It came despite Mr Obama's and Mr Medvedev's pledge to jump-start Russia's entry.

ECONOMIST: Russian-American relations

Mr Cowling's estimates jump about a bit from quarter to quarter, depending where by-elections fall in particular months.

ECONOMIST: By-election boulders

Mr. Ringel's career jump wasn't easy, but for others who strive to do the same, he suggests having the safety net of a secure job, the way he did when he was making the transition.

WSJ: Entrepreneurs Who Launched Companies for Under $150