'other uncertainty here is mid-east. i agree something doesn't add up... but this cost cutting exercise was announced long ago and is only now filtering through, i gather that they are just trimmimg the fat now that blz has segmented more and is operating the divisions as separate companies. '
Eli has said in the past that when redundencies are announced, they are enacted within 48 hours (with staff still able to use company facilities to look for new jobs).
These 70 sackings are new - probabily due to the new CEO.
Problems in the M/E are all focused on Iraq at the moment, so everything is hunky-dorey until January 27th - then the 'Will there be war, won't there be war' question will be answered.
Malam is a red herring
January is a big month - look to the Microsoft conference around 22/23rd to give a pointer to the future direction of Emblazes fortunes.