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Stocks keep gaining: Off to another decent start, with the Dow up about 30 points in early trading.
Positive job news: Private-sector jobs fell far less than expected in February, according to ADP, and layoff announcements dropped to their lowest level since 2006, according to a separate report. ADP said bad weather had only a very small effect on the numbers. (MarketWatch)
New Toyota headache: A few owners are reporting sudden acceleration even after repairs on pedals and replacement of floor mats were made. So far, only seven complaints have been received. (LAT)
Careful about bankruptcy numbers: California had twice as many filings as any other state in 2009, but it only ranks 11th in filings per capita. Nevada is tops in that category: 11.28 filings 1,000 population; CA is at 5.68. (OC Register)
Tomato shortage: Bad weather in Florida has resulted in some rationing at supermarkets and restaurants. From the WSJ:
Fast-food restaurant chains such as Wendy's have stopped automatically including tomatoes in sandwiches; now customers have to know to ask. Even then, consumers might not get what they usually do. At Lloyd's, a white-tablecloth restaurant across the street from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, signs went up this week warning that only plum tomatoes are available.
Hulu loses Daily, Colbert: The video site couldn't come to terms with Viacom, whose Comedy Central network airs both "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report." From the NYT:
This week "The Daily Show" is listed as the third-most-watched show on the site, behind "Lost" and "Family Guy." The decision also highlights the large gulf between the expectations of consumers -- who demand a wealth of free and easily accessible content on the Internet -- and the media companies, who are seeking a more profitable business model online. "We tried to reach a deal. We got close. We continued to talk even over the weekend. But we could not agree on a price," said a person involved in the Viacom negotiations who requested anonymity because the process was conducted in private.
Queen Mary's makeover: The cruise ship-turned tourist attraction/hotel is getting remodeled staterooms and a renovated restaurant. From the LAT:
The recession has drained demand for travel and lodging and cut the Queen Mary's revenues from hotel rentals, food and drink sales and other services. In the first nine months of 2009, the occupancy rate at the hotel dropped to about 50% from 57% during the same period in 2008, according to a financial statement from the city of Long Beach.
Good newspaper news: The Mercury News will bring back a stand-alone biz section every day of the week. The paper had been shoving business in the local news section on some days.(Talking Biz News)
Studio tap dances on billboard: Paramount purchased the eight-story supergraphics ad on a bank building in Hollywood - the ad that landed the building owner in jail - but the studio isn't being held accountable. "Paramount was assured that the site had all the appropriate permits," said a statement. (The Wrap)
Pencils down!: The Oscar ballot deadline passed at 5 p.m. Tuesday. (The Wrap)
Mark Lacter created the LA Biz Observed blog in 2006. He posted
until the day before his death on Nov. 13, 2013.