Author: Serkadis

  • 2011 Mini Countryman Crossover officially makes world debut

    Meet the new and fourth model from Mini with four doors, four seats and available four-wheel-drive – the Mini Countryman (Mini tells us that the name may vary in some markets). After a little leak yesterday, Mini today dropped all the details and images on the new Mini Countryman, which will make its public debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

    Will the Countryman stay true to the Mini go-kart feeling? According to Mini, yes. Mini says that the Countryman “offers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and customization in new, fascinating style.”

    In the European market, the Mini Countryman Crossover will be available with a choice of three gasoline and two diesel engines with output ranging from 90-hp in the Mini One D Countryman to 184-hp in the Mini Cooper S Countryman. The new Mini crossover comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the gasoline models are available with a 6-speed automatic with Steptronic. The Mini Countryman also comes standard with a wide range of fuel-saving features including Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, a gearshift point indicator, and on-demand management of the engine’s ancillary units.

    Buyers of the Mini Cooper S Countryman and Mini Cooper D Countryman can opt for the Mini ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. It also comes standard with DSC Dynamic Stability Control and DTC Dynamic Traction Control coming either as an option or as a standard feature on the MINI Cooper S Countryman and the MINI Cooper D Countryman with ALL4.

    Keep in mind that most of what you hear here is for the European market. Details of the Mini Countryman’s U.S. debut (where it may be called something else) are scheduled to be released later this year.

    Hit the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

    2011 Mini Countryman:

    Press Release:

    Fun has no Limits: The MINI Countryman*. (* The name of the car may vary in some markets.)

    MINI is adding a fourth model to the family, opening up a new dimension of that unmistakable MINI feeling. As a genuine Crossover, the MINI Countryman bridges the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle. Boasting enhanced opportunities in urban mobility and beyond, the MINI Countryman offers that unique driving pleasure so typical of MINI to new target groups requiring extra space and flexibility. As the first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimized driving comfort. Full integration of the passengers within the vehicle creates that driving experience so typical of MINI. And at the same time the MINI Countryman maintains that go-kart feeling likewise so characteristic of MINI, optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive offering an additional highlight for the genuine connoisseur. In a nutshell, therefore, the MINI Countryman offers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and customisation in new, fascinating style.

    The MINI Countryman carries on the design of the brand in superior style and quality, combining larger body dimensions, greater ground clearance and four doors at the side with those unmistakable design features so characteristic of MINI. Short overhangs, a high window line, powerful stance on the wheels, and window graphics extending round the entire car create those unique proportions so typical of MINI. At the same time the MINI Countryman re-interprets the characteristic icons of a MINI such as the roofline, the hexagon radiator grille, the large headlights integrated in the engine lid, the surrounds on the side direction indicators, the voluminous wheel arches and the upright rear light clusters in new style and class.

    Proceeding from that design language so typical of MINI, the MINI Countryman authentically visualises the particular features of this very special car. Positioned almost upright, the front end bears out strong presence and serves to optimise pedestrian safety. The extra space within the car, in turn, is emphasised by extra-large windows, the introduction of four doors, and the individual shape of the roof. The particularly wide frame around the lower part of the body and the powerfully flared wheel arches highlight the robust character of the car and its all-wheel drive. With that typical MINI style now being conveyed to a new segment in absolute clarity and precision, the MINI Countryman stands out from the start as a brand-new, highly innovative model but is nevertheless clearly identifiable from the very beginning as a genuine MINI.

    Within the interior again typical of the brand, the MINI Countryman boasts innovative design and function elements throughout. The slightly elevated seating position guarantees comfortable and pleasant access to the car, optimises the driver’s all-round view, and underlines the powerful character of this new model. The Central Display and air vents are surrounded by coloured rings. The MINI Center Rail quite unique the world over, extending from front to rear instead of a conventional centre console, opens up new, individual options for integrating all kinds of storage boxes, cupholders, external audio devices, mobile telephones and other comfort features. Flexibly positioned clip-in elements enable the driver and passengers to subdivide the storage boxes individually as required, keeping travel utensils within easy reach, wherever they are required. At the same time the Center Rail forms an unconventional, visual and functional connection between the front seats and the rear passenger compartment.

    The MINI Countryman comes as standard with four seats, while a three-seat bench is available as a no-cost option. The interior offers superior comfort also on long distances, with generous legroom, headroom and shoulder freedom. The rear seats move fore-and-aft either individually or in a 60 : 40 (three-seat bench) split, the backrests may be tilted for angle either individually or in a 40 : 20 : 40 (three-seat bench) arrangement, increasing capacity in the luggage compartment from 350 to 1,170 litres (12.2–41.0 cu ft).

    The MINI Countryman is entering the market with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, all coming in the new generation of power units developed with the full know-how of the BMW Group and naturally complying with the EU5 and, respectively, ULEV II emission standards. The power range extends from 66 kW/90 hp in the MINI One D Countryman all the way to 135 kW/184 hp in the MINI Cooper S Countryman. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the top model comes for the first time not only with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, but also with fully variable valve management offering by far the best balance of engine power and fuel consumption in its class. As a particular highlight of the MINIMALISM fuel efficiency concept, the MINI Countryman comes as standard and in appropriate combinations on each model with a wide range of features serving to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, among them Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, a gearshift point indicator, and on-demand management of the engine’s ancillary units. And as an alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard, the petrol engine models are also available with six-speed automatic complete with Steptronic.

    As an option the MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman are available with permanent MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive, an electrohydraulic differential positioned directly on the final drive varying the distribution from front to rear in an infinite process. Under normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the engine’s power goes to the rear wheels, under extreme conditions up to 100 per cent, offering a new, high-traction rendition of that agile handling so typical of MINI. This superior traction and drivetrain technology is based on the top-end suspension of the MINI including features such as the front axle with McPherson spring struts and forged track control arms, the multi-arm rear axle and EPS Electric Power Steering complete with Servotronic. The MINI Countryman furthermore comes as standard with DSC Dynamic Stability Control, DTC Dynamic Traction Control coming either as an option or as a standard feature on the MINI Cooper S Countryman and the MINI Cooper D Countryman with ALL4, as well as an electronic limited-slip function for the front axle differential.

    Designed for optimum safety in the event of a collision, the body structure with its precisely defined load paths and deformation zones ensures passive safety of the highest calibre. Frontal and side airbags as well as curtain airbags at the side both front and rear, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters at the front, as well as ISOFIX child seat fastenings at the rear all come as standard. Yet another standard feature is the Tyre Defect Indicator, with runflat tyres coming as an option and standard on the MINI Cooper S Countryman with ALL4.

    The wide range of customisation options on both the exterior and interior again so typical of MINI are supplemented by new, model-specific features exclusive to the MINI Countryman. New combinations in the range of interior colours, trim strips and upholstery enable even the most discerning customer to create his – or her – very special car with truly unique character. The wide range of standard features boasted by the MINI Countryman includes highlights such as air conditioning, the MINI Center Rail, and an audio system complete with a CD player. The equally wide range of options and special equipment tailored to each model comes with features such as high-end audio and navigation systems as well as mobile telephone interfaces including the option to completely integrate an Apple iPhone and other Smartphones in the car. Further options are the extra-large Panorama roof, Adaptive Headlights in combination with xenon headlight units, a heated windscreen, a towbar, light-alloy wheels ranging in size from 16 to 19 inches, sports suspension lowering the entire car by 10 millimetres or almost 0.4″, as well as the wide range of John Cooper Works Performance Components.

    – By: Omar Rana


  • Of Course This Giant Lite Brite Tapestry Involves a Unicorn [Art]

    If you’re going to make a one-third scale replica of a 15th-century tapestry out of 55,000 Lite Brite pegs and 36 pegboards, you’d better dadgum well pick the 15th-century tapestry with a unicorn and a pink lion.

    Thankfully, artist Joey Syta agrees, and his piece—entitled My Only Desire—turned out pretty amazing.

    To get the full color spectrum he required to bring The Lady and the Unicorn to full peggable life, Syta had to call in Lite Brite components from all over the world.The whole thing took two years to pull together, but I’d say it was worth it, especially if he can find enough extension cords to actually light that sucker up.

    Oh, and if you were wondering, it’s nowhere near the record for the world’s biggest Lite Brite—but it’s undoubtedly the spunkiest. [Joey Syta via Boing Boing]






  • More Than Ever, Women Are Out-Earning Their Laid-Off “House-Husbands”

    marriageThere’s still a gender gap when it comes to income between men and women, but it continues to shrink year over year, and the recent “mancession” (the hard fall in areas typically associated with male skills) has only shrunk the difference.

    Thus it’s not a surprise that a new report from Pew on the New Economics of Marriage (via Economix) shows that more and more, women are the top breadwinners at home.

    In addition, the institution of marriage has changed significantly in the last few decades, beyond just changes in breadwinners. For example: fewer and fewer adults are getting married.

    Now, see how marriage has changed — >

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  • Morning Crunch Crumbs: Anna Kournikova’s Mother Arrested For Child Neglect; “Pirates Of The Caribbean 4″ Shooting In Hawaii; “Avatar” Documentary

    Nylon is up all night with The Vampire Diaries….

    -Tiger Whore Jaimee Grubbs bikini-clad for Ralph Magazine…..

    – The mother of tennis star Anna Kournikova has been arrested in Florida and charged with child neglect after she left her 5-year-old son home alone while she ran errands and the child jumped out of a second-story window……

    -A shirtless John Mayer covers Rolling Stone…..

    -What is Tom Green doing on For The Love Of Ray J?

    -Jared Leto has fond memories of living in Haiti as a child…..

    -Yahoo has a 22-minute behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of Avatar…..

    – The fourth installment of Pirates Of The Caribbean film series will be shot in Hawaii…..

    -Erich Segal has died. Segal was the author of the acclaimed novel Love Story, which later began an Oscar-winning film starring Ryan O’Neal and Ali McGraw…..


  • Kia’s Zilina Plant Spits Out 500,000th Car

    After back in July 2009 South Korean manufacturer Kia announced plans to invest 2.3 billion euros to make its European business, including the Zilina, Slovakia facility, a bit greener, the carmaker now steps forth and announces why it will focus more on the European business in the future: potential.

    The carmaker announced it has produced its 500,000th car in Zilina, since volume production began in December 2006. The car in question is a white cee’d SW, which has been donated to the Transpla… (read more)

  • PS3 motion controller slips past Spring 2010 launch window

    Sony’s still unnamed motion controller for the PS3, originally believed to be set for a Spring 2010 release, has been given a new release window.

  • Another composer leaves Square Enix

    After 15 years with Square Enix and a top-caliber résume under his belt, composer Masashi Hamauzu has left the publisher for reasons still unspecified. Hamauzu, whose latest output includes Final Fantasy XIII, joins the growing list of

  • Big brains for video games









    Erickson et al. / Cerebral Cortex

    A cutaway image shows four brain structures studied in the video-game research.
    the caudate nucleus (blue), putamen (red), nucleus accumbens (orange spot) and
    hippocampus (green). Researchers found linkages between game performance
    and the first three structures, but no linkage involving the hippocampus.




    Does playing video games improve your brain? Or do bigger brains make it easier to learn video games?


    Psychologists say they can predict how well you’ll do on a video game by looking at the size of just three little structures inside your brain. If those structures are bigger, you’ll probably catch on more quickly and do better.


    But don’t start bragging about how gamers are naturally brainier just yet. The psychologists have more puzzles to solve before they level up.


    “We’re really at the tip of the iceberg in understanding how all this gets put together,” said the University of Pittsburgh’s Kirk Erickson, the study’s principal author.

    …(read more)

  • Toyota se aseguró el suministro a largo plazo de litio de Argentina

    Una sucursal de Toyota Motor Corp. en el país se asociará con la compañía de exploración minera australiana Orocobre para explotar una mina que proveerá de materia prima para las baterías de ion litio para los vehículos electrónicos de la marca.

    Los fabricantes japoneses de electrónicos ya controlan la mayor parte del mercado de baterías de ión de litio para aparatos como computadoras portátiles. En el acuerdo, la estatal japonesa Japan Oils, Gas and Metals National Corp. le está concediendo a Toyota Tsusho financiación barata para asegurarse una provisión asequible de litio para Toyota y otras compañías que compiten con Corea del Sur y China en el mercado de baterías para autos.

    La mina a explotar se encuentra en el Salar de Olaroz en la provincia de Jujuy y el acuerdo supondrá una inversión estimada en US$100 millones y US$120 millones.

    Pese a que el litio se encuentra en formaciones rocosas de varios continentes, es en pocos lugares que se halla justo debajo de la superficie de salinas donde el clima y la geografía hacen que la extracción sea más barata. De ahí a que la explotación vino antes a la argentina pero los japoneses ya están previendo que el mineral escaseará en unos 10 años, y están haciendo averiguaciones respecto a instalarse en Chile y Bolivia.

    Fuente – La Nación, Bloomberg, vía Fayerwayer

  • 2010 Geneva Preview: 2011 Mazda5 gets happy face redesign

    Mazda today revealed the first images and details of its new 2011 Mazda5, which will make its world debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in two months. Totally redesigned for 2011, the Mazda5 now features the big happy face Nagare design as seen on the Mazda3.

    “The all-new Mazda5 meets the many needs of today’s customers,” said Hideki Matsuoka, the Mazda5 program manager. “In a single model, we offer the competitive eco-performance necessary to address current market trends together with our distinctive, emotional design. The Mazda5 features outstanding functionality with sliding rear doors and multiple seat arrangements, and it delivers fantastic comfort with a linear and smooth ride that responds precisely as the driver intends.”

    In Europe, the Mazda5 will emit approximately 15 percent less CO2 than the current model thanks to Mazda’s “i-stop” start / stop system. Engine options will include a 1.8L gasoline engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and a 2.0L direct-injection gasoline engine.

    U.S. sales will start shortly after.

    Make the jump for the press release.

    2011 Mazda5:

    Press Release:

    All-New Mazda5 to Premiere at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show

    HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation will hold the global premiere of the all-new Mazda5 (known as the Mazda Premacy in Japan) during the press days of the 2010 Geneva Motor Show on March 2 and 3, 2010. Embracing dynamic and elegant Nagare design, the new Mazda5 emits approximately 15 percent less CO2 than the current model thanks to Mazda’s “i-stop” idling stop system, a direct injection gasoline engine and other technologies. European sales of the all-new Mazda5 will commence during fall 2010.

    The new Mazda5 features an emotional design that blends elegance with a dynamic spirit. It will be the first Mazda production model to fully adopt Mazda’s Nagare (meaning “flow” in Japanese) design language, which finds inspiration in the beauty of flows found in nature. Nagare design has appeared in certain elements of recent production models and was previously showcased through a series of concept cars. The new Mazda5’s design achieves excellent aerodynamic characteristics with an outstanding drag coefficient and lift balance. In order to meet wide-ranging customer requirements, it also offers a high level of functionality, with dual sliding rear doors and multiple seat arrangements. This includes a karakuri second-row center seat that can be converted to a versatile storage space. With a sportier and smoother ride, the new Mazda5 responds precisely to the driver’s commands, enabling the whole family to travel in comfort and security.

    Based on its long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, Mazda is striving to improve the eco-friendly performance of its products. Whether stuck in traffic or cruising on the highway, the all-new Mazda5 with 2.0L direct injection gasoline engine and i-stop significantly reduces CO2 emissions thanks to the effective combination of i-stop, the high combustion efficiency provided by direct injection, and a six-speed manual transmission with optimized gear ratios. The new Mazda5 cuts CO2 emissions by roughly 15 percent compared to the model it replaces and provides a more comfortable ride with linear and smooth performance characteristics. It is now one of the most eco-friendly minivans in its class in Europe.

    The new Mazda5’s green credentials are further enhanced by its other available powertrains, which include a 1.8L gasoline engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

    Officially titled the 80e Salon International de l’Auto, the Geneva International Motor Show press days are March 2 and 3, and the public days are March 4 through 14. Mazda will hold its press conference on Tuesday, March 2.

    Mazda’s exhibits at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show

    Scheduled for sale All-new Mazda5 with 2.0L direct injection gasoline engine and i-stop (European specification) (Global premiere)*1
    Mazda6 facelift model (European specifications)
    Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition (European specifications)
    Reference exhibit Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid
    Technology exhibits Next-generation Mazda SKY-G*2 direct injection gasoline engine
    Next-generation Mazda SKY-D*2 clean diesel engine
    Next-generation Mazda SKY-Drive*2 automatic transmission
    Cutaway model of MZR 2.0L DISI engine with i-stop
    Currently on sale Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda MX-5, Mazda CX-7, Mazda RX-8, Mazda BT-50

    – By: Kap Shah


  • Housing Starts Tank In December, A Huge Reversal From November

    house home foreclose mortgage sale housing foreflosure

    Housing starts dropped 4% in December, in a sharp reversal compared to November’s +10.7% jump.

    HOUSING STARTS Privately-owned housing starts in December were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 557,000. This is 4.0 percent (±9.3%)* below the revised November estimate of 580,000, but is 0.2 percent (±11.5%)* above the December 2008 rate of 556,000. Single-family housing starts in December were at a rate of 456,000; this is 6.9 percent (±8.5%)* below the revised November figure of 490,000. The December rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 92,000. An estimated 553,800 housing units were started in 2009. This is 38.8 percent (±1.4%) below the 2008 figure of 905,500.

    newresconst

    See the Commerce Department release here >

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  • Kraft Slips After Warren Buffett Slams Cadbury Deal, Voices Displeasure Towards Board Live On CNBC

    kraftmacaroni

    Man, Warren Buffett is not happy about Kraft’s (KFT) acquisition of Cadbury.

    Kraft is now off 2%, after the Berkshire Hathaway CEO told CNBC that he would vote “no” on the Cadbury deal if he could, and that the directors acted irresponsibly when they proposed to issue more stock for the deal.

    Specifically, he was angry about the fact that the 78-page proxy didn’t once mention whether the directors felt that Kraft shares were undervalued, and since you’re issuing more shares, you should be able to say whether you’re getting fair value for them.

    So the question is: will Buffett sell his Kraft shares? Probably not, because he says the stock is still undervalued.

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  • First Lady Michelle Obama to Address US Conference of Mayors

    This afternoon First Lady Michelle Obama will deliver remarks at the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 78th Winter Meeting at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington. DC. She will address the problem of childhood obesity and the devastating impact it has on the health of the nation and communities around the country. Mrs Obama will be recognizing the important role mayors play in pursuing comprehensive solutions to improve children’s health.

    One of the tenants of the Obama Administration, concerning health care, is a focus on preventative measures that can be taken in an effort to alleviate some diseases. The First Lady has been at the forefront of prevention with her focus on healthy eating, the promotion of local, organically grown produce, and now childhood obesity. We here at MOW applaud Mrs Obama willingness to tackle such a challenging issue.

    More to come …

    Posted by Aminah Hanan

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  • Investors hesitate on growth stocks

    Despite a relatively solid beginning to 2010, investors may be longing now for the easy months that followed the worst point of the bear market last year.Investors found it difficult to go wrong in the stock market in 2009.

    Most categories of stocks rose, and growth stocks, in particular, were an easy bet as investors began to anticipate an economic recovery and bought technology, retailing and energy companies.

    But now, after riding growth stocks, companies that have the fastest-growing earnings and revenue, investors have hesitated.

    The strong rally ahead of the current earnings-reporting season “has investors wondering if fourth-quarter-earnings expectations have gotten too lofty, and if companies will be able to beat by enough to keep the rally going,” said David Bianco, chief U.S. equity strategist for Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

    In 2009, growth stocks in the Russell 3000 index, which makes up nearly all U.S. stocks, were a clear standout, providing a 34.6 percent advance compared with 16.4 in the Russell 3000 value index. Among the large stocks in the Russell 1000, growth also outperformed.

    But investors have seemed less sure of growth stocks lately as they have digested still-high unemployment figures and attempts by China’s government to slow growth somewhat.

    The Russell 3000 growth stock index is up 2.8 percent this year, compared with the value index’s 3.9 percent advance.

    And as they move from one type of stock to another during the recent uncertainty, market watchers are struggling to find a trend that investors can latch onto with conviction.

    “The only clear trend is the lack of leadership,” the Leuthold Group said in a recent report to clients.

    With the churn from one sector to another, Tuesday’s beneficiaries were health care stocks, which are growth stocks that have lagged recently.

    They rose about 2 percent as a group, as investors grasped at relatively cheap stocks that they speculated could be beneficiaries if a U.S. Senate race in Massachusetts prevents Democrats from enacting a health care overhaul.

    Other recent winners have been tobacco stocks, which are more insulated from frugal consumer behavior than companies that sell discretionary products. Technology stocks that were hot late last year lost some steam last week.

    Read the original article from Tribune News Services.


  • OK Go Defies Its Label, Puts Video Up on Vimeo Against EMI's Wishes

    If you want a clear example of just how convoluted the entire music industry is right now, it doesn’t get any better than the latest video from the band-turned-Internet sensation OK Go which YouTube helped make famous. They’ve got a new album coming out and naturally they want to promote it with a new video as well. This is whe… (read more)

  • Report: Power companies need to upgrade grid to prepare for electric cars

    Filed under: , , ,

    2011 Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

    The onslaught of electric vehicles expected to hit the market over the next five years, such as the Chevrolet Volt (pictured above), is keeping many local power utilities up at night. The dilemma has to do with the power supply – more specifically, how to feed the increased demand on the grid down to the household level.

    There isn’t really a shortage of power, experts say. However, while your electric company has built the infrastructure to keep your microwave, HDTV and computer all running simultaneously without dimming the kitchen lights, an anticipated flood of innovative all-electric cars concurrently guzzling electrons off the system in private garages may lead to household circuit breakers tripping and street corner transformers burning out.

    Not to worry, say the utilities. While it is a challenge that they must address, there is something working in their favor… cost. As is often the case with new technologies, the high selling price of the early all-electric cars (expected to hit $40,000 or more… or less) allows the power companies to anticipate which neighborhoods need upgrading first – now, that’s electrifying insight.

    Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

    [Source: Detroit Free Press]

    Report: Power companies need to upgrade grid to prepare for electric cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Ducati 848 Race Series Launched in the UK

    Ducati’s British division launched today a ‘one-make series’ based on Ducati’s 848 Superbike. Dubbed the 848 Challenge, the series include fifteen races, eight rounds, four world championship circuits, two overseas rounds and two thousand pounds worth of Ducati Corse Riding Gear.

    The 848 Challenge race series will be run over eight rounds, six in the UK and two in Europe incorporating four world championship circuits. Each of the UK rounds will host two races. Misano will also hold two… (read more)

  • Buffett: We’re Not Hiring New People Because Our Order Book Still Sucks

    As an employer of nearly a quarter of a million folks, Warren Buffett has a great sense of the hiring situation in the US.

    In his interview on CNBC, which we’ve got full coverage of here, he explains pretty simply why he’s not in the mood to hire: sales still suck.

    “We’re worrying about hiring people because of what’s going in our order book… we’re not getting orders yet.”

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  • Fifth teen charged in Fenger beating death

    lapoleoncolbert.jpgA fifth teen has been charged in the beating death of Fenger High School student Derrion Albert, authorities said tonight.

    Lapoleon Colbert, 19, was charged today with first-degree murder in connection to the Sept. 24 death in front of a Roseland community center, according to Sally Daly, a spokeswoman for the Cook County state’s attorney’s office.

    Colbert, who another law enforcement source said was of the 0-99 block of West 113th Street, is expected to appear for a bond hearing Wednesday at the Cook County Criminal Courts Building.

    Footage of Albert’s death, captured on a camcorder, caused a firestorm after it was circulated over the Internet and to news outlets nationwide.

    Daly said that Colbert’s image was captured on a videotape of the attack, but she could not say if he was seen on the widely publicized camcorder tape.

    Albert’s death, part of a melee between neighborhood teens and those who lived in the Altgeld Gardens-area, prompted U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Education Secretary Arne Duncan to visit Chicago last October to talk about what the Obama administration is doing to combat youth violence.

    Already charged with murder in Albert’s death are Silvonus Shannon, 19, Eugene Riley, 18, Eric Carson, 16, and a 14-year-old boy charged as a juvenile.

    Staff report


  • Despite All The Hype, It Sucks To Be A BRIC

    Even though nations such as Brazil, Russia, India, and China will account for most the world’s growth over the next five years, here’s why it actually sucks to be a BRIC.

    As shown in this chart from the Financial Times, people living in exciting-growth BRICs nations will remain unexcitingly poor for a long time to come. Meanwhile, the boring developed nations will keep getting richer. This relationship won’t change for a very, very long time. (Via Paul Kedrosky)

    Chart

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