title>Los Angeles Times Pressmens 20 Year Club: December 2009

Los Angeles Times Pressmens 20 Year Club

Thursday, December 31, 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM NUBIA

BE BLESSED!

Thought For Today 12-31-2009

There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important thing.

Brian Tracy

Top 10 Events at the Los Angeles Times in 2009

1. The California Section shuttered from the newspaper - January
2. 300 Los Angeles Times Employees laid off - February
3. Los Angeles Times Pressroom Employees hold rally at Times Mirror Square - March
4. Tribune Seeks Court Permission to Pay Bonuses - April
5. Sunday circulation falls below a million at the Los Angeles Times - June
6. The Chandlers and Their Times INVENTING LA - July
7. OC Register, LA Times announce joint distribution agreement - July
8. Departure of Managing Editor for LATimes.com Meredith Artley - September
9. Orange County LA Times Facility Restructuring - September
10. Sam Zell's Memo to Staff - December

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Media titans News Corp. and Time Warner Cable in fee fight

If you're watching Fox on New Year's Eve, your television screen might go black at midnight. Media reporter Joe Flint explains why. Read more at http://bit.ly/5Ir6FM

Wednesday Afternoon in the Blogosphere

Mike Brierley, Executive Board Member GCC/IBT Local 140-N at the Los Angeles Times

Newspapers Fail Their Readers - The Epoch Times
New Years Eve Sobriety Checkpoints - LA Metblogs
Man is father to the child and vice versa - David Rensin
Laid off from business journalism: Now what? - Weblogs
Blogger Activism to Stop Taser Torture - Electronic Village
10 News Media Content Trends to Watch in 2010 - Mashable
The top ten local political stories of 2009 - Joseph Mailander
Los Angeles Downtown News Shrinks Distrubution - Pandora
We're all Depending on Rumors and Speculation - Washington Post
Great Newspaper Collapse of 2009 didn’t pan out - Newspaper Death Watch

On This Overcast Day....

Thought For Today 12-30-2009

Self-respect is the fruit of discipline; the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself.

Abraham Joshua Heschel

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Memorial Service for Gene Brame

From the Olympic Pressroom Office:

We all extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family of Gene Brame who passed away December 26, 2009, he will be missed. In speaking with Mrs. Brame there will be Memorial Services for Celebration of Gene’s Life, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Memorial Services held:

Saturday, January 2, 2010 – 2:00 PM
Bethlehem Lutheran Church <--CLICK for MAP
27265 Luther Drive
Canyon Country, CA. 91351
661.252.0622

If you would like to send a message of condolence to the family contact me for their address.

h/t Jesse Espinoza

Thought For Today 12-29-2009

It is in deep solitude that I find the gentleness with which I can truly love my brothers. The more solitary I am the more affection I have for them…. Solitude and silence teach me to love my brothers for what they are, not for what they say.

Thomas Merton

TV rabbit ears

Go find those rabbit ears. David Sarno shows how to get television programs using the old-fashioned antennas and your current TV set. Read complete article here: Rabbit ears make comeback in digital TV era

Monday, December 28, 2009

Chicago Tribune Readership Grows

CHICAGO, Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chicago Tribune posted year-over-year readership increases according to the most recent Scarborough data, the largest increase in a decade.

Data for the 6 month period ending in August for the Chicago DMA shows a 4 percent increase in the percentage of people who read the paper in the past week compared to the prior 6-month period. Forty-two percent of the DMA read Chicago Tribune in the past week. This is the second consecutive period of readership increases for Chicago Tribune.

In addition, Scarborough results show an increase in engagement as readers are spending more time with the paper and reading it more often.

"Readership hasn't been at this level since February 2007. In fact, this is the first time in a decade we have seen readership increases of this magnitude. Our commitment to creating unique, differentiated content has paid dividends," said Tony Hunter, President and CEO. "These increases in readership and engagement are driving results for advertisers."

With this increase, the Tribune continues to widen the readership gap over the Sun-Times from 6 percentage points for the 6-month period ending February 2008 to nearly 15 percentage points today.

"Our readership trends confirm that we cover this market better than anyone else. We will continue to provide compelling solutions for consumers and advertisers, online and in print," said Hunter.

About Chicago Tribune Media Group

Chicago Tribune Media Group publishes the Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune as well as related print and interactive media serving Chicagoland like RedEye, Hoy, Triblocal, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Home + Garden, chicagotribune.com and metromix.com.

SOURCE Chicago Tribune

Thought For Today 12-28-2009

One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter.

James Earl Jones

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Los Angeles Times Olympic Facility 1998

Pressman Al Albanes converted the following three videos from the VHS format to digital for our viewing pleasure, thank you Al.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Gene Brame Rest in Peace

Los Angeles Times Pressroom Crew Foreman Gene Brame passed away at 1:00 a.m. this morning.

Funeral services are pending at this time.

Thought For Today 12-26-2009

Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.

John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

Christmas Wishes and Making Them Come True!

By Ronnie Pineda

Merry Christmas to the Men and Women of GCC/IBT Local 140-N and your families, wishing that your holidays are safe and memorable.

Christmas is a time of giving and when one of our own was in need, many of you dug deep and gave without hesitation. I am never amazed to witness the generosity displayed by the men and women in our shops when finding out that a fellow pressperson is need.

Between the L.A. and O.C. shops, $645.00 was raised in two days for our brother and his family. Our brother expressed his most sincere appreciation and gratitude when given this Christmas blessing. I was literally choked up, along with several other brothers when placing your generous Christmas gift in his hand. This made Christmas extra special for me and I will always remember this occassion that was made possible by all of you, thank you!

You will all be blessed 10 fold for your compassion and Christmas Spirit. I am very proud to be a member of this brotherhood and honor all of you for caring about one another and by showing it in ways that are beyond compare.

Special thanks to James Abel, Maria Ramirez, Linard Williams, Chuck Reney, Paula Henley, David Martinez, Randy Lind, David Rascon, Charles Laird, Keith Denson, Ye Lung Fu, Ed Padgett, Darren Paugh, Richard Ontiveros and everyone else that contributed during these difficult times.

Anyone still wishing to contribute can do so until December 31st. Keith Denson and Chuck Reney will gladly accept your offering and forward your gift. Thank you in advance.

(We lost track of everyone that contributed because the cash came pouring in on the 24th and we wanted to deliver your gift on Christmas Eve. I apologize for not being able to post the names of all the contributors and give them the proper recognition that they deserve.)

Brother Ronnie Pineda

Christmas Wishes and Making Them Come True!

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas from NUBIA

Last night's pajama party. Baby Sister Donna & I.

Season's Greetings to Everyone

Merry Christmas from the Padgett Family

Thursday, December 24, 2009

My Visit to the Orange County LA Times Facility (Day 2)

My second of three days at the Los Angeles Times Costa Mesa Production Facility was filled with laughter, in-between producing Friday’s newspaper. But don’t let anyone know as we’re supposed to be miserable while working at the newspaper.

Sensing I was homesick for the Times Olympic Facility, Mike Gonzales (in the middle) and Chuck Reney attempted to make me feel at home with their gestures. I have to admit, it worked!

I was amazed at the number of newspapers produced on the second shift at the Orange County Facility on Thursday’s, much higher than anticipated.

Will spend Christmas with my colleagues in Costa Mesa tomorrow and capture a few more memories with my digital camera.

Here’s an additional forty photos from my adventure this afternoon.

My Visit to the Orange County LA Times Facility

I’m off to Costa Mesa as I’m working at the Los Angeles Times Orange County Production Facility three days this week. After spending the past thirty-seven years in the pressroom in downtown Los Angeles, it’s so refreshing to work in a different environment.

The drive to Costa Mesa is but five additional miles, and yesterday I spent forty-five minutes commuting to the plant, arriving over an hour early as we never know what to expect with the freeway system.

The pressmen and supervisors were extremely helpful as I am out of my comfort zone, and the methods are the same for printing the newspaper, yet a bit different.

I have posted sixty photographs, with many more to come the next two days.

View pictures here on Flickr

Palm Beach Post RIP 12/20/2008

Former Palm Beach Post photographer Ken Steinhoff has written a nice piece on the one year anniversary of the outsourcing of the newspaper to the Sun-Sentinel. Naturally the story is filled with many photographs from the operations departments.

I’m certain my colleagues will enjoy the article and the pictures.

A Look Back at The Post’s Production Department

LA Press Club Urges Passage of a Federal Shield Law

Hollywood, CA. The Board of the Los Angeles Press Club endorses the Senate Judiciary Committee's bill to establish a qualified privilege for journalists to protect their confidential sources and the public's right to know.

The Free Flow of Information Act, S. 448, was voted out of committee earlier this month by a bi-partisan 14-5 vote.

The current version of this "Federal Shield Law" may not give reporters all the protection they need, but it's an important step in the right direction.

The bill would extend its protection to include bloggers, freelancers and any other person involved in disseminating news and information. All reporters' telephone records and email used in gathering the news are also protected. However, national security can still be invoked by the government to demand a reporter's sources.

"After years of debate and countless cases of reporters being held in contempt, fined and even jailed for honoring their professional commitment not to publicly reveal their sources, the time has come to enact a balanced federal shield law," said committee chairman, Patrick Leahy, (D-Vt).

The Press Club urges Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer to assist in bringing this bill before the full Senate for a successful vote as soon as possible.

Thursday Morning in the Blogosphere

Linard Williams, Treasurer GCC/IBT Local 140-N at the Los Angeles Times

Brand X Gets Palinized - Tina Dupuy
Daily Breeze reporter headed to LA Weekly - Gary Scott
Our efforts at transformation have just begun - Romenesko
They can't possibly save magazines and newspapers - Slate
Journalism: Access, Ethics & All That Jazz - Celeste Fremon
It’s been a tumultuous year in the newspaper industry - InVocus
Vote now for L.A. Metblogs Grinch of the Year! - David Markland
Merry Christmas from Transcontinental (P.S.: You’re fired) - Fagstein
Sam Zell Still on the Hook, Lawyers in Tribune Case Are Happy - Law.com
A Look Back at The Post’s Production Department - Palm Beach Bike Tours

Correction of Errors

I was led to believe John Garay would return to the pressroom as part time foremen, this turned out to be false, he has returned as a part time pressman.

The Orange County Los Angeles Times Facility has two plate setters, not one as previously reported.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Support Truthdig

Drilling beneath the headlines DAILY.

Dear Truthdig Reader,

It's great when our readers make our pitch. Commenting online about a recent batch of awards we won, two readers said of Truthdig:
"The best online forum around, and an absolutely essential media source. It takes a lot of work and courage to be Truthdig.”

“Now, if only TD had CNN's or MSNBC's budget! To pay more, and then – more importantly – to reach more. We might then move forward.”

We couldn't have said it better. We don't need to be CNN or MSNBC, but with support from you we could provide a lot more of the progressive commentary, news, insights, interviews, criticism, reviews and cartoons you like.

Help move Truthdig forward in 2010 by making a gift right now, right here, online or by check.

While Truthdig is a serious and worthy cause, it's also a sheer intellectual pleasure. Where else do you get to curl up with Chris Hedges' extraordinary columns – fascism to food politics, the opium trade to environmental ignorance to linguistic war and cultural degradation – always cutting to the heart of the matter? Who else brings you Robert Scheer's persistent bird-dogging of the follies of the Wall Street bailout? Where else but Truthdig do you hear why Rep. Dennis Kucinich voted “no” on health care reform – and get his insider's view of the darker side of this debate? What other publication has dared to compare female genital cutting in Africa (as we did in an article by our Africa correspondent) to the cosmetic plastic surgery on genitals in the U.S. and other Western nations?

You won't find material of this kind in the newspapers or magazines or on the cable or satellite services you regularly have to pay for. Isn't Truthdig worth at least as much?

We ask you, at the end of a year filled with good digging by Truthdig, to help us continue our work. We pay our writers, photographers and editors – not a common practice in the online world – and also provide professional copy editing and legal vetting because you deserve quality work.

Please give as generously as you can. We'll do the same.

Yours,
Zuade Kaufman, Publisher
Robert Scheer, Editor in Chief
and the Truthdig Team

P.S. For those who would like a tax-deductible giving option for larger gifts: We have one! Truthdig is launching a nonprofit venture – an exciting new site focusing on arts and culture. Click here to learn about becoming a founding supporter.

Keep on digging!

Top 10 Things Killed by the Internet

Thought For Today 12-23-2009

The only person who never makes mistakes is the person who never does anything.

Denis Waitley

Productivity rises as workers do more with less -- latimes.com

Productivity rises as workers do more with less -- latimes.com

Employee output per hour rises 8.1% in the third quarter, the largest gain since 2003. But with people working harder in hopes of keeping their jobs, employers have less incentive to hire again.

Posted using ShareThis

Wednesday Morning in the Blogosphere

Keith Denson (left) vice-president GCC/IBT at the Los Angeles Times with Fred Kirby

Newspapers Out of Print - Paper Cuts
Stupid media tricks - The Capital Fax Blog
Residents help small papers thrive - Cjonline
New Trib CEO favors rubber penis - Griffith Park Wayist
Busting the Liberal Bias in the Media - N. Georgia Democrats
Productivity rises as workers do more with less - Los Angeles Times
Attention Job Seekers: San Diego Militia Needs a Scribe - Tina Dupuy
Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Wednesday - Mayor Sam's Sister City
Steve Rhodes: I resigned from NBCChicago.com over ethics 101 - WBEZ
Are Tribune Co. & NBC5 Chicago Censoring Local News? - Chicago Now

Remembering the newspaper carrier -- latimes.com

Remembering the newspaper carrier -- latimes.com

Each night for 25 years my dad drove the streets of this city with more than 300 newspapers packed in his car. While most people slept, he delivered papers in housing projects and to homes in areas of the city some would be nervous to visit.

These days my dad, Simeon Stewart, is an alumnus of a fading fraternity: the home newspaper carrier. Technically he never worked for the Los Angeles Times; he worked all those years for Mr. Norman Wilson Sr., who held a contract to deliver The Times in South Los Angeles and had a crew of men to do it. Like my dad, most of them were African Americans with wives and families and mortgages. The paper route was a second job that helped make ends meet.

Entire article can be read at LATimes.com

Posted using ShareThis

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Elected 2009's National Scrooge of the Year

The Chamber's narrow, radical agenda advocating for anti-worker, profit-focused solutions to the broken health care, labor, and environmental systems garnered them the most votes for the national Jobs with Justice "Scrooge of the Year" award.

Thousands of votes were cast in the Jobs with Justice annual contest to determine which greedy, cold-hearted organization or person deserves the title "Scrooge of the Year." Voters chose the Chamber of Commerce as their winner this year as it's became increasingly clear that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has developed into a front group for a few narrow interests, not a membership association that represents the voice of mainstream American businesses. The Chamber has spent millions of dollars lobbying against legislation that would benefit workers and families like the Employee Free Choice Act, health insurance reform, paid sick days, and environmental regulations. Their extreme positions have led some companies and local chapters of the Chamber to disaffiliate from the national group.

This year's Scrooge contest pitted the Chamber of Commerce against Bank of America, nominated for their role in the sub-prime lending crisis and failure to extend credit to small businesses, Hyatt Hotels for their Scrooge-like firing of 100 housekeepers in Boston and other anti-worker actions, Publix Supermarkets for their resisting the call to be part of the solution to human rights violations in Florida fields by continuing to buy tomatoes from growers prosecuted for modern-day slavery, and student loan lenders Sallie Mae and Citibank for their expensive, variable rate loans for students. An impressive write-in campaign was also waged for United Airlines, for their slashing of workers' wages and pensions while continuing to award lavish bonuses to top executives.

"There was plenty of competition for the award this year," said Jobs with Justice Executive Director Sarita Gupta, "but the similarities between Scrooge and the Chamber of Commerce were hard to beat. The ghost of years past would show that the policies they've promoted including deregulation and maximizing profits at the expense of workers are directly connected to the destruction of America's middle class."

Throughout the country, many people remain unemployed and more are working harder and longer than ever before to make ends meet, as highlighted in our recently released report examining the impact of the economic crisis on working people.

Over the holidays and in the coming weeks, Jobs with Justice will begin a campaign to engage working people in the fight for the creation of a national jobs program.

"We fully expect the Chamber of Commerce to come out in opposition to our demand for good paying and family sustaining jobs," said Gupta, "but we will not cede this moment nor shy away from this fight. The ghost of future years will show that in this time of crisis, it was our efforts that helped put people back to work."

SOURCE: Save Our Trade

eReaders review

Video review of popular eReaders by Los Angeles Times' David Sarno and Michelle Maltais. See the story at: http://bit.ly/8DTdT8 See details on 16 devices at: http://bit.ly/8B27Xn

Thought For Today 12-22-2009

The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously.

Hubert Humphrey

Tuesday Morning in the Blogosphere

Ronnie Pineda, President of GCC/IBT Local 140-N at the Los Angeles Times

The [Monday] Papers - Steve Rhodes
MediaNews memo to staff - Gary Scott
Some newspaper publishers that filed Chapter 11 - AP
Heartland, Owner of 23 Papers, Declares Bankruptcy - AP
LAT's Lakers Blog Loses Blogging Brothers - Tina Dupuy
Tribune's New CEO Has a Shocking Past - Steve Rhodes
Rhodes Leaves NBC after Trib execs kill NBC story - Windy Citizen
Here’s what I think bankrupt newspapers should be doing - Jeff Jarvis
Tribune ESOP in 'Fraudulent Conveyance' Bankruptcy Dispute? - E&P
Wash Times Cuts Sunday Paper, Will Publish 5 Times Per Week - TPM

Part Time Foreman in the House

As the newspaper seeks any and all methods of reducing costs we will see a first at the Los Angeles Times, a part time pressroom supervisor.

John Garay, whom took a buyout in June, 2007 will be returning to the Olympic Pressroom tomorrow as a part time foreman.

Gene Brame Update

Nine days ago (Dec. 13th) Gene was taken off life support, and as of last Saturday he was breathing on his own. Gene will be moved to a hospice shortly.

Gene has not regained consciousness since his massive heart attack on Thanksgiving night while driving to the newspaper.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Thought For Today 12-21-2009

I never believed in Santa Claus because I knew no white man would be coming into my neighborhood after dark.

Dick Gregory

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Thought For Today 12-20-2009

Reality leaves a lot to the imagination.

John Lennon

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Chicago Bliss Lingerie Football team on WGN Morning News

WGN Morning News' Pat Tomasulo is many things, but today he was a pretty lucky guy, hosting the Chicago Bliss Lingerie Football team as guests on WGN.

Update: The Hubs Scheduled To Drop In, The Best Surgeon's Mug Ever

Read it here:

The Kitchen Dispatch

Sam Zell Must Face Tribune Employees’ Lawsuit Over Pension Plan

By Andrew M. Harris

Dec. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Sam Zell, the real estate investor who took the Chicago-based Tribune Co. private in an $8.3 billion stock buyback two years ago, must face an employee lawsuit claiming he knowingly violated federal pension laws.

{BREAK}

As many as 10,000 workers may have lost money as a result of how the shareholder buyout was executed, said Daniel Feinberg, an attorney for the employees in Oakland, California. While only six workers are named as plaintiffs in the suit, he said he will seek class-action certification to sue on behalf of other employees.

{BREAK}

The case is Neil v. Zell, 08cv6833, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois (Chicago).

Complete article can be read at Bloomberg

Thought For Today 12-19-2009

The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same.

Carlos Casteneda

Friday, December 18, 2009

Friday Night in the Blogosphere

Doug Davis Wishing Sam Zell Good Luck with his Purchase of the Tribune Company

DATE: September, 2007

Premature Exec Elation - Newspaper Death Watch
Latest Pressman Jobs Posted - Get Pressman Jobs
Tribune's New CEO Has a Shocking Past - Steve Rhodes
My Top Ten Political Stories of the Decade - Marc Cooper
ESPNLA.com Has Assembled Quite a Team - The Big Lead
LAT books, science (and sports?) take hits - Kevin Roderick
Newspaper Industry Got Too Complacent - Newspaper Project
Newspapers that have closed or stopped publishing - Erica Smith
Charlie Gibson leaves ABC; last old school anchorman - The Feed
2009: The Year in Media Errors and Corrections - Regret the Error

Thought For Today 12-18-2009

Education is when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don't.

Pete Seeger

Audi e-tron concept electric car

Los Angeles Times automotive critic, Dan Neil, takes a drive in the plug-in electric Audi e-tron concept car that seems ready for production. Read more at http://bit.ly/5V5XXc Video by Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times: Unknown

Los Angeles Times: Unknown

An unknown number of employees have been laid off. LA Observed has confirmed 7 employees so far.

Posted using ShareThis

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Thursday Night in the Blogosphere

Marketta Owens with LAT Pressman Martin Alvarez

Not much cheer here - Gary Scott
Future of Journalism: Part 237 - Celeste Fremon
Is the Internet the future for print? - Business North
Playboy Sale Hopes To Iconix Fade - Paid Content
Strupp lists E&P as #10 on his top stories - BJ Alums
Folio Magazine's Media Predictions for 2010 - Tina Dupuy
A win for LA Times’ employees in suit againt Sam Zell - PCJ
Variety, Hollywood Reporter Both Face the End Game - The Wrap
America’s newspaper industry disrupted—in 1845 - The Economist
Sacramento’s last daily newspaper seeks more concessions - News Review

LAT staffers' suit versus Zell still on - LA Observed

LAT staffers' suit versus Zell still on - LA Observed

Posted using ShareThis

Thought For Today 12-17-2009

The paradoxical -- and tragic -- situation of man is that his conscience is weakest when he needs it most.

Erich Fromm

Christmas in the City

FYI-Pass it on if you know of anyone in need of a bike. Thank you.

If you or you know someone that may be interested in this and will be in the area.
Maybe you can benefit or know someone who could :) Merry Christmas :D

Just confirmed, the give-a-way starts @ 10:00 a.m.
On Sunday, December 20, 2009 (This Coming Sunday)

The Dream Center is giving away 8000 bikes to kids at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. For more information, log onto: www.DreamCenter.org

The Los Angeles Sports Arena is located at:
3939 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles , CA 90037

*** Bikes will be issued on a First-come, First-Served basis.
*** Only children 4 thru 11 years of age are eligible to
receive the bikes and must be accompanied by an adult.

Dave McCoy, founder of Mammoth Mountain ski area

Dave McCoy, 94, founded Mammoth Mountain ski area in the Eastern Sierra. He sold the resort in 2005 and found a new passion in photography when friends gave him a digital camera as a retirement gift. He wants to archive his photos as a recent record of the region. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Wednesday Night in the Blogosphere

Pressroom Rollerman Phillip Mulligan taking a quick break

Going to work sick - Mark Lacter
Deadline, Los Angeles Times - Gary Scott
Newspapers without newsprint - Paper Cuts
LA Roots Pop Up in Unexpected Places - About.com
More names of L.A. Times departures - Kevin Roderick
News website pins its hopes on tweens - Los Angeles Times
This is the worst point to ever own a daily newspaper - Essays
Brent Payne Interviewed by Eric Enge - StoneTemple Consulting
Federal Report: Newspaper Jobs Will Decline 25% By 2018 - E&P
Tribune Co To Make Content Available On Google "Fast Flip" - Fox 40

"It's a Wonderful Job"

The Pioneer Press newsroom in 'It's a Wonderful Job'
By David Brauer | Published Mon, Dec 14 2009 6:00 am

For reasons known only to themselves, Pioneer Press newsroom staffers have decided to share video of their Christmas Party — well, the skit part anyway.

"It's a Wonderful Job" was penned by editorial writer and "Almanac" monologuist Jim Ragsdale and features Fred Melo (narrator); Ragsdale, Emily Gurnon and Chris Snowbeck sharing James Stewart duties; and Bob Shaw as a particularly terrifying Clarence.

Mr. Potter remains off-screen; he could be MediaNews Group CEO Dean Singleton, or public-radio (note pointed "porn" reference in script, below), or maybe anyone who doesn't help pay for the news, including, ahem, bloviators.

Just like its predecessor, "Wonderful Job" is sappy, but it's the Christmas season, so lighten up and recognize these folks still care about what they do, still bleed printer's ink, and still want to make St. Potterville a better place. After a tough year of pay cuts and layoffs, a generous laugh and a back pat is very much in order.

"It's a Wonderful Job" from Ben Garvin on Vimeo.

Thought For Today 12-16-2009

Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.

Harriet Beecher Stowe

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

A Day Of Protest, Military Blogs Go Silent

The following was written by Troy Steward of Bouhammer.
Notes in italics are by me. I hope the news community will pick this up. Anyone who writes for a living should look into this situation. Thank you, Kanani.

On Wednesday 16 December 2009, many milblogs are going silent for the day. Some are choosing to go silent for a longer period of time. In addition, I will not be on Facebook or Twitter on either Wednesday or Thursday.

The reason for this is two-fold. First, milblogs are facing an increasingly hostile environment from within the military. While senior leadership has embraced blogging and social media, many field grade officers and senior NCOs do not embrace the concept. From general apathy in not wanting to deal with the issue to outright hostility to it, many commands are not only failing to support such activities, but are aggressively acting against active duty milbloggers, milspouses, and others. The number of such incidents appears to be growing, with milbloggers receiving reprimands, verbal and written, not only for their activities but those of spouses and supporters.

The catalyst has been the treatment of milblogger C.J. Grisham of A Soldier’s Perspective (http://www.soldiersperspective.us/). C.J. has earned accolades and respect, from the White House on down for his honest, and sometimes blunt, discussion of issues — particularly PTSD. In the last few months, C.J. has seen an issue with a local school taken to his command who failed to back him, and has even seen his effort to deal with PTSD, and lead his men in same by example, used against him as a part of this. Ultimately, C.J. has had to sell his blog to help raise funds for his defense in this matter.

(Note: Last week, I reported on the Los Angeles Times Pressmen's blog about C.J.'s situation in an article called "Time To Slay The Behemoth.")
While there have been new developments, the core problem remains, and C.J. is having to raise funds to cover legal expenses to protect both his good name and his career.

One need only look at the number of blogs by active duty military in combat zones and compare it to just a few years ago to see the chilling effect that is taking place.

Milblogs have been a vital link in getting accurate news and information about the military, and military operations, to the public. They have provided vital context and analysis on issues critical to operations and to the informed electorate critical to the Republic.

On Wednesday 16 December, readers will have the chance to imagine a world without milblogs, and to do something about it. Those participating are urging their readers to contact their elected representatives in Congress, and to let their opinions be known to them and to other leaders in Washington.

Some milblogs will remain silent for several days; some just for the day. All have agreed to keep the post about the silence and C.J. at the top of their blogs until Friday 18 December.

The issues go beyond C.J., and deserve careful consideration and discussion. We hope that you will cover this event, and explore the issues that lie at the heart of the matter. Contact the milbloggers in your area or that you know, and hear the story that lies within.

Monies are being raised for C.J.'s legal defense fund.
Grisham Legal Fund
c/o Redstone Federal Credit Union
220 Wynn Drive
Huntsville, AL 35893
Please write “Grisham Legal Fund” in the memo line if you use this option. Milblogs have been a vital link in getting accurate news and information about the military, and military operations, to you. Today, many milblogs are gone and others are under attack from within and without. Today, you have the chance to imagine a world without milblogs, and to do something about it. Make your voice heard by writing your congressional representatives and others, and by making donations as you see fit.The battle for freedom of speech and the marketplace of ideas is fought on many fronts and in many ways. Without your help, the battle may well be lost.

A partial list of participating blogs may be found at Bouhammer.

A partial list of participating military blogs may be found at Bouhammer.

Arbitrator upholds NYT newsroom staffers' seniority rights

Press release
December 14, 2009

Guild upheld on seniority rights in ruling on Newsroom layoffs

An arbitrator on Monday upheld Times' Newroom employees' seniority rights, added an annual week of severance pay for employees properly laid off in inverse order of seniority and sped up the challenge process for those laid off out of seniority in a ruling that resolved in the Guild’s favor most aspects of a multi-faceted dispute over job security.

The binding decision by Arbitrator Martin Scheinman, issued a day before Times management targets approximately 26 Newsroom employees for layoff, provides fresh clarity to a process that had been clouded by disputes since last year's Newsroom layoffs.

After accepting the buyout applications of 74 News-side employees (60 Guild and 14 non-Guild) last week, Times management is expected on Tuesday to target additional Newsroom employees for involuntary layoffs to reach its goal of 100 job cuts. The numbers might change if people change their minds and revoke their buyout application.

The arbitrator's ruling sustained the Guild's view that seniority used to determine Newsroom employees' vulnerability to layoffs must be measured by their service in the entire News Department. In last year's round of job cuts, management had taken the position that seniority gets reset to zero each time an employee moves to a new desk.

Under the ruling, employees laid off in inverse order of seniority will receive three weeks per year of severance pay, instead of two weeks, the same rate as employees who are involuntarily laid off out of order, and will have to sign a release, as they currently do. Employees with the least amount of seniority are generally most vulnerable to layoffs, but management can pass over more senior employees if it determines that a less senior employee's qualifications are "superior."

Employees laid off out of seniority order who do not challenge their dismissals may receive their severance payments in a lump sum or in monthly installments, in exchange for signing a separation agreement and general release, Scheinman ruled.

Those who challenge their out-of-seniority layoffs will have their cases decided by Scheinman within 30 days of the Guild’s demand for a hearing, during which time they will receive no severance pay. If they prevail, they will be reinstated. If not, they may receive their severance pay only in monthly installments, in exchange for signing a separation agreement and general release.

The issue of whether the release negated rehire rights had been in dispute, and has now been resolved by the arbitrator in the following manner.

If The Times hires more than two employees in a classification from which Newsroom employees were laid off within the past 12 months, the Guild may challenge the layoff "as having been not in good faith, not bona fide, or a subterfuge," Scheinman said.

“In the arbitration, the Guild would have to demonstrate hiring individuals rather than rehiring employees involuntarily terminated within the preceding 12 months was unreasonable,” he said. “The Times would have the responsibility to explain why it did not instead rehire employees involuntarily terminated within the preceding 12 months.”

If the Guild prevails in such a challenge, Scheinman said The Times would have to offer to rehire involuntarily a laid-off employee, even if they signed a general release.

"We are pleased that the arbitrator has upheld the most important aspects of our position," said New York Guild president Bill O’Meara. "We also now have clarity on how layoffs are to be conducted and will have a swifter way of resolving future layoff disputes, which is of great benefit to Guild members,” he added.

Guild offers plan to avert loss of News Service jobs Responding to a management proposal to subcontract the News Service, the Guild last week offered a comprehensive package of cost savings aimed at keeping the operation and its 28 Guild-represented jobs in New York. Talks are continuing.

As reported, Times management notified the Guild a few weeks ago that it intends to subcontract the News Service to a Times Company-owned entity in Gainesville, Florida.

Workers there would be hired at about half the current rate of pay in effect here. That notification triggered a 60-day period during which the Guild can attempt to convince management not to go forward with its plans. The Guild proposal would cut costs by about 31 percent, saving the company nearly $900,000 a year.

SOURCE: Poynter Online

Tuesday Night in the Blogosphere

LAT Plate Maker Tim Russell, son of former pressman Bob Russell

Furloughs in the north - Gary Scott
Layoffs day at the L.A. Times - Kevin Roderick
More bad news for the newspaper industry - Dscriber
2009: Layoffs and buyouts at U.S. newspapers - Paper Cuts
St. Louis Post-Dispatch Cuts Retiree Health Care - Business Wire
December 14, 2009 News (*updated) - Los Angeles Media Moves
Herald to Online Users: Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? - NBC Miami
'E&P' To Publish January Issue -- Hope Remains? - Editor & Publisher
PW’s African-American Cover Image: Black Beauty or Big Mistake? - PW
FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: A Chanticleer Christmas - Franklin Ave

Thought For Today 12-15-2009

When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Monday, December 14, 2009

Tribune Broadcasting Names Jerry Kersting Chief Operating Officer

CHICAGO, December 14, 2009 -- Tribune Broadcasting today announced the appointment of Jerry Kersting as its Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Kersting, who joined Tribune Company as Executive Vice President in April 2008, will work closely with Tribune Broadcasting President Ed Wilson overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company’s 23 television stations, its national cable channel, WGN America, and WGN Radio.

"The past year has allowed me the opportunity to work together with Jerry on the restructuring of our stations," said Wilson. "This new role will allow us to build our stations into local market leaders through expanded news content, more vibrant internet sites, and by growing revenue as we continue developing unique solutions for our advertisers. I couldn’t be more excited about the future of our media businesses and look forward to partnering with Jerry to insure our continued success."

The move enables Wilson, who has overseen broadcasting since early 2008 and was named Tribune’s Chief Revenue Officer later that year, to focus even more time and attention on his responsibilities to drive revenue and generate sales across the company.

"Ed has given me a great platform from which to move forward," said Kersting. "We’ll continue to aggressively expand our news offerings and look for ways to build more local programming. At WGN America, we’ve obtained some top-notch programs which begin debuting next fall, so we’re confident we will build audience share. I’m very optimistic about where we’re going."

As Executive Vice President, Kersting had been responsible for identifying strategic opportunities and efficiencies for the company’s various media businesses. Prior to joining Tribune, Kersting served as Chief Financial Officer for the radio division of Clear Channel Communications.

Monday Afternoon in the Blogosphere

Ed Young retires from the LA Times with Sean Greer at the right

Four in the morning - Gary Scott
Let’s do the time warp - Steve Greenberg
An Evening With Marc Cooper - Tina Dupuy
Newspaper sales plunge over the decade - The Guardian
Metromix Launches in 27 Additional U.S. Markets - Your Story
Laid Off? 10 Tips For Suddenly Unemployed Journalists - Mark Potts
When Falling Circulation Is A Good Thing - Newspaper Death Watch
Predictions About Newspapers in 2084, from E&P 25 Years Ago - NP
Dayton Daily News restructures newsroom - Dayton Business Journal
Are the winds blowing in the direction of paid content? - Journalism Blog

In Kandhar: Two American Women Entrepreneurs

"J Arghand Site ennie Green and Sarah Chayes are determined sisters. Instead of living a contented life in the afterglow of the Ivy Leagues, they became entrepreneurs amid the chaos and violence of Kandahar."

Read the rest at:
The Kitchen Dispatch

Rumors, Questions and No Answers!

By Ronnie Pineda

It seems The Blogging Pressman, AKA, Ed Padgett, has alot of people wondering what is really going to happen at the Orange County Facility in the quickly approaching future. It has been rumored that the O.C. plant would close for quite some time now, to which management always denies any plans to do so at the time, when asked.

Anyone still having in their possesion, the DVD management mailed to our homes during our organizing campaign, can view former Publisher David Hiller attempting to reassure employees that O.C. was to remain in operation. Was this statement the truth or an attempt to influence pressroom union voters? I seem to remember former SVP of Operations, Mark Kurtich making the same comment to Northridge employees prior to the closing of their facility. Arrive at your own conclusion.

I can tell you based on personal conversations Exec. Vice President Keith Denson and I have had with Newton, Walker and Bugarin, that they claim to have no knowledge of any new products coming to Orange County. I specifically asked about the Orange County Register and was told by Russ, "that door is closed". Russ also stated that the owners of the O.C. Register would never have their paper printed by "UNION" workers! I proceeded to inquire about possibly printing The San Diego Union Tribune, and his response was, " I can't talk about that"

Any plans that the company may be preparing to implement will not be divulged to the workforce and we should not expect management to consider our interests in any current plans they may be considering at this time as history has proven time and time again.

Management is coninually looking for ways to increase savings and profits and they ultimately result in job losses, so if O.C does indeed close, it is quite likely that jobs will be slated for cuts in the closure plans. Whatever management plans are, if their actions violate our members rights under the Law and/or our Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Union will defend those rights.

According to our election certification from the N.L.R.B. any work printed in the L.A. and O.C. facilites fall under our jurisdiction, as we represent those employed by the L.A. Times at these facilities. Any arrangements to sell the O.C. Facility and enter into agreements with another entity to print products currently being printed by L.A. Times Presspersons, (as well as products that mgt.may currently be in negotiations to print at these locations), and not have our members print these products, would be done intentionally to undermine the contract we have with the company.

We must always be prepared and diligent when it comes to defending our rights under the contract and always remember that management is not interested in how their decisions affect you or your families, so if there is any truth to these rumors, I know what I'm going to do, what are you going to do? Get involved or accept managements decisions because they've always known what is best for you and you family........right?

Ronnie Pineda
President
GCC/IBT Local 140-N

SOURCE: Save Our Trade

Thought For Today 12-14-2009

I can think of nothing less pleasurable than a life devoted to pleasure.

John D. Rockefeller

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Thought For Today 12-13-2009

Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

After a Child Dies

When a child dies, a family experiences disbelief and the raw emotions of grief. How do they cope? Family members who have experienced this loss firsthand share thoughts and insights of the grief journey, how the child’s death has affected their lives, and how finding support from The Compassionate Friends has helped them to survive.

h/t Sandy Banks

Changes Coming to the Los Angeles Times?

My post regarding my visit to the Los Angeles Times Orange County Production Facility before it closes next year created much ado from the staff at the newspaper at all three Times properties Saturday.

Several employees of the newspaper said they assumed the Los Angeles Times would be producing other newspapers such as the Orange County Register, San Diego Union Tribune, and the San Gabriel Valley Tribune newspapers. Unfortunately the additional work has not materialized.

As with most posts on this blog we have believers and non-believers.

Old OC wrote:

Would you published, on your blog, the company memo that says the OC Plant will be shut down next year? I think I missed it.

Dear Old OC, Would you share the memo regarding the closure of the Times Chatsworth Production Facility with all of us. That’s correct, there was no memo released to employees.

Moe wrote:

An insider told me that the plant was sold to Transcontinental, and the Tribune and Register will contract with them. He also stated that the labor arrangement will shock a lot of pressmen when it is announced. Also, the Register editoral staff will move into the office space and the production employees will run the presses.

Dear Moe, I questioned a manager at the newspaper regarding the Los Angeles Times negotiating with Transcontinental and his answer was a bit unnerving. After asking if the Times had planned to outsource the entire production of our newspaper to Transcontinental he answered “I cannot answer that question Edward”. So I’ll take his answer as a yes.

The Orange County Register has leased office space at the Times Costa Mesa Plant, and they’re also storing newsprint in the Times Orange County warehouse as well.

I questioned eighteen colleagues from Times Mirror Square, Olympic, and the Times Orange County Facility on whether the Orange County Plant would be shuttered. All eighteen colleagues stated the plant would be closing, with the date of closure ranging from December 20th, 2009 through June 2010.

Why do so many employees feel the Orange County Facility will be shuttered, while LA Times management claims it will not be shuttered because we have too many newspaper to produce?

Here are a few of the reasons I see the closure of the O.C. Facility next year:

The Plant Manager and three department managers laid off on Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Former Orange County Plant Manager Ron Ernst shared with me that the O.C. Plant would be closed in 2010
The cut down in width (occurring at all Tribune owned newspapers) from 48 inches to 44 inches has not been scheduled at the Times Orange County Facility.
The two presses at the Times Olympic Facility that were to remain at 48 inches are now being converted to run 44 inch and 48 inch wide newspapers.
The majority of production the Orange County Plant produced is now produced at the Olympic Plant, with the men and women that run the presses following the products.
Two plate setters moved, one to Olympic and one to California Community News, leaving one plate setter at the Orange County Plant.
Additional newspapers we have been praying to produce for over eighteen months have not arrived.
The sale of the property in Costa Mesa would pay down a small portion of the debt.

With the Tribune Company bankruptcy scheduled to end on February 28th, 2010 what may happen is anyone’s guess? The two possible scenarios see the Tribune Company remaining intact, or option two; all assets will be sold off.

Not certain which option would be best for Tribune employees?

Saturday, December 12, 2009

*The Blogging Pressman will visit Orange County LA Times

The Blogging Pressman will be heading down South to the Los Angeles Times Costa Mesa production Facility to photo document the facility and workers before the plant is shuttered next year.

So comb your hair and don the best uniforms you have as I will be snapping many pictures on Thursday and Friday next week.

*UPDATE: I will not be visiting the Orange County Facility this week as planned.

Saturday Morning in the Blogosphere

LAT Pressman Jesus Reyes Transferred from Orange County to Olympic

Tiger By The Tail - Marc Cooper
A Craigslist Call For Help - Jason Burns
Farming out journalism - InVocus Media Blog
LAT: Mediabistro Helped Kill E&P - Tina Dupuy
The entrepreneurial journalism class report - Jeff Jarvis
Greenberg on Editor & Publisher closing - Kevin Roderick
How depressing can things get in journalism? - Temple Talk
Newspaper revenue down 28% in the United States - The Gazette
Lee Abrams: As crazy on TV as in memo form - Timeout Chicago
Publisher McClatchy Poised For Turnaround In 2010? - Fishbowl NY

Invictus movie review by Kenneth Turan

Kenneth Turan reviews 'Invictus' staring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. DIRECTED BY Clint Eastwood.

A night to remember a child lost forever -- latimes.com

A night to remember a child lost forever -- latimes.com

Posted using ShareThis

Friday, December 11, 2009

History of the Pfaffinger Foundation

PFAFFINGER FOUNDATION was established in 1936 by Frank Pfaffinger, a cabinet-maker from Bavaria who immigrated to the United States in 1882 and began working for the Los Angeles Times in 1887. During a 53-year career with the Los Angeles Times, Mr. Pfaffinger also served as treasurer of the Times Mirror Company, formerly the parent company of the newspapers whose employees are now served by the Foundation. He helped the company grow through his frugal spending policies and careful business practices.

Mr. Pfaffinger was a philanthropist who cared deeply about the welfare of his fellow employees, often anonymously helping employees in need. He was an early shareholder of Times Mirror, acquired real estate in Los Angeles and elsewhere in Southern California, and invested in a number of local business ventures. Four years before his death in 1940, he set aside the bulk of his estate to create a permanent foundation that would that would, as he requested, assist “needy employees and former employees of The Times Mirror Company,” and their families. Since the Foundation’s assistance program became fully operational in 1945, grants have been made continuously to employees, retirees, and their families.

Frank Pfaffinger’s extraordinary insight created a legacy that continues into the 21st Century. Direct financial assistance, coupled with the support and guidance of professional case managers, make the Pfaffinger Foundation a rare and nearly unique organization.

TODAY

The Pfaffinger Foundation continues to honor the legacy of Frank Pfaffinger. Managed by a professional staff under the direction of a board of directors, the Pfaffinger Foundation provides help to eligible employees, retirees, and surviving spouses at the newspapers previously owned by Times Mirror. Assistance is provided for such needs as medical expenses, emergency food and shelter, and other basic necessities due to unforeseen financial difficulties. The Foundation does not provide funds for usual or voluntary expenses such as weddings, travel, or investments.

SOURCE: GCC/IBT Local 406C

Gene Brame Update

Our friend and supervisor here at the Los Angeles Times Olympic Facility Gene Brame,
Is in a coma and on life support at White Memorial Hospital.

This Sunday Gene will be taken off life support.

Our prayers for Gene and his family

Pfaffinger Foundation for LA Times Employees

This just in from the CEO of the Pfaffinger Foundation Stephen C. Meier:

Dear Ed Padgett,

I’m writing you in the hopes that you can get some of the following information about Pfaffinger Foundation on the Pressmen’s website.

The Pfaffinger Foundation was established in part to help Times employees, former employees, and their families. While we were once well known by just about everyone at The Times, we are concerned that many current and former Times employees no longer think of Pfaffinger when they experience financial difficulties. In 2008, we assisted 236 Los Angeles Times employees, former employees and retirees. Our numbers are down in 2009, which is troubling to us.

Among the ways Pfaffinger is assisting employees and former employees:

1. Paying some or all of COBRA payments if the individual is unable to do so.

2. Making a limited number of rent or mortgage payments while the family restructures its finances.

3. Arranging for financial counseling at no cost.

4. Assisting with medical bills not covered by insurance (and sometimes we are able to negotiate a reduction with the provider as well). We can also assist with a variety of other bills (e.g. utilities).

The way to access Pfaffinger services is to call us at (213) 680-7460. We do not have a website because our first step with an inquiry is to determine eligibility, and we do this on a case-by-case basis in conversation with the applicant. We are also happy to mail out a brochure.

Every applicant works with a professional case manager and is guided through the application process. Client information is totally confidential. Of course, approval is not automatic and we are not a “benefit.” In fact, we are totally independent of The Times and Tribune.

I hope this information is of interest to you and I would like to discuss with you how it might be shared with your members.

Please feel free to e-mail me or call at (213) 680-7467.

Thanks,
Steve Meier

Stephen C. Meier
Chairman and CEO
Pfaffinger Foundation
316 W. 2nd St., Suite PH-C
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel: (213) 680-7467
Fax: (213) 680-7474
e-mail: smeier@pfoundation.org

Thought For Today 12-11-2009

Oh what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practise to deceive!

Sir Walter Scott

Edward Young Washing the Ink from his Hands

From left James Young, Ed Young, and Tom Young

Edward Young is calling it quits this afternoon as he works his last shift at the Los Angeles Times Olympic Production Facility today. His colleagues will send him off with a small party to mark his twenty-seven years at the newspaper at 1:00 p.m.

Mr. Young is the last of the four Young Brother’s that have worked at the Times for many years, his brother Joe left the newspaper four years ago, James left three years ago, and Tom about one year ago.

Ed’s actual retirement happens next Saturday (December 19th) on his 65th birthday, with his last week at the Times spent on vacation.

With so many buyouts and lay offs at the newspaper we experience very few retirements.

Ed will be missed by his colleagues at the Times.

Save Our Trade: Obituary: John T. 'Sonny' Shannon / President of pressmen's union during 1992 strike

By Ann Belser, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

On the first day of the newspaper strike against The Pittsburgh Press in 1992, the words of John T. "Sonny" Shannon Jr. proved prophetic.
"We'll watch this paper die," he shouted to the crowd of strikers outside of the newspaper office Downtown.

Mr. Shannon, who graduated high school and followed his father and uncles into the press room at The Pittsburgh Press in 1968, was president of the pressmen's local when the drivers at the paper initiated the strike. In that role, he found himself leading the charge that ultimately drove the The E.W. Scripps Co., the corporate owner of The Pittsburgh Press, out of Pittsburgh.

Mr. Shannon died Monday afternoon in his home in Brighton Heights from throat cancer. He was 59.

He was known as a tough negotiator. During the Press strike of 1992, he swore the unions would not fold, and they didn't.
"The company underestimated us," said Mr. Shannon's brother, Patrick Shannon of Ross, who was the business agent for the pressman's union at the time.

Jack Shea, the executive director of the Allegheny County Labor Council, said Mr. Shannon cared deeply not just about the members of his union, but about everyone involved in a labor battle.

After months of failed negotiations with Scripps, Mr. Shea noted that the Block family -- the owners of Block Communications Inc., which bought The Press and folded it into the Post-Gazette -- was able to sit down and negotiate a contract with all of the unions in 30 days.

John Robinson Block, the publisher of the Post-Gazette, told a story of those negotiations, which were being conducted in a local hotel. The company's negotiators were working just about around the clock going from meetings with one union to the next. At one point, Mr. Shannon and the team from the pressmen's union were told they would have to wait for a bit after their scheduled time because negotiations were wrapping up with another group.Mr. Shannon and his team waited in the hotel bar and then had to reschedule those negotiations themselves."He was an effective leader of the pressmen's union and diligently advocated their interests," Mr. Block said.

After newspaper strike ended in January 1993, Mr. Shannon's talents were recognized by the international union, the Graphics Communications Conference/International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which hired him as a negotiator. Though the union is based out of Washington D.C., Mr. Shannon still lived in Pittsburgh.In his new role, he sat across the table from the management of newspapers across the country.

His brother, Patrick Shannon, said there was never another strike like the Press strike because, in that case, it was a matter of workers fighting corporate greed. In recent years, it was Mr. Shannon's duty to tell union members that their companies were losing money.
Despite having been diagnosed with cancer last year, Mr. Shannon was able to work up until just a couple of months ago, representing workers at bargaining tables.

In addition to his brother, he is survived by his wife, Loren Renee; one son, Jack of Brighton Heights; a daughter, Sonny Leigh of Brighton Heights; his brother, Michael of Mars; two sisters, Charlotte of Hampton and Jacquelyn Boggs of Schenley; two grandsons and two granddaughters.

Visitation will be 2 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at T.B. Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Highway, Ross. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 Friday at St. Peter Church, 720 Arch St., North Side. Burial will be in North Side Catholic Cemetery in Ross.

Memorial contributions can be made to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Medical and Health Sciences Foundation, 200 Lothrop St., Suite 8084, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Save Our Trade: Obituary: John T. 'Sonny' Shannon / President of pressmen's union during 1992 strike

David Lazarus: Imagine

Columnist David Lazarus dreams about healthcare reform and hes not the only one.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Tribune Appoints Gerry Spector as Chief Operating Officer

CFO Chandler Bigelow Expands Duties

Nils Larsen Named Chief Investment Officer

CHICAGO, December 10, 2009 -- Tribune Company today announced the appointment of Gerry Spector as Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Spector, who has served as Tribune’s Chief Administrative Officer since December 2007, will now oversee the company’s internet, broadcasting and newspaper operations.

"Gerry has led the ongoing transformation of this company from top to bottom," said Randy Michaels, Tribune’s Chief Executive Officer. "He’s strategically refocused the operations of our business units so that we’re more innovative and more efficient than ever before, he’s streamlined the decision-making process and he’s helped drive the reorganization of our sales operation. From the beginning, Gerry’s been a great partner for me."

During the past two years Tribune has redesigned all of its newspapers, increased local broadcast news programming, expanded the market share of its TV stations, grown the audience of WGN America by almost 40%, begun rebuilding its sales organization, and reduced expenses by approximately $600 million.

"We’ve accomplished a lot, but we can do even more," said Spector. "This is a great company, with outstanding brands and talented employees. We plan to reinvent our media organization every day -- we’re committed to delivering high-quality content, providing innovative solutions to our advertisers and competing for every available dollar."

The company also announced that SVP/Chief Financial Officer Chandler Bigelow is expanding his responsibilities to include the financial operations of the publishing division and all centralized human resources operations. Bigelow has been with Tribune since 1998 and served as SVP/CFO since March 2008.

Finally, Tribune has named Nils Larsen as Chief Investment Officer effective immediately. Larsen will oversee company-wide business development and investment opportunities. Larsen joined the company in December 2008 and has been responsible for helping spearhead Tribune’s restructuring efforts.

Thursday Night in the Blogosphere

Mike Bacerra Sr. with his son Mike Bacerra Jr. both LA Times Employees

I'm Here Because of E&P - TJ Sullivan
Editor & Publisher’s Been Folded - Fitz & Jen
Religion writer moves to Biz - Kevin Roderick
Q & A: Editor & Publisher’s Greg Mitchell - CJR
R.I.P. Editor & Publisher - Newspaper Death Watch
Are Journalists Giving Up on Newspapers? - Poynter
'Edito r & Publisher' to Cease Publication After 125 Years - E&P
KCBS/KCAL Gets a New Boss For the Holidays - Franklin Ave
Jack Weiss, Fred Roggin & Me—on Speed Dial - Celeste Fremon
Dozen more laid off, pension cuts detailed - CA Media Workers Guild

Editor & Publisher Shutters, Hollywood Reporter and Billboard Sold

Native Intelligence: I'm Here Because of E&P

Native Intelligence: I'm Here Because of E&P

Posted using ShareThis

Christmas Purge at the Los Angeles Times

The annual Christmas purge at the Los Angeles Times is rumored to begin on December 15th, 2009 in the editorial department at the newspaper. As with every other layoff at the Times additional departments will also be affected, but is not newsworthy.

Associated Press Business Writer Samantha Bomkamp has penned an interesting article on coping with layoffs that is insightful for those employees that remain after their colleagues are let go.

Rumors around the Los Angeles Times has suggested an announcement will be made between December 21st and the 28th, unsure what might be said at that time?

Editor & Publisher Shuttered

Editor & Publisher shuts down - LA Observed

Posted using ShareThis

Thought For Today 12-10-2009

Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

OREN ARNOLD

A Little Boy Burned: Winter Work at The FST

The Pressmen's direct link to boots-on-the-ground in Afghanistan
At The Kitchen Dispatch:

"the team has fallen in love with several of their pediatric patients. Sure, it crosses all sorts of professional lines, but this is war. War crosses all sorts of lines as well. And medical teams are only human."

Labels: afghanistan, air force, armed forces, army, kitchen dispatch, marines, military, navy, Politics

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Symba Scooter

Sue Carpenter of the Los Angeles Times reviews the new Symba scooter. Read her review at http://bit.ly/5TmdGp (Don Kelsen / Los Angeles Times)

Wednesday Night in the Blogosphere

Los Angeles Times Pressmen Mark Austin, Pete Mastin, and Greg Bauer

Bill Moyers interviews David Simon - Sleptlate
LA Times Hires Right Before They Fire - Pandora
Newspaper distributor to lay off 97 - North Jersey
Buyouts Offered Across the Board at P-R - Lagniappe
How to Save the Los Angeles Times - Brady Westwater
So, Amy Alkon, How Were YOU Raised?! - Adice Goddess
Toronto Star has approved 166 severance applications - Winnipeg F.P.
Birmingham News offers buyouts to employees - Media of Birmingham
New Variety Editor Knows Nothing About Entertainment Biz - Nikki Finke
Tribune’s Payouts To Lenders’ Lawyers No Secret Anymore - WSJ Blogs

Thought For Today 12-9-2009

"There is no smaller package in all the world than that of a man all wrapped up in himself."

William Sloane Coffin, Jr.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Tuesday Night in the Blogosphere

In memory of Sonny Shannon

Is journalism storytelling? - Jeff Jarvis
Journalism and Freedom - Rupert Murdoch
Discouraged ex-LATers, part 3 - Kevin Roderick
Layoffs and buyouts at U.S. newspapers in 2009 - Paper Cuts
Detroit News and Detroit Free Press plan furlough week - Crains
Former L.A. Times editor, named editor of Daily Variety - Variety
Online Will Take More Ad Dollars Than Newspapers - Paid Content
5 Magazine and Newspapers Introduce Their Digital Newsstand - NYT
Former LAT journalists expect newspaper print to fail - Journalism Shop
Two good articles give vision for successful news Web sites - Temple Talk

John "Sonny" Shannon Rest in Peace

By Ronnie Pineda

Brothers and Sisters,

It is with immense sadness to announce that GCC/IBT International Representative John "Sonny" Shannon passed away yesterday evening. Brother Shannon was diagnosed with and treated for throat cancer prior to joining our contract negotiations back in November 2008.

Once assigned to our negotiations, Sonny, along with the negotiating committee worked in earnest to negotiate a first contract that would provide a foundation to build upon.

In the face of numerous obstacles such as Tribune's internal strife, mgts. negotiation tactics, the decline of the industry,the economy, and Tribune filing Bankruptcy, I believe Sonny did just that and will honor his memory for his contribution.

Sonny was cut from the same cloth as those of you that stand up for what you believe in, because he himself was a pressman.

Sonny is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.

SOURCE: Save Our Trade

Tribune Company Launches Cross-Platform Sales Group Aimed at Growing Hispanic Market

CHICAGO, December 7, 2009 -- Tribune Company today announced the creation of Tribune Hispanic, a cross-platform national media solutions group designed to help advertisers reach the growing Hispanic market through an array of products including print, online, television, mobile, out-of-home, digital signage, and events.

Tribune already reaches 1.7 million Hispanic consumers every week through the company’s four Spanish-language media properties--Hoy Chicago, Hoy Los Angeles, El Sentinel Orlando and el Sentinel South Florida -- markets in which about 28% of the nation’s Hispanic population resides. As part of the Tribune Hispanic initiative, these newspapers will re-brand their entertainment sections as "ViveloHoy." Special sections also will be created in conjunction with events such as the 2010 World Cup and the bicentennial anniversary of Mexico’s independence.

"More than ever, national advertisers require innovative, consistent and engaging solutions to reach this unique consumer group," said John Trainor, general manager of Hoy Chicago. "Our increased level of collaboration will shortly translate into more meaningful, efficient and consistent solutions our national advertisers can tap into."

Tribune Hispanic capitalizes on a growing consumer market that covets its newspapers. Nationwide, Hispanic consumers will soon represent close to $1 trillion in purchasing power. Tribune research shows that 53% of Hispanic newspaper readers have been reading their favorite newspaper for three or more years; 63% of Hispanic newspaper readers frequently pay attention to the advertisements; and 55% of all Hispanic newspaper readers state they use coupons from the newspaper regularly.

"When you join the capabilities and reach of our four Spanish-language media businesses, you end up with a set of marketing solutions that makes us a stronger and more strategic partner for our advertisers," said Roaldo Moran, general manager of Hoy Los Angeles.

"This combined effort should put Hoy and el Sentinel at the forefront of media buys and shows that Tribune is emerging as a force to contend with on the national Hispanic media landscape," predicts Ariel Gonzalez, general sales manager for el Sentinel South Florida.

:: :: ::

About Tribune Hispanic Media Group
Tribune Hispanic Media Group is the national, cross-platform sales team for the Tribune Company’s Spanish-language and Hispanic market targeted media, offering advertisers customized, innovative, multi-market solutions across all media platforms, including, print, digital, mobile, direct and event marketing.

About Hoy
HOY, is a media company that publishes two of the leading newspapers within Chicago and Los Angeles, Hoy and Fin de Semana have a national gross weekly distribution of 1.3 million copies. Hoy offers a wide array of media solutions including the only Spanish-language daily newspaper in Chicago and the largest Spanish-language circulation weekend vehicle in L.A. and Chicago as well as a diversified portfolio that includes online, mobile, out-of-home and digital signage. Hoy’s mission is to inform, entertain and educate Hispanics with engaging, relevant content that help build successful lives, serve as an advocate and provide a link to Latino culture. For more information about Hoy visit ViveloHoy.com

About El Sentinel Orlando:
El Sentinel Orlando is the largest Spanish-Language publication in Central Florida and the only one home delivered. With more than 100,000 copies every Saturday, our publication reaches the growing Hispanic community as no other publication does. It is part of The Orlando Sentinel. El Sentinel can be obtained also in supermarkets, pharmacies and in main public transportation hubs.

About El Sentinel South Florida:
El Sentinel is the largest Spanish-language weekly newspaper in South Florida, with a Saturday circulation of 105,000 in Broward and Palm Beach counties and a web site, elsentinel.com. Through its print and digital edition, El Sentinel strives to not only inform readers about what’s going on, but also to interpret the most important news developments and trends. We provide readers with well-written stories about current events, immigration, entertainment and lifestyle, sports and business in a smartly designed package with engaging photos and illustrations. We are committed to being a voice for the Hispanic community, a link to Latino culture and identity and a tool for achieving empowerment, self-improvement and progress in South Florida.

TRIBUNE is America’s largest employee-owned media company, operating businesses in publishing, interactive and broadcasting. In publishing, Tribune’s leading daily newspapers include the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Baltimore Sun, Sun Sentinel (South Florida), Orlando Sentinel, Hartford Courant, Morning Call and Daily Press. The company’s broadcasting group operates 23 television stations, WGN America on national cable, and Chicago’s WGN-AM. Popular news and information websites complement Tribune’s print and broadcast properties and extend the company’s nationwide audience. At Tribune we take what we do seriously and with a great deal of pride. We also value the creative spirit and nurture a corporate culture that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Thought For Today 12-8-2009

"When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you."

Lao Tzu

Monday, December 07, 2009

Rainy Monday in the Blogosphere

LAT Pressman Art Sanchez checks the newspaper for errors

The New York Times Buyout List - Gawker
December 7, 2009 - Los Angeles Media Moves
New life for old newspaper stories - Kevin Roderick
Mediabistro's eBookNewser Launches - Tina Dupuy
The Future of Newspapers - Never Again But Always
Q&A: Pete Hamill Talks About Newspapers - Jour MO2
Rest in Peace:Photojournalism Is Dead - The Digital Journalist
JobsOver50.com to Become Official Career Center - Baby Boomer
Pearl Harbor mini-submarine mystery solved? - Los Angeles Times
And It Don't Stop: More Washington Post Corrections - Franklin Ave.

Attack on pearl harbor

An old video on the surprise attack on pearl harbor by the japanese during world war two, 7th December 1941.

Thought For Today 12-7-2009

Great opportunities to help others seldom come but small ones surround us every day.

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Saturday Night in the Blogosphere

Los Angeles Times Orange County Staff

John Wenzel, Wendy Coleman, Jose Gomez, and Chuck Rainey

Get off the lawn - Jeff Jarvis
NYT Newsroom Layoffs Begin Tuesday - The Wrap
Farmers Market vs. the homeless - Kevin Roderick
DUVALL: A case of the Mondays - Tonawanda News
Nearly 90,000 Print Jobs Have Been Lost in the Last Year - Gawker
‘Massive’ Christmas layoffs at the Journal Star today - Peoria Pundit

Carving concrete: Skaters at Venice Beach Skate Park

The action is nonstop at the Venice Beach Skate Park. The sounds of skateboards scraping and pounding concrete fill the air as skaters make their moves inside smooth bowls at the park, which stands as a monument to the rich skateboarding tradition in Venice and Santa Monica. The bowls are like the empty swimming pools where Z-Boys -- members of the local Zephyr skateboard team -- revolutionized the sport with their surfer-like moves in the 1970s.

SOURCE: Los Angeles Times

The Yoga Post

Each week, I write about yoga on the military blog. The reason? Well, stress relief, a bit of re-gearing during or after a time of extreme hardship.
Here's my bit on how to handle people who say bad things about you.

Read it on:
The Kitchen Dispatch: Why What Others Say Has Nothing To Do With You

Gene Brame Update

While driving to the Times for his night shift Gene suffered a massive heart attack and pulled off the freeway to call 911. A female driver noted Gene was in distress and pulled over, she discovered his cell phone in his lap, with 911 entered, and proceeded to call for aid.

Gene was admitted to White Memorial Hospital, where he recovers at this moment.

Last Saturday a neurologist tested Gene for brain activity, and the outcome was positive.

During the week Gene’s wife brought in his favorite music, Elvis, and played a few songs for him. As the music was played Gene showed brain activity and opened his eyes slightly.

The life support is still in place with the ventilator tube moved with a tracheotomy, and a feeding tube put in place.

No further information available at this time.

Hat Tips to Owen Brennan III, Billy Roundtree, and Russ Newton

Friday, December 04, 2009

Food blogger bake sale, for good cause - LA Observed

Food blogger bake sale, for good cause - LA Observed

Posted using ShareThis

Thought For Today 12-4-2009

We can stay young by focusing on a dream instead of on a regret.

Time To Slay The Behemoth: A Soldier Needs Your Help

C.J. Grisham, center with Hugh Hewitt and Major Chuck Ziegenfuss at the Blog World Expo in October.
For the past year, I've been following a milblog called A Soldier's Perspective. Written in the first person by C.J. Grisham, it chronicled his experience and opinions as a soldier in the U.S. Army. He was always careful to make sure the reader knew this was his POV, not the Army's. His writing style is one of the best, and so he was always interesting to follow. This autumn, I had the pleasure of finally meeting him at Blog World Expo.

Recently, in a matter unrelated to his service, C.J. was the victim of harassment by the Huntsville Alabama School District and the P.T.A. The issue that sparked what would turn into a witch hunt was a meeting where supposedly, school uniforms were going to be discussed. The school wanted to require them. Like many parents, C.J. and his wife Emily were concerned that the costs were going to be prohibitive for many families, and also that these costs were going to produce a dubious gain.

So C.J. read lots of dry academic studies on uniform vs. non-uniform and found that there was virtually no gain to be had. The real difference in performance depended greatly on familial or a caring adult presence. He went to the meeting to discuss his findings and was soundly rebuked by the PTA president and the principal, who chose not to follow Robert's Rules of Parliamentary Procedure and skip the public debate. They pushed a costly measure through without any public discussion. After all, they already had the vendors at the ready with coupons!

Obviously, this enraged many. But C.J. was upset since he had evidence that would not be shared. A verbal disagreement ensued. This set off a chain of events* that culminated in
nothing less than a witch hunt. Someone either at the school, the PTA or both, decided to call his employer calling him threatening and disrespectful. They went onto his blog and Facebook, found out he had PTSD, and pinned an ugly stereotype on C.J. likening him to an unstable mad man. In a phone call:

"The principal even used my PTSD to try and bolster her claims that I was a dangerous menace to her and her goals."

Needless to say, the Army launched an investigation, and put several whammy marks on C.J.'s otherwise pristine record. Though they didn't say it directly, he also saw fit to shut down his blog.

Had C.J. worked for any other entity: a law, accounting or engineering firm, they probably wouldn't have bothered the CEO of the company. Had he worked for a small business, they wouldn't even have blinked. But someone in that mass of hysteria knew they could mess with his career by calling the U.S. Army. They called not once, but several times. And the Army, rather than separating personal life from professional life, didn't tell the noisome individual to naff off (as they deserved). The harassment didn't end there: the Grisham children were roundly harassed by the teachers and staff. The upshot is that the Grishams were so unsettled by the events, they moved their kids to Emily's parents in Montana until C.J. could get transferred out of there. This temporary move to secure their kids has cost the family dearly.

What this means is that every parent who finds themselves in disagreement with the powers that be risks having their careers ended by "officials" making false allegations to their boss. Their overstepping of boundaries was malicious. It's unfortunate that neither the school district superintendent nor the Alabama State PTA didn't have the cajones to address the misbehavior of those who perpetrated the acts of harassment themselves.

There are times when the actions of a behemoth are so unjust it deserves a lawsuit. This is one of them. C.J. and his wife Emily are hiring a lawyer

"to clear my name, force the school system to admit they overstepped their bounds by denying my right to participate in my children’s education and attempt to ruin my career."

Presumably, we hope that such a suit will also ensure that this never happens to another family again. They need to raise $7,000 by December 15 for a legal retainer fee. I hope you will give --$5, $10, $20 or more to help send a message that this kind of officially sanctioned harassment is unacceptable.

On his blog, there is a Paypal link that can used to send money instantly through a debit or credit card. All money sent through that link will go into this fund. You can also mail checks or money orders to:

Grisham Legal Fund
c/o Redstone Federal Credit Union
220 Wynn Drive
Huntsville, AL 35893

Please write “Grisham Legal Fund” in the memo line if you use this option.

*Read more of the details at Blackfive.

Labels: C.J. Grisham, Soldiers, veterans

Nominate L.A.

Nominate L.A.’s 2009 Grinch of the Year!

Previous winners!

■2008: Tribune Company CEO Sam Zell, for ruining the LA Times.
■2007: Pasadena Mayor Bogaard, for kicking a Chinese grandmother out of city hall for protesting Pasadena’s inclusion of China into the Rose Bowl Parade (she cited the country’s human rights violations).
■2006: Zuma Dogg, for being a thorn in the side of L.A. City Council.

Posted using ShareThis

Short Letterpress Documentary

Take a short visit to Firefly Press in Somerville Massachusetts. John Kristensen, proprietor. This wonderful little documentary speaks to the craftsmanship and love of traditional design that drew many of us into the world of graphic design years ago. Take a moment to slow down and enjoy.

Electronic Village: 50 Taser-Related Deaths in the United States

Republished from Electronic Village
Electronic Village: 50 Taser-Related Deaths in the United States

There are not many states in the nation who have not been involved in a taser-related death this year. Tasers are now deployed in law enforcement agencies in 29 of the 33 largest U.S. cities.

Perhaps the idea of an electric rifle made sense when it was first invented. However, we now see too much taser abuse.

First available to law enforcement in February 1998, now used by more than 14,200 law enforcement agencies in more than 40 countries. More than 406,000 taser guns have been sold since the product hit the market. It may be time for congressional hearings.

This blog has been pointing out incidents of police taser torture for quite awhile. The work done over the past few years by Patti Gillman and Cameron Ward inspired this post. Gillman and Ward documented over 450 taser-related deaths in North America on their blog.

Our blog has documented 50 taser-related deaths in the United States since the beginning of the year:

Jan 9, 2009: Derrick Jones, 17, Black, Martinsville, Virginia

Jan 11, 2009: Rodolfo Lepe, 31, Hispanic, Bakersfield, California

Jan 22, 2009: Roger Redden, 52, Caucasian, Soddy Daisy, Tennessee

Feb 2, 2009: Garrett Jones, 45, Caucasian, Stockton, California

Feb 11, 2009: Richard Lua, 28, Hispanic, San Jose, California

Feb 13, 2009: Rudolph Byrd, 37, Black, Thomasville, Georgia

Feb 13, 2009: Michael Jones, 43, Black, Iberia, Louisiana

Feb 14, 2009: Chenard Kierre Winfield, 32, Black, Los Angeles, California

Feb 28, 2009: Robert Lee Welch, 40, Caucasian, Conroe, Texas

Mar 22, 2009: Brett Elder, 15, Caucasian, Bay City, Michigan

Mar 26, 2009: Marcus D. Moore, 40, Black, Freeport, Illinois

Apr 1, 2009: John J. Meier Jr., 48, Caucasian, Tamarac, Florida

Apr 6, 2009: Ricardo Varela, 41, Hispanic, Fresno, California

Apr 10, 2009: Robert Mitchell, 16, Black, Detroit, Michigan

Apr 13, 2009: Craig Prescott, 38, Black, Modesto, California

Apr 16, 2009: Gary A. Decker, 50, Black, Tuscon, Arizona

Apr 18, 2009: Michael Jacobs Jr., 24, Black, Fort Worth, Texas

Apr 30, 2009: Kevin LaDay, 35, Black, Lumberton, Texas

May 4, 2009: Gilbert Tafoya, 53, Caucasian, Holbrook, Arizona

May 17, 2009: Jamaal Valentine, 27, Black, La Marque, Texas

May 23, 2009: Gregory Rold, 37, Black, Salem, Oregon

Jun 9, 2009: Brian Cardall, 32, Caucasian, Hurricane, Utah

Jun 13, 2009: Dwight Madison, 48, Black, Bel Air, Maryland

Jun 20, 2009 Derrek Kairney, 36, Race: Unknown, South Windsor, Connecticut

Jun 30, 2009, Shawn Iinuma, 37, Asian, Fontana, California

Jul 2, 2009, Rory McKenzie, 25, Black, Bakersfield, California

Jul 20, 2009, Charles Anthony Torrence, 35, Caucasion, Simi Valley, California

Jul 30, 2009, Johnathan Michael Nelson, 27, Caucasion, Riverside County, California

Aug 9, 2009, Terrace Clifton Smith, 52, Race: Unknown, Moreno Valley, California

Aug 12, 2009, Ernest Ridlehuber, 53, Race: Unknown, Greenville, South Carolina

Aug 14, 2009, Hakim Jackson, 31, Black, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Aug 18, 2009, Ronald Eugene Cobbs, 38, Black, Greensboro, North Carolina

Aug 20, 2009, Francisco Sesate, 36, Hispanic, Mesa, Arizona

Aug 22, 2009, T.J. Nance, 37, Race: Unknown, Arizona City, Arizona

Aug 26, 2009, Miguel Molina, 27, Hispanic, Los Angeles, California

Aug 27, 2009, Manuel Dante Dent, 27, Hispanic, Modesto, California

Sep 3, 2009, Shane Ledbetter, 38, Caucasian, Aurora, Colorado

Sep 16, 2009, Alton Warren Ham, 45, Caucasian, Modesto, California

Sep 19, 2009, Yuceff W. Young II, 21, Black, Brooklyn, Ohio

Sep 21, 2009, Richard Battistata, 44, Hispanic, Laredo, Texas

Sep 28, 2009, Derrick Humbert, 38, Black, Bradenton, Florida

Oct 2, 2009, Rickey Massey, 38, Black, Panama City, Florida

Oct 12, 2009, Christopher John Belknap, 36, Race: Unknown, Ukiah, California

Oct 16, 2009, Frank Cleo Sutphin, 19, Caucasian, San Bernadino, California

Oct 27, 2009, Jeffrey Woodward, 33, Race: Unknown, Gallatin, Tennessee

Nov 13, 2009, Herman George Knabe, 58, Caucasian, Corpus Christi, Texas

Nov 14, 2009, Darryl Bain, 43, Black, Coram, New York

Nov 16, 2009, Matthew Bolick, 30, Caucasian, East Grand Rapids, Michigan

Nov 19, 2009, Jesus Gillard, 61, Black, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Nov 21, 2009, Ronald Petruney, 49, Race: Unknown, Washington, Pennsylvania

I think it is worth noting that at least 21 of these deaths of these taser-torture killings occurred against African American men. We make up about 6% of the total population, yet 42% of the taser-related deaths in America this year are Black men.

However, nothing seems to be able to stop the continued taser-related killings. I remain convinced that the 'Use of Force Continuum' needs to show tasers as 'near-lethal' ... definitely an error to claim that they are 'non-lethal'.

Something is wrong! I appreciate the 2,000 or so folks that have signed our online petition asking for congressional hearings on taser torture. We plan to bring our voices together on December 4, 2009 in a Day of Blogging for Justice: Stop Taser Torture. I hope that you will join our effort on that date!

What say are your thoughts about these taser-related deaths?

AfroSpear and afrosphere participants are also circulating an online petition calling for Congressional hearings into the increasing number of "Taser" electrocution deaths, and into video evidence that "Tasers" are being used as torture devices and devices of summary extra-judicial executions.

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Pete Mastin Playing this Saturday

Pete Mastin on left with Tom Denton

Former Los Angeles Times Pressroom supervisor Pete Mastin is following a life long dream and playing in a band while seeking employment after his layoff from the newspaper a few months ago.

Pete plays excellent guitar with a style similar to Eddie Van Halen, so I’m certain his new band, which is called Resurrected, will not disappoint.

The music begins at 8:00 p.m. this Saturday at The Hub.

The Hub
2001 W. Valley Blvd.
Colton, CA. 92324

909.877.0149

DIRECTIONS

Advice Goddess on KPCC 89.3 Today

Veteran Los Angeles Times writer and radio host Patt Morrison will interview Amy Alkon at 2:30 p.m. this afternoon regarding Amy’s new book “I See Rude People”.

If you’re unable to listen live you can always return at any time and listen to the podcast.

This should prove to be a very interesting and lively chat as Amy is a firecracker of a personality.

Pictured: The Advice Goddess meets the Blogging Pressman.

Thursday Morning in the Blogosphere

LAT Presswoman Amalia Martinez

Get off the lawn - Jeff Jarvis
Rhoades out at the Daily Pilot - Gary Scott
Glass Half-Full Theory - Newspaper Death Watch
Sam Zell out as troubled Tribune's CEO - Daily Finance
27% of ex-LATers report health problems - Kevin Roderick
Tucson AZ - A Best Boomer Town for Sure! - Baby Boomer
Kevin Bronson Eulogizes His Pal Mike Penner - Tina Dupuy
Washington Times to lay off 40 percent of its staff - Business Journal
Journalists struggle after parting the Los Angeles Times - Journalism Shop
Black Newspaper Compares Sen. Turner to Aunt Jemima? - Electronic Village

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Sam Zell's Memo to Staff

Today we are announcing a transition in Tribune’s leadership. Acting upon my recommendation, the board of directors has appointed Randy CEO and has elected him to the board. I will continue as Tribune’s Chairman, providing strategic oversight and vision to the company’s management team.

During the last two years, we’ve achieved a seismic shift in Tribune’s focus and culture—we’re moving in the right direction and into the New Year with energy and optimism.

I have complete faith in Randy’s judgment and leadership. No one will work harder for Tribune. There is a great future ahead.

Sam

SOURCE: Gary Scott

Thought For Today 12-2-2009

Put your interest in the future, because you're going to spend the
rest of your life there.

Tribune Company Announces Leadership Transition

Randy Michaels Named Chief Executive Officer, Elected to Board of Directors

Sam Zell Remains Tribune Chairman

CHICAGO, December 2, 2009 -- Tribune Company announced today that its board of directors has named Randy Michaels Chief Executive Officer; Michaels has also been elected to the board. Sam Zell remains Tribune’s Chairman and will continue to provide the management team with strategic oversight and vision.

Zell recommended the leadership transition to the board, saying, "This appointment reflects Randy’s increasing responsibilities. During the last two years, we’ve made substantial progress transforming Tribune from a collection of newspapers and television stations to a fast-paced, innovative media company that is using its scale and brands to compete more effectively than ever before."

"At this point in Tribune’s evolution, no one is better suited to lead the company forward. Randy has a unique combination of real-time creativity, expertise and passion, and I completely trust his judgment and his leadership."

Michaels was appointed Chief Operating Officer in May, 2008, and has been part of the company’s senior executive team since Tribune’s going-private transaction in December 2007. Prior to becoming COO, Michaels served as executive vice president and chief executive officer of Tribune’s interactive and broadcast divisions.

"I am grateful to Sam and the members of the board for this vote of confidence and the opportunity," said Michaels. "I look forward to continuing to work closely with Sam and the rest of the board -- this is a great company with a great future."

"There is a lot of work yet to do," he continued, "but we have tremendously talented people and world-class brands in print, on air and online. Our businesses are profitable and we’re gaining market-share and momentum in a tough environment. The entire management team is focused on the long-term and keeping Tribune at the cutting-edge of creativity and innovation, which will translate into success on the bottom-line."

:: :: ::

TRIBUNE is America’s largest employee-owned media company, operating businesses in publishing, interactive and broadcasting. In publishing, Tribune’s leading daily newspapers include the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Baltimore Sun, Sun Sentinel (South Florida), Orlando Sentinel, Hartford Courant, Morning Call and Daily Press. The company’s broadcasting group operates 23 television stations, WGN America on national cable, and Chicago’s WGN-AM. Popular news and information websites complement Tribune’s print and broadcast properties and extend the company’s nationwide audience. At Tribune we take what we do seriously and with a great deal of pride. We also value the creative spirit and nurture a corporate culture that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

SOURCE: Tribune

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Thought For Today 12-1-2009

The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions.

THICH NHAT HANH

How To Write A Rejection Letter

Congressman Ed Royce poses with White House Gate Crasher

"So she did what any other housewife might do. She scared up an ethnic look, bought a sari and sent out a flurry of emails in order to get an invite to The White House. Her target? Retired Army reserve CSM Michele S. Jones, a top Obama political appointee at the Pentagon. Jones was contacted not once, but several times by the Salahis about getting an invitation to the state dinner."

Read the rest at:
The Kitchen Dispatch

Tuesday Morning in the Blogosphere

Robert Murray transferred from the Times Orange County Plant to Olympic

The soul of journalism - Gary Scott
World AIDS Day - Electronic Village
Vote for Overheard in the Newsroom - Erica Smith
Another new hire at LAT Calendar - Kevin Roderick
November 30, 2009 News - Los Angeles Media Moves
Tribune gets 10 more weeks for exclusive plan - Reuters
AOL to Produce News, Videos by the Numbers - Jour MO2
Twitter Marks World AIDS Day With Red Tweets - Tina Dupuy
Rupert Murdoch on the internet (and me) then and now - Jeff Jarvis
Changes in the readers' representative office - Los Angeles Times

Tribune Bankruptcy *UPDATE

The lenders involved with the Tribune Company bankruptcy are meeting with the bankruptcy court this morning proposing their own plan to resolve this case. The lenders are opposed to dragging the bankruptcy out till May 31st, 2010 as per Tribune’s request.

Tribune Company filed for bankruptcy on December 8th, 2008, and was granted one extension this year.

If the banks plan is approved, will this mean the company will be broken up to satisfy the creditors, is everyone’s question?

There should be news from Chicago sometime soon.

*UPDATE: Tribune gets 10 more weeks for exclusive plan

Los Angeles Times club for pressmen and presswomen, with semi-annual dinners every March and October. The opinions here are that of each writer. THE RULES... (1) NO personal attacks. (2) Please stay on topic when making comments. (3) No cussing. No spitting. No head butting. (4) Tuck your shirt tail in. (5) If all of the rules above aren't followed, your comments won't appear here.

Contributors