GOOD DAY FOR: Talking about yourself, as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is said to have sold his memoir for a $9 million advance to two Random House imprints. That would put Blair second to only former President Clinton, who’s book advance topped $10 million. (The New York Times, free registration required)
BAD DAY FOR: Jumping the gun, as Merrill Lynch CEO E. Stanley O’Neal reportedly discussed merging his bank with rival Wachovia, without seeking approval to negotiate from Merrill’s board. The move, following Merrill’s huge subprime-mortgage losses, could cost O’Neal his job. (The New York Times, free registration required)
