May 18 - May 24, 2008

Saturday, May. 24
After layoffs and cutbacks, three more executives leave the struggling newspaper company.
In general, the numbers were modest - at least relative to the craziness of the previous few years.
Friday, May. 23
United led the new round of increases, boosting roundtrip ticket prices $10 to $60, depending on distance and competition.
With $4-a-gallon gasoline, consumers are being careful about discretionary spending - as in eating out.
The long-struggling online tech magazine has been displaying error messages all day, which is not a great sign.
The impact of $7 gas, negotiators upbeat about port pact, Stringer urges folks to get mad, and preying on foreclosure.
Thursday, May. 22
The unusual weather pattern will continue for the next day or two, with showers popping up in the afternoon hours.
The projections range from $142 million to $175 million over the long weekend. I'm guessing more.
Much of the county is already built out and not subject to subprime calamities further inland.
A merger of the nation's two top bookstore chains is a possibility - antitrust concerns and all.
Oil prices finally slow, new concerns about crude shortages, and L.A. not ready for a big earthquake.
Wednesday, May. 21
The online music company reported another loss, which means more shareholders putting in their two cents.
Government delays in the awarding of several large contracts are behind the pink slips.
Charging $15 to check in a piece of luggage may seem outrageous, but higher fuel costs leave American little choice.
Oil still going up, first class travel is down, airport traffic is flat, and Mozilo presses the wrong button.
Tuesday, May. 20
Are the guild leaders just talking a good game or do they have the backing of the rank and file?
He's Robert Thomson, who has served as the Journal's publisher since Rupert Murdoch took over.
The latest Carl's Jr. ad ditches the usual bumping and grinding for another kind of faux reality.
The legendary Washington Post reporter took a huge pay cut two years ago and now may be paying the price.
Oil crosses $129, Maguire speaks out, two views on home prices, and Disney Web users in a lather.
Monday, May. 19
The stumbling block centers on clips of actors' work appearing online, the same issue gumming up talks with SAG.
Shares of the Pasadena bank jumped almost 4 percent on a favorable story in Barron's. But the stock has a long way to go.
Thin refinery margins are the only thing between us and even higher prices - and that could change this summer.
The place is a minefield that's riven with factions, something the new executive director is learning the hard way.
April Socal sales were up sharply from a month earlier, although L.A. home prices continue to drop.
Maguire is ousted, states can still offer tax-exempt munis, and Microsoft is once again eyeing Yahoo.
Sunday, May. 18
Dealmaker Kirk Kerkorian is on top for the fourth year in a row. He's followed by Sumner Redstone and Eli Broad.
© 2003-2015   •  About LA Observed  •  Email the editor
LA Observed blogs
News & Chatter
LA Biz Observed
The funeral for Mark Lacter will be held Sunday, Nov. 24 at 12 noon at Hillside Memorial Park, 6001 W. Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles 90045. Reception to follow.
More From Mark Lacter:
Native Intelligence
Business Guides for Companies – Effective business articles that will improve your business.
SoCal Sports Observed
After 22 years of loyalty, Baylor is unceremoniously shown the door.
Bill Boyarsky
Echo Park blog
Jenny Burman
Before I lived in Echo Park, there was a tiny 1920s bungalow-cottage-standalone house on N. Occidental in Silver Lake. I...
Malibu blog
Here in Malibu
I don't know why it's taking me so long to choose the new platform for this blog. Well, that's not...
We get email