If the Knicks get that far, they would almost certainly benefit from a key factor: They wouldn't have to face a star point guard in the process.

WSJ: For Once, Knicks Catch a Break

In his latest book, " Return on Strategy: How to Achieve it" Poulfelt and his co-authors examine how companies can reap maximum benefit by using their unique X-Factor as a strategy.

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These tools lack an engagement factor that businesses would otherwise be able to benefit from.

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In addition, stock options' favorable accounting has often become the dominant factor in their adoption, rather than a side benefit.

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But they point to another factor: The needs of the businesses that want to benefit from the new economy.

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Whistleblower experts say any marketing benefit to the U.S. Postal Service is relevant only as a mitigating factor in the damages that might be awarded to the government.

WSJ: U.S. Joins Suit Against Armstrong

Even though the economy will factor into the voting equation, it's difficult to parse who might benefit most, says Zandi.

NPR: Philadelphia House Race Turns on Money Issues

Though it really is a revolutionary scientific step, investors should remember how Provenge looks when you strip the gee-whiz factor away: it is just another expensive cancer treatment with a real but small benefit.

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