March 18 - March 24, 2012

Friday, Mar. 23
Here's a news flash: They're not soaring anymore.
Reed introduced a paywall in early 2010, which no doubt resulted in losing readers
Retailer got all the needed approvals in advance of council vote.
First four seasons get the once over.
Who knows where the this horrible story will lead, but there's no denying its resonance.
The long-awaited 7.6-mile connection will be up and running on April 28.
February's 11.8 percent rate is still very high - nearly a full percentage higher than California's jobless rate of 10.9 percent (also unchanged from January). The U.S. unemployment rate in February was 8.3 percent. Somewhat better news: the separate payroll survey shows that L.A. gained 28,900 jobs in February; in all of California, the increase was 4,000. Here's the EDD release....
He happens to be the biggest shareholder of Lions Gate Entertainment.
Investor confidence is up, B of A tests foreclosure alternative, council to consider Chinatown Walmart, and how L.A. could save $350 million.
Thursday, Mar. 22
There's not much to understand: Local unions don't like it and some councilmembers are taking note.
Financing remains the top problem faced by many business owners.
This tells you a lot about income divisions in Los Angeles.
They include Pat Lynch, the former general manager.
Harold Simmons believes the president is "the most dangerous American alive."
Governor's proposal to raise taxes would not go to K-12 school and community colleges.
Jobless claims hit 4-year low, mortgage rates top 4 percent, huge advance sales for "Hunger Games," and efforts to block Walmart in Chinatown.
Wednesday, Mar. 21
Lettuce, cabbage, and tomatoes are practically steals.
The issue is inaccurate pricing at checkout stands.
It's part of a national expansion of the high-end burger chain, which is half-owned by nightclub/hotel impresario Sam Nazarian. The plan is to reach more than 20 locations by the end of the year. From Bloomberg: Nazarian sees his premium restaurants and burgers as apart from the pack. Umami serves up hand-chopped ahi tuna with wasabi flake, and offers wine and martinis in some locations. These are the latest evolutionary twist on the Southern Californian...
Crews are on site at the Grand Avenue location.
Another step in the evolution of the gaming business.
Recession pushed many people into business ownership.
Drilling doesn't mean lower prices, iPad is too fast for your own good, pushing more exports from L.A., and TV connected to the Internet.
Tuesday, Mar. 20
Why do Costco and Trader Joe's have plenty of employees and still make money?
Students in California tend to drop out a lot more frequently than in other parts of the country - and that means lower skill sets, which almost guarantees that these kids won't find a decent job. All of which puts pressure on business owners to find qualified people. And unless voters approve a ballot initiative to raise taxes, educators could be faced with still more budget cuts. Available at kpcc.org and podcast (Business Update with...
If this were a business, they would have somebody's head.
How the career of a high-ranking Morgan Stanley executive came tumbling down.
Oil prices dropping, small pickup in L.A.'s Latino population, Cal State plans enrollment freeze, and fading interest in law school.
Monday, Mar. 19
"This American Life's" retraction program hits upon a larger question.
It's actually a complicated problem.
Meanwhile, Disney is tallying the losses for its megaflop, "John Carter."
Why do you think? They're not men.
Not a pretty picture if you drop it face down.
Alaska Airlines will operate out of Terminal 6 instead of Terminal 3.
Apple to pay dividend, gas prices nudge lower, L.A. billionaire to enter Dodgers fray, and non-legacy carriers get high marks.
© 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