: iStockAnalyst.com News Feed

Hate to shop? Cyber Monday may be your answer

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:51:00 GMT

Nov. 29--It's not quite a Hallmark holiday, but Cyber Monday has been gaining traction over the past few years as a well-known day to score shopping discounts.
Web sites were created to focus on specific Cyber Monday deals, and a virtual shopping holiday was born.
But this season's highly competitive atmosphere may push retailers to take advantage of Cyber Monday press.

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It's David vs. Goliath in patent fights: Independent patents applicants see ideas stolen due to backlog

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:48:00 GMT

Nov. 29--Mirk Buzdum and Dick "Cappy" Capstran, a pair of garage entrepreneurs in Milwaukee, know full well that their designs for drill bits and cutting tools are good.
A big part of the blame, they say, falls on the agency that is supposed to protect them and the rest of the nation's innovators: the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The patent applications drafted by Buzdum and Capstran are among the 1.2 million applications pending at the agency -- a backlog that was the subject of a Journal Sentinel investigation published in August.

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Inland Community Bank narrows losses

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:47:00 GMT

Nov. 29--ICB Financial's president and CEO says the company is open to buying a troubled bank's assets, as long as its the right fit.
The parent company of Ontario-based Inland Community Bank reported $97,000 in third-quarter losses compared with $221,000 in losses in third quarter 2008.
Losses stem from two residential construction loans that the business bank is trying to sell, Cooper said.

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EDITORIAL: Toxins and terrorists: Houston Chronicle members

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:47:00 GMT

Nov. 29--The good news sounds dull at first: Earlier this month, the Clorox Company announced that it's changing the way it makes household bleach.
Over the next few years, the company will retool its seven U.S. factories, including one near the Houston Ship Channel, to use a different raw material: liquid bleach instead of chlorine gas.
And according to figures the company submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency, a worst-case scenario -- say, a terrorist attack on the Houston factory -- would put 1,868,700 of us in the "vulnerability zone."

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UAE to back banks amid Dubai meltdown

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:46:00 GMT

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - The United Arab Emirates' central bank said Sunday it would offer additional liquidity to banks, signaling a push by the federal government to reassure investors worried about the country's banking sector and its exposure to Dubai's crushing debt.
Global equity markets were set to reopen Monday, and investors are worried about a routing similar to that seen last week after Dubai's chief engine for growth, Dubai World, announced it wanted more time to pay some of its roughly $60 billion in debts.
International investors reacted with shock and outrage at Dubai World's announcement Wednesday that, as part of its restructuring effort, it would ask creditors to delay repayment of its debt and that of its real estate arm, Nakheel, until at least May.

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State bankers wary of overhaul bill: Dodd's proposal looks like one-size-fits-all to community bankers

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:46:00 GMT

Nov. 29--James Cronin has a message to industry reformers: Community banks are doing just fine.
Cronin, the president and chief executive officer of the Norwich-based Dime Bank, says he is increasingly troubled by the escalating efforts toward a major overhaul of this nation's banking industry.
The problem, says Cronin, is that his community-based bank, along with nearly every other community bank across Connecticut, isn't in need of reform.

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Banks reel from real estate deals in Myrtle Beach area

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:46:00 GMT

Nov. 29--Newly released statistics give a clearer picture of the magnitude of Horry County's real estate meltdown, with year-over-year sales plunging by more than 80 percent in some census tracts -- and the fallout from declining home values is forcing one local bank to quickly raise cash or consider a merger to comply with orders from federal regulators.
Those data show this area's hardest-hit neighborhoods were the ones showing the greatest promise at the beginning of the boom -- oceanfront condominiums; new, mid-priced neighborhoods in the Carolina Forest and Forestbrook areas; and upscale projects such as Grande Dunes.
While the market appears to have ended its freefall -- home sales are on target to surpass totals from 2008, which was the worst year in nearly a decade -- experts disagree about how long a full recovery will take.

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GPS cell phone apps challenge standalone devices

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:50:00 GMT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The growth of cell phones with global-positioning technology is making life uncertain for the makers of personal navigational devices that help drivers figure out where they are and where to go.
Manufacturers of standalone GPS products will have to move quickly and smartly to transform their dumb map readers into intelligent devices that can provide a host of services such as traffic avoidance.
"You have to redefine the category somewhat, like what Apple did with the iPod Touch," said Ross Rubin, technology analyst for research firm The NPD Group.

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Getting unwired: A basic guide

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:50:00 GMT

Nov. 29--For consumers who want to be always connected to the Internet, at home, at work or traveling, the choices keep getting better.
Five major carriers offer wireless Internet service in San Diego County and four in Riverside County.
They are: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and, in San Diego County, Cricket Wireless.

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Retailers promote online shopping on 'Cyber Monday'

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:50:00 GMT

Nov. 29--If you missed getting out to shop on Black Friday, don't worry.
Many retailers also offer online deals for Cyber Monday.
Nearly nine in 10 retailers will have a special promotion for Cyber Monday, according to Shop.org's e-Holiday Survey conducted by BIGresearch.

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The Baltimore Sun Personal Finance column: Surfing safely

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:50:00 GMT

Nov. 29--You made it through Black Friday.
And all sorts of sites have popped up to help nimble-fingered shoppers compare prices and take advantage of online coupons and promotions.
But as you rush online to snatch up deals, scammers will be lurking there, too, hoping to catch you off-guard and steal your information.

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'Giftaway' returns with all sorts of nifty presents: Register online, and you might win one of these cool items to keep or give

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:50:00 GMT

Nov. 29--Welcome, readers, to the second annual Holiday Giftaway.
After prize winners are notified this week, the goodies will be available for pickup at the Arizona Daily Star office, 4850 S. Park Ave. You've got until Dec. 11 to claim the bounty.
The bath ice-cream soaks ($8.50) and pumice stones ($8.80) are available at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort's Lakeside Spa retail shop, 529-7830, on the resort grounds, 7000 N. Resort Drive.

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Road out of recession may be long and winding

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:49:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - The road from recession to recovery is rarely smooth, straight or short.
As the U.S. economy claws its way out of the deepest downturn in decades, jobs are still being lost, consumers are jittery and banks are reluctant to resume lending, even though stocks have rallied and corporate profits seem to be slowly returning.
The party that controls the White House traditionally loses congressional seats in midterm elections, even when the economy is healthy.

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EDITORIAL: Consumer habits changing: Surveys show drop in credit use, return to cash and frugality

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:49:00 GMT

Nov. 29--If there is a silver fiscal-practice lining in the current dark clouds of a recession, it could be this: Consumers are getting more serious about paying down credit card debt, and possibly even about using cash.
That makes sense in a recession, but leaves a question about the significance of changing credit practices on the longer-term economic picture.
University at Buffalo research scholar Lawrence Southwick best described today's situation for many Americans as a penchant to cut back--including on Christmas spending.

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New Rosemont Mine study calculates $30B in economic benefits

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:49:00 GMT

Nov. 29--A new study financed by the company proposing the Rosemont Mine southeast of Tucson predicts the mine will be even a bigger economic boon -- about $30 billion over 25 years -- than an earlier study foreseeing $15 billion in economic benefits.
The new figure is about $5 billion in benefits for every billion dollars the company is expected to spend during that period, according to the study.
The first study, released in July, looked only at local economic activity in Pima and Santa Cruz counties stemming from the mine; the new one added Cochise County as well as statewide and national benefits.

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Solar power company in Rostraver, East Huntingdon seeks workers

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:49:00 GMT

Nov. 29--Solar Power Industries Inc. in Rostraver is seeking to hire 10-to-15 workers for production and manufacturing jobs at its headquarters in Rostraver as well as its operation at a plant in East Huntingdon, company president John Bucher said.
Solar Power did receive $7.5 million in state aid for equipment at its new plant, and expects to create 375 jobs over the next three years.
Carol Harris Staffing LLC of Monroeville will conduct a recruiting session for Solar Power 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday on the fourth floor, conference room B, at the Mon Valley Community Health Center in Monessen.

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Watchdog: Parking, drain work adjusted, noisy generator gone

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:48:00 GMT

Nov. 29--This week, Watchdog brings you updates on some problems that were still unresolved when first reported.
Update: A handicapped parking sign at the University of Baltimore that restricted the spaces to side-lift vans has been changed to read "van accessible," a spokesman for the school said.
Robert Brent, a UB student who has a handicapped parking hangtag for his car, wrote to Watchdog after he was reprimanded for parking in spaces on Morton Street, behind the school's academic center, because those spaces were marked for side-lift vans only.

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Change in liquor law is backed: Delegation hears of support for limits on carryout sales

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:48:00 GMT

Nov. 29--A mixture of Ellicott City residents and liquor store owners are supporting a proposal to limit licenses for carryout alcohol sales in Howard County.
A bill that would cap the number of licenses at one per every 2,600 residents is under consideration by the county's General Assembly delegation, though sponsors Dels.
The 11 state legislators heard no discouragement at Tuesday night's annual hearing at school board headquarters for bills that would apply only to Howard County.

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Senator seeks to use gambling laws to rein in Wall Street

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:48:00 GMT

WASHINGTON _ Sen. Maria Cantwell wants to use state gambling laws to regulate parts of Wall Street, saying someone needs to police financial markets where "casino capitalism" involving highly speculative trades she likens to sophisticated betting continue unabated and threaten to create yet another financial crisis.
"She's going for their jugular," Michael Greenberger, a University of Maryland law professor, said of the effort by Cantwell, a Washington state Democrat.
Greenberger was a top official at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission during the Clinton administration who unsuccessfully fought to regulate such trading.

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Grand Forks Herald, N.D., Ann Bailey column: ANN BAILEY: November redeemed itself this year

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:47:00 GMT

Nov. 29--November is one of my least favorite months.
The cold, dreary weather that usually prevails during November dampens my spirits.
This year, though, thanks to the mild, sunny days I have a different perspective on November.

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Geologists: Energy's future in for big change: Energy future will seebig change, geologists say

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:47:00 GMT

Nov. 29--"This is the age of oil, but the age of oil is about to end," said Lori Snyder of UW-Eau Claire's geology department.
Today the average American uses three times the amount of energy we used in 1950, Snyder said.
Snyder and J. Brian Mahoney, also of the geology department, discussed the future of fossil fuels and energy Tuesday night for an "Ask A Scientist" program at UW-Eau Claire.

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City touts energy efficiency program

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:47:00 GMT

Nov. 29--Using $1.5 million in federal stimulus funding, the city of Duluth soon will launch an energy-saving initiative with potential to change the nation.
It's called DEEP -- short for the Duluth Energy Efficiency Program.
"I think that if we are as successful as we hope, Duluth's program could be a model not just for Minnesota but for the whole United States," said Eric Schlacks, the gas and energy coordinator for the city's Public Works and Utilities Department.

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Stimulus program pumping heat and jobs into Northland: Many low-income residents are warming up to the benefits of increased federal funding for weatherization.

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:47:00 GMT

But as a crew blew cellulose insulation into the house last week, a grinning Shevchuk pointed at a thermometer that read
And since they started work, I've already noticed a difference," Shevchuk said.
Shevchuk, a housekeeper at the Radisson Hotel, and her 13-year-old daughter have received heating assistance from the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency for several years, but this year, they and many other low-income Northland residents are reaping the benefits of increased federal funding for weatherization.

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Arcadia bank can grow as it avoids high-risk lending

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:46:00 GMT

Nov. 29--ROWLAND HEIGHTS -- Joe Huang's bank has just grown its first branch.
At a time when banks are failing all over the country, his American Plus Bank's new office in Rowland Heights is a sign of growth.
From the time it started -- in August 2007 in Arcadia, with $22million from investors -- the commercial bank's assets have grown to more than $120 million.

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Surviving patent process requires patience, money

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:46:00 GMT

Nov. 29--Kimberly Newton thought of her invention four years ago.
It turned out coming up with the idea for her invention was the easiest part.
In theory, it should be simple to get a patent: do a patent search to make sure no one else has patented the idea, then file an application with the U.S. Patent Office.

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Nucor discusses currency pegging, other trade issues

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:46:00 GMT

Nov. 29--Nucor Corp. makes steel, not trade policy, but it is not shy about demanding action from the U.S. government.
The company's concerns about what it perceives as unfair trade advantages enjoyed by China and other countries cover many areas -- differing environmental policies, wages and government subsidies -- but the major concern is currency manipulation.
He said China's manipulation of currency is hurting Nucor and destroying the U.S. economy.

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Green Books: 'The Transition Handbook'

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:47:00 GMT

Nov. 29--Oil prices dropped like a stone last year when the recession hit, and in some ways sank concerns about "peak oil" and declining petroleum reserves as Americans focused on more immediate economic issues.
But that has not stopped people across the country from starting Transition Initiatives, a grass-roots movement begun in the United Kingdom that seeks to prepare communities for changing weather patterns and unaffordable oil prices.
Official Transition Initiatives are under way in 46 towns and cities, including Carrboro-Chapel Hill, Santa Cruz, Calif., Hohenwald, Tenn., and Berea, Ky.

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Sewer district back in business

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:46:00 GMT

Nov. 29--YAKIMA, Wasdh.
-- After being without a board of commissioners since last spring, the Cowiche Sewer District has two commissioners back on board.
That leaves the board short one commissioner, which could lead to deadlock if Joe Trepanier and Stacey Sanchez disagree on how to vote.

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Cash-strapped municipalities turn to community groups for Chrismas costs

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:46:00 GMT

Nov. 29--For Laura Ancherani, the Christmas season does not begin until the Christmas tree in downtown Clarks Summit is lit.
The twinkling lights in the trees that line South State Street and the menorah, creche and Christmas tree set up in the heart of the borough have been a holiday tradition for decades.
But with the Christmas spirit comes the Christmas cost, leaving some with questions about whether cash-strapped communities like Clarks Summit are using their limited funds wisely.

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U.S. wanted hydro plant closed

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:45:00 GMT

Nov. 29--GREENSBORO -- A pint-sized hydroelectric plant that claims losses of up to $1 million from the Randleman Reservoir barely escaped shutdown by federal authorities who were convinced its owner was "incorrigible" and unfit to run such a potentially hazardous facility.
Enforcement officers for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission urged their leaders in Washington to padlock Ramseur resident Bruce Cox's project in Randolph County -- the Cox Lake Hydroelectric Plant on the Deep River -- after a lengthy dispute involving the plant's hazard rating.
"However, before reaching such a conclusion and casting Mr. Cox as Public Enemy No.

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The News and Observer, Raleigh, N.C., Mary Cornatzer column: Take care shopping online

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:50:00 GMT

Nov. 29--Apparently many people are limbering their fingers and flexing their wrists in anticipation of Cyber Monday, the day almost everyone goes online to shop rather than work.
I prefer to shop locally, and I like to keep the credit card on ice; neither of which are really possible when pointing and clicking.
The URL address should say https rather than http, and look for a padlock icon.

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GPS cell phone apps challenge standalone devices

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:49:00 GMT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The growth of cell phones with global-positioning technology is making life uncertain for the makers of personal navigational devices that help drivers figure out where they are and where to go.
Manufacturers of standalone GPS products will have to move quickly and smartly to transform their dumb map readers into intelligent devices that can provide a host of services such as traffic avoidance.
"You have to redefine the category somewhat, like what Apple did with the iPod Touch," said Ross Rubin, technology analyst for research firm The NPD Group.

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Protect yourself while shopping on Cyber Monday

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:49:00 GMT

Nov. 29--Cyber Monday hits tomorrow when shoppers are expected to swarm to the Internet in search of online deals and all things gifty.
From now through December, more than 68.8 million people with Internet access at work will shop for holiday gifts, according to a survey published by Shop.org, a division of the National Retail Federation.
Employees plan to spend almost two full days -- 14.4 hours -- shopping from their desks this holiday season, according to a survey conducted by Information Systems Audit and Control Association, a non-profit IT professionals group.

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Hotel owners, like home owners, behind on payments

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:47:00 GMT

MIAMI - Like many home owners, hotels are starting to drown in debt.
They have been enticing travelers all year with sweet deals: credits for in-house spas and restaurants, up to 50 percent off five-star rooms, even free nights.
Hotel loans have begun falling into delinquency faster than any other kind of commercial real estate debt.

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Dubai Mercantile Exchange announces one billion barrels traded since launch

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:46:00 GMT

The Dubai Mercantile Exchange Limited (DME) announced today that cumulative trading in its benchmark DME Oman Crude Oil Futures Contract (DME Oman) has exceeded one million contracts, representing one billion barrels of crude oil traded, since its launch on June 1st, 2007.
Majority owned by core shareholders Tatweer (a member of Dubai Holding), Oman Investment Fund (OIF) and CME Group, the DME also released an equity stake of up to 20% in August 2008 to a strategic investor group including leading global financial institutions and energy trading firms such as Casa Trading, Concord Energy, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Shell and Vitol.
The Exchange has developed and trades the DME Oman Crude Oil Futures Contract, addressing the growing market need for price discovery of sour crude oil destined for East of Suez markets, while simultaneously bridging the time- zone gap between Europe and Asia.

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ProgressSoft and S1 host a corporate banking road show in Doha

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:46:00 GMT

ProgressSoft Corporation, the renowned provider of Real-time Payments and Imaging Solutions, and S1 Corporation, a leading global provider of multichannel Financial Services Software, jointly hosted today a Corporate Banking Road Show aimed at participants from financial institutions across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
About ProgressSoftEstablished in 1989, ProgressSoft has been focusing its proficiency in Real-time Payments and Imaging technologies to deliver a set of innovative solutions tailored for the needs of the banking and financial sectors.
Serving a diversified client base of 140+ banks in 22 countries around the globe, ProgressSoft provides solutions in the fields of Real-time ACH payments, Electronic Image-based Check Clearing, Intelligent Signature Recognition and Real-time Settlement for Securities Trading.About S1 Leading banks, credit unions, retailers, and processors need technology that adapts to the complex and challenging needs of their businesses.

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GardenFest of Lights celebrates 25th anniversary

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:46:00 GMT

Nov. 29--The GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has become a garden of delights for the family of Rob and Elizabeth Hazelton.
"It's beautiful, and it's very inclusive," Elizabeth Hazelton said in the conservatory while the family watched a snow-white boxcar filled with candy canes pass a snowy village scene created partially of gourds.
The annual holiday tradition began its 25th year on Friday night.

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School club's bio diesel project going global: Dolton students hope to build a processor to be used in Haiti

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:45:00 GMT

Nov. 29--Some time ago, Brian Sievers picked up a crazy notion that one simple idea might just change the world.
That idea won Sievers and his students a $10,000 cash prize in the national Lexus Eco Challenge and helped spark communitywide interest in environmental issues.
They're raising money for an ambitious project to build a solar-powered biodiesel processor that could provide electricity for a small rural school in Haiti, one of the world's most impoverished countries.

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Jobless rate fluctuates across South Georgia

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:04:00 GMT

Nov. 29--MOULTRIE -- The latest unemployment numbers for counties are a mixed bag, with some counties showing an increase in joblessness while others saw falling unemployment.
The county's unemployment rate was 7.5 percent in October 2008.
Brooks County showed a 0.6 percent decline in the unemployment rate, from 8.6 percent in September to 8 percent in October.

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The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, Clytie Bunyan column: Sibling sees funds go farther on Friday

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:03:00 GMT

Nov. 29--Regular readers of this column are familiar with tales of shopaholic friends from overseas taking advantage of sales in Oklahoma.
Last week, I may have created another monster when I suggested the male members of my household take my visiting brother shopping at 4:30 a.m. so he could experience the Black Friday frenzy.
When they returned home before 8 a.m., Jeffrey (my brother) was on such a high that he wanted more.

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The Orlando Sentinel, Fla., User's Guide column: Tech accessories can spice up holiday list

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:52:00 GMT

Nov. 29--As much as I love buying big-ticket items such as TVs, computers, cell phones and cameras, I also love buying accessories for those items just as much, maybe even more.
Gadget accessories also make great gifts for someone who's obsessed with their iPhone, BlackBerry, laptop or electronic item.
Powermat ($100): As any gadget lover knows, having to deal with multiple power adapters to juice up your devices is no fun.

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S. Jersey faring worse on jobs than Phila. area

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:50:00 GMT

Nov. 29--The Delaware River marks not just a geographic barrier between Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey, but also a persistent economic divide.
Compared with Philadelphia's suburban Pennsylvania counties, the South Jersey counties of Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester have higher jobless rates, higher mortgage-delinquency rates, and lower average wages, according to government data.
The unemployment rate in Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties was 10 percent in September, compared with 7.1 percent in Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware Counties.

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EDITORIAL: Chew the flat: No growth better than a downtrend

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:50:00 GMT

Flat growth is good?
The bad economic news has largely centered on state government workers, common schools, senior nutrition programs and a host of other suffering sectors.
Oklahoma has lost nearly 50,000 jobs during this recession.

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A delegation from Dubai Department of Economical Development and Index Holding visit the Gangnam District in Seoul, Korea

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:50:00 GMT

A delegation from the Dubai Department of Economical Development (DED) headed by Mr. Fahad Al Gergawi, Chief Executive Officer, Foreign Investment Office accompanied by a delegation from INDEX Holding, chaired by Mr. Abdul Salam Al Madani President of INDEX Holding visited the offices of the Urban Economic Planning Bureau of the Gangnam District in Seoul, Korea.
Saaydeh Index Media Tel: 00971 43624717Fax: 0097143624718
(c) 2009 Middle East Company News.

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James Overstreet: No plans to pay the mortgage? Expect economy to keep sinking

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:50:00 GMT

Nov. 29--Underwater mortgages and heavy credit card debt continue to hobble the economic recovery.
New data show U.S. consumers facing a debt double whammy as many owe more on their house than it is worth and their credit card debt is painfully high.
In Memphis, 25.34 percent -- or 54,742 -- of all residential properties with a mortgage were in negative equity as of September, says Mark Fleming, chief economist with First American CoreLogic.

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Forecast calls for snow in city

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:49:00 GMT

Nov. 29--LAS CRUCES -- A winter storm watch has been issued for the area, with forecasters calling for 1 to 3 inches of snow in Las Cruces late Monday night and into Tuesday morning.
With two different weather systems converging over the region, snows could be even heavier than that, said Dave Novlan, with the National Weather Service.
"We're watching it very closely.

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Watchdog: Oncor tree cutting sparks backlash

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:49:00 GMT

Nov. 29--After 33 years in office, Grapevine Mayor William Tate says he doesn't take on too many fights anymore.
Fifteen years ago, he fought Dallas/Fort Worth Airport on an expanded runway.
Tate and others say tree trimmers hired by the electricity transmission company have butchered trees worse this year than any other time since Grapevine got electricity in 1929.

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Tech company SAP is living the green life

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:48:00 GMT

Nov. 29--SAP America is not in the building business.
Yet lately, the major buzz about the provider of information-technology systems has centered on its new headquarters in Newtown Square.
The 35-year-old company is expanding its line of software products designed to help companies go green.

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The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio, John Switzer column: Rare Thanksgiving spawns many blooms

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:48:00 GMT

Nov. 29--This November fooled many plants into believing that spring had come early.
I got a letter from a reader along with some pictures showing a white peony and some ripe wild strawberries in her yard in November.
Another woman told me she has a bouquet of forsythia in her house cut from a bush that was blooming in her yard.

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If no one owns the home, who's watching the house?: With foreclosure comes a six-month purgatory for some houses, and cities have to step in to keep them from becoming a nuisance.

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:48:00 GMT

Nov. 29--When a resident on Pillsbury Avenue in Bloomington discovered someone from the house next door trying to plug an extension cord into the resident's back yard electric outlet, it was clear something was wrong.
When the city looked for the home's owner, it found the property had been foreclosed on.
"It's essential for the city to [maintain a house], because in the period of exchanging ownership we have to," said Larry Lee, Bloomington's community development director.

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