USA Today

Busy Family's Guide to Money (USA TODAY/Nolo Series)忙碌家庭金融指南Author:Sandra Block, Kathy Chu, John WaggonerFormat:PDF 5.3MBPublisher: NOLO Number Of Pages: 288 Publication Date: 2008-03-04 ISBN-10 / ASIN: 1413308368 ISBN-13 / EAN: 9781413308365 Every family worries about money, whether they're strapped for cash and living paycheck to paycheck, or concerned about saving for

Gannett (GCI), the country's largest newspaper company posted its revenue for the May period. Advertising revenue dropped 14.3% to $347 million. This was an... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

via USA Today Hoping to recapture the magic of the original CBS series, Louis Leterrier, director of the new Incredible Hulk movie, invited the original Mr. Incredible, Lou Ferrigno, 56, to voice the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

He’s the go-to guy when rappers want a little crossover credibility (Kanye’s “Homecoming,” Jay-Z’s “Beach Chair“). but Chris Martin, the frontman of Coldplay, is so much for than that. He’s so freakin’ uncool that he’s way cool. The musician (and Gwyneth Paltrow’s hubby) covers the July issue of Rolling Stone magazine. Check out so

USA TodaySmurf's up, but for which stars?USA Today - 47 minutes agoLoves nature. David Archuleta: Kindhearted smurf-like American Idol runner-up. Handy Smurf: Mr. Fix-it. Wears overalls and a pencil behind his ear.

Apple introduced a new, faster iPhone on Monday. It goes on sale July 11, with prices starting at $199 for the 8 gigabyte model and $299 for the 16GB version. The 'iPhone 3G' will have built-in GPS for on the spot traffic directions.

USA TODAY (Magazine)By USA Today /National Cust Serv Buy new: $164.00 Customer Rating: First tagged “magazine” by M. Knight Customer tags: magazine, sports, newspapers, gift idea, news, current events Technorati Tags: [...]

USA Today online has a great article authored by the well respected reporter, Christine Dugas , titled “Cincinnati Escapes Major Market Downfalls“.  The article highlights quotes from the president of the Greater Cincinnati Board of Realtors as well as an economist from PNC Bank. National recognition is always welcome….even though we already know the secret about the [...]

It's a split prediction of 'Idol' winnerUSA Today - 2 hours agoI love David Archuleta, and he should win. Archuleta has a spiritual dimension that I recognize and embrace in my favorite singers. ...Maybe "The Ultimate Fighter" Needs Drama After All Bloody ElbowWho Will Win "American Idol?" MeeVeeall 3 news articles

It's a split prediction of 'Idol' winnerUSA Today - 8 minutes agoI love David Archuleta, and he should win. Archuleta has a spiritual dimension that I recognize and embrace in my favorite singers. ...

While Naruto Vol. 42 stays on top position on the Japanese Comic Book Ranking, Vol. 29 on the other hand soars high on its second week on the latest posting from USA Today Top 150 Best-Selling Book. Debuted on #57 last week, Naruto Vol. 29 now held the #44 position for the week of May 5 – 11. Vol. 28 meanwhile dropped off from the listing after its nine-week stint as a best-seller. The world’s

'Idol' finalists Archuleta, Cook soaking it all inUSA Today - 19 minutes agoI thought he was going to say David Cook," says David Archuleta, 17, named the first finalist as Cook and Syesha Mercado awaited their verdict. ...

Free Blog Traffic For 30 Days Via USA Today Homepage Directory Which Gets Over 10 Million Unique Visitors Each Day There is an extraordinary opportunity available for massive free blog promotion. The opportunity is available through the free to join blog, Fuel My Blog . Blogs approved for inclusion in this blog directory qualify for a free 30 day listing in The Blogger & [...]

Masashi Kishimoto's best-selling graphic novel – Naruto, landed on USA Today Top 150 Best-selling Books for the week of April 28 – May 4. Licensed by Viz Media, Naruto Vol. 29 debuts on #57, while Vol. 28 which dropped from the list in the previous week returned and cling to #139 spot. The latter’s 9-weeks stint as a best-seller is the second-highest of any Naruto book after Vol. 10’s ten weeks. Vol. 28 also achieved the highest position on the list ever held by a Naruto Volume (#17), and held the second-highest rank of any manga to be listed.Your Ad Here Subscribe to Hethler's Naruto Shippuuden

Lindsay Lohan’s lawyers have blasted the USA Today newspaper over the use of the actress’ image in a drunk-driving ad. “USA Today is idiotic to run such an irresponsible advertisement suggesting that drinking and driving is some kind of American ‘tradition’ we should protect,” Lohan’s lawyer Blair Berk said in a statement. “Not identifying that this [...]

Lindsay Lohan’s face appears in a USA Today ad Friday from the American Beverage Institute, but Lohan’s mugshot appears without her permission to warn about ignition interlocks. Lindsay (rightfully so) is not happy. Says her rep Blair Blerk: “USA TODAY is idiotic for running such an irresponsible advertisement, suggesting that drinking and driving is some kind of [...]

Lindsay Lohan’s lawyers have blasted the USA Today newspaper over the use of the actress’ image in a drunk-driving ad. “USA Today is idiotic to run such an irresponsible advertisement suggesting that drinking and driving is some kind of American ‘tradition’ we should protect,” Lohan’s lawyer Blair Berk said in a statement. “Not identifying that this [...]

Liv tyler, Gwyneth Paltrow + Maggie Gylennhaal USA today shoot. Visit site for more fresh celebrity photos, candids, photoshoots, gossip, rumors, paparazzi pictures, entertainment news

China vaults past USA in Internet usersUSA Today - 59 minutes ago"We use it every day for MSN, and I love playing games like World of Warcraft." The game is so popular that players can pay companies in China to play in … Written by Google Inc. and Powered by WordPress

Who would have thought 2:06.17 would not have won the London Marathon? Well, it was good enough to for a fourth place finish while running the fastest time ever by an American-born athlete. For his performance, Ryan Hall, was named USA Today Olympic Athlete of the Week award.The 25 year-old is heading east to watch the women’s marathon trials April 20 and the Boston Marathon on April 21.The kid has a major upside, and he showed that big time at his first London marathon appearance. Don’t say you didn’t get the memo on the rising star. Ryan handily won the Olympic trials marathon in New York in November with a time of 2:09:02. and he just ran a bananas time in London.By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evanglist.

So, how is life on the set of Gossip Girl? The folks at USA Today have the inside scoop. You can check out life on set, visit Gossip Girl locations and see photos in the gallery. (Photo source: USA Today) Tags: Gossip Girl, USA-TodayShare This

The nation's largest newspaper on Thursday justified the Mature rating of Grand Theft Auto IV, highlighting potential controversies that could upset parents, politicians, and religious groups.Looking for trouble in all the wrong placesAs in previous GTA games, players can kill police, run over pedestrians, and solicit hookers for a health boost. But as USA Today reports, GTA IV discourages mindless cop killing by penalizing players who do so with loss of money, weapons, and failed missions."Exotic pole dancers are in the game -- but there is no nudity, nor is there a hidden sex mini-game, à la 'Hot Coffee,' which landed the publisher in hot water in the past," the paper writes.Additionally, players will be able to drink and drive, a first for the series. The option to walk or catch a cab

Retire Happy: What You Can Do Now to Guarantee a Great Retirement (USA TODAY/Nolo Series) # Author:Richard Stim , Ralph Warner # Format:PDF 4.8MB# Page Count: 248 pages# Publisher: NOLO; 1 edition (March 4, 2008)# Language: English# ISBN-10: 141330835X# ISBN-13: 978-1413308358When planning for retirement, it's easy to become preoccupied with stock portfolios, 401(k) balances and doomsday predictions about baby boomer's lack of savings. But happiness in retirement isn't about how much cash you can manage to sock away before the age of 65. Everyone wants a comfortable retirement--but most also plan to have some fun, maintain an active social life, and enjoy a healthy old age.In Retire Happy: What You Can Do Now to Guarantee a Great Retirement, author Rich Stim shows readers how to become ric

Primary race rivets people across the boardUSA Today - 1 hour agoThe primary race between Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama is so competitive, it has even barged into the online universe of the World of Warcraft … Written by Google Inc. and Powered by WordPress

The RV world gets national attention as The Rally in Perry, GA and the RV lifestyle are featured on the front page of USA Today’s Travel section.  Check out a great video featuring the dog show, another video comparing a nice class A motorhome to a practical pop up camper and an interesting article of the RV lifestyle for those that haven’t savored the joy [...]

Revote donors linked to Clinton - USA TodayExcerpt:"Ten wealthy Democrats have offered to pay for a new presidential primary in Michigan — all with ties to Hillary Rodham Clinton, who showed up in the state Wednesday seeking a revote.Five of the donors are listed on Clinton's campaign website as among her major fundraisers. All 10 have contributed to Clinton's presidential or Senate campaigns or the races run by former president Bill Clinton, according to federal data compiled by the non-profit Center for Responsive Politics.The Michigan revote donors — including New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos and financier Roger Altman — have offered to put up $12 million to pay for a new election in June."

Although many elitists deride USA Today as a dumbed-down "McPaper," that's not really the case anymore; plus with 3 million subscribers it's far and away the largest daily paper in the country. Over the last couple of years, I've noticed the excellent reporting (and writing skills) of Noelle Knox for the housing and mortgage beat, whom I think made a point to be both fair and balanced in her reporting on a very complex subject.I'm certainly not the only one to take notice; in fact, the Associated Press (AP) has brought Ms. Knox on board to create and lead their new AP Business: Real Estate & Home division. From a BusinessWire release: The real estate and home service, called AP Business: Real Estate & Home, is the first targeted news product from AP's newly cr

This certainly is not a glamorous story -- but if it helps America's college students, I am sure PSU is very happy to help. I have always been very skeptical of these cards, I knew it wasnt a very wise choice. The ID card at Portland State University in Oregon has long been the key to campus life, allowing students to check out books, get into buildings and access their meal plans. A few years

Archivists block release of Clinton papers - USA TodayExcerpt:"Federal archivists at the Clinton Presidential Library are blocking the release of hundreds of pages of White House papers on pardons that the former president approved, including clemency for fugitive commodities trader Marc Rich.The archivists' decision, based on guidance provided by Bill Clinton that restricts the disclosure of advice he received from aides, prevents public scrutiny of documents that would shed light on how he decided which pardons to approve from among hundreds of requests."

If you’re willing to forego typical spring-break spots, you can save a bundle on your vacation this year. Related PostsSpring break ‘08: Bikinis and booze? Not so much. (Chicago Tribune)Getting a little loco while on a weeklong break from class has practically been a rite of passage fo...Blog Section (Malaysia Today)You need to register to post [...]

 Cross posted at Grizzly Groundswell  Congratulations are in order for New Hampshire’s second district representative. He took home a well deserved and hard fought award last week. He was named by USA Today as one of the worst pork barrel spending representatives in the House. Congratulations Paul Hodes, you must be proud.  Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter ( New Hampshire’s First district, and my, representative) promised to reign in wasteful government spending, yet Paul Hodes has brought it to another level. GOP Chairman Fergus Cullen: “After earning the distinction as one of the worst pork-barrel spenders in Congress, it seems that Representative Paul Hodes has found his very own ‘bridge to nowhere.’ This is exactly the kind of project that wastes of taxpayer dollars and adds to the federal budget deficit.”  That was New Hampshire GOP chairman Fergus Cullen’s response after it was learned that Paul Hodes had entrenched himself in his new pork

Washington PostStudents join GOP debate via youtubeUSA Today - 48 minutes agoBy Kathy Kiely, USA TODAY When eight Republican presidential candidates meet Wednesday to answer questions coming from citizen videos, the audience will include political activists, local VIPS and Ray Keller, a Nebraska teacher.GOP hopefuls uneasy over debate format San Jose Mercury Newsyoutube and the GOP And, Perhaps, the Snowman New York TimesThe News-Press - CNN - Computerworldall 18 news articles Read More... [Source: Google News - Posted by alexa]

Deputy drug czar sees day when all pro leagues will accept world's … - USA Today AFP Deputy drug czar sees day when all pro leagues will acceptworld's…USA Today -56 minutes agoJust about everyone in theworldhas." The Mitchell report, expected to be released by the end of the year, likely will add more names to the list of…US deputy drug czar blasts US leagues for ignoring WADAAFPall 3 news articles Trans World Entertainment Corporation Reports Limited and … - CNNMoney.com TransWorldEntertainment Corporation Reports Limited and…CNNMoney.com -2 hours agoTransWorldEntertainment does not intend to comment further on these matters until the Special Committee and the Board of Directors have completed all…TransWorldsays permits CEO to form bid consortiumReuters.ukTransWorldchief's buyout plan runs into oppositionBloggingStocksall 9 news articles Growing Number of Female World Leaders Emerging - Voice of Ameri

After a season of disappointment in weight loss reality TV shows, where the tactics took precedence over health, it is refreshing to see someone with a worldwide audience willing to talk about diabetes health issues. Not that ABC or NBC should gear themselves to meet my expectations, but when the real issue of obesity is not whether a person can lose it, but rather all of the collateral health issues that can happen if they don’t, the mega voices to the world have missed the mark and a golden opportunity. On the other hand, USA Today has started a 4 days series of articles on several aspects of the diabetes epidemic that is sweeping our country and the world. USA kicked off their effort with articles on diet and the research into treatment of type 1 diabetes through islet transplantation. “Islets are small organs in the pancreas that contain several types of cells, such as those that produce insulin. A recent study showed that islet transplants can potentially reduce or eli

Gannett (GCI) is the largest newspaper chain in the US and its prized property, USA Today, is the largest paper by total circulation. It is a bad sign then... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

I don't actually read USA Today, but I found this just browsing around on ThinkProgress today. It's a full-page ad that Amnesty International placed in the paper. I think the picture is phenomenal. The purpose of the ad is to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Military Comissions Act, which essentially removed the right of habeas corpus. The bill was passed under the guise of "protecting us from terrorism". In reality they're just eroding the protections that many people have fought and died for...

Apple’s svelte iMac computers always turn heads. But I’m also smitten with the Mac’s rock solid OS X operating system and top-shelf iLife software suite — programs that tame pictures, videos and more. Last week, Apple (AAPL) unveiled beautiful new iMac models. And it introduced the iLife ‘08 lineup that is preloaded free on those machines (or sold separately for $79). Apple trotted out the new computers and software a mere two months or so before releasing the next version of OS X, dubbed Leopard. Read more.

Welcome to all of you who are visiting my blog as a result of the article in USA Weekend. Please email me from the link at the top of the page with any questions, and feel free to leave your comments on the paintings using the “Comment” link in each post. Works can be purchased securely by credit card or bank transfer by clicking the Paypal button in each post. Paypal offers the best protection for buyers and sellers alike. There is a lot of internet fraud with money orders and checks, so I only accept Paypal payments at this time. I’ve made it very easy for buyers by placing the links for each work which will take you there directly, with all the information entered. You can subscribe to receive updates to my site by clicking the Subscribe link at the top of the page. If you live near the Hudson River Valley and wish to attend my art shows and events, you can receive my mailings by clicking the “Be Notified of My Exhibitions” link at the top and entering

  No. 12 Dodge, Penske Racing   This week:  Newman was in the midst of trying to pass Jeff Gordon for the lead when the rains came in June at Pocono. When the race was called after only 106 laps, Newman ended up second. He will be driving the same car, which also won the pole for the June race.   Last week:  Newman spun and slammed into the fourth-turn wall on lap 20 of the 160-lap Brickyard event and finished 42nd to drop to 14th in the standings. "I just got hit in the left rear quarter panel," said Newman. "(David) Stremme tried sticking it underneath me when he shouldn't have and spun us around. We took a pretty good lick."   Etc.:  Newman knows he was "very fortunate at Indy to have only lost a little ground to the 12th-place driver (Dale Earnhardt, Jr., who finished 34th after suffering engine failure)." Newman trails Earnhardt by 49 points with only six races left until the Chase. Newman had pulled to within 30 points of 12th place before In

In the five days since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was released to worldwide frenzy, J.K. Rowling has helped her 2-year-old daughter set up a new dollhouse, cleaned the fish tank and gone to the grocery store to buy chicken — sure signs she's ready to get back to a normal life. Or as normal as possible when you're the publishing industry's author of the moment and, with earnings of about $1 billion, probably its richest as well. Read the rest of this fascinating article HERE. It was highly interesting for me to see Rowling's feelings regarding her work being leaked on the internet last week, and how it feels to see such a big chapter in her literary life draw to a close. Great reading.

From today’s USA Today… The number of dogs and cats killed by contaminated pet food recalled this year will probably never be known, the Food and Drug Administration says. The FDA received a record 18,000 consumer calls after the largest pet-food recall ever started in mid-March. Officials said in May about half alleged a pet death. But tying a pet death to the food requires information such as test results from pets’ tissue and blood samples, which the FDA doesn’t have in most cases, it says. “The sad truth is that we will probably never know with any confidence the number of animals that fell victim to the pet-food poisoning,” says FDA spokeswoman Julie Zawisza. Read the rest here.Technorati Tags: pet food recall, pets, health, cats, dogs

D'oh!Here come the Simpsons...but not yet.Beginning Monday, you'll be able to vote for the Springfield you think should host the hometown premiere of 'The Simpsons Movie.'In the meantime, check out THE EVIDENCE from the Simpson's Archive at Snpp.com.

The USA today series young in debt is a great series of articles about five twenty somethings and discuss the various issues that affect young people in the world of money. On week 3 of the young in debt series, Saving money becomes a issue that many people in their 20’s have trouble doing. [...]

The USA today has a wonderful 6 part series dedicated to the finances of young people. For people like us who are recently out of school or in school still, these groups of articles may provide some important advice to use. The six part series is divided into different topics. They try [...]

Back in January this blog covered the issue of the more than 50 TRILLION dollar hole our federal government is in. USA Today picked up on the story today - better late than never! My January post contains the link to the treasuy report which contains the $50+ Trillion figure.

USA Today - Google chief: Candidates should post video of everything they doExcerpt:"Politicians can either try to seize control of what happens to them on the Web -- by posting tons of video chronicling just about everything they do and have to say on key issues to make sure their spin gets out there -- or "someone will do it to you" and every "evil" thing they say will be magnified, Google CEO Eric Schmidt said over the weekend at the Personal Democracy Forum."http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2007/05/google_chief_ca.htmlAlex

USA Today Blogs: Gingrich staffing up, but technically not for a White House runExcerpt:"The Politico notes that former House speaker Newt Gingrich, a potential 2008 GOP presidential contender, is adding staff at his American Solutions for Winning the Future group -- including a pollster.But Gingrich's aides say it's not part of a gearing up to run for the White House. They say they're getting ready for "Solutions Day" on Sept. 27 -- the 13th anniversary of the GOP's "Contract With America.""http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2007/04/gingrich_staffi.htmlAlex

USA Today Blogs: Huckabee says he needs to stick around long enough for GOP voters to get to know himExcerpt:""I have to stay in the field long enough for them to know me. These are not impulse buyers," former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee tells The Politico about Republican voters. According to Politico, "the Aug. 11 Ames, Iowa, Straw Poll will be key for Huckabee's chances. Huckabee said he doesn't necessarily have to be among the first two finishers, but that he can't be much farther behind that.""http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2007/04/huckabee_says_h_1.htmlAlex

USA Today: Candidates set up headquarters in cyberspaceExcerpt:""When the industrial revolution came, candidates learned real fast that they had to go stand at the factory gate," said Joe Trippi, a political consultant who managed the Internet-savvy Howard Dean presidential campaign four years ago. "Why? Because at 5 o'clock when that whistle blew, that's where the workers would be. You're campaigning where the community is."Which is why you will find every presidential candidate on MySpace, a networking site which counts more than 64 million current members. Visitors to Republican Mitt Romney's page can click and play Elvis Presley's A Little Less Conversation. Republican John McCain lists 24 as his favorite TV show and Viva Zapata as his favorite movie.Democrat Barack Obama recently became the first candidate to sign up 100,000 MySpace friends. And he has his own version of social networking called My.BarackObama.com that has allowed Virginia mothers Ruthi David and Kulia Petzol

USA Today: FDA: Tainted pet food ingredient came from ChinaExcerpt:"Testing by the Food and Drug Administration has detected melamine in imported rice protein concentrate from China, and the company who imported it said late Wednesday it had recalled it.The company, Wilbur-Ellis, had shipped the concentrate to five U.S. pet-food manufacturers, but only one company has recalled pet food so far.That company, Natural Balance Pet Foods, on Tuesday said melamine had been found in some of its venison-based foods and it suspected the rice protein because it was the only new ingredient in the food. Natural Balance tested the food after consumers reported dogs and cats suffering kidney failure. The food was made for Natural Balance by Diamond Pet Foods."http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/2007-04-19-recall-usat_N.htmAlex

USA Today: China economy surges 11%; inflation heats up, tooExcerpt:"China's sizzling economy surged at an 11.1% annual rate in the first quarter, causing the country's Cabinet to declare Thursday it will take steps to keep the economy from overheating.The pledge by the State Council came after the government announced that inflation rose to its highest level in more than two years."If this type of fast growth continues, there is the possibility of shifting from fast growth to overheating. There is that risk," Li Xiaochao, spokesman for the National Bureau of Statistics, told a news conference."http://www.usatoday.com/money/world/2007-04-19-china-economy_N.htmAlex

Let's start with Ryan Newman's information for all you #12 Alltel Dodge fans out there and then we will continue on with the rest of it. J.J Yeley... Please visit my site for the complete story with links to data and sources. Go #12!

STAR COUPLES WORK TO MAKE THINGS WORK by Lucas Jackson, Reuters April 12, 2007 Beneath Marc & Jen's Photo: (by Kevok Djansezian, AP) - "Solid": Lopez and Anthony have had some bad times, lived through some sad times, but maybe this time their hurting will heal. Chances are, you won't see Julia Roberts and Danny Moder cuddling on the red carpet. Same goes for the ultra-private Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. But plenty of Hollywood power...

USA Today: The 2008 candidates are running 'e-lection' campaignsExcerpt:"Sen. Hillary Clinton employs a chief technology officer. Former Democratic senator John Edwards wants volunteers skilled in Ajax and other cutting-edge software. Kentucky gubernatorial candidate Billy Harper creates videos of speeches, then uploads them to the Web from a Wi-Fi-equipped campaign bus. On the horizon: text messages and video aimed at cellphones and personal digital assistants such as BlackBerrys."http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/2007-04-03-politech_N.htmAlex

USA Today: Question for Hillary: What will Bill's impact be?Excerpt:"The former leader of the free world cast a spell across a stilled ballroom as he recalled his history with the woman he hopes will be the next leader of the free world."We met and had our first date 36 years ago this month — this very month," Bill Clinton told hundreds of donors at a fundraiser last week as his wife looked on fondly. He said that by the next year, 1972, he was professing his love to Hillary Rodham and his belief that she was the best leader of their generation. "She's still the best," Clinton said to cheers, and he wrapped the New York senator in a hug."http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-03-28-cover-clintons_N.htm?POE=NEWISVAAlex

Senators Chuck Hagel and Joseph Biden have an editorial in today's USA Today about Iraq.A first step in Iraq By Chuck Hagel and Joseph Biden Today, Congress takes an important step in what we believe is our constitutional responsibility to actively engage and debate the war in Iraq. We agree with the president that our previous strategy in Iraq was failing. Equally, we are convinced that to succeed in Iraq, America's objective and strategy must enjoy the support of the American people and a bipartisan support in Congress. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will vote on a resolution we introduced with our colleagues Carl Levin, D-Mich., and Olympia Snowe, R-Maine. The resolution says what we and many of our colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, believe: America should not deepen its military involvement in Iraq by sending more U.S. troops into the middle of a civil war. More troops in Baghdad will increase the likelihood of more American casualties and will not end the sect

From USAToday.com . . . N. Korea talks yield astronautAstronaut: Autism affects 1 in 150Russert on hot astronaut in Libby trialCab driver returns bag of astronauts Astronaut case: Shocking, yet astronaut

There's was an article in the USA Today a couple of days ago about Chuck Hagel. "If I decide to get into this, I would run not just to make a statement," Hagel, 60, said in an interview last week.Bottom line, if he's in, he's in to win.

Who'd a thunk that USA Today would plant an IED under the juggernaut that's the new Chevrolet Malibu? Reviewer James R. Healey sets 'em up. He praises the sedan's styling, hushitude, roomy interior (huh?), price, "mildly satisfying" driving dynamics and acceleration. Healey knocks 'em down. "Impressions were colored, however, by some glitches... The V-6 model was tainted by a light howl from under the hood, a vibration in the steering wheel at idle and low speed, and violent shifts by the automatic transmission in some low-gear situations... The hybrid delivered a scare. Its powertrain kept racing and trying to fling the car forward after hard acceleration followed by firm braking. It finally required a full-on panic stop — anti-lock brakes kicking in, car nose-diving — to overcome the wildly revving engine and obey a red light." Healey also slates Chevy's supposed Camry killer for its reluctant and clunky six-speed autobox

Yes, "it" is the new BMW 1-Series. Like many of James Healey's reviews, there's a huge disconnect between the headline ("BMW 1 Series is small but sassy"), the critic's observations and his conclusions. Combining the old "I'll ask myself a question and then answer it" format with the bi-polar "I'll raise an objection and answer it" routine, Healey plays it straight down the middle. After arguing with himself about the small Bimmer's large price tag, he concludes "Nothing unexpected for a BMW. Hey, here's one: the stupid trim pieces on the inside door handles of the test cars, a 128i convertible and 135i coupe. The pieces are mated so that you grab the joining line every time you use the door handle. Unattractive. Rough-feel

I suppose that's no big deal, right? I mean, a Jaguar is, ostensibly, a car that provides drivers with imperious wafting rather than ultimate driving. On the other hand, Caddy's CTS is working the European sports sedan thing for all it's worth, as are the Japanese luxury makes and European sports sedans. Strangely, Healey dismisses the Jag's sporting aspirations because of its super-smooth power delivery-- rather than any handling deficit. (TTAC's Justin Berkowitz described the XF as "Ali-light on its toes, whisking you around bends with enough neutral attitude and tarmac-clawing grip to satisfy all but the most suicidal driver.") Moving on, USA Today's resident car critic has a bigger nit [sic] to pick on the all-important build quality side of the equati

Los Angeles, California: AP reported that Lindsay Lohan, after 2 arrests in 2007 on cocaine possession and drunken driving charges, was featured on Friday in a public advertisement in which she is attacking the legislation for the devices that are used to measure the blood alcohol level in the driver ...

Jackie Gleason and Art Carney. That's a double act. Twitchy and numb. That's a nightmare. But I figured, what the Hell; no one else seemed to notice the Accord's dangerous steering feel and sales are chugging along like The Little Engine That Could after cresting the mountaintop. But now USA Today car reviewer James R. Healey has finally declared that the Emperor is severely under-dre

Oh dear. When USA Today car critic James R. Healey finds a car underwhelming, you can bet it has very, very little to recommend it. In fact, Healey is less impressed with the big Lincoln than our Justin Berkowitz. Where Berk praises the MKS' mission critical waftability, Healey says the MKS' ride and handling [...]