"They can buy, sell, share or put a call virtually to any stock, bond or currency in the world, they can do it from their basement, and they can do it with information that in the past brokers would only give to their clients for a charge, " says Thomas L Friedman, of the New York Times, author of a book on globalisation.

BBC: Greenspan Alert!

L. Thomas Chancey, a Fort Lauderdale arborist, says he was hired by the previous owner of the riverfront lot to see whether it was feasible to move the rain tree, and he concluded it was too risky.

WSJ: Moving an Octogenarian Is Tough, Especially One That Put Down Roots

Yes, Thomas L. Friedman, it is a 401(k) world.

FORBES: 401(k) World: A Deeper Look into Tom Friedman's Nightmare

Some of Sweesy's backers don't want to be found, either--by the IRS. "Investors who take deductions for investments in a fraudulent venture are liable for those writeoffs, " says IRS special agent Peggy L. Thomas.

FORBES