June 10 - June 16, 2012
Friday, Jun. 15
Whether the governor signs the $92.1-billion package is another matter. Democratic lawmakers couldn't reach a deal with Brown on the amount of cuts to the state welfare program.
Truth is, nobody has much of a clue on what will happen Sunday. The two leading parties - one that's opposed to the austerity measures spelled out by European officials and the other seeking accommodation with Europe - are said to be quite close.
This is a fallback measure for the Dream Act, which would establish a path to citizenship for certain young illegal immigrants. Clearly, the new policy could benefit many thousands of illegal immigrants in the L.A. area.
The unemployment rate has been edging downward for several months now - a frustratingly long process, but reflective of a slow-growth economy that will probably last for several years. That's right, years.
Consumer sentiment sinks in early June, illegal immigrants to get work permits under Obama plan, state lawmakers closing in on budget compromise, and parkgoers line up as Disney opens made over California Adventure.
The state gained 33,900 payroll jobs, the largest month-over-month gain in the nation and solid turnaround from April when there was a job loss of more than 4,000.
Thursday, Jun. 14
This week's painful round of layoffs at the New Orleans Times-Picayune has prompted the predictable soul-searching about what could have been. But Justin Fox suggests that what happened in New Orleans - and what's certain to happen in other cities - could have been predicted long ago.
Offering incentives to a single industry is questionable public policy, even for the sake of a few more jobs. Where's the tax break for plumbers or accountants? While it's hard to argue with the success of these particular giveaways, I continue to question the real need.
In 1990, the average flight from NY to L.A. took 5 hours and 52 minutes. Last year, the average was 6 hours and 6 minutes. The increase comes at a time when many airline flights are actually getting shorter.
The annual guessing game of what and how much consumers will be buying in the fall is especially tough in 2012, what with the economic uncertainty around the world. Still, retailers have become more adept at hedging their bets.
Actually, it's the cover of the new Businessweek. Editor Josh Tyrangiel says it's "ugly on purpose." On the other side of the marketing circle, whose bright idea was it to have Anna Wintour pitching for the Obama effort?
Bond yields are climbing today, another worrisome sign that demand for Spanish debt is drying up - no matter what the interest rate is. That's bad because Spain needs to sell billions of dollars worth of bonds to repay its debt and cover its deficits.
Bankers prepare to flee Greece if need be, California foreclosures fall while consumer confidence rises, judges protest state court cuts, and Activision advances on mobile.
Wednesday, Jun. 13
I bet he could give an impromptu 20 minutes on the meaning of life and barely break for air. Here is Cramer insisting that JPMorgan's trading mess has made CEO Jamie Dimon a loser.
They flame out. One estimate has two-thirds of all consumer apps receiving fewer than 1,000 downloads in their first year, and a significant proportion of those getting none at all.
Yeah, but they want to cut into the state's rainy-day fund by more than $500 million (on par with last year's amount). Democratic legislators are also counting on an extra $330 million by using different accounting methods for education funds.
Economist Dan Ariely says that dishonest behavior isn't driven by what we think - and neither is honest behavior. He'll be in conversation at the Live Talks Business Forum series.
Me neither. Actually, the whole stadium thing is running into turbulence on several fronts. None of this will change enough minds on the council to block this risky project, but it probably should. Also, a look at the new TV deal for the Kings.
Sales jumped in May, not because of low-end foreclosures but because of transactions priced $300,000 and up. That portion of the market has been out of commission since the recession.
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon says he's sorry for trading losses, L.A. area gas prices falling sharply, health insurers file for rate hikes in California, and Honda recalls 50,000 Civics because of drive shaft problems.
Tuesday, Jun. 12
Out of those 152 pilots produced during the 2011-2012 development cycle, 92 were filmed in the L.A. area, But there's been a noticeable drop in the number of one-hour pilots produced here.
Growing doubts about Spanish bailout deal, Commerce Secretary takes medical leave after weekend auto accidents, movie attendance expected to grow through 2016 as 3D prices come down, and more foreign purchases of U.S. real estate.
Monday, Jun. 11
Net worth of a median family household was $77,300 in 2010, down from $126,400 in 2007, according to the Federal Reserve, with much of that drop attributed to housing prices.
This one would be for a 392-room hotel across from the L.A. Live complex. Under the plan, the developer and its partners keep up to half of the sales taxes, business taxes, hotel room taxes, utility taxes, property taxes, and parking taxes.
The processed foods and sweets category really stands out. In 1982, only 11.6 percent went for stuff like frozen dinners, canned soups and snacks. In 2011, it's 22.9 percent. But it might not mean what you think.
Aaron Kushner's effort to buy the Boston Globe was met with lots of skepticism, largely because no one had ever heard of him. If he operates the Register the way he said he would have operated the Globe, look for an engaged, hands-on owner.
The group is led by investor Aaron Kushner, who had tried to purchase the Boston Globe. No purchase price was announced.
Skepticism over bailout deal for Spain, Commerce Secretary Bryson involved in hit-and-run accidents that are being blamed on a seizure, deadline looms on state budget, and Rose Bowl renovations are delayed.
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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.
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