For all the sweeping changes that President Barack Obama has delivered, there also has been an ample helping of more-of-the-same. ...more

February 28, 2009

For years, retailers could afford to be sloppy about running their businesses because customers kept buying. No more. Stung by the worry that shoppers - who cut spending by the most dramatic amount in at least 39 years this holiday season - may not start spending again for a long time, stores are making drastic changes. They are cutting out marginal suppliers, hiring outside experts to keep inventory lean, holding special events for those who are still buying and making extraordinary efforts to gauge customer satisfaction. ...more

January 19, 2009

It began with another reputation-minting start from a 24-year-old in his first full season in the majors and ended with a national coming-out party for a 23-year-old who has just over a month in the big leagues. ...more

October 21, 2008

A Thai court removed the prime minister Tuesday for taking pay to host a TV cooking show, setting off wild celebrations by protesters occupying his office compound. But rejoicing could be short-lived: The ruling party vowed to put him back in power. ...more

September 10, 2008

Dissimilar as they sound, "Modern Guilt" operates under a cloud of melancholy similar to 2002's "Sea Change," Beck's mournful survey of a broken romance. ...more

July 10, 2008

Investors have found plenty of reasons to be optimistic about Wal-Mart of late, as the company found the right mix of merchandise and marketing to complement its refocus on low prices at a time when Americans are seeking less expensive options. ...more

June 4, 2008

The youngest of my three children will graduate from college in two days. It is the fulfillment of a dream for him, and a step toward what I know will be a bright future. I'm happy, and proud, and … sad. Yes, sad, because this is a huge sea change in my life. ...more

December 16, 2007

Toy sellers' fears of a widespread boycott of Chinese-made toys have not taken hold so far, despite the recall of more than 20 million playthings made there. Merchants are reporting an improvement in business, including strong early sales of certain key holiday items. ...more

October 3, 2007