Moreover, Mr. Pandit seems uncomfortable as the leader of one of the nation’s biggest banks. He shuns most interviews, and he is prone to overreact to criticism no matter the source, be it The Wall Street Journal or a minor blog. Reports suggest Mr. Pandit is behind Mr. Mayo’s ban, a charge Citigroup denies. [WSJ]

Article courtesy of Dealbreaker

Shape Up The Nation, a social network used to help motivate people to live healthier, today announced it has secured a first round of funding for $5 million. Cue Ball Capital and Excel Venture Management both led the funding.

The company’s social network is set up to help members achieve a healthier life, whether that be working out, quitting smoking, or losing weight. Tools are provided to create teams and goals, which can be viewed on an online calendar. The idea is that by engaging with other members – colleagues, friends or family — for support, the group can motivate each other to achieve specific goals. For example, I know in the past I’ve found it much easier to work out with a friend, than try to go at it alone continuously. The same premise works with Shape Up The Nation.

Shape Up The Nation targets three main groups to use the Web-based tool. The group includes employers, health plans, and individuals. Employers can use the tool to motivate employees, incentivize them to participate and reduce health plan costs. Theoretically, a healthier group of employees is at less risk, which means lower costs. The same goes for health plans, which can use the tool to get their members to be healthier, meaning fewer trips to the doctor or hospital.

A whole host of social networks exist for people looking to live healthier lives, whether it be informational, professional or motivational. Sites like PeopleJam and Tools For Life would probably be considered the most similar to Shape Up The Nation as they also provide tools and groups for motivation and help.

As part of the funding, Anthony Tjan, CEO and General Partner of Cue Ball Capital, and Juan Enriquez, Managing Director of Excel Venture Management,  will join the Shape Up The Nation’s board of directors.

The Providence, Rhode Island-based company was founded in 2006 by Brown Medical School students Rajiv Kumar and Brad Weinberg.

Tags: employee benefits, employers, health plans, heathier living, losing weight, motivation, quitting smoking, Social networks, working out

Companies: Shape Up The Nation

People: Brad Weinberg, Rajiv Kumar

Article courtesy of VentureBeat » Deals & More

In a blow to opponents of the use of naughty words on television and radio, a federal appeals court today knocked down the Federal Communications Commission’s indecency policy on what can or can’t be broadcast over the nation’s airwaves, asserting that the policy violates the First Amendment of the Constitution.
The [...]

Article courtesy of BARRONS.com: Tech Trader Daily

Cablevision (CVC) this morning confirmed that it will acquire Bresnan Communications from an investment group headed by Providence Equity Partners for $1.365 billion. Bresnan is the nation’s 13th largest cable company. Comcast owns a 30% stake in Bresnan.
The company expects to finance the deal with about $1 billion in non-recourse [...]

Article courtesy of BARRONS.com: Tech Trader Daily

Fiesta Broadway, 2009 Downtown L.A.

As you can see from the photo, Los Angeles does not take Cinco De Mayo lightly. For over 20 years we've had the street fair, Fiesta Broadway.  As many as 500,000 people come out to celebrate the Mexican holiday on a Sunday before, packing the 24 square blocks in downtown it takes up. Today is the real Cinco De Mayo so go celebrate living in a city that puts the rest of the nation's Latino markets to shame and throws the biggest Cinco De Mayo celebration in the world. Have a taco and some tequila (silver) and get drunk safely. HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!!!

[photo via]

Article courtesy of Los Angeles | Guest of a Guest – Los Angeles People, Places, Parties & Nightlife

via guestofaguest.com: The cultural phenomenon that is “Jersey Shore” swept the nation, inspiring copycat shows, “Jersey Shore” themed parties, vernacular, and numerous spin-offs. Now it's even reached the world of classic comics.  So how do we feel about the Jerzification of ‘Archie & Friends'? MORE>>

Article courtesy of Los Angeles | Guest of a Guest – Los Angeles People, Places, Parties & Nightlife