The San Diego life sciences community is closely watching the discussions in Washington, D.C., regarding health care and insurance. And, if recent stock market activity is any clue, there is reason for concern.

Southern California gas prices dipped very slightly in most cities this week but continue to stubbornly stick near $3 a gallon during a time of year that traditionally brings price decreases, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

San Diego-based Applied Solar Inc. (OTC: APSOQ) has closed the previously announced sale of its assets and operations to Quercus APSO LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Quercus Trust in Newport Beach.

Medical-device company NuVasive Inc. (Nasdaq: NUVA) said Friday that it named Michael Lambert as its chief financial officer, succeeding Kevin O'Boyle.

Links to yesterday's stories.

It came as no big surprise this morning that the nation's unemployment rate rose above 10 percent in October for the first time in 26 years.

If you are a regular reader of my column and or a listener of my radio show, you know that for the past year I've been optimistic on investing in equities -- and it has paid off well over the last 12 months.

Stock prices held their value Friday despite news that the nation's unemployment rate rose above 10 percent in October.