| Web gamblers betting on Barack Obama
If you needed one more sign that Barack Obama is on a roll, the futures trading markets have decided he's a very good bet. According to several overseas online exchanges, Obama is now a virtual lock to win all the upcoming primaries, including Texas and Ohio — the states Hillary Clinton is pinning her hopes on. And he's the even-money favorite to be elected President in November. "Obama has all the momentum, and the betting odds reflect that," said Steve Budin, an oddsmaker at sportsinfo.com who puts Obama's likelihood of being President at 4-5, with Clinton and John McCain both at 3-2. And the payoffs can rival any race track. Gabriel Weil, 22-year-old college student, has made about $1,500, much of it by shorting Rudy Giuliani — selling shares in the former mayor that he did not yet own and assuming he could buy them later at a lower price and pocket the difference.
Asset-based lenders notice business boost
These aren't exactly banner days for many financial companies, as mortgage lenders close their doors, investment bankers hemorrhage red ink and credit-card firms grapple with rising delinquencies.
But there are a few bright spots in the finance arena, and asset-based lenders occupy one of them.
These firms make business loans secured by accounts receivable, inventories, equipment and other assets, though usually not real estate. .
Key West: The southernmost slump
The weather has been cold and snowy in parts of the North and Midwest,'' she said. ``We're hoping they are getting tired of it by now and will come visit.'' Some already have, like Tina and David Cosworth of Wisconsin, who said they decided just last month to come to Key West because ``it looked warm on the map.'' ''Tourism is our lifeblood,'' Panico said. ``This should make us appreciate our visitors, and be kinder to them.'' .
LR2 opens more doors to Land Rover
Land Rover, home of the full-size, $80,000, V-8 Range Rover SUV, now offers a more blue-collar compact LR2 at $35,000 for 6 cylinders.
Yup, for a paltry $35,000 you can own a vehicle from the same company as Queen Elizabeth's.
And as it now sells an "inexpensive" sport-utility, Land Rover itself is being sold, along with another prestigious British nameplate Jaguar.
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