Elizabeth edwards

John Edwards' political career may be over, but the volumes written about the mess he made out of an opportunity-filled life, as well as the stunning betrayal of his wife and his supporters, are not yet all published. The latest tell-all to hit the book stores will come from Andrew Young, Edwards' longtime aide best known for taking falling on a political sword to new depths.

In a move not believable in the most cliché soap opera script, Young said he was the father of Rielle Hunter's baby. It was, we now know, a bizarre, desperate attempt to divert speculation about Edwards' affair with Hunter and whether he is the baby's father. Why would Young jeopardize his marriage, ruin his reputation and his family's peace to do something so self-damaging--all out of loyalty to his boss? Politico paints a strange, sad story of a bromance/idol worship/an extreme example of a political sycophant gone batty--take your pick. Read More »

A lot has happened in the year since we launched Shine. We have a new president, and his election was history-making, inspiring many here on Shine and enraging others. Companies have been laying off workers in big, chunky numbers, bringing the U.S. unemployment rate to 8.9 percent from 5 percent in April 2008. Economic crisis took hold in the fall, as the markets took a steep dive and are only (hopefully) beginning to show signs of real upward movement. It has been a tough year for a lot of Shine readers, and that's why I'd have to say my favorite posts to write have been the ones that have sparked you to share experiences and ideas for saving money and getting through tough times with ingenuity and always-resourceful ways.

Whether it's sharing ideas for an inexpensive staycation or ways to save on groceries, it's so great to see you jump in and share tips and ideas that help you live on less--something we are all trying our best to do these days. Read More »

Lots of columnists and bloggers are criticizing Edwards for taking their story so public now. How could she put them back in the harsh public eye? they ask. Think of your children, they say.  I think that’s exactly who she was thinking about when she wrote this book, and when she talks to Oprah or Matt, or whoever. She is terminally ill with a cancer that she knows will kill her but doesn’t know if it will kill her in a year or in 10 years. She has a lot to say, but is not sure how much time she'll have to say it....Just maybe writing this book saved her sanity, saved her self, saved her life. She’s entitled to that, don’t you think?

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