out of school. They include Michael Dell, Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, Paul Allen and more.
The World's Richest Dropouts - Forbes.com

Richest Olympians
It used to be unknown amateur athletes looking to make a name for themselves that were the hallmark of the Olympics. Today many multi-millionaire athletes are crashing the party. They include Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Ronaldinho.
The Top-Earning Athletes Of The Beijing Olympics - Forbes.com