Washington, January 14 : Alaska Governor Sarah Palin might have been unsuccessful as the Republican vice-presidential candidate in the 2008 U. S. election, but still continues to attract criticism as well as admiration.

The media is so fascinated with Palin that there is no sign of letting up when it comes to covering any conversation about her, even as her opponents prepare to enter the White House.

Detroit  - US carmakers have to walk a very fine line at this year's Detroit auto show, keenly aware of the economic realities that hovered over what is usually a glittering affair.

After pleaded with the US Congress for emergency loans to stay alive, US manufacturers are being careful to avoid the kinds of expensive-looking exhibits that could smack of hypocrisy - and a waste of taxpayer money.

Havana - A procession of Latin American leaders has taken over Havana in recent days, sending a signal to Washington about new- found solidarity for Cuba within the region.

With the inauguration of Barack Obama as US president looming on Tuesday, Cuba is flaunting proof that the communist island - far from isolated - has the support of Latin America.

London - The US' appetite for economical diesel-electric hybrid cars is waning as the recession bites and prices at the petrol pumps fall, according to the US-based Autodata motoring information service.

The news is a further blow to beleaguered US car companies General Motors, Chrysler and Ford who have been investing heavily in hybrid and fuel-efficient technology in a bid to attract new customers to the marques.

US hybrid sales fell in November 2008 by 53 per cent over the same month in 2007 against an overall drop in car sales of 37 per cent, reported the Financial Times newspaper in London, quoting the Autodata survey.

San Francisco  - Struggling web pioneer Yahoo on Tuesday named Carol Bartz, the former head of software company Autodesk, as its new chief executive.

The appointment follows a two-month search for a replacement for company founder Jerry Yang, who was widely blamed for botching merger talks with Microsoft that would have proved highly lucrative to many shareholders.

It took quite a long time for the Ford designers to create the latest concept car, the Lincoln C concept car of the future.  

Finally, after when the car’s design was locked last spring, makers went under strict observation and amendments for months, and at last Lincoln C concept car of the future unveiled Monday in Detroit.