Pink-Slip Trips: Get Laid Off, Go on Vacation

When Megan Maciejowski was laid off from her job at an investment bank at the end of 2008, she cleaned out her desk, retreated to her Venice Beach, Calif., apartment and started sprucing up her resume. Then the 33-year-old set aside some of her severance package and arranged to spend February in artsy San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Her goals for the trip were simple: to take an immersive Spanish class, do some painting, experience a new culture and generally relax

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2 dead after twister hits Arkansas town

A tornado ripped through Mena, Arkansas, on Thursday, killing at least two people and damaging more than 100 homes, authorities said. Ferguson, who has won the Champions League twice with Manchester United, also revealed how he craves more European success and feels that United have not won all that they could have during his more than two-decade reign at Old Trafford

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Commentary: Obama has best day as president

If a statesman is one who looks to the next generation and a politician one who looks to the next election, a political consultant must be one who looks to the next tracking poll. Well, I’ll go one better and just look at today — April 2, 2009. (CNN) — If a statesman is one who looks to the next generation and a politician one who looks to the next election, a political consultant must be one who looks to the next tracking poll

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Citigroup Plans Big Bonuses Despite Rules Against Them

AIG isn’t the only bailed-out financial firm paying big bucks to managers who helped steer their company to near collapse. Citigroup has pledged millions of dollars in bonuses to senior executives for the next few years, despite lawmakers efforts to eliminate such payments. It’s not clear whether the bonuses, which Citigroup says are for 2008 but won’t start paying out until 2010, will be allowed.

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How to get lucky in love — and other parts of life

On a Saturday morning, Colleen Seifert woke up early and ate her usual breakfast: half a bagel, fruit, and coffee. She walked her Russian wolfhound, Bandit, and tidied her apartment. Seifert was an assistant professor in psychology at the University of Michigan, and for six years her life had been entirely focused on a single goal: earning tenure.

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While the Giants Reel, Many Small Banks Are Thriving

Last fall, soon after congress decided it would spend $700 billion to shore up the nation’s flailing financial system, about 100 shareholders of Reunion Bank of Florida gathered for a party. Over crab fondue and London broil, they toasted the start of their spanking new bank

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The addictive world of ‘Football Manager’

It’s the phenomenally popular virtual football game that has been accused of taking over players’ lives — even reportedly wrecking relationships and careers. The simple premise behind “Football Manager” is to give armchair fans a chance to play real-life managers at their own game.

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