MOSCOW, Dec 31 (Reuters) – Russian banks have yet to see a peak in bad loans which have forced them to channel $28 billion into provisions this year, wiping out profits across the banking sector. See the original post: (AFX UK Focus) 2009-12-31 09:16 TIMELINE-Russian banks struggle with bad loans (Interactive Investor)

The Lantana Entertainment Media Campus in Santa Monica, a 463,000-square foot studio production and creative office complex comprising four buildings on a 12-acre site, has been purchased by the Houston-based private real estate investment firm The Lionstone Group. Read more here: Houston-based firm buys Lantana Entertainment Media Campus in Santa Monica (The Argonaut)

Islamic investment bank Gulf Finance House (GFH) has booked a $300 million provision over its exposure to a Dubai development project. View post: Gulf Finance House books $300 mn provision over Dubai exposure (Business Standard India)

MANILA, Philippines – Before we completely leave the year 2009 and move forward to 2010, here’s a look at the top 10 biggest entertainment events, controversies and issues that left majority of us shocked, awed and inspired. Read the original here: Shock and Awe: The top 10 biggest entertainment events in 2009 (ABS-CBNNEWS.com)

A hearing officer hired by San Marcos has upheld the city’s decision to revoke an entertainment permit for a bar and grill accused of running afoul of city regulations. Read the original here: Bar’s loss of entertainment permit upheld (San Diego Union-Tribune)

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 (Bernama) — Islamic finance that has garnered tremendous interest in the face of almost two years of global economic crisis, will have an important role to play come 2010. Here is the original post: ISLAMIC FINANCE TO PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE IN 2010 (Bernama via Yahoo! Malaysia News)