Friday, November 28, 2008
REGION
James, Microsoft end deal
CLEVELAND — LeBron James and Microsoft Corp. have lost their Internet connection.
The NBA superstar and the software giant have ended a two-year marketing partnership. James’ spokesman Keith Estabrook confirmed Wednesday the contract between the Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star and Microsoft is not being renewed.
James appeared in TV ads for Microsoft’s launch of its Windows Vista operating system in early 2007, but aside from the commercials and the Web site no other marketing efforts developed.
The partnership faltered when Microsoft executive Joanne Bradford, who struck the deal with James, resigned as head of the company’s media network this year.
Microsoft officials were not immediately available to comment.
Lender barred in Ohio
COLUMBUS — A bankrupt subprime lender has been barred from accepting mortgage applications in Ohio.
Ohio Attorney General Nancy Rogers announced the agreement Wednesday with New Century Financial Corporation of Irvine, Calif. The state had sued the company last year in Cleveland over alleged shoddy mortgage-lending practices.
Nearly 400 borrowers got protection from foreclosure during the legal proceedings. Thirty-three loans have been modified, and 41 more are being renegotiated.
NATION
No more FTC approval
WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission has rescinded guidance it issued 42 years ago that has allowed tobacco companies to make claims about tar and nicotine levels based on testing by a machine.
In its advertising, the cigarette industry uses a test known as the Cambridge Filter Method to support any factual statements of tar and nicotine content in cigarette smoke. But the commission said the test method is flawed. It also said that the resulting advertisements touting tar and nicotine levels could cause consumers to believe that lighter cigarettes were safer.
The commission said it would not allow tobacco companies to use the FTC’s “stamp of approval.”
From wire reports