The Week in Words: Focus on the Focus; no joy on job scene

"I'd rank [Focus] superior to the Corolla in pretty much most ways."

- IHS Global Insight analyst Aaron Bragman regarding the Ford Focus, which could best Toyota Corolla as the world's top-selling auto.

"President Obama promised to slow the rise of the oceans and heal the planet. My promise is to help you and your family."

- Mitt Romney in his speech to the Republican National Convention.

"We have seen no net improvement in the unemployment rate since January. Unless the economy begins to grow more quickly than it has recently, the unemployment rate is likely to remain far above levels consistent with maximum employment for some time."

- Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke discussing the state of the economy Friday in a speech in Jackson Hole, Wyo.

"When the bailout's winners and losers were decided, Janesville ended up losing.

- Brendan Buck, a spokesman for vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan, regarding a closed auto-production plant in Wisconsin.

"The economics of the industry have evolved - and not to the benefit of most retailers."

- Michael Lasser, retail analyst, regarding the future of electronic specialty stores.

"No one is blind to the challenges that confront the pharmaceutical sector and this company, but the underlying strengths of AstraZeneca in delivering on its strategy are clear. AstraZeneca will continue to make a positive difference to patients over the longer term, and I'm looking forward to playing my part in shaping that future."
- Pascal Soriot, the 53-year-old French citizen named Tuesday as the new chief executive officer of AstraZeneca.

"From 9 to 10:30 a.m. there were more tweets about this transaction than there were about the hurricane. That's the IBM megaphone, and Kenexa will be a part of it."

- Nooruddin "Rudy" Karsan, who cofounded the company in 1987, in Tuesday's announcement that IBM would acquire the Wayne-based company for $1.3 billion.