Friday, December 31, 2010

Services for Owen and Marie Brennan

Services for Owen and Marie Brennan



Viewing: Friday, January 7, 2011, 1600 to 1900 Hrs

Rosary: Friday, January 7, 2011, 1900 Hrs

Cabot and Sons Mortuary
300 North Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 793-7159



Funeral Mass

Saturday, January 8, 2011, 1100 Hrs

Saint Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church
322 N Avenue 61
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 256-3041



Interment immediately following

Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
5835 West Slauson Avenue
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 836-5500

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Owen Brennan "SARGE" Rest in Peace

(from left) Richard Renchard and Owen Brennan


Just received word that retired pressroom first colorman at the Los Angeles Times for many years, Owen Brennan III, passed away last night.



Affectionately known as "Sarge" by his pressroom colleagues, he will be missed by everyone he touched.


Our condolences go out to his son Owen Brennan Jr., former Los Angeles Times pressroom supervisor.


From Owen Jr.: "Dad died at 10:07pm last night followed by my Mom at 11:55pm. We're sad that they're gone, but happy that they're not hurting anymore. I don't know what the other would have done without the other if one had survived the other."



Friday, December 24, 2010

Times publisher cites the year's highlights

December 23, 2010 3:58 pm

Publisher Eddy Hartenstein sent the following memo to Times employees:

Colleagues:

As we approach year-end, I want to thank each and every one of you for doing your part in this enterprise we call the Los Angeles Times Media Group.

And “doing” is the understatement of the year. Together, we have far exceeded our own stated mission of being the No. 1 source of news and information for Southern California. We have continually and methodically improved upon our goals of serving the diverse communities and constituencies of our immense geographic region, and done so throughout 2010 with distinctive style and, above all, heart and soul.

It is well worth the “ink” to highlight a number of our business and editorial accomplishments. They encompass giving our readers some of the best journalism anywhere in the world, with an emphasis on accountability reporting and news they can use, as well as creating new digital, event and distribution revenue streams. We are committing resources to areas that we know are of key interest to our readers and advertisers, and that make California the unique place that it is. All of these efforts are aimed at further distinguishing our coverage and reach in the crowded media landscape.

Continue reading here.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Tribune Profit Sharing Contribution

Romenesko Memos

A Tribune memo says the company will make a 1.5 percent profit-sharing allocation to the 401(k) accounts of eligible employees in February 2011. Also, the memo adds, company leaders will begin holding town-hall style meetings with employees in early 2011.

From: Tribune Communications
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2010 11:14 AM
Subject: Message from Nils, Don, Tony and Eddy/2010 Profit Sharing Contribution

As 2010 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank you for your hard work, effort and dedication throughout the year. Your focus on innovation, results and contributions to improve our company have made a huge difference.

In spite of a challenging economy, an increasingly competitive advertising environment, and a noisy bankruptcy process, our financial results this year have been very strong. We’re projecting the company will generate more than $600 million in consolidated operating cash flow in 2010—up about 27% from 2009. And when the company succeeds, Tribune employees benefit financially, as well.

Under our 401(k) Savings Plan, if Tribune exceeds certain financial targets, the company may award a discretionary profit-sharing allocation to eligible employees. We’re pleased to tell you that based on our estimated 2010 year-end results, the company will make a 1.5% profit-sharing allocation to the 401(k) accounts of eligible employees in February 2011.

The allocation amount is based on your base pay and commissions paid through December 31, 2010. You must be employed on the last day of the year in order to receive it. The profit-sharing allocation vests in two years, and past service counts towards that requirement.

The allocation will be made to the funds you’ve designated for any matching contributions you receive from the company to the 401(k) Savings Plan (if applicable). If you do not contribute to the 401(k) or have not designated a fund, the profit sharing allocation will be invested in the Vanguard Target Retirement Fund closest to the year in which you turn age 65.

This is one way of recognizing the work of employees across Tribune and reinforces what can be accomplished when we work together as one company. Your input, your ideas, your creativity and your energy are critical to our long-term success.

We also believe that two-way communication is important. In early 2011, we will begin holding town-hall style meetings with employees at our various business units. We’ll do as many as possible in person, but because of time and travel constraints, we’ll conduct some via satellite hook-up. These meetings will give us a chance to speak with you directly and take your questions. We’re working on a schedule now.

We’re closing out a strong year; thank you again for making 2010 a success. Have a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.

Nils, Don, Tony and Eddy

SOURCE: Jim Romenesko

Brian Quintana To Enter California Senate Contest



Hollywood producer Brian Quintana who challenged United States Senator Barbara Boxer in the June 8, 2010 Democratic primary is preparing to run for California's 28th Senate District. The Co-Producer of Superman: Man of Steel received 338,442 votes from fiscally conservative Democrats, Latinos and younger voters. Quintana’s base, name ID and appeal to crossover voters could make him a formidable candidate. Further, he campaigned heavily for Lt. Governor-Elect Gavin Newsom , Superintendent of Public Instruction-Elect Tom Torlakson, Secretary of State Debra Bowen, and may have some chits to call in.


Quintana received more votes statewide and in Los Angeles County than Ted Lieu for Attorney General in the June primary. Quintana received more votes than Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa did in any of his elections, and received 118,948 more votes than (two-time) California Attorney General candidate Rocky Delgadillo which could make him California's rising star in the Latino community which accounts for 34.9% of the district's population. Further, he tied Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Chuck DeVore in Los Angeles County, proving his appeal to conservative white voters who adamantly opposed Barbara Boxer.


"I have met with local elected officials, the business community and neighborhood leaders throughout the district. I am leaning toward a run, and will make a formal announcement after conferring with family over the Christmas Holiday," stated Quintana who grew up in the South Bay. "I spent week-ends growing up there which means I spent week-ends along the coast from Redondo Beach to Venice. Each year I would stray farther and farther, and hope dad wouldn't notice." Quintana notes that, "Several immediate family members lost their jobs in the aerospace industry so I was personally affected. I have spent the last fifteen years working in the entertainment industry and with various sports franchises. As a State Senator, I will continue to lure those high paying jobs to the South Bay region."


The 28th Senate District includes the following communities: Carson, El Segundo, Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Lennox, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Angeles (Cheviot Hills, Harbor City, Mar Vista, Palms, Playa del Rey, Rancho Park, San Pedro, Sawtelle, Terminal Island, Venice, West Los Angeles, Wilmington), Manhattan Beach, Marina del Rey, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, and Torrance. The Governor has two weeks after the new legislative term begins to call a special election.

Quintana first ran to represent Hollywood in the State Assembly in 1992. His supporters have included entertainment mogul Barry Diller, Studio chief Sherry Lansing, producer Steve Tisch, actress Anjelica Huston, and Hollywood billionaire David Geffen. In January 2009 USA Today mentioned him as a prospective candidate to succeed Congressman Xavier Becerra who at the time was considering the post of President Barack Obama's Commerce Secretary. Quintana, an aide while in college to current House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, clearly intends to continue his political involvement for decades to come.

The Governor has scheduled the special election for February 15, 2011.

For more information please visit www.bqforsenate.com or call 323-850-1040.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

A CHUCKLE FOR YOU...

“The Supreme Court has ruled that they cannot have a nativity scene in Washington, D.C. This wasn't for any religious reasons. They couldn't find three wise men and a virgin.”
Jay Leno

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Pete Mastin's Farewell Concert tonight

Well, as it turns out, Pete's band will be playing
a farewell gig at The Horseshoe Lounge in
Riverside tonight for thier drummer, Tony. He is moving to Washington in January.

Come down and help send him off tonight at 9:00 PM.

4640 Galena St. Riverside, Ca.

They're gonna blow the roof off the place!

(Pictured)Ronnie Pineda, Pete Mastin, and Bill Conover

Friday, December 17, 2010

Recall Letter from former LA Times Pressman

Kathy Brokhausen shared the following email from former pressman Scott Bodily, thank you Kathy.

"Dec. 15th , Today I received a recall letter from Greg Malcolm saying that I
will be recalled the week of Dec. 26th.I was wondering if any one else also got
one. I hope so. Scott Bodily"

Friday Afternoon in the Blogosphere

From the left, Pandora Young, Edward, and Tina Dupuy



The List of 209 Tribune Company Managers Who Made Bank - FishbowlLA

By Tina Dupuy


We will spare you a quip about making lists and checking them twice. Naughty
execs? Not news. Naughty Tribune execs ditto. Seeing the list of who made what
while hardworking scribes – including a dude who lost his eye covering the Iraq
War for the LAT – were laid off, bought out or downgraded – very nice. Knowing
all those people on the list may have to give the money back – even better.


Michael Miner at the Chicago Reader writes:

All told, the Tribune Company payments came to about $180 million.
That’s a serious piece of change — especially to someone who worked there for years
and didn’t share in a penny of it; and most definitely to someone whose humble role
in the privatization process was to get laid off.

Here’s the PDF I was forwarded — it shows what everyone got. A few high-fliers,as the expression goes, made out like bandits. For instance David Hiller, CEO of the Los Angeles Times before he left the company in July of 2008, got $3,972,558 in a deferred bonus, $2,328,067 for his stock, $2,083,333 in phantom equity, a total of $3,050,523 in excise tax gross ups, and $3,960,000 in executive transition. That comes to nearly $15.4 million. Then again, it’s a trifle compared to what Dennis FitzSimons, CEO of the entire company, walked away with — $28.7 million.



See the list and read the rest of the piece here.


The List of 209 Tribune Company Managers Who Made Bank - FishbowlLA

Eddy Hartenstein Buys Employees Dinner

Employees at the Los Angeles Times have witnessed many changes under the ownership of the Tribune Company the last ten years, which the company representatives blame on the Internet.

Just like a hospital, fire station, and police department, the newspaper always has someone working twenty-four seven, weekends, and holidays.

One of the bright ideas from Tribune Towers in Chicago, to conserve funds, was the elimination of the free meals for employees working on Thanksgiving and Christmas, while the company gave out lucrative bonuses to the executives.

This year was much different from many as the publisher of the Los Angeles Times, Eddy Hartenstein, bought Thanksgiving dinner for the employees that worked the holiday.

This was appreciated by most and I would like to thank Eddy for this move in the right direction.

DAILY MOTIVATOR 12-17-2010

One decision away
+++++++++++++++++++

You're just one decision away from being free of the limiting demands of your ego. Living your life at the highest level is a choice you can make right now, in this moment.

Accept the positive power that has always been yours. Take the initiative and make full use of the unique power that comes with being you.

In times of unquestioned joy you've glimpsed your true purpose. Take the opportunity now to express that purpose and bring great new value to life.

Worry and fear can no longer pull you down or hold you back.
Though life is relentlessly demanding, you have chosen to be even stronger.

Because you have chosen to persist, you will. Because you know why you must succeed, you do.

Every moment is a decision, and therefore every moment is an opportunity of incalculable value. Decide now, and again and again, to bring your highest possibilities to life.

Ralph Marston

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Tribune is bankrupt, but Hartford Courant staffers still get a Christmas bonus | Poynter.

by Jim Romenesko

Tribune is bankrupt, but Hartford Courant staffers still get a Christmas bonus Poynter.

It’s not much, but still… “As a small token of appreciation and in the spirit of the season, we are offering employees one $15 voucher for the Broad Street café good for Dec. 20 to Dec. 23,” says a memo (click MORE to read) from Rich Graziano, publisher of the Tribune-owned Hartford Courant. At Landmark Communications’ Greensboro News & Record, staffers did a bit better. Editor John Robinson tweeted yesterday: “Distributing $50 gift cards to newsroom staff makes this one of the better days of the year.” Did your media organization give a Christmas bonus? Let us know in Comments.


From: Graziano, Richard
Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 5:14 PM
To: zzWTIC.Everyone; HC-ALL Courant and Subsidiaries
Subject: Happy Holidays CT1 Media Employees

Thank you for your hard work and everything we’ve accomplished this year. As a small token of appreciation and in the spirit of the season, we are offering employees one $15 voucher for the Broad Street café good for Dec. 20 to Dec. 23 (café is closed on Dec. 24).

To pick up a voucher, please come to the entrance of the café (under the TV) on Thursday, Dec. 16 from noon -2 p.m. or Friday, Dec. 17 from 9-11 a.m. If you are unable to pick one up during these times, please stop by Chelsea Roy’s desk here on the 4th floor.

Only one voucher will be issued per employee, so please do not lose or misplace it. You’ll be required to sign for the voucher upon receipt.

We hope you will visit the café next week (Dec. 20 – Dec. 23) and enjoy the food. Thank you for a great year and here’s to 2011. The opportunities are limitless. I wish you and your families a great holiday season, and a safe and happy New Year.

Thank you!

Rich

Rich Graziano

ceo, president & publisher hartford courant

general manager wtic/wcct

So You Want to be a Journalist?



h/t Tina Dupuy

Arbitration Report

From Union President Ronnie Pineda




Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Union and the Company, along with our respective legal counsel met to arbitrate grievances filed on behalf of the membership. On Monday December 6, 2010 Executive Vice President Denson, Attorney, Adam Stern and myself were prepared to present our arguments before the agreed Arbitrator regarding the assignment of crew positions in violation of the collective bargaining agreement.

The Company presented a defense that was never argued during the grievance process Steps 1, 2 or 3 and their defense is that this grievance was not an arbitral case under the language of the CBA. Obviously, we disagree and our Counselor, Adam Stern did a magnificent job stating that fact. The Arbitrator in this case will make a decision on whether this case can be arbitrated. We anticipate a favorable decision and look forward to presenting the merits of this grievance once his decision is rendered.

All parties again met on Wednesday December 8, 2010 to present our case regarding the Company’s hiring of part-time employee Marvin Crayon. The collective bargaining agreement has express language describing eligible candidates for part-time employment in our shop and it is our position that Mr. Crayon did not meet that criteria.

The Company’s defense in this case is that they were not notified that the Union sought to arbitrate this matter following their Step 3 denial of our grievance. That was disputed by our Counselor and we presented the document appealing their step 3 denial including our intent to arbitrate. The Company’s defense is that they did not receive the e-mail containing our response to their Step 3 denial. We possess the proof that the e-mail was sent to the Company and will present this evidence to the arbitrator in this case for her decision on Timeliness. The company never informed the Union of what the timeliness issue was and like previous arbitrations chose to present this defense the morning of arbitration. Upon receipt of the arbitrator’s presumed favorable decision, we are prepared to present the merits of this case at that time.

Each time we have met to arbitrate our grievances; the company has presented a different defense apparently in hopes of one of them sticking to the wall. Brothers and Sisters, it should be obvious that the company has no intention of resolving our disputes in a harmonious fashion as the contract states, and they agreed to. These defenses that the company is arguing are intended to stall and delay in hopes that the members will lose faith in the process and decertify the union next year. We have waited too long for resolution and we need to stand steadfast and allow the arbitration process to finally obtain the unbiased ruling on the true intent and agreements of our 1st contract. SVP Russ Newton and Tribune hopes there won’t be a second contract so all of these grievances will disappear and our fight against their punishment, disrespect and harassment for organizing will have been lost without a fight!!

In Solidarity,
President,
Ronnie Pineda

Additional messages can be viewed at Save Our Trade

Additional Downsizing at the Los Angeles Times

Several colleagues have called or emailed this morning regarding a voluntary separation package they received this morning via United Parcel Service from the Los Angeles Times.

The company is offering one week’s pay for every year of service, with the deadline for applying set at January 5th, 2011, and company separation to occur between January and March of 2011.

My separation package has not arrived, as of this moment, and not certain if this is company wide or just for pressroom employees?

This will not make the employees that were let go earlier this year from the pressroom empty handed very happy.

Will keep you updated as information becomes available.



Two Californias: A study of small towns and rural areas

"I note only that there are vast numbers of people who apparently are not working, are on public food assistance, and enjoy the technological veneer of the middle class."
Read more at Victor Davis Hanson's Private Papers Site

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Congratulations Ed!


Welcome Bentley Bryan Barsi!
7lbs 9 oz.
Nice touch to have him named after your son.
Third Grandchild for Ed!

Thursday, December 09, 2010

Tribune's ex-CEO wiped his drive on way out the door - LA Observed

Tribune Company has asked a bankruptcy judge to permit lawyers to gather information via discovery from former chief executive Randy Michaels, who the company says wiped data and e-mails from his company laptop and phone. That was with lawsuits pending, including one by ex-Los Angeles Times employees, and a complex bankruptcy proceeding underway.

Tribune's ex-CEO wiped his drive on way out the door - LA Observed

Thursday Afternoon in the Blogosphere



Tribune Company Bankruptcy never ending?

The Tribune Company bankruptcy was filed two years ago yesterday, and appears it will be continuing at a minimum of three additional months.

DAILY MOTIVATOR 12-9-2010

Choose again
+++++++++++++++++++

You have chosen every thought, every feeling, every response and every action. Now you have the opportunity to choose again.

If you're completely satisfied with where you are, keep making the same choices that have brought you here. If you prefer to experience more valuable, fulfilling results, then make more positive, appropriate choices.

Any outcome is within your power to create because any choice is within your power to make. The priorities you choose determine the realities you get.

Every moment of every day you are exerting a powerful and effective influence on your world. Whether that influence is positive or negative depends entirely on the choices you make.

Not only can you choose, you can learn from what you choose and continually improve the quality of your choices as you make more and more of them. Because you're able to learn and adapt, nothing you truly desire is out of your reach.

So look deep within and become familiar with your most authentic desires. Then commit to making the choices that will fulfill every one of them.

Ralph Marston

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Thought For Today 12-7-2010

"What other people think of you is none of your business." GET A LIFE!!!!!!

Friday, December 03, 2010

DAILY MOTIVATOR 12-3-2010

The Courage to Fulfill

When you make a habit of expecting the best, you will occasionally be disappointed. Though it is a risk, it's a risk that's well worth taking.

The alternative to being occasionally disappointed as a result of your high expectations is to be continually unfulfilled. Which would you rather have?

Everyone has the ability to live a fulfilling life.
Unfortunately, many people fail to summon the courage to do so.

Working to fulfill your most profound desires is a risky thing because it opens you up to the possibility of disappointment. Sometimes it might seem attractive to simply lower your expectations and avoid the disappointment, but it doesn't work that way.

Sure, when you choose to expect the best, you risk being disappointed from time to time. However, when you expect nothing good from life, you put yourself in a state of continual disappointment that can eventually lead to intractable regret.

Go ahead, acknowledge and accept the fact that your high expectations will sometimes result in disappointment. Remind yourself that when those disappointments come, you can raise your expectations even higher, moving forward with more energy and determination than ever before.

Ralph Marston

Thursday, December 02, 2010

David Craddock's Wake


Time: Monday, December 6 · 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Location:
Angeleno Mortuary
5948 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91401

MAP: click here for directions

KODAK GENERATION NEWS System Demo

The KODAK GENERATION NEWS System provides both high productivity plate making and the stability, accuracy and repeatability of thermal imaging. Fast throughput and advanced automation let newspaper printers get to press quickly. Thermal KODAK SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology provides the excellent imaging quality needed for high-quality newspaper printing or expansion into semi-commercail business. Learn more at: Kodak



Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Wednesday Afternoon in the Blogosphere

Rest in Peace Brother David Craddock




Former Shareholders of Tribune Company

If you were a shareholder of Tribune Company (“Tribune”; NYSE symbol: (“TRB”) in 2007 and tendered or exchanged shares of Tribune stock in June or December 2007, you are likely a member of a potential class of shareholders named as defendants in the lawsuit described below (the “Defendant Shareholder Class”). Your legal rights may be significantly affected by this lawsuit.
Accordingly, please read this notice carefully.

The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Tribune (the “Committee”) filed a lawsuit in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on November 1, 2010, entitled Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of the Tribune Company v. FitzSimons, et al. (In re Tribune Co.), Adversary Proceeding No. 10-54010 (Bankr. D. Del) (KJC) (the Lawsuit”).

This lawsuit arises out of a leveraged buyout transaction (“LBO”) by which Tribune converted to a privately held company in 2007. The LBO happened in two steps: (1) in June 2007, Tribune executed a tender offer that resulted in shareholders tendering their Tribune shares in exchange for $34 per share, and (2) in December 2007, the remaining shares of Tribune were converted to a right to receive cash, also at $34 per share.

If you received proceeds in either step of the LBO, you are likely a member of the Defendant Shareholder Class, even if your name is not currently on the list of shareholders on “Exhibit A” to the Complaint, and you should consider consulting a lawyer to determine whether your rights are affected by this lawsuit.

A copy of the Complaint is available at http://www.kccllc.net/. If you have any questions, please contact Landis Rath & Cobb LLP at TribuneUCC@lrclaw.com or (302) 467-4428.

Thought For Today 12-1-2010

"Obstacles are those things you see when you take your eyes off the goal."

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Thought For Today 11-30-2010

"To listen well is as powerful a means of communication and influence as to talk well."

It's Ed's Call...

If you've commented here with things like, "you suck" "you kiss ass," Rita and I are letting Ed to decide whether or not to publish them. His blog, his call. We haven't deleted them, they're just waiting for moderation.
While you can write those things and in some cases may even be warranted, we suggest including your full name along with an email address, and your phone number. This way Ed can confirm you said this, so your future grand children can google you one day and find out that you thought so-and-so was an ass-kisser.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Thought For Today 11-29-2010

"Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about."

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

DAILY MOTIVATOR 11-24-2010

The instinct to protect ourselves is inherent, we are wired that way. There was a time when the ability to protect one's self, was a matter of life and death. In the wild, it's killed or be killed, but you don't live in a jungle, so there will be no need to sharpen your spear.

Some of the greatest benefits of this world can only be experienced by allowing yourself to be vulnerable. You cannot love if you are always on guard. You cannot be loved if you're in fight or flight mode. True love is offered through sincerity and received through and open heart.

The holiday season is upon us. It's a time of reflection, gratitude, and recognition. Drop your defenses and give yourself permission to be a vessel from which love can freely flow.

Take your gloves off and embark on this journey with a generous spirit, a loving resolve, and a positive attitude.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 11-24-2010

"Human diversity makes tolerance more than a virtue; it makes it a requirement for survival."

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Thought For Today 11-23-2010

"What we call the secret of happiness is no more a secret than our willingness to choose life."

Monday, November 22, 2010

David Craddock Sr. Rest in Peace

David Craddock Sr. 02.06.60 - 11.21.10

















Former Los Angeles Times Electro-Tech David Craddock passed away Sunday from a massive heart attack at the age of fifty.

David is survived by his loving wife Tania and three sons.

Funeral services are currently pending, with a possible service date of Saturday December 4th.

Thought For Today 11-22-2010

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs. Tee hee hee!

Friday, November 19, 2010

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 11-19-2010

"Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life."

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Thought For Today 11-18-2010

We never really grow up...we only learn how to act in public. Well, SOME of us anyway!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

SSG Salvatore Giunta Receives The Medal Of Honor: Photos

More Photos of SSG Salvatore Giunta receiving the Medal Of Honor today.

"Although this is positive, I would give this back in a second to have my friends back with me right now." -SSG Salvatore Giunta after receiving the honor.

Thought For Today 11-16-2010

”Common sense grows out of dealing with the consequences of our actions.”

Don’t deny that opportunity to your children–even if it hurts to watch.

Monday, November 15, 2010

SSG Sal Giunta, Medal Of Honor Recipient

The Sal Giunta Story from Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington on Vimeo.

When I first head about the possibility of SSG Sal Giunta being awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Rock Avalanche in the Korengal Valley, I was with filmmaker Tim Hetherington and MSG La Monta Caldwell. We were excited over the prospect, and wondered if it would be true. The gravity of the circumstances under which he earned it was never lost on us. After all, the events at Rock Avalanche unfold before the viewers of the film Restrepo. Tim was there. Months have passed, and on Tuesday, November 16, SSG Sal Giunta will be the first living Medal of Honor recipient since the Vietnam war. President Obama will present it to him at The White House. His mates from the 2/503 will be there with him. So will the reporters who were with the platoon.

What strikes everyone is his reluctance to see himself as extraordinary. As Giunta says,
"It sounds really awesome in theory, but it’s not…what’s it worth, Brennan, Mendoza? It’s worth a lot, I don’t want to downplay it, it is the Medal of Honor, the highest award in the country, but … I didn’t do shit, I did what I did because in the scheme of this whole painting the picture of the ambush, that was my brush stroke. It wasn’t the most important brush stroke, I just completed the picture."
It's with a lot of mixed feelings that he accepts this award. A person doesn't become a hero alone, but as the result of circumstance and with the foundation made with the help of others. He is accepting this in honor of the men who were there with him, including SGT Josh Brennan and Medic SPC Hugo Mendoza who died that day. This is reason enough to accept the nation's highest honor.
Join me in wishing the men of the 2/503 Battle Company peace and good will.

PTSD: A different way of seeing the present

"The description that resonated best with me comes from a study done by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. and Alexander McFarlane as traumatic memories, which induce emotional and physical manifestations of stress. Rather than being filed under a bad memory, they are replayed over and over again, and these intrusive thoughts become the reality a person builds their life around."
Read the rest at: The Kitchen Dispatch

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Thursday Afternoon in the Blogosphere

LA Times Pressmen Tim Lankford and Rick Ostojic

Ken Olson Rest in Peace

Emmett Jaime received a telephone call from Ken Olson's son Marty that Ken had passed away Tuesday November 2nd at home. Ken and his wife Gayle have been living in Central Point, Oregon for almost a year after living 3 years in Nevada north of Las Vegas.

They will have his services on Thursday November 11th in Central Point and Gayle has requested that if anyone wants to send something that send it to their home.

Gayle's address is:

555 Freeman Rd #167,
Central Point , OR 97502.

Veterans Day

Veterans Day: Rememberance Of The Brotherhood

Each November they come, marching on streets from Fullerton to New York City. Some are grizzled and grey, their rows not as straight, and many march arm in arm. To see a veterans day parade is to bear witness to a time line of war and peace: Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Korea, The Pacific, and Europe. And if you were to imagine, preceding them would be soldiers from Belleau Wood, San Juan Hill, Antietam, Gettysburg, and Valley Forge. If we look around us, we might even imagine all the loved ones they left behind, standing alongside watching the procession go by.

The passing years are gently worn by some of the WWII vets. While there are those still able to make the march, others sit at the staging area. They wear caps emblazoned where and with whom they served. Many have medals pinned to their jackets. Their vision is not as keen, sharp sounds are softer now. Yet, here they are, craning their necks, listening for the familiar sound of boots on the ground. They are waiting for their brothers who are marching for them.

Veterans gather every November 11 not just for the fanfare, hoopla, or flag waving. They come together to feel the bonds of service. For this was a time in their life when brotherhood was never a question and trust meant the difference between life and death. Unlike the camaraderie displayed among actors on a screen, or by athletes on a team, what separates them is the oath they took to protect and serve our country. Often this meant saving the life of their brothers, even if it could cost them their own. What distinguishes them is each has walked the warrior path, embodying a code of ethics and honor. In combat, they put aside their own needs. They would die for each other, they would die for you, they have died for us.

We know this day stirs old memories of those they have lost. Battle buddies who sat with them in a trench, a hooch, on the deck of a carrier, on a stretch of beach but didn’t make it through. The sounds and smells of war come back, not only today, but late at night when everyone in the house is asleep. For it’s not just the physical harm they risked, what they put on the line was their soul, sacrificing their own sense of peace. What many have worked so hard to get back is the same certainty they had during the war –a cause or person who makes them feel that life matters as much now as it did back then. Hand to hand; face to face; eye to eye; brother to brother; soul to soul.

Some have weathered the toll of war better than others. The men and women who trudged through fields, jungles and urban decay have to regain their balance in fog of war. Today, when the word veteran is greatly shortchanged by stereotypes, when they themselves are politicized, finding their inner peace hasn’t been easy. Some have failed, others struggle. But many, who have reclaimed it, work tirelessly to help those who are still on the march, trying to catch their breath. They are, and always will be –warriors.

This is why we gather on Veterans Day: to see and honor the brotherhood between those who have served and continue to do so. All we have to say to them when we walk by are five simple words: “Thank you for your service.”

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Thought For Today 11-10-10

"People might not get all they work for in this world, but they must certainly work for all they get."

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Daily Motivator 11-9-2010

Genuine humility
+++++++++++++++++++

When you can get free from the demands of your ego, you also free yourself from most of your self-imposed limitations. In practicing genuine humility, you will find enormous power.

Get beyond the desire to control others, and you vastly improve your ability to control your own actions. Let go of the need to be right, and you open yourself to experience new truth.

Get free of the need to blame, and your own sense of responsibility grows stronger. Stop seeking to place judgments on others, and you're free to powerfully improve your own actions.

Give up the thought that you're better than everyone else, and a whole new world of opportunity opens up to you. Stop seeking unfair advantage, and you're free to develop an unstoppable effectiveness.

Quit demanding the most and start expecting the best. You'll experience a level of true abundance that you never before could have imagined.

Live each moment with humility, love, respect and gratitude for the whole of life that surrounds you. And you will find a treasure that has no end.

Ralph Marston

Thought For Today 11-9-2010

"The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live."

Monday, November 08, 2010

Thought For Today 11-8-2010

"Ego and confidence are different things.“

In fact, so different that one excludes the other. A big ego shows a lack of confidence, and confidence doesn’t need ego.

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Tribune Co. reorganizes HR, online departments

From: Tribune Communications
Sent: Tuesday, November 02, 2010 10:19 AM
Subject: Message from Don, Nils, Tony and Eddy/Restructuring Tribune Interactive and Human Resources

As members of the Executive Council, we've spent the last several days speaking with the leaders of our business units and with our employees, getting their input and thinking about the best way for the company to continue moving forward. As many pointed out, we have accomplished a lot over the last two and a half years -- thanks largely to your creativity, effort and dedication. We also received an abundance of feedback about additional ways to improve our capabilities to capitalize on opportunities.

Fortunately, there is a lot of opportunity ahead.

Today, we continue moving ahead by announcing several organizational changes designed to streamline corporate operations and increase collaboration across the company. These changes entail restructuring Tribune Interactive and our Human Resources organization in ways that enable us to enhance our focus on revenue, reduce overall expenses, leverage centers of excellence within our business units, and improve the level of service to our internal stakeholders and customers.

Tribune Interactive is evolving in recognition of the importance of digital and mobile revenue to Tribune Company's future and will be renamed Tribune Digital. In this new configuration, all functions related to revenue will be headed by Don Meek as EVP/Tribune Digital. Don will report to the Executive Council and his day-to-day contact will be Tony Hunter. As part of this evolution, Doug Thomas will continue as EVP/GM of Tribune365, and report directly to the Executive Council, with Eddy Hartenstein as his main point of contact.

Under Don's leadership, Tribune Digital will develop high-value, market-driven projects to drive business unit results. We’ve also charged Don and his organization with determining the solutions required to drive more revenue in the short term, while positioning us for future growth. The scope of this effort will include Advertising Operations, Innovations, Product Development, Market Support, Audience Development, sales of our technology solutions to outside clients and related Finance and Operations functions.

Eddie Tyner will lead the company’s Marketplaces (Classifieds) strategy and incorporate ForSaleByOwner into his organization. Eddie will collaborate with the business units to refine our strategic direction and drive innovation in this critical revenue category. He will report to Don Meek.

Julie Anderson and her content team will report to Gerry Kern. Julie and Gerry will define the most effective way to ensure collaboration and coordination in the delivery of content to our business units.

Stephen Waldon and the Healthkey content team will report to Tami Dennis, VP/Health Content at the Los Angeles Times. We expect the excellent working relationship between the Healthkey content team and our business units to continue.

The Research and Business Intelligence functions will be divided between Kathleen O'Hara's marketing team at the Chicago Tribune and Bill Nagel's business services team at the Los Angeles Times, and we anticipate increased collaboration across the entire company on these important functions and initiatives.

TRG -- The Results Group -- led by Ellen Glassberg will become part of Bob Fleck's organization at Chicago Tribune and continue to work with all the business units across Tribune Company.

We're also planning to restructure the company's Human Resources organization in a way that will allow us to share best practices and leverage the HR expertise residing in the corporate office and in our business units. We want employees to feel connected not only to their individual business units, but to Tribune as a whole. We've asked Gwen Murakami, Janice Jacobs and Mike Bourgon to lead this effort. This leadership team will focus on both business units’ human resources needs and corporate shared services functions.

As a result of these steps, several positions are being eliminated and Marc Chase, Carolyn Gilbert, John Martin, Jeff Kapugi, Geoff Melick, Betsy Phillips, Barb Buchwald, Ken Perry, and Louise Sheard will be leaving the company. We appreciate the contributions of these individuals and wish them well in their future endeavors.

We are confident these changes will enable us to improve operating results and internal collaboration. Let’s stay focused on the future.

Don, Nils, Tony and Eddy

SOURCE: Jim Romenesko

Thought For Today 11-3-2010

"Every two years the American politics industry fills the airwaves with the most virulent, scurrilous, wall-to-wall character assassination of nearly every political practitioner in the country -- and then declares itself puzzled that America has lost trust in its politicians." Go figure!

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Daily Motivator 11-2-2010

Guaranteed success
+++++++++++++++++++

No one else can guarantee that you will be successful or fulfilled in your life. And that's what makes success and fulfillment so desirable.

If you wish to experience life's true richness, you must make your own way toward it. Others can lead you and guide you and encourage you, yet no one can do it for you.

You are blessed with the magnificent opportunity to express what it means to be alive in your own unique way. The fulfillment of that opportunity, by very definition, must come from you.

The real meaning of accomplishment is not what you get.
Accomplishment has value because of what you put into it.

Though no one else can guarantee your success, you can guarantee it by making the commitment to do whatever you must do. You can guarantee it with your intention, your focus, your action and your persistence.

Today, tomorrow, in any place, whatever the situation, you can make a difference, for your own life, and for your world. Grab that opportunity, make the most of it every chance you get, and you'll guarantee your own success.

Ralph Marston

Monday, November 01, 2010

Civil Case Postponed till March, 2011 *updated

The case against non-dues paying employees in the pressroom at the Los Angeles Times was continued till March, 2011 by the civil court. The original judge residing over the case was absent, with a substitute judge filling in for the day.

Additional cases and grievances will be heard on November 8,10, and 11, 2010.

Thought For Today 11-1-10

“No matter how it’s received, a kindness done is never wasted because it nurtures your soul in the doing.”

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Multi-generational families wanted for veterans project

ESQUIRE MAGAZINE VETERANS PROJECT

For a major photographic portfolio in an upcoming issue, Esquire is looking for multigenerational families of combat veterans: sons or daughters who served in Afghanistan or Iraq, fathers (Vietnam), and grandfathers (World War II or Korea) who each served in combat and are willing to be photographed together representing three generations of American military history. Esquire has a long tradition of honoring American troops in wartime and we hope to add this unique portfolio of veteran families to that history.

If you and your living father and grandfather (or son and grandson) have served America at war and would like to participate in this project, please send a note with your contact information to the Esquire Veterans Project. veteransproject@esquire.com

Afghanistan: Update

Tim of Free Range International, is a former Lt. Col in the Marines. He now carries out civilian-led COIN, employing thousands of Afghans in critical cash-for-work projects. They build irrigation, sanitation, schools, get cities wired up with WiFi and other projects. Now he's in a different province of Afghanistan, where the attitude about women is more relaxed. Few Burkas, some even drive cars.
"Why would the American government support a decree which is going to drive their implementation companies out of the country? It is not like the American government doesn’t use armed security contractors back in the states. Contractors guard prisons, fly convicts around the country, guard court houses and important officials. Why the hostility to security contractors in Afghanistan? Who knows? This is Afghanistan."
Read the rest at Free Range International

Friday, October 29, 2010

Tribune Company Creditors have until Midnight to Accept Offer

From the Chicago Tribune

Tribune braces for competing bankruptcy plans

Still recovering from a management scandal that claimed its chief executive a week ago, Tribune Co. is bracing for its next disruption: How to cope with legal challenges from Aurelius Capital Management and other unhappy creditors seeking to upend its bankruptcy case.

Creditors face a midnight Friday deadline for submitting restructuring plans that would contest a settlement filed Oct. 22 by Tribune Co., its biggest senior creditors and the committee charged with representing the company's junior creditors.

Aurelius intends to file a competing plan, said Mark Brodsky, chairman of the litigious New York hedge fund. So does a group of senior creditors known as the SoCal lenders, one of its lawyers confirmed. Another group of bridge loan lenders represented by Wells Fargo Bank also is considering a filing, although the group's lawyer, Thomas Lauria, of White & Case, said it may end up joining another opposition camp.

Tribune Co. Co-President and Chief Restructuring Officer Don Liebentritt last week hailed the company-endorsed plan as the best way "to conclude its bankruptcy proceedings as soon as possible." But many creditors vow to fight a plan they insist continues to shortchange their interests.

"They settled amongst themselves … again," Lauria said, noting key junior creditors were absent from the negotiations.

Entire article can be read here.

Tribune Company Files Plan of Reorganization

October 23rd, 2010

Tribune Company announced today that it has filed with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, a Plan of Reorganization that would keep the company intact, sharply reduce its debt, and turn ownership over to holders of the company’s Initial and Incremental Term Loans.

The Plan, which must still be approved by Tribune creditors and the Court, incorporates the terms of two previously announced settlement agreements endorsed by the mediator and reached by its Unsecured Creditors Committee, Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., Angelo, Gordon & Co, L.P., and JPMorgan Chase Bank.

“We are pleased to be able to put before the court and our creditors the previously announced settlement of LBO claims in a plan that maximizes the value of the bankruptcy estates, preserves all stakeholders’ legitimate entitlements and enables the company to conclude its bankruptcy proceedings as soon as possible,” said Don Liebentritt, Tribune’s Chief Restructuring Officer. “In addition, we believe this plan has broad support within the senior lender class, including from an ad hoc group of lenders called the Credit Agreement Lenders, which collectively represents approximately $5 billion of Initial and Incremental term Loans—Oaktree, and Angelo, Gordon, are part of this ad hoc group.”

Documents filed with the plan contain highlights of the company’s recent and projected financial performance. The company expects operating cash flow for full year 2010 to be $617 million, approximately $123 million higher than 2009*.

Under the Plan, Tribune expects to continue its recently implemented employee retirement plan, featuring a 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and an annual discretionary profit-sharing contribution based on the achievement of certain financial goals; the company’s employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) would terminate and the shares held by the ESOP and in employee accounts would be extinguished.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Spoof on Randy Michaels and Lee Abrams





h/t Kevin Roderick

Thursday Afternoon in the Blogosphere




Kronos at the Los Angeles Times

http://www.kronos.com - A time clock solution that tracks employee punches is only step one in reducing payroll costs. The Kronos timekeeping system lets you see, plan, and manage employee time.

Homeboy Industries, Fabian Debora

Our friend from Homeboy Industries, Fabian Debora, submitted his "Convicted All Star" piece to an Art Expo online contest.


Please click "Vote Now" at the link below to help him win an exhibit in New York:


http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/66104/voteable_entries/9747006?ogn=website


Thank you for supporting this talented local artist.



Project Valour-IT: Annual Fundraiser

learn moreToday kicks off the annual fund raiser for Project Valour-IT through Soldiers' Angels. I'm raising for Team ARMY, however, there is a team for each branch. Last year the Marines won, this year we're hoping Team Army counters back with a win.
Team Army link is after the jump.

Project Valour-IT provides key pieces of technology for veterans with significant injuries:
  • Voice-controlled Laptops - Operated by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, they allow the wounded to maintain connections with the rest of the world during recovery.
  • Wii Video Game Systems - Whole-body game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists in therapy sessions (donated only to medical facilities).
  • Personal GPS - Handheld GPS devices build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to severe TBI and severe PTSD.
  • If you want to donate, please click on following link. Your contribution counts toward to Team ARMY

    Wednesday, October 27, 2010

    Eddy Hartenstein on Circulation at the LA Times

    From: Hartenstein, Eddy
    Sent: Monday, October 25, 2010 8:50 AM
    To: zzTrbAllHandsLAT
    Subject: Update



    Colleagues:

    This morning, the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) released its bi-yearly report on paid circulation results for the six-month period ending September 2010. In it, The Times reported Daily (Monday–Friday) circ of 600,449 and Sunday circ of 901,119. Although this is down from last year by 8.7% and 8.4% respectively, these declines were expected and primarily due to efforts to improve our overall operations and financial position.

    It’s important to note that the rate of decline is slowing and we are projecting it to continue to slow as we carry our strategic plan forward. Since early April, a cross-departmental team has been focused on our Sunday print edition, which is the second largest of any newspaper in the country, behind only the nationally-distributed New York Times. We’ve been better coordinating content of interest to that large readership and have increased our budget for a multimedia marketing campaign that has thus far yielded over 20,000 new home delivery orders and better single copy performance. In fact, September circ figures show Sunday losses of just over 6% and October looks stronger yet.

    Although we still see risks in a weak economy, we are actively re-investing in the company. These initiatives include:

    * Maintaining editorial staffing levels, enabling us to break major investigative stories such as the Bell scandal, deliver groundbreaking education reform coverage, “Grading the Teachers” and – in the case of our arts & entertainment team – bring on a couple of key new hires
    * Launching S.C.O.R.E. our new reader rewards program
    * Increasing our color capacity and re-tooling the Olympic production facility
    * Launching the new Times Select consumer product
    * Creating the Los Angeles Times Celebration of Food & Wine which drew a capacity crowd of 8,000 attendees, 164 exhibitors & 16 sponsors
    * Expanding Times Community News’ Daily Pilot into Irvine
    * Developing and launching two new iPhone apps


    We are also continuing to evolve our multimedia portfolio; getting positive LATExtra feedback, seeing latimes.com’s mobile site averaging 1 million monthly unique visitors and looking towards our forthcoming personalized shopping platform. And our Ink campaign continues to make an impact, with high-profile outdoor billboards atop the W Hotel in Hollywood and at the new, Santa Monica Place, as well as a new in-theatre trailer and upcoming direct-response television campaign.


    Thank you for your efforts in helping make the Los Angeles Times a stronger, better company that consistently delivers what advertisers and consumers want in local media.


    Eddy Hartenstein Bill Nagel

    Tuesday, October 26, 2010

    Book Review: Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris. The Brothers Grim gets an update.

    WIN a copy of this book by leaving a comment on the blog.
    "At times his style is akin to the loved uncle who always sets guests on edge because honestly, though he may be wry, he can also veer into creepy. Still, Sedaris is the one everyone wants sit next to because one never knows what this uncle will say and it will always be interesting."
    Read the rest and enter here: The Kitchen Dispatch

    Los Angeles Times Chuck Lee Celebrates 40 Years



    Los Angeles Times Machinist Chuck Lee celebrated forty years working at the newspaper, pictured with his son Adam a plate maker at the newspaper; we salute you for serving the company for four decades.

    Monday, October 25, 2010

    Sebastian Junger On The Role Of Journalists In War

    "As someone who has spent a lot of time with soldiers in the field, I understand the very common suspicion – even dislike – that some people in the military harbor for the press. I know that journalists don’t always act well, don’t always care about the subjects of their work and don’t always disencumber themselves from their political opinions while on the job. The military needs the press, however. No society can call itself democratic if the press does not operate freely; a war without journalists is a war where no one is accountable for their mistakes."
    Read the rest at: The Sebastian Junger Community.

    Update on war photographer Joao Silva: A long time journalist who has covered wars for over twenty years, Silva lost both legs above the knee due to an IED. He was outside of Arghandab when this happen. Flown to Landstuhl, Mr. Silva's wife has been flown in. According to tweets, Mr. Silva had woken up and was coming out of sedation. Prayers and good wishes are appreciated. In addition, three soldiers with him suffered concussions. Prayers are with them and their families as well.

    Friday, October 22, 2010

    Thought For Today 10-22-2010

    Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.

    Thursday, October 21, 2010

    THE DAILY MOTIVATOR 10-21-2010

    Get moving and keep moving. Put momentum on your side.

    Even if you've made some mistakes, learn from them and keep moving. Even if you've been disappointed, transform that disappointment into determination and keep moving.

    To be more creative, innovative and effective, get yourself in motion and keep yourself in motion. When you're constantly and willingly stepping forward to meet each challenge, you create a powerful positive momentum.

    Get yourself moving quickly and consistently. Keep yourself moving so those things that normally drag you down won't be able to keep up with your progress.

    Action is a great way to overcome doubt. Put your energy into action and you won't have the time or the inclination for doubt.

    Even making just a little progress is massively better than making no progress at all, and all those small advances will soon combine to form a major achievement. Keep yourself in motion and you'll get yourself to exactly where you want to go.

    Ralph Marston

    Thought For Today 10-21-2010

    "People of little understanding are most apt to be angry when their sense is called into question."

    Wednesday, October 20, 2010

    "What A Dump!" Crowne Plaza LAX

    I remembered a friend had been through L.A. this summer while I was out east. A quick peruse to see how her trip went, and lo and behold! She wrote this damning first hand account of her stay at the Crowne Plaza hotel near LAX. Apparently Priceline gives it a 3.5 star rating! Yikes!
    "That was when I noticed something blue ground into the rug between the beds. It looked like gum. I looked around the room more critically. The carpet was dingy, clearly in need of a steam cleaning."
    Read it here: Crowne Plaza LAX