NATION

NATION
Surge in gas prices isn'tbad for all, analysts say
NEW YORK -- The average retail price of gasoline is now over $2 a gallon, a hardship for the finances of many Americans, not to mention numerous fuel-dependent industries.
But the pain is not felt evenly among businesses, noted Challenger, Gray & amp; Christmas Inc., the Chicago-based outplacement company.
The company compiled a list of economic winners and losers over the steep price for gasoline. Among the likely beneficiaries if we continue to pay such rates at the pump: Online and neighborhood retailers, bicycle manufacturers and repair shops, athletic shoe makers (if serious walking sees a resurgence) and home-entertainment equipment companies.
And the losers? Outlet malls, usually found a good distance from most cities, and expensive downtown parking garages. Fast-food restaurants also could suffer, if we decide that idling in the summer heat for a 500-calorie Whopper with a $2.40 gallon of gas burning under the hood is just a bit much.
Summer jobs will be hardto find, teens in poll say
NEW YORK -- Are you hoping your teen gets a job this summer?
Many of them think it's going to be very difficult to do so, despite news of a rebound in the U.S. labor market.
More than a third, 38 percent, of kids 14-16 say they expect to face a difficult search, with 44 percent of those 16-18 saying the same, according to a poll of more than 2,800 people by SnagAJob.com Inc., a recruiting company for hourly positions.
Associated Press
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