Many lawmakers have similar sentiments, though it was Congress in 2006 that made the program permanent. A bill sponsored by Rep. Lois Capps, D-Calif., calls for a one-year moratorium.

While the contractors are often described as overzealous, that's a compliment as far as one watchdog group is concerned.

The IPO Adventure, Part I

In this four-part series, I'll provide a look at the realities of an initial public offering. I'll start with a basic overview of an IPO, then explain how to prepare for one, public relations do's and don'ts, and life as a public company. It's an enormous topic, but my plan is to provide you with a in-depth understanding.

Timing and responsibilities Your board of directors, together with the underwriters (investment bankers), will determine the timing of an IPO. Expect a 14- to 18-week process, but bear in mind that market conditions may expand or compress this range. To have the best shot at controlling timing and minimizing market risk, be both prepared and highly flexible. Your chief executive officer and chief financial officer won't get much work done outside of the time-consuming IPO process.

the has-been

Republicans who think Thompson is coming to the GOP's rescue might look again: He may be jumping from one sinking ship to another.

In two recent polls, Thompson has a gender gap, all right, but in the wrong direction. He does OK with men, but is trailing badly with women. In last week's Los Angeles Times poll, he's running first among religious conservatives, a strong second among men, and a poor third – 20 points behind frontrunner Giuliani – among women. In a Zogby poll, Thompson did twice as well among men as among women. At only 6% among women, he was at the back of the pack, tied with Ron Paul.

Comments on this Story

The city of Tucson should continue to build more of these parks because I truly believe for most young people skating does provide an alternative to getting in trouble or getting involved in drugs. It is also a great way to stay in shape. As a matter if fact, I should probably take up skating again for the health benefits if nothing else.

As far as the location is concerned; I think most skaters would prefer to have parks like this in Oro Valley as well, but from what I have noticed from other cities like Phoenix is that skateparks can bring new life to parks and displace the homeless population and even drug addicts and gangs to a pretty good extent. Most skaters, while being rambunctious teenagers, don't mix too well with the homeless populations and don't tolerate people that just want to hang out and cause trouble, "tag", or deal drugs.

Coens make history as 1st best director siblings

Though Joel and Ethan Coen's many die-hard fans might say their win was nevertheless belated, coming 24 years after their first film, their Texas crime film "No Country for Old Men" has generally been viewed as a culmination of craft for the brothers.

"Whatever success we've had in this area has been entirely attributable to how selective we are," said Coen.

More guns will not solve the problem of violence

This is the second mass shooting in Illinois in the past few weeks. Perpetrators knew their law abiding victims were defenseless. Illinois is one of only two states that do not allow any form of CCW.

"Since the letter writer seems to think that taking away the concealed-carry permit is sufficient punishment for those who use their guns illegally, I certainly hope that Mr.