Although 31,000 people around the world lost their lives in natural and man-made disasters in 2006, insurance industry payouts for catastrophes totaled just $15.9 billion–among the lightest years on record–since poor countries, with low property values and little casualty coverage, bore the brunt of the losses, the reinsurance giant Swiss Re reports.
In his new book, Chocolates on the Pillow Aren't Enough, Jonathan Tisch shares what he's learned about getting customers to come back to a business. As CEO of Loews Hotels, he's had plenty of experience in dealing with finicky customers. But Tisch also relates examples from companies such as Best Buy, a children's hospital, and even a museum. He says that for small companies competing with retail giants, serving the customer is vital.
AP - House Democratic leaders vowed Thursday to pass legislation setting a deadline of Sept. 1, 2008, for the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq, a challenge to President Bush's war policy that drew a blunt veto threat in return.
AP - Police clashed Thursday with students, environmentalists and left-leaning Brazilians protesting a visit by President Bush and his push for an ethanol energy alliance with Latin America's largest nation.
AP - Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich acknowledged he was having an extramarital affair even as he led the charge against President Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky affair, he acknowledged in an interview with a conservative Christian group.