BUSINESS NEWS
INVESTING
- Stock Quotes
- Stock Charts
- Stock Ticker
- Portfolio
- Stock Screener
- Broker Center
- Mutual Fund Center
- ETF Center
- Money
- 24/7 Wall St.
PERSONAL FINANCE AT WALLETPOP
- Bargains
- Banking
- Budget
- Calculators
- College Finance
- Community
- Credit
- Deals
- Debt
- Economizer
- Food
- Home
- Fraud
- Insurance
- Interest Rates
- Loans
- Mortgages
- Real Estate
- Recalls
- Recession
- Retirement
- Saving
- Simplification
- Specials
- Taxes
SMALL BUSINESS
Making a Comeback:
20 to Watch in 2008
Previous-
They're Ba-a-ack!
Once hot, then not ... we round up the people, products and things that are returning to the spotlight in 2008. Click through our gallery and find out what you'll be seeing a lot more of this year -- and why.
No. 1: Silicone Implants
Taken off the market in '92 because of leakage concerns, they are seeing a resurgence since their '06 reapproval. New safer "gummybear" implants will further this growth even more.
Next: ExorcismsMore Hot Features:
-
No. 2: Exorcisms
According to the Washington Post, exorcism -- the church rite of expelling evil spirits from tortured souls -- is making a comeback in Catholic regions of Europe. About 70 priests serve as trained exorcists in Poland, about double the number of five years ago. An estimated 300 exorcists are active in Italy. Many attribute the resurgence to the Vatican's formal and informal support of the rite.
· More on Exorcisms' Surge
Next: StreetcarsMore Hot Features:
-
AP
No. 3: Streetcars
The Associated Press reports that "streetcars are making a comeback in several American cities, and more have plans in the wings." It goes on to say, "Most newer lines are less than five miles long, but transit officials in cities such as Portland; Little Rock, Ark.; Tampa, Fl.; Kenosha, Wis.; Tacoma, Wash.; and elsewhere say they are making a difference in rejuvenating sagging urban areas."
· More on Streetcar Desires
Next: BeaglesMore Hot Features:
-
No. 4: Beagle
Although its popularity peaked during the fifties (think Snoopy), when it ranked most popular from '54 to '59, it is the only breed that has consistently remained in the top ten most popular since 1915. But it may be poised to set off even more puppy love this year as 'Uno' the beagle made history by becoming the first of his breed to ever win 'Best of Show' at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
· More on Beagle Power
Next: Hats Are HotMore Hot Features:
-
No. 5: Men's Hats
From Panama hats to fedoras, hats are making their way back to the heads of men (and women) everywhere. Some say the tide turned for men's hats back in 2005 when Brad Pitt donned some straw fedoras for a W Magazine cover shoot. Fast forward to today and most of the major men's 2008 collections feature hats as a matter of course.
· More on the Hot Hat Trend
Next: WoodstovesMore Hot Features:
-
Jeff Haynes, AFP | Getty Images
No. 6: Woodstoves
According to the New York Times, "after years of steep decline, wood heat is back, with people flocking to dealers to buy new wood stoves, wood boilers and stoves that burn pellets." One store owner, Chris Foster, said sales of wood and pellet stoves were up 65% in the last year. Mr. Foster said. "If the economy is good, people go to gas. If the economy is sluggish, people go to wood and pellet stoves."
· More on 'Hot' Woodstoves
Next: Travel AgentsMore Hot Features:
-
No. 7: Travel Agents
SmartMoney Magazine called it last year when it said: "After more than a decade of decline, the humble travel agent is staging a comeback. Frustrated with the recent rash of sold-out hotels and airline seats, travelers are discovering that for all the hype, web sites like Hotels.com, Orbitz and Travelocity are losing some of their edge." Seeking more personal service, many are returning to their once-forgotten travel agent. More on This Trend Next: Clotheslines
More Hot Features:
-
No. 8: Clotheslines
There was once a clothesline in every backyard. But as Alexander Lee, founder of Project Laundry list said, "It became a flag of poverty over the last 30 or so years." Now there is a growing movement to get rid of both the negative connotations and the bans restricting their use. With "green" being king, now may well be the time for clotheslines to rejoin the neighborhood landscape.
· More on Clotheslines
Next: House CallsMore Hot Features:
-
No. 9: House Calls
There are about 1,000 house call-based practices in the U.S., and more expected. It's no wonder: According to the American Academy of Home Care Physicians, an estimated 2 million elderly will be homebound, needing a doctor to pay them home visits, by the year 2020. Likewise, people who are 85 years or older represent the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, and may be most in need of such services. More Details
Next: Mac & CheeseMore Hot Features:
-
No. 10: Mac & Cheese
From restaurants devoted entirely to its cheesy goodness (Sarita's Mac & Cheese, or S'Mac, in New York City) to deep-fried versions showing up on the menus at fast food joints like Sonic Drive-In and casual eateries like TGIF's, it's clear: Mac is back.
· More on Mac & Cheese
Next: Skinny Pants?More Hot Features:
-
Chris Jackson, Getty Images
No. 11: Skinny or Flare?
Have skinny pants and tapered legs had their last hurrah? Fashion Television thinks so. For Spring 2008, they say to expect "the flare to make a triumphant return to the catwalks." Fashionising.com agrees, saying, "with the art deco trend playing such a large role in 2008, it's no wonder the wide-leg pant is back." Those who couldn't work the skinny-leg pant rejoice!
· More on Pant Trends
Next: Cuff LinksMore Hot Features:
-
No. 12: Cuff Links
We're not sure if it's wishful thinking or clever promotion (or both?) on part of jewelry stores who long to get men interested in purchasing glittery goods for themselves and not just the women in their lives, but cuff links are said to have made a recent comeback and are no longer simply for special occasions.
· More on Cuff Link Trends
Next: Car ComebacksMore Hot Features:
-
AFP, Getty Images
No. 13: Comeback Cars
The DeLorean, made famous in 'Back to the Future,' is set to return, as the company will start producing up to 24 original DeLoreans a year in 2008. Also, being reawakened: the Ford Taurus nameplate. In an effort to revive wilting sales, Ford will rename the Five Hundred with the old moniker. Finally, old muscle cars are being given new life, like the Dodge Challenger, the Chevy Camaro and the Mustang.
· More on Comeback Cars
Next: Same-Sex SchoolsMore Hot Features:
-
No. 14: Not Co-Ed
Revisions made in 2006 allow local school districts to offer single-gender schools. There has to be a rationale; the same program also must be offered in a coeducational classroom, and enrollment must be voluntary. This reverses a thirty year trend away from same sex schools. The number of same-sex public schools has increased from about a dozen nationwide to more than 300 over the last five years.
· More on Same-Sex Schools
Next: Recycled HeroesMore Hot Features:
-
No. 15: Movie Heroes
Call it "green" or think of it as post-modern, but Hollywood seems to be deeply committed to recycling. 'Indiana Jones,' 'X-Files,' 'Batman,' the 'Hulk,' 'Harry Potter,' and 'The Mummy' will all soon be returning to the big screen. Even 'Star Trek' will boldly go where it has gone, uh, ten times before.
· More on These Movies
Next: TV RemakesMore Hot Features:
-
The Movie Company/ZUMA Press
No. 16: TV Remakes
New York Magazine reports that 12.7 million people tuned into NBC's 'Knight Rider' on Feb. 17, making the pilot the highest-rated TV movie among viewers ages 18 to 49 in three years and practically guaranteeing it'll return as a series in the fall. The original series starred David Hasselhoff and ran from 1982 to 1986.
· More Shows That Won't Die
Next: Paula AbdulMore Hot Features:
-
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
No. 17: Paula Abdul
Not content to enjoy her renewed fame as an 'American Idol' judge, Paula Adbul wants her comeback to include her musical stylings as well. Her new single, "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow," which was produced by fellow 'Idol' judge, Randy Jackson, has been somewhat of a hit in the early going. She also intends to release a new album this summer.
· More on Paula's Comeback
Next: Grand Band PlansMore Hot Features:
-
Harry Goodwin, Redferns/Retna
No. 18: Bands
The Jackson 5 reunion tour is no sure thing. Jermaine Jackson announced it last year, saying Michael was on board, but no tour dates have been announced as of yet. However, other musical groups are trying to get their groove back on: New Kids on the Block, Robbie Williams and Barry Manilow, to name just a few.
· More on Musical Comebacks
Next: Olympic DreamsMore Hot Features:
-
Darren England/ALLSPORT
No. 19: Olympians
The upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics could provide a bully pulpit for Americans who want to prove that athletes can continue to compete on a world level far longer than once thought possible. By employing cutting edge training techniques, Dara Torres, Paul Hamm and Blaine Wilson hope to come away with some Olympic hardware.
· More on Olympic Comebacks
Next: Rehab ChicMore Hot Features:
-
AFP/Getty Images
No. 20: Rehab Chic
If you're a Hollywood has-been, or even a current star like Eva Mendes, it seems as if the best way to resuscitate or boost your career is to go to drug and/or alcohol treatment. In fact, rehab is so popular these days that the latest and greatest reality television show focused on celebrities getting treatment for their addictions a la 'Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew.'
· More on 'Cool' Rehab
More on AOL: Stores ClosingMore Hot Features:
-
More on AOL:
Retail Stores Closing Doors
Over the last couple of months, there has been a flurry of announcements from retailers that they are closing stores, slowing expansion plans or ceasing operations altogether.
From Sharper Image and CompUSA to Macy's and Ethan Allen, we round up more than 20 retailers that are closing (at least some) of their doors. Are some of them your favorites?
To Start Gallery, Click Here: 23 Stores Going Bye-ByeMore in Money & Finance:
