Los Angeles Times Pressmens 20 Year Club: July 2006

Los Angeles Times Pressmens 20 Year Club

Monday, July 31, 2006

You just knew I couldn't resist, the moment you printed those bleary eyes on the front page. Now, only on Easy Writer, irreverence with a point! Pressmen can access it here.

Advertising on Front Pages of LATimes

July 31, 2006

TO: Times Employees
FROM: Jeff Johnson
SUBJECT: Section Front Advertising

Colleagues,

Because of our unparalleled reach in Southern California and our strong readership, advertisers have long wanted to place their advertising on the section fronts of The Times' news and features sections.

To meet those needs, we have decided to introduce a new premium advertising position on the section front pages of our Business, Calendar, Sports and Travel sections. We also are evaluating whether similar revenue opportunities are appropriate for our other sections.

We have no plans for ads on A-1.

These new ad positions will be sold selectively to premium advertisers, with very specific standards on ad content, size and position. These standards will ensure that section front ads meet the equally demanding standards we've set for our editorial content.

By introducing these new positions, we join select other industry leaders that have made similar changes, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune.

These industry changes acknowledge today's challenging advertising environment. To remain competitive, we must offer advertisers innovative new ways to reach our large and influential audience.

Jeff

Tribune Chairman and CEO Recovering From Surgery

CHICAGO, July 31, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Tribune Company (TRB) announced that Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dennis FitzSimons is recovering from successful prostate cancer surgery performed earlier today. He expects to return to work full time before the end of August.

"My prognosis is excellent, and I look forward to a quick and full recovery," said FitzSimons. "Tribune has a strong, experienced management team that will continue to execute on our performance improvement plan during my absence. I will be engaged with them in that process."

TRIBUNE (TRB) is one of the country's top media companies, operating businesses in publishing, interactive and broadcasting. It reaches more than 80 percent of U.S. households and is the only media organization with newspapers, television stations and websites in the nation's top three markets. In publishing, Tribune operates 11 leading daily newspapers including the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and Newsday, plus a wide range of targeted publications. The company's broadcasting group operates 26 television stations, Superstation WGN on national cable, Chicago's WGN-AM and the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Popular news and information websites complement Tribune's print and broadcast properties and extend the company's nationwide audience.

SOURCE Tribune Company

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Olympic Crime Wave

Pictured below is one of the computer's in the Olympic Cafeteria that employees use to access their paychecks, medical coverage, and other services via the Intranet. There are two work stations, each with a very small computer, I thought the device was a modem, but it's a smaller version of a computer.

The picture below is work station one, with the missing computer. The computer was secured with two lock downs that simply had to be unscrewed for easy removal of the computer. These small computers are only about twelve inches by eight inches, and just over an inch wide, could be easily hidden in a bag or wrapped with a shirt.

The three computer's pictured below are located in the Oly Learning Center, if you look closely, the computer is missing inbetween the other two computer's, as well as the mouse and keyboard.

In my opinion, the theft's are being done by two people, one watching out for security guards while the other one removes the equipment. The most opportune time to commit crimes at Oly are between the hours of 3:00am and 6:00am on Sunday and Monday mornings.

If I were a crook, I would have a lookout in the parking lot with a cell phone, ready to call me when security enters the building.

The crooks will be caught, they always return to the scene of the crime.

Edward

Zarb rumored to be eyeing Newsday

Newsday.com

Could Frank Zarb, the Wall Street titan and Long Island's renowned Mr. Fix-it, have designs on purchasing Newsday?

That was the buzz yesterday following a report in The Los Angeles Times, which cited two sources who said Zarb 'is interested' in Newsday.

Click on title to jump to full article.

Broad, Geffen and Burkle still want LAT *

Each of the local billionaire media moguls-in-waiting — Eli Broad, David Geffen and Ron Burkle — sent separate letters to the Tribune Company board this month expressing interest in buying the Los Angeles Times.

(Full Story)

3 of L.A.'s Billionaires Have Eyes on Times

Three billionaires hoping to buy the Los Angeles Times expressed their interest in separate letters this month to the paper's owner, Tribune Co. But each was told The Times was not for sale — at least for now, according to several people who have seen the letters.

(Full Article)

Three Offers to Buy L.A. Times Rejected

Report: 3 Separate Inquiries About Buying Los Angeles Times Were Turned Down (Full Article)

Take Back the Times: Tribune Co. Says Not Now, Not Solid No, To Sale Of L.A. Times

Friday, July 28, 2006

Internet Access Restored

As I was getting ready to throw myself onto my bed, I recalled that the Internet has been restored at Oly today. We can thank our plant manager Greg for taking care of this, and Craig for configuring Cyber Sitter on all of the computers in the learning center.

Tina Kim live Aug 13th in Pasadena + PREPARTY w/free FOOD

TINA KIM LIVE! SPECIAL EVENT! PASADENA, CA plus PRE PARTY!--- Sun AUG 13th @ 9:00 PM show --7:30 PM is the PRE- PARTY!!!!

MY LAST SHOW SOLD OUT SO PLEASE GET YOUR TICKETS ASAP!

It will be in the bar and on the deck with free appetizers, and 1/2 price drinks. It is FREE so come early before my show. I will be hanging out to do a meet and greet and to take pictures and get numbers from hot guys :) and I will be giving out my headshot to everyone and signing it for those who want it and signing my CD's if you purchase it that night.

At The Ice House Comedy Club
24 Mentor Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91106
(this is my favorite comedy club in the country)

I am producing this show meaning I rented the club,and am doing all the promo for my own show as well as performing and other stuff. Advance tickets are $17.50 online only. Click below to purchase your ticket.I know it isn't much of a discount but I know some of you are cheap and love any discount wink wink to dee Asians :)

GET YOUR TICKETS ASAP B/C MY SHOW DOES SELL OUT.

PURCHASE TICKETS at the LINK BELOW http://www.tinakim.com/Shows/shows.htm
or $20.00* at the door on the night of the show, if there are tickets left. Once you purchase your online ticket, I will send you an email letting you know I got it. There will be NO tickets mailed to you. I will have your name on a list on the night of the showas prepaid. If you are Asian don't forget to bring yourHello Kitty cell phone accessories!!

18 years and older

* there is a two drink minimum inside the showroom.

** no refunds**

Nail Everything Down

I was informed today that not only a computer and Ram from two computers were taken from the Oly Learning Center, it goes much further.

A laptop computer was taken from the offices at the rear of our plant, I believe it's part of the circulation department, and one computer was also removed from the cafeteria. The two computer terminals in the cafeteria are used by employees to access the Intranet and other information, such as paychecks, health care, sick days and vacation days.

I was also informed that one employee had their passenger side window broken out of their car while working.

Is it the weather or what?

Mark Kurtich paid a visit to Oly today, and he was angry over the resent theft's, and said when the person is caught, they will be terminated. Many of my co-workers feel the same anger, as I do, and hope the person or persons responsible for the thefts are caught soon.

Enjoy your weekend,
Ed

PULSE: Tribune sells 2.8 mln shares of Time Warner in July

07-28-06 06:49 PM EST

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Tribune Co. (TRB) sold 2.8 million shares of Time Warner Inc. (TWX) in July, yielding net proceeds of $46 million, the Chicago-based media company said its quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission late Friday. Tribune expects to record a pretax gain on the sale of $19 million in the third quarter, according to the filing.

Systems Engineer II

South Florida Sun-Sentinel
July 28, 2006

The Sun-Sentinel, a division of Tribune Company, is seeking a Systems Engineer II responsible for for the production support, maintenance and proactive monitoring of the Microsoft Windows systems/services/applications supporting the intranet and Newspaper Operations divison to meet the strategic and operational objectives of the company.

As a member of the Operational support team, will be responsible to proactively monitor the performance and availability of Windows systems, ensure that all supported systems are configured and maintained for optimal performance, and respond to all production incidents and problems. Maintain cooperative relationships with all technology teams, vendors, and business units. Must be available to provide on-call support and after hours/weekend work, as necessary. Participate with Tribune publishing on group initiatives, as assigned.

Requirements: Minimum 4 years proficiency and experience with planning, implementation, monitoring and management of complex enterprise wide systems including Microsoft Windows Server NT/2000/2003, Microsoft Cluster Services, scripting, Microsoft SQL 7/2000 Database Administrations and Oracle Database Administraton skills a plus.

Must possess strong system hardware design and architectural skills, with expertise in hardware consolidation and virtualization. Understanding of project management methodologies, exceptional organization and communications skills in order to foster collaboration across departments. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, similar discipline or equivalent work experience and MCSE 2000/2003 certification required.

The Sun-Sentinel offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package. To apply, please send resume attn: Mail to: Sun-Sentinel Human Resources 333 SW 12 Avenue Deerfield Beach, Fl 33442 Fax: 954-425-1518 E-mail: BFeldkamp@tribune.com .

The Sun-Sentinel values diversity and encourages those who share our vision to apply. We support a smoke-free, drug-free work environment. EOE

Consumer Advocate Releases ‘Homeownership Crystal Ball’

Cutting edge, default prevention software to help homeowners with suicide loans

RISMEDIA, July 28, 2006—“We have a catastrophe about to hit millions of American homeowners. This financial software is like a crystal ball that predicts if you will keep your home, or lose it," forewarns International Mortgage Reduction Expert and Consumer Advocate, Harj Gill.

Exotic mortgages were originally intended for financially astute, high- income borrowers. However in the frenzy of the housing boom, they have been mass marketed to home buyers in high-cost, high-priced, metropolitan markets.

Take for example piggyback loans. These are a combination of two loans packaged together, and closed simultaneously. The first lien mortgage is kept at or below the 80% loan to value ratio to avoid mortgage insurance. This has made these loans a favorite among borrowers with little or no down payment.

According to SMR Research, by the first half of 2005, the proportion of borrowers using piggyback mortgages was 48.2%. The default rates on these loans, according to ratings agency Standard & Poors, is a staggering 43% and shoots up to 50% for borrowers with FICO scores of less than 660.

These statistics should give nightmares to every homeowner with this type of loan. However most borrowers have a false sense of security because they don't know when things will go wrong.

Consumer Advocate Gill contends that, "If you had a crystal ball that told you precisely what month you would lose your home and your family out on the street, you would do something about it."

A crystal ball for mortgages is exactly what his Financial Software Program is akin to. Users enter their mortgage details as well as their income, regular expenses and any current debts they have, such as credit cards and car loans.

Once this is done, in the case of piggyback loans, users are able to forecast the exact month (and year) they will go into default as interest rates rise and their cash flow is insufficient to meet the increased payments.

What is revolutionary is that borrowers can then manipulate their finances to create any number of "what-if" scenarios to find one that will help them avoid going into default. "

Before we started using this software we knew, with rising interest rates, that we would soon be in trouble," said Peter & Shari W., a young couple with a piggyback mortgage from Bellevue, Washington, which has one of the highest concentrations of these loans in the country (51%). "

At first we were scared because we didn't know what we would see with the results. But what we actually discovered was tremendous relief," they said.

This feedback is quite common, as homeowners have been using this software for over 10 years.

"With our current lifestyle, we calculated at exactly what interest rate we would start to go backward on our mortgage payments. But the kicker is that we will never go into default because we worked out all the different things that could go wrong and now have contingency plans. I cannot tell you how great that feels," they added.

Gill says the seriousness of this crisis cannot be overemphasized and has prepared a Critical Report available on the Consumer Information Center at www.MortgageFreeUSA.com.

He is also giving away subscriptions to his Software to assist every American household with a mortgage, at no charge.

He is particularly calling to action every mortgage broker, loan officer, banker, lender, real estate broker and agent and urging them to get bulk software subscriptions to give to their clients.

"You have absolutely no excuse not to do this," he stressed. In addition, he is urging every media, community and industry group to do the same for their constituents. "

I don't care if you're a Church Leader, or the CEO of CNN. I don't care if you're Oprah Winfrey or Nancy the neighbor. We are talking about a $1.8 trillion industry that has been driving our entire economy. If we sit back and do nothing, this crisis will force the country into a recession. If we let that happen, shame on us because it's going to devastate the lives of countless families that aren't even homeowners," warns Gill.

Submitted by Gayle Mitchell

Update, Computer Theft

Our computer tech (Craig) has informed me the RAM was taken from two computer's, not one as I had reported. And an entire computer is missing from the learning center at Oly, they didn't take the monitor, I guess it wouldn't fit in the trash can?

Our learning center needs to be locked down, and only accessible by employees of the Los Angeles Times.

One co-worker suggested installing cameras in the learning center, and that is not a bad idea.

Ed

UPDATE: Internet access is being blocked by a program called Cyber Sitter, I contacted Monica Hayes, and this will be resolved sometime next week. The forms for gaining access to the Internet from work seem to be missing, I will find additional forms and distribute.

Friday has Arrived

As we pulled into the Olympic parking lot yesterday it appeared there was a party being set up. Could this be a party to improve employee morale, I asked myself? The Times threw a party for the advertisers, but that's also a good thing, they pay the bills.

The party encluded a live band, that could be heard through the walls into the reelroom of the pressroom.

Last night as I left work a bit after 8pm, I decided to visit the Ice House for a little laugh therapy, and I think it worked, I'm smiling this morning. Skillz allowed me in for free, must be my age, and that was a nice gesture.

If I do not work overtime on Saturday I plan to drop by Redondo Beach to heard Urban Dread play at Naja's. Even if I do work I may still go by for a couple of sets, we'll see how I feel tomorrow.

Stay cool,

Eddie

Newspaper News

A federal judge on Thursday issued a preliminary ruling that denied a temporary restraining order sought by San Francisco businessman Clint Reilly to block the sale of two Bay Area newspapers.

Tribune Co. (TRB) plans to audit circulation at its Spanish-language newspapers Hoy every six months, instead of the previous schedule that called for a Certified Audit of Circulations report once a year.

NEW YORK Philadelphia Media Holdings, the new owner of The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Daily News, has struck up a deal with online recruitment site Monster.com. It?s the first alliance between Monster and a major newspaper company.

Take Back the Times: More Digests Or Summaries Is Not The Way To Improve Newspapers

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Hoy Posts Nationwide Audited Circulation

CHICAGO, July 27, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Hoy, the nation's leading Spanish- language newspaper, with daily editions in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, today released new audited circulation numbers reported by Certified Audit of Circulations (CAC).

CAC reports that as of March 31, 2006, Hoy's average daily circulation stands at a combined total of 185,245 (Monday through Friday, 5-day average). Additionally, Hoy's weekend publications, including New York's Saturday edition and Hoy Fin de Semana in Los Angeles and Chicago, posted audited circulation of 473,864.

The audit numbers reflect Hoy's strong competitive position in each market. In New York, Hoy is now the largest Spanish-language daily newspaper in that market. In Los Angeles, Hoy continues to show rapid growth in the nation's largest Hispanic market. And in Chicago, Hoy solidified its leading position as the market's only Spanish-language daily newspaper.

"These circulation results reaffirm both our commitment to provide advertisers with efficient buys in the nation's three largest Hispanic markets and our dedication to the highest quality of editorial content for our readers," said Digby Solomon Diez, Hoy Publisher and CEO.

To deliver the most accurate market information to advertisers, Hoy will increase its audit schedule with CAC to every six months, instead of just once a year. CAC has been an objective third-party source of certified circulation data since 1956 and offers the highest quality methodology for measuring net distribution of controlled circulation publications.

Hoy is the nation's leading Spanish-language newspaper, with average weekday circulation of 185,245, and daily readership over 536,000. Together with its weekend publications, including Hoy Fin de Semana, Hoy publications have a gross weekly distribution of over 1.4 million copies. Hoy is published by Tribune Company (TRB), one of the country's top media companies, operating businesses in publishing, interactive and broadcasting.

Visit http://www.hoyinternet.com or call (312) 527-8400 for more information.

SOURCE Hoy

Improvements at Oly

The gardeners have completed the removal of the six foot weeds from around the back and sides of the building, and have started working on the trees and grass at the entrance to the Olympic Plant. It's surely making a big difference on the appearance of the building for our many guests and employees.

I have sent off an email to the subscription department of the Los Angeles Times, hoping to add a banner ad to the pages here, with all money generated going to our club.

Last night before leaving work my daughter Joanna called me and asked if I would go to El Tepeyac Cafe for food. How could I say no, this happens to be my favorite restaurant? I called in my order from the Oly parking lot, one Manuel Special, four beef taco's, and one order of taquito's. The burrito's cannot be picked up by hand, you need a fork and a knife to consume these monster sized burrito's.

I have eaten at El Tepeyac's for over thirty-five years, and the food has remained the same all of these years, but the prices continue to rise. The Manuel Special is $13.10 and will feed four people, to give you an idea of it's size.

El Tepecya's is located at 812 North Evergreen Ave., Los Angeles 323.268.1960

Stay Positive,

Edward

CareerBuilder.com Passes Largest Competitor

CareerBuilder.com Passes Largest Competitor in Revenue and Takes Over #1 Position in Industry

07-26-06 11:50 AM EST

CHICAGO, July 26 /PRNewswire/ -- CareerBuilder.com, the nation's largest online job site with more than 1.5 million jobs and over 23 million unique visitors, is at the center of a major turn in the history of online recruitment. After leading the industry in job postings and traffic for more than two years, CareerBuilder.com has passed its largest competitor in U.S. revenue. This means CareerBuilder.com now commands the leadership position in all major categories of online recruitment in the U.S., delivering on its promise to take top ranking domestically before full expansion overseas.

Five years ago, CareerBuilder.com was an emerging contender in the online recruitment space, one-fifth the revenue size of the market leader(1). Setting the stage for success with cutting-edge technology, dedicated customer service and aggressive sales and marketing strategies, CareerBuilder.com grew its revenue annually by more than 75 percent and quickly closed the gap between it and its main competitor.

In the second quarter of 2006, CareerBuilder.com pulled ahead of its rival. The company and its local affiliates generated $172 million in market revenues in the U.S., $9 million more than its largest competitor in all of North America. For the first six months of the year, CareerBuilder's North American revenues were $329 million, compared to $323 million for its largest competitor.

"We know the greatest asset of any organization is its people, and we take our job of delivering world class talent very seriously," said Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder.com. "That's why employers and job seekers across the country now use CareerBuilder.com more than any other site. We offered a better solution and customers took notice, as evidenced in our leadership in job postings, traffic and revenue. We didn't invent the industry, but in five years, we have taken it over."

How did they do it? CareerBuilder.com built a distribution network of more than 900 partners and, in a bold maneuver, replaced its rival as the exclusive job search engine for America Online and MSN. While CareerBuilder.com's traffic soared, its competitor's dwindled.

At the same time, CareerBuilder.com unleashed a widely successful national marketing campaign valued at over $200 million. Critically acclaimed appearances in the Super Bowl TV ad lineup for the last two years punctuated a multifaceted marketing strategy that cleverly blended grassroots outreach with high profile venues.

Since January 2004, CareerBuilder.com has captured the most traffic in the industry every month, according to reports from comScore Media Metrix. The CareerBuilder network now draws more than 23 million unique visitors per month, approximately 9 million more than its largest competitor.

With more than 1,900 salespeople in-house and at its newspaper partners, the company has aggressively pushed forward into new markets and captured a greater portion of recruitment spend amongst FORTUNE 1000 and small and medium-sized businesses. For 40 consecutive months, CareerBuilder.com has posted the most jobs in the industry, according to Corzen. The company has experienced a 12-point gain in market share over the last two years and is certain to increase its share in 2006.

The company has also led the industry in technology advancement, creating a unique job matching functionality to hasten the job search process. The company serves on FAST Search & Transfer's Technology Advisory Board and works exclusively with FAST on product development for online recruitment, keeping CareerBuilder.com at the forefront of best-of-breed search engine technology.

"Working together with a network of over 900 partners and hundreds of thousands of customers, we have harnessed the power of the Internet to unite millions of employers and job seekers," said Ferguson. "We have helped businesses -- and people -- build their futures. We're grateful for the support from our customers and partners and promise to continue our tradition of excellence as we take our leadership to a global level."

(1) Morgan Stanley, "Publishing: The Publishing Handbook: June 16, 2006"
and CareerBuilder pro forma results.

About CareerBuilder.com

CareerBuilder.com is the nation's largest online job site with more than 23 million unique visitors and over 1.5 million jobs. Owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), Tribune Company (NYSE: TRB), and The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI), the company offers a vast online and print network to help job seekers connect with employers. CareerBuilder.com powers the career centers for more than 900 partners that reach national, local, industry and niche audiences. These include more than 150 newspapers and leading portals such as America Online and MSN. More than 250,000 employers take advantage of CareerBuilder.com's easy job postings, 18 million-plus resumes, Diversity Channel and more. Millions of job seekers visit the site every month to search for opportunities by industry, location, company and job type, sign up for automatic email job alerts, and get advice on job hunting and career management. For more information about CareerBuilder.com products and services, visit http://www.careerbuilder.com.

Media Contact: Jennifer Sullivan 773-527-1164
Jennifer.Sullivan@careerbuilder.com

SOURCE CareerBuilder.com

Technical Planning & Governance Manager

South Florida Sun-Sentinel
July 25, 2006

The Sun-Sentinel, a division of Tribune Company, is seeking a Technical Planning & Governance Manager. Is the single point of entry for all projects requesting IT services and resources relating to projects and oversees the Project Management Office (PMO).

Oversees process development and quality assurance with a focus on process development, implementation and governance to ensure compliance throughout IT and the organization.
Supervises Technical Project Managers and Business Analysts who focus on project manangement and business transformation. Exercises control over the production environment through configuration/change management and provides key control over all the changes to the production environment.

Oversees technical writing, standard operating procedures and general 'how-to' procedures as well as provides centralized reporting and governance over all training within IT. Oversees IT security administration functions and IT regulatory compliance for Sun-Sentinel critial applications and major computing platforms.

Provides staff development plans and performance evaluations. Maintains cooperative relationships with all business stakeholders, technology teams, vendors and other Tribune business units. Participates with Tribune publishing on group initiatives as assigned.
Requirements: Minimum 7 years experience in operational management and experience in the planning, implementation, monitoring and management of a complex technical environment. Must be familiar with data and voice network, UNIX and Microsoft server, Microsoft and Oracle database, SAN and application development and deployment concepts and methodologies. Strong documentation skills are necessary to create procedures, policies, standards and processes within the IT division. Must be organized, detail oriented and possess excellent communication skills. Strong project management methodologies and tools required. Demonstrated aptitude for leadership, coaching, training and staff direction necessary. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, similar discipline or equivalent work experience reqiured. PMP certification required. MBA and ITIL certifications preferred. Any technical certification from Sun, Microsoft or Cisco is a definite a plus.

The Sun-Sentinel offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package. To apply, please send resume attn: Mail to: Sun-Sentinel Human Resources 333 SW 12 Avenue Deerfield Beach, Fl 33442 Fax: 954-425-1518 E-mail: BFeldkamp@tribune.com .

The Sun-Sentinel values diversity and encourages those who share our vision to apply. We support a smoke-free, drug-free work environment. EOE

Rep, Customer Support

South Florida Sun-Sentinel
July 25, 2006

The Sun-Sentinel, a division of Tribune Company, is seeking a Customer Support Rep to processing from various sources and changing and canceling and selling classified advertising, especially for Legal, Obituary and Special Occasion advertising from customers in full run Sun-Sentinel classified products.

Acts as a support to various administrative duties including mailing of box replies and tear sheets, PSO responsibilities, phone reports, Memorial Bookmarks and other duties as required by management.

Requirements: Accurate typing skills - 45 wpm and PC-windows experience.
Spelling and communication skills with strong telephone etiquette.
Sales oriented and self-motivated.

Showcases sales ability and customer service skills.

The Sun-Sentinel offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package. To apply, please send resume attn: Mail to: Sun-Sentinel Human Resources 333 SW 12 Avenue Deerfield Beach, Fl 33442 Fax: 954-425-1518 E-mail: mlorenzo@tribune.com .

The Sun-Sentinel values diversity and encourages those who share our vision to apply. We support a smoke-free, drug-free work environment. EOE

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Waiting for the Cool Air

As I left San Dimas at noon today the temperature was a nice ninety-five degrees, and as usual Los Angeles is anywhere from five to ten degrees cooler than San Dimas. But not today! As I neared the Olympic Facility the temperature continued rising. When I pulled into the parking lot at work, the tempature was a toasty one-hundred and two degrees. Like all of you across the Southland, I'm looking forward to cooler weather as soon as possible.

We now have Internet access at our plant again, thanks to Alma Perez and Monica Hayes, but was all their hard work in vain? Only seven users requested Internet access by filling out the access forms, out of the two-hundred and fifty workers at Oly.

It was brought to my attention that someone removed the RAM (random access memory) from one of the computers in the learning center at Oly last weekend. The memory could not be worth more than twenty dollars, so I suspect someone other than a Times employee is responsible for the theft. The learning center needs to be secured like the outside doors, everyone entering the room must use their employee ID to gain access.

Los Angeles Times managing editor Doug Frantz idea of offering pony rides to the writers to boost morale, may seem a bit odd, but you can't fault him for trying something different. I mentioned this to Russ, and he has many ideas, which I will allow him to share with you later.

With so much negative news regarding the Tribune Company, I have eased back as not to add any fuel to the fire.

Stay cool if you can,
Eddie

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

L.A. Times staff offered pony rides

July 25, 2006

Reuters News Service

LOS ANGELES -- A Los Angeles Times editor, hoping to give his journalists a break from reporting the often grim news in America's second-largest city, offered an unusual morale booster Monday: pony rides. <--JUMP TO ARTICLE

LADWP Urges Energy Conservation

From: Kurtich, Mark
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2006 5:12 PM
To: zzAll LATimes Employees
Subject: LADWP Urges Energy Conservation

(Managers and supervisors: Please share this information with your employees who do not have e-mail. Thank you.)

July 24, 2006

Colleagues,

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has urged business and residential customers to conserve energy during this period of high temperatures and humidity. Record-breaking demand on the city's electrical system has resulted in sporadic outages throughout the area. While the LADWP has ample energy supplies, air conditioners running for long periods of time are putting a heavy load on local distribution systems.

Please take steps to conserve energy whenever possible. The LADWP offers these simple ideas:

* Turn off desk, overhead, and meeting room lights when they are not needed.

* Turn off computer equipment when you leave the office.

* Try to avoid operating equipment during peak hours of the day.

Thank you all for your assistance.

Mark Kurtich

Senior Vice President, Operations

Keeping Up With the (Dow) Joneses

Last week, several newspapers released second-quarter reports that lacked much good news. Dow Jones (NYSE: DJ) bucked the trend, giving some credence to the idea that the company's business and investing news focus, strong online properties, and national interest all give it a pretty darn good advantage in the industry.

To take the jump to full article, click on title.

Pictures from Olympic

As the new gardeners work their way around our plant, we will slowly see the changes from all their hard work.

Change in next year's EPS estimate

TRB

07-24-06 09:01 PM

Change in next year's EPS estimateThe next fiscal year consensus EPS estimate for this stock has changed from 2.25 to 2.24.
For details, go to
http://quicktake.morningstar.com/Stock/earningsestimates.asp?Symbol=TRB

Monday, July 24, 2006

As Tribune twists in wind, others are second-guessing

With Knight Ridder consigned to history’s dustbin, the search is on for the next publicly-held newspaper company to topple. “Maybe Gannett,” speculated Jon Fine, Business Week columnist. “To a lesser extent, possibly Journal Register.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Old Pasadena Jazz Festival

Yesterday Rita and I attended the Old Pasadena Jazz Festival, which was moved to the Arcadia Arboretum. We parked our car at the Santa Anita Race Track and were bused in yellow school buses to the event. The music started at noon, and continued till ten at night, with many excellent groups.

While sitting under the shade of some nearby trees I ran into a former pressman, Jim Wooten, and his wife. Jim had many questions about the newspaper and told me how nice retirement has been for him and his wife.

As the temperature rose the clouds continued to grow and the humidity increased as well. It was very unbearable to say the least, many were overcome by the heat, with firemen and firewomen carting many away to local hospitals. The weather forecast was 107 degrees, but with the increased humidity, it felt like 120 degrees. Made it very hard to enjoy the music.

Swimming in the fountain was prohibited, but as you can see, security said very little when people like Rita and I jumped into the water.

This is the Candy Dulfer Band performing in the killer heat, fans were all over the stage in an attempt to keep the musicians cool.

Here I am having my picture taken with Candy Dulfer

Our seats were empty because of the heat, only a handful of brave souls actually used the prime seats. Many concert goers left early, it was just too hot to stay all day, but we stayed till the bitter end, and it was 90 degrees when we left at ten at night.

We gave our tickets away for today's concert, just couldn't stand the intense heat another day.

Eddie

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Another Piece Going....

Gooding & Company has been chosen to conduct the sale of the Otis Chandler Collection of classic automobiles, motorcycles and automotive memorabilia. The auction will take place October 21, 2006 at the Vintage Museum of Transportation and Wildlife in Oxnard, California. The collection encompasses approximately 50 classic cars, 40 vintage motorcycles, memorabilia, including an 1884 Baldwin Steam Locomotive. For further information, please contact Gooding & Company at 310 899 1960 or click the Gooding & Company logo below.

Vintage Museum of Transportation

For press inquiries, please contact Kermish-Geylin Public Relations 201 750 3533

Friday, July 21, 2006

Thank you Wayne

This afternoon after fine tuning my printing press I headed to Cafe Oly to fill my belly with something to eat. While my meal was being prepared, I walked out to the patio to have a smoke and water the plants.

While enjoying my cigarette and watching the spinklers deliver life to the plants, I heard some voices below me, was it English or was it Spanish? Sounded like Spanglish to me. It was Wayne (Russ Newton) telling two men where to place the water from the hose next.

Alas I had left my camera on the printing press and can not share this sight with you tonight.

I'm happy to see Russ jumping on the bandwagon with Billy Roundtree and myself to improve the appearance of our plant. And as one writer stated, this will not improve Tribune profits, but it will surely improve Tribune morale at Oly.

There will be no posting on Saturday, I will be attending the Old Pasadena Jazz Festival, in Arcadia. Wonder why it's not called the Arcadia Jazz Festival? Let's hope the humidity doesn't make it too unbearable tomorrow.

On Monday night I will post before and after pictures of the Oly Plant, the new gardeners have been hard at work for five days now, as you will see on Monday.

Have a great weekend everyone, and thanks again Russ.

Peace,
Eddie

Addicted to Television

Back in the early 60's I remember watching television in black and white, with only seven channels to choose from. The only big day for television was Saturday mornings, because of all the cartoons, like Heckle and Jeckle, Bugs Bunny, and Quick Draw McGraw.

In 1962 we bought our first color television, and what a treat it was to watch movies and cartoons in color. Yet, there was still only seven channels of programming to opt from. So as a child, I spent most of my time outdoors, doing what children do, playing with my friends or riding my Stingray bicycle around the neighborhood.

News stories regarding how today's children are overweight from sitting in front of television all day comes as no surprise, with the Dish Network and cable, children have hundreds of channels to pick from. So there is always a cartoon to watch from the Cartoon Network or some far away city twenty-four seven. Not good.

Last year I decided it was time to put a stop to this addiction of mine, watching television! I gave my VCR to my son Bryan, and two boxes full of movies, so I would not be tempted to sit in front of my television. Last week I took it one step further, I gave my DVD player and television in my bedroom to my son Nathan.

I have to admit, it took me over nine months to part with my bedroom television.

This past week entering my bedroom had an odd feel to it, just because my television was absent. It was like I lost a good friend to death.

Last week Nielsen reported that it was the slowest week in television history for the four major networks. Appears many viewers are doing something other than sitting behind the boob tube.

Are you addicted to television? Measure how long your television stays off to see how deeply hooked you are, if your able to leave it off for more than a few hours.

Now to figure out how to stay off the Internet?

Peace,

Eddie

Your Killing me Kids

Last night as I opened my mail, I almost fell down when I read my electric bill from Southern California Edison. At first I thought my last payment to the Edison Company was not reflected on my bill, but I was incorrect. Our electric bill is for $548.54.

I shared the bill with my teenagers, and they have agreed to shut off their television sets while away from home, and they will also use the central air only when I'm away from home.

Looks like I will be staying home a little more often.

Eddie

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Daily blues, Part I

The Daily Breeze is losing money and readers. Will the voracious William Dean Singleton finally get his wish and add the South Bay’s 112-year old daily to his expanding media empire?

Take the jump to the full article

Tribune Co Files Debt Securities Shelf

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- Tribune Co. (TRB) Thursday registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission to sell from time to time an undisclosed amount of debt securities and warrants.

Jump to complete story.

Fire Forces Improvisation in TV Listings

By THOMAS J. LUECK
Published: July 21, 2006

Newspapers nationwide were forced to improvise yesterday to produce one of their staples — the daily television listings — after a fire on Wednesday night crippled the principal source of those listings, a subsidiary of the Tribune Company based in upstate New York.

Jump to complete story.

Tribune considering ads on section fronts

As newspapers struggle to find innovative ways to increase advertising, you will see ad's on the front pages of different sections starting in August.

From Chicago Tribune

With the traditional media business under increasing pressure to boost revenue, newspapers are finding it harder to ignore the value of their most coveted real estate.

The Wall Street Journal announced this week it will sell ad space on its front page in September, joining USA Today and many foreign newspapers. The move could net tens of millions annually for the second-largest U.S. paper.

It could also clear the way for other U.S. newspapers, which are losing readers and struggling with revenue in a difficult advertising climate, to follow suit.

Click on the title to jump to full story.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Take Back the Times: New Downsizing At NYT, LAT And Wall St. Journal

Tribune Declares Quarterly Dividend

07-19-06 05:06 PM EST

CHICAGO, July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tribune Company's board of directors today declared a regular quarterly dividend of $.18 per share on common stock payable on Sept. 14, 2006, to shareholders of record at the close of business Aug. 31, 2006. The board took the action at today's regularly scheduled meeting.

In other business, the board elected Darko Dejanovic as senior vice president/chief technology officer for Tribune Company and Tribune Publishing. Dejanovic has served as vice president/chief technology officer for the company and for Tribune Publishing since 2004. He served as vice president/chief technology officer for Chicago Tribune from 1999 to 2004.

TRIBUNE (NYSE: TRB) is one of the country's top media companies, operating businesses in publishing and broadcasting. It reaches more than 80 percent of U.S. households and is the only media organization with newspapers, television stations and websites in the nation's top three markets. In publishing, Tribune operates 11 leading daily newspapers including the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and Newsday, plus a wide range of targeted publications. The company's broadcasting group operates 26 television stations, Superstation WGN on national cable, Chicago's WGN-AM and the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Popular news and information websites complement Tribune's print and broadcast properties and extend the company's nationwide audience.

SOURCE Tribune Company