No longer a tightly regulated economy that exports but doesn't import, Japan has become a consumption-oriented society that offers business opportunities to companies in the U.S. and abroad who understand Japanese business practices and rules of competition. FULL STORY

The Manetto Hill Jewish Center, an egalitarian conservative synagogue located in Plainview, has begun a quarter million dollar renovation of its sanctuary. The beautification process is the first step in what the congregation hopes will be the first of many steps to beautify the entire synagogue. FULL STORY