About a decade ago, Monster.com unveiled a brilliant ad campaign. The spots were black and white vignettes in which children talked about their aspirations. But these kids were already jaded.

Those of us in the news business often talk about the importance of truth. So it's hardly a surprise media outlets tend to be sticklers about getting their facts as accurate as possible. After all, while it may take many years to build a reputation, one dumb mistake can sink it.

Members of Congress used to have a foolproof way of dealing with controversial problems: They'd appoint a commission to look into them.

When I joined this magazine 21 years ago, one of my first assignments was to cover a state convention. It was a real eye-opener.

Small fortunes are spent each year trying to figure out how juries reach their verdicts in malpractice cases. Having just served on such a panel, I can probably offer some helpful insights. These may come in handy if your organization finds itself on the business end of a plaintiff's claim.

Much of the recent economic news has been fairly grim. Rating agencies downgraded our nation's credit score — and the value of some of the industry's top chains.

I have a friend who says America is the only country where poor people are fat. Well, it's not just the poor anymore. The next time you are in a public place — say a restaurant or a mall — take a good look around.

When Congress repealed a budgetary provision known as the Boren Amendment back in 1997, I wrote that providers had lost a significant legal protection. It appears that the full force of that loss may soon be felt.

It has been said that as children get older, their fathers get smarter. I'm not just hoping this chestnut is true; I'm counting on it.

Long-term care can seem like a pretty serious business. Perhaps rightfully so. Taking care of residents with dementia, pressure sores and bad attitudes — or worse — will never be mistaken for a weeklong cruise.