Joan and Jim discuss the fact that small businesses are reporting continued confidence in the future of the economy and their businesses, and they hey go on to talk about some of the best emerging small business opportunities. Next they discuss whether there will be any real lobbying reform this year, the likelihood of more small banks being bought up by big banks, what the Fed will look like after Greenspan and with Bernanke, and they wrap up talking about why the government's employee rolls will be shrinking.

Joan and Jim begin their discussion with news about the economy, including a surge in manufacturing in the U.S. They go on to discuss wage increases, office rents, electricity rates and the price of PCs. They wrap up their visit talking about health savings accounts, politics and some of the likely legislation that will be competed this year.

Joan begins her 8th year as a member of the Brain Trust talking with Jim first about the Supreme Court confirmation process of Judge Sam Alito. They move on to talk about new regulations regarding the accounting of contingent retirement and healthcare obligations to employees. Next they discuss the state of employment in the U.S., followed by some new ideas on managing inventory. Next issue is several technology transfer benefits coming down the pike, among a few other final thoughts.

Rich joins Jim to talk about the geopolitical impact of the loss of Isreali Prime Minister Sharon as a strong and visionary leader in the middle east.

Jim O joins Jim B to talk about some of the things Kiplinger thinks we'll see in 2006, including lower troop levels in Iraq, a cooler housing market, what the Fed will new under a new chairman, where the stock market will be at year-end, and of course, what the political landscape will look like in 2006.

Joan and Jim talk about the impact of inflation currently and in 2006. They go on to talk about some of the tax issues that will be completed by Congress and some that won't. Next they talk about the higher cost of getting a loan in 2006, and the possible Supreme Court decision that could hurt the Republicans.

Joan and Jim talk about the progress in global trade talks, and how insourcing has impacted our trade balance. They go on to talk about the current and projected cost of energy, the Fed's 13th interest rate increase in a row, inflation, and the conversion of medical records to electronic form.

Joan and Jim talk about the economy in general and specifically with regard to retail, restaurants and auto makers. They go on to talk about the jobs picture for 2006, tort reform progress, and making sure you're computer is safe from viruses and hackers, among other things.

Joan joins Jim to celebrate his 8th anniversary show as she first reports on the special life-time achievement award Austin Kiplinger received from the National Press Club. They go on to talk about how Health Savings Accounts are impacting not only the healthcare industry, but also how HSAs are helping employers and employees to have better and more appropriate coverage. Other topics include the national economy, tax issues and the evolution of telephone service.

Rich helps Jim celebrate his 8th anniversary as they talk about the Republican's "winter of our discontent." Rich says they have plenty of time to recover, but the question is whether they will.