Sam Zell – From Real Estate To Newspapers

Before Sam Zell bought the Tribune Company last year, he said he was “skeptical” of using staff reductions to increase profit. He famously told the Los Angeles Times, “I promise you I did not come here to be the captain of the Titanic.”

Since then, however, the newspaper industry’s woes have intensified—and Zell has made numerous staff reductions at Tribune’s newspapers, which in addition to the L.A. Times also include the Chicago Tribune and the Baltimore Sun. The outspoken Zell, who made his fortune investing in real estate, has dubbed the Tribune purchase “the deal from hell.” read more

Just call me President Barack Obama

A huge victory for Obama, the Democratic party, and the United States. But can Barak Obama come through on all his promises? read more

Warren Buffet’s Snowball

The first authorized biography of Warren Buffett seeks to explain how he’s made a lot of people, including himself, very rich over the last five decades. The first part, however, offers precious little insight.

The Snowball, the first authorized biography of Warren Buffett, has been one of the most eagerly anticipated business books of the year. Published on Monday, the book is particularly timely because of Buffett’s role in the credit crisis now roiling Wall Street.

A team of Conde Nast Portfolio.com writers, starting today with finance blogger Felix Salmon, are reviewing the book in sections over the next five days, and will be commenting on each other’s reviews. read more