Topic: California

Top galleries, list articles, quizzes

Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes

Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents – or their zealous underlings – have directed the IRS to use its formidable police powers to harass or punish enemies, political rivals, and administration critics. Here are six infamous episodes.
Briefing
IRS 101: Seven questions about the tea party scandal

The Internal Revenue Service is under the microscope now, as revelations have emerged that the agency wrongly targeted conservative groups seeking nonprofit status. Here’s an accounting of what has happened, along with the ramifications.
20 most obscure team nicknames in pro sports

Most pro team nicknames make sense at some level. But there are a fair number of head-scratching nicknames. Here are 20 with explanations on their selection:
Fortune 500: Top 10 companies in 2013

Fortune has released its annual list of the largest corporations in the United States, and there were a few notable changes in this year’s group. Here are the Top 10.
GMO, Organic, and seven other food labels you should know

A quick, easy guide to nine commonly seen (and misunderstood) food labels, from 'GMO' to 'grass-fed.'

All Content

Early tax planning can save you money

Changes in tax rules open the door to moves that may reduce your tax bill.
Writers strike out on their own with a website

New online project gives writers greater control over their work.
I decide to attend the opera, with Raisinets and bonbons.

Live performances of the New York Metropolitan Opera are beamed into movie theaters across the country, offering audiences ways to experience high culture at low prices. But is it the same as live or is it just Memorex?
Will Obama and Clinton work as a team?

They’ve had differences, but Obama is expected to name her as secretary of State.
Etc.
What Thanksgiving leftovers are in my fridge

The inventory includes some some vegan stuffing that if not eaten can be used as insulation.
Theater for an unlikely audience

A Minnesota troupe brings the timeless humor and complexities of Shakespeare to the homeless, prisoners, and the like.
Geographical longings – right down to the grass roots

The Monitor's language columnist considers some words with a sense of place.
USA
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about reinstating the Fairness Doctrine, why the UN Security Council must present a united front, ways to make coal- burning waste a useful byproduct, and what Obama can do to save the US economy.
Green homes: solar vs. energy efficiency

Solar gets more subsidies, but home energy efficiency may be more cost-effective.
To fill a table, they go online

Web connections, made with care, can add to holiday cheer and gatherings of new friends.
USA
As Latinos tilt Democratic, can Texas stay ‘red’?

The Lone Star State is the last big GOP bastion where Hispanics are a sizable voting bloc.
Monitor timeline

Ten decades of product evolution and broadening reach
Opinion: Liberals, too, should reject the Fairness Doctrine

Do we really want the government to be talk radio's nanny?
For kids: Down on the turkey farm

These native American birds find a home in the Alabama countryside.
USA
Capitol Hill feels Obama’s hand

The president-elect’s influence is altering both policy directions and the partisan tone in Congress.
Schools feel pinch from economic woes

Officials look for the least painful trims, but many worry about their ability to close achievement gaps.
Bay Area seeks to become electric-car capital

The mayors of San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose announced an ambitious public-private partnership last week to develop a $1 billion network of charging outlets for electric cars.
Read my clicks
Barnes & Noble interview with Khaled Hosseini
An improvised Thanksgiving feast

The snowstorm didn't halt one family's Thanksgiving celebration.
USA