Combat shopping They swap a family holiday for a charter-bus trek and seven hours at a shopping mall. They trudge miles through bargain-hungry crowds on one of the most cutthroat shopping days of the year. "We would rather shop than eat," says Judy Kasten.
	The eyes have it It's the stuff of sci-fi films: Machines that know you by your face, your voice or the touch of your finger. Once restricted to nuclear plants, military sites and Hollywood thrillers, biometric technology is going mainstream.
	Rumors slither into corporate myths Plenty of companies have to fend off rumors about takeovers or financial losses. It's the one about the snakes that plagues Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse.
	Respecting experience For job seekers in their 40s and beyond, the current economic climate could make finding work tougher. On the other hand, it might be that age has its advantages.
	Finding a lucky number Companies hope that nabbing a catchy phone number can help them stand out from competitors.
	Delaware's millions in unclaimed property Nearly $72 million dropped into Delaware's treasury last year. And the state is willing to give it all back, if the owners can be found. In the meantime, Delaware is happily spending as if the money belonged to it.
	Factoring for fast cash Small businesses are finding a source of capital in operations that buy invoices. It'll cost you. And the deal won't come under the eye of state or federal regulators. But it's all legal, under a centuries-old system called factoring.

Penns Grove gamble From its faded Victorian houses to its weed-strewn waterfront, Penns Grove, N.J., is buzzing with rumor and hope. Actor Bruce Willis, a local boy, wants to sink $50 million into an entertainment complex on the Delaware River.

Rodel becomes model of success Inventor Bill Budinger didn't hit the big time with high-tech golf clubs. Ditto his puncture-proof bicycle tires. But Budinger's garage-based company struck gold after a decade, with a better way to make computer chips.

Stress on the docket Delaware's workers compensation rules are now among the loosest in the nation when it comes to awarding payment for job stress. But an anticipated avalanche of stress-related claims hasn't happened – yet.

State bursts home-brewers' bubble Delaware dredges up a long-forgotten 1935 state law that bans home beer-making, even for personal consumption.

Estate debate looks at broker's ethics At 80, frail Agnes Rick can't walk or feed herself without help. Her memories are often murky or lost. She knows little or nothing of the battle over who will take care of her, and her estate of nearly $2 million.

Columbia Gas: Back from bankruptcy? Few foresaw problems pushing Columbia Gas System Inc. into bankruptcy court last year. But eight months later, there's some consensus on how – and when – the company is likely to work its way out.