Los Angeles Times Pressmens 20 Year Club
Fear of the long knives from Chicago
By
Kevin RoderickFear of the long knives from Chicago is rampant again in the Los Angeles Times newsroom at First and Spring streets downtown. You know people are skittish when a rumor sweeps through the pods, as it did last Friday, that editor Dean Baquet had quit rather than slash the staff further.
Click
here or on title for complete article.
Mark Kurtich to Pressroom Employees
Operations Department
Inter-Office Correspondence
DATE: August 31, 2006
FROM: Mark Kurtich
SUBJECT: Enough is Enough
TO: Operations Employees
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
The union supporters are back, telling you that if at least fifty percent of you sign cards for the union they will file a SEVENTH PETITION (in the past 16 years!) the NLRB. Before you sign anything, think about this.
Since 1990 the union has filed six separate petitions to represent pressroom employees. Five elections were scheduled and every time the union claimed that a majority of employees had signed up for the union. We have no way of knowing whether this was true but because unions usually don’t file a petition unless at least half the employees have signed cards, we’ll take the union at its word. So what happened?
In October of 1990, the union filed a petition. Two days before the scheduled vote the union withdrew because, according to the union, "there [was] very little chance the Union [could] win the election scheduled for January 31."
In May of 1993, the union filed for an election, ballots were counted on August 5, 1993, and the union got only 28% of the vote.
On April of 1997, the union filed another petition, ballots were counted on May 23, 1997, and the union lost again, receiving 36% of the vote.
On December 30, 1999, the union filed once more, ballots were counted on February 11, 2000, and the union received only 25% of the vote.
In December of 2001 the union filed for an election only at the Olympic plant and that petition was dismissed by the Board. In June of 2002, the union filed for an election in the traditional multi-plant unit. Ballots were counted on July 26, 2002 and the union lost yet again, receiving only 27%.
A couple of things are very clear. First, pressroom employees have repeatedly and resoundingly rejected union-representation. Second, it seems obvious that aggressive peer pressure is a big reason for all of these petitions getting filed in the first place. We conclude that many employees who never intended to vote for the union nonetheless signed cards, often just to get the union supporters off their backs. Third, we have all wasted an enormous amount of time, energy, and money because of this.
Enough is enough. Clearly and for good reasons most of you don’t want a union. So don’t let a minority with their own personal agendas push you around. Stand up to them and tell them to their face what you’ve told them at the polls: you don’t want a union and won’t sign a card. Break the cycle.
Mark Kurtich is Senior vice-president of Operations Department for the Los Angeles Times.
Happy Birthday Los Angeles

Alma Perez (Human Resources Supervisor) will be walking the nine miles from the
San Gabriel Mission to
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument on Monday. The walk traces the path taken on September 4, 1781 by original settling families known collectively as los pobladores.
This kicks off the celebration for the City of Los Angeles' 225th birthday.
BlogMap Added

As you can see I have been too busy playing with add ons to the blog to say much today, my new feature shows blogs in my neighborhood. This may seem odd to some, unless your into blogging, then it's a real treat trying something new.
If this new feature causes problems I will remove it, so let me know how your computer reacts?
I get many requests to repair home computers, but just cannot find the time to visit everyone. The next few days I will give you the user, a step by step way of cleaning popups, spyware, malware, and other problems from your home computer.
Stay cool,
Eddie
Tribune Stock Dividend
TRB
08-29-06 09:31 PMStock
Dividend DistributionThis stock has declared a cash dividend of $0.180 per share, effective on 08-29-2006. The stock will trade without this distribution as of that date. Record Splits and Dividends in your transaction portfolio or create one if you haven't already.
For details, go to
http://portfolio.morningstar.com/portasp/allview.asp
Australians got it right ! ! !
Those Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, he and his ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown. Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted that some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular state and its laws were made by parliament. "If those are not your values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you," he said on national television.
"I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia, one the Australian law and another the Islamic law, that is false. If you can't agree with parliamentary law, independent courts, democracy, and would prefer Sharia law and have the opportunity to go to another country, which practices it, perhaps, then, that's a better option," Costello said.Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other country.
Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims who did not want to accept local values should "clear off". "Basically, people who don't want to be Australians, and they don't want to live by Australian values and understand them, well then they can basically clear off," he said. Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques.AMERICA and Canada..... ARE YOU LISTENING? "IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians."
However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand.
This idea of Australia being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Australians, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.
We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, Learn the language!
Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push but a fact because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home.
Because God is part of our culture, we will accept your beliefs and will not question why, all we ask is that you accept ours and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.
If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don't like " A Fair Go", then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. By all means keep your culture but do not force it on others.
This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, "THE RIGHT TO LEAVE".
If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here, so accept the country YOU accepted.
Pretty easy really, when you think about it. I figure if we all keep passing this to our friends it will also, sooner or later get back to the complainers, lets all try, please.
Submitted by Henry Rubio
Supervisors' Town Hall Meeting
The following message was posted on the entrance to the Olympic Pressroom Office this afternoon. Ed

This afternoon we held another Supervisors' Town Hall at the Square.
We are aware that union organizers are spreading rumors that the purpose of today's meeting was to plan or announce layoffs in Operations. This is yet another incident of union supporters using scare tactics to generate interest in card signing.
We encourage you to ask your supervisor about today's meeting. In fact, there was no mention or discussion of layoffs. And there are NO LAYOFFS PLANNED OR BEING PLANNED IN OPERATIONS. We truly regret the fact that union organizers continue to divide the work force by spreading misleading and incorrect information.
The company remains committed to its belief that a third party will not make things better here. We encourage anyone who is asked or pressured to sign a union authorization card or a petition to say no. Yet another union election is not in the best interest of anyone as we strive to meet the many business challenges facing our company and industry. The union cannot and will not eliminate these issues.
Afternoon Briefs
Ken Reich takes us to the
future with the Tribune Company, and what he visions in the future of the media giant and the Los Angeles Times.
The Economist also takes a look at the media and the Internet, will there be less news and more advertising for readers, where will newspapers find and keep subscribers?
LAObserved has noted a tie-in between the Black Dihlia and the newspaper.
Just for fun, visit Google, and run a search for failure, see who pops up first.
eWeek has an interesting article on VeriChip selling implants for newborns as a way of tracking the whereabouts of infants, what's next, chips for adults?
My Daughters Birthday

We celebrated my daughter Lauren's twenty first birthday at Dave and Busters at Ontario Mills Mall yesterday. The food looked good but we stayed with the liquid food instead.
Hard to believe my children are coming of age, means I'm getting older.
Vacation from my Computer

I took off for Venice Beach early yesterday, and really took a vacation from my computer. Every now and then I must do this to remain sane.
The weather at the beach was great, twenty-two degrees cooler than San Dimas, without a cloud in the sky.
I spent the night at Venice, and only returned home to celebrate my daughter Lauren's 21st birthday, otherwise I would have stayed for several days.
Eddie
Sunday is my Favorite Day
The Hathaway wedding came off with no problems yesterday, and the newlyweds will be off to Mexico for a one week honeymoon on a cruise ship later today. I will post the photographs from the wedding tomorrow, since I did not make it home last night.
Rita and I are off to the beach, with the top down in my car, for some seafood, live music, and a few ice cold beers today. Not sure which beach we will visit, either Redondo, Venice, or Long Beach? Redondo offers rock music from the eighties, and Venice has Peace Frog, they are a Doors knockoff band; in Long Beach there is Reggae music, now to decide what type of music I want to listen to.
Hope everyone has an enjoyable Sunday afternoon.
Peace,
Eddie
The Jimmy Hathaway Wedding

Kathleen White and Jimmy Hathaway are to be married at four o’clock today in La Canada Flintridge. Jimmy is a pressman at the Olympic Facility and former pressman at the shuttered Chatsworth Facility.
We wish the two of them long life and harmony together.
Ed
Palm Trees

I’m getting old folks, last week I mentioned my ordeal with the gardeners that never showed up to trim my palm trees, so I took it upon myself to trim the palms and save myself one hundred dollars. It wasn’t worth it, saving the money. I have been so sore all week from having my left arm around the trunk of the palm while stretching with my right arm to trim the higher fronds.
Not being one to give in and hire someone, I thought of ways to access the upper levels of the palm, should I just buy a longer ladder, I asked myself? Not certain how I would complete this task, I slept on it. When I awoke the next morning the answer arrived.
I headed over to my favorite store, Home Depot, and found a telescoping tree pruner that allowed my ladder to be placed at a forty percent angle, thus allowing me to use two hands to cut the fronds.
The sub-conscience will find solutions to problems when called upon.
Eddie
Los Angeles Times Employee Contest
From: Internal News
To: zzAll LATimes Employees
Sent: 8/16/2006 10:08 AM
Subject: Dodger Ticket E-Mail Draft
Take Me Out to the Ball Game!
Win a Pair of Tickets to see the Dodgers' Play!
On Monday evening, August 28th, the Los Angeles Dodgers will help
The Times celebrate its 125th Anniversary at the
"Los Angeles Times Day at Dodger Stadium,"
as the Dodgers play host to the Cincinnati Reds.
To help us celebrate, 75 winners will be randomly selected to win two
tickets to attend the
game and watch the Blue defeat the Reds.
Before entering, please read the complete entry instructions,
eligibility restrictions and official rules posted on TimesLink,
by clicking here:
http://webmanage.latimes.trb/timeslink/After reading the rules, enter the drawing by sending an internal
e-mail that includes employee name, employee ID number, department,
work location and a work, home and/or cell phone number where the
employee can be reached on Monday, August 21, 2006.
Send the e-mail to "Dodger Tickets"(
mailto:DodgerTickets@exchange.latimes.com)
beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16 until 5 p.m. PST on
Friday, August 18, 2006
The 75 ticket winners will be selected at random and notified by phone
on Monday afternoon, August 21, 2006.
Restoring Internet Access
Good Morning world,
This is my last day of work for the next twelve days, so I'm a bit excited that I will have so much extra time on my hands. The children and I had planned to visit Cozumel, but will postpone our trip till Spring Break next year, and conserve over five thousand dollars.
Wednesday night I did a little venting over the lack of Internet access in the learning center at our facility, and someone heard me. I had planned to forget about my blog being blocked, and just carry a laptop with me, in case I really needed to log onto the Internet.
Russ Newton dropped by my press yesterday stating Cyber-Sitter would be edited to allow my blog to be displayed as soon as possible. Greg Malcolm went a bit further, and said to give him a list of websites I would like un-blocked in the learning center.
Ms. Monica Hayes is doing all the leg work, and has contacted the I.T. Department, regarding Cyber-Sitter, so my blog and
LAObserved will be un-blocked very soon, if not open for users already?
I appreciate the effort by all concerned over coming this form of censorship at the Los Angeles Times. With only thirteen users registered for Internet access from the learning center, I hope this moves additional employees to request access in the near future.
Enjoy your Thursday,
Eddie
Mark Kurtich Letter to Employees
Dear Colleague:
As you probably know, some of our pressroom employees are again trying to stir up interest in the union, passing out union authorization cards and copies of the Newsday contract. I am urging each of you not to sign a card or petition and to tell the union’s supporters we don’t need to go through yet another election campaign.
We all know that these are difficult times for the newspaper industry, and we would all be less than human if we weren’t concerned with what could happen here at The Times. But despite what the union’s supporters may claim, having a union doesn’t really increase anyone’s job security. If it really did, employees at papers such as The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, automobile companies like General Motors, and airlines like Northwest would not be going through layoffs and reductions in force.
As we have shown you repeatedly, having a union doesn’t automatically guarantee that things will get better. For example, having a union contract did not stop the
AFL-CIO from laying its own employees off
OUT OF SENIORITY ORDER. A union contract did not stop the papers from laying off employees at the Long Beach Press-Telegram or the Daily Breeze in Torrance. And when the union’s supporters are telling you about the Newsday contract, ask them to identify any major newspapers outside of the Northeast where they have negotiated a “New York” type contract, or anything like it. They won’t because they can’t – just look at the union’s contracts up and down the West Coast. The union is a gamble – and with a union you could get more, remain the same, or end up with less.
We all know the truth. The only thing that provides any of us with real job security and good wages and benefits is producing a product that our customers, our readers and advertisers, want to buy. Putting us all through yet another union campaign certainly isn’t going to improve service to those customers. It would only be another resource- wasting distraction. So please don’t sign an authorization card just to get the minority of union supporters off your back. Now more than ever we need to stay focused.
Thank you.
Mark
Page Not Found

After searching the net (from home) about Cyber Sitter, I see I'm not alone in my feelings of frustration with the child protection software.
The words used for blocking are copy write protected, but the categories for blocking at Oly are adult/sexually oriented, illegal activities/drugs, hate/intolerance, illegal guns/violence, image searches, and social networking sites.
I wonder what category my blog falls under?
The icon shows how I feel in the Los Angeles Times Learning Center at Oly.
Ed
Why my Blog is Blocked at Olympic
An informed tipster has revealed why my blog is blocked at the Olympic Learning Center, I used the word
nude in the post titled "
Sunday Linkage". Now that I have used
nude again in this post means my co-workers will be unable to view this obscenity, at least from the learning center.
The tipster will supply the list of banned words for posting here later, and this may trigger blockage by all Los Angeles Times computers?
And due too the fact we received a large raise this year (according to one anonymous user) I will be pleased and happy we have Internet access at work, although very limited.
Thanks a Lot CyberSitter
Well, that should teach me to associate with the likes of Kevin Roderick, now my blog page is blocked from the Oly Learning Center. This Spy Sweeper and Cyber Sitter are the best at blocking non-threating sites, unless I am considered a threat by some?
I will not be able to post tonight, taking my grandson David out for pizza after work, and a promise is a promise. So grandpa will keep his word.
Cheers,
Eddie
Current Openings Daily Press
The Daily Press, Inc. and dailypress.com are currently accepting applications from the public for the positions listed below. This list and a telephone recording of job opportunities (757-247-7447, option #1) are updated every week. We also accept resumes for positions not listed here. You may apply for any of these positions by submitting a resume to our main office or by contacting us by
e-mail. You may also complete an
electronic application online. Business opportunities for independent newspaper carriers are listed in an ad in today's Classified section of the Daily Press. (Current Daily Press and dailypress.com employees may apply for any of the positions listed here.)
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENTSALES ASSOCIATE / WILLIAMSBURG (FULL TIME)Selected candidate will perform administrative functions for our advertising sales team in Williamsburg. You will coordinate the workflow from sales reps through ad production and billing. You will provide excellent customer service to our advertisers, assist our staff with a specialized advertising layout and billing system, type copy for ads, proofread and work with ad designers to ensure quality ads within very strict deadlines. Qualified candidates must have strong organizational and communication skills and be able to demonstrate excellent typing, spelling and grammar skills. College degree in Accounting, Advertising or Marketing is preferred but not required. Must have solid Word and Excel skills and the ability to quickly learn other computer programs.
ADVERTISING OUTSIDE SALES REP (FULL TIME)We are seeking a talented outside sales representatives to be part of our award-winning retail advertising sales team. You will create and develop sales campaigns for assigned accounts, develop new accounts and participate in company sales promotions and special events. Qualified candidates should have proven professional outside sales experience with in-depth knowledge of advertising and direct marketing concepts, ad layout experience and the ability to plan, develop and execute sales programs on a strict publishing deadline. Knowledge of marketing, online sales, newspapers, electronic media and/or recruitment ad agencies a plus. College degree in related field or equivalent related outside sales experience preferred.
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENTWe frequently have full-time and part-time opportunities for experienced Reporters and Copy Editors. Positions require two years of reporting or editing experience. College degree in journalism or related field is preferred. Include samples of your work (clips) with your resume or application.
PRESSROOM AND PACKAGING DEPARTMENTMACHINE OPERATOR (FULL TIME) Chosen candidate for our newspaper assembly division will be responsible for ensuring accurate set-up of advertising inserting production equipment. Will set up equipment, perform maintenance, complete reports, and monitor equipment to insert advertisements, other printed materials, as well as support other production equipment for efficient quality operations. Should have a strong mechanical aptitude and be skilled in the use of maintenance tools and have strong problem-solving and analytical skills to troubleshoot a variety of machinery and equipment. Must have working knowledge of a Windows PC environment, strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work in a team environment in a leadership role. Requires the ability to bend, twist, stand for long periods and lift at least 40 pounds. The position works nights as well as weekends
PRESS OPERATOR (FULL TIME) We are seeking a press operator for our Goss Metroliner printing press. Qualified candidates must be mechanically inclined, responsible, energetic, have good communication skills and be capable of gaining further knowledge of the printing process. Some experience on Goss equipment or printing presses will be considered helpful in obtaining this opportunity for a career in the production operation. We prefer candidates with a basic understanding of web offset printing who can quickly learn about press scheduling and productivity measures while working under deadline pressure situations. You will produce high quality products in a team environment while adhering to strict quality standards and productivity deadlines. Must be able to work any shift, weekends and holidays.
FIELD DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS (FULL TIME) Gloucester, Smithfield or WilliamsburgChosen applicants will be a responsible adults with good driving records who want to work early morning hours and have their afternoons free. Selected candidates must have dependable transportation and the ability to assist our District Supervisors in providing service to our home delivery subscribers. You will work from a distribution center assisting carriers prepare for route deliveries and assist with temporarily vacant routes. Your normal schedule will be five days a week, which includes a weekend and holiday schedule. Hours during the week will be approximately 3 a.m. to 10 a.m. Weekend hours will be approximately 3 a.m. - 12 noon. Qualified candidates must have a valid Virginia driver's license, excellent driving record and ability to work with newspaper bundles weighing 25-30 pounds.
PRODUCTION WORKER (PART TIME) Selected candidates for our 1st and 3rd shift will work an average of 20-25 hours per week. Will work at our main building inserting supplemental sections and advertisements into our newspaper sections. Duties include packaging our newspaper bundles for delivery trucks and performing other duties to process our newspaper and other products. Both shifts will include weekday, weekend and holiday work. Qualified candidates must have good manual dexterity and the ability to lift at least 30 pounds repeatedly in a warehouse-like atmosphere. Previous experience in a production work environment helpful. . First shift core hours: Wednesday 12 Noon to 8:00 p.m. (Will be moving to 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 a.m.Third shift core hours: Thursday 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.Friday 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.Saturday 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Fill out an
online application
Torrance Fire on Saturday

On my way to Redondo Beach there was a rather large fire burning on Torrance Blvd. Can anyone tell me what was burning?

Naja's Redondo Beach

On Saturday I drove to Naja's in Redondo Beach for some live Reggae music by Urban Dread, and my daughter Margaret and her Bo Chase met me there for a few cold beers.
Why this man is dressed as a pirate has me guessing, his boat is also something like a pirate ship of old.
I will miss the music next Saturday as I attend Jimmy Hathaway's wedding.
Tina Kim with Chris Ried Tonight
My children, friends, and I will be departing for the Pasadena Ice House for the pre-party show at 7:30pm. I will grab a few photographs of everyone, and get a few pictures with Tina and Chris Ried before the show. Frazier Smith will be the host, Frazier was a very popular shock jock on KLOS radio some years ago. Chris is an actor and comic.
The Page Users Really Dislike Seeing
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