The United States economy might not be doing so well, but local economies are fighting back.To combat outsourcing of goods and services, and to keep revenue within the community, many areas have inst

In recent times, I've lost a lot of enthusiasm for Panera Bread (PNRA). The stale menu, deteriorating ingredient quality, and presentation skills killed my loyalty as a customer. The lack of focus on

One of the option strategies I often warn against more than recommend is the basic covered call. This may seem odd given that covered calls -- in which one buys underlying stock and sells a related c

You had to figure there was a reason they called it “comfort food.” Nothing explains the phrase better than the recent recession, which saw families look to stretch their dollars and lift

There was a time I loved Martha Stewart. Well, actually I loved her magazine, Martha Stewart Living. Since I had already succumbed to the cheap side of the force, there was no way I was going to actu

Raise your glass to Duff Beer, the King of Parody.Duff is Homer Simpson’s brew of choice. He and other members of Springfield’s elite sit on their more-than-somewhat-ample duffs at Moe&rs

There’s a truism among investors that you should invest in what you know, understand, and like. It’s a common sense strategy: You spot something new. It’s special. It’s useful

I don’t know where you’ll be this weekend, but you’ll find me on the soccer field. My oldest has a big tournament. Four games in all, and I can’t wait. Details to follow on Mo

“There is a road, no simple highway, between the dawn and the dark of night. And if you go no one may follow, that path is for your steps alone.” --Ripple, Grateful Dead I spoke at a phil

I love spending time with folks who are boldly barreling forward in business. I’m a big believer that success leaves breadcrumbs -- or I guess that would be croissant crumbs -- because the succ