If you're feeling good about the market, you're not alone. Take my hand as we go over some of this week's more uplifting headlines.
1. Kindle shtick
An e-reader keeps getting cheaper.
Amazon.com's
Well, now it's partnering with its 3G carrier to double the markdown. AT&T
How low can this limbo stick go? Well, sources tell The Wall Street Journal that Amazon is working on two new Kindles it will introduce later this quarter, including one that will be even cheaper.
One of these days, Amazon may be mailing out Kindles for free like the old America Online discs. OK, probably not, but the pricing is undeniably heading lower.
2. This is why they call it a pump
Clean Energy Fuels
Its stock climbed 15% on Tuesday, after finalizing a bond deal that will bankroll the build-out of 150 vehicle-grade natural gas refueling stations. Clean Energy Fuels tacked on 13% more on Wednesday, after Bank of America came through with a double upgrade in changing its rating on the clean energy specialist's stock from "underperform" to "buy" in one fell swoop.
3. Terrestrial radio fights back
It's been easy to mock traditional FM and AM radio in recent years, and Clear Channel (OTC: CCMO) in particular has made itself an easy target of derision and model scoffing.
However, the terrestrial giant earns a rare appearance in this week's list with the planned upgrade to its iHeartRadio smartphone streaming app. The already popular free program allows users to stream any of 750 Clear Channel radio stations, no matter where they are. The updated version will also add music-discovery features that Ryan Seacrest claims will be "like Pandora but with more songs, more control, and no commercials through the end of the year."
Clear Channel is hosting a weekend-long concert in Las Vegas with some of the music industry's biggest stars to launch the refreshed app. If Pandora
4. Local motion
Local business marketer Local.com
It's not a very big deal, but Local.com isn't a very big company after falling out of favor with investors since last year. Analysts see Local.com reversing last year's healthy profit with a loss this year on declining revenue. Buying a small yet fast-growing daily deal website won't change that overnight, but it will give Local.com investors one more reason to hop on the flash sale bandwagon when Groupon and LivingSocial do go public later this year.
5. A license to print money in China
SINA
The move will help the Chinese dot-com darling cash in on the booming popularity of its Weibo micro-blogging site. Allowing its 140 million users to purchase virtual money that they can then spend on virtual badges, trinkets, and other online goodies isn't new ground. Zynga and Facebook have proven that it works. However, it will be a great way for SINA to turn one of its hottest sites into a lucrative money maker.
Now, if only I had a way to send the folks at SINA a virtual bouquet to congratulate them on this move.