LABOR Day 2008 is unlike other workers’ day. Rice and energy prices have spiraled up around the world, bringing bad news to a country of rice eaters and gas guzzlers. No food shortage yet but the government is encouraging alternatives to rice.

Civil unrest in Tibet. Toxic toy production. Unyielding pollution. Support of the Sudanese government and its policies in Darfur.

WASHINGTON — Employers cut payrolls by 62,000 in June, the sixth straight month of nationwide job losses, underscoring the economy’s fragile state. The U.S. unemployment rate held steady at 5.5 percent. The latest snapshot of business conditions, rel

But despite the current economic slowdown, as well as a number of vacant storefronts on Union Street in Rockland and in the south of Abington, a number of local business owners and managers say they’re optimistic about their prospects and their future.

Tough economic times are good for business at the Shoe Doc in the Eastland Shopping Center. "We always do better when the economy turns down," said employee Linda Stansell. "It's cheaper to get shoes repaired than go out and buy new ones." Fo