Steve Jobs of Apple sent stocks in his company tumbling 7% after announcing that he will take a leave of absence from running Apple until June. Jobs cited health problems more serious than he initially thought as the cause of his break. I wish the best for Jobs. I am a big fan. But why is it that his personal health has such an effect on Apple stock? If he retired tomorrow, it's not like all the ipods would disappear like the works of Sauron.
Thought I'd give you a heads up on this one, because I've been seeing a lot of these in my own in-box lately. Apparently, "foreclosure rescue" scams are starting to multiply--multiplying, in turn, the woes of people already struggling. These companies promise to renegotiate your mortgage, take fees up front to do so, then skip town (or the virtual version of skipping town) after doing nothing for you. If you find yourself in need of emergency mortgage help, experts advise that you go directly to your lender or make sure the company you work with is HUD-approved. Some states have laws against such companies charging fees up front. So if a company demands that, it's best to choose someone else.
Authorities in Washington, DC are trying to rehouse residents of the Mall and other areas within the secured bounds for the inauguration festivities. Backpacks and duffel bags will not be allowed, complicating the lives of those who live on the streets of DC, carrying their possessions with them. To the city's credit, they are handling this "security" issue pretty sensitively, by doing one-on-one work to explain the situation and help folks get to shelters. They are also emphasizing that homeless citizens will be just as welcome at the events as everyone else, but they'll have to follow security protocols like everyone else. But it's too bad the one benefit sleeping on the Metro vent could get you--front row seats to the biggest national party in memory--is being taken away.
Try as he might to hide behind bravado and hair, Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich, has been served. The same day he swore in the new state senate, he was told to appear before it for an impeachment trial beginning 26 January. Top that for irony and I'll give you a lifesaver.
