posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 7:45 AM 0 Comments
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posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 7:31 AM 0 Comments
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As Joanna enjoyed her beauty treatment I spent two hours having every muscle in my body massaged with hot smooth rocks, which left me sore afterwards, but I slept very well Saturday and Sunday nights as a result. With all the stress at the newspaper, treat yourself to a massage once in awhile; you won’t be sorry, just a little lighter in the wallet.
And speaking about being lighter in the wallet, the Los Angeles Times Security is actively investigating the vandalism occurring at the Olympic Facility. I have contacted Wells Fargo Bank and Washington Mutual for the exact times my cards have been used at Yum Yum Donuts, so Times security can view the video from the merchant to identify the culprit in the thief’s.
I had not even bothered to see where my Visa card was used until last night, and discovered the dummy had used my credit card at Yum Yum donuts twice for charges of $4.08 and $2.98.
Last Friday before the pressroom started the swing shift Dan Lippiatt informed every one of the break-ins at a shift meeting, and urged everyone to file a report with security if they have experienced a loss. Apparently the reports filed with security are but the tip of the iceberg, as many have shared that their lockers have been opened in their absence, but have not reported the break-ins because they felt the company did not care.
One of the main reasons I have this blog is to keep my colleagues informed, so many things are presented here to stay abreast of the industry, and in this case, make all Operation Employees aware of the dangers of storing anything of value in their personal lockers.
Lets hope Times security can locate the thief before a pressman finds them, because some in the pressroom will apply vigilante justice to vent their anger.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 7:21 AM 2 Comments
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Blogging and the Shifting Definitions of Journalism - Lamar White
Set Your Alarm: Page One Ads Are Coming - Huffington Post
Newspapers earnings: How much worse will it get? - Blogging Stocks
New Competition For 'Metro'? - Philadelphia Will Do
Blogger Luke Ford and KTLA reporter Eric Spillman debate ethics - LAT
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:58 PM 0 Comments
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As the Tribune continues on the downward spiral, especially with double digit decreases in revenue; it will only be a business decision to outsource Operations to trim costs and increase profits. I know what we’re told, that we cannot outsource Operations, but I also still vividly recall being told there would be no further buyouts, four buyouts ago.
Credibility means a lot, which leads to the meeting in which everyone working in Operations was informed their jobs were secure, and all the Times truck drivers and mechanics were let go shortly after the meeting, and outsourced to Ryder Trucking.
Many of the articles I post in the daily links are meant for my fellow workers, especially regarding outsourcing at other newspapers, don’t think for a moment we are not seen as a way of increasing profits, we all have targets on our backs, and will be eliminated when possible.
If you do not believe me take a look to our north, the San Francisco Chronicle, which has a very strong union, will be letting everyone go in May of 2009 as Transcontinental takes over the production of the newspaper.
We have heard for four years that we will be bringing in new products to produce at our printing facilities, yet no extra work has materialized, and most likely will never arrive.
My message to all of my colleagues in Operations, watch your spending habits, cut back where you can, and by all means place your credits cards in a secure place for emergencies only.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:11 AM 0 Comments
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Well, I had the opportunity to experience that very same scenario while awaiting my flight on Thursday morning at Ontario Airport. And, I must say it was an experience second to that of seeing my first-born child for the first time! It was one I will never forget.
After giving up my seat on my initial flight (and reaping the benefits for doing so), I was just sitting and waiting for departure, a group of uniformed soldiers entered my waiting section. To see them initially gave me chills, as I wasn't sure if they were there to represent Homeland Security or to report to their assigned duties. Fortunately, they were there to welcome troops returning from Iraq.
As passengers deplaned, they saw an elderly gentleman wearing a veterans hat. They greeted him with handshakes and words of respect. And his smile clearly displayed his appreciation for the recognition he received.
Then, came the troops. OMG! As they exited the walkway from the plane, the chills took over me, the applause began, camera flashes came out of nowhere and tears streamed from adults and children alike.
Afterwards, the troops gathered in a group, listened to their instructions, and were on their way. I have a couple of pictures to post after my return to SoCal.
To see this gives one a renewed appreciation for our freedom and those who make it possible.
God Bless Our Troops!
posted by Nubia |
¶ 8:36 AM 2 Comments
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Operations employees, submit your photos for posting hereSanta Cruz Sentinel Shut Down its Presses - SF Peninsula Press Club
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:16 PM 1 Comments
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I hope everyone is having a fantastic summer. I've been busy the last few weeks with my daughter's All Star Softball team. They were a 12U (12 & under) team and they played their hearts out. It was great while it lasted but now it's over.
Now I'm looking forward to spending the remainder of summer enjoying the summer concerts in the park, taking long evening walks and working on my tan on my days off from work.
I hope everyone gets an opportunity to recharge yourself by relaxing, counting your blessings and enjoying all that summer has to offer.
Please pray for our troops...they need our support now that the desert heat is upon them. My son-in-law (currently in Iraq) has said that temperatures during the day can reach 125 degrees! I will not complain about the heat in Southern California as long as I know we have members of our military enduring much more.
God bless everyone!
Jade
posted by Jade |
¶ 3:46 PM 0 Comments
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LA Cowboy: Unasked Questions About Downtown, Transportation, Housing and Grand Avenue!
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 3:04 PM 0 Comments
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The merger would mix non-union employees at the Contra Costa Times with the unionized workers at the ANG papers, including the Oakland Tribune, San Mateo County Times, etc.
After the merger, if the combined news operation has more non-union than union members, the employees can circulate a petition calling for a decertification election of all employees in the bargaining unit. Gammon said Guild officials are counting heads.
Decertification means the Guild would no longer be the exclusive bargaining agent for employees, which would effectively end union representation.
San Francisco Peninsula Press Club: Guild fears it may be decertified
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 2:59 PM 0 Comments
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I have been ever so passionate about the lack of communications given to my colleagues and myself at the Los Angeles Times Operations Departments, my regular readers are aware of this.
Yesterday the publisher of the Times, David Hiller, announced the creation of a tool on the Times Intranet that will allow the workers, without company email accounts, to communicate their ideas to committees and upper management at the newspaper.
GREAT IDEA David, and we thank you.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:34 AM 0 Comments
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The script had an error or it did not produce any output. If there was an error, you should be able to see it in the error log.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:57 AM 0 Comments
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Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 1:50 PM
To: zzAll LATimes Employees
Subject: Suggestion Box on TimesLink
Folks,
My experience is that most of the best ideas on changing and improving our business come from colleagues who see opportunities in their dealings with readers, online users, advertisers, other departments, etc. — in other words, their first hand experiences. A lot of you have sent me emails and notes with your suggestions, and I know a ton of ideas get raised directly in your departments.
But to make sure we’re getting as many good ideas as we can, we are implementing a suggestion that came from several of you — creating an electronic suggestion box on TimesLink.
I hope you’ll click on it to submit your ideas, feedback, and insight. If you have a suggestion that will improve our business, save money, increase circulation or revenue, or just make the day to day operations of your department more efficient — we want to know. Also, be sure to pass along ideas and suggestions you hear from our customers, or your neighbors, or things you see competing media doing that we ought to consider.
We’ll take a good look at everything, get back to everybody who sends something in, and put the best ideas into action fast.
As “Times Change,” my guess is experience will again show that you have the best ideas about how we move ahead.
I look forward to hearing from you.
David
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:41 AM 0 Comments
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Wednesday when the Tribune Company announced historic revenues declines, I fully expected a major sell off of Tribune stock. But Dennis saved the day when he told the world the financing for the repurchase of 127 million shares of outstanding Tribune stock was secured, causing the stock to gain $1.05 for the day.
The last two hurdles for taking Tribune private will be the vote by Tribunites across the country on August 21st, and a ruling by the FCC on cross ownership of media in the same market.
Brilliant move Wednesday Dennis.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:08 AM 0 Comments
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This is clear from two articles in the New York Times Business section that ran yesterday. One showed how the managers of the New York Times Co. are quite skillful, while the managers of the Tribune Co. are the numbskulls that we have gotten to know so well.
For additional laugh's, click on the link below.
Take Back the Times: NYTimes Business Skill, Tribune Ineptitude
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:38 AM 0 Comments
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I was astounded by the response from my colleagues regarding the thief’s at the Los Angeles Times Olympic Facility; I had no clue so many lockers were being vandalized and valuables taken while the workers were manning the printing presses.Bill Conover told me his ipod was removed from his locker, John Rickett had $300.00 cash taken from him, Dennis Rios lost his change jar, and the list could go on for many more lines.
I have discovered all the lockers that have been broken into have one common denominator, the lockers were protected with a Master combination lock. Apparently the locks can be disabled with a sharp blow from a heavy object, my Master lock now opens with a strong downward tug, rendering the lock obsolete.
Ed Santos, Bill Conover, and Craig Steer have shown me how their Master locks open with a little tug, as mine does, making our locks nothing more than adornments hanging from our lockers.
The Los Angeles Times Grapevine tells me management is considering outsourcing our security guards again. I say again, because we tried this four or five years ago, and employees lost car stereos, their lunches, and anything that was not bolted down. I’m not implying it was the outside contractor’s, but the thief’s stopped when Los Angeles Times security was brought back to Olympic.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:00 AM 0 Comments
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As a child I could not stand the taste of beets, but as I have aged, they now taste extremely good in my old age. The same goes for politics, I never paid much attention to what politicians said, but now that I’m in my fifties I have developed a taste for what is being said.
Allow me to introduce Aaron Proctor in this short video.
For further information on Aaron Proctor, visit Pasadena's Political Underbelly Blog.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 7:24 AM 2 Comments
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Half have never voted for President.
One hopes it is the same half."
--Gore Vidal, author.
from Dan Poynter's Parapublishing site.
posted by Kanani |
¶ 7:22 AM 0 Comments
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Get Lost With Easy-WriterYou know you're "out there" once the anthology you're in goes on sale. Experimental Travel is on sale through Lonely Planet, the travel guide company. Yup, it's gone down to $9.99, which means that once this stash is gone, it'll only be found in used bookstores, trashbins, and the homes of travelers who have about forty travelguides all lined up.....
read the rest on my blog! Leave me a note!
posted by Kanani |
¶ 10:18 PM 0 Comments
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We are headed to Biaccis for pizza, sodas, and comedy, the comedy is free, so join us at 9:00 p.m. tonight. The title will take you to their MySpace page. Tonight's show is hosted by the famous Bruce Jingles, sidekick of Jeff Garcia.
Biaccis Pizza
775 N. Central Ave.
Upland, CA 91786
909-946-0990
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 6:42 PM 0 Comments
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Date: August 4th, 2007, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Demonstration: Victory Outreach - Stop the Violence
Location: Figueroa & Pico
March Route:
Northbound Figueroa to 11th Street
Eastbound 11th Street to Main Street
Northbound on Main Street to City Hall South
Event is expected to draw 10,000 people. There are no official street closures at this time, however rolling closures are expected.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 6:30 PM 1 Comments
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Calling all pressmen, if you have any photographs of Bob Bagwell would you please share them with melinda.marquez@latimes.com for Bob's upcoming anniversary party. And for you current employees, can you see Mike Gibson in this old picture? Mike is second from the right, and enters press impositions into the computer system now days.posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:44 AM 1 Comments
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posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:56 AM 1 Comments
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Mr. Beane's primary purpose was orchestrating the the forty-eight inch project, cutting down the width of the Los Angeles Times, at Oly then Orange County.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 1:37 PM 1 Comments
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And Nikki Finke has a great follow up which is a must read.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:13 AM 0 Comments
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[CUT]
It is obvious Tribune thinks Page 1 ads are great. Anything to stem the revenue losses caused by its own downsizing and denigration of the newspaper. These Chicago idiots have screwed around with the newspaper for seven years, and now they are fixing to disgrace it with yet another cheap, sleazy, classless innovation, the Page 1 ads.
Continue reading Ken Reich by clicking on link below.
Take Back the Times: Patrick Goldstein's Column Should Run In LAT
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:01 AM 0 Comments
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posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:21 AM 0 Comments
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Second quarter 2007 results from continuing operations included the following:
- A charge of $.08 per diluted share for the elimination of approximately 450 positions at publishing and corporate.
- A charge of $.07 per diluted share for the write-off of Los Angeles Times plant equipment related to the previously closed San Fernando Valley facility.
- A net non-operating loss of $.15 per diluted share.
Second quarter 2006 results from continuing operations included the following:
- A gain of $.01 per diluted share related to the Company’s share of a one-time favorable income tax adjustment recorded at CareerBuilder.
- A net non-operating loss of $.03 per diluted share.
Tribune presents earnings per share amounts on a generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") basis only. This differs from the pro forma earnings per share amounts supplied by broker analysts to databases such as First Call.
"Our second quarter results reflect the difficult advertising environment, although strongcost controls partially offset revenue declines," said Dennis FitzSimons, Tribune chairman,president and chief executive officer. "Publishing was impacted by soft print advertising and comparisons to record real estate spending, particularly in Florida, in 2006. However, second quarter interactive revenues increased 17 percent over the same period last year. In television, the telecom and entertainment categories showed growth. Demand was softacross other categories and there was little political spending versus last year. As we look to Tribune’s second half, year-over-year comparisons will ease and new revenue initiatives are expected to contribute to publishing results. The launch of new CW and syndicated shows will positively impact our television group."
"Our going-private transaction is on track and the financing for it is fully committed,"FitzSimons added. "We anticipate closing the transaction in the fourth quarter, following FCC approval, and expect to be in full compliance with our credit agreements."
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 7:26 AM 0 Comments
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Tribune stock set another fifty-two week low this afternoon, losing one dollar per share and closing at $27.17. Let's hope the morning finanicial reports for the company aren't as bad as predicted, or we could see the stock dropping like a rock in morning trading.posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:13 PM 0 Comments
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Life never ceases to amaze!
Nubia
posted by Nubia |
¶ 10:50 PM 0 Comments
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And I would like to add, Bob started his Times career in the pressroom.
I snapped this picture of Bob with LA Times publisher David Hiller at the celebration for the Times 125th year in business party last year.
Bob Bagwell’s 60th anniversary with the Los Angeles Times celebration is Monday, August 6 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm in the 5th floor salon in the Times Building.
For more information contact Melinda Marquez 213-237-6370
melinda.marquez@latimes.com
A video crew will be on hand at Olympic this Thursday for comments in celebration of this unheard of event, and group photographs will also be taken.
I hope my boss allows me to attend?
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:24 PM 3 Comments
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Get Lost With Easy-Writer
She was fun. We could talk for hours. Horses, dogs, Irish verse. Myths, memoirs and novels. We would exchange cookies at Christmas. She had a laugh, loud, straight from the belly, almost a guffaw.
posted by Kanani |
¶ 11:48 AM 1 Comments
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The Pressroom’s favorite comedian, Tina Kim, will be on stage this Thursday at the J Restaurant and Lounge in downtown Los Angeles.1119 S. Olive Street ------ Los Angeles, CA 90015tTickets are $15.00 in advance at www.tinakim.com or $20.00 at the door.
NO DRINK MINIMUMS -- there will be a DJ etc, so you can hang out after the show or before the show.
Doors open at 7:00 PM for my show and my show starts at 8:30 PM. I will have a few opening acts. You can eat at the restaurant if you are hungry or you can order bar food at my show in the lounge. They have great food and cocktails here.
There is free parking on the street, a parking garage across the street from the lounge or valet parking at the lounge, and the prices vary on their valet parking for some reason, anywhere fromfive dollars to ten dollars. Not sure what they are going tocharge for my show but my instinct says ten dollars. I know how you Asians always want to know the price down to the last penny :)
Log onto J Lounge Los Angeles for more information.
I will have a few opening comics and then I will close the show. The whole show with my opening comics will be one and a half hours long.Afterwards you are welcome to stay and hang out with me.
Tickets are $15.00 in advance through my website only in advance orit is $20.00 cash only at the door. Please log onto Tina Kim Shows to get your advance tickets.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 11:17 AM 0 Comments
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Photo by Lorie Conoverposted by Ed Padgett |
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posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:45 AM 0 Comments
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Tribune stock closed at $28.17
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 5:36 PM 0 Comments
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posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:52 AM 0 Comments
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This training is open to anyone who is interested in the information it will provide. It will give an understanding of what a shop steward's duties, rights and responsibility's are to the members, and how to enforce our contract, as well as cover the Grievence Process.
If you're interested in attending this training class, contact Ronnie at admin@saveourtrade.com or you can RSVP directly by calling (626) 357-6476
Save Our Trade: Teamsters Shop Steward Training
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:21 AM 0 Comments
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But enjoy Dr. Hui and Pinky on pinkyshow
And here's more on pinkyshow, which is on YOUTUBE.
posted by Kanani |
¶ 4:09 PM 0 Comments
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posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:19 AM 2 Comments
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posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:43 AM 0 Comments
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My colleague Ed Santos and I share the same locker room and identical combination locks for our lockers. I have been having a very hard time lately opening my lock, and noted Ed was also experiencing the same difficulty.
Last Tuesday before leaving for Los Angeles I made a quick pit stop at Valero for gasoline, a Monster drink, and a pack of Marlboro's, using my Wells Fargo debit card.
On Thursday afternoon I attempted to make a purchase at Albertson's but could not locate my debit card, so I charged my fried chicken and cookies with my Visa Card, before driving to work.
When I returned home from work on Thursday night I looked high and far for my debit card, and somehow became distracted, and forgot about it. Last night I stopped at Walmarts to buy my daughter some shampoo and conditioner, and when I reached the cashier I recalled I did not have my debit card, so I would have to charge the purchase.
Odd thing, my debit card reappeared, so I was able to make my purchase my normal way, and I thought no more of this. Actually chalked it up to my old age.
As I scanned my checking account online I see I'm not senile yet! Someone had indeed taken my debit card from my locker between Tuesday and Friday, how do I know this? There was a purchase of $5.87 at a Yum Yum Donut in East Los Angeles on Wednesday, and I have not visited a Yum Yum or any other donut shop in months.
I guess I should feel lucky I only had to buy donuts for them. Don't leave anything of value in the locker rooms at work, or you may get taken.
UPDATE 10:45 p.m.
Folks, I discovered someone had used my debit card thirty minutes before departing for dinner, across the street from our former production facility in Chatsworth, at the Stone Fire Grill. Saul Daniels, former Los Angeles Times writer, invited the pressmen to a free dinner tonight, and it was great.
As I told my colleagues about my debit card problem, I pulled my small wallet from my pocket and showed everyone where I store my debit card. I then proceeded to show them where I keep my credit card, and discovered it was missing in action.
Seems when our friendly thief returned my debit card; he lifted my Washington Mutual Visa card from my wallet. I had an extremely hard time enjoying my company and the great tasting food at that point, and wondered how much damage could be done?
I had planned to stop by Jesse’s after dinner, but thought I better get home and take care of this matter as soon as possible.
As I logged onto the credit card web site, I held my breath wondering how much of my eleven thousand dollars in credit was spent? To my relief, only $7.06 was applied to my credit card, which was then blocked from any further use.
Last year we had a major problem with thefts at the Times Olympic Plant, several computers vanished, as well as cash from employee lockers, taken while everyone was working. The thief was apprehended, then escorted to the front gate and banned from company property, he could not be terminated because he was an outside contractor.
I would like to know why the Los Angeles Police Department were not called when the thief was caught? Just because someone is in this country without a visa or passport, is no reason to allow them to walk away free. If I catch someone in my locker, I promised they will not be walked to the front gate, they will be carried out.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 3:41 PM 8 Comments
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