Living conditions in these are basic at best - a one-room family-house with a tiny shed-like kitchen-conversion and often no private toilet - but it is this unusual mix of ancient aristocratic architecture and current-day, salt-of-the-earth locals that gives the hutong alleys their unique character.

BBC: Old Beijing at its timeless best

Idealab's young firms share basic office overheads--everything from photocopiers and accounting services to an in-house designer.

ECONOMIST: Johnny Appleseed.com

He said the company had carried out maintenance on Arlington House - which comprises 142 privately-owned flats - but the proposed development went beyond basic work.

BBC: Mary Portas opposes Margate Tesco plan

The London Olympic Committee should be praised for its recognition of one of the most basic common-sense elements of event presentation: Event energy, legitimacy and enthusiasm are enhanced with a packed house.

FORBES: That's The Ticket: London's Calling For Affordable Olympic Experience

Conversations with advisers to several potential candidates suggest that the first reason for the slow ramp-up is a basic one: The coming campaign isn't for an open seat in the White House, but rather will be a race against an incumbent president.

WSJ: Why Is the 2012 Race Off to Such a Slow Start?