Almost one year after radio shock jock Don Imus sent shock waves through the black community with his offensive and inflammatory remarks regarding the Rutgers University women's basketball team, it's as if a repeat of history is upon us, in an election year in which a black candidate has a serious chance of winning the White House. Back in January, Golf Channel's Kelly Tilghman seriously botched an attempt at humor when she suggested that younger ... [full story]

KATHMANDU, Nepal - A coalition of ethnic parties in Nepal agreed Thursday to participate in upcoming elections.The government in return agreed to extend registration deadlines so the United Democratic Madhesi Front candidates can participate, CNN reported.The Madhesi people, who live in the plains of southern Nepal, make up almost half the population. The region was brought into Nepal by conquest, and its people have cultural and linguistic ties to northern India.The front is seeking more ... [full story]

Just three years ago, the housing boom seemed like such a good thing. Property values were skyrocketing. Home equity loans were helping homeowners live in luxury. Mortgage rates were low enough to attract low-income buyers who never thought they'd be able to afford a home.   REAL ESTATE WOES - A sign at this San Diego home last September told prospective buyers it was a foreclosure. CNS Photo by James Baird.  The market was so hot that ... [full story]

SAYVILLE, N.Y. - A Long Island, N.Y., man is accused of killing one of his girlfriend's cats after he lost his temper with the family felines.David Wrigley pleaded not guilty Wednesday to felony animal cruelty in the death of Maddeline, an 8-year-old cat. Wrigley's former girlfriend said her other cat, Jynx, suffered broken ribs and other injuries, New York Newsday reported."These cats are my babies. They're not just cats to me. They're my children. I ... [full story]

The recent seizure by Dutch authorities of three exotic cats that a U.S.-based "designer" pet company says it created has sparked allegations by some cat breeders that the felines aren't what they are advertised to be.   DESIGNER CATS - LifeStyle Pets says the Ashera cat, shown on the company's Web site, is the result of a 'proprietary blend' of exotic bloodlines. CNS Photo courtesy of LifeStyle Pets  On Jan. 17, customs officials confiscated three so-called Ashera ... [full story]

HACKENSACK, N.J. - A former nanny for a New Jersey family admitted in court that she drugged two young children with Benadryl to calm them down.Jennifer Wolff of Hillsdale, N.J., said she was tired and afraid that she wouldn't be able to handle the boys, ages 1 and 3, the Bergen County (N.J.) Record reported.Wolff told Superior Court Judge Patrick J. Roma she made a "very poor decision" and was extremely sorry for what she ... [full story]

Dear Mr. Berko: Can you please explain the difference between the Rule of 80 and the Rule of 72? Is one of them better than the other in figuring out how much money I would have at retirement? Numbers are very confusing to me and I would be very happy if you could explain how the rules work and tell me in simple language. My broker is out of the office to have a special ... [full story]

Dear Mr. Berko: Is there any way you can explain the mortgage default mess so I can understand it? Please tell me why it's so much trouble. S.T. Louisville, Ky. Dear S.T.: Mae West once said that: "too much of a good thing is wonderful" but in this instance, it's lethal. So read on. Wall Street's priapic money machine is run by an overstressed culture of cocaine cowboys with MBAs who believe they can turn ... [full story]

CAPE TOWN, South Africa - Officials in South Africa are considering charging four white students in the alleged abuse of black cleaning workers at a university housing facility.The incident came to light after one of the students who made a video of the incident dumped his girlfriend, and she distributed the video among campus groups at Cape Town's University of Free State, the (Cape Town) Cape Argus reported Thursday. The white students claim the video, shot ... [full story]

Dear Mr. Berko: Please tell me about Markel Insurance that sells for $449 a share. I'd like to buy 30 shares as a long-term investment. My broker/brother says it's like a mini-Berkshire Hathaway in the style of Warren Buffet. But I need your recommendation and thoughts in helping me decide to invest $15,000 here. N.R. Bend, Ore. Dear N.R.: Markel Corp. (MKL-$449) is home ported in Glen Allen, Va., sandwiched between the dreamy, poetic American ... [full story]