Newsmakers: Wheel of fortune

Money makes the world go round. It can also break our hearts, win us karma (good or bad) and make some of us act just a little bit crazy.

August 6, 2009

$1.65 Cost of tea expensed by consultant Donna Strating, who also billed the Ontario government $2,700 a day for services

$51.69 Paltry back taxes owed by American Jean Castro earn him a court-approved foreclosure—later withdrawn

$350 Child support paid by T.O. millionaire. Deemed too low, it’s hiked by almost a hundredfold, to $31,015 a month.

$16,000 Sum paid by N.Z. toddler for backhoe bought online using mom’s website log-ins

$30,000 Opening bid on eBay for billets-doux from Prince Charles to Canuck love Janet Jenkins

Terry Glavin: Xi Jinping has the Russian leader’s back as the two advance the authoritarian political model around the world

50 Canadians who are forging paths, leading the debate and shaping how we think and live

$175,000 Salary and benefits for Warren Buffett, the world’s No. 2 billionaire, still at modest 2007 level

$800,000 Wife’s secret bank- account balance, revealed to hubby by Chase worker. Wife sues bank.

$2,300,000 Money stolen in armoured car heist allegedly carried out by Quebec family. Their lavish spending draws police attention—and charges.

$3,000,000 Money returned to TD Bank by CEO Ed Clark—it’s more than a quarter of his $11-million compensation

$6,000,000 Value of con run by cop Paul Page while working at Buckingham Palace

$49,851,871 6/49 jackpot won by 13 Edmonton payroll clerks working on 13th floor; each pockets $3.8 million