Kia executives say that U.S. sales really went into high gear starting with the launch of the Kia Soul small hatchback in 2009.

FORBES: Kia Is On A Roll In The U.S.: Say, 18 Consecutive Years Of Market Share Gains

HCD-14 Genesis uses optical recognition to identify the driver and initiate the starting sequence, while gear selection for the 8-speed automatic transmission is performed via paddle shifters.

ENGADGET: Hyundai unveils HCD-14 Genesis concept: suicide doors, gesture and eye controls

"I think this campaign is starting to kick into high gear, " Mr. Prince said.

WSJ: Thompson Reports Uptick in Donations in New York City Mayor's Race

We asked in December if Vick is once again the face of the NFL. Sponsors are starting to reengage with Vick, with a Nissan dealership and sports gear company Unequal Technologies inking the star to deals (pre dog-fighting Vick had deals with Coca-Cola, Electronic Arts, Kraft and Nike).

FORBES: See Michael Vick Get Key To City Of Dallas

It's never been a secret that pro-level wireless audio manufacturers are nervous about the Wireless Innovation Alliance's whitespace internet plans, but now that Google's taken the fight to the people directly, various equipment makers are starting to air their concerns publicly -- and with millions of dollars in gear and people's livelihoods on the line, they aren't being shy about it.

ENGADGET: Wireless audio manufacturers unhappy with Google's whitespace internet plans

Now, with the holiday shopping marathon in full gear and during a season when frugality is still key, retailers are starting to test the waters a bit.

FORBES: In Retail, "Splurge" Is The Word This Holiday Season

This is particularly evident in games like Diablo III or Path of Exile, with starting characters that are quite literally identical from one player to the next, and gear that never really does enough to set them apart.

FORBES: Connect