Cruise Control

When Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate, Kia Motors Corp., announced Wednesday that they were conducting a massive recall of 1.7 million vehicles, it was a sign of what can go wrong when parts are shared by many vehicle models. Since the recession, according to automotive industry analysts, more and more manufacturers have turned to the economies of scale involved in having fewer vehicle platforms and more interchangeable parts and components. "This is supposed to be the ideal for making cars now," said Jesse Toprak, analyst for TrueCar.com.

Men's fashion is shifting gears for fall, heading toward a sleeker, sexier, more streamlined image. This trend tends to blur the distinction between dress clothes and sportswear, particularly at the office. The idea is to appear a bit racy: While a cardigan takes the edge off a white shirt and tie, a turtleneck or zip-front shirt under a business suit softens the power look. The new silhouette is fluid and clean, leaner through the body and shoulders.

The capacity crowd at McArthur Court fell nearly silent as Oregon's Luke Jackson doubled over, grasping his blood-soaked right hand. Later they cheered as Luke Ridnour's three-point basket gave the Ducks a 30-point lead and No. 23 Oregon went on to a 91-66 victory over Washington on Thursday night at Eugene, Ore. Jackson was whisked into the locker room with just under six minutes left in the first half, bleeding profusely from his right hand after a collision with Washington's Doug Wrenn.

If the projections are correct, Tom Cruise and Paramount Pictures just pulled off one impossible mission. By today's holiday close, "Mission: Impossible" could have racked up the second biggest six-day opening box-office take ever, topped only by "Jurassic Park." Paramount on Sunday was estimating a four-day Memorial Day weekend gross of about $51.5-to-$53.5 million, although competitors speculated that the number could bump up to $57 million.

The world of jazz on land today is sadly circumscribed. There is no longer a 52nd Street where clubs were nestled so close together that the musicians could sit in with each other's bands between sets. Concerts are even more firmly structured; after two hourlong sets, it's all over at 11 p.m. For this reason, among others, the floating jazz festival has certain advantages over any other form of presentation.

If you are concerned about planning the right cruise, the "Berlitz Complete Handbook to Cruising," by Douglas Ward, is among the best for answers. The guide appraises 148 ships, offering costs, ambiance, safety and even launch dates. It also describes cabin space, furnishings, food, service and entertainment. The before-you-go information explains booking, refunds, insurance and appropriate clothing. More than 140 ship silhouettes are printed, along with details of all facilities.

Confident in his lead over Newt Gingrich in Florida, Mitt Romney was clearly looking to the contests ahead on Monday -- telling reporters that he could feel the campaign momentum moving his way in Florida and that he would soon shift his attention toward winning over tea party voters in Nevada. During a brief chat with reporters on a charter flight from Jacksonville to Fort Myers on Monday, Romney said unlike South Carolina, where he lost to Gingrich by 12 points, "you can sense it's coming our way. " The former Massachusetts governor shrugged off Gingrich's vow to continue his campaign all the way to the Republican convention in August: "That's usually an indication that you think you're going to lose," the candidate said.