Good Morning
Here and there around the Web…
The Supreme Court opened its term yesterday by hearing arguments on whether the tobacco industry can be held liable for defrauding smokers with claims about light and low-tar cigarettes. The LA Times reports that the tobacco industry faces more than 30 class action lawsuits from smokers and ex-smokers.
In related news, an exhibit opening today in New York spotlights tobacco advertising campaigns of yesteryear. Babies? Santa Claus? Mickey Mantle? Yep, turns out they all endorsed cancer sticks back in the day. See the NY Times for more.
Mars Inc. now has several new brands in its trick or treat bag, reports the Chicago Tribune. The company has closed a $23 billion deal to purchase the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co, making the combined firm the world’s largest candy maker.
The Seattle Times has an interesting Q&A with Craig Mundie, Microsoft’s chief research and technology officer. He talks about the future of technology and those Bill Gates/Jerry Seinfeld commercials.
Google agree late Friday to delay finalizing a search advertising deal with Yahoo to give regulators more time to investigate. According to Wired, it could take a year or more before a decision is made if the Justice Department decides to mount a full investigation.
Web auction titan eBay announced Monday it is laying off 10% of its 16,000 workers, while at the same time paying $1.35 billion to acquire online payment firm Bill Me Later and two Danish classified ad firms, reports the NY Times.
