Last week we mentioned Fudzilla's claim that Microsoft was going to cut up to 17 percent of its staff. Fudzilla has recanted the strong version of that statement, now saying that "staff" includes contractors and agencies. (All depends on what your definition of "staff" is.) This morning TechFlash has a Goldman Sachs analyst saying that Microsoft is likely to "cut heads" and a 10 percent number sounds "reasonable." But no matter how you slice it, any Microsoft cutback is bad for Seattle. The company has been a mainstay for many local marketing/PR firms, and the reductions in MIcrosoft spending that have already occurred have hit the sector hard. more ›

It seems like only days ago that we were being told that WaMu's incoming CEO, Alan Fishman was ready to turn lead into gold: "I do think I have the skills to take it to the next level." But the next level sounds like drumming up curb appeal for the beleaguered savings and loan. Today the New York Times says that WaMu's shopping for buyers. Goldman Sachs is playing matchmaker, and has sounded out Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase and HSBC. Good luck with that. WaMu closed today at $2.01, rising slightly in after hours trading. more ›

Wall Street is a terrific place. If we wanted to be worth more money in desperate circumstances, we'd probably have to come up with more than a rumor. But not when it comes to the stock market. more ›

When you call your memoir Avoid Boring People, as Dr. James Watson did, and then go around the country talking about it, you've set yourself up for a rather easy dig. more ›