Lower oil helps retailers; Apple climbs              New York City's gas smell remains a mystery              Dollar hits 1-1/2 month highs on rate outlook              Medical Action Industries sets 3-for-2 stock split              Realtors ads tout now as good time to buy home              FACTBOX-Five facts about U.S. housing affordability              Lower oil helps retailers; Apple climbs              JGB futures hit 2-mth low on Treasury slide, BOJ              Investors dump RIM as Apple launches iPhone              Alexandria Real Estate to sell $350 mln of convertible notes              DIARY - Today in Washington - Jan 8