A recent Wall St. Journal article voices consumer dismay with the financial-services industry; The Center for Responsible Lending seconds that emotion; and author Jacob Hacker calls it "The Great Risk Shift" of the past 30 years.

this New York Times article.  It shares tips on how to take advantage of online shopping bargains and includes links to comprehensive listings of coupons and rebates.

Since 2003, Merriam-Webster online has picked a Word of the Year. This year, with the economy on most people's minds, the winner was bailout, which is defined by Merriam-Webster as "a rescue from financial distress".

Enjoy a virtual tour of microscopic masterpieces at the Micropolitan Museum. Pollen grains, diatoms, ciliates and bacteria are just a few of the natural subjects photographed and displayed in this unique online museum.

CNET writes about the Capitol Tweet widget, which follows Congress with updates every 10 minutes from members of Congress.

Explore Flu trends across the U.S. with Google.

led to the meltdown on Wall Street?  Read "Craving the High That Risky Trading Can Bring."   Or check out Your Money and Your Brain.

Are you suffering from writer's block as you try to answer the essay questions on a college application?  For inspiration and assistance try the book:  Writing a Successful College Essay, or read the top ten admissions essay tips at the Peterson's Website.

President-elect Barack Obama is broadcasting his weekly address on YouTube, accessible anytime, anywhere you have an internet connection.  Transition documents are available on change.gov - where you can participate in discussions, apply for a job, learn about the agenda.

Share your vision for the United States with President-Elect Barack Obama on his new web site change.gov.  Presidential transition information can be found at usa.gov

Mashable has written an article listing non-human entities that use Twitter. Follow the Mars Phoenix, or Endeavor, or a plant, horse, or dog!

The Freshwater Society based in lake-filled Minnesota, has abundant info on water & publishes the Minnesota Weatherguide Calendar.

During the transition period of our government, the GAO (Government Accountability Office) provides insight into, and recommendations for addressing, the nation’s major issues, risks and challenges.

The Minnesota DNR provides Hunter Education and Safety classes, including information on Tree Stand Safety.

The Pew Research Center provides an initial analysis of the Obama-Biden victory.

CNET writes that membership is now at 120 million.  The Facebook blog gives some information on election-related statistics; 15 million of us logged in election day, 2.4 million of us joined the Facebook Election Day Event.

Here are the Hennepin County Elections Results for city and county offices.

In Green Up Your Cleanup by Jill Potvin Schoff, you'll find techniques to save time, money, and the earth by green-cleaning your kitchen, bath, around the house, and outdoors.

¿Buscar para sus antepasados hispanos? Hay algunos recursos muy útiles aquí. 
Somos Primos, Anillo de Genealogía Hispana y CyndisList: Hispanic, central & South America...

Use cnn.com Election Center 2008 to get election results.  Then flip to the Money page for analysis on what the results may mean for the current economic crisis.

November is National American Indian Heritage Month. Many Twin Cities organizations are hosting events including Metro State University, and the Minneapolis American Indian Center site has an extensive listing of local powwows, crafts, films and much more!

Among price comparison search engines, it's hard to beat Pricegrabber.com with its detailed listings and results usually amount the cheapest and most accurate.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics spotlights facts on a number of Thanksgiving related activities.

Feeling thankful this month and want to help others?  Check out Hands on Twin Cities for volunteer opportunities in the metro area.

Locate a flu shot clinic listed with the Minnesota Department of Health.

Early Literacy Storytime Ideas Exchange helps you find great picture books to teach early literacy skills.  It's gotten a new look and a new home on Hennepin County Library's Birth to Six website.