Safe harbor investments for 2009, billionaires who lost most money & 14 very toxic toys - Today in Money 12/17

In the News:

Where to Invest in 2009: Safe Harbors
The good news for investors is that some of these defensive investments are selling at their lowest valuations in years--and paying decent dividends. Among the picks include Duke Energy, Southern Co., Microsoft and Johnson and Johnson.
http://www.smartmoney.com/Investing/Stocks/Where-to-Invest-2009-Safer-Harbors/

My Facebook Becoming My Therapist During Recession
In a time of growing unemployment, tumbling stocks, and rising foreclosures, people are finding comfort on social networking sites.
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/dec2008/tc20081216_649709.htm?campaign_id=twxa

America's Biggest Billionaire Losers of 2008
2008 was a horrible year financially for most Americans and the more money you have the further you fall. How would you like to lose $24 billion in one year? That is what billionaire Sheldon Adelson did as he saw his $28 billion in wealth last year trimmed to $4 billion this year. Second biggest loser has been Warren Buffet who lost $16.5 billion followed by Bill Gates who lost $12.3 billion and Kirk Kerkorian and the Google guys all down $11.9 billion.
http://www.forbes.com/2008/12/16/billionaires-adelson-casino-biz-billies-cz_dg_1216biggestlosers.html

Dead Stores & Malls Threaten Community Livelihoods
Experts say Atlanta, Las Vegas, and retail hubs in California and Florida are at real economic risk if thousands of more stores shutter in 2009.
http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/17/news/economy/retail_wasteland/index.htm?postversion=2008121706

14 Very Toxic Toys
Before you put these under the tree, take a look at what's inside: lead, arsenic, mercury.
http://www.forbes.com/2008/12/16/toys-product-safety-biz-commerce-cx_wp_1216toxictoys.html