February 10 - February 16, 2013
Friday, Feb. 15
It could go out of business tomorrow and most of us wouldn't even notice. Its stock is being toyed with by a handful of billionaire investors who might as well be playing Monopoly. Why should we care?
Over the years, anti-tax crusaders have been desperate to prove that California's wealthiest residents, along with the companies they own, are leaving the state in large numbers because the cost of doing business is just too high. Not true
Thursday, Feb. 14
It's an aging industry that's been run more or less the same way for generations, and it's competing with a host of technologies and distribution channels that make it unnecessary to schlep to the multiplex at a set time. But strangely it's hanging in there.
We stopped going out on Valentine's Day years ago. I think tonight it's burritos from the food truck near our house. Anything but a restaurant.
Another stepped-up effort by the software giant to develop programming for its Xbox Live gaming and streaming systems. Microsoft is also taking space near Playa Vista.
Here's an un-Valentine's Day ode from comedian DJ Lubel that's been getting a lot of Web attention.
Wednesday, Feb. 13
The L.A. nightclub and hotel operator bought the Vegas property in 2007, but he wasn't able to secure financing for a full-scale redevelopment. The answer came from a government program for overseas investors.
That's to be expected - combining legacy carriers rarely amounts to a great deal for travelers. Actually, it could turn out to be downright terrible for certain routes and certain fares (though probably not for L.A.).
As envisioned, the Time Inc. publishing unit would be rolled into an independent company and sold off. Time and SI would be kept.
It's not a terrific market for folks wanting to finance or deliberate for more than five minutes, which leaves out a good portion of potential homebuyers and raises concerns about how sustainable the price run-ups might be.
The editorial will be good news to the mayoral candidates, and mostly likely it will help kill the measure next month. But that doesn't mean the city's fiscal problems will magically disappear.
Tuesday, Feb. 12
This was expected to happen, but not for several more years. The media giant is paying $16.7 billion for GE's 49 percent position, with the sale expected to be completed by the end of next month.
Here's a tweet that might set you back.
It really doesn't make any sense considering the contributions these production companies play in today's souped-up blockbusters. But this week's bankruptcy filing by Rhythm & Hues in El Segundo is just the latest indication of an industry in turmoil.
Back in November, the union's political action committee recommended opposing the March ballot measure, which would push the sales tax from 9 percent to 9.5 percent.
Monday, Feb. 11
It's only been a few days, but If the cops are protecting 50 families 24/7, and if it takes 5.5 officers to protect each family, you're looking at 275 officers, and that doesn't count investigators trying to track down the guy.
The Model S sedan has been getting stupendous reviews - and for good reason. But cold temperatures apparently cause the electric battery to lose juice at a faster-than-advertised rate
For TV watchers of a certain age, the Hollywood Hills home is the familiar backdrop of the long-running series (1952-66) featuring the Nelson family: Ozzie, Harriet, David, and Ricky.
Sunday, Feb. 10
The network considers the Grammys to be as much of an entertainment show as an event-like awards show, and it figures entertainment is best run in prime time.
The young company was all but laughed at by the venture capital guys until it became clear last year that the idea was becoming hugely popular, especially at L.A. high schools.
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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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