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A variety of new car technologies, from automatically opening hatchbacks to smartphone connections that can help make dinner reservations from your dashboard, will be displayed at the Arizona International Auto Show starting today at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Drivers can see 400 vehicles from more than 30 manufacturers at the event, and also can test-drive about 50 of the new vehicles. Auto dealers have presented the show for more than 40 years.

Besides all the new technology and gadgets being added to cars, manufacturers said the biggest trend in 2012 is toward more fuel-efficient, compact vehicles.

In 2011, sales at Phoenix-area auto dealers increased nearly 21 percent, said Knox Ramsey, the president of the Arizona Automobile Dealers Association, and that trend is expected to continue as the average age of vehicles on the road here approaches 11 years.

“Now you have a lot of people that have to find replacement transportation,” he said.

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(CNN) — Britain’s David Cameron and Germany’s Angela Merkel restated their commitment to a strong Europe Friday, as they sought to show a united front in the face of Europe’s debt crisis.

Their talks in Berlin come amid tensions between the two nations over how to restore financial stability in Europe.

“The United Kingdom has a great interest, and very sensibly so, in seeing the eurozone being strong,” Merkel said.

While Britain has some differences of opinion with Germany over the EU treaty and ways to boost competitiveness, she said, the two countries are tied by “strong bonds of friendship.”

Both will work closely together ahead of a meeting of European leaders next month, she said.

Britain is the biggest economy in Europe outside the 17-nation eurozone, which uses the euro as its currency, while Germany is the economic powerhouse within it.

The pair have not always agreed on the best ways to tackle the current debt crisis, which has seen attention focused on Italy and Greece in recent weeks.

Senior members of Cameron’s Conservative Party have been calling for more powers to be brought back to Britain from Europe, as EU treaty changes are made to ensure economic stability.

Cameron, who has previously expressed concern that Europe’s difficulties are affecting Britain’s economic recovery, also downplayed divisions between the countries as he stood alongside Merkel.

“We have had a very good discussion between very good friends,” he said.

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The start of a new business demands that you even market it online; but how do you go about using social media to your benefit without making common mistakes that most new entrepreneurs do? Find out here… Every entrepreneur understands the importance of an online presence, owing to the rapid growth of the number of people who spend time online, and rely on the information found there for their needs and requirements. What every entrepreneur doesn’t understand is the importance of using this critical tool in the right manner. Simply posting updates is not only what social media marketing centers on. Such a process requires time, patience and skill that eventually culminates into a fool-proof social media marketing strategy. Read full post…

Even when times are tight, Americans love their high-tech toys and gadgets especially for the holiday season.

So once again, electronics for children and adults will be on many shoppers’ lists this year.

Here is what our research has found to be the projected best sellers, most of which can be found at major retailers.

iPad 2

Many analysts say Apple’s iPad 2 is the best tablet computer on the market because of its design and compatibility with thousands of programs in the App Store. But it doesn’t come cheap: The 16GB models start at $499 and $629 with Wi-Fi; a 32GB costs $599 and $729 with Wi-Fi.

Kindle Fire

Amazon’s Kindle Fire has generated a lot of buzz as an iPad 2 competitor.

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NEW YORK — Cisco Systems Inc., the world’s largest maker of computer networking gear, is showing signs of pulling a turnaround, exceeding analyst sales expectations for the second quarter in a row.

“We made very solid progress,” CEO John Chambers told investors and analysts on a conference call Wednesday.

The California company posted net income of $1.8 billion, or 33 cents per share, in the fiscal first quarter, which ended in October. Revenue grew nearly 5 percent from last year to $11.3 billion. That was about $230 million above analyst estimates.

First-time visitors to Havana immediately notice two things about the city: the graceful architecture of its buildings, and the fact that so many of them are in ruins.

But walking through the crumbling Centro Habana neighborhood this week, there was another sight: homeowners beating back the decay on nearly every block.

That’s because a new law takes effect Thursday allowing Cubans to buy and sell residential property for the first time in 50 years.

The reform measure may be President Raul Castro’s biggest nod to market economics yet, with the potential to attract millions in investment capital from abroad, and transform Cuba’s neighborhoods.

New Interest In Appearances

Antonio Tresol and his son are among those giving their home a makeover.

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