JaShong King

(Photo: ElBaradei addresses IAEA board of governors, 27 Nov 2009/Herwig Prammer)

Mohamed ElBaradei, a Muslim from Egypt, has finished his 12-year term as director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) quoting one of Christianity's most popular prayers. In a short meeting at IAEA headquarters in Vienna on Friday, the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize laureate said that "the moment of departure is an opportunity to reflect upon a journey of joy, challenges, pleasure and fulfilment." At the end of his career at the IAEA, which began in 1984 as a legal adviser, the world was "finally returning to its senses. People are speaking of a world free of nuclear weapons, of one human family and of a world that lifts people out of poverty."

He ended his final remarks to the Board of Governors by reading out a short version of the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:

Lord make me an instrument of your peace:
Where there is hatred let me sow love
Where there is error let me sow truth
Where there is discord let me sow unity
Where there is despair let me sow hope
For it is in giving that we receive.

The Italian saint has clearly been on ElBaradei's mind in his final days as head of the IAEA. On Nov. 17, he visited Assisi, birthplace and burial place of St. Francis, and called him "a man whose life of self-sacrifice and dedication to serving the poor remains a powerful inspiration for people of all faiths eight centuries after his death" .

Three days later, delivering the 2009 Willy Brandt lecture at Berlin's Humboldt University, he ended his address by saying: "This week, I was invited to speak at the Sacred Convent of St. Francis of Assisi. I was absolutely gripped by one of St. Francis´s prayers, in which he says: 'Lord, make me a channel of your peace.' I pray that every one of us will be a channel for peace."

(Photo: St Francis Basilica in Assisi, 28 Nov 1999/Paolo Cocco)

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Filmmaker Makrand Deshpande's new film "Shahrukh Bola Khoobsurat Hai Tu" is about a flower girl in Mumbai whose life changes after a chance meeting with actor Shah Rukh Khan who tells her that she is beautiful.

Khan plays himself in a two-minute cameo in the film, which is a sort of tribute to the Bollywood superstar.

Deshpande spoke to Reuters about "Shahrukh Bola Khoobsurat Hai Tu" on the sidelines of the 40th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in the tourist haven of Goa.

Looking in on our coverage of a big motor show in Germany, I see something called the "Gunbus," described as "the biggest motorcycle in the world."

How big is it?  It's over 11 feet long, which means it would be sort of like enjoying the freedom of the open road in a stretch limo without the body attached.

What sheer marketing genius, to take the most fabled, romantic, iconically independent travel machine in history, and introduce the word "bus" to the name!

It's like running into the dudes from "Easy Rider" waiting for a Greyhound.

Just imagine. When you stop at a biker hangout and the other guys are looking for somebody to beat up, who do you think is going to attract their attention?

They're going to be like, "Hey, look at the dork with low self-esteem whose bike has a guest bedroom attached! Let's beat the crap out of him!"

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A model poses with 'Gunbus', the biggest motorcycle in the world, according to its manufacturer, during a press presentation prior to the Essen Motor Show in Essen, November 27, 2009. REUTERS/Ina Fassbender

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Manoi GO's (pronounced Mah-noh-ee Gee-Oh) feet may be mechanical, but that doesn't mean he hasn't got smooth moves.

Decked out in ripped baggy jeans and sweats, this dimunitive 34-centimetre robot has coursed the Internet and the local media and could be the next cyber-star.

GO's creators say he's from an ordinary mold but is an upgraded and improved version of the Manoi robots created by kyosho already on the market.  He may not be dripping jewellery, but he's worth his 147,000 yen plus price tag even before the upgrades, thanks to the moves his creators have taught him.

But these moves come at a cost: Manoi Manager Masayuki Okamoto and his team say they constantly need to repair broken parts and strengthen joints to ensure GO doesn't break down when break dancing.

Video credit: REUTERS/Hiro Muramoto, Olivier Fabre

-- David Moss is a director at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Atlanta. The views expressed are his own. --

"Newspapers are dying." Lately, that's the constant, gloomy chorus. But it couldn't be further from the truth.

Certainly, the newspaper industry faces significant challenges, including a tough economy and the mass migration of readers and advertisers to the Internet. But newspaper brands that successfully transition to digital models can thrive — without giving up their streamlined print products.

The key is for newspapers to reach that still-elusive sweet spot between their traditional mass audience business model and the niche readerships found on the Internet. Together, print and online operations can create a sustainable balance that meets advertisers' needs and attracts new readers while maintaining their existing audience.

Here's how newspapers can strike that balance.

Bridge the digital divide

The Internet offers an ideal platform to build audiences and win advertisers. Readers today have unprecedented access to breaking news and information through mobile technology, while online advertising shows promising long-term prospects. Newspapers that can leverage these trends can extend or transition their core audience across print, online and mobile platforms.

Newspaper publishers can attract advertisers and niche readers online by creating compelling information for specific markets. Some newspapers have successfully created "hyper-local" sites that provide content at the neighborhood level, enabling advertisers to target specific, localized interest groups.

It's imperative that newspapers adequately invest in their online ventures. But they must focus on large-scale, sustainable projects that have the ability to reach widespread, marketable audiences—not just local readers. For example, don't just create a branded photo sharing service aimed at a local sports team—make that same application available beyond the traditional audience through social networking sites like Facebook or other outlets. Online ventures that do not gain traction or cater to local, niche audiences that are not economically viable should be discarded early to channel investment elsewhere.

Streamline the print side

Consumers value the insight and analysis newspaper journalists provide. But an online presence means the print product no longer needs to be all things to all readers. Cater to a smaller audience with a streamlined, higher-priced print product. Raising prices will help determine the scope of the loyal print audience, stabilize circulation rates and better predict advertising revenue; this will help newspaper publishers "right size" their print products and identify content its audience wants.

Newspapers should also focus on areas that distinguish them from their competitors — giving readers and advertisers a reason to spend time and money on their particular print product.

Instead of trimming across the board, publishers should cut areas that aren't relevant or distinct. Syndicate generic editorial content and consolidate the newsroom to create content that can be tailored at a local level. Develop strategic partnerships with other content providers to target specific audiences.

Rethink advertising sales models

Trimming infrastructure also means only having one sales force for all platforms. Newspaper publishers must develop cross-platform service models, with integrated advertising sales teams that can sell print, online and mobile products and services. This approach will be particularly important as mobile advertising increases.

Redesign existing business models with a bias for agility

Newspapers must consider all available options for reinventing themselves in the new digital era. This means developing strategies to monetize content and intellectual capital online and mobile, and calls for new ways to meet increased customer demand for specialized, relevant and timely information while continuing to provide general news to a wide audience.

Success may come from rethinking traditional methods. Newspapers could integrate print and online coverage so teams of journalists — including reporters, bloggers and citizen journalists — work together in a multiplatform environment to provide editorial content, photographs, videos and graphics. Profitable relationships and potential revenue streams could come from social networks, like Twitter.

Make no mistake: newspapers face intense pressure. The global newspaper market is forecast to decline by 10.2 percent in 2009, with a 2 percent average compound annual decrease through 2013, and in North America the sector is projected to experience a 17.7 percent decline in 2009 with a compound annual decline of 5.8 percent through 2013.

But newspapers have two huge assets ­— established brands and loyal readers.

Newspapers are not dying. But they must transform. Tactical, transition-related changes can help the industry boost advertising revenue and get more value from smaller print circulations. By crossing the digital divide and making strategic changes to their print operations, newspapers can still have a viable, long-term future.

More information on the newspaper trends can be found in “Moving into Multiple Business Models: Outlook for Newspaper Publishing in the Digital Age,” by PricewaterhouseCoopers in cooperation with the World Association of Newspapers and in PwC's Global entertainment and media outlook: 2009-2013. Both reports are available at www.pwc.com/e&m.

Well, that was a nice start to Week 12 picking up win number one after the Green Bay Packers stuffed the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day (see Week 12 NFL Picks, Part I).

With the Pick of the Week out of the way, the Lineman is over Black Friday and looking forward to a Sunny Sunday.

Miami Dolphins (5-5) at Buffalo Bills (3-7) (Line Dolphins minus 3 1/2) The Bills were tossing around some big names and big numbers this week, with talk that everyone from Mike Shanahan to Peewee Herman was interested in the head coaching job. Shanahan had a seven-hour interview with the Bills and that could match the number of points they score this week.

Buffalo's offence is averaging just 15 points a game and a leaky defence is second worst in the league against the run - something the Dolphins do very well.

The weather can be nasty this time of year in Buffalo which should be no problem for the wildcatting Dolphins, who are getting along just fine without injured Ronnie Brown.

Ricky Williams is smokin' (No not the weed that earned him an NFL suspension and a brief exile to the Canadian Football League) scoring three touchdowns in a big win over Carolina last week.

The Dolphins have won five of their last seven the Bills have dropped three straight. Buffalo is looking for a new head coach, the Dolphins are looking for a wildcard.

Kansas City Chiefs (3-7) at San Diego Chargers (7-3) (Line Chargers minus 13 1/2) The Chiefs were crushed 37-7 by the Chargers when they met earlier this season at Arrowhead and have gotten better.

But so have the Chargers who have discovered their mojo winning five straight since that meeting to move top the AFC and start Super Bowl chatter again.

Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Brett Favre and Tom Brady may be getting all the headlines but San Diego QB Philip Rivers has the Chargers offence humming. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson is giving the Chargers some tough yards and the San Diego defence has steadily improved.

The Chiefs have won three of last five meetings and have looked solid the last three weeks narrowly losing to Jacksonville then beating the Raiders and shocking the Steelers.

But the Chargers are getting their act together at just the right time and will be motivated after watching the Broncos beat the Giants on Thanksgiving Day to grab a share of top spot in the AFC West.

After three impressive outings the Chiefs are in for some shock treatment by the Chargers. Take the Chargers and give up the 13 1/3).

Cleveland Browns (1-9) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-3) (Line Bengals minus 13 1/2) You get the feeling the Browns are running into a buzz saw this Sunday as the embarrassed Bengals atone for a shock loss to the Oakland Raiders last week.

Cleveland showed some life last Sunday in a 38-37 shootout loss to Detroit and went down fighting 23-20 to Cincinnati in first installment of the Battle of Ohio in October.

But in the five games in-between the Browns scored 6, 14, 3, 6 and 0 points.

Cincinnati 's defence is among the NFL's best allowing just over 16 points a game while Cleveland's is among the worst yielding an average of 26 points.

Even counting last week's offensive fireworks against the Lions the Browns attack is averaging just 11 points a game.

You don't have to be an accountant to crunch those numbers.

This time the Battle of Ohio ends in surrender.

Take the Bengals and give up the 13 1/2.

Chicago Bears (4-6) at Minnesota Vikings (1-9) (Line Bears plus 10 1/2) Brett Favre is gaining MVP consideration and Bears QB Jay Cutler is shooting for biggest disappointment of the year honours.

Cutler has thrown an NFL high 18 interceptions and his confidence appeared shattered last week missing wide open receivers at least three times.

Favre's Hall of Fame resume includes the most interceptions all time but the 40 year-old QB has been picked off just three times this season while firing 21 touchdown strikes.

He has also been a Bear killer racking up a 22-10 record against Chicago .

Despite three consecutive defeats the Bears playoff hopes remain alive -- if on life support.

The Bears need a win Sunday otherwise it is time to pull the plug.

If Cutler can get his mojo back and if he can get enough protection to test Minnesota's 21st ranked pass defence and if running back Matt Forte can get it going and if Chicago can win the 2016 Olympics - oh wait, they lost that one.

Oh well, you get the picture.

I suspect the Bears are headed towards early hibernation but they are downright nasty when cornered.

Take the Bears and the 10 1/2.

Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) at San Francisco 49ers (4-6) (Line 49ers minus 3 1/2) The Jaguars are on a roll winning four of their last five while the 49ers have been in tailspin losing five or their last six.

But I have been unimpressed with the Jags run and it seems the odds makers agree making Jacksonville 3 1/2 point dogs.

The 49ers continue to play tough there last four defeats coming by seven points or less.

Jacksonville has benefited from a soft schedule, their last four wins coming against the league's weak sisters St. Louis, Kansas City, the Jets and Bills.

This contest is likely to be decided on the ground, with Jags' bruising running back Maurice Jones-Drew going against the 49ers' Frank Gore.

More importantly the 49ers are 7-2-1 against the spread this season and get the Jags at home.

The 49ers will likely need to run the table to make the playoffs but they keep their hopes alive with win here.

Take the 49ers and give up the 3 1/2.

PHOTO: San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers points at a fan on the sideline just before the Chargers defeated the Denver Broncos in their NFL game in Denver November 22, 2009. REUTERS/Rick Wilking

How important is it for top executives to know what their customers think of the businesses that they run? Most agree that it helps, but on Black Friday, chief executives of two of the country's most popular venues for frenzied, over-caffeinated shoppers said they don't shop at their stores at that time of year.

We could think of plenty of good reasons not to hit the chaos scenes known as big-box retailers on Black Friday. For one thing, it's crowded and you have to wait in line all day while you're holding boxes of stuff. Add a couple of cranky toddlers, and you could envision hundreds of reasons to stay home.

The CEOs of Best Buy and Toys "R" Us have different explanations.

"This is my 25th year in a row I am working on Black Friday… so I don’t get the chance to shop," Best Buy CEO Brian Dunn told Reuters in an interview. "I work it, they shop.”

Toys R Us CEO Jerry Storch prefers the old, reliable punching bag: He blames the media. "Mostly on Black Friday, I talk to you!" Storch said.

(Photo: Reuters)

You can spend millions of dollars on an advertising campaign if you have something to sell. Alternately, you can try some cheaper experiments and hope that downmarket charm trumps slickness.

Somebody liked the latter idea at the Chase bank branch on Seventh Avenue and 42nd Street in Manhattan, as this picture, taken by one of our editors, Leslie Gevirtz, shows.

We can't decide if this is a Black Friday coup of marketing genius or if one of the tellers was forced to use only materials in the branch's broom closet. After all, this is the heart of Times Square, a place where every square millimeter is available for your ad, and at very high prices. Major corporations rarely spare expenses -- or electricity -- in presenting their best advertising campaigns in the heart of the U.S. financial capital. On the other hand, Chase *is* handing out $100 to everyone who starts an account. Maybe that's the ad budget, already spent.

Though many New Yorkers complain that tourists are underfoot and in their way, retailers across the city see them, and their strong euros, pounds and Canadian dollars, as a blessing.

Tourists helped Saks Fifth Avenue's flagship store last quarter perform in line with the chain's other stores, and Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren told Reuters on Friday that lately he was hearing more languages besides English than ever on the store floor.

Judging by some of the shoppers Reuters interviewed this week, visitors from abroad plan to spend plenty in New York:

- "Stuff is always cheaper here anyway and even more so with the dollar," said Katy Moore, a visitor from Ireland, who was shopping at Foot Locker on Thanksgiving day.

-  Laurence Moran, a 30 year-old actor visiting from London, was waiting in line with a couple hundred people outside the Abercrombie & Fitch in Manhattan to splurge... on himself. Weak pound or not, Moran said he could not resist the Black Friday sales.

- Deb Curley, a British tourist in her 60s, said , “The toy stores here are crazy. We have nothing like this in England.”

In addition to these shoppers, Reuters encountered tourists from Israel, the Netherlands, Canada, Belgium, Venezuela, Vietnam and many other countries intent on shopping til they drop.

(Additional reporting by Dhanya Skariachan)

(Photo: Reuters)