Meanwhile, its competitors were putting together global purchasing networks that were not only more responsive, but were not locked into high costs linked to the strength of sterling.

ECONOMIST: BUSINESS BRITAIN

Not only would it reduce tax savings for mortgages, charitable gifts, high medical costs, and the like, it would also curb tax breaks for owners of municipal bonds, workers who buy health insurance, and those who earn money overseas.

FORBES: Obama's Cap On Tax Deductions: Not What It Seems

Not only can they spend inordinately on shaky bets, but they may lock companies into wrong approaches because high upfront costs create reluctance to invest further in adjusting losing propositions.

FORBES: Is Google Too Rushed to Pioneer?

By concentrating on innovating through game play, and ignoring its competitors' most high-tech features--super-powered processors, support for high-definition televisions and DVD formats--Nintendo has not only been able to keep its costs down, but it's hit upon the single thing that sets apart an entertainment device most: It's fun.

FORBES: Nintendo's Wii Is A Revolution