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