519. The Fiscal Cliff Hanger

“Fiscal cliff” is the popular shorthand term used to describe the conundrum that the U.S. government will face at the end of 2012, when the terms of the Budget Control Act of 2011 are scheduled to go into effect.
Among the laws set to change at midnight on December 31, 2012, are the end of last year’s temporary payroll tax cuts (resulting in a 2% tax increase for workers), the end of certain tax breaks for businesses, shifts in the alternative minimum tax that would take a larger bite, the end of the tax cuts from 2001-2003, and the beginning of taxes related to President Obama’s health care law. At the same time, the spending cuts agreed upon as part of the debt ceiling deal of 2011 will begin to go into effect. According to Barron's, over 1,000 government programs - including the defense budget and Medicare are in line for "deep, automatic cuts."
(tags: Political Series, economy, president, congress, Barack Obama, Economics, money, taxes, laws, Health Care, House of Representatives, Senate, America, United States)

488. Mega Millions

Three people won the record-setting Mega Millions jackpot and will receive an equal share of the $656 million jackpot, which amounts to about $218 million each, before taxes, under the annuity option.
Lottery players have dished out a cumulative $1,491,082,267 since the game's last big winner in late January. (more: http://alturl.com/tj7rc)

484. The Medical Referral

(tags: Doctor, Economy, Health, Insurance, Patient, Politics, Election, fogies)

468. Gas Prices

NEW YORK -- The nationwide average for gasoline prices approached $3.74 a gallon Thursday, continuing a steady rise for the 23rd consecutive day, according to the motorist group AAA.
The average price rose 0.7 cent a gallon in the latest 24-hour period, AAA said. A month ago, the nationwide average was $3.44 a gallon.
Gas prices are up 14% so far in 2012. The average price is down 37.6 cents, or about 9.1%, from the record high of $4.11 on July 17, 2008.
(tags: Barack Obama, Obama, Political Series, Politics, Energy, Gas, Fuel, Petrol, Economy, election, 2012, DNC)

448. Trump Endorses Romney

LAS VEGAS –Hotel magnate Donald Trump endorsed Mitt Romney on Thursday, Feb 2, a theatrical announcement that matched the setting two days before the Nevada caucuses.Trump, a onetime possible contender for the presidency, said it was an “honor” to endorse Romney. Taking the stage at his luxury hotel on the Vegas Strip, Trump lavished praise on Romney in trademark colorful terms. (read more http://alturl.com/x2nt4)
(tags: Political Series, election, 2012, President, GOP,  Republican, Endorsement, Donald Trump, The Donald, Trump, Mitt Romney, US Flag, Economy, Economics, Las Vegas, Nevada)

447. The Interview

(tags: Business, Defense, Economics, Economy, HR, Human Resources, Inteview, Killing, Defense Sectror,  people, ideas)

433. Occupy Wall Street

Thousands of people across the world railed against corporate power, grinding poverty, and government cuts Saturday as the Occupy Wall Street movement spread to the streets of Europe, Asia and Australia -- and took a particularly violent turn in Rome. (read more: http://preview.alturl.com/b6p3b)

(tags: Political Series, Politics, Economy, Global, Earth, Wealth, Poverty, Economics, Finance, Money,  Power, Greed, Protest, Wall Street, 1%, Bull)

422. The Debt Ceiling Debacle

WASHINGTON — President Obama repeated his call Saturday morning, for House Republicans to accept a compromise that would allow the federal government to borrow more money, avoiding a potential default on its obligations. But there was no sign of progress toward a deal after the Senate on Friday night quickly rejected a Republican plan that had passed the House only hours earlier. Senate Republicans, meanwhile, were blocking a vote on a rival Democratic plan.
(tags: Political Series, Politics, Barack Obama, Obama, President, Congress, GOP, DNC, Debt, Debt Ceiling, Economy)

336. DC Metro Fare Increase

DC Metro introduced the second phase of its fare increases for fiscal year 2010. The increase is aimed at closing the huge budget gap the transit agency faces. Metro is now charging extra for all rides during its new "peak of the peak" period, (aka the new busiest of the busiest times of day). Programming difficulties and rider confusion are complicating implementation of the new fares.

(tags: DC, Metro, Fare, Fare Increase, Political Series, Economy)

111. Today's Job Market

(tags: Political Series, Unemployement, Job Market, McDonalds, Ronal McDonald, MBA, Clown, Economics, Economy)

82. Tough Times

(Political Series, Economy, Poverty, Unemployment, Work, Labor, Economics)