Last-minute sales surge offers bit of retail cheer
Some major retailers Monday boosted their sales forecasts for December after shopping patterns at the end of the month provided an unexpected lift in what many analysts still characterize as a sluggish holiday season.
Valpak dresses up its look
Valpak, one of the nation's largest purveyors of junk mail, is trying to add some class to its act.
A bumpy ride
TAMPA -- Seven months after its debut, the Rhino Rally ride at Busch Gardens is still plagued by glitches.
Business today
STATES OPPOSE MICROSOFT DELAY: Florida joined eight other states in opposing Microsoft's request for more time to produce evidence in the antitrust case. The states told U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly that their broad proposed penalties, which cover many Microsoft products, should come as no surprise to Microsoft. Microsoft said it needs more time because the nine states' remedy proposal differs significantly from the company's agreement with the Department of Justice and other states suing the software giant. The states have called for penalties that are far stronger than those in Microsoft's proposed settlement. Kollar-Kotelly also plans to review the Bush administration's settlement with Microsoft in March. Microsoft shares fell $1.62 to $66.25.
Gift giving takes a hit
NEW YORK -- There must be a recession; even Bill Gates is cutting back.
