In 1998, Stan Thomas thought his truck-side
marketing company wasn't going to survive. His business, which uses a special adhesive to fix vinyl
ads to the sides and backs of trucks, looked deep into debt. Cutting payroll and expenses didn't
help -; joining a barter network did.

Both ultra-high performance and exotic cars may
boast the fastest acceleration, most powerful engines, and incredibly responsive steering, but they
won't hug the road without the right wheels.

The holidays can be stressful, and if travel is
involved, it can add a new layer of angst to an already hectic time of the year.

The news headlines on the U.S. economy are
grim: soaring oil prices, rising inflation, sinking house prices and stagnant consumer spending. An
economic downturn can be particularly hard on small businesses, which, according to the U.S. Small
Business Administration, employ more than 38 million people and produce half of America's GDP.

Ed Begley Jr., a movie and television actor
whose credits include "A Mighty Wind" and "Batman Forever," used to get laughs for his so-called
extreme eco-friendly practices, including riding a bike to gala events. Today, Begley, who embraced
the green movement in 1970, seems to have had it right all along.

The numbers look abysmal. The average college
student graduates $20,000 in debt. The median middle-to-low income American aged 18 to 34 owes
$8,200 in credit card debt.

The presidential candidates support opposing
energy plans. John McCain, the Republican nominee, wants offshore drilling, while Democrat Barack
Obama pushes for new technologies. But new sources of oil cannot hold out forever, and new
technologies take years to develop and implement. The solution to the energy crisis needs to start
now, with conservation.

As temperatures begin to cool, Americans put
away their flip-flops and look for warmer footgear. But ill-fitting or inappropriate winter boots
can cause problems ranging from bunions to broken bones. Pointy toes can cause foot neuromas, and
slippery soles can cause dangerous falls.

Were your cosmetics tested on animals? You may
be surprised at the answer.

Starting a business can be difficult in a
healthy economy. In the current economic climate, staying afloat can seem impossible. But
businesses are finding creative ways to survive -; and thrive -; in today's down economy.