Deals of the Hour

Trying to find out what's the deal with the world, tracking what's on sale and who's talking about it on Twitter. Update hourly.

Deals of the Hour / July 1, 2011, 10:50 pm

Minnesota's vulnerable hit hard by shutdown

With no end in sight to a dispute over taxes and spending, political leaders spent the day blaming each other for their failure to pass a budget that deals with the state's $5 billion deficit. Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and GOP legislative leaders said ... (Source: Detroit News 2011-07-02T05:00:44Z)

Sports digest: Philadelphia Flyers sign Jaromir Jagr

Free-agent forwards Jaromir Jagr and Maxime Talbot signed deals with the Atlantic Division champions ... Jagr had a $2 million offer from the Penguins on the table all week, before Pittsburgh general manager Ray Shero withdrew it Friday. (Source: Berkeley Voice 2011-07-02T04:46:25Z)

NBA throws books at players

Lately NBAPA head Billy Hunter said only a "small number'' of teams are struggling and perhaps none if you discount arena costs and debt from the purchase of franchises. That is Creative Finance — Players Division. Hell, throw out player costs ... (Source: Boston Herald 2011-07-02T05:07:54Z)

Relief all around as Sharapova returns to the top

Her story unfolds like one of the Charlie Chaplin poor tramp movies. At the age of seven, she attended a tennis clinic in Moscow run by Martina Navratilova, who recommended the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida. Former graduates were Andre Agassi ... (Source: FOXSports.com 2011-07-02T04:24:57Z)

Minnesota state employees call for budget compromise

Mark Dayton. "They shut down the state government so 7,000 of the richest Minnesotans don't have to pay a penny more of taxes," said organizer Joel Sipress, referring to Dayton's offer on Thursday to raise income taxes only on those earning more ... (Source: Duluth News Tribune 2011-07-02T04:39:16Z)

The Six Stages of Google+ Grief

Time to bargain. Non-invitees reached out to Google+ members who seemed to have a limited number of invites to share. Some were successful. "OMG got google+ invites from 2 people in the last 5 minutes," tweeted manju34. Others bargained in a different ... (Source: Wall Street Journal 2011-06-30T17:41:53Z)

NBA owners, players disagree on major issues

Players had proposed reducing their salaries by $500 million over five years, which Commissioner David Stern called a "modest" offer. — Salary cap: In their initial proposal in 2010, the owners called for a hard salary cap system. They switched to a ... (Source: YAHOO! 2011-07-01T02:24:27Z)

Jaromir Jagr returns to NHL, signs with Flyers

Related Kings, Ducks not expected to be major players in free agency Paul Kariya and Todd Marchant announce retirements Top 10 unrestricted NHL free agents Jagr had a $2-million offer from the Penguins on the table all week, before Penguins General Manager ... (Source: Los Angeles Times 2011-07-02T05:00:44Z)

Tiger Woods in first new commercial since sex scandal

A spokesman for Kowa Co. which makes the Vantelin Kowa rub, Katsuhiro Kaji, said the firm made the offer to Woods late last year ... his wife and lost many of his sponsorship and endorsement deals. The Japan unit of IMG, the agency which helped Woods ... (Source: Global Nation 2011-07-02T04:32:06Z)

Jaromir Jagr returns to the NHL, signs one-year deal with new-look Flyers

Jagr, 39, the former NHL MVP who has spent the past three seasons playing in Russia, this week mulled over a one-year offer to rejoin the Penguins , his original team, before ultimately deciding to play on the other end of Pennsylvania. The Flyers' deal is ... (Source: Baltimore Sun 2011-07-02T04:46:25Z)

Several labor gaps need to be bridged

But they had little to offer for an update. "We'll continue to meet next week, and the goal is to get a deal done," Smith said on his way out. Said NFL lead negotiator Jeff Pash: "We'll be back at it again next week." Friday marked the fourth ... (Source: Times-Leader 2011-07-02T05:00:44Z)

William and Kate draw enthusiastic crowds to Parliament Hill

OTTAWA — The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge drew ecstatic cheers and some rapt silence Friday from hundreds of thousands of spectators who packed Parliament Hill to celebrate Canada's 144th birthday — and the royals seemed thrilled to join the party ... (Source: The Vancouver Sun 2011-07-02T04:39:16Z)

Shia LaBeouf: This is my last 'Transformers' movie

Shia LaBeouf's days of battling the Decepticons look to be over, with the "Transformers" star saying he has nothing more to offer after three films playing kid-next-door Sam Witwicky. The 26-year-old American actor said he was through with the action-packed franchise. (Source: Pioneer Press 2011-07-02T04:53:35Z)

Hulu drawing a big crowd

The online video service began seeking bidders early last week after an unsolicited offer prompted Hulu's board to look for other interested parties. Hulu streams movies and TV shows from broadcasters ABC, Fox and NBC to personal computers and, for a ... (Source: New York Post 2011-07-02T04:39:16Z)

Apple teams up to buy Nortel

The sale of the patents is a coup for the six-company consortium over Google, which is known for having a weaker patent portfolio than many of its competitors. That gap has left Google's Android operating system, the world's most popular smartphone ... (Source: Times-Leader 2011-07-02T04:53:35Z)

Vulnerable feel the pinch of Minnesota government shutdown

So far, 30 agencies had accepted United Way's offer of advances on their grants, seeking cash to stay up and running. The stoppage suspended some programs for the blind and visually impaired, including a radio reading service run by volunteers and ... (Source: Boston Herald 2011-07-02T04:46:25Z)

NBA LOCKOUT BEGINS

The team owners are seeking to reduce the players' current 57% share of basketball revenue, and rejected the players' offer to peg that figure at 54.3%. Players' union chief Billy Hunter said: ''The problem is that there's such a gap in terms of the ... (Source: FOXSports.com 2011-07-02T04:24:57Z)

Hays Launches Insurance Specialisation in Japan

Globally, Hays Insurance operates from 30 countries, including Japan. It was first launched in the UK, where today it deals with the majority of the top 50 UK domiciled insurance companies. Also, in Australia, Hays Insurance has gone from strength to ... (Source: JCN Newswire 2011-07-02T04:17:47Z)

Deals of the Hour / July 1, 2011, 8:51 pm

Dodgers Had to Pay Fee for Financing

Mr. Siegfried said the Dodgers didn't disclose the amount of the fee because Judge Gross didn't ask for details of the team's financing deal with Highbridge. MLB took control of the Dodgers' day-to-day operations in April amid concerns about the team's ... (Source: Wall Street Journal 2011-07-01T15:46:10Z)

Paychecks To Some Dodgers Employees Bounced

He tried to resolve his cash flow issues with a $3 billion deal with TV partner Fox Sports, but MLB commissioner Bud Selig did not approve the deal because it gave McCourt $385 million up front, much of which he planned to use to settle his divorce proceedings. (Source: 6 News WRTV 2011-07-02T02:01:47Z)

Dealtalk: Google bid "pi" for Nortel patents and lost

Lazard Ltd advised Nortel in the deal, while Jefferies advised its creditors. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP was legal adviser to Nortel's creditors, while Cleary Gottlieb advised the company. (Source: Reuters 2011-07-02T02:23:15Z)

A 'Policy' of demogogic dishonesty

More broadly, no one threw a flag on his claim that "every single observer who's not an elected official, who's not a politician," agrees with him on the burning need to raise taxes as part of any budget deal. This is a good example of Obama's most grating ... (Source: New York Post 2011-07-02T02:44:44Z)

Jerry Brown signs California budget without fanfare

In fact, many were happy that a deal was not struck because it meant that taxes would drop back to pre-2009 levels July 1, the first day of the new fiscal year. Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway, R-Visalia, claimed credit for blocking tax extensions. (Source: San Jose Mercury News 2011-07-01T03:50:21Z)

Scott approves Orlando's commuter rail

Federal funds will cover half the deal. The state's share of the costs was expected to be $432 million to purchase 61.5 miles of track from CSX and another $66 million for operating subsidies. Prasad said he personally committed to oversee the project with ... (Source: The Ledger 2011-07-02T03:34:50Z)

Effects of state budget ripple locally

Following the budget's passage, Assembly member Michael Allen, D-Santa Rosa, said the plan was the best-possible solution given the inability to secure new tax revenue. Members of the Legislature would continue to monitor the budget situation ... (Source: Napa Valley Register 2011-07-02T02:30:25Z)

Flyers sign former Pens Jaromir Jagr, Max Talbot

Jaromir Jagr, at the age of 39, is a Philadelphia Flyer. He signed a one-year deal worth $3.3 million US. Jagr was initially talking with both Detroit and Pittsburgh about making a return to the NHL. He's played the past three seasons in the Kontinental ... (Source: Regina Leader-Post 2011-07-02T02:16:06Z)

Flyers stay busy: sign Jagr, Talbot and trade Versteeg

Jagr, 39, a 1990 first-round pick of the Penguins, inked a one-year deal worth $3.3 million, and Talbot, 27, signed a five-year deal worth $9 million. Jagr helped lead the Penguins to two Stanley Cup titles in the early 1990s and appeared headed back to ... (Source: All Headline News 2011-07-02T02:51:53Z)

Recess canceled; Senate to work on debt

WASHINGTON -- The Senate canceled its planned July Fourth recess on Thursday, but partisan divisions remained razor sharp as the clock ticked on efforts to strike a deal to avoid a government default and trim huge federal deficits. A day after President ... (Source: Bennington Banner 2011-07-02T02:51:53Z)

UFC 132 victory could take Cruz's career to the next level

Faber has his own shoe deal, with K-Swiss, and appears in commercials alongside actors like Danny McBride from HBO show "Eastbound & Down". In other words, he's proven to have crossover appeal because of his MMA accomplishments. Cruz can't help but ... (Source: Regina Leader-Post 2011-07-02T02:37:34Z)

Bruins lose Ryder and sign 3 as free agency opens

"Rides got a good deal, so good for him," Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said in a conference call with reporters. "I texted him and I wished him well and I told him, 'Make sure you light up all those Eastern Conference teams, except for us'." (Source: Taunton Gazette 2011-07-02T03:06:12Z)

Boston Bruins add ex-Canadiens winger Benoit Pouliot; lose ex-Canadiens winger Michael Ryder

It's a different dynamic when they come into your locker room." The Bruins, who didn't move to match the two-year, $7 million deal Ryder accepted from Dallas, hope they're the team that unlocks something dynamic from the enigmatic Pouliot. (Source: Patriot Ledger 2011-07-02T02:23:15Z)

Who Won The 6,000+ Nortel Patents? Apple, RIM, Microsoft — Everyone But Google

Well, provided the courts approve the bidding results. The deal is still subject to review by the courts in the U.S. and Canada. And given the companies that "won", it seems likely that a lengthy review will take place. The Microsoft and Apple ... (Source: TechCrunch 2011-07-01T19:06:36Z)

Bruins Have Depth to Deal With Michael Ryder's Departure, But Real Test Will Be Replacing His Scoring in Playoffs

While Kaberle remains unsigned and could still return to Boston, Ryder's days as a Bruin are now over after the veteran forward signed a two-year deal with Dallas. "I talked to Mike, or I texted him, and I wished him well, and I said, 'Make sure you light ... (Source: NESN.com 2011-07-02T02:30:25Z)

Dodgers fall prey to capitalism run amok

Not Whitey Bulger, whose alleged unspeakable acts happened long ago and far away from his Santa Monica hideaway ... Selig was preparing to put the Dodgers up for sale (a move well within the commissioner's powers) when McCourt filed for bankruptcy ... (Source: Santa Rosa Press Democrat 2011-07-02T02:30:25Z)

Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber is bad-blood bout at UFC 132

"He has to be worried about being submitted if he decides to take me down," Faber said. "He also has to deal with my speed. It's one thing to be a fast guy yourself and count on earning points by landing punches, but it's another thing when you're dealing ... (Source: Detroit News 2011-07-02T02:23:15Z)

PD Editorial: Amazon.com has a snit over tax change

We're hopeful the online giant won't get its way. As part of the budget deal, Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation this week that requires online retailers to collect a 7.25 percent base tax on sales. Californians have long been required to pay sales taxes ... (Source: Santa Rosa Press Democrat 2011-07-02T02:16:06Z)

Inside look at $4.5B Nortel patent auction reveals battle of wills between Apple, Google

RPX reportedly sought to partner with another company after withdrawing from the auction, but was unable to broker a deal. "It did become clear to us very quickly that this was something that a bunch of big companies with humongous balance sheets had ... (Source: Apple Insider 2011-07-02T02:51:53Z)

Tom Hanks looks at the sunny side of the recession with 'Larry Crowne'

"Tom said he always remembers that and thinks of it when he interacts with the public," Finn says. "He knows how big a deal it can be to people." Space has been a lifelong "big deal" for Hanks, which is why "From the Earth to the Moon" and "Apollo 13" won ... (Source: Hanford Sentinel 2011-07-02T02:37:34Z)

UPDATE 1-Obama criticizes tone of early 2012 campaigning

Later on Thursday, at a fundraiser at the home of Comcast ( CMCSA.O ) Executive Vice President David Cohen, Obama also faulted the divisive climate for the hold-up in getting to a deal to raise the U.S. debt ceiling. While Republicans and Democrats ... (Source: Reuters 2011-07-01T00:44:14Z)

A Look at the Penguins Organization Heading into July 1st

Thiessen was extended a qualifying offer, but since he knows that Johnson's contract expires after next season, his agent is most likely pulling for a one-way deal in the second and subsequent years of any multi-year contract offer the Penguins might make. (Source: PensBurgh 2011-07-01T04:40:27Z)

Deals of the Hour / July 1, 2011, 6:50 pm

Minnesota government shutdown reflects widespread budget paralysis

"I cannot accept a Minnesota where people with disabilities lose part of the time they are cared for by personal-care attendants so that millionaires don't have to pay $1 more in taxes," Dayton said at 10 p.m. Thursday when it became clear that a ... (Source: Washington Post 2011-07-02T01:26:00Z)

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to meet in Wimbledon men's final

1 status by withstanding a barrage of artistic and athletic points from the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Tsonga. The Frenchman tumbled and twisted and twirled his body around the court and brought the crowd to its feet in the third-set tiebreaker when he saved two ... (Source: Los Angeles Times 2011-07-02T01:40:19Z)

Chavez's cancer revelation rattles Venezuela

Chavez denies accusations that he has lavished excessive oil-funded aid on allies, saying his government's oil deals with allies such as Cuba are mutually beneficial. Chavez aides insisted Friday that the president was still fully in charge and working ... (Source: Miami Herald 2011-07-02T01:40:19Z)

Detroit 5, N.Y. Mets 2: Verlander struggles, but cools Mets' hot bats

While Verlander struggled to find his rhythm, he continued to deal effectively and ... "Each day's a new day in baseball, and that's the beautiful thing about this. They go out and score however many runs in two days with a bunch of hits. (Source: Detroit Free Press 2011-07-02T01:11:41Z)

A royal wedding in Monaco, a state visit in Canada and remembrances of princesses past at both

"They'll be remembered as princesses — beautiful, radiant princesses," Martin said. Diana also was on the minds of some Canadians in the crowd greeting her son, William, and his wife. "Happy Birthday Lady Di. Canadians love you," read one sign held up ... (Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune 2011-07-02T01:11:41Z)

What's Behind Bank of America's Big Settlement

It's also possible Bank of America just got a great deal. As Yves Smith puts it : "BofA can judge what its risks are VASTLY better than the investors. There are a lot of reasons why it would make sense for BofA not to settle now. Yet it was all over this ... (Source: Motley Fool 2011-06-30T19:57:54Z)

Amazon, Overstock blame sales tax law

For Amazon affiliates, these fees vary from 4 to 15 percent of a sale. This move doesn't affect the third-party sellers who sell items through Amazon.com. Amazon says they already are responsible for determining what taxes must be collected on a sale and ... (Source: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin 2011-07-02T01:04:31Z)

Minnesota government shutdown begins after talks fail

Republican leaders had asked Dayton to call a special session to approve a 10-day funding extension, saying they believed they were close to a budget deal. Dayton dismissed the offer as "a publicity stunt." Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch said in a ... (Source: Reuters 2011-07-02T00:28:44Z)

Clearing the Decks at Bank of America

Mr. Lewis's $4 billion offer for the ... for trying to make a deal work. But London Stock Exchange's chief, Xavier Rolet, is inevitably weakened by the failure of this transaction. Moreover, a spate of failed exchange deals means there are many ... (Source: New York Times 2011-06-30T08:23:33Z)

Rumor: Google also wants to buy Hulu

It can probably go without being said, but it's pretty obvious why Google wants to bag Hulu: In addition to netting some seriously popular content, it would also get access to some important and profitable advertising deals. A ComScore report recently ... (Source: YAHOO! 2011-07-02T01:04:31Z)

Vulnerable feel the pinch of government shutdown

So far, 30 agencies had accepted United Way's offer of advances on their grants, seeking cash to stay up and running. The stoppage suspended some programs for the blind and visually impaired, including a radio reading service run by volunteers and ... (Source: Brainerd Dispatch 2011-07-02T00:50:12Z)

NFLPA, owners break talks one day after 15-hour session

But they had little to offer for an update. "We'll continue to meet next week, and the goal is to get a deal done," Smith said on his way out. Said NFL lead negotiator Jeff Pash: "We'll be back at it again next week." Friday marked the fourth straight day ... (Source: CNN Sports Illustrated 2011-07-02T01:18:50Z)

Mark W. Smith: Google+ is serious Facebook competitor

But the Circles in Google+ do offer a more concrete way of knowing exactly who can see what from the very outset. I found grouping friends to be surprisingly satisfying, confident that my list of "friends" was just that: people I could trust. I also made a ... (Source: Detroit Free Press 2011-07-02T01:04:31Z)

Vegas Advisors on Gambling

And Al also has an  ADDED BONUS  on today's report - a special  $20 Discount Coupon Code  that will save you $20 off your purchase today at VegasAdvisors.com .  Moving on to my freebie....  An overnight pitching change finds Jaime Garcia toeing the ... (Source: NBC Sports 2011-06-30T15:18:43Z)

PD Editorial: Amazon.com has a snit over tax change

We're hopeful the online giant won't get its way. As part of the budget deal, Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation this week that requires online retailers to collect a 7.25 percent base tax on sales. Californians have long been required to pay sales taxes ... (Source: Santa Rosa Press Democrat 2011-07-02T01:18:50Z)

Bank of America's $40 Billion Lesson

Lewis did have "reservations" about the deal but "the longer we looked at it, the more it created its own momentum," the WSJ quoted a person close to him. Unfortunately, making huge bets on sinking assets without knowing where the bottom laid is ... (Source: Forbes (blog) 2011-07-01T12:54:22Z)

Amazon fights California sales tax requirement

California merchants say Amazon and other online-only retailers have an unfair advantage because consumers can effectively get a nearly 10% discount by buying online ... some shoppers were closing deals Thursday instead of risking having to pay the ... (Source: Allentown Morning Call 2011-07-02T00:57:22Z)

Women's World Cup: England rallies to beat New Zealand

England looked in trouble early on. Its top striker Kelly Smith twisted her left ankle in the eighth minute as she sought to challenge Bindon on a high ball. She needed treatment before resuming, but was rarely a factor from then on. England came off a ... (Source: NorthJersey.com 2011-07-02T01:04:31Z)

Deals of the Hour / July 1, 2011, 4:51 pm

Zynga files for its IPO

Taking steps toward the latest and, so far at least, biggest social media IPO, San Francisco startup Zynga on Friday filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering of its stock. Zynga, the maker of "FarmVille," "Mafia Wars ... (Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel 2011-07-01T23:09:59Z)

Thais to Vote as Power May Shift to Thaksin

Last year, a court seized about 60 percent of the 76.6 billion baht that Thaksin's children and relatives earned from the 2006 sale of holding company Shin Corp. to Singapore 's Temasek Holdings Pte. Two weeks later, his supporters blockaded areas of ... (Source: Bloomberg 2011-07-01T23:09:59Z)

Apple/RIM group top Google in $4.5 bln Nortel sale

The group of six, also including EMC, Ericsson and Sony, agreed to pay $4.5 billion for 6,000 patents and patent applications that bankrupt Nortel had put up for sale, including coveted 4G wireless technologies. The winning bid was three times the amount ... (Source: The Guardian 2011-07-01T22:19:53Z)

A Peek at Google's 'Beautiful' New Gmail UI

Google yesterday began previewing a new Gmail UI that the search giant hopes will cut down on unnecessary clutter and "make Gmail as beautiful as it is powerful." Looking kind of similar to the clean cut interface Google+ users have been seeing all week ... (Source: Tom's Guide 2011-07-01T22:55:40Z)

Sharapova delighted to be in Wimbledon contention again

"I knew when we went back to the locker rooms they said they were going to have a meeting to decide where we were going to play. "It's my mum's birthday today so I really wanted to give her a good gift, so I was trying to play beautiful today." (Source: FOXSports.com 2011-07-01T22:27:02Z)

AP sources: Pakistan requests US close drone base

WASHINGTON—Pakistani officials say they've again asked the U.S. to cease all drone operations at Pakistan's Shamsi Air Base in a remote part of the country. The officials say it's part of a larger request that the U.S. cease targeting militants in ... (Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel 2011-07-01T22:55:40Z)

Nick Bollettieri: Astute Serb keeps cool to drain power from opponent

it is Grand Slams and he will have to improve his serve from yesterday in tomorrow's final. But the rest of his game is in pretty damn fine nick as he looks for a first Wimbledon crown. (Source: The Independent 2011-07-01T23:17:09Z)

Flyers sign two former Penguins: Jagr, Talbot

Within a matter of hours, free-agent forwards Jaromir Jagr and Maxime Talbot signed deals with the Atlantic Division champions. Jagr, 39, a 1990 first-round pick of the Penguins snared a one-year deal worth $3.3 million, and Talbot, 27, who scored a game ... (Source: FOX News 2011-07-01T22:19:53Z)

Gas prices dip in time for weekend holiday

AAA attributes the price drop to a decrease in deman because people are driving less. "When pricees are going down, that's when you can pick up your best deals because they don't go down at the same time or at the same rate, that's when you really need to ... (Source: Fox 13 Now - Salt Lake City 2011-07-01T00:37:04Z)

LSE Dropping TMX Puts Rolet on Collision Course With Nasdaq

Rolet said this week that the bourse will "absolutely not" be put up for sale should the TMX deal fall through ... bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Nick Baker at nbaker7@bloomberg.net ; Andrew Rummer at arummer ... (Source: Bloomberg 2011-07-01T03:43:11Z)

Special effects may save 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon'

Our trusty, save-the-world hero Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), his beautiful, why-is-she-with-him? girlfriend Carly (Rosie Huntington- Whiteley) and a bunch of jut-jawed good guys are cascading down the outside of a collapsing Chicago skyscraper in the ... (Source: Desert Sun 2011-07-01T22:41:21Z)

NHL's free-agent Friday lives up to billing

In the past month the team has been remade and remodelled. Gone are Mike Richards and Jeff Carter — in separate blockbuster deals prior to the July 1 free agent period. Add to the list Ville Leino, Kris Versteeg, Brian Boucher and Sean O'Donnell who ... (Source: Regina Leader-Post 2011-07-01T23:31:28Z)

Zynga files long-awaited IPO plan, hopes to raise $1 billion

Its shares have since recovered and were trading at $20.66 at midday . Zynga, in its filings, did not disclose a share price, the number of shares it will offer for sale or when it expects to begin offering its stock. The company hopes to raise $1 billion. (Source: Los Angeles Times 2011-07-01T23:24:18Z)

Mixed feelings on DSK in home of "caviar left"

Restaurant owner Jean Chetcuti, 57, who serves pancakes and salads on a beautiful central square in Saint Remy, said he was attracted to the theory put forward by some psychiatrists that Strauss-Kahn may have acted unconsciously because deep down ... (Source: YAHOO! 2011-07-01T22:34:12Z)

Apple/RIM group top Google in $4.5 billion Nortel sale

The group of six, also including EMC, Ericsson and Sony, agreed to pay $4.5 billion for 6,000 patents and patent applications that bankrupt Nortel had put up for sale, including coveted 4G wireless technologies. The winning bid was three times the amount ... (Source: Portfolio.com 2011-07-01T22:19:53Z)

Biz Break: Zynga files for $1B IPO; plus: Apple prevails over Google

Also last month, Chicago daily deals upstart Groupon filed to sell $750 million in shares. In perhaps the most long-awaited Silicon Valley IPO since the debut of Mountain View Internet juggernaut Google in 2004, Palo Alto social networking powerhouse ... (Source: San Jose Mercury News 2011-07-01T23:02:50Z)

Deals of the Hour / July 1, 2011, 2:51 pm

LSE Dropping TMX Puts Rolet on Collision Course With Nasdaq

(LSE) Nasdaq OMX gained 4.7 percent to $25.14 yesterday, climbing the most since April 1, after LSE dropped its offer for TMX Group Inc. (X) , saying too few shareholders supported the C$3.32 billion ($3.4 billion) merger. The gain in Nasdaq OMX was the ... (Source: Bloomberg 2011-07-01T03:43:11Z)

Prince William & Kate Middleton Celebrate Canada Day

One observer told press, "They are beautiful together, like a fairy tale. He just sounded so cute and adorable with his English accent. He did pretty well with his French." Will and Kate will tour various parts of Canada until July 8th, at which time they ... (Source: Associated Content 2011-07-01T20:46:49Z)

Coalition of Factions From the Streets Fuels a New Opposition in Syria

They did, and even in the earliest days, activists there managed to offer a narrative of the uprising that was revealing, incomplete and — in the government's mind at least — biased. In the weeks that ensued, protesters said, activists coalesced into ... (Source: New York Times 2011-07-01T03:50:21Z)

Bank of America's $40 Billion Lesson

That arithmetic turned out to be an exercise in fuzzy math. Bank of America was entranced by the prospect of adding mortgages to its supermarket of financial products at a bargain basement price, and calculated that its massive balance sheet could soothe ... (Source: Forbes (blog) 2011-07-01T12:54:22Z)

Details emerge of budget offers, negotiations

Here's a look at what both sides offered: June 29, 8 p.m: According to their offer letter, Republican legislators told Dayton they would support new revenue if he agreed to a special session on June 30 to pass a handful of outstanding budget bills and a ... (Source: Marketplace.publicradio.org 2011-07-01T20:32:30Z)

The LSE's Premature Match

But that has been called off, following a lack of support from TMX shareholders, likely because of a higher offer on the table from a Canadian consortium, Maple Group Acquisition. Yet LSE investors seem unfazed. The shares rose 11% Thursday amid hopes this ... (Source: Wall Street Journal 2011-06-30T16:37:28Z)

BofA Must Overcome Skepticism on 2-Cents-on-the-Dollar Mortgage-Bond Offer

By Jody Shenn - Thu Jun 30 18:49:36 GMT 2011 Bank of America Corp. (BAC) 's effort to move past the soured mortgages that Countrywide Financial Corp. packaged into securities may hinge on whether a judge agrees that the world's largest bond buyers ... (Source: Bloomberg 2011-06-30T20:12:13Z)

Latest developments in Arab political unrest stretching from North Africa to the Persian Gulf

The Muslim Brotherhood says it is willing to enter a dialogue with the United States, taking up an offer that signals Washington's acknowledgment that the fundamentalist group will play a significant political role in the new Egypt. Several thousand pro ... (Source: Washington Post 2011-07-01T21:15:27Z)

What's Behind Bank of America's Big Settlement

Yet it was all over this like a cheap suit. That says it must regard this settlement as a real bargain." Keep in mind that even after this major settlement, we haven't seen the last of Wall Street's liabilities over allegedly shoddy underwriting and ... (Source: Motley Fool 2011-06-30T19:57:54Z)

Prince William, Kate charm Canada on royal visit

"They are beautiful together, like a fairy tale," gushed 15-year-old Daphnee Dubouchet-Olshesh, who was in the crowd with her mother. "He just sounded so cute and adorable with his English accent. He did pretty good with his French." The royal pair then ... (Source: MSN Entertainment 2011-07-01T12:11:25Z)

Source: Google among firms looking to buy Hulu

The online video service began seeking bidders early last week after an unsolicited offer prompted Hulu's board to look for other interested parties. Hulu streams movies and TV shows from broadcasters ABC, Fox and NBC to personal computers and, for a ... (Source: 9News 2011-07-01T21:01:08Z)

Will Google Plus Make Facebook the New MySpace?

So how is Google+ different? First of all, it looks beautiful. The interface was designed by Andy Hertzfeld, who was the lead designer of the interface of the original Macintosh. He has added attractive, quirky touches such as "circles" which are an ... (Source: Huffingtonpost.com 2011-07-01T20:25:21Z)

As politicians point fingers, vulnerable residents feel the pinch of Minn. government shutdown

So far, 30 agencies had accepted United Way's offer of advances on their grants, seeking cash to stay up and running. The stoppage suspended some programs for the blind and visually impaired, including a radio reading service run by volunteers and training ... (Source: Grand Forks Herald 2011-07-01T20:32:30Z)

Rockets push back rebels south of Libyan capital

The offer marks a shift in tone. Until now Libyan officials have dismissed the rebels as criminals and no one in the Libyan leader's inner circle has publicly raised the possibility of making any accommodation with them. "There are direct and indirect ... (Source: msnbc.com 2011-07-01T10:52:41Z)

Movie Review: 'Monte Carlo'

However, unfortunate circumstances have come to sully this magnificent city's name in the form of an absurd fantasy straight from the imaginings of a tween girl. This fantasy is also called Monte Carlo, and it is directed by co-writer Thomas Bezucha and ... (Source: The Epoch Times 2011-07-01T20:53:59Z)

Google reportedly among suitors looking to buy Hulu

The online video service began seeking bidders early last week after an unsolicited offer prompted Hulu's board to look for other interested parties. Hulu streams movies and TV shows from broadcasters ABC, Fox and NBC to personal computers and, for a ... (Source: Berkeley Voice 2011-07-01T21:15:27Z)

Minnesota government shutdown begins after talks fail

Dayton dismissed the offer as "a publicity stunt." "They have known for two months, I have said consistently, that I would not agree to anything until I agree to everything," Dayton said. All but the most critical state functions will be suspended while ... (Source: msnbc.com 2011-07-01T05:30:34Z)

Harry Potter World Cup: Hermione Vs. Ginny

In the end, the choice is yours, so keep voting at MTV Movies Blog and make your voice heard! For Harry Potter, it never hurts to be surrounded by beautiful women. But when it comes to the Harry Potter World Cup, it's significantly less enjoyable to watch ... (Source: MTV.com (blog) 2011-07-01T21:08:18Z)

Kate, William 'delighted' to be in Canada as royal tour begins

OTTAWA — The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge charmed thousands of fans on their first day in Canada with walkabout greetings, sartorial choices that left fashion-watchers beaming — and some fledgling attempts at speaking French. Prince William drew a ... (Source: The Vancouver Sun 2011-07-01T21:36:56Z)

Kings optimistic after 'all-in' presentation to Brad Richards

Leiweke declined to discuss the value or length of the Kings' offer, but it is believed to have an average annual value of $6.5 million for seven to nine years. Leiweke also said the process would not turn into the circus, as the Kings' negotiations with ... (Source: Los Angeles Times 2011-07-01T20:46:49Z)

Deals of the Hour / July 1, 2011, 12:49 pm

'Transformers' hit lower orbit with $37.3M launch

According to distributor Paramount Pictures, "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" took in $37.3 million domestically in its first full day Wednesday. That's a 40 percent drop from its predecessor, "Revenge of the Fallen," which pulled in $62 million two years ... (Source: MSN Entertainment 2011-06-30T17:56:12Z)

LSE Dropping TMX Puts Rolet on Collision Course With Nasdaq

Rolet said this week that the bourse will "absolutely not" be put up for sale should the TMX deal fall through ... bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Nick Baker at nbaker7@bloomberg.net ; Andrew Rummer at arummer ... (Source: Bloomberg 2011-07-01T03:43:11Z)

Subway Series: Excitement Growing for Matchup Between Yanks and Mets

They lead the Majors in home runs, and players who struggled early in the season—Nick Swisher and Jorge Posada—are now among their biggest contributors. With both teams at their peak, it should be interesting too see if the Mets can continue their ... (Source: LongIslandPress 2011-07-01T18:59:27Z)

Gas is 24 cents/gallon cheaper than Memorial Day

It's still higher for this time of year than any other year except 2008, however. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) — AP NEW YORK — Call it an Independence Day discount. Gasoline prices usually peak in the summer. This year, however, they peaked on May 5. The ... (Source: San Diego Union-Tribune 2011-07-01T17:33:33Z)

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Jokes About Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox Fling

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley knows all about Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox's talked-about hookups on the set of the second Transformer flick -- and, as Fox's replacement for Transformers: Dark of the Moon, she steeled herself to resist his advances! "It was ... (Source: WonderWall 2011-07-01T18:59:27Z)

'FarmVille' maker Zynga files for $1 billion IPO

It will become the first publicly-held company to make its revenues mostly from the sale of virtual goods, like an energy boost or a buying a collectible garden gnome. Zynga dominates the four largest applications on Facebook, attracting around 215 million ... (Source: New York Post 2011-07-01T18:37:58Z)

William, Kate off to Canada, US in first tour

William wore his customary dark blue suit with a red tie. Canada's prime minister has unveiled a personal flag for use during William's visit. It is the first flag to be created by Canada for a member of the royal family since 1962, when the queen adopted ... (Source: MSN Entertainment 2011-06-30T17:27:34Z)

Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson miss 'Transformers' star Megan Fox: 'She's not the way she's perceived'

I haven't decided yet. I haven't seen any of the flicks and I don't plan on starting. It isn't clear from the already amazing box office numbers for " Transformers: Dark of the Moon ," but some people are quite disappointed Megan Fox isn't in the film ... (Source: New York Daily News 2011-07-01T18:16:30Z)

Lady Gaga's sales sag examined by Los Angeles Times

Five weeks after posting the biggest first-week sales figure for any album in more than six years — spurred by a two-day sale during which Amazon.com sold the album for 99 cents — "Born This Way" has slipped to No. 8 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums ... (Source: Oregonian 2011-07-01T17:55:01Z)

Some Dodgers staff's checks bounced

Dodgers owner Frank McCourt is embroiled in a battle to keep control of the franchise, amid speculation that Major League Baseball could soon seek to seize the team and put it up for sale. Earlier on Tuesday, the league accused McCourt of siphoning off ... (Source: ESPN.com 2011-07-01T02:38:46Z)

Word of mouth: 'Larry Crowne' tries to gain a toehold against 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon'

In one of the more interesting gambles of the summer movie season, the producers of "Larry Crowne" (starring the duo) are opening the mid-budget romantic comedy directly opposite "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," whose 3-D metallic robots will crush all ... (Source: TMCnet 2011-07-01T17:55:01Z)

New Jersey Governor Vetoes Spending

Mr. Christie, speaking at a news conference in the State House, said that Democrats had chosen "to revert to the same fantasy, unrealistic budgeting that has plagued Trenton for years and is the reason New Jersey got into fiscal trouble in the first place." (Source: New York Times 2011-07-01T01:48:39Z)

Zynga Has Raised $845 Million in Capital, But No Mention of Google as an Investor

Over the past three years, the social games company has not been entirely transparent about how much capital it has raised — and, it didn't have to be — so presumably the S-1 was going to reveal some of the company's deep dark secrets. In that way ... (Source: All Things Digital 2011-07-01T19:20:55Z)

Kate Middleton, Prince William Kick Off Canada Day Celebrations in Style

and which was first worn by the then-Princess Elizabeth on her first trip to Canada in 1951—and a fan-shaped red straw clutch from Anya Hindmarch (now on sale for $225) that rounded out Kate's outfit. As for today's itinerary, the royal newlyweds started ... (Source: Entertainment Online 2011-07-01T18:37:58Z)

Prince William, Kate arrive in Canada for visit

William wore his customary dark blue suit with a red tie. Kate appeared to have changed during the flight, and stepped off the plane in Ottawa wearing a navy blue scoop-backed dress with a lace overlay by Canadian designer Erdem Moralioglu. During the ... (Source: KABC 2011-06-30T19:50:44Z)

Zynga Files for $1 Billion IPO

Zynga noted that it spreads out the recognition of revenue from the sale of virtual goods. Bookings represents the total value of revenue earned in a period; the company said bookings totaled $286.6 million in the first quarter compared to reported revenue ... (Source: Smart Money 2011-07-01T18:59:27Z)

June Report Cards

343), first in SLG (.449), sixth in AVG (.259).  Team ERA is fourth at 3.51. Three Up Hitters: Jorge Posada, Nick Swisher, Mark Teixeira. It was hard not to include A-Rod in this, who may have had the most balanced numbers in virtually every category.  (Source: Albany Times Union (blog) 2011-07-01T18:09:20Z)

Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' sags in sales

Among the potential problems: Amazon.com's bargain-basement sale price devalued it in the minds of potential subsequent buyers; Gaga fans are more interested in singles than albums; her so-called "little monsters" are more likely to share or illegally ... (Source: Los Angeles Times 2011-07-01T01:41:30Z)

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