Hot topics for around the water cooler:

• Citing Cost Concerns, More Workers Leave Firms' Health Plans
  What happens when a benefit isn't that beneficial?
• Emmys Need a Fast Fix
  Robert Bianco offers his five-point plan for reinventing the Emmys
• Hoping to Overtake Its Rivals, Yahoo Stocks up on Academica
  "Economists and search gurus fill new research team; data-rich fantasy land"
• Lulu Aims to Wag the "Long Tail"
  "Bob Young helped rewrite the rules of the software industry. Can he do it again in books and videos?"
• Now Vending at Indy Int'l: Electronics, Batteries
  Sony introduces the next generation of coin-op machines
• Personal Music Players: An Artwork in Progress
  "Download an audio tour on your iPod or cell"
• Power Entrepreneurs Step in to Keep Baghdad Humming
  Cashing in on local sources of energy
• Promoting Alternative Energy Without Being Too Green
  Nicholas Parker of the Cleantech Venture Network on how being environmentally friendly can be financially lucrative
• Public Domain Books, Ready for Your iPod
  "Audiobooks, read by volunteers, free for the downloading."
• Urge to Go Private Picks up Steam
  "Ford just the latest of more high-profile examples"