TUNING OUT REPAIRS

5,000 TV-repair shops were in business nationwide in 2007, a drop from 20,000 20 years ago, due to the demise of repairing low-end products.

Source: National Electronics Service Dealers Association

RECORD BUYOUT FUND

Blackstone Group LP has closed the largest buyout fund ever raised at $21.7 billion, and despite the recent red flags in the debt markets, some of the New York buyout firm's backers say it already may be thinking about its next offering.

AIRING DIRTY LAUNDRY

"When you get off a plane, it looks like the morning after a fraternity house party,"

Tim Winship, publisher of FrequentFlier.com, a Web site that offers frequent-flier program information and advice, discussing the problem of filthy aircrafts.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

REAL SENIORITY

Know of anyone 75 years or older who's still working? Let us know via e-mail: Business@RockyMountain News.com.