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May 17, 2012

PODCAST: Walmart profits up, Dish Network at odds with TV execs

Shareholders of Chesapeake Energy are asking a judge to delay the company's annual meeting so they can get more information about their CEO's compensation and his personal financial interest in drilling natural gas wells. Chicago is getting ready for all the world leaders who will be in town for the big NATO meeting that starts today — and for the busloads of people who will be coming into town to protest. What is a joint venture, and why is it worthwhile for companies? And Los Angeles sports fans — and the Staples Center — are flying high as three of the city's pro teams are in the playoffs.

Mid-day Updateby Mary Dooe
Wal-Mart store signage is seen from the store. The company's profits were up higher than expected.
Wal-Mart store signage is seen from the store. The company's profits were up higher than expected.
Daniel Aguilar/Getty Images

News this morning that Walmart profits are higher than expected during the first three months of the year. Sales are up 2.6 percent.

There’s word just now that new claims for unemployment benefits held steady last week. That’s the latest hint the job market remains weak.

The online site Deadspin has an account of a woman in Philadelphia who was asked to fill out a customer service questionnaire after briefly dating a fellow. The guy submitted questions via email like “Please rate Mike’s outfit, 1 to 10.” or “Mike is very self-conscious about his hair. Does he have reason to be?” Yes, Mike had said he was into quote ‘data’ collection and, yes he works in finance.

Dish Network has unveiled something called the Auto Hop  on new digital video recorders which automatically skips commercials when it records TV shows. As you can imagine, the TV networks really don’t like that. And at least one — Fox — is exacting revenge. Dish Network is trying to air commercials for the new technology and Fox has decided to… skip them.

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