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'Flags' fluttering: Paramount executives are all in a dither over a disappointing opening-weekend for Clint Eastwood’s World War II movie “Flags of Our Fathers.” Explanations include a no-name cast (Eastwood was behind the camera) and a pre-Halloween release date (audiences expect more serious fare later in the year). Of course, this isn't just any film - it's a potential award winner. So what's a studio to do?
Fare war: This one is in Hawaii, mostly involving inter-island flying. Fares have been slahed to as little as $39 one-way. The cheaper flights can save travelers hundreds of dollars on flights coming in from the mainland. Instead of flying directly to Maui or Kona - and paying a premium - go to Honolulu first (usually a cheaper bet) and make a connection.
Northrop earnings: They're up 3.1 percent for the third quarter, although absent a legal settlement with the Department of Justice, the L.A.-based aerospace company would have done better.
Trade mission: Mayor Villaraigosa, just back from his 14-day Asian trade mission, says he hopes to make similar trips to Mexico, Latin American and Europe. The mayor "finalized" agreements for more than than $300 million in foreign investment in Los Angeles, visited the city's tourist office in Beijing and expanded the "See My L.A." promotional campaign.
Cruise is looking: He's considering three pictures, according to Variety. Two are from Warner Bros. and Fox, and one is an indie. Whatever he decides, it would be his first vehicle since getting axed from Paramount in August.
Greenhouse grumble: The ink is barely dry on the breakthrough legislation to reduce global warming in California and already there's bickering. Don Perata, the Senate president pro-tem, is accusing Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of subverting parts of the law by fast-tracking the system for selling or trading pollution credits. The market-based system has been contentious from the start.
TV factory opens: Not all televisions are made in China. Syntax-Brillian Corp. opens what is believed to be the nation's first high-definition, flat-panel manufacturing facility. The Ontario factory will have about 120 workers.
Lacter on KPCC: This morning's business chat with Steve Julian (6:55 and 9:55) covers the increase in housing defaults, why venture capitalists pay more attention to Bay Area companies and the proposed living wage for LAX hotel workers.
Mark Lacter created the LA Biz Observed blog in 2006. He posted
until the day before his death on Nov. 13, 2013.