Larry and LA Times’ Oscar expert Tom O’Neill rap about the Academy Award nominations announced this morning. Who made the cut? Who was left out? And who’s most likely to take home some Oscar gold?

Politics is dirty business—that’s a given. But what’s going on with the California gubernatorial race? Republican candidate Steve Poizner is accusing his primary opponent, Meg Whitman, of resorting to threats in an attempt to force him from the race. Poizner says Whitman’s campaign advisers have repeatedly called and e-mailed his staff urging him to drop out of the Republican primary. Is Poizner being too sensitive, or has Whitman crossed a line?

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mike Mullen, announced plans to repeal the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy today, in the first Congressional hearing on the issue in 17 years. What are the implications of lifting the ban on gays openly serving in the armed forces? Would the military be forced to recognize civil unions and extend benefits to same-sex partners? And how would it affect troop morale?

Which amortization rate is right for me? How much of my income should I allocate toward retirement? Jane Bryant Quinn wrote the book on personal finance, and now she’s back to address rebuilding savings after financial disaster in a new edition of “Making the Most of Your Money Now.” From spending plans to whether gold is a good investment, Quinn is here to answer your pressing money management questions.