Female employees in the U.S. often complain about the glass ceiling in the workplace. But after reading this article from The New York Times, it appears that Japanese working women have it even worse. Despite the fact that 27 million women account for almost half of Japan's work force, they only fill about 10 percent of management positions. Compare that with the percentage of American women filling managerial jobs: 42.5 percent.

Workers blame Japanese work customs that make it virtually impossible for women to have a family and a career, often causing women to quit their jobs in their late 20s and early 30s. If women do want a high-ranking position, they often feel they're forced to stay single and not have children. But thanks to a growing population and declining birthrate, Japan may be facing a potential labor shortage. That, combined with more women quitting their jobs, could be problematic for the country. "Birthrates here are declining because of a lack of equality for women," said Kuniko Inoguchi, a former cabinet minister in charge of gender equality. "The population shortage is forcing a change in attitudes."

When you think of a business trip, you typically think of staying at a hotel suited for business-types--one with high-speed internet access, 24/7 room service, and early and late check-in. So booking a B&B instead of a Marriott or Hyatt for your next out-of-state client meeting may sound a bit absurd. But according to a survey done by BedandBreakfast.com, most bed-and-breakfasts provide many of the same services and amenities larger hotel chains do, such as free Wi-Fi, a desk, copier, fax machine, online booking and corporate rates.

But they're definitely not for everyone. If you don't care to chat in the morning with other guests at the breakfast table, then a B&B may not be the right place for you. Also, keep in mind that most of these homey locales don't offer laundry service or in-room dining. On the flip-side, bed-and-breakfasts usually offer bonuses like free local phone calls, internet access and bottled water. "The B&B bonus factor is high," said Sandy Soule, editor of BedandBreakfast.com. "Women business travelers feel safer with no long hallways, no strangers at check-in, no sketchy guys at the bar." B&Bs aren't as easy to find online, so if you're ready to give one a try, use a site like BedandBreakfast.com or an online travel agent like Expedia.

After more than a century of rise-and-fall popularity, Moxie, America's first mass-produced soda and Coca-Cola's bitter-tasting predecessor, is plotting a comeback and hoping to regain its former status as an American favorite. Recently purchased by Cornucopia Beverages Co., Moxie is set to leave behind decades of quiet supermarket existence in New England by slowly reaching out to consumers across the country.

Moxie has started selling its drinks at baseball games, Wal-Mart stores and other locations in New Hampshire and Maine over the past few weeks, hoping to excite nostalgic fans and gain new supporters. Among the events bringing out Moxie enthusiasts? A recent three-day festival in Lisbon Falls, Maine, where Moxie ice cream, muffins and T-shirts were among the available items for passionate attendees.

"There's a diehard loyal following here in New England, but it's pretty esoteric," said Cornucopia brand manager Justin Conroy. "Moxie has a unique taste, and we have a lot of opportunity to grow it inside our territory and beyond. And we want to have some fun doing it." Cornucopia has even begun selling the soda directly to the generation that brought Moxie its first drops of success through a trial program in Florida, where many of its original supporters are believed to have retired.--Kevin Manahan