Briefcase

Retailers set to sell Microsoft’s new mice

Microsoft Corp. wants to take the computer mouse in a new direction: side-to-side.

Starting Sept. 3, retailers will be selling three new mice from Microsoft, each sporting a new scroll wheel with “horizontal tilt technology” that lets users scroll across a computer screen by manipulating the wheel on the mouse with one finger. Current wheels let users move only up and down.

The new products are ideal for those who use spreadsheet applications, letting computer users more easily read across a single row, the company said.

Microsoft did not disclose prices.

Survey

Many workers left in dark about bosses’ salaries

Do you know what your boss makes? Many of us have no clue, according to a query of employees who were asked if they knew what their company’s CEO is paid.

More than half, or 54 percent, of 195 people who work for a publicly traded company said they didn’t know the chief executive’s compensation.

But in these times of corporate scandal and surging executive pay, companies may need to seriously evaluate how the top boss is compensated. That package can send a powerful message to workers, said Tom Wamberg, chairman and CEO of Clark Consulting, a compensation consulting firm.

The survey was conducted last month by Clark, a public company based in Barrington, Ill. Incidentally, Clark paid Wamberg $498,000 last year, plus a bonus of $244,000.

Motley Fool

Name that company

You may not know my name or how to spell it, but I’m a global giant in the wine, spirits and fast-food spheres. My brands include Kahlua, Stolichnaya Vodkas, Sauza Tequilas, Beefeater, Malibu rum, Canadian Club, Courvoisier, Maker’s Mark, Midori, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Buena Vista, William Hill Wines, Clos Du Bois, Atlas Peak, Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo’s. I sell more than 20 million cases of spirits annually and more than 4 million doughnuts daily. Based in the United Kingdom, I’m the world’s No. 2 distiller and sport about 10,000 food outlets internationally. Who am I?