latimes.com - /business

Dow surges 203 points to highest close in more than a year

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Big-company stocks take the lead in the rally as investors apparently figure it's safer to stick with the most familiar and most liquid issues. The dollar continues sliding.

For Wall Street's bulls, bigger is now a better idea.

Google to buy AdMob in bid to reach mobile users

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

AdMob is a developer of technology that plops ads into cellphone applications.

Google Inc. took another major step in its quest to ensure that wherever consumers go -- whether to their laptops to search sports scores or videos or to their phones to find a restaurant -- advertisers will be there too.

Mark Cuban says he'd be interested in buying the Dodgers

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Cuban says he'd base a decision on his ability to buy a controlling share as part of an ownership group. The Dodgers are not for sale, but the McCourt divorce raises questions about team's future.

Mark Cuban, the high-profile owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, said today he would consider adding the Dodgers to his portfolio.

Walt Disney Studios President Mark Zoradi leaves

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The company continues housecleaning as it moves to restructure its marketing and distribution operations.

In a continued housecleaning at Walt Disney Co., studio distribution veteran Mark Zoradi is leaving after 29 years.

A jury is unlikely to give former KB Home CEO Bruce Karatz a fair shake, a poll finds

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Karatz's attorneys paid for a survey that found a deep bias against corporate bosses among potential jurors. He is charged with improperly backdating stock options.

Can a former chief executive -- especially one who made $232 million running a home-building company in the three years before the industry melted down -- get a fair shake from jurors on charges of defrauding investors?

Chia Obama's hairy question: Is it racist scorn or sincere tribute?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The scene: A vast crowd at a political rally raises a tumult of adulation. Triumphal music rises. Graphics of President Obama's image slide across the scene as we hear the now-familiar voice say, "Change has come to America. . . . Our moment is now. . . . Yes we can!" The crowd chants. Slow pullback on the image of the White House. Announcer: "To commemorate the inauguration of our 44th president with a well-known American icon, introducing. . . ." Jingle: Chi-chi-chi Chia! Announcer: "Chia Obama!"

VG Racing's growth is thrown off-track

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The toy-truck hobby shop is leaking cash and may need to lose some of its parts.

Bashing pint-size radio-controlled monster trucks around bumpy dirt tracks has always been a blast for Dan Dunst, who opened a hobby shop specializing in the pricey toys near downtown Los Angeles last year.

Electronic Arts to slash 1,500 jobs and buy Playfish

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The video game publisher, hammered by a steep drop in the sale of traditional packaged games, plans to acquire the online game developer in a deal valued at up to $400 million.

Hammered by a steep drop in the sale of traditional packaged video games, Electronic Arts Inc. on Monday said it would cut 1,500 jobs, more than 16% of its workforce, even as the game publisher announced plans to acquire online game developer Playfish Inc. in a deal valued at up to $400 million.

Retail gasoline-price rally hits the brakes, analysts say

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Average cost at the pump in California falls 0.6 of a cent over the last week to $2.981 a gallon. The U.S. average falls 2.8 cents to $2.666.

Analysts said Monday that the month-old rally in retail gasoline prices across the U.S. had fizzled.

Airlines, hotels face bleak holidays

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Many travelers plan to take car trips, stay with friends and family and spend less -- bad news for the struggling industries.

Despite airfares and hotel rates that are among the lowest in over a decade, more recession-battered travelers will forgo the airports, hit the freeways and stay with family and friends to save money during the upcoming holiday season.