The Associated Press
VIVENDI-ACTIVISION
Activision, Vivendi Games to join forces
LOS ANGELES (AP) Paris-based Vivendi SA says it plans to acquire a controlling stake in Activision Inc. and combine the company with Vivendi Games in a deal that would create a rival to Electronic Arts Inc. as the world's largest video game publisher.
The companies said today that the combination of Santa Monica-based Activision, whose titles include "Guitar Hero," "Call of Duty" and the "Tony Hawk" series, and Vivendi Games, which publishes "Crash Bandicoot" and owns the online role-playing franchise "World of Warcraft," would create the world's largest pure-play online and console game publisher.
Activision and Vivendi value the total deal at $18.9 billion.
"This transaction has always stuck out as the way to become the number one most successful video-game publisher," Activis! ion Chief Executive Bobby Kotick said in an interview.
Vivendi's Irvine, Calif.-based Blizzard Entertainment is behind the top multiplayer online role-playing game franchise, "World of Warcraft," which the company says more than 9.3 million subscribers worldwide.
KENNEDY HONORS
Kennedy Center honors to 5
WASHINGTON (AP) From "Good Vibrations" to "GoodFellas," Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys and director Martin Scorsese scored. Comedian Steve Martin strutted as one of the "wild and crazy guys." Diana Ross sang to Motown stardom. Pianist Leon Fleisher surmounted a debilitating injury the took away the use of his right hand.
Their contributions to American culture won them a visit to the White House today and recognition by President Bush, followed by an evening of celebration at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
For their career achievements, the five were named in Septemb! er as members of the 30th class of Kennedy Center honorees.
Rec ipients are cited for their excellence in the performing arts and selected by the center's board of trustees.
FREEWAY CRASH
Woman in critical condition after driving off freeway in LA
LOS ANGELES (AP) Authorities say a 28-year-old woman is in critical condition after driving off the San Diego (405) Freeway, across an on ramp and onto a west Los Angeles street.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash on the northbound freeway, north of Pico Boulevard, was called in at 12:03 a.m today.
The CHP said the driver, a woman from Newhall, was driving a 2004 Lexus northbound at an unknown speed when she allowed the car to travel off the freeway, down a dirt embankment and across the onramp to the northbound 405 from Cotner Avenue.
CHP said the motorist was ejected after the car then overturned and hit two parked vehicles along the west curb edge of Cotner Avenue.
Authorities said she was transported to UCLA Medical Center, an! d there were no other persons involved.
MOTHER SLAIN
Richmond teen finds mother slain
RICHMOND, Calif. (AP) Richmond police say they are investigating the murder of a mother whose 19-year-old son came home to the apartment they shared and discovered she had been shot.
Police Lt. Arnold Threets said the teen entered a bedroom and found his 39-year-old mother wounded late Saturday night.
The son went to a neighbor's home and called 911, police said. Paramedics later pronounced the woman dead.
Her name has not been released, and no arrests have been made.
LAX IMPROVEMENTS
Vote upcoming on LAX remodeling project
LOS ANGELES (AP) Airports officials will vote tomorrow on a $1.4 million remodeling project at the customs arrival area at Los Angeles International Airport.
Although some international arrivals are processed in other terminals, the vast majority of business travelers and tourists arriving at L! AX enter through the Tom Bradley International Bradley Termina! l, where ceilings are so low and lights are so dim that customs officials have difficulty reading passports or visas.
Said a spokeswoman for the Customs and Border Protection office there: "It's such a depressing place to work; it's almost like a dungeon."
If approved, improved electrical and data connections would be installed, ceilings would be raised, new lighting installed, and bathrooms rebuilt inside the customs area.
The project would take about two years to complete.
ELIZABETH TAYLOR
Elizabeth Taylor performs after striking writers halt picketing
LOS ANGELES (AP) Elizabeth Taylor returned to the stage Saturday night, after persuading striking TV and film writers to briefly put down their picket signs.
The Writers Guild of America agreed not to picket the Paramount Pictures lot when actress and AIDS activist Taylor gave a benefit performance of A.R. Gurney's play "Love Letters" with James Ea! rl Jones.
Taylor did not speak to reporters as she arrived in a wheelchair, wearing an orange gown and diamond earrings. She smiled for the cameras as her boyfriend, industrialist Jason Winters, wheeled her into the theater.
Taylor said she would not cross picket lines Dec. 1, which was World AIDS Day. She said she asked the writers union for a "one night dispensation" so she and her guests could enter the studio with a clear conscience.
Published: Sunday, December 2, 2007 15:38 PST
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Source: http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_Right_Now_317865C.shtml
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