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[ FAST FACTS HAWAII ]

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How to fall in love with your job again

As Valentine's Day arrives, people of course start thinking about love. But forget personal relationships for a second -- how hot is the flame between you and your job?

If the start of a new work week leaves you filled with dread, perhaps you need to rekindle the romance with your career. Staffing firm Ajilon Office, part of global staffing firm Adecco Group, offers a few tips:

» Inquire about new projects or other assignments. Your job could be stale and no longer challenging or rewarding, simply because you've been doing the same thing for too long.

» Look at the job descriptions and tasks of the position right above yours. Mastering a few new skills could be the easy key to moving forward.

» Take training sessions or professional development classes at your company. If they don't have any, look into courses at local colleges or from industry associations.

» Increase your interactions with co-workers, even if it's just a quick trip for a cup of joe.

» Become active in other areas of your company, such as through a volunteer or mentoring program.

Men and women differ on used cars

When it comes to buying a used jalopy, men and women display markedly different traits before the purchase.

A survey of nearly 14,000 adults showed that men tend to research prices and haggle more, but women spend longer on the decision-making process, according to Consumer Reports, part of Yonkers, N.Y.-based Consumers Union.

Only 69 percent of women said they had used multiple sources to research prices before buying, while 86 percent of men said they had done so. And on haggling, 76 percent of men said they negotiated while 68 percent of women had done so.

But women said they spent an average 2.2 months deciding what car to buy, while men took only one month.

Employees like health screening

Your company might be agonizing over healthcare costs these days, but one oft-overlooked area could put a dent in future medical costs: health screening.

We apparently love the idea, according to a survey of 1,700 employees by The Principal Financial Group Inc., based in Des Moines, Iowa.

More than three-quarters, 78 percent, said they'd participate in such screenings if their employer offered them; 84 percent, said they had been screened previously, when offered.

Of that group, more than 40 pecent said they had since eaten healthier, they exercise more and they consider healthier options more often.

"For many years, health care has really been 'sick care,' with employers providing insurance to help employees get back to work from an illness or injury," said Jerry Ripperger, director of consumer health for Principal Financial. "Fortunately, there's an emerging trend where smart companies are investing to keep their employees healthy. It's not just the right thing to do from an altruistic stand point, it's a good business decision."

$2 billion payout ends GM-Fiat partnership

ROME » General Motors Corp. agreed yesterday to pay Fiat SpA $2 billion to resolve a contract dispute, allowing the U.S. carmaker to divest its stake in Fiat's troubled auto unit and revise the companies' business relationship.

The agreement dissolves a five-year partnership between Fiat and GM but does not entail a complete separation, they said.

Detroit-based GM will return its 10 percent stake in Fiat's auto division, and the two carmakers will dismantle their joint venture that manufactures engines and transmissions. However, the companies will continue to cooperate on engine production, development of vehicle programs and other fields.

The dispute centered on a so-called "put option" included in the 2000 agreement, which gave Fiat the right to demand GM buy the rest of the car unit.

At Fiat headquarters in Turin, Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo praised the agreement as a "a positive and excellent sign for the future."

Adult filmmaker gets license for Vegas club

LAS VEGAS » In a marriage made for Las Vegas, the nation's top adult movie maker has entered into a licensing agreement to open a nightclub on the Strip.

But don't expect to see any nudity when entering the 9,000-square-foot Vivid inside the Venetian hotel-casino.

The Vivid Entertainment porn stars making periodic appearances won't be taking their clothes off because the club isn't licensed as a sexually oriented adult business. Fornication and nudity are forbidden.

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Awards

» Time Magazine, in association with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., has awarded David Chun the 2005 Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award. He is Honolulu Ford's president and general manager.

New Jobs

» Advertising agency AT Marketing LLC has appointed Toby Tamaye president. He will be responsible for all aspects of the company's operations. He has background in marketing and public relations and has worked in Hawaii, California, Japan, Korea and Europe.

» The Hilton Waikoloa Village has appointed Colette Whaley assistant spa director of Kohala Sports Club & Spa. She will be responsible for all facets of spa operations. She has a background in hotel, gourmet retail, spa and office management.

» The Shidler Group, a real estate investment firm, has hired Brett Phillips as construction manager. He will be responsible for managing capital and tenant construction projects. He previously served as Allied Builders System vice president of estimating and business development.

Promotions

» Smith Barney has promoted Gregg Matsuura to second vice president of investments. He has worked for the company for five years. He has 16 years of experience within the finance and real estate industry.