They work for themselves because they want to have more control over their working hours or their working conditions. People become self-employed when employer discrimination stifles their potential. In short, people work for themselves when they want and need what self-employment can offer that other employment cannot.

(NNPA)—Before Congress adjourned for its current recess, the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform convened a hearing on the still-unfolding foreclosure crisis. Convened by chairman and veteran New York Congressman Edolphus Towns, the March 25 forum sought to examine current foreclosure prevention efforts and what needs to change in the government’s response.

Considering that this committee, the main investigative one for the House, is armed with authority to investigate any federal program and/or any issue with federal policy implications, Towns opened the door to a discussion that could not be timelier for the nation.

The pressure was getting to him. Things were tight! He needed some wiggle room in his budget and he needed it fast. He thought he found the “magic pill” to his problem when he saw a commercial on television offering debt negotiation services. The pitch was: “Cut your debt in half! Pay off all your unsecured debt in under five years with minimum payments! Don’t trash your credit report by filing bankruptcy! Allow our law firm who specializes in ‘debt settlement negotiations’ to work on your behalf. Never deal with a creditor or collection company again!”

AUGUSTA, Ga.—When news struck that Tiger Woods was returning to golf at the Masters tourney in Augusta, golfers, marketers, media outlets, hoteliers and others brewed with delight.

Since Tiger’s Thanksgiving Day auto wreck and subsequent public meltdown, the No. 1 golfer’s return to the course has been anticipated by millions. In Augusta, a city of 400,000 and the second-largest city in the Peach State next to Atlanta, Tiger’s return means mega dollar signs.

FREAK STORM—Just weeks ago, the entrance to the Augusta National Golf Club was the scene of a freak snowstorm. Today, it’s the site of the nation’s hottest sports ticket, the Masters, featuring Tiger Woods.