Like millions and millions of other Americans, I’ve become very interested in the stock market. With the advent of IRAs and 401 retirement plans, the possibility of self managed Social Security accounts, the amazing stories of dot-com billionaires, the staggering wealth of hedge fund managers, the plethora of financial newsletters promising practically overnight bonanzas from investing in penny stocks and “under the radar” companies — millions of us are drawn like moths to the flame by the allure of dramatic profits.

Today, it’s not just Forbes and Barron’s and Bloomberg, but Time and Newsweek, and even People and other entertainment magazines, that focus on entrepreneurs and businesses that swim against the economic tide to tremendous growth and profitability.

"If all goes according to plan, an otherwise stately federal courtroom in downtown Los Angeles will be converted into a makeshift movie theater this week, screening a series of graphic — many would say vulgar — sexual fetish videos.

He was a spokesman for the chief. He traveled with him, conversed with him, shared meals and confidences with him, was certainly one of his closest friends. He learned from him, believed in him, benefited greatly from the association — and, when asked, would try to explain him and his mission to others.