Dateline Raleigh, NC, November 6, 2008: Democratic leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives discuss confiscating our 401(k)s and IRAs, by Carolina Journal Online reporter Karen McMahan.

This shocking pronouncement is certainly an attention grabber, which if even partially true, would have an impact on nearly every employed and retired American. The basis for the report is testimony before the House Committee on Education and Labor in early October.

Dr. Teresa Ghilarducci is one of many witnesses (scholars, retirees, activists, an investment mogul, and benefits experts) who were interviewed by the committee members. (I was skipped over once again, but a receptive person in the HCEL was willing to forward a listing of my articles to the right person. I expect an invitation to testify momentarily)

McMahan writes: “Dr. Ghilarducci, professor of economic policy analysis at the New School for Social Research, …

Although the retail picture for many apparel companies has been a bit less encouraging then many would like, some have been riding a wave that has yet to crest. Playing to the tween and teen markets always seems to find that little extra disposable income for the shopper to stay in style. A company that can tap into this demographic is one that will find many sources of “way-cool” profit.

Volcom Inc., a retail brick and mortar/online marketer of young people’s apparel, works to serve an apparel lifestyle niche oriented toward board sports such as surfing, skate boarding and snowboarding. The company was founded in 1990 and has since grown to begin offering its products through various channels in Europe. The company made its first acquisition at the end of 2007 and currently carries $93 million in cash (and very little debt) on its books. Yearend figures for 2007 showed sales