China today cut its key interest rate by a quarter a percent to restore some vigor to its economy.  Might Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke suggest similar medicine when he briefs lawmakers on Capital Hill today?  Among the challenges:  interest rates in America are already near 60 year lows and cheap borrowing is not the only reason people decide whether or not to hire or to buy.

In a hopeful sign for jobs today, new claims for unemployment benefits dropped in the last week.

Crude oil in Europe slipped below $100 dollars a barrel today.  In New York, it’ll be below 85 dollar as the sun comes up here in the East.

The government of Spain had to pay a little more to borrow money this morning. But at least investors were willing to lend to the financially troubled country.

To Japan – where researchers have found a new way to get us to eat less. Special diet goggles… That are supposed to trick your brain. The goggles can make  a cookie look twice its actual size… Which is supposed to keep you from eating the whole thing.  And as a bonus, if you use the goggles to look at your iPhone… You’ll think you have an iPad.