RIM shares now cost less than a six-pack of beer

Research in Motion’s stock price has continued on its downward trend, briefly dropping as low as $9.97 during trading yesterday. The free fall is connected to several recent announcements, including that RIM has hired two outside firms to work out its financial issues, might have to lay off staff and will likely have an operating loss in the current quarter. For those keeping track, the last time shares sunk below the symbolic $10 mark was 2003—back when the United States thought a war with Iraq would be a great idea, Paul Martin started his turn as prime minister and 50 Cent was at the top of the music charts. [CBC News]