January 11 - January 17, 2009
Friday, Jan. 16
Paulson gave up on buying toxic assets in favor of investing directly in banks - and we've seen what a success that's been. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
That's the word from Copley CEO Gene Bell, who says that interested buyers in the Union-Tribune aren't exactly storming into his office. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
That's how Jeff Katzenberg describes Activision CEO Bobby Kotick, who at one time thought videogames were a big waste of time. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
The one-time consumer-electronics giant is about to be liquidated, but don't expect any information on the chain's Web site. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
Big losses for B of A and Citi, Circuit City likely to be liquidated, L.A. gas prices shoot up, and "Watchmen" dispute settled. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
Thursday, Jan. 15
The same guy who was thrown out as chairman and CEO last May has bought a bigger stake in the company - and he might buy more. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
Every government official under the sun is eyeing all that moolah, including LAWA executive director Gina Marie Lindsey.
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Apparently, the Post wants an outright service agreement while Tribune Co. would prefer some sort of partnership. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says the $42 billion deficit is a "rock upon our chest and we cannot breathe until we get it off." $MTEntryExcerpt$>
L.A. foreclosures jump 113% in 2008, Chase taking over WaMu branches, L.A. office rents to be slashed, and DreamWorks pays Paramount. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
Wednesday, Jan. 14
It's sinking fast in after-hours trading after the announcement by CEO Steve Jobs that he will be taking a medical leave of absence.
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The Apple CEO says his health issues are more complex than thought. He'll be on leave until June. "As CEO,... $MTEntryExcerpt$>
Financial problems will result in the closing of the facility by year's end. About 100 patients will be relocated to area nursing homes. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
All the discouraging news misses a bigger point: Who in their right mind would want to buy stocks or bonds these days? $MTEntryExcerpt$>
As bad as that 2.7 percent drop in December retail sales may look, the more detailed numbers are really discouraging. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
Unlikely as it might sound, McDonald's is introducing large communal tables to several of its U.S. locations, including one in Echo Park.
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Retail numbers worse than expected, port traffic way down in December, Gottschalks files Chapter 11, and SAG strike doubtful. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
Tuesday, Jan. 13
After a marathon 30-hour session, the national board of the Screen Actors Guild has adjourned with no action taken. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
Among Bartz’s many tasks will be to figure out what to do with the company’s Santa Monica offices – and its Hollywood ambitions. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
TV did much better, increasing 14.4 percent in the fourth quarter and 8.4 percent in 2008. The reality segment did especially well. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
At last check, the guild's national board was still meeting - and presumably still debating whether to fire executive director Doug Allen. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
The merger of the two brokerage units is expected to be announced sometime after today's closing bell. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
SAG negotiator being pushed out, Madoff may be plea-bargaining, gas prices take big jump, and more CEOs getting the ax. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
Monday, Jan. 12
The Intrade online prediction market puts the chances at 55 percent, which is up from around 20 percent right after the election. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
Not that big a surprise - the new Congress is mulling over lots of restrictions on how the government money can be used.
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Citigroup overhaul nears, Madoff ruling due, "Slumdog" becomes Oscar favorite, and L.A. has a new slogan. $MTEntryExcerpt$>
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