December 28 - January 3, 2009

Friday, Jan. 2
The FDIC will be selling the failed Pasadena bank to an investment group for $13.9 billion. No details on what's in store.
Wednesday, Dec. 31
There were a few fortunate shareholders of locally based companies, but overall it was a terrible year to own stocks.
The Dow started the year at 13,338. It finishes at 8776. Not that it much matters but the index gained 108 points in the final day of trading.
There are certain guideposts that can be useful in monitoring when and how the economic turnaround takes place.
Those cursed What's In, What's Out lists that come out this time of year should definitely include economic forecasts as being on the outs.
Fannie Mae is supposedly delaying the sale of the failed Pasadena bank, according to a posted report.
Madoff assets to be revealed, Viacom and Time Warner in cable dispute, involuntary bankruptcy for Ezri Namvar, and SAG revolt building.
Tuesday, Dec. 30
Kevin Bacon and his wife Kyra Sedgwick got slammed, big time, as did former Salomon Brothers economist Henry Kaufman.
The Web site Gizmodo got Apple watchers into a dither this afternoon by reporting that the CEO is in rapidly declining health.
The automaker's financing company, having just received federal help, will modify its criteria so that more folks can take out auto loans.
Clothing makers aren't thrilled about some of their merchandise being discounted so heavily this holiday season.
L.A. home prices take dip (but other cities fare worse), gas prices inch up, very little consumer confidence, and Tribune's legal bills.
Monday, Dec. 29
The economist/lawyer/columnist/actor says he was approached two years ago about investing with Madoff. He passed.
Gossip centers on the alleged scamster having some sort of mental break or perhaps a multiple personality disorder.
Anything went at WaMu, still waiting for IndyMac sale, Hollywood has strong holiday, and Madonna is tops in 2008.
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