The resignation of Kevin Clash – the voice of “Sesame Street’s” Elmo – following allegations of sexual relations with at least two underage boys may have short-term repercussions for the PBS kids’ show. But in the long …
Technology & Media
Sue or Settle? Feds Face Crunch Time Over Google Antitrust Decision
The Federal Trade Commission is nearing a critical decision on the next step of its nearly two-year investigation into whether Internet search titan Google has used its market power to harm rivals. The FTC could file a lawsuit …
Can Energy-consumption Data Change Consumer Behavior?
Do you know how much energy you consume every 15 minutes? Most would say that’s a hard — if not impossible — question to answer, but San Francisco-based utility provider Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) now has access to that information for 30,000 of its residential customers, thanks to its “SmartMeter” program. PG&E’s …
Can a Payday Lending Start-Up Use Facebook to Create a Modern Community Bank?
Social media and big data are being used in an innovative new payday loan banking model that’s more Silicon Valley than Wall Street. Most interestingly, the operation seems to have more in common with old-fashioned hometown …
E-Retail Strikes Back: Amazon’s Latest Strategies in War for Holiday Shopper Dollars
A Simple Way to Get TV Viewers to Stop Skipping the Ads
Why “second (and third) screens” make you a better TV viewer—as far as advertisers are concerned, anyway.
Patent Progress: What Apple and HTC’s Landmark Pact Means for the Patent Wars
Finally.
After years of lawsuits and untold tens of millions in legal fees, Apple, the world’s largest technology company, has agreed to cease all current patent litigation against Taiwanese hardware giant HTC, a major ally of …
Corporate Raiders Beware: A Short History of the “Poison Pill” Takeover Defense
Since the heyday of corporate raiders in the 1980s, so-called poison pills have been a standard – and powerful — corporate defense against hostile takeovers. So what exactly are they?
Facebook & Work: Will Friending Your Manager Help Your Career?
Not long ago, I thought it was a bad idea to friend your boss on Facebook because of the possibility that revealing too much could hurt your progress at your current job, as well as any future opportunities. Lately, I’ve had a …
Raiders of the Lost Stream: Netflix Fight with Carl Icahn Escalates over ‘Poison Pill’
Internet video giant Netflix announced a defensive maneuver on Monday designed to fend off famed corporate raider Carl Icahn, who has amassed a sizable stake in the company and suggested it should be sold. Netflix’s “poison pill” …
Sandy Bump? Where Business Is Brisk After the Storm
No one should anticipate that a “Sandy stimulus” will kick the economy into a higher gear. Even so, Sandy has caused businesses of all shapes and sizes to be exceptionally busy — including a few you wouldn’t expect.
What Should Be Done About Growing Inequality?
Many factors contribute to increasing inequality. Public policy should focus on eliminating only the bad ones