As tax season is in full swing, there are a lot of people who are struggling to figure out how to pay their tax bill. Each year there is the normal amount of people who cheat on their taxes and this year is no exception. Those who have decided to fudge on their tax bills may be in for a surprise. The IRS has programs that will allow others to cash in on those who are caught cheating.

The IRS has a program that allows people who snitch to get a percentage of any money recovered. Some informants have made a lot of money by turning in their companies or business associates. Some people feel that they are doing the right thing by turning in those who cheat. See the IRS site for more information on this subject.

The news came in today about the increase in asking prices for homes across the nation. This is good news for everyone as it may mean that the housing bubble has hit bottom. A new survey found that while some cities have little change, others cities are doing well. I hope this trend will continue.

California has seen some of the biggest increases in new home prices. Inventory of homes for sale are slowly dropping causing higher demand for existing homes. This bodes well for the economy and the nation in general. I will keep my fingers crossed that this good news means that we are on the mend.

A giant diamond that was found at the Cullinan mine in South Africa has been sold. The diamond is about 507 carats and is still in rough form. Petra Diamonds sold the piece to Chow Tai Fook Jewelry Co LTD from Hong Kong for $35.3 million dollars. The sale marks the highest amount ever paid for a rough diamond.

What will happen to the stone remains to be seen? It may be cut into a large stone that could be similar to those in Britain’s Crown Jewels. It will be interesting to follow the life of this stone and to see it when it is cut.

It seems that another American icon is going down the tubes with the economy. This time it’s the auto brand of the Hummer who will be discontinued soon. General Motors Corporation owns the brand and has been trying to sell it. After a last minute deal with the Chinese corporation Tengzhong fell through, GM announced it will end production of the vehicle.

The Hummer was being built at a plant in Shreveport Louisiana. The ending of the brand will cost American jobs that will be sorely missed. Gm stated that they will honor all existing warrantees on the vehicles and assist the dealers throughout the country.