Apple, of course, has other considerations than pure specs when it comes to their processor decision, such as branding and bulk prices, but we're sure if AMD manages to best Intel on price, power management and benchmarks -- which looks to be a struggle currently -- Steve Jobs and co. might at least be willing to talk.

ENGADGET: AMD boasts of an Apple future, gripes about Intel

Even more surprising was the decision in February of the federal and Alberta governments to charge Syncrude, a large tar-sands processor, with offences under environmental and bird-protection laws for the deaths of 500 ducks in one of the company's tailing ponds last April.

ECONOMIST: Stephen Harper looks to Washington, not Alberta