Sen. McCain Tries New Stratedgy:

John McCain is running a little behind in the polls, and he really hasn't a clue about how the American economy works. John, you see, has lived a socialist's life. His father was a career naval officer. John was a career naval officer, and he's been a government employee for many decades. In fact, John's first hand knowledge of capitalism comes from having married money. John never had any reason to understand the economy. But that's okay, as long as he's never in control of it.

Now with the economy ready to come crashing down the bottom 90 percent of American's ears, folks have to be concerned about the possibility of him become the leader of the free world. The stratedgy is to go running back to Washington, surround himself with folks who are easily identifiable as economic advisers, and to sound really tough.

And, oh, yes, duck out on the debates. John has never been very good at those anyway. (See The New York Times story.)

Why $700 Billion?

Answer: No one knows. Apparently, Paulson simply made a wild guess and tried to make the figure sound very big in the hope that the world market would be impressed. (NPR carries a story on this subject.)

Where Should I Invest My Money?

The average total cost for a family's health care coverage now stands at $12,680 per year. Do the math, and you'll realize all of the big money is in health care. If you're going to spend it there, you might as well invest it there. (See The New York Times story.)