That it might not be in the best interest of a man with his own past legal troubles to give testimony undermining a high-profile state prosecution did not, apparently, deter him.

WSJ: Rabinowitz: The Trials of Father MacRae

The bears would have us believe that the unemployment rate is going to be a drag on the economy and along with the housing market and the troubles in Europe, will keep stock market investors frustrated for years to come.

FORBES: Will There Be A Christmas Rally?

Well, my computer troubles can be compared to those people who head into retirement with, seemingly, all their ducks in a row.

FORBES: How A Dead Laptop Can Help You 'Practice' For Retirement

Still, the troubles could swing the pendulum some way back in 2002, when the Republicans will be defending 13 governorships, compared with the Democrats' seven.

ECONOMIST: State budgets