Connecticut

The Senate race between Democrat Martha Coakley and Republican Scott Brown was widely seen as a referendum on health care reform. But while Brown's victory means the current plans for reform may not pass, it doesn't mean that the system is any less in need of major change.

In this economy, plenty of people have lost it all and are starting over, even in some the wealthiest towns in the country. Meet a former publisher and investor who is looking for something new in tony Greenwich, Connecticut.

Things are about to get real interesting up in Connecticut. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has announced that CEO Linda McMahon is resigning in order to run for Connecticut's U.S. Senate seat. Yes ladies and gents, it appears that the McMahon family is aiming to add a senator to its roster. Her husband, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is going to take over the CEO position. Perhaps this will keep Vince out of the wrestling action and behind the cameras a bit more.

Linda McMahon believes that Washington is "out of control" and that Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd has "lost his way and our trust." Considering that Linda McMahon is going to fight with three other Republicans for the seat, we could see a bit of a battle royale shaping up -- or is it a cage match? If she wins, can you picture her acceptance press conference? Imagine: lowered lights, a smoke machine, strobes, and Mrs. McMahon emerging from behind a rhinestone-studded curtain to the rampaging strains of some heavy metal song. That would sure make things a bit more interesting. Perhaps the Rock will walk out and announce, "Finally, the McMahons have come back to Washington." Or Shawn Michaels and Triple H could come out and do their typical D-Generation X introductions (which are a bit too risque to go into here). One thing is certain, this is going to be fun.

Investors who are furiously trying to divine the future of the economy in the stock and bond markets, the commodities market, the jobs market, the housing and commercial real estate markets may want to read the cabbage leaves in another market: the Rowayton Farmers' Market.

I first got tipped off to its import by a friend who lives in this impossibly cute former fishing village in the heart of southwestern Connecticut's "Gold Coast." Located just 45 miles north of Wall Street, Rowayton has been hit hard by the financial crisis (though perhaps not as hard as neighboring Darien). All along the wooded lanes and footpaths that wind toward the commuter rail station, For Sale and For Rent signs loom in front of new $2 million cedar-shingled mansions. Nowadays, passengers have little trouble finding a seat on the 6:15 A.M. into Grand Central; on the other hand, snagging a choice table in front of the deli down by the docks can require some serious maneuvering with out-of-work i-bankers and ad execs. Unless it's Friday, when everyone just heads to the newly re-branded, repositioned and reinvigorated farmers' market.