Joan and Jim begin their visit talking about the Employee Free Choice Act (Jim doesn't like it), then they move on to what caused much of the stock market drop this week, and then to housing, energy and politics, among other topics.

Jim and Joan talk about how as the 21st century marketplace evolves, the great challenge is getting the newly unemployed from 20th century jobs transferred to the often unfilled 21st century assignments. They go on to talk about the new way the Fed is looking at the twin challenges of unemployment and inflation, why you should do your due diligence when picking a professional employer organization, and finally, a look as some of the tax incentives that are being packaged with the minimum wage increase.

Beginning their visit with some of Jim's sarcasm about the global warming wack-jobs not being able to debate the issue -- due to cold weather, Jim and Joan move on to talk about Fed Chairman Bernanke's speech to Congress and what he had to say about the economy. They wrap up with thoughts on the relative health of independent banks and something called reverse mergers.

The economy is defying the news media and clicking right along, and Joan talks with Jim about why, plus some good and bad news for small business.

Joan and Jim talk about the complicated issue of lowering C02 emissions, while simultaneously meeting the increased demand for energy of all kinds. They also talk about the prospects for some of the legislative issues being debated in Congress, and other current events.

Joan joins Jim to talk about the issues covered in the most recent Kiplinger letter, including the national attention being given to the Massachusetts' Model for healthcare insurance reform. They also talk about the trend in crude oil prices, human resources, interest rates, the federal deficit and the actions of some of the dictators around the world.

Joan and Jim begin their interview talking about President Bush's new Iraq agenda. They move on to discuss the Kiplinger and Blasingame economic forecasts for 2007, new postal increases, health care, minimum wage and what Congress will attempt to do this month.

Joan and Jim talk about some of the issues that Kiplinger -- and Jim -- have to say about what's likely to happen in 2007 in a number of areas. They also cover some of the brand new demographic research that Kiplinger has recently published, which is important to know as we plan our marketing strategies for the new year.

Joan joins Jim to report on the most recent Kiplinger Letter, including discussions about the U.S. military readiness, the U.S. automobile industry, the Fed's new inflation standard, and other items of current interest.

Joan and Jim talk about adjusted outlook for the 2007 economy, the labor market, prospects for housing, minimum wage, President Bush's domestic agenda, and some tips for small businesses.