Budget-cutting changes to California's In-Home Supportive Services program began Monday, affecting thousands of low-income seniors and disabled people and their caregivers.

Budget-related legislation requires the Department of Social Services to cut $82.1 million in program costs this year.

Q: Does a federal lawsuit stop the cuts and program changes?

A viewer's political allegiance will largely dictate whether he or she chooses to watch HBO's "By the People: The Election of Barack Obama" (9 p.m. Tuesday). For virulent Obama opponents, the documentary represents just another opportunity to paint the media with an extra-large Obama-lovers brush. For supporters, it's a chance to re-live the president's rise to power.

The year before a souring economy caused endowments to fall, jobs to be cut and pay to be frozen, presidents of major private research universities across the country had an extraordinary year for pay increases.

BETHESDA, Md. - A yellow ribbon -- ceramic to withstand the passage of time -- still hangs from the old oak tree in L. Bruce Laingen's front yard, a 30-year-old reminder of the Minnesota farm boy's ordeal as the highest-ranking diplomat among 52 U.S. Embassy workers held hostage in Iran for 444 days.

Dear Debt Adviser,

The creative possibility that lies within a single branch is inspiring. It can be manipulated and transformed into some of the most beautiful, organic jewelry pieces. Working with branches doesn't cost anything, which makes people even more fearless with their efforts, because they're not as concerned with making costly mistakes.

Dear Helaine and Joe:

Enclosed are pictures of a 14-piece punch bowl set. It is in perfect condition. I know it has been in my family since at least 1923 and perhaps before that. I plan to pass it on to my daughter and would like for her to know the insurance replacement value. Can you help me?

Sincerely,

G. H., Durham, NC

Dear G. H.: