MiamiHerald.com: Business http://www.miamiherald.com/business/index.html MiamiHerald.com: Business http://media.miamiherald.com/images/logos/rss_sitelogo.gif http://www.miamiherald.com/business/index.html 140 25 News, sports and entertainment from MiamiHerald.com en-us Copyright 2009 MiamiHerald.com Business 60 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:51:29 EST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss McClatchy Interactive's PubSys miamifeedback@miamiherald.com Royal Palm heads for bankruptcy http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/844348.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/844348.html Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:01 EST COVER PHOTO Six years after opening the Royal Palm, developer R. Donahue Peebles has put the entity that owns the South Beach hotel into bankruptcy protection amid a dispute with a lender trying to foreclose on the property. Holidays were gloomy, sales figures confirm http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/844352.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/844352.html Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:01 EST Retailers reported dismal sales figures for December on Thursday as even Wal-Mart, one of the bright spots in the industry, finally buckled under the pressures of the deteriorating economy. Stocks end mostly higher after mortgage deal http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/843025.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/843025.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:22 EST A deal to help head off more mortgage foreclosures pulled Wall Street out of a slump Thursday, giving stocks a mostly higher close. Democratic lawmakers reached an agreement with Citigroup Inc. on a plan to let bankruptcy judges alter loans in an effort to prevent homes from going into foreclosure. Other lenders are expected to follow suit. Cushman & Wakefield exec to launch own real estate firm http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/843606.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/843606.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:49 EST Tere Blanca, a top commercial real estate executive in Florida and current chair of Miami-Dade County's economic development arm, The Beacon Council, is going out on her own. Fixed rates on mortgages fall again http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/844250.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/844250.html Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:01 EST Rates on 30-year mortgages fell to a record level for a fourth straight week, dropping to the lowest mark since Freddie Mac started tracking the data nearly 28 years ago. Pharmed co-founders get 9 years for fraud http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842608.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842608.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST Saying she wanted to maintain community values in a time of rampant healthcare fraud, a federal judge Wednesday sentenced Carlos and Jorge de Céspedes, brothers who were once pillars of the community, to nine years in prison. Chalk's, AIG sue seaplane manufacturer http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842523.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842523.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST Chalk's Ocean Airways, the former seaplane venture, and its insurer have both sued the manufacturer of the Grumman Mallard aircraft, saying it was defective and dangerous, causing the 2005 crash that killed all 20 people onboard. Welcome centers, Florida tourism ads may be axed http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842635.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842635.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST Florida may shut down its welcome centers that serve free orange juice and could also sharply curtail television ads aimed at propping up the Sunshine State's summer vacation season. Venezuela reinstates oil program for the needy in U.S. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842522.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842522.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST The Venezuelan government reversed course Wednesday, announcing that its U.S. oil subsidiary will continue to provide free home heating oil to poor residents throughout the United States. Obama: Dire economy requires bold action http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842636.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842636.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST Pointing with concern to ''red ink as far as the eye can see,'' President-elect Barack Obama pledged Wednesday to tackle out-of-control Social Security and Medicare spending and named a special watchdog to clamp down on other federal programs -- even as he campaigned anew to spend the largest pile of taxpayer money in history to revive the sinking economy. National Association of Home Builders push $150 billion plan http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842643.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842643.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST With lawmakers angling to pass an economic recovery package by the middle of next month, desperate home builders from around the country flew to Washington to spend Wednesday pushing a $150 billion plan to revive the housing market. Bed Bath & Beyond profit drops http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842644.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842644.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST Home decor chain Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY) said its third-quarter earnings fell more than 36 percent as revenue and same-store sales slipped on a continued pullback in consumer spending. LG Electronics plans wrist phone http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842649.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842649.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST It looks like Dick Tracy may finally get his wristwatch cellphone, the one that does video calls. LG Electronics announced plans Wednesday at this year's consumer electronics show in Las Vegas to introduce a wrist phone later this year, giving reality a chance of catching up with the comic-strip hero who famously used a two-way ``Wrist TV.'' Drug-maker Wyeth in acquisition talks with Crucell NV http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842650.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842650.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST Drug-maker Wyeth is in preliminary acquisition talks with Dutch vaccine maker Crucell NV, according to a statement from Crucell. The statement came shortly after a Wall Street Journal report saying Wyeth was in talks to buy Crucell, which focuses on vaccines, for up to $1.35 billion. FPL subsidiary now NextEra Energy Resources http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842662.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842662.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST FPL Group (FPL) has changed the name of its wholesale-energy subsidiary from FPL Energy to NextEra Energy Resources. Executives at the company said the name better reflects its focus on clean energy. Gas prices in South Florida creep upward http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842663.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/842663.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST Gas prices ticked up again in South Florida, rising to $1.762 a gallon in Broward County from $1.722 yesterday and $1.806 in Miami-Dade from $1.774 yesterday. That's still below prices a month ago and well below the highs over $4 reached last year, but experts are warning that the current reprieve from high gas prices may be short-lived. Asia stocks mixed ahead of US jobs report http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844730.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844730.html Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:34 EST Asian stocks were narrowly mixed Friday amid more corporate gloom and worries that a key U.S. jobs report could show recession in the world's largest economy is deepening. Ssangyong Motor applies for court receivership http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844682.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844682.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:54 EST Troubled South Korean automaker Ssangyong Motor Co. has applied for protection from creditors to buy time to restructure itself into a profitable manufacturer. China names more Web sites for vulgar content http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844655.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844655.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:29 EST China has expanded its campaign against pornography and vulgar content online, naming more than a dozen Web sites, including Microsoft's MSN, that it says need to clean up. China's struggling airlines get tax break http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844491.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844491.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:34 EST China is taking new steps to shore up its aviation industry amid global economic turmoil, giving struggling airlines a $360 million tax break and $26 billion in loans to its main aircraft maker, state media said Friday. Bank of Korea cuts key rate to 2.5 percent http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844448.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844448.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:14 EST South Korea's central bank cut its key interest rate Friday for the fifth time in just three months to help shore up the country's sagging economy. Number of jobs keeps falling, unemployment claims up http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844228.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844228.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:49 EST New economic reports this week suggest that the Labor Department will report dismal unemployment numbers Friday as U.S. employers continue shedding jobs at a blistering pace and the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits rises. More than 100 Rome flights canceled by protest http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844197.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844197.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:29 EST More than 100 flights at Rome's main Leonardo da Vinci airport have been canceled by a ground workers protest against job cuts that are part of Alitalia's imminent relaunch. Job losses stack up as recession deepens http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844196.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844196.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:29 EST Trying to survive a deepening recession, employers are cutting their work forces to the bone, leaving more Americans unemployed and with dim prospects of finding a new job any time soon. Job cuts reach into oil sector http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844131.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844131.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:29 EST Job cuts that have afflicted almost every sector of the economy reached into the oil industry Thursday, as the biggest oilfield service providers said they were cutting employees. Madoff 'victims' do math, realize they profited http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844094.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/nation/story/844094.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:59 EST The many Bernard Madoff investors who withdrew money from their accounts over the years are now wrestling with an ethical and legal quandary. What they thought were profits was likely money stolen from other clients in what prosecutors are calling the largest Ponzi scheme in history. Now, they are confronting the possibility they may have to pay some of it back. U.N. advisor: Asia should tap into currency reserves http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/842685.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/842685.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST Asia should tap its $4 trillion in currency reserves to avoid a significant economic downturn through public spending to bolster consumer demand, a U.N. economic advisor said Wednesday. EU urged to approve funds for upgrades http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/842678.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/842678.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso called Wednesday on European Union governments to approve a 5 billion-euro ($6.8 billion) stimulus program to upgrade energy and Internet links. Satyam Computer Services admits huge accounting fraud http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/842519.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/842519.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST One of India's largest technology outsourcing companies, Satyam Computer Services, on Wednesday admitted cooking its books and committing other grave financial wrongdoing to inflate profits over several years. The revelation shook India's stock market and sent shock waves across the country's booming software industry. Television commentators quickly dubbed Satyam ``India's Enron.'' Recent grads in China to get employment help http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/842683.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/842683.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST China announced a series of measures Wednesday aimed at helping millions of recent college graduates find work amid the country's grim employment outlook and the deepening impact of the global financial crisis. Russian gas cutoff hits Europe hard http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/842520.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/842520.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST Russia shut off all gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine on Wednesday, forcing countries to scramble for alternative sources of energy during a winter cold snap. British retailer files for bankruptcy http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/842684.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/842684.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST Clothing store Viyella became the latest long-standing British retailer to succumb to dire retailing conditions and file for bankruptcy protection on Wednesday. Venezuela reinstates oil program for the needy in U.S. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/842522.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/842522.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST The Venezuelan government reversed course Wednesday, announcing that its U.S. oil subsidiary will continue to provide free home heating oil to poor residents throughout the United States. International Briefing http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/842516.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/842516.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:01 EST EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso called Wednesday on European Union governments to approve a 5 billion-euro ($6.8 billion) stimulus program to upgrade energy and Internet links. British Airways mergers with American Airlines, Iberia on track http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/840805.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/840805.html Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:01 EST British Airways' Chief Executive Officer Willie Walsh said he's confident that he can conclude tie ups with American Airlines and Iberia and that there's no danger his company will be left behind as the industry consolidates. International Briefing http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/840559.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/840559.html Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:01 EST British Airways' Chief Executive Officer Willie Walsh said he's confident that he can conclude tie ups with American Airlines and Iberia and that there's no danger his company will be left behind as the industry consolidates. Navy OK's $2B deal for Boeing planes http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/840824.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/international/story/840824.html Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:01 EST The Indian navy has agreed to buy eight reconnaissance and anti-submarine planes from Boeing in a $2.1 billion deal that signals the developing nation's drive to upgrade its military hardware. Ford shows newest Sync in-car technology features http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/844651.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/844651.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:24 EST In the shadow of the U.S. auto industry's troubles, Ford Motor Co. on Thursday showed off the latest version of its voice-activated in-car entertainment and communication service, which it hopes will lure more car buyers. HP says it will stop distributor's sales in Iran http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/844621.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/844621.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:14 EST Hewlett-Packard Co. said late Thursday that it would stop a distributor from selling its products in Iran. The computer and printer maker acknowledged that it knew the sales were occurring despite trade sanctions on Iran, but maintained it did nothing illegal and was halting the practice "to go beyond the letter of the law." Broadcasts to mobile devices to start in 22 cities http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/844162.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/844162.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:09 EST TV stations in 22 U.S. cities announced Thursday that they will start broadcasting their signals this year in a format designed to be received by mobile devices like cell phones, MP3 players, GPS units and in-car entertainment systems. New TV trends: Internet movies, 3-D, power saving http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/844038.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/844038.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:24 EST TV makers are adding sexy new features like streaming Internet movies and 3-D capabilities this year, betting that they can keep consumers away from basic, no-frills sets, even in a weak economy. Palm unveils new smart phone, operating system http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/844010.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/844010.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:04 EST Palm Inc. unveiled a new touch-screen smart phone and operating system Thursday, marking its latest attempt to catch up with competition from Research In Motion Ltd.'s BlackBerry and Apple Inc.'s iPhone. Free calls from Skype could come soon to iPhones http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/843944.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/843944.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:09 EST Free calls over Skype, the Internet communications service, could be coming soon to the iPhone. Obama team urges delay in digital TV transition http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/843782.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/843782.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:39 EST President-elect Barack Obama is urging Congress to postpone the Feb. 17 switch from analog to digital television broadcasting, arguing that too many Americans who rely on analog TV sets to pick up over-the-air channels won't be ready. Nonprofit laptop maker forced to cut staff http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/843290.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/843290.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:49 EST In another sign of the growing financial strain on nonprofit groups, the One Laptop Per Child program is cutting its work force in half. GameStop holiday sales surge, shares jump http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/843218.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/843218.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:19 EST In what was a dismal holiday season for many store chains, video game retailer GameStop Corp. proved an exception. Dish Network unveils `Slingloaded' TV recorder http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/843199.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/843199.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:54 EST Satellite TV provider Dish Network Corp. on Thursday unveiled a digital video recorder that can send TV signals to a computer screen or mobile phone. Obama, security aides, still debating Blackberry http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/843028.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/technology/story/843028.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:09 EST For President-elect Barack Obama, parting with his Blackberry is such sweet sorrow. Gators vs. Sooners game is hot -- ticket prices are not http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/840737.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/840737.html Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:01 EST Deflation has hit college football's championship game. Hosting Thursday's showdown between the Florida Gators and the Oklahoma Sooners is providing South Florida with a boost amid a soft tourist season. But brokers report tickets are selling for as much as half off compared to last year's title match. Miami Beach to beef up tourism business http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/840795.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/840795.html Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:01 EST Miami Beach will convene a tourism task force to guide the city's top industry amid a declining economy. The city took a similar step after the terrorist attacks in 2001 severely wounded tourism in South Florida. South Beach's Royal Palm hotel posts $2.4 million loss in November http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/840806.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/840806.html Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:01 EST South Beach's Royal Palm hotel posted a $2.4 million loss in November as it fended off foreclosure efforts by lenders. The hotel's financial statements were included in a package that one of its lenders, an affiliate of Blackrock, distributed to would-be buyers of the struggling hotel. No more free beer samples at SeaWorld, Busch Gardens http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/839104.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/839104.html Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:01 EST There are no free lunches in life, but one could always count on free beer samples at Anheuser-Busch theme parks. Until now. The brewer has put the kibosh on the free beer samples at its SeaWorld theme parks in Orlando, San Antonio and San Diego and its Busch Gardens parks in Tampa and Williamsburg, Va. The brewer plans to build restaurants, or other food-related venues, which have a broader appeal to children and families, said Fred Jacobs, vice president of communications for Anheuser-Busch Adventure... 'Miami Spice' discounts to be offered at restaurants http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/835864.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/835864.html Sat, 03 Jan 2009 03:01 EST As the economy batters South Florida's tourism industry, Miami-Dade restaurants will offer the ''Miami Spice'' discounts they've always reserved for the slow summer season. Dubbed ''Winter Miami Spice,'' the promotion will involve more than 30 restaurants offering fixed menus for lunch and dinner. Lunch costs $23 and dinner $36 -- the same as during the summer -- and the promotion runs from Jan. 12 to Feb. 12. South Florida hotels, bowl organizers have plan for double-duty http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/834448.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/834448.html Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:01 EST Out with the old, in with the new. Not the year. College football teams -- and their traveling caravans. Orange Bowl opponents Cincinnati and Virginia Tech head home Friday morning after a weeklong stay that culminated in the OB's 75th annual classic. Arriving by evening will be even bigger headliners -- No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 2 Florida to prepare for their Jan. 8 national-title game at Dolphin Stadium. Miami Pro Bowl move breaks ground for NFL http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/831917.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/831917.html Wed, 31 Dec 2008 03:01 EST The National Football League confirmed plans to move the Pro Bowl from Honolulu to Dolphin Stadium in 2010, a week before the Super Bowl is played there. Tourists bombard New York City http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/830641.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/830641.html Tue, 30 Dec 2008 03:01 EST A record number of people visited New York City this year, but the once-rapid growth in the city's tourism industry has slowed amid a worldwide economic downturn and city officials are bracing for even more bad news next year. Disney's Cinderella Castle suite to stay open http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/827726.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/827726.html Sat, 27 Dec 2008 03:01 EST Cinderella is keeping the light on. Walt Disney World confirmed that the Cinderella Castle Royal Suite -- created in early 2007 for overnight stays by winners of Disney's two-year ''Million Dreams'' promotion -- will remain open for some guests next year, although on a more limited basis. Loews launched Miami Beach's historic hotel boom http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/826594.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/tourism/story/826594.html Fri, 26 Dec 2008 03:01 EST Minutes before the Loews Miami Beach opened its doors for the first time 10 years ago, senior managers gathered in the lobby for champagne and some congratulatory words. Asia stocks mixed ahead of US jobs report http://www.miamiherald.com/business/breaking-news/story/844730.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/breaking-news/story/844730.html Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:34 EST Asian stocks were narrowly mixed Friday amid more corporate gloom and worries that a key U.S. jobs report could show recession in the world's largest economy is deepening. Blame Gaza conflict for higher gas prices in South Florida http://www.miamiherald.com/business/breaking-news/story/843674.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/breaking-news/story/843674.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:26 EST Gas prices in South Florida have soared by double digits in the New Year, fueled by the rising conflict in Gaza. Since New Year's Day, prices have gone up 12 to 13 cents in South Florida, to $1.7981 in Fort Lauderdale and $1.8363 in Miami, AAA figures for Thursday show. Wider Caribbean route for Spirit Airlines http://www.miamiherald.com/business/breaking-news/story/843993.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/breaking-news/story/843993.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:20 EST Spirit Airlines said it is further expanding its Caribbean route network with new service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Santiago, Dominican Republic. Royal Palm hotel in bankruptcy fight http://www.miamiherald.com/business/breaking-news/story/843657.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/breaking-news/story/843657.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:25 EST Six years after opening the Royal Palm, developer R. Donahue Peebles has put the entity that owns the South Beach hotel into bankruptcy protection amid a dispute with the lender trying to foreclose on the property. European economic confidence sinks to record low http://www.miamiherald.com/business/breaking-news/story/842951.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/breaking-news/story/842951.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:38 EST Confidence in the EU economy sank to a record low in December, the European Commission said Thursday, while official data confirmed the 15-nation euro zone officially slipped into recession in the third quarter. BBC to launch Persian-language TV channel http://www.miamiherald.com/business/breaking-news/story/843343.html http://www.miamiherald.com/business/breaking-news/story/843343.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:09 EST The BBC said Thursday it will launch a Persian-language TV channel next week that can be seen in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and elsewhere, despite Iranian claims that it will be used to recruit spies. How do fire breathers do it? http://www.miamiherald.com/news/action-line/story/844029.html http://www.miamiherald.com/news/action-line/story/844029.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:20 EST Q. I have an 8-year-old who wants to know how fire breathers avoid getting burned. I have no idea. Can you explain? Magnet school can use dog insulin http://www.miamiherald.com/news/action-line/story/844028.html http://www.miamiherald.com/news/action-line/story/844028.html Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:20 EST Q. I recently had to put my wonderful dog, Yogie, to sleep. He was diabetic the last three of his 15 years of life. I have three unopened bottles of dog insulin, ''Vetsulin,'' left over, worth about $100.