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20 Nov 2009 19:14

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U.S.: It’s official. Obama’s job approval rating is no longer above 50%.

  • 49% of respondents in today’s Gallup poll big-upped the president’s job performance source

29 Oct 2009 10:25

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Biz: Exxon Mobil’s unbelievable record profits couldn’t last forever

  • $45.2 billion the size of Exxon Mobil’s profits in 2008, helped by super-high oil prices; in other words, they didn’t need a bailout source

29 Sep 2009 10:20

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Biz: Consumers lose a bunch of confidence in September

  • 53.1 consumer confidence this month; that’s way down source

08 Sep 2009 10:41

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Offbeat: She said yes. Then she fell down a rocky incline.

  • That must have been a heck of a proposal. I believe she did [say yes] … If she didn’t, I think we ought to investigate this one.
  • Montgomery County, Maryland Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Chief Scott Graham • On a proposal with a romantic beginning but a rocky, bizarre end. During a hike, a guy asked for his girlfriend’s hand in marriage. Then she fell down a rocky incline (just like Homer Simpson) and had to be rescued via helicopter. At some point during the hike, she said yes. While she lost consciousness for a little while, her injuries weren’t serious. • source

07 Sep 2009 20:34

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Biz: Ex-Lehman Bros. CEO Dick Fuld tired of getting “dumped on”

  • You know what? The anniversary’s coming up. I’ve been pummeled, I’ve been dumped on, and it’s all going to happen again. I can handle it. You know what, let them line up.
  • Former Lehman Bros. CEO Dick Fuld • Describing the torrent of criticism he’s gotten since the company completely collapsed last year. Fuld has been a bit press-shy since the collapse for understandable reasons. “Nobody wants to hear it,” he says. “The facts are out there. Nobody wants to hear it, especially not from me.” The full article is quite good. If you choose one link to click on tonight, choose this one. -> • source

26 Aug 2009 10:00

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U.S.: The national SAT results sure aren’t making anyone look smarter

  • The average SAT reading score, down a point from a year ago. source
  • The average SAT writing score, also down a point from last year. source
  • The average SAT math score, steady but still down from 2005. source

07 Aug 2009 09:59

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Biz, U.S.: Here’s some Friday optimism: The unemployment rate’s down!

  • 9.4% the rate in July; break out the two-buck Chuck source
 

30 Jul 2009 09:56

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Biz: Don’t cry for Exxon Mobil and their huge decrease in profit

  • 66% lower decline in profits for Exxon Mobil in the second quarter source

24 Jul 2009 10:09

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U.S.: Not coming in the immediate future: Massive health-care reform

  • The Obama administration anticipated having a sweeping health care bill out the door by Congress’ August recess. source
  • A deadlocked Senate and confusion over what the president wants means it’s gonna have to wait ’til later this year. source

23 Jun 2009 21:14

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Biz, U.S.: Ah, housing numbers. Per usual, they don’t make anyone happy.

  • +2.4% increase in sales of previously-owned homes in May, a number the National Association of Realtors say might be deceptive source