Since the middle of this decade, the world has been plunged into an energy crisis reminiscent of the one we faced in the 1970s. However, the differences between the two situations vastly outweigh the similarities. Where do we stand? And, what’s ahead? We’ll help separate the long- and short-term realities from the panic and gloom.

Micro-electronics is merging with a new technology called micro-fluidics to make possible the construction of entire chemical laboratories that can fit in a shirt pocket. The implications for fields as diverse as medical diagnostics, counter-terrorism, and agriculture are enormous. What will this mean for you as an investor, taxpayer, and consumer? We’ll explain.

Downsizing, off-shoring, and the creation of virtual corporations have all converged to create what HR guru Judith Bardwick calls a “Psychological Recession.” In this environment, employees are more concerned about their next job than the current one, and today’s employer is seen as just one of many rungs on the ladder. What does this mean for businesses and employees? What can employers do about it? We’ll tell you.