Business

Members of the Global Sojourns delivered comfort dolls to hospitals and shelters in Africa: Photo courtesy of Priscilla Macy

A giving circle is a unique way for busy professionals to be charitable and make an impact in their community, even in times of economic hardships.

Commercial bank donationsGiving to Democrats by commercial banks appears to remain steady in the 2010 election season in the face of proposed finance legislation.

The variety of federal jobs is endless, from covert spy to park ranger. But if you don't know how the government plays the jobs game, its not easy getting your foot in the door.

The iPad Wi-Fi launches on April 3rd in Apple stores across the country. With an estimated first day pre-order of 120,000, the iPad is a commerical success.  The real test of its power in the marketplace is whether print media can successfully utilize the platform and regain the advertising dollars that are scarce in the digital marketplace.

Uncle Sam might be getting his bailout money back faster than he thought.

Reagan National Airport has used full-body scanners since last year. TSA recently used $15 million of stimulus money for another security measure: hand swabs, which will detect residue from explosives.: Photo by Kristin McGrath"Your Safety is Our Priority" is the Transportation Security Administration's motto. And in the midst of the Obama Administration's order of 500 full-body scanners for $240 million, another security measure has been added: "explosive trace detection" or ETD. 

Billions of dollars in sales and use tax sit idle while states run short on funds, a few tax analysts and lawyers said. Photo by Photo8.com, courtesy of Flickr, Creative Commons.Businesses without a physical presence in a state they sell their goods to might not know if they have to abide by state sales and use tax rules. The easiest way to solve this dilemma is for the business to set up an office in the state they do business. Then, the guidelines are easier to follow.

Journalism experts are challenging the myth of the fourth estate, the news industry completely free from government funding in the United States, and are calling for fresh ways of funding new media through the government.  

A recent report from the USC Annenberg School of Communication revealed the U.S. government has a tradition of funding independent media through postal subsidies, public notices and tax breaks.

Anthony's Restaurant & Pizza in Falls Church, Va. opened 37 years ago: Photo by Carmer Castro for the American ObserverDespite a 40 percent decline in business in the last two years, Brinkley’s Restaurant & Lounge owner Hemm Shah refuses to cut the work hours of his employees.

“We’re still surviving,” says the owner of the Falls Church restaurant. “What I used to make, I don’t make it anymore but I will not cut their hours…as long as I can do it, I’ll do it.”

He counts on the services of a cook, three dish washers, a disc jockey and two members of his wait staff, all of whom have been with him for almost two decades.

Eastern Market, established in 1873, is one of the oldest open markets in the city and is not only a place to buy fresh food and crafts, but also a spot for the local community. On the weekends, it turns into at outdoor flea market, where vendors from all across the metropolitan region come and sell their goods.

For a closer look at the market, read Leslie Byford’s blog. Also see our slideshow below with photos taken by photojournalism student Lauren Goldstein.