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AVE MARIA, Fla. - Domino's Pizza founder Tom Monaghan entered the world penniless and plans to leave the world the same way.

Monaghan, 73, an orphan abandoned by his mother, has used the billions he's earned from starting one of the world's largest pizza chains to benefit others.

What's with this business of getting sensible? Doesn't everybody know that the only way to haul stuff is in a monster pickup truck, or at least in a cavernous van?

It's the American way. But it's being challenged by none other than the quintessential native son, the Ford Motor Co., purveyor of ponderous pickups.

Specifications for the 2011 Ford Transit Connect cargo van.

Engine: 2-liter four-cylinder, 136 horsepower.

Transmission: Four-speed automatic with overdrive.

Overall length: 15 feet 1 inch.

EPA passenger/cargo volume: 65/135 cubic feet.

Weight: 3,405 pounds.

Payload: 1,600 pounds.

EPA city/highway fuel consumption: 21/26 miles to the gallon.

When is the timing right to lock in your mortgage rate?

With a rate lock, lenders are obligated (with a few exceptions) to offer a home loan at an agreed-upon rate regardless of whether mortgage rates have changed between the time of the loan approval and the closing date.

I won't take sides on the employment-compensation-extension issue. I will say, however, that although most states require proof that a person is looking for employment in order to get their check, little is done to help them learn how to get hired.

2011 NISSAN JUKE SV

TYPE: Front-drive, four-door, five-passenger, compact wagon.

PRICE: $20,760.

WHERE BUILT: Oppama, Japan.

KEY RIVALS: Mazda 3, Mini Cooper, Toyota Matrix, Scion tC, Suzuki SX4.

POWER: 1.6-liter, 188 horsepower, direct injection gasoline turbocharged 4-cylinder engine; continuously variable automatic transmission.

Cruising British Columbia's Sunshine Coast in the Nissan Juke quickly reveals the raison d'etre of the sporty compact wagon launching this fall.

With a stubby, wave-like profile and friendly face, the Juke attracts plenty of attention, particularly from the targeted young, male drivers.

A large percentage of borrowers who left college in the past four years made no principal payments on their federally guaranteed student loans in 2009, according to the Department of Education.

This is the first time the department has calculated and published repayment rates for every college and university whose students get federal loans.

If you are in the midst of a protracted employment search, it's critical to remain focused and disciplined. But don't forget the value of taking an occasional break.

As summer winds down, plan to participate in some fun, stress-free activities. A few days "off the hunt" can help you recharge, gain perspective and maybe even devise some creative new job search strategies.

"Metroid: Other M"

Platform: Wii

Genre: Action

Publisher: Nintendo

ESRB Rating: T, for Teen

Grade: 4 stars (out of 5)