| Scripted Shows Go On, But Viewers Simply Yawn
Just in time for the February ratings sweeps, the journalists at the ABC News program succumbed to an urgent need to update us about new evidence in America's favorite blond-chick-in-peril story that has prompted Aruban authorities to reopen the case -- again. The update snagged nearly 13 million viewers, the newsmag's biggest audience in more than a year. "Biggest Loser." NBC gave its weight-watching competition another season pickup because week in and week out it's the best performer among young viewers in the "American Idol" Tuesday time slot. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." While Disney-owned ABC's "EM:HE" team builds a deserving family a new home, the family repays the favor by agreeing to be shipped to San Diego to endure a "Hannah Montana" concert and meet with singer Miley Cyrus, so the show can flog that Disney franchise.
Cabela's Announces Realignment of Executive Team
Cabela's Incorporated (NYSE: CAB), the World's Foremost Outfitter(R) of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, today announced organizational changes designed to better align the Company's business units with its multi-channel strategy. "Taking full advantage of Cabela's powerful multi-channel business model requires the steady and experienced leadership of a knowledgeable and well-trained group of executives," said Dennis Highby, President and .
Glossary of financial-aid terms
Understanding student loans requires learning a new vocabulary, sprinkled with acronyms such as FAFSA, EFC and SAR. Here's a primer on some of the terms students and parents encounter: Bankruptcy: Student loan debt is harder to discharge in bankruptcy court than other consumer debt. For federal and private student loans, borrowers must prove "undue hardship." Cancellation of loan: Cancellation releases the borrower from any requirement to repay all or part the loan. A federal student loan can be cancel ed: or forgiven: if the borrower takes certain jobs, such as nursing. The exact circumstances vary by type of loan. Consolidation loan: See federal loans. Cost of attendance: Financial aid typically is limited to the cost of attendance.
Gift cards often worthless at bankrupt retailers
You know that Sharper Image gift card you got for Christmas? Right now, it's worthless. And other gift cards in your wallet could lose their value, too. As more retailers file for bankruptcy or go out of business, more than $75 million in gift cards are at risk of becoming worthless pieces of plastic this year. .
Armed robbery, 10-year prison sentences and the downfall of two Wando ...
But first they need cash. Someone suggests robbing a business. The idea takes root. Sean, Mike and a group of friends gather on the night of Aug. 26, 2006, at Max Hartwell's home to plot their strategy. They target a Food Lion not far from the high school. Their friend Christopher Cousins worked at the store and knows its layout and schedule. The teens buy masks, walkie-talkies, a pellet gun and other supplies at a Wal-Mart. They have decided that Sean will be the gunman while the rest serve as lookouts. He's the youngest in the group and has no record with the police. Sean turned 16 just a month earlier. If he's caught, they figure he'll just get a slap on the wrist, maybe a few months in juvenile hall. Sean stalks into the store wearing a mask and a black hooded sweatshirt.
'It has affected my kids - they're seeing me stressed out all the time ...
When the repossession notice finally came, Richard Wadswell felt crushed. The 46-year-old widower and father of two had worked all his life to pay the mortgage. Now his family home of 16 years was to be taken away. A court order hangs over Wadswell (not his real name), and if he misses a single payment to HSBC it will be enforced and he will be out. Calls to repossession advice lines are flooding in four times faster than this time last year and the number of repossessed homes going under the hammer with the country's leading property auctioneer has doubled. The Council for Mortgage Lenders predicts 45,000 homes will be repossessed this year, 50% more than in 2007. Now it seems only a matter of time before Wadswell's semi-detached home in a cul-de-sac in Tameside, Greater Manchester, adds to the statistical gloom.
How rich do you feel?
Our middle class is being artificially maintained through tax incentives. The Canadian economy is doing well, but the distribution of wealth is not adequate. There are structural problems with our economy. In the midst of prosperity, we are doing more poorly than earlier generations. .
Hornets' derby debacle
WATFORD's crisis of results at Vicarage Road plunged to new depths this afternoon (Saturday) after they crashed to a 4-2 defeat against Queens Park Rangers. The game was effectively over by half-time after the counter-attacking visitors had capitalised on some alarming defensive failings in the Hornets rearguard to race into a 3-0 lead courtesy of two Martin Rowlands goals, including a penalty, and a Damion Stewart header. A Damien Francis header at the start of the second-half, which had suspicions of an own goal about it, gave the Hornets hope, but Akos Buzsaky ensured it would be seven games without a win at Vicarage Road for the home side before Dan Shittu netted a late consolation. .
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