Fair-Weather Capitalism Sweeps U.S. in Crisis: Kevin Hassett The crisis at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac provided yet another body blow to the already reeling U.S. economy. With so many people now gripped by the prospect that the economy may be headed toward recession, the blame game has started.

Christie Brinkley's Not Only Victim of Divorce: Kevin Hassett The news that the messy divorce trial of Christie Brinkley and Peter Cook ended with a settlement last week came a little too late for the two parties. The ugliness of the case was best-captured by the news alert posted by the Associated Press announcing the settlement: ``Christie Brinkley settles NY divorce with husband who had teen mistress, online porn habit.''

World's Poor Hunger for Free Trade: Kevin Hassett (Correct) This week, as the Group of Eight countries meet to discuss global problems, there is one sad truth you can put your money on: The G-8 will continue to fiddle while the developing world burns.

Inflation Menace Has Echoes of Volcker's Days: Kevin Hassett If you are like me, the notion that inflation could climb to double digits seems almost absurd. But have years of U.S. Federal Reserve success lulled us all into a false sense of security?

NBA Home Bias Suggests Referees Committing Fouls: Kevin Hassett As the Boston Celtics celebrated their record 17th championship, the National Basketball Association suffered more accusations of biased officiating. During the Finals, former referee Tim Donaghy accused NBA officials of calling fouls to manipulate the results of playoff games.

Lieberman Makes Risky Bet in Speculation-Ban Bid: Kevin Hassett Every year there are a few memorable instances of U.S. congressional testimony that have an immediate impact on economic policy. This year's star performances were provided by hedge-fund managers Michael Masters and George Soros.

Seeing Recession When There's None to Be Found: Kevin Hassett The idea that the U.S. is in a terrible recession that may turn into a depression has spread like a malicious computer virus.

Oil Tax Exposes Democrats' Economic Illiteracy: Kevin Hassett With President George W. Bush's popularity fluctuating between that of a mosquito and a root canal, some Democrats inside the Beltway are beginning to express extreme optimism. Democratic victories in November, so the story goes, may be so large that sweeping policy changes will be possible in 2009.

Pork Projects Thrive in Democrats' Spending Scam: Kevin Hassett Politicians have two ways of responding when they are caught doing something that outrages voters: They can stop the behavior or they can find a way to continue it in a manner that's difficult for voters to observe.

Polar Bear Ruling to Bring Tsunami of Lawsuits: Kevin Hassett As expected, the U.S. Department of the Interior added the polar bear to the list of threatened species under the Endangered Species Act last week. Even with the Bush administration's attempt to render the ruling toothless, this action will almost surely go down in history as the turning point in the global warming debate.