Topic: Melinda Gates

Change Agent A different road out of poverty: saving instead of borrowing

Microloans get all the publicity, but the key to upward mobility for the world's poor may be to rely on simple savings plans, which offer a debt-free way to build wealth, make investments, and better one's life.

Valentine's Day: Is dating at work a good idea?

Valentine's Day may have some people looking for love in the office. That can be a good thing, but it comes with huge risks. Here are some guidelines for pursuing a workplace romance this Valentine's Day. 

Africa Monitor Black billionaire in South Africa pledges to give away half his fortune

The ruling party praised the mining magnate, Patrice Motsepe, and said he was part of a 'patriotic bourgeoisie' of rich black South Africans with a social conscience.

The Masters: 12 women candidates for Augusta National membership

The Augusta National Golf Club has steadfastly refused to alter its all-male membership. But circumstances may soon cause the gender barrier to break, and if it does there are several women who might be good fits for the club.

Surprise: Teachers crave evaluation

A survey of teachers shows that most say student progress can used to evaluate their job performance, but they're wary of using standardized tests. As for tenure? It shouldn't be used to protect ineffective teachers, they say. 

Who are Forbes' 10 most powerful women?

Every year, Forbes releases a list of the world’s most powerful woman, influential in everything from politics to technology to culture. The list includes obvious choices, such as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, but also includes unexpected choices, such as Lady Gaga (No. 11 this year). Here are the 10 most powerful women: (See full list here)

Why unions are livid about L.A.'s new teacher-evaluation experiment

The Los Angeles Unified School District is testing a pilot program for teacher evaluation that includes parent feedback and peer review. But unions are not happy.

Letters to the Editor – Weekly Issue of December 13, 2010

Readers write in about charity, wealth, taxes, and the housing crisis.

Charity donations: 17 more billionaries sign up to give

Charity donations pledged by the world's wealthiest are picking up as The Giving Pledge attracts new billionaires. So far, 57 have joined the Gates-Buffett effort.

Billionaires pledge $125 billion to Bill Gates charity drive

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have secured $125 billion from 40 families and individuals on the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans for the Giving Pledge campaign.

Billionaires Bill Gates, Warren Buffett want other billionaires to donate more to charity

Billionaires Bill Gates and Warren Buffett want other American billionaires to give at least half their wealth to charity.

Obama vs. the culture of greed

There is nothing evil in striving for the American dream that the president has so often lauded, but a kind of nihilistic blindness has led some to put personal gain above all else.

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A push to boost college graduation rates

Nearly half of students at four-year colleges don't finish after six years, a report finds.