InternetSocial Security unveils new earnings calculator (AP)

AP - People planning for retirement got a new tool this week: a fast and easy online estimator for their Social Security benefits.

WASHINGTON - People planning for retirement got a new tool this week: a fast and easy online estimator for their Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration unveiled its new retirement estimator on its Web site Monday. It takes just a few points and clicks and some personal information to produce benefit estimates within a few minutes. The new calculator will be followed this fall by an updated online application for benefits that Social Security Administrator Michael Astrue promises will reduce application time from the current 45-minute process to 15 minutes — and eliminate the need for follow-up visits to agency field offices. "These initiatives will help us better handle the baby boomer wave and make it easier for the public to do business with us online," Astrue said. Currently, workers get an annual benefit estimate mailed to them. It's based on prior earnings but assumes people's salary stays the same until retirement age. The online calculator supplements the annual mailing but won't replace it. The online calculator permits future retirees to create a more accurate estimate of benefits since people can factor in a higher estimate of their upcoming earnings. People can also factor in different alternatives for retirement ages. The calculator replaces a laborious online calculator that required people to type in their earnings history, which can involve guesswork for people who... [ Read more on www.yahoo.com ]

InternetAmerican Airlines and Google settle lawsuit (AP)

AP - American Airlines has dropped its lawsuit against Google Inc. over its search engine directing some users to advertisements for the airline's competitors.

InternetYahoo, Icahn Settle; Microsoft Out?

Microsoft is seen as adrift in the ongoing saga after activist Carl Icahn and the search player reach a deal.