Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Social media result in, New Poll posted.

We only had 11 votes.
However, 81% said they use Facebook more than any other social media.
Okay, I know 11 votes is nothing. On the other hand, the figure of 81% confirms something I've long suspected ever since last fall.
Blogs are falling by the wayside. Long format writing has given way to microblogging. (Facebook, Twitter).
Less news is reported, and more opinions are confused as such. People have shorter attention span. Vocabularies are shrinking: few use words like calumny, epistle, picayune, infinitesimal anymore.
Dostoyevsky would be crestfallen.
Webster shrugs.
Our next poll is over to the right, next to the video bar.

Tribune Company Seeks Bankruptcy Delay


From: Tribune Communications
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 1:01 PM
Subject: Motion Filed Today


Today we asked the United States Bankruptcy Court overseeing our Chapter 11 filing to give us until April 30th to submit our Plan of Reorganization with the court. Since our last court hearing in mid-February, we are making significant progress in discussions with some of our largest creditors. Importantly, the motion we filed today has the support of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors.

Our next court hearing is scheduled for April 13th. We’ll keep you updated as the process moves forward.

Randy and Gerry

Tribune Company Bankruptcy Status

With the Tribune Company bankruptcy scheduled to close this afternoon many Tribune employees are pondering the outcome of today’s proceedings? There are three possible outcomes today, the company will remain intact, the company will be broken up to satisfy the creditors, or the company will be given a third extension delaying the outcome of the bankruptcy.

What would be the best scenario for the workingmen and women of the Tribune Company? Probably keeping the company in bankruptcy till the end of the year.

The lawyers handling the bankruptcy would also enjoy the continuation of the bankruptcy as they have already racked up a whopping $138 million in legal fees from this cash cow called the Tribune Company.

News should be fourth coming within the next few hours.

7 Things Your Boss Should Never Say to You

Seems the onerous list begins with:
1. "I pay your salary. You have to do what I say."
(Isn't this what we tell our teens when they get unruly? Yeah, we know that really gets us far.)
Read the rest at: Save Our Trade

Thought For Today 3-31-2010

We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

A Dog Story: Trail Meditations With Louie

This is the kind of stuff I used to love reading in the late Jack Smith's columns.
"I love walking this furry beast beween 5 - 7 miles a day. It's a meditative experience, just Louie and me."

Read the rest at:
Get Lost With Easy-Writer: A Dog Story: Trail Meditations With Louie

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Sweet Troop Supporters

A shout out to Katy Gunderson and Molly Greenwood of the Yellow Bowl Bakery in Lafayette, Indiana for traveling to Landstuhl, Germany to bake at the USO center with the Cooking With The Wounded Program.
Read the rest, and watch the video at:
The Kitchen Dispatch

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books April 24th & 25th at UCLA


Books, Authors, Music, Comedy, Food and Fun Overflow at the 15th Annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books April 24th & 25th at UCLA

(LOS ANGELES) Abounding with book enthusiasts, families in search of weekend entertainment and fans of comic books; wafting with the aromas of tasty treats; and buzzing with the rollicking sounds of local musicians, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books roars to life on April 24th & 25th on UCLA’s campus.

The largest public literary festival in North America will mark its 15th anniversary by once again delivering an exciting and diverse world of culture and amusement under the beautiful Southern California sun to more than 130,000 people of all ages. The ever-expanding palate of things to do, see and experience at the free-to-the-public festival celebrates everything the written word inspires. Seven outdoor stages will feature everything from celebrity and author readings, book signings and Q&A’s, live music, comedy and children’s activities to cooking shows, culinary demonstrations, a mobile scavenger hunt and unique food and drink (check for program updates).

Highlights of the weekend include the new YA Stage and appearances by Young Adult-genre luminaries such as Meg Cabot and Kate DiCamillo and a return of The Hero Complex pavilion presenting comic book, graphic novel and manga buffs with access to numerous exhibitors and retailers as well as appearances by industry legends Mark Waid and Ed Brubaker. In addition, the ever-popular Target Children’s Stage will offer kids, families and the young at heart an array of entertainment and book readings by John Carter Cash, Holly Robinson Peete, Bernadette Peters, Carl Reiner, R.L. Stine, Shawn & Marlon Wayans, Henry Winkler, Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary and many more. Nearly 100 panel discussions and readings featuring more than 400 authors blend with hundreds of exhibitors representing booksellers, publishers, literacy and cultural organizations to make the Festival of Books one of the city’s most cherished and engaging institutions.

Kicking off the festival weekend will be the exclusive 30th Annual Los Angeles Times Book Prizes ceremony on Friday, April 23rd at The Times’ Chandler Auditorium in downtown L.A.. Two new categories will be included this year: a first-time-ever major American book award honoring the graphic novel genre, and the inaugural Innovator’s Award being presented to author and publisher David Eggers for his forward-thinking work to bring storytelling into the future via new business models, technology and applications of narrative art.

General event information can be found at latimesfestivalofbooks.com or by calling 1-800-LA-TIMES, ext. 7BOOK. Admission is free. Tickets are required to attend author/panel discussions and lectures due to limited seating and will become available on Sunday, April 18, 2010, at 12 noon through Ticketmaster.com for a nominal fee. Information is also available and frequently updated on the Festival of Books Facebook Fan Page and through the official Twitter stream (@latimesfob).

NOTE TO EDITORS: Advance registration is required for working media planning to cover the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Registration deadline is April 16. There will be no walk-up, day-of registration. The registration form and directions are posted online at latimes.com/festivalofbooks/mediacenter.html. Media credentials pick-up instructions will be included in confirmation email; credentials will NOT be issued on-site and must be picked up in advance. Special arrangements can be made for visiting media. For information, please contact: fobpress@rogersandcowan.com.

###

About the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books was created in 1996 to promote literacy, celebrate the written word, and bring together those who create books with the people who love to read them. Between 130,000 and 140,000 people attend the event annually.

General event information is available online at latimesfestivalofbooks.com or by calling 1-800-LA TIMES, ext. 7BOOK. Detailed speaker and event information will be provided in the official festival program, which will be published in the April 18th edition of the Los Angeles Times.

About Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Times is the largest metropolitan daily newspaper in the country, with a daily readership of 2 million and 3 million on Sunday, and a combined print and interactive local weekly audience of 4.5 million. The fast-growing latimes.com draws over 10 million unique visitors monthly. The Los Angeles Times Media Group (LATMG) businesses and affiliates also include The Envelope, Times Community Newspapers, Brand X, LA, Los Angeles Times Magazine, Hoy and California Community News and -- combined with the flagship Los Angeles Times -- reach approximately 5.9 million or 44% of all adults in the Southern California marketplace. The Pulitzer Prize-winning Times has been covering Southern California for over 128 years and is part of Tribune Company, one of the country's leading media companies with businesses in publishing, the Internet and broadcasting. Additional information is available at http://latimes.com/aboutus.

Los Angeles Times Pressman Completes Marathon


Los Angeles Times Pressman Richard Olmeda has completed the twenty-fifth Los Angeles Marathon last Sunday, which leaves me in awe for running such a long distance. Richard belongs to an elite group of men and women called the Legacy Runners; everyone that belongs to this group has run all twenty-five Los Angeles Marathon’s. The group has shrunk to two hundred and twenty-one runners as more of the Legacy Runners drop out for different reasons. Our hats are off to Richard for his persistence in lasting twenty-five years during his running career.


Adam Banuelos, son of Los Angeles Times
Pressman Victor Banuelos, also ran the
marathon with a breath taking time of 4 hours, 36 minutes, and 27 seconds.
Way to go Adam, you made your father
proud of you.
Adam is in the florescent green shirt.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Tribune Company Press Release


Daily Press Media Group Appoints Advertising Executive To Lead Multimedia Sales


(HAMPTON ROADS, VA) Veteran advertising executive Orestes Baez (Oh-RESS-tez Bah-yez) has joined the management team of the Daily Press Media Group as vice president of advertising sales.

Coming to Hampton Roads from the Baltimore metro area, Baez has held leadership positions with advertising-supported publications, both privately and publicly owned, during his nearly quarter-century in the business.

Most recently, he served two years as president and CEO of the Maryland Pennysaver Group, Inc., publisher of the country’s largest privately held, advertising-only shopper magazine, with weekly direct mail delivery to more than 1 million homes in eight Maryland counties. The company’s portfolio includes 66 print editions and several websites.

During his tenure there, Baez was credited with leading the company through the toughest economic downturn in 50 years, successfully reversing revenue declines and shrinking profit margins.

Before leading the Maryland Pennysaver, Baez was associated for 21 years with Harte Hanks Communications, a publicly traded company that provides advertising solutions in print and online for local and regional clients. He started with Harte Hanks in 1986 “on the street” as a field sales representative for the company’s Flyer shopper in Miami, Fla., moving up to manage the company’s employment and real estate advertising initiatives. His career then took him to southern California, where he served 12 years as regional vice president/telemarketing for the company’s 5.5 million free circulation weekly, also called The PennySaver, before returning to Florida in 2005 to serve as president of Harte Hanks’ Tampa-based Flyer magazine. Through much of that time, he was integrally involved in developing and executing digital strategies to increase the reach and advertising effectiveness of the company’s product line.

“Orestes’ multimedia experience is a tremendous asset for the ongoing transformation of our sales team, from a transactional product sales focus to a true multimedia marketing solutions group,” said Digby A. Solomon, president, publisher and CEO of the Daily Press Media Group, in announcing the appointment. “He is a competitive sportsman who has both a drive to win and a great sense of humor, and he knows how to grow our customers’ businesses.”

A native of Cuba, Baez holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in management from Clemson University in South Carolina. He currently serves as the elected president of the Association of Free Community Newspapers, having been a member of the organization’s board of directors since 1999.

“The greater Peninsula is a solid, thriving urban area that’s experiencing some economic improvement in advance of other regions around the country,” said Baez. “The Daily Press and the team assembled by Publisher Digby Solomon have continued to achieve successes for our business clients even in the face of the most difficult economic environment we’ve ever seen. I am excited to join the team in developing customer-centric solutions for the marketplace.”


About Daily Press
The Daily Press Media Group is a diversified company engaged in gathering, packaging and distributing news, information and advertising on the Virginia Peninsula, located in the Hampton Roads region of southeastern Virginia, and in surrounding communities. Headquartered in Newport News and a subsidiary of Tribune, the company publishes the Daily Press newspaper seven days a week, the twice-weekly Virginia Gazette in Williamsburg, the weekly Tidewater Review serving the greater West Point area, and several special interest publications. The Daily Press Media Group also distributes news, advertising and other information through various multimedia channels, including its online affiliates (dailypress.com, hrtownsquare.com, hrvarsity.com, hrmilitary.com and others), radio, television, direct mail, event marketing, promotions and social media.

Friday Afternoon in the Blogosphere


Union VP Keith Denson, Marketta Owens, and Sgt. at Arms Gary Bunch



Thursday, March 25, 2010

Thank you for the books from FabLab

Okay, earlier this month I asked people to look at a Wish List on Amazon set up by FabLab in Afghanistan. Read about the results!
"the books are being chosen by professors from the local university in Jalalabad, as well as by students who have finished their master's degrees. This is a list compiled by Afghans, for Afghans, and more to the point: to glean knowledge and skills to build a strong future."
Read the rest at
The Kitchen Dispatch

Funny -Thoughtful MATHRUBHUMI NEWSPAPER -Police

The strength of a true Newspaper. Mathrubhumi News paper ad.
Directed by Jacob John Kattapuram

Health Care Haikus

Radio Station WYNC in New York is having fun with the health care plan, making up haikus.
You know, the 5-7-5. I'm also doing this on my Facebook page. Bet you didn't know I could knock out haikus in a minute.
The middle line has to be "This is a big f#$*&( deal!" after what Vice President
Joe Biden said shortly after the bill passed during a press conference.
Here are three I've written to get you started.
Get fatter, smoke more!
This is a big f$*&*( deal!
We'll pay for your sloth

This isn't reform
This is a big f$*&(* deal
Wolves in sheeps clothing

Ten billion dollars
This is a big f$(**& deal
For the IRS

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Yeah, Yeah, New Look

Ha ha....we got a new look. Ed was notified by blogger that they would no longer host FTP servers. So I helped him navigate the blogger template system. Over the course of the next week, I'll add a third column. Ed will take care of all the other stuff. Right now, there's a little poll over to the side. You can answer it if you like. There's even a video feed from a few local You Tube channels. We indicated a few channels, as few as keywords such as Business, News, Politics, Los Angeles, California. But believe me, there will be some really stupid things on there. Ah well.

Ed, you might have to re-establish the feed. Just click around on the tabs to settings, and you'll see a bunch of tabs that make it real easy. Also, you can add ShareThis on the HTML template so that people can easily share articles on other blogs as well as on Facebook. Networked blogs is also something that feeds the posts from here to Facebook and I think over to Twitter. You can find them on Facebook as well.

Wednesday Afternoon in the Blogosphere


LA Times security officers Luna and Jamal, with Larry Washington




Thought For Today 3-24-2010

The truest greatness lies in being kind, the truest wisdom in a happy mind.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Ode To A Beautiful Aunt

A brief candle; both ends burning
An endless mile; a bus wheel turning
A friend to share the lonesome times
A handshake and a sip of wine
So say it loud and let it ring
We are all a part of everything
The future, present and the past
Fly on proud bird
You're free at last.

Charlie Daniels

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Thought For Today 3-23-2010

If your heart acquires strength, you will be able to remove blemishes from others without thinking evil of them.

Mohandas K. Gandhi

Monday, March 22, 2010

Thought For Today 3-22-2010


Each contact with a human being is so rare, so precious, one should preserve it.

Anais Nin

Sunday, March 21, 2010

This blog has moved


This blog is now located at http://edpadgett.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://edpadgett.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIJO!


Happy 40 + 1, Miguel!

Thought For Today 3-21-2010

Everyone should carefully observe which way his heart draws him, and then choose that way with all his strength.

Hasidic Saying

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Thought For Today 3-20-2010

One who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; one who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.

Chinese Proverb

Friday, March 19, 2010

Tribune Company Privatization Suit


The lawsuit challenging the legality of the Tribune “going private” transaction began yesterday. Hartford Courant Alumni Association and Refugee Camp have posted the entire document here.

Thought For Today 3-19-2010


It is always easier to believe than to deny. Our minds are naturally affirmative.

John Burroughs

Thursday, March 18, 2010

A Little Pink in a World of Camo: I Will Always Be a Marine Wife

There are incredible posts written by military spouses everyday. Here is one by a 23 year old wife and mother, who just lost her husband this week. -Kanani
"I did not ever imagine I'd be watching an honor guard escort a metal box draped in an American flag off a jet. Never did I imagine that on Friday I would be heading to Florida to make funeral arrangements. This is not how it was supposed to happen."
Read the rest at: I Will Always Be a Marine Wife

Chicago Tribune Guide to Newspaper Reporting (circa 1955)


The Pfaffinger Foundation Aids LA Times Staff


The Pfaffinger Foundation has come to the rescue of former Los Angeles Times employee, Aurora Liggons:

"Surgery went great!!! I was able to go to my granddaughter's concert! I looked like a pirate though. Roland you're right! I'm walking around looking at colors for the first time! I can't wait to get the other eye done. I was able with the help of The Pfaffinger Foundation to get the special implant lens! It cost $975!..."

The foundation was created in 1936 by Francis X. Pfaffinger, then Times Mirror's chief financial officer, apparently out of personal assets. By last year, when it paid assistance grants to 673 recipients, its asset base had grown to nearly $90 million--a relatively modest size among California charities.

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 or call (213) 680-7467.


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

Thursday Morning in the Blogosphere


Los Angeles Times Pressmen Larry Washington with Dan Melendez



Save Our Trade: Benefit Concert for Haiti


By Ronnie Pineda

Come out and help the people of Haiti and listen to some music. There continues to be tragedies occuring around the globe from earthquakes to flooding. We musn't forget the people of Haiti still need assistance. The proceeds of this concert will go to Partners In Health that provide a variety of medical aid to victims in need.


Thee Invention is comprised of my cousins Eddie, Anthony and Michael Valdivia. Michael plays drums for Thee Invention and is also Guitarist in his other band Graveyard Institution so he will be performing double duty on this day.
The Tribal Cafe is a Vegan Cafe and there is no alcohol served.

Save Our Trade: Benefit Concert for Haiti

Thought For Today 3-18-2010

There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the enemy.

George Washington

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Arcadia to run DUI Checkpoints in honor of St Patty


Arcadia to run DUI Checkpoints in honor of St Patty’s

Posted using ShareThis

Tribune reminds employees: we're loose!


From: Tribune Communications
Sent: Wed 3/17/2010 12:xx PM
Subject: Message from Randy and Gerry/Our Culture

A little more than two years ago, we blew-up the old Tribune Employee Handbook and replaced it with a new, streamlined version designed to reflect the culture we're trying to build across the company. The new handbook is written in plain English and is less than 15 pages long.

It's also pretty basic. Rule #1 is "Use your best judgment." Rule #2 is "See Rule #1."

The point is...we don't have a lot of rules around here.

But, not everyone has gotten the message. We've heard from employees who say their business unit still has a strict dress code (we don't). Others have told us they can't hire someone because he or she might fail the new employee drug test (we don't drug test unless it's required by law or the person being hired is operating machinery, driving a truck, or handling a lot of cash). Some say they are afraid to speak up or present a wacky idea for fear of retaliation (nothing will squash creativity and innovation faster).

Rather than rules, our culture is defined by a few important principles:

· Focus on the important stuff
· Question authority
· Work together
· Take intelligent risk
· Reward performance
· Do the right thing

A copy of the employee handbook we distributed in the spring of 2008 is attached. It's also posted on TribLink (http://triblink.trb/). Our culture is evolving and you play an important role in helping shape it. We need your energy, your ideas, and your solutions-speak up! We've got to accelerate the pace of change and remove the barriers impeding it...and we can't afford to let up.

Randy and Gerry

SOURCE: Kevin Roderick

Editor's note: Dear Randy Michaels, since the Tribune Company is run so loosely, why do your employees at the Los Angeles Times Operations Departments have to rely on LAObserved to read your messages?

Bay Area Black Comedy Competition 2010 Finalists Sneak Peak


Take a sneak peak preview of the record-setting 9 hilarious Finalists of the 24th Anniversary Edition of The Bay Area Black Comedy Competition & Festival. The comedians will compete for over $15,000 in cash and prizes-including $5,000 for the winner, on Saturday, April 17th, 2010 at Oakland's Paramount Theatre. They are: Key Lewis, Sacramento, CA Rion Evans, Inglewood, CA Willie Lynch, Jr., E. St. Louis, IL Kirk McHenry, Oakland, CA BT Kingsley, Sacramento, CA Henry Coleman, Memphis, TN Marcus Combs, Chicago, IL Nate Jackson, Seattle, WA Marc Howard, Washington, DC

Tim Russell has left the Los Angeles Times



Last Friday the staff of the plate making department at the Los Angeles Times Olympic Facility threw a farewell party for Tim Russell.

Tim is similar to many of us with his father Robert Russell working in the press room for almost three decades, nepotism was once the only way to get into the LA Times.

Tim will be missed by his colleagues and friends at the newspaper.




Erica Smith of Paper Cuts fame is interested in knowing the exact number of employees let go at the Los Angeles Times this year. If you happen to have this knowledge contact Erica here.

Sammy Maloof at Eagle Rock Plaza this Sat.


Condolences to Jimmy Coats and Family



Condolences to Los Angeles Times Pressman Jimmy Coats and Family on the loss of his 33 year old son.

Funeral services are pending

Happy St. Patrick's Day everybody.....


Yes, It Was a Bad Year for Ad Spending, But It Got Less Worse in the Fourth Quarter - Media Decoder Blog - NYTimes.com


Print media are "doing better than they were as recently as October," he added, and have a chance to finish the first quarter with a gain compared with the same period last year. "And if it's a minus sign," Mr. Swallen said of the print ad category in the first quarter, "it would be a much smaller minus than in the last two or three years."



Yes, It Was a Bad Year for Ad Spending, But It Got Less Worse in the Fourth Quarter - Media Decoder Blog - NYTimes.com


h/t Mark Lacter

Thought For Today 3-17-2010


People are never more insecure than when they become obsessed with their fears at the expense of their dreams.

Norman Cousins

Hollywood Producer To Challenge Senator Barbara Boxer



Hollywood producer Brian Quintana is set to challenge United States Senator Barbara Boxer in the June 8, 2010 Democratic primary. The Co-Producer of Superman: Man of Steel filed a Declaration of Candidacy, his nomination papers and enough valid signatures to qualify him for the statewide ballot. California's fling deadline was Friday, March 12, 2010, and Quintana was the only certified challenger to Boxer at the close of business.

Quintana first ran for public office in 1992, when his supporters included Hollywood billionaire David Geffen, producer Steve Tisch, movie studio executive Sherry Lansing, Martin Sheen, Anjelica Huston, and entertainment mogul Barry Diller. 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, a former servant of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, believes that he would again be supported by many of his famous friends in Tinseltown.

The businessman is running on a platform of creating jobs, cutting spending and improving our public schools. "The Tsunami of discontent for politics as usual is sweeping pur country from Florida to Massachusetts and from Virginia to Nevada. As a good Democratic I will not concede this seat to Barbara Boxer and allow Califonia to be washed up come November," stated Quintana about his decision to run. "Further, no one from Los Angeles County or no person of color has served California in the United States Senate in over 100 years. Our time has come."

He plans to capitalize on the anti-incumbent wave that has ousted countless national leaders from office, and endangered Democratic Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. Quintana is Boxer's first serious primary challenge since 1992. Former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, former Congressman Tom Campbell and conservative Assemblyman Chuck DeVore are engaged in a spirited Republican primary. The winner will meet the Democratic nominee on June 8, 2010.

For more information please visit www.bqforsenate.com

Brian Quintana At A Glance


Writer-Producer of Living

Co-Producer of Superman:Man of Steel

Special Thanks on President Barack Obama's Inauguration

Co-Producer of Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Inauguration

Secured Underwriting for Governor Schwarzenegger's Inauguration

Chief fundraiser to Sheriff Lee Baca's Youth Foundation in 2007 and 2008

Celebrity/VIP Facilitator

President, Non-Profit Organization

Advance Man to President Bill Clinton

Hollywood's Candidate for State Assembly in 1992 (6,500 votes) Entered 1994 contest but withdrew to back Antonio Villaraigosa

Graduate, University of California, Berkeley

Scholar of Oprah Winfrey's A Better Chance

Attended local public schools

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California

Over 1 million Google Hits

The British Way of Love for the Sunday Times


This is a commercial directed for the Sunday Times, in the great days of Harold Evans, who has rightly been called Britain's greatest post-war editor. No newspaper, before or since, has achieved such greatness, but with his eye firmly on what mattered, with regard to incisively honest reporting and investigative journalism, Mr Evans, now Sir Harold, was not averse to approving commercials which showed a definite lighter side to his stewardship. This one was chosen for inclusion in an exhibition called Ten Years of Great British Advertising, put on at the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, London. It also won a string of British and international awards.

Shedding Employees at the Los Angeles Times



March 15th was another sad day at the Los Angeles Times as thirty-nine pressmen and women were given pink slips. A few of the brave souls gathered at Weiland's Brewery to mark this day with drinks and laughter among friends and colleagues.

The total body count for Operation Employees is somewhere near eighty employees being let go in this round of layoffs at the newspaper.

Several Press Room Supervisors, electro-techs, and Machinist were requested to stay on an additional two months, till May15th, 2010. The employees were informed that if they did not stay the extra two months they would lose their severance pay, rather easy to convince them to stay, with a gun at their heads.






The Press Room Employees had no harsh words for Tribune Co. Management, but did want to say good bye in their special way as seen at the right.

Wednesday Morning in the Blogosphere


Press operator Matt Turnbow with Dan Koval at his rear



Tuesday, March 16, 2010

A Change In Store

Ed,
Blogger will no longer be hosting FTP servers.
So you'll have to transfer this over. See the instructions. I think you'll like the new format, which is faster.

Memorial Watching On Facebook

"It's not only the tragedy of losing them to a war, it's the beauty of their spirit that never fails to overwhelm --makes me pause to catch my breath."
Read The Rest At: The Kitchen Dispatch

Thought For Today 3-16-2010

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

Samuel Richardson

Monday, March 15, 2010

Monday Afternoon in the Blogosphere


Former LAT Orange County Pressman Sammy Torres, now at the Los Angeles Plant



Behind closed doors, angry Tribune CEO confronts staff


For close to 30 minutes Friday, the Tribune Co. CEO addressed a closed-door meeting of news staffers at news/talk WGN-AM (720) about the now-infamous memo banning 119 words and phrases from the airwaves. On the subject of leaks, Michaels asked individual staffers: “What do you think should happen to people who do that?” He directed much of his ire at Charlie Meyerson, the WGN news director who circulated the memo, blaming Meyerson for mishandling his directive.

Behind closed doors, angry Tribune CEO confronts staff

Thought For Today 3-15-2010

If someone in your life talked to you the way you talk to yourself, you would have left them long ago.

Carla Gordon

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Why "War Movies" Often Fall Short: Introducing, The "McMovie"

"I know, we're being hit with a slough of movies about these wars. Some have big name actors, and many come with a lot of hype. There are movies that are thoughtful, others pushed out there intended to be blockbuster entertainment. After having decades of stereotypes heaped upon them, most veterans and soldiers are receiving them at arm's length. They have seen their honor, integrity and selflessness sold out by "the machine" time and time again. Winning their hearts and minds is no easy task."
Read the rest at:
The Kitchen Dispatch

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Camp Pendleton-Based Marines In Afghanistan


We talk to Tony Perry, San Diego bureau chief for the "Los Angeles Times" about how the mission of Camp Pendleton-based U.S. Marines is going in Afghanistan.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Another Day, Another Controversy: Tom Hanks & The Pacific

"There's controversy about the off-the-cuff and woefully uninformed remarks made by Tom Hanks during the press conferencing for HBO's The Pacific."
Read the rest at:
The Kitchen Dispatch

Thought For Today 3-12-2010

There surely is in human nature an inherent propensity to extract all the good out of all the evil.

Benjamin Haydon

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Remote Newspaper Printing and Distribution


Miller Distributors Limited manages a tight production window and produces 15 global newspaper titles for daily remote distribution to retail trade.

For more info go to http://graphics.kodak.com

Anderson Cooper, Dave Bryan & Anne Garrels



CNN's Anderson Cooper, NPR's Anne Garrels and CBS2 reporter Dave Bryan to receive top honors at 52nd Annual Southern California Journalism Awards

RELEASE

Tuesday, March 9, 2010
For Immediate Release
Edward Headington, Publicist
(818)720-7181, edward@lapressclub.org
Diana Ljungaeus, Executive Director
(323) 669-8081, diana@lapressclub.org

LOS ANGELES, CA - CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, NPR Senior Correspondent Anne Garrels and KCBS-TV reporter Dave Bryan will receive the Los Angeles Press Club's highest honors at the 52nd Annual Southern California Journalism Awards on Sunday, June 27th.

They will be among hundreds of media professionals taking part in the Southland's oldest and most distinguished journalism gala.

Cooper will receive the President's Award, for his impact on the media. He was the first American TV reporter on the scene in Haiti, following the devastating earthquake in January. Since the launch of Anderson Cooper 360° in 2003, Cooper has covered nearly all of the major news events around the world, often reporting from the scene.

Bryan, a TV reporter for more than 30 years at KTTV and now at CBS2News, will receive the Joseph M. Quinn Award for lifetime achievement.

Anne Garrels is the 2010 recipient of the Daniel Pearl Award for courage in recognition of her selflessness in pursuing difficult, often dangerous stories over the years around the world. The award will be presented by Judea Pearl, father of the late Wall Street Journal reporter killed by Pakistani extremists in 2002.

"It's a great lineup for a great night in Southern California journalism," says the new Press Club President Will Lewis, a public radio veteran based at KCRW-FM. "It proves the point that outstanding journalism continues despite unprecedented difficulties for all news media."

The Club will honor quality reporting in print, radio, TV and online in Southern California for 2009. For the first time, it will offer a $1,000 check for "Best of Show" Journalist of the Year.

Deadline for entries is March 31. Rules, entry forms and categories are available at http://lapressclub.org.

###

The Los Angeles Press Club stands as an organization devoted to improving the spirit of journalism and journalists, raising the industry's standards, strengthening its integrity and improving its reputation all for the benefit of the community at large. Serving the Southland since 1913, it is the only Southern California journalism group that speaks for all journalists working for daily and weekly newspapers, radio & TV, magazines, documentary films and online. For more information, go to http://lapressclub.org.

PR Newswire, co-sponsor for all Los Angeles Press Club events, is the global leader in news and information distribution services for professional communicators. For more information, go to www.prnewswire.com.

Headington Media Group is a boutique communications firm dedicated to promoting public affairs in Southern California and specializes in image management, branding, messaging and public relations. For more information, go to www.headingtonmedia.com.
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Brian Quintana was spotted everywhere Oscar week-end


Boyle Heights native-turned-Hollywood producer Brian Quintana was spotted everywhere Oscar week-end, and appears to have cemented his standing among Hollywood royalty.

Quintana continued his tradition of spending Saturday afternoon at Barry Diller's lawn luncheon in honor of Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter. Diller's Beverly Hills estate was the ultimate mogul meet'n'greet despite the cold and threatening rain. Among the luminaries were Rupert Murdoch, David Geffen, Michael Eisner, Quincy Jones, Victoria Beckham, Les Moonves, Tom Freston, Ron Meyer, Brad Grey, Russell Simmons, Jerry Weintraub, Jeff Berg, Bob Daly, Terry Semel, Jane Fonda, Sandy Gallin, Irving Azoff, Ron Howard, Penny Marshall, Brett Ratner, Ben Silverman, Ed Norton, Betsy Blomingdale, Anderson Cooper, and Nancy Reagan. To see Quintana among such distinguished power players and deal makers gives hope to countless Latinos and youth from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Quintana started Oscar night at Norby Walters' Night of 100 Stars Oscar Viewing Gala at the Beverly Hills Hotel where he huddled with powerhouse lawyer Gloria Allred and Tiger Woods' porn-star mistress Joslyn James. A source overheard the PR genius advising the feminist duo. Other supporters of the charity gala included Alan Thicke, Bo Derek & John Corbett, Gary Busey, Tom Sizemore and 55 Playboy Playmates. Does 55 still save lives? Quintana was then spotted leaving the InStyle Oscar Viewing Party at LeDome with two gift bags in hand (one for his lady friend). A cursory Google search shows that Rachel Bilson, Rachelle Lefevre, Hayden Panetierre, Lily Collins, Malin Akerman, Jessica Lowndes, and Perrey Reeves were among the beauties at the magazine soiree which begs the question why he brought a date in the first place. The Hollywood scenester was humbled when a PR rep for Fox told him he wasn't on the list for their coveted "Avatar" party. "No night is glitch-free. Least of all on a major awards night," mused Quintana.

As is his nature, Quintana bounced right back at his next stop where he was ushered right in and down the red carpet for E! Entertainment's post Oscar bash at Drai's Hollywood atop the new W Hotel. There he mingled with such young Hollywood icons as Ryan Seacrest, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Benji Madden, Cote de Pablo, Lance Bass, Amber Rose, Apl.de.ap, Audrina Patridge, Ryan Cabrera, Lydia Hearst, Evan Ross and Olympic aerialist Jeret "Speedy" Peterson who was sporting his Silver Medal.

Quintana took great pride in running into Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa who is a fellow native of Boyle Heights, stating "I look forward to the day that we aren't the only two Latinos at Hollywood A-List functions."

Paparazzi followed the producer from the fabled intersection of Hollywood and Vine, hoping he would lead them to an exclusive after hours party hosted by Madonna and Demi Moore. Quintana was uncharacteristically mum as cameras caught him leaving the gated compound of Madonna's business partner Guy Oseary at 4:30 am. Now that sounds like a party.

Memo puts WGN news staffers at a loss for words | Feder | blogs.vocalo.org


Memo puts WGN news staffers at a loss for words Feder blogs.vocalo.org

Tribune Company CEO Randy Michaels has proclaimed the following 119 words cannot be spoken on the Chicago Tribune WGN Radio Station.

■“Flee” meaning “run away”
■“Good” or “bad” news
■“Laud” meaning “praise”
■“Seek” meaning “look for”
■“Some” meaning “about”
■“Two to one margin” . . . “Two to one” is a ratio, not a margin. A margin is measured in points. It’s not a ratio.
■“Yesterday” in a lead sentence
■“Youth” meaning “child”
■5 a.m. in the morning
■After the break
■After these commercial messages
■Aftermath
■All of you
■Allegations
■Alleged
■Area residents
■As expected
■At risk
■At this point in time
■Authorities
■Auto accident
■Bare naked
■Behind bars
■Behind closed doors
■Behind the podium (you mean lecturn) [sic]
■Best kept secret
■Campaign trail
■Clash with police
■Close proximity
■Complete surprise
■Completely destroyed, completely abolished, completely finished or any other completely redundant use
■Death toll
■Definitely possible
■Diva
■Down in (location)
■Down there
■Dubbaya when you mean double you
■Everybody (when referring to the audience)
■Eye Rack or Eye Ran
■False pretenses
■Famed
■Fatal death
■Fled on foot
■Folks
■Giving 110%
■Going forward
■Gunman, especially lone gunman
■Guys
■Hunnert when you mean hundred
■Icon
■In a surprise move
■In harm’s way
■In other news
■In the wake of (unless it’s a boating story)
■Incarcerated
■Informed sources say . . .
■Killing spree
■Legendary
■Lend a helping hand
■Literally
■Lucky to be alive
■Manhunt
■Marred
■Medical hospital
■Mother of all (anything)
■Motorist
■Mute point. (It’s moot point, but don’t say that either)
■Near miss
■No brainer
■Officials
■Our top story tonight
■Out in (location)
■Out there
■Over in
■Pedestrian
■Perfect storm
■Perished
■Perpetrator
■Plagued
■Really
■Reeling
■Reportedly
■Seek
■Senseless murder
■Shots rang out
■Shower activity
■Sketchy details
■Some (meaning about)
■Some of you
■Sources say . . .
■Speaking out
■Stay tuned
■The fact of the matter
■Those of you
■Thus
■Time for a break
■To be fair
■Torrential rain
■Touch base
■Under fire
■Under siege
■Underwent surgery
■Undisclosed
■Undocumented alien
■Unrest
■Untimely death
■Up in (location)
■Up there
■Utilize (you mean use)
■Vehicle
■We’ll be right back
■Welcome back
■Welcome back everybody
■We’ll be back
■Went terribly wrong
■We’re back
■White stuff
■World class
■You folks

How will the End of Print Journalism Affect Old Loons Who Hoard Newspapers?



How Will The End Of Print Journalism Affect Old Loons Who Hoard Newspapers?

Wednesday Morning in the Blogosphere


The Printing Presses will be retrofitted with Additional Color Couples

Thought For Today 3-10-2010

A strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.

Patricia Neal

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Thought For Today 3-9-2010

The dead might as well try to speak to the living as the old to the young.

Willa Cather

Sunday, March 07, 2010

Thought For Today 3-7-2010

It matters more what's in a woman's face than what's on it.

Claudette Colbert

Louisville to Los Angeles: Enough to make you cry

Well, I got weepy.
I mean, I was raised on the stories of John Muir, have often gazed at the photography of Ansel Adams. And when I see anyone hiking through the wilderness --especially with a deeper mission, it never fails to move me.

Read the whole story here at Drum Hike. Starting April 17, 2010, Troy Yocum, a former US Army Soldier will begin his walk of 7000 miles across the USA to bring attention to the plight of veterans, military families, and also to urge Congress to declare a "Day of the Deployed." He will be hiking with his dog Emmie, a Shiba-Inu, as well as his drum.

I'm hoping some volunteers from the southland will step in to help Troy, once he crosses the California border. I'll assume he's probably going to walk right up to the end of the Santa Monica Pier. Veterans, military supporters... let's all join in to help.

Saturday, March 06, 2010

The Hurt Locker Controversy

I answer L.A. Times writer Patrick Goldstein's befuddlement about the lack of military support for movie, The Hurt Locker.
"Dear Patrick,
Tomorrow night is the time where America gets to see if The Hurt Locker gets best picture. Last week you were shocked that so many in the military scoffed at the movie. My question to you is why were you surprised?"
Read the rest at: The Kitchen Dispatch

Thought For Today 3-6-2010

To be aware of a single shortcoming in oneself is more useful than to be aware of a thousand in someone else.

Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama

Friday, March 05, 2010

"Not Your Father's Taliban" -from The New Yorker

A bit of satire for the weekend.

"Got an iPhone? Then you’ll want to download our smokin’ new app, TaliBing™, which shows you your exact location (but not ours—LOL)."

Not Your Father's Taliban

A bit of satire for the weekend:
"Got an iPhone? Then you’ll want to download our smokin’ new app, TaliBing™, which shows you your exact location (but not ours—LOL)."
Not Your Father's Taliban

Thought For Today 3-5-2010

Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness.

James Thurber

Friday Morning in the Blogosphere


Orange County Transplant Tim Lankford mounting plates at Oly



Thursday, March 04, 2010

Page A-1 change at the Los Angeles Times


Tomorrow's edition of the Los Angeles Times will be somewhat different than the norm, be certain to pick up your copy if you're not already a subscriber.

Alice in Wonderland Movie Review by Kenneth Turan


Jon Bon Jovi - Newspaper commercial


Printing the Daily Newspaper


Zach Behrens said:

"Budget cuts to Los Angeles County Sheriff's means upper management will be out on the streets patrolling with the rank and file deputies. Yes, even The Sheriff Lee Baca himself may pull you over for running that stop sign."


Sounds similar to the Los Angeles Times Press room as the supervisors are now making reel changes and removing used printing plates, a pressman's job, as they did last Thursday February 25th. It's rather obvious we have cut our manning to levels that are unable to be met by the current staffing we are attempting to implement at the newspaper.

Last week we called upon our Orange County Production Facility only once on the swing shift for assistance, and last night we just made our deadline and did not need assistance from our brothers and sisters to the south.

Today will prove to be a very hectic day as we produce the Friday newspaper, that has a special wrap for Alice in Wonderland. Representatives from Disney will be on hand as well as management from the Los Angeles Times.

Our delivery agents are hoping we deliver their newspapers in a timely manner as they will be stuffing all the newspapers in between the special advertisement jacket.

The next few months will be very trying, but the men and women in Operations will be doing what they do best, produce and package our subscribers newspapers in a timely fashion.

Thursday Afternoon in the Blogosphere


Plate Maker Laura Molina with Press Operator Carl Zaby