Joan and Jim first talk about Kiplinger's projections for the 2006 economy. They go on to discuss legislative actions likely to come up in the fall session of Congress in '05. Next they discuss the lobbying influences of businesses in Congress, as well as China's attempt to influence Congress by hiring a lobbying firm. Finally, they discuss new levels of gift tax exclusion, which will be beneficial for tax planning.

Joan and Jim talk about the current state of the budget and tax revenue that Congress will be dealing with when they return after the Labor Day break. They also talk about some of the good new as well as the challenges of the economy. Among other topics, like the price of gasoline, they discuss the differnet tax reform options that will be debated over the next year.

Ted joins Jim to continue their series on teh impact china is having on the global marketplace. Today they talk about China's impacet on the price of oil. They go on to talk about China's poor performance in protecting the environoment, and also the rampant piracy of intellectual property that is part of China's business model. Ted offers his ideas about how to stop China's theft of ideas from other country.

Joan and Jim talk about some of the challenges of developing trade agreements around the globe. They go on to discuss changes coming at the U.S. Postal Service, as well as the confirmation process of Judge John Roberts, to the Supreme Court. They wrap up with a discussion about the tax credits to be available to purchasers of hybrid cars.

Jim begins the show by himself, talking about the significant contribution small businesses are making to the economic growth the U.S. is experiencing. Wehn Jerry joins Jim, they discuss several key economic factors small businesses are facing, and what Kiplinger forecasts we should expect in the near future. They go on to discuss the re-issuing of the 30 year bond and why that's a good thing, as well as the likelihood of an air traffic controller slowdown next month. They wrap up the visit with some thoughts on the recent formal transition of power in Saudi Arabia, with the death of King Faad.

Rich and Jim talk about what it's like inside the Washington Beltway with Congress out of session. They go on to discuss the Judge John Roberts nomination to the Supreme Court, the economy from a political angle, and the impending Iraqi constitution.

The Jims talk about the current events of the day according to Kiplinger. They begin by discussing a little politics, then move on to talk about the likely re-emergence of nuclear energy in the U.S. Next topics include U.S. economy, the failed controversial purchase of the U.S. oil company, Unical, by the Chinese company, CNOOC, and the opening up of all markets to Southwest Airlines, among other topics.

Jim Ostroff joins Jim as they discuss the most recetn Kiplinger Letter. This week the conversation is around the resilience of the U.S. economy in the face of a number of challenges, like $60 a barrel oil. They go on to discuss several legislative issues, like the chances of a repeal of the death tax, as well as the probable passage of an energy bill. Also discussed are new healthcare products, improved cell phone performance, and a little on internet telephony, a.k.a, voice over internet protocol (VOIP).

Joan and Jim talk about the new changes planned for the Homeland Security Agency to make us safer from terrorist. They move on to talk about how the IRS plans to focus more attention on small businesses that are successful but whose owners don't take much W-2 income. Another topic discussed is the progress being make to solve the explosion of identity theft.

Ted joins Jimi to discuss the attempt by a Chinese oil firm, CNOOC, to purchase a U.S. oil company, UNICAL. They explore the good, the bad adn the dangerous issues surrounding this potential transaction.