There's only so much we can do, because we feel that the factor that has been missing in much of the heated discussion about this is the human element, and what really happens to real people.

NPR: Film Looks at Immigrants Caught in Slave Trade

However, the questionable quality of so much of the advice supplied by Wall Street in recent years suggests that they might not be missing much.

ECONOMIST: Wall Street

If South Korea steps in to provide the missing electricity, the North would have much less incentive to do so.

ECONOMIST: South Korea and America

No matter their team, Caribbeans had so much to cheer in the championship of a tournament missing the star-studded American team yet again.

NPR: Unbeaten Dominicans Win World Baseball Classic 3-0

That will be a key question for profitability as retailers aim to carry just the right amount of goods to meet demand without either running low and missing out on sales, as some did in 2009, or carrying so much that steep discounts are needed.

FORBES: Retail inventories increase amid modest holiday sales views

Perhaps that is why the sponsors choose Thursday to host their media lunch, so that anyone who takes advantage of too much free wine can sleep it off later without missing much action.

BBC: Crucible diary Day 13