“At Sears, Eddie Lampert’s Warring Divisions Model Adds to the Troubles”Mina Kimes, Bloomberg Businessweek

For years now, Sears has struggled to regain its once dominant status. In recent years, the business model set up by the reclusive billionaire Eddie Lampert may be making things more difficult.

“The Beige Book”Federal Reserve

Everything from pet supplies to rent demands in Providence, Rhode Island, The Beige Book, a collection of word-of-mouth economic information released by the Fed every few months that always makes for a fun read.

“Will New York’s Casino Plan Really Work?”Adam Davidson, The New York Times Magazine

Shale gas isn’t the only resource struggling cities and towns in the Northeast are looking to for salvation—inveterate gamblers may be coming to the rescue. Towns like Ellenville in New York are hoping that new casinos will turn around local economies.

“Meet Armando Montelongo: The Home-Flipping Huckster Who’ll Make $50M This Year”Abram Brown, Forbes

Many people looking for a second career with easy money turn to real estate. While most don’t succeed at getting rich, the people offering how-to seminars do.