Bookworm

We can't register it, either. . .

"Small service stations are running into a problem as gasoline marches toward $4 a gallon in the United States: Thousands of old-fashioned pumps can't register more than $3.99 on their spinning mechanical dials. The pumps, throwbacks to a bygone era on the American road, are difficult and expensive to upgrade, and replacing them is often out of the question for station owners who are still just scraping by. Many of the same pumps can only count up to $99.99 for the total sale, preventing owners of some sport utility vehicles, vans, trucks and other gas-guzzlers to fill their tanks all the way." [AP story at CNN.com]

Mattel

This concise overview in Barron's gives a moderate thumbs up to investing in Mattel, even though its stock and reputation have taken a hit this year due to product recalls. Analysts from Oppenheimer, Egan-Jones Ratings and Credit Suisse believe the company is recovering and should rebound in 2008, as long as no further recalls occur. They point to increasing overseas sales, toys with holiday buzz such as the Fisher Price Smart Cycle, and upcoming movie tie-ins as support for their positive outlook for the company and its stock.

A great success?

Donald Trump isn't a politician, but he spins like one. In a serious Wall Street Journal article about "stalled," "shelved," and "unsold" condo projects, he says, "All of my stuff has been a great success." Also like a politician, he wants to have things both ways. He licenses the rights to use his name, for $4 million fees, but doesn't want to claim any responsibility for the ultimate success of the project. "When I license my name to somebody, I don't have the same power over a job," he says of the delayed Trump Tower Tampa. [Wall Street Journal]