Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke held a press conference Wednesday to outline the FED's overarching fiscal approach moving into 2013. When compared to current policy, the announcement suggests little diversion from the monetary policies of 2012. The FED is set to increase its implementation of the 'Quantitative Easing 3' bond-buying program. A total of $85 billion a month in Treasury purchases and mortgage-backed securities are expected next year.

Susan Rice withdraws her name from consideration at State. Just across the wire:

“I’m ready to celebrate,” Matthew Clough said, reflecting back on a year that began with no guarantees.

Eleven months ago, Clough founded Stone + Cloth, a socially-motivated backpack company based out of Downtown Los Angeles. Every bag is made in the US and each one purchased supports a child’s education in Tanzania.

Unions have traditionally painted themselves as 'of the people' and it should come as no surprise that the Californian Federation of Teachers argues on behalf of the 99 percent. A recent animated video, written/directed by Fred Glass, narrated by Ed Asner, with animation by Mike Konopacki paints what they believe to be the 'Fairy Tale' of the 1 percent.

The fairy tale is that one day everyone else would be rich and therefore able to take advantage of the tax privileges not afforded to lower income individuals.

As social media expands, so does its reach and application. Opportunities to learn about social media have reached beyond self-teaching and have moved into the classroom, as universities begin to adapt to the demand for experience in the digital realm. In South Carolina, for instance, Newberry College has created a program allowing undergrad students to choose a social media major.

IVN launched the first installment of IVN Radio on Thursday. Now that the 2012 elections are done, IVN Managing Editor, Shawn Griffiths; Director of Public Relations for IVN, Emma Goda; and IVN’s Founder and Director of Operations, Chad Peace, examine the current state of the Republican brand and how it relates to the attitude of young voters.

As city council approaches the issue of addressing the continuing need for more affordable housing in San Diego at their upcoming special meeting on December 17, creating fresh strategies and goals for affordable housing programs will surely be at the top of their list.