How important are Tire and Lube Express outlets to Wal-Mart Stores Inc.? Not very, if the company's annual report has anything to say -- or not say -- about it.

Sometimes it seems like you can't rationally discuss gun control with anyone. It joins religion and politics as a taboo topic because it brings out the hate in people.

Vredestein is all about "premium styling." That is what Apollo Vredestein B.V. executives say is the tire company's marketing strategy, and they certainly walk the talk.

The annual J.D. Power and Associates U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study is always an interesting read.

Have you seen the new commercial for the Chevy Equinox LS? "The Chevy Equinox has never been more fuel efficient," says the fake salesperson.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is starting to advertise tire prices regularly. Well, at least for Walmart.

Northwest Tire Factory LLC is truly built from the bottom up. The independent dealers who make up the soon-to-be (hopefully) cooperative run the show, and CEO John Kreidel -- a non-dealer -- wouldn't have it any other way.

"The more items you sell, the less need for the customer to go to the mass merchandising operation. This is still a service business and you are in the best position to offer just this."

"That's not practical." "Not that again." "It's never been tried before." "It's too big of a change." Sound familiar?

I feel sorry for Bridgestone (either Bridgestone Americas Inc. or Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC, take your pick). Their sponsorship of the National Hockey League for the 2012-2013 is in jeopardy.