There's some exciting stuff on the transit horizon and yet all we're getting from this crowd is warmed-over hash. It's a missed opportunity that is playing out before our eyes.

You don't hear much about this because elected officials don't want to make it appear as if they're incapable of handling fiscal problems (even if it's true).

United is banking heavily on the twin-engine Dreamliner, which is built with lighter-weight composite materials and consumes 20 percent less fuel than a similarly-sized aircraft.

It's really a jumble, depending on which gauge you're using. And more numbers are still to come.

The entertainment industry has lots of friends on Capitol Hill - Democrats and Republicans - who are willing to peddle this terrible piece of policy-making even as other tax breaks rightfully go by the boards. Who said pork was passe?

That's coupled with a 166-point gain on New Year's Eve - both fueled by a last-minute budget compromise.

This being the first day back (sort of) after the holiday break, I thought it would be a good time to let you know of some changes in my L.A. Observed routine.

Turn off cable news and take a breath - the truth is most folks in this country have jobs and lead a fairly comfortable existence that will be getting even more comfortable as the recovery takes hold.

The period between January 1 and February 15 is when owners normally indicate their plans to sell or relocate their franchises - a key six-week stretch for any team moving to L.A.

Perhaps this is a sigh-of-relief rally - that finally there were enough Democrats and Republicans in the House to beat back the numbskulls who were about blow up the deal.