This will be my last post for 2006 and I hope all of you have a safe holiday. I have interviewed Marty Keegan to give some equal time to the union drive at the Los Angeles Times. If you have an opposing view, feel free to contact me and we can get together tomorrow or Tuesday and film your point of view. This was my first attempt at Video Blogging, so it's a bit flawed.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
How I'm Spending My Day Off
What I'm doing today.
1. Reading paper (done)
2. Internet (Now)
3. Pruning roses.
3a. Laundry
4. Walking dogs.
5. Going to see a movie (haven't decided which one).
5a. Laundry
6. Putting linseed oil on some window sashes.(yuck)
7. Priming 3 new windows (yuck).
8. Trying to get my teenage son to do anything other than sleep.
8a. Laundry
9. Yoga at 4p.m.
10. First night Fullerton for NYE.
How I would like to spend my day:
1. Have someone else do the laundry.
2. Hobnob with the beautiful people.
3. Have someone say, "Yes, ma'am."
4. Have someone else do numbers 3a, 5a,6, 7,8, and 8a.
5. Robert Redford.
6. Go meet Deb Padgett for drinks while laughing over the motorcycle cops.
7. Will Smith.
8. Get someone to enter all my financials into Quicken.
9. Find a million dollars in my account.
10. Spa... with Deb Padgett, Ed can drive and then go finish our laundry.
1. Reading paper (done)
2. Internet (Now)
3. Pruning roses.
3a. Laundry
4. Walking dogs.
5. Going to see a movie (haven't decided which one).
5a. Laundry
6. Putting linseed oil on some window sashes.(yuck)
7. Priming 3 new windows (yuck).
8. Trying to get my teenage son to do anything other than sleep.
8a. Laundry
9. Yoga at 4p.m.
10. First night Fullerton for NYE.
How I would like to spend my day:
1. Have someone else do the laundry.
2. Hobnob with the beautiful people.
3. Have someone say, "Yes, ma'am."
4. Have someone else do numbers 3a, 5a,6, 7,8, and 8a.
5. Robert Redford.
6. Go meet Deb Padgett for drinks while laughing over the motorcycle cops.
7. Will Smith.
8. Get someone to enter all my financials into Quicken.
9. Find a million dollars in my account.
10. Spa... with Deb Padgett, Ed can drive and then go finish our laundry.
Those that left us in 2006 - December
DECEMBER:
Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, 80. U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during the Reagan administration; the first woman in the post. Dec. 7.
Moses Hardy, 113. Believed to be the second-oldest man in the world, last black U.S. veteran of World War I. Dec. 7.
Johnnie Bryan Hunt Sr., 79. Founded one of the nation's largest trucking companies, J.B. Hunt Transport Services. Dec. 7.
Georgia Gibbs, 87. Hitmaking 1950s singer ("Kiss of Fire,""Dance With Me, Henry.") Dec. 9.
Martin Nodell, 91. Created the comic book superhero Green Lantern. Dec. 9.
Gen. Augusto Pinochet, 91. Chilean leader who terrorized opponents; took power in bloody coup. Dec. 10.
Ellis Rubin, 81. Florida attorney famed for "TV intoxication" defense. Dec. 12.
Peter Boyle, 71. The curmudgeonly father on "Everybody Loves Raymond." Dec. 12.
Lamar Hunt, 74. Owner of football's Kansas City Chiefs; coined term "Super Bowl." Dec. 13.
Richard Carlson, 45. Advocated positive thinking in books like "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff." Dec. 13. Cardiac arrest.
Catherine Pollard, 88. Boy Scouts of America's first female scoutmaster. Dec. 13.
Ahmet Ertegun, 83. Founder of Atlantic Records; popularized Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin. Dec. 14.
Larry Sherry, 71. Dodgers reliever; 1959 World Series' most valuable player. Dec. 17.
Joe Barbera, 95. With Bill Hanna, created Yogi Bear, Tom and Jerry, other beloved cartoons. Dec. 18.
Saparmurat Niyazov, 66. Turkmenistan's eccentric and iron-fisted president. Dec. 21.
Robert Stafford, 93. Three-term Vermont senator who championed the environment and education; the federal guaranteed student loan program is named for him. Dec. 23.
Ralph Stebbins, 43. Winner of a $208 million lottery jackpot. Dec. 23. Heart attack.
Uri Dan, 71. Veteran Israeli journalist, confidant of Ariel Sharon. Dec. 24.
Frank Stanton, 98. Longtime CBS president; helped turn its TV operation into the "Tiffany network." Dec. 24.
James Brown, 73. The pompadoured dynamo of music for a half-century whose classic singles included "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" and "I Got You (I Feel Good)." Dec. 25.
Gerald Ford, 93. The nation's 38th president, a former Michigan congressman who did much to restore national confidence after Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace in 1974. Dec. 26.
Chris Brown, 45. An All-Star third baseman who played six seasons in the majors in the 1980s. Dec. 26. Burned in fire; autopsy pending.
Saddam Hussein, 69. Deposed Iraqi dictator hanged for the killing of 148 people after an attempt to assassinate him in 1982. Dec. 30.
Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, 80. U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during the Reagan administration; the first woman in the post. Dec. 7.
Moses Hardy, 113. Believed to be the second-oldest man in the world, last black U.S. veteran of World War I. Dec. 7.
Johnnie Bryan Hunt Sr., 79. Founded one of the nation's largest trucking companies, J.B. Hunt Transport Services. Dec. 7.
Georgia Gibbs, 87. Hitmaking 1950s singer ("Kiss of Fire,""Dance With Me, Henry.") Dec. 9.
Martin Nodell, 91. Created the comic book superhero Green Lantern. Dec. 9.
Gen. Augusto Pinochet, 91. Chilean leader who terrorized opponents; took power in bloody coup. Dec. 10.
Ellis Rubin, 81. Florida attorney famed for "TV intoxication" defense. Dec. 12.
Peter Boyle, 71. The curmudgeonly father on "Everybody Loves Raymond." Dec. 12.
Lamar Hunt, 74. Owner of football's Kansas City Chiefs; coined term "Super Bowl." Dec. 13.
Richard Carlson, 45. Advocated positive thinking in books like "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff." Dec. 13. Cardiac arrest.
Catherine Pollard, 88. Boy Scouts of America's first female scoutmaster. Dec. 13.
Ahmet Ertegun, 83. Founder of Atlantic Records; popularized Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin. Dec. 14.
Larry Sherry, 71. Dodgers reliever; 1959 World Series' most valuable player. Dec. 17.
Joe Barbera, 95. With Bill Hanna, created Yogi Bear, Tom and Jerry, other beloved cartoons. Dec. 18.
Saparmurat Niyazov, 66. Turkmenistan's eccentric and iron-fisted president. Dec. 21.
Robert Stafford, 93. Three-term Vermont senator who championed the environment and education; the federal guaranteed student loan program is named for him. Dec. 23.
Ralph Stebbins, 43. Winner of a $208 million lottery jackpot. Dec. 23. Heart attack.
Uri Dan, 71. Veteran Israeli journalist, confidant of Ariel Sharon. Dec. 24.
Frank Stanton, 98. Longtime CBS president; helped turn its TV operation into the "Tiffany network." Dec. 24.
James Brown, 73. The pompadoured dynamo of music for a half-century whose classic singles included "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" and "I Got You (I Feel Good)." Dec. 25.
Gerald Ford, 93. The nation's 38th president, a former Michigan congressman who did much to restore national confidence after Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace in 1974. Dec. 26.
Chris Brown, 45. An All-Star third baseman who played six seasons in the majors in the 1980s. Dec. 26. Burned in fire; autopsy pending.
Saddam Hussein, 69. Deposed Iraqi dictator hanged for the killing of 148 people after an attempt to assassinate him in 1982. Dec. 30.
Those that left us in 2006 - November
NOVEMBER:
William Styron, 81. Pulitzer-winning novelist ("The Confessions of Nat Turner." Nov. 1.
Frank W. Dunham Jr., 64. Attorney for Zacarias Moussaoui and in other high-profile terrorism cases. Nov. 3.
William Lee Brent, 75. A Black Panther who hijacked a jet to Cuba in 1969, spent 37 years in exile. Nov. 4.
Samuel H. Bowers, 82. Former Ku Klux Klan leader, convicted of ordering death of civil rights leader Vernon Dahmer Sr. Nov. 5, in prison.
Bulent Ecevit, 81. Former Turkish Prime Minister, a political force for almost half a century. Nov. 5.
Ed Bradley, 65. TV journalist who created a distinctive, powerful body of work on "60 Minutes." Nov. 9.
Markus Wolf, 83. The "man without a face" who outwitted the West as East Germany's long-serving spymaster. Nov. 9.
Jack Palance, 87. Hollywood heavy ("Shane") who turned successfully to comedy, winning Oscar for "City Slickers." Nov. 10.
Gerald Levert, 40. Fiery R&B singer of passionate love songs ("Casanova.") Nov. 10.
Joseph Ungaro, 76. Journalist whose question to President Nixon elicited his "I'm not a crook" reply. Nov. 12.
Milton Friedman, 94. Nobel-winning economist who advocated an unfettered free market. Nov. 16.
Bo Schembechler, 77. One of college football's great coaches, compiling a 194-48-5 record at Michigan. Nov. 17.
Robert Altman, 81. Caustic Hollywood director ("Nashville.") Nov. 20.
Pierre Gemayel, 34. A rising star in one of Lebanon's most prominent political families. Nov. 21. Assassinated.
Gerald M. Boyd, 56. First black managing editor of The New York Times. Nov. 23. Lung cancer.
Betty Comden, 89. Her collaboration with Adolph Green produced "On the Town,""Singin' in the Rain." Nov. 23.
Anita O'Day, 87. One of the most respected jazz vocalists of the 1940s. Nov. 23.
Willie Pep, 84. Hall-of-fame boxer. Nov. 23.
Alexander Litvinenko, 43. Former Russian spy who criticized his homeland's government. Nov. 23. Poisoned.
Perry Henzell, 70. Filmmaker whose "The Harder They Come" introduced Jamaican pop culture to global audience. Nov. 30.
William Styron, 81. Pulitzer-winning novelist ("The Confessions of Nat Turner." Nov. 1.
Frank W. Dunham Jr., 64. Attorney for Zacarias Moussaoui and in other high-profile terrorism cases. Nov. 3.
William Lee Brent, 75. A Black Panther who hijacked a jet to Cuba in 1969, spent 37 years in exile. Nov. 4.
Samuel H. Bowers, 82. Former Ku Klux Klan leader, convicted of ordering death of civil rights leader Vernon Dahmer Sr. Nov. 5, in prison.
Bulent Ecevit, 81. Former Turkish Prime Minister, a political force for almost half a century. Nov. 5.
Ed Bradley, 65. TV journalist who created a distinctive, powerful body of work on "60 Minutes." Nov. 9.
Markus Wolf, 83. The "man without a face" who outwitted the West as East Germany's long-serving spymaster. Nov. 9.
Jack Palance, 87. Hollywood heavy ("Shane") who turned successfully to comedy, winning Oscar for "City Slickers." Nov. 10.
Gerald Levert, 40. Fiery R&B singer of passionate love songs ("Casanova.") Nov. 10.
Joseph Ungaro, 76. Journalist whose question to President Nixon elicited his "I'm not a crook" reply. Nov. 12.
Milton Friedman, 94. Nobel-winning economist who advocated an unfettered free market. Nov. 16.
Bo Schembechler, 77. One of college football's great coaches, compiling a 194-48-5 record at Michigan. Nov. 17.
Robert Altman, 81. Caustic Hollywood director ("Nashville.") Nov. 20.
Pierre Gemayel, 34. A rising star in one of Lebanon's most prominent political families. Nov. 21. Assassinated.
Gerald M. Boyd, 56. First black managing editor of The New York Times. Nov. 23. Lung cancer.
Betty Comden, 89. Her collaboration with Adolph Green produced "On the Town,""Singin' in the Rain." Nov. 23.
Anita O'Day, 87. One of the most respected jazz vocalists of the 1940s. Nov. 23.
Willie Pep, 84. Hall-of-fame boxer. Nov. 23.
Alexander Litvinenko, 43. Former Russian spy who criticized his homeland's government. Nov. 23. Poisoned.
Perry Henzell, 70. Filmmaker whose "The Harder They Come" introduced Jamaican pop culture to global audience. Nov. 30.
Those that left us in 2006 - October
OCTOBER:
Helen Chenoweth-Hage, 68. Three-term Idaho congresswoman; outspoken archconservative. Oct. 2.
R.W. Apple Jr., 71. Colorful New York Times correspondent; wrote about politics, food, travel. Oct. 4.
Gary C. Comer, 78. Founded Lands' End clothing company. Oct. 4.
Friedrich Karl Flick, 79. Billionaire Austrian industrialist. Oct. 5.
Buck O'Neil, 94. Negro Leagues batting ace; a star of PBS'"Baseball." Oct. 6.
Ray Noorda, 82. Founded software maker Novell Inc., was known as the father of network computing. Oct. 9.
Gillo Pontecorvo, 86. Italian filmmaker who directed "The Battle of Algiers," epic on Algerian uprising against the French. Oct. 12.
Dr. Mason Andrews, 87. Delivered nation's first test-tube baby in 1981. Oct. 13.
Freddy Fender, 69. Texas'"Bebop Kid"; sang the smash country ballad "Before the Next Teardrop Falls." Oct. 14.
Gerry Studds, 69. First openly gay member of Congress; homosexuality exposed during page scandal. Oct. 14.
Valentin Paniagua, 69. Former interim president of Peru, shepherded his country back to democracy. Oct. 16.
Marc Hodler, 87. International Olympic Committee member who blew the whistle on the Salt Lake City bidding. Oct. 18.
Jane Wyatt, 96. Lovely actress who for six years on "Father Knows Best" was one of TV's favorite moms. Oct. 20.
Benjamin Meed, 88. Escaped the Warsaw Ghetto; later helped establish a national Holocaust registry. Oct. 24.
Enolia P. McMillan, 102. First female NAACP president. Oct. 24.
Sally Lilienthal, 87. Nuclear weapons opponent, founded influential Ploughshares Fund. Oct. 24.
Trevor Berbick, about 51. Former heavyweight champion. Oct. 28. Fatal beating.
Red Auerbach, 89. Basketball Hall of Famer, guided the Boston Celtics to 16 championships. Oct. 28.
Robert Anderson, 85. As CEO of Rockwell International, oversaw building of space shuttle, B-1B bomber. Oct. 28.
Muhammadu Maccido, 58. Spiritual leader to millions of Nigerian Muslims. Oct. 29. Plane crash.
P.W. Botha, 90. Apartheid-era South African president. Oct. 31.
Helen Chenoweth-Hage, 68. Three-term Idaho congresswoman; outspoken archconservative. Oct. 2.
R.W. Apple Jr., 71. Colorful New York Times correspondent; wrote about politics, food, travel. Oct. 4.
Gary C. Comer, 78. Founded Lands' End clothing company. Oct. 4.
Friedrich Karl Flick, 79. Billionaire Austrian industrialist. Oct. 5.
Buck O'Neil, 94. Negro Leagues batting ace; a star of PBS'"Baseball." Oct. 6.
Ray Noorda, 82. Founded software maker Novell Inc., was known as the father of network computing. Oct. 9.
Gillo Pontecorvo, 86. Italian filmmaker who directed "The Battle of Algiers," epic on Algerian uprising against the French. Oct. 12.
Dr. Mason Andrews, 87. Delivered nation's first test-tube baby in 1981. Oct. 13.
Freddy Fender, 69. Texas'"Bebop Kid"; sang the smash country ballad "Before the Next Teardrop Falls." Oct. 14.
Gerry Studds, 69. First openly gay member of Congress; homosexuality exposed during page scandal. Oct. 14.
Valentin Paniagua, 69. Former interim president of Peru, shepherded his country back to democracy. Oct. 16.
Marc Hodler, 87. International Olympic Committee member who blew the whistle on the Salt Lake City bidding. Oct. 18.
Jane Wyatt, 96. Lovely actress who for six years on "Father Knows Best" was one of TV's favorite moms. Oct. 20.
Benjamin Meed, 88. Escaped the Warsaw Ghetto; later helped establish a national Holocaust registry. Oct. 24.
Enolia P. McMillan, 102. First female NAACP president. Oct. 24.
Sally Lilienthal, 87. Nuclear weapons opponent, founded influential Ploughshares Fund. Oct. 24.
Trevor Berbick, about 51. Former heavyweight champion. Oct. 28. Fatal beating.
Red Auerbach, 89. Basketball Hall of Famer, guided the Boston Celtics to 16 championships. Oct. 28.
Robert Anderson, 85. As CEO of Rockwell International, oversaw building of space shuttle, B-1B bomber. Oct. 28.
Muhammadu Maccido, 58. Spiritual leader to millions of Nigerian Muslims. Oct. 29. Plane crash.
P.W. Botha, 90. Apartheid-era South African president. Oct. 31.
Those that left us in 2006 - September
SEPTEMBER:
Warren Mitofsky, 71. Longtime CBS News polling chief; pioneered use of exit polls. Sept. 1.
Nellie Connally, 87. Former Texas first lady; was in President Kennedy's limousine when he was assassinated. Sept. 1.
Gyorgy Faludy, 95. Poet and translator considered one of Hungary's greatest literary figures. Sept. 1.
Bob Mathias, 75. Two-time Olympic decathlon champion; four-term California congressman. Sept. 2.
Steve Irwin, 44. Television's irrepressible "Crocodile Hunter." Sept 4. Sting ray attack.
James DeAnda, 81. Co-founder of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund; federal judge. Sept. 7.
William Ziff, 76. Built a media empire with special interest magazines (Popular Photography.) Sept. 9.
Daniel Smith, 20. Anna Nicole Smith's son; sudden passing made headlines worldwide. Sept 10. Drug combination.
Patty Berg, 88. Golfer; won 15 major LPGA titles. Sept. 10.
Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, 88. Longtime king of the Pacific Island nation of Tonga. Sept. 11.
Ann Richards, 73. Former Texas governor, a witty and flamboyant Democrat. Sept. 13.
Oriana Fallaci, 76. Italian journalist noted for probing interviews with powerful people. Sept. 15.
Silviu Brucan, 90. A top communist official in postwar Romania, a strong opponent of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Sept. 14.
Patricia Kennedy Lawford, 84. Her marriage to Peter Lawford lent Hollywood glamour to the Kennedy dynasty. Sept. 17.
Dean Everett Wooldridge, 93. Co-founded aerospace giant TRW Inc. Sept. 20.
Pham Xuan An, 79. Led a perilous double life as a communist spy and a respected reporter during the Vietnam War. Sept. 20.
Henri Jayer, 84. Acclaimed French winemaker. Sept. 20.
Sven Nykvist, 83. Oscar-winning Swedish cinematographer; worked with Ingmar Bergman, Woody Allen. Sept. 20.
Joel T. Broyhill, 86. Eleven-term Virginia congressman. Sept. 24.
Iva Toguri D'Aquino, 90. Convicted of treason as alleged propagandist Tokyo Rose; later pardoned. Sept. 26.
Byron Nelson, 94. Golfer; his 11 straight tournament victories in 1945 stand as one of sports' most enduring records. Sept. 26.
Warren Mitofsky, 71. Longtime CBS News polling chief; pioneered use of exit polls. Sept. 1.
Nellie Connally, 87. Former Texas first lady; was in President Kennedy's limousine when he was assassinated. Sept. 1.
Gyorgy Faludy, 95. Poet and translator considered one of Hungary's greatest literary figures. Sept. 1.
Bob Mathias, 75. Two-time Olympic decathlon champion; four-term California congressman. Sept. 2.
Steve Irwin, 44. Television's irrepressible "Crocodile Hunter." Sept 4. Sting ray attack.
James DeAnda, 81. Co-founder of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund; federal judge. Sept. 7.
William Ziff, 76. Built a media empire with special interest magazines (Popular Photography.) Sept. 9.
Daniel Smith, 20. Anna Nicole Smith's son; sudden passing made headlines worldwide. Sept 10. Drug combination.
Patty Berg, 88. Golfer; won 15 major LPGA titles. Sept. 10.
Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, 88. Longtime king of the Pacific Island nation of Tonga. Sept. 11.
Ann Richards, 73. Former Texas governor, a witty and flamboyant Democrat. Sept. 13.
Oriana Fallaci, 76. Italian journalist noted for probing interviews with powerful people. Sept. 15.
Silviu Brucan, 90. A top communist official in postwar Romania, a strong opponent of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Sept. 14.
Patricia Kennedy Lawford, 84. Her marriage to Peter Lawford lent Hollywood glamour to the Kennedy dynasty. Sept. 17.
Dean Everett Wooldridge, 93. Co-founded aerospace giant TRW Inc. Sept. 20.
Pham Xuan An, 79. Led a perilous double life as a communist spy and a respected reporter during the Vietnam War. Sept. 20.
Henri Jayer, 84. Acclaimed French winemaker. Sept. 20.
Sven Nykvist, 83. Oscar-winning Swedish cinematographer; worked with Ingmar Bergman, Woody Allen. Sept. 20.
Joel T. Broyhill, 86. Eleven-term Virginia congressman. Sept. 24.
Iva Toguri D'Aquino, 90. Convicted of treason as alleged propagandist Tokyo Rose; later pardoned. Sept. 26.
Byron Nelson, 94. Golfer; his 11 straight tournament victories in 1945 stand as one of sports' most enduring records. Sept. 26.
Those that left us in 2006 - August
AUGUST:
Bob Thaves, 81. Created quirky comic strip "Frank & Ernest." Aug. 1.
Johannes Willebrands, 96. Dutch cardinal, a key figure in Roman Catholics' efforts to improve relations with other Christians, Jews. Aug. 1.
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, 90. Soprano who won global acclaim. Aug. 3.
Susan Butcher, 51. Four-time Iditarod sled dog race winner. Aug. 5. Leukemia.
James A. Van Allen, 91. Physicist; discovered radiation belts surrounding the Earth. Aug. 9.
Mike Douglas, 81. Affable TV talk show host and singer. Aug. 11.
Bruno Kirby, 57. Character actor ("When Harry Met Sally.") Aug. 14.
Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, 75. Queen of New Zealand's Maori population. Aug. 15.
Alfredo Stroessner, 93. He ruled Paraguay for decades with a blend of guile and force before his ouster in 1989. Aug. 16.
Joe Rosenthal, 94. Associated Press photojournalist who took picture of flag-raising on Iwo Jima. Aug. 20.
William Norris, 95. Co-founder of 1960s computer giant Control Data Corp. Aug. 21.
Maynard Ferguson, 78. Jazz trumpeter. Aug. 23.
Rocco Petrone, 80. Director of launch operations at Kennedy Space Center in the 1960s. Aug. 24.
Maria Esther de Capovilla, 116. Believed to be world's oldest person. Aug. 27; her successor in that category, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bolden, died Dec. 11, also at 116.
Robert F. McDermott, 86. An Air Force Academy dean, chairman of the insurance giant USAA. Aug. 28.
William F. Quinn, 87. Hawaii's first governor after it became a state in 1959. Aug. 28.
Naguib Mahfouz, 94. First Arab writer to win Nobel in literature; symbol of liberalism in the face of Islamic extremism. Aug. 30.
Glenn Ford, 90. Actor who played strong, thoughtful protagonists ("The Blackboard Jungle.") Aug. 30.
Bob Thaves, 81. Created quirky comic strip "Frank & Ernest." Aug. 1.
Johannes Willebrands, 96. Dutch cardinal, a key figure in Roman Catholics' efforts to improve relations with other Christians, Jews. Aug. 1.
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, 90. Soprano who won global acclaim. Aug. 3.
Susan Butcher, 51. Four-time Iditarod sled dog race winner. Aug. 5. Leukemia.
James A. Van Allen, 91. Physicist; discovered radiation belts surrounding the Earth. Aug. 9.
Mike Douglas, 81. Affable TV talk show host and singer. Aug. 11.
Bruno Kirby, 57. Character actor ("When Harry Met Sally.") Aug. 14.
Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, 75. Queen of New Zealand's Maori population. Aug. 15.
Alfredo Stroessner, 93. He ruled Paraguay for decades with a blend of guile and force before his ouster in 1989. Aug. 16.
Joe Rosenthal, 94. Associated Press photojournalist who took picture of flag-raising on Iwo Jima. Aug. 20.
William Norris, 95. Co-founder of 1960s computer giant Control Data Corp. Aug. 21.
Maynard Ferguson, 78. Jazz trumpeter. Aug. 23.
Rocco Petrone, 80. Director of launch operations at Kennedy Space Center in the 1960s. Aug. 24.
Maria Esther de Capovilla, 116. Believed to be world's oldest person. Aug. 27; her successor in that category, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bolden, died Dec. 11, also at 116.
Robert F. McDermott, 86. An Air Force Academy dean, chairman of the insurance giant USAA. Aug. 28.
William F. Quinn, 87. Hawaii's first governor after it became a state in 1959. Aug. 28.
Naguib Mahfouz, 94. First Arab writer to win Nobel in literature; symbol of liberalism in the face of Islamic extremism. Aug. 30.
Glenn Ford, 90. Actor who played strong, thoughtful protagonists ("The Blackboard Jungle.") Aug. 30.
Those that left us in 2006 - July
JULY:
Ryutaro Hashimoto, 68. Former Japanese prime minister who helped ease tensions over U.S. military bases in Japan. July 1.
Jan Murray, 89. Comic who tickled fans of the 1950s game show "Treasure Hunt." July 2.
Kenneth Lay, 64. Enron founder who tumbled into disgrace. July 5.
Ralph Ginzburg, 76. Magazine publisher at the center of two First Amendment battles. July 6.
Frank Zeidler, 93. Milwaukee's socialist mayor, 1948-60. July 7.
Syd Barrett, 60. Co-founder of Pink Floyd ("The Piper at the Gates of Dawn.") July 7.
June Allyson, 88. Hollywood movies'"perfect wife." July 8.
Shamil Basayev, 41. Chechnya warlord, claimed responsibility for deadly Russian school siege. Announced July 10. Allegedly killed by Russian forces.
Barnard Hughes, 90. Actor; won Tony for portrayal of curmudgeonly title character in "Da." July 11.
Red Buttons, 87. Actor-comedian; won Oscar for a dramatic turn in "Sayonara." July 13.
Robert Brooks, 69. Chairman of Hooters of America, restaurant chain famed for scantily clad waitresses. July 16.
Mickey Spillane, 88. Macho mystery writer who wowed millions of readers. July 17.
Robert Mardian, 82. Attorney for Nixon re-election committee; conviction in Watergate scandal was overturned. July 17.
Jack Warden, 85. Emmy-winning, Oscar-nominated actor. ("Heaven Can Wait.") July 19.
Ta Mok, about 80. Known as "The Butcher" for his brutality with Cambodia's communist Khmer Rouge. July 21.
James E. West, 55. Former Spokane, Wash., mayor; ousted after an Internet sex scandal. July 22. Cancer.
Frederick Mosteller, 89. Statistician who influenced public policy. July 23.
Thurl Metzger, 90. Leader of Heifer International, which provides livestock to the poor. July 26.
Ryutaro Hashimoto, 68. Former Japanese prime minister who helped ease tensions over U.S. military bases in Japan. July 1.
Jan Murray, 89. Comic who tickled fans of the 1950s game show "Treasure Hunt." July 2.
Kenneth Lay, 64. Enron founder who tumbled into disgrace. July 5.
Ralph Ginzburg, 76. Magazine publisher at the center of two First Amendment battles. July 6.
Frank Zeidler, 93. Milwaukee's socialist mayor, 1948-60. July 7.
Syd Barrett, 60. Co-founder of Pink Floyd ("The Piper at the Gates of Dawn.") July 7.
June Allyson, 88. Hollywood movies'"perfect wife." July 8.
Shamil Basayev, 41. Chechnya warlord, claimed responsibility for deadly Russian school siege. Announced July 10. Allegedly killed by Russian forces.
Barnard Hughes, 90. Actor; won Tony for portrayal of curmudgeonly title character in "Da." July 11.
Red Buttons, 87. Actor-comedian; won Oscar for a dramatic turn in "Sayonara." July 13.
Robert Brooks, 69. Chairman of Hooters of America, restaurant chain famed for scantily clad waitresses. July 16.
Mickey Spillane, 88. Macho mystery writer who wowed millions of readers. July 17.
Robert Mardian, 82. Attorney for Nixon re-election committee; conviction in Watergate scandal was overturned. July 17.
Jack Warden, 85. Emmy-winning, Oscar-nominated actor. ("Heaven Can Wait.") July 19.
Ta Mok, about 80. Known as "The Butcher" for his brutality with Cambodia's communist Khmer Rouge. July 21.
James E. West, 55. Former Spokane, Wash., mayor; ousted after an Internet sex scandal. July 22. Cancer.
Frederick Mosteller, 89. Statistician who influenced public policy. July 23.
Thurl Metzger, 90. Leader of Heifer International, which provides livestock to the poor. July 26.
Those that left us in 2006 - June
JUNE:
Perry Richardson Bass, 91. Texan billionaire, one of last links to colorful era of oil wildcatters. June 1.
Frank Spencer, 87. FBI agent who helped investigate 1963 Birmingham church bombing. June 2.
Billy Preston, 59. Exuberant keyboardist and singer ("Nothing From Nothing"); played with the Beatles. June 6. Heart infection; kidney failure.
Arnold Newman, 88. Photographer who revealed the souls of artists, politicians. June 6.
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, 39. Leader of al-Qaida in Iraq; masterminding suicide bombings, beheadings. June 7. U.S. air strike.
James Cameron, 92. Survived an attempted lynching, founded America's Black Holocaust Museum. June 11.
Kenneth Thomson, 82. Canada's richest man. June 12.
Charles Haughey, 80. Four-term Irish prime minister; career haunted by ethical questions. June 13.
Vincent Sherman, 99. Hollywood filmmaker ("The Adventures of Don Juan.") June 18.
Evelyn Dubrow, 95. Longtime advocate for labor, women's rights garment workers union lobbyist. June 20.
Aaron Spelling, 83. TV impresario whose stylish shows ("Beverly Hills 90210") were wildly popular. June 23.
Patsy Ramsey, 49. Was thrust into spotlight by unsolved slaying of her daughter JonBenet. June 24. Cancer.
Perry Richardson Bass, 91. Texan billionaire, one of last links to colorful era of oil wildcatters. June 1.
Frank Spencer, 87. FBI agent who helped investigate 1963 Birmingham church bombing. June 2.
Billy Preston, 59. Exuberant keyboardist and singer ("Nothing From Nothing"); played with the Beatles. June 6. Heart infection; kidney failure.
Arnold Newman, 88. Photographer who revealed the souls of artists, politicians. June 6.
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, 39. Leader of al-Qaida in Iraq; masterminding suicide bombings, beheadings. June 7. U.S. air strike.
James Cameron, 92. Survived an attempted lynching, founded America's Black Holocaust Museum. June 11.
Kenneth Thomson, 82. Canada's richest man. June 12.
Charles Haughey, 80. Four-term Irish prime minister; career haunted by ethical questions. June 13.
Vincent Sherman, 99. Hollywood filmmaker ("The Adventures of Don Juan.") June 18.
Evelyn Dubrow, 95. Longtime advocate for labor, women's rights garment workers union lobbyist. June 20.
Aaron Spelling, 83. TV impresario whose stylish shows ("Beverly Hills 90210") were wildly popular. June 23.
Patsy Ramsey, 49. Was thrust into spotlight by unsolved slaying of her daughter JonBenet. June 24. Cancer.
Those that left us in 2006 - May
MAY:
Louis Rukeyser 73. Public TV host known for commonsense commentary on business. May 2.
Earl Woods, 74. The loving force behind son Tiger Woods' career. May 3.
Lillian Asplund, 99. Last Titanic survivor with memories of sinking. May 6.
A.M. Rosenthal, 84. Editor who lifted The New York Times from economic doldrums. May 10.
Floyd Patterson, 71. Boxing great who regained heavyweight title in 1960. May 11.
"Sonny" Montgomery, 85. Fifteen-term Mississippi congressman who pushed through modernized GI Bill. May 12.
Jaroslav Pelikan, 82. Leading scholar on Christian history. May 13.
Bruce Merrifield, 84. Won 1984 Nobel for chemistry for work that assisted in the development of medications. May 14.
Stanley Kunitz, 100. Former U.S. poet laureate and Pulitzer winner. May 14.
Chic Hecht, 77. Former Nevada senator; won underdog bid to oust powerful Democratic Sen. Howard Cannon. May 15.
Martin F. Dardis, 83. Florida investigator who linked Watergate burglars to Nixon. May 16.
Cy Feuer, 95. Co-producer of Broadway smashes ("Guys and Dolls.") May 17.
Katherine Dunham, 96. Choreographer who brought African influence to U.S. dance. May 21.
Lloyd Bentsen, 85. Former Treasury secretary, Texas senator who famously put down Dan Quayle. May 23.
Romeo Lucas Garcia, 81. Former Guatemalan president; rule was marked by a bloody 1980 raid on protesters. May 27.
Hugh B. Patterson Jr., 91. Publisher of Arkansas Gazette when it won Pulitzer for coverage of Central High desegregation. May 29.
Edward Dahlgren, 90. Received Medal of Honor for spearheading rescue of fellow soldiers. May 31.
Raymond Davis Jr., 91. Shared 2002 Nobel in physics for detecting particles produced by nuclear reactions in the sun. May 31.
Louis Rukeyser 73. Public TV host known for commonsense commentary on business. May 2.
Earl Woods, 74. The loving force behind son Tiger Woods' career. May 3.
Lillian Asplund, 99. Last Titanic survivor with memories of sinking. May 6.
A.M. Rosenthal, 84. Editor who lifted The New York Times from economic doldrums. May 10.
Floyd Patterson, 71. Boxing great who regained heavyweight title in 1960. May 11.
"Sonny" Montgomery, 85. Fifteen-term Mississippi congressman who pushed through modernized GI Bill. May 12.
Jaroslav Pelikan, 82. Leading scholar on Christian history. May 13.
Bruce Merrifield, 84. Won 1984 Nobel for chemistry for work that assisted in the development of medications. May 14.
Stanley Kunitz, 100. Former U.S. poet laureate and Pulitzer winner. May 14.
Chic Hecht, 77. Former Nevada senator; won underdog bid to oust powerful Democratic Sen. Howard Cannon. May 15.
Martin F. Dardis, 83. Florida investigator who linked Watergate burglars to Nixon. May 16.
Cy Feuer, 95. Co-producer of Broadway smashes ("Guys and Dolls.") May 17.
Katherine Dunham, 96. Choreographer who brought African influence to U.S. dance. May 21.
Lloyd Bentsen, 85. Former Treasury secretary, Texas senator who famously put down Dan Quayle. May 23.
Romeo Lucas Garcia, 81. Former Guatemalan president; rule was marked by a bloody 1980 raid on protesters. May 27.
Hugh B. Patterson Jr., 91. Publisher of Arkansas Gazette when it won Pulitzer for coverage of Central High desegregation. May 29.
Edward Dahlgren, 90. Received Medal of Honor for spearheading rescue of fellow soldiers. May 31.
Raymond Davis Jr., 91. Shared 2002 Nobel in physics for detecting particles produced by nuclear reactions in the sun. May 31.
Those that left us in 2006 - April
APRIL:
Michael Novosel, 83. Won Medal of Honor for heroism as medevac pilot in Vietnam. April 2.
Barry Bingham Jr., 72. Guided The Courier-Journal and Louisville (Ky.) Times before family disagreements led to their sale. April 3.
Gene Pitney, 66. Singer with a string of hits ("Town Without Pity.") April 5.
J.B. Fuqua, 87. Tycoon who built multibillion-dollar conglomerate Fuqua Industries. April 5.
Maggie Dixon, 28. U.S. Military Academy women's basketball coach. April 6.
Irregular heartbeat.June Pointer, 52. Youngest of the hitmaking Pointer Sisters ("I'm So Excited.") April 11. Cancer.
The Rev. William Sloane Coffin, 81. Former Yale chaplain known for Vietnam-era peace activism. April 12.
Dame Muriel Spark, 88. British novelist ("The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.") April 13.
Elford Albin Cederberg, 88. Thirteen-term Michigan congressman. April 17.
Scott Crossfield, 84. First man to fly twice the speed of sound. April 19.
Elaine Young, 71. Real estate agent to Hollywood stars. April 20.
Ed Davis, 89. Tough-talking former Los Angeles police chief. April 22.
Alida Valli, 84. Italian actress; co-starred in "The Third Man." April 22.
George Lenchner, 88. Founded Math Olympiads tournaments for schoolchildren. April 23.
Rabbi Moses Teitelbaum, 91. Spiritual leader of Satmar Hassidim, ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect. April 24.
Jane Jacobs, 89. Author who greatly influenced urban planning. April 25.
Alexander B. Trowbridge, 76. Former commerce secretary. April 27.
John Kenneth Galbraith, 97. Economist whose influence stretched from White House to Main Street. April 29.Helene Critler, 104. Survivor of 1906 San Francisco earthquake. April 29.
Michael Novosel, 83. Won Medal of Honor for heroism as medevac pilot in Vietnam. April 2.
Barry Bingham Jr., 72. Guided The Courier-Journal and Louisville (Ky.) Times before family disagreements led to their sale. April 3.
Gene Pitney, 66. Singer with a string of hits ("Town Without Pity.") April 5.
J.B. Fuqua, 87. Tycoon who built multibillion-dollar conglomerate Fuqua Industries. April 5.
Maggie Dixon, 28. U.S. Military Academy women's basketball coach. April 6.
Irregular heartbeat.June Pointer, 52. Youngest of the hitmaking Pointer Sisters ("I'm So Excited.") April 11. Cancer.
The Rev. William Sloane Coffin, 81. Former Yale chaplain known for Vietnam-era peace activism. April 12.
Dame Muriel Spark, 88. British novelist ("The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.") April 13.
Elford Albin Cederberg, 88. Thirteen-term Michigan congressman. April 17.
Scott Crossfield, 84. First man to fly twice the speed of sound. April 19.
Elaine Young, 71. Real estate agent to Hollywood stars. April 20.
Ed Davis, 89. Tough-talking former Los Angeles police chief. April 22.
Alida Valli, 84. Italian actress; co-starred in "The Third Man." April 22.
George Lenchner, 88. Founded Math Olympiads tournaments for schoolchildren. April 23.
Rabbi Moses Teitelbaum, 91. Spiritual leader of Satmar Hassidim, ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect. April 24.
Jane Jacobs, 89. Author who greatly influenced urban planning. April 25.
Alexander B. Trowbridge, 76. Former commerce secretary. April 27.
John Kenneth Galbraith, 97. Economist whose influence stretched from White House to Main Street. April 29.Helene Critler, 104. Survivor of 1906 San Francisco earthquake. April 29.
Those that left us in 2006 - March
MARCH:
Harry Browne, 72. Twice ran for president as the Libertarian Party candidate. March 1.
Richard Kuklinski, 70. Notorious Mafia hitman known as "The Iceman." March 5.
Dana Reeve, 44. Actress-singer, devoted herself to husband Christopher Reeve after he was paralyzed. March 6. Lung cancer.
Kirby Puckett, 45. Baseball Hall of Famer; carried Minnesota Twins to two World Series titles. March 6. Stroke.
Gordon Parks, 93. Life photographer; Hollywood's first major black director ("Shaft.") March 7.
John Profumo, 91. Former British Cabinet minister whose affair with a call girl also involved with a Soviet spy caused huge scandal in 1963. March 9.
Slobodan Milosevic, 64. Former Yugoslav leader; accused of orchestrating conflict that killed 250,000. March 11.
Maureen Stapleton, 80. Oscar-winning actress; excelled on stage, screen, television. March 13.
Robert C. Baker, 84. Food science professor behind such innovations as chicken nuggets. March 13.
Lennart Meri, 76. Former Estonian president; helped Baltic nation break from Soviet Union in 1991. March 14.
Ray Meyer, 92. Longtime DePaul basketball coach; twice took team to NCAA Final Four. March 17.
G. William Miller, 81. Former Federal Reserve chairman; treasury secretary during Carter administration. March 17.
Oleg Cassini, 92. His designs helped make Jacqueline Kennedy the most glamorous first lady. March 17.
Desmond T. Doss Sr., 87. A conscientious objector who, though a non-combatant, earned a Medal of Honor. March 23.
Sarah Caldwell, 82. Hailed as first lady of opera for her productions with Opera Company of Boston. March 23.
J. Glenn Beall Jr., 78. Former Maryland senator. March 24.
Buck Owens, 76. The flashy rhinestone cowboy who shaped country music with hits like "Act Naturally." March 25.
Lyn Nofziger, 81. Ronald Reagan's political adviser, known for his unorthodox style. March 27.
Paul Dana, 30. Up-and-coming race car driver. March 26. Crash.
Rudolf Vrba, 81. Described death camp horrors after escaping Auschwitz, saving thousands. March 27.
Bernard Siegan, 81. Conservative legal scholar. March 27.
Caspar W. Weinberger, 88. Consummate Cold Warrior; President Reagan's defense secretary. March 28.
Harry Browne, 72. Twice ran for president as the Libertarian Party candidate. March 1.
Richard Kuklinski, 70. Notorious Mafia hitman known as "The Iceman." March 5.
Dana Reeve, 44. Actress-singer, devoted herself to husband Christopher Reeve after he was paralyzed. March 6. Lung cancer.
Kirby Puckett, 45. Baseball Hall of Famer; carried Minnesota Twins to two World Series titles. March 6. Stroke.
Gordon Parks, 93. Life photographer; Hollywood's first major black director ("Shaft.") March 7.
John Profumo, 91. Former British Cabinet minister whose affair with a call girl also involved with a Soviet spy caused huge scandal in 1963. March 9.
Slobodan Milosevic, 64. Former Yugoslav leader; accused of orchestrating conflict that killed 250,000. March 11.
Maureen Stapleton, 80. Oscar-winning actress; excelled on stage, screen, television. March 13.
Robert C. Baker, 84. Food science professor behind such innovations as chicken nuggets. March 13.
Lennart Meri, 76. Former Estonian president; helped Baltic nation break from Soviet Union in 1991. March 14.
Ray Meyer, 92. Longtime DePaul basketball coach; twice took team to NCAA Final Four. March 17.
G. William Miller, 81. Former Federal Reserve chairman; treasury secretary during Carter administration. March 17.
Oleg Cassini, 92. His designs helped make Jacqueline Kennedy the most glamorous first lady. March 17.
Desmond T. Doss Sr., 87. A conscientious objector who, though a non-combatant, earned a Medal of Honor. March 23.
Sarah Caldwell, 82. Hailed as first lady of opera for her productions with Opera Company of Boston. March 23.
J. Glenn Beall Jr., 78. Former Maryland senator. March 24.
Buck Owens, 76. The flashy rhinestone cowboy who shaped country music with hits like "Act Naturally." March 25.
Lyn Nofziger, 81. Ronald Reagan's political adviser, known for his unorthodox style. March 27.
Paul Dana, 30. Up-and-coming race car driver. March 26. Crash.
Rudolf Vrba, 81. Described death camp horrors after escaping Auschwitz, saving thousands. March 27.
Bernard Siegan, 81. Conservative legal scholar. March 27.
Caspar W. Weinberger, 88. Consummate Cold Warrior; President Reagan's defense secretary. March 28.
Those that left us in 2006 - February
FEBRUARY:
Al Lewis, 82. Grandpa on "The Munsters." Feb. 3.
Betty Friedan, 85. Her "The Feminine Mystique" helped shatter the cozy suburban ideal in postwar America. Feb. 4.
George T. Davis, 98. Storied San Francisco lawyer; involved in Nuremberg trials. Feb. 4.Reuven Frank, 85. Former NBC News president. Feb. 5.
Sir Freddie Laker, 83. British entrepreneur; changed air travel with low-cost Skytrain service. Feb. 9.
Dr. Norman Shumway, 83. Performed first successful heart transplant in U.S. Feb. 10.
Curt Gowdy, 86. Sportscaster; called 13 World Series and 16 All-Star games, first Super Bowl. Feb. 20.
Archbishop Paul C. Marcinkus, 84. Top official at Vatican's bank before scandal ended his tenure. Feb. 20.
Donald Herbert, 44. A brain-injured firefighter who suddenly spoke after nearly a decade of silence. Feb. 21. Suspected heart attack.
Dennis Weaver, 81. Chester on "Gunsmoke" and the cowboy cop hero in "McCloud." Feb. 24.
Don Knotts, 81. Won five Emmys for playing the bumbling Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show." Feb. 24.
Darren McGavin, 83. Tough-talking actor; was grouchy dad in "A Christmas Story." Feb. 25.
Henry M. Morris, 87. Influential advocate of the creationist theory ("The Genesis Flood.") Feb. 25.
Otis Chandler, 78. Turned family-owned Los Angeles Times into one of the nation's most distinguished newspapers. Feb. 27.
Retired Brig. Gen. Robert L. Scott, 97. World War II ace, wrote "God Is My Co-Pilot." Feb. 27.
Owen Chamberlain, 85. Shared 1959 Nobel in physics as co-discoverer of the antiproton. Feb. 28.
Al Lewis, 82. Grandpa on "The Munsters." Feb. 3.
Betty Friedan, 85. Her "The Feminine Mystique" helped shatter the cozy suburban ideal in postwar America. Feb. 4.
George T. Davis, 98. Storied San Francisco lawyer; involved in Nuremberg trials. Feb. 4.Reuven Frank, 85. Former NBC News president. Feb. 5.
Sir Freddie Laker, 83. British entrepreneur; changed air travel with low-cost Skytrain service. Feb. 9.
Dr. Norman Shumway, 83. Performed first successful heart transplant in U.S. Feb. 10.
Curt Gowdy, 86. Sportscaster; called 13 World Series and 16 All-Star games, first Super Bowl. Feb. 20.
Archbishop Paul C. Marcinkus, 84. Top official at Vatican's bank before scandal ended his tenure. Feb. 20.
Donald Herbert, 44. A brain-injured firefighter who suddenly spoke after nearly a decade of silence. Feb. 21. Suspected heart attack.
Dennis Weaver, 81. Chester on "Gunsmoke" and the cowboy cop hero in "McCloud." Feb. 24.
Don Knotts, 81. Won five Emmys for playing the bumbling Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show." Feb. 24.
Darren McGavin, 83. Tough-talking actor; was grouchy dad in "A Christmas Story." Feb. 25.
Henry M. Morris, 87. Influential advocate of the creationist theory ("The Genesis Flood.") Feb. 25.
Otis Chandler, 78. Turned family-owned Los Angeles Times into one of the nation's most distinguished newspapers. Feb. 27.
Retired Brig. Gen. Robert L. Scott, 97. World War II ace, wrote "God Is My Co-Pilot." Feb. 27.
Owen Chamberlain, 85. Shared 1959 Nobel in physics as co-discoverer of the antiproton. Feb. 28.
Those that left us in 2006 - January
JANUARY:
Urbano Lazzaro, 81. Italian resistance fighter credited with arresting Mussolini. Jan. 3.
Sheik Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 62. Emir of Dubai; prominent thoroughbred breeder. Jan. 4.
Lou Rawls, 72. Velvet-voiced singer of such hits as "Love Is a Hurtin' Thing." Jan. 6.
Jack Mabley, 90. Chicago newspaperman; wrote an estimated 12,190 columns. Jan. 7.
Shelley Winters, 85. Outspoken, Oscar-winning star ("The Diary of Anne Frank.") Jan. 14.
William "Bud" Post III, 66. His $16.2 million lottery jackpot led to squabbles, business failures. Jan. 15.
Thomas A. Murphy, 90. General Motors CEO as it shifted to more fuel-efficient cars in 1970s. Jan. 18.
Wilson Pickett, 64. Fiery soul music pioneer ("Mustang Sally.") Jan. 19.
Anthony Franciosa, 77. Hollywood actor ("A Face in the Crowd.") Jan. 19.
Ibrahim Rugova, 61. Kosovo president; epitomized its long struggle for independence from Serbia. Jan. 21.
Virginia Smith, 94. Eight-term Nebraska congresswoman. Jan. 23.
Fayard Nicholas, 91. With brother Harold, he wowed the tap dancing world. Jan. 24.
Morris Silverman, 93. Businessman and philanthropist; established nation's richest prize for medical research. Jan. 26.
Johannes Rau, 75. Former German president; promoted deeper ties with Israel. Jan. 27.
Rabbi Yitzhak Kadouri, around 106. Influential leader of Kabbalah school of Jewish mystical thought. Jan. 28.
Nam June Paik, 74. Avant-garde artist credited with inventing video art. Jan. 29.
Wendy Wasserstein, 55. Playwright who celebrated women's lives ("The Heidi Chronicles.") Jan. 30. Lymphoma.
Coretta Scott King, 78. Civil rights leader; carried on work started by her martyred husband. Jan. 30.
Moira Shearer, 80. British ballerina and actress whose debut film, "The Red Shoes," created a sensation. Jan. 31.
Urbano Lazzaro, 81. Italian resistance fighter credited with arresting Mussolini. Jan. 3.
Sheik Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 62. Emir of Dubai; prominent thoroughbred breeder. Jan. 4.
Lou Rawls, 72. Velvet-voiced singer of such hits as "Love Is a Hurtin' Thing." Jan. 6.
Jack Mabley, 90. Chicago newspaperman; wrote an estimated 12,190 columns. Jan. 7.
Shelley Winters, 85. Outspoken, Oscar-winning star ("The Diary of Anne Frank.") Jan. 14.
William "Bud" Post III, 66. His $16.2 million lottery jackpot led to squabbles, business failures. Jan. 15.
Thomas A. Murphy, 90. General Motors CEO as it shifted to more fuel-efficient cars in 1970s. Jan. 18.
Wilson Pickett, 64. Fiery soul music pioneer ("Mustang Sally.") Jan. 19.
Anthony Franciosa, 77. Hollywood actor ("A Face in the Crowd.") Jan. 19.
Ibrahim Rugova, 61. Kosovo president; epitomized its long struggle for independence from Serbia. Jan. 21.
Virginia Smith, 94. Eight-term Nebraska congresswoman. Jan. 23.
Fayard Nicholas, 91. With brother Harold, he wowed the tap dancing world. Jan. 24.
Morris Silverman, 93. Businessman and philanthropist; established nation's richest prize for medical research. Jan. 26.
Johannes Rau, 75. Former German president; promoted deeper ties with Israel. Jan. 27.
Rabbi Yitzhak Kadouri, around 106. Influential leader of Kabbalah school of Jewish mystical thought. Jan. 28.
Nam June Paik, 74. Avant-garde artist credited with inventing video art. Jan. 29.
Wendy Wasserstein, 55. Playwright who celebrated women's lives ("The Heidi Chronicles.") Jan. 30. Lymphoma.
Coretta Scott King, 78. Civil rights leader; carried on work started by her martyred husband. Jan. 30.
Moira Shearer, 80. British ballerina and actress whose debut film, "The Red Shoes," created a sensation. Jan. 31.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Blabbermouth
Remember when we'd get home and someone would jot down a note. "So-and-so called, please phone when you can."
It was understood that the information that needed to be imparted could wait. There was no way of getting ahold of us when we were in our cars, at work, in the market or going into a movie.
Think of that again....
Information can wait!,
I think a lot of what's imparted over cell phones doesn't really matter whether or not you receive it now or later. With the exception of a few things, like needing to know where friends or family members are, or talking to clients, most things can wait until later. And that's not mañana-speak, that's only stating the obvious.
When I'm at a store, I don't need to know a person's entire dysfunctional family circus. I don't want to hear it. No way. They should keep their little dirty family secrets about Aunt Tiffany wearing men's boxers while Uncle Hank wears her bras and thongs. Really, I know how messed up the world is, I don't need it reaffirmed everytime I'm at the ATM/grocers/DMV/school/elevator/restaurant/biker bar.
Biker bar? Well, yes. The saddest sight you'll ever see is a big motley biker strolling through a bar with a teeny little electronic gizmo strapped to his ear saying, "Uh huh, uh huh, okay, see ya." Such monosyllabic mutters cost, and besides that little blue tooth is like a teeny tiny electronic leash, so best leave it at the door.
But the worst example of airwave pollution was a psychologist who went through her entire day's patient list while getting her car fixed. We had to listen to the psychologist break every privacy and ethical rule in the book as she led detailed discussions of her patient's problems in public. If I could have, I'd of given her a ticket for poor taste and unprofessional conduct.
And it could have waited.
So yes, bring out that safety fine for blabbermouths who go 45 mph on the Santa Monica freeway because their yabbering over the phone. Information can wait. The world will still be here if they let their phone ring.
It was understood that the information that needed to be imparted could wait. There was no way of getting ahold of us when we were in our cars, at work, in the market or going into a movie.
Think of that again....
Information can wait!,
I think a lot of what's imparted over cell phones doesn't really matter whether or not you receive it now or later. With the exception of a few things, like needing to know where friends or family members are, or talking to clients, most things can wait until later. And that's not mañana-speak, that's only stating the obvious.
When I'm at a store, I don't need to know a person's entire dysfunctional family circus. I don't want to hear it. No way. They should keep their little dirty family secrets about Aunt Tiffany wearing men's boxers while Uncle Hank wears her bras and thongs. Really, I know how messed up the world is, I don't need it reaffirmed everytime I'm at the ATM/grocers/DMV/school/elevator/restaurant/biker bar.
Biker bar? Well, yes. The saddest sight you'll ever see is a big motley biker strolling through a bar with a teeny little electronic gizmo strapped to his ear saying, "Uh huh, uh huh, okay, see ya." Such monosyllabic mutters cost, and besides that little blue tooth is like a teeny tiny electronic leash, so best leave it at the door.
But the worst example of airwave pollution was a psychologist who went through her entire day's patient list while getting her car fixed. We had to listen to the psychologist break every privacy and ethical rule in the book as she led detailed discussions of her patient's problems in public. If I could have, I'd of given her a ticket for poor taste and unprofessional conduct.
And it could have waited.
So yes, bring out that safety fine for blabbermouths who go 45 mph on the Santa Monica freeway because their yabbering over the phone. Information can wait. The world will still be here if they let their phone ring.
Thanks for your patience and understanding
By Mike Fancher
Seattle Times editor-at-large
Seattle Times editor-at-large
"It was really a hard down. It just went boom, down. I knew we probably had no chance."
That was 12:50 a.m. Friday, when all power was lost to the Seattle Times North Creek plant in Bothell. Frank Paiva, vice president for operations, sensed that his people might not be able to print any more newspapers. He was right. At that point, three of the plant's four presses had been struggling to print advance sections of the Friday Times and Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Those runs should have been done several hours before, but power lurches and surges had created havoc for the presses. A fourth press, which isn't used for the advance runs, had started to print the mainsheet of the Friday Times, but only 13,000 copies were off when the power crashed.
[snip]
The last time The Times didn't publish was 1953, during a strike. The P-I reported yesterday that the last time it didn't print was in 1936, also during a strike. This time the cause was the worst windstorm in more than a decade. It caused four deaths and left more than 1 million customers, including the North Creek plant, without power.
[snip]
Restarting the presses in Bothell was complicated for both mechanical and technical reasons. These modern behemoths are a combination of heavy metal and computer wizardry, and Paiva praised the know-how of the press operators who brought them back to life quickly and safely.
"There are tricks of the trade to get a press started. Stuff old pros know how to do," he said. In the end, The Times run was done at 3:59 a.m. and the P-I at 4:23.
[snip]
Paiva praised how well people came together. "One common trait is people always show up," he said. "I looked around to see who we were missing and everybody was here. It just amazing how people in the newspaper business — in every department — show up even when they have their own problems to deal with."
Continue reading the Seattle Times
Hat Tip to Emmett Jaime III
California's New Laws for 2007
Cell Phones—Operative July 1, 2008
Requires the use of hands-free wireless phones as of July 1, 2008, with limited exceptions. Two Way Cells are exempt. The fine will be $70 for the first offense, $175 for subsequent ones.
"Trunking"
AB 1850 makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly drive a motor vehicle while another person is riding in the trunk; riding in the trunk is also illegal. The driver receives a fine and one point on his or her driving record; the person riding in the trunk receives a fine. The law is a response to some teen drivers' attempts to evade the passenger restriction in California's graduated driver licensing law by hiding teens in the trunk. Since 2000, there have been 153 collisions involving trunking, resulting in nine deaths and 140 injuries.
Commercial Driver License
Ensures immediate administrative driver licensing sanctions are imposed when any driver is operating a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04% or greater.
Requires California to report convictions of commercial driver traffic violations to the home state of the commercial driver for sanctioning purposes.
Establishes the following:
Requires the use of hands-free wireless phones as of July 1, 2008, with limited exceptions. Two Way Cells are exempt. The fine will be $70 for the first offense, $175 for subsequent ones.
"Trunking"
AB 1850 makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly drive a motor vehicle while another person is riding in the trunk; riding in the trunk is also illegal. The driver receives a fine and one point on his or her driving record; the person riding in the trunk receives a fine. The law is a response to some teen drivers' attempts to evade the passenger restriction in California's graduated driver licensing law by hiding teens in the trunk. Since 2000, there have been 153 collisions involving trunking, resulting in nine deaths and 140 injuries.
Commercial Driver License
Ensures immediate administrative driver licensing sanctions are imposed when any driver is operating a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04% or greater.
Requires California to report convictions of commercial driver traffic violations to the home state of the commercial driver for sanctioning purposes.
Establishes the following:
- A first conviction for driving any vehicle under the influence of drugs is cause for the disqualification of the commercial driving privilege for one year.
- A commercial driver who is convicted of leaving the scene of an accident, regardless of whether the violation occurred in a commercial vehicle or the driver’s personal vehicle, is subject to the disqualification of the commercial driving privilege for one year.
- A first conviction of gross vehicular manslaughter or vehicular manslaughter is cause for the disqualification of the commercial driving privilege for one year.
Eliminates the authority for the issuance of a restricted commercial driver’s license when the driving privilege is suspended or because the driver or driver’s family has a serious health problem (does not prohibit the issuance of a restricted Class C or M license; thereby allowing the commercial driver to operate a non-commercial vehicle).
Organ Donation
Removes the minimum age requirement for persons to consent to participate in the organ and tissue donor program.
Driver License Suspension For DUI
Increases the mandatory driver’s license suspension period to ten months for persons convicted of a first offense of Driving Under the Influence of alcohol if the individual’s blood alcohol concentration level was .20% or greater, and the court orders an enhanced alcohol treatment program.
Also.... Anyone under 21 who has a measurable blood alcohol level of 0.01%, in addition to license suspension of a year, it is now a CRIMINAL OFFENSE with a minimum fine of $350 (not including penalty assesments).
Driving Infraction
Creates a new infraction for driving a motor vehicle while knowingly permitting a person to ride in the trunk. A passenger found guilty of riding in the trunk of a vehicle would be guilty of an infraction. Both the driver and passenger would be subject to fines pursuant to a specified schedule. A driver convicted of knowingly permitting passengers to ride in/on the trunk of a vehicle would receive one negligent operator point on his or her driving record.
Emergency Vehicles
Requires drivers to take specific precautionary actions on a highway when passing a stopped emergency vehicle when the emergency lights are activated. When facing any emergency vehicle with a siren or flashing lights, you have to move at least two lanes away for their safety. This law makes it an infraction for failure to comply with those requirements.
Equipment of Vehicles
Clarifies existing statute regarding the use of headlamps during darkness and/or inclement weather. YOU HAVE TO HAVE YOUR HEADLIGHTS ON IF IT IS RAINING!!!!!
Graffiti and Vandalism
Allows courts to impose increased driver license sanctions for graffiti and vandalism. Courts may now suspend a driver license for a period of up to two years, or delay issuing a license for a period of one to three years.
Ignition Interlock Device
Prohibits a manufacturer of an ignition interlock device (IID) from furnishing information to any individual or entity that would allow modifications to be made that would allow it to be used in a manner that is contrary to its intended purpose.
Prohibits the tampering of an IID by a service center or technician and prohibits reinstatement of the driving privilege until the DMV receives proof that the device has actually been installed. Requires DMV to verify installations on court ordered IID.
Mature Driver Improvement Course
Revises the Mature Driver Improvement Program by increasing the maximum allowable course fee and by providing for a renewal course with reduced instructional time. (4 HOURS)
Addresses comments of course participants who do not believe the full 400-minute course is necessary every three years for renewal purposes.
Allows course providers to charge a fee of up to $30 for either the initial or renewal course and providers indicate this fee increase is needed because costs have risen since the inception of the program in 1986.
Requires DMV to establish standards and develop criteria and review each provider’s renewal course lesson plan to ensure it meets the Mature Driver Improvement Course requirements.
Reckless Driving/Racing
Increases penalties for first conviction of reckless driving or engaging in a speed contest resulting in specified injuries to a person other than the driver.
First-offenders would be subject to BEING CHARGED WITH A FELONY...confinement in state prison or county jail for not less than 30 days nor more than 6 months, or by a fine of not less than $220 (reckless driving) or $500 (speed contest) nor more than $1000. The specified injuries which would incur these sentences are; loss of consciousness, concussion, bone fracture, protracted loss or impairment of function of a bodily member or organ, wound requiring extensive suturing, serious disfigurement, brain injury, and/or paralysis.
Vehicle Impoundment
Under AB 2253, a court can impound a vehicle used in the illegal dumping of waste matter for up to six months if the person driving the vehicle has a prior conviction for the offense. Waste matter does not include beverage containers or food wrappers, but it does include oil and other petroleum products, paints, garbage, furniture, dirt, gravel, and body parts.
School Bus Certificate
Authorizes the California Highway Patrol to conduct a preliminary criminal and driver history check to determine the eligibility of an individual prior to issuing a special certificate authorizing the operation of a schoolbus, school pupil activity bus, youth bus, or a general public paratransit vehicle.
Exempts school bus mechanics and driver trainees from having to obtain a school bus endorsement for the operation of the vehicle provided they are not engaged in the transportation of children.
Three-Tier Driver Assessment Project
Requires the department to conduct a study of a Three-Tier Driver Assessment System, contingent upon receipt of grant money, and determine the effectiveness of the program in identifying functional impairments, reducing crashes, and prolonging safe driving years of all drivers regardless of age.
Autoette
Establishes a definition of an “autoette” in the Vehicle Code and requires the department to issue regular license plates and registration to an autoette operated exclusively in the City of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island.
Requires the owner to surrender the license plates to the department when the vehicle is removed from the island and brought to the mainland.
Hybrid Vehicles HOV (Carpool) Lanes
Extends the sunset date for the clean air vehicle program to January 1, 2011. Allows an additional 10,000 hybrid stickers to be issued.
Recreational Vehicles: Contaminated Methamphetamine Property
Requires the DMV to provide a form to be used by local health officials to:
- request vehicle license stops
- issue informational memoranda, and
- place a stop (upon request) on a vehicle record in order to preclude a transfer of ownership on a recreational vehicle previously found to have been used as a Methamphetamine lab.
The vehicle registration stop would remain in place until the local health officer provides a release to DMV.
Records Access
Prohibits computer vendors, vehicle manufacturers and other specified entities from accessing information from a motor vehicle dealer’s computer system regarding the dealer’s customers. This is designed to prevent “data mining” from a dealer’s database without the dealer’s consent.
Allows requesters to have access to DUI conviction information for violations that occurred within the past ten (10) years. Currently, only law enforcement and the courts are able to access this information for a ten-year period.
Car Key Replacement:
the law requires an automaker to provide, at any time, the codes necessary for a registered locksmith to make a replacement key for vehicles sold or leased in California. (Manufacturers that currently permit no one but themselves to duplicate a key, such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, have until 2013 to comply with the law.) The law also requires the automaker to verify the locksmith's identification and registration, and it requires the locksmith to verify the vehicle owner's identification and registration.
What the legislation doesn't do
It doesn't apply to automakers that sell fewer than 2,500 vehicles in California. And it doesn't directly address how much replacement keys will cost. However, if a locksmith doesn't have to partially dismantle a car to make a replacement key, locksmith fees are likely to decline. And if independent locksmiths are able to make duplicate keys that now can be obtained only through an automaker and its dealers, the cost of replacement keys is also likely to decline.
For additional information:
Saddam Executed at Dawn
The former Iraqi president, Saddam Hussein 69, was executed, according to Iraqi officials, shortly before 6am at an Iraqi miltary facility in northern Baghdad. The photograph was taken moments before his hanging, and his body was shown on Iraqi television after the execution.
Saddam was convicted of killing 148 Shias after a failed assassination attempt in 1982.
For additional information jump to Al Jazeera
Friday, December 29, 2006
Tribune Company to Voluntarily Delist from NYSE Arca
Tribune Company to Voluntarily Delist from NYSE Arca, Formerly Known as the Pacific Exchange
Retains New York Stock Exchange Listing
CHICAGO, Dec 29, 2006 -- Tribune Company (TRB) announced that it will voluntarily withdraw the listing of its common stock from NYSE Arca, Inc., formerly the Pacific Stock Exchange, Inc. The decision to withdraw the listing from NYSE Arca will eliminate costs and duplicative administrative requirements. Tribune's common stock will continue to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Chicago Stock Exchange. NYSE Arca will continue trading Tribune common stock on an unlisted trading privilege basis.
TRIBUNE (TRB) is one of the country's top media companies, operating businesses in publishing, interactive and broadcasting. It reaches more than 80 percent of U.S. households and is the only media organization with newspapers, television stations and websites in the nation's top three markets. In publishing, Tribune's leading daily newspapers include the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Newsday (Long Island, N.Y.), The Sun (Baltimore), South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Orlando Sentinel and Hartford Courant. The company's broadcasting group operates 23 television stations, Superstation WGN on national cable, Chicago's WGN-AM and the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Popular news and information websites complement Tribune's print and broadcast properties and extend the company's nationwide audience.
SOURCE Tribune Company
Retains New York Stock Exchange Listing
CHICAGO, Dec 29, 2006 -- Tribune Company (TRB) announced that it will voluntarily withdraw the listing of its common stock from NYSE Arca, Inc., formerly the Pacific Stock Exchange, Inc. The decision to withdraw the listing from NYSE Arca will eliminate costs and duplicative administrative requirements. Tribune's common stock will continue to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Chicago Stock Exchange. NYSE Arca will continue trading Tribune common stock on an unlisted trading privilege basis.
TRIBUNE (TRB) is one of the country's top media companies, operating businesses in publishing, interactive and broadcasting. It reaches more than 80 percent of U.S. households and is the only media organization with newspapers, television stations and websites in the nation's top three markets. In publishing, Tribune's leading daily newspapers include the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Newsday (Long Island, N.Y.), The Sun (Baltimore), South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Orlando Sentinel and Hartford Courant. The company's broadcasting group operates 23 television stations, Superstation WGN on national cable, Chicago's WGN-AM and the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Popular news and information websites complement Tribune's print and broadcast properties and extend the company's nationwide audience.
SOURCE Tribune Company
A Life Of Joy
"If we are true to the steps we take, the travel makes sense and the journey confirms itself."
Some days there is news that just makes your mind reel.
No, I'm not talking about Saddam, I'm talking about my accountant's niece.
Her niece and her fiancee were driving on Thursday, up I-5 near San Diego. A truck lost its trailer hitch. The six pound piece of metal flew through the air, striking their SUV. Her fiancee was killed instantly, and the niece grabbed for the wheel. They finally came to a stop after hitting two cars, and swerving into a median. The niece is uninjured, however, she suffers the loss of her fiancee. And here's the kicker. Sean O'Shea was a really great guy who lived his life exuding enthusiasm and love.
We were talking about the randomness of it all. The trailer hitch sailing in the sky, hitting the man who engaged in all of life's challenges and left a ribbon of love in his wake. We were all just so sad today. Unbearably so, as we helped our accountant find more information. As the day wore on, we realized something beyond any philosophical dickerings of fate vs. randomness. Even though he was young, he lived his life in such a way that at any moment if he were taken off this earth he'd be assured that the strongest thing left behind was love. Now I'm not saying he deliberately did this, nor that he knew he'd have an early departure. But he lived his life so beautifully that his emotional legacy will be a comforting one. His strength wasn't in his poses or the frequency in which he practiced yoga. It was in the way he conducted his life, and there was nothing random about it.
"Nirvana isn't a place, but a liberated way of experiencing this one."
Statement by President Bush
From Los Angeles Times
Today, Saddam Hussein was executed after receiving a fair trial -- the kind of justice he denied the victims of his brutal regime.
Fair trials were unimaginable under Saddam Hussein's tyrannical rule. It is a testament to the Iraqi people's resolve to move forward after decades of oppression that, despite his terrible crimes against his own people, Saddam Hussein received a fair trial. This would not have been possible without the Iraqi people's determination to create a society governed by the rule of law.
Saddam Hussein's execution comes at the end of a difficult year for the Iraqi people and for our troops. Bringing Saddam Hussein to justice will not end the violence in Iraq, but it is an important milestone on Iraq's course to becoming a democracy that can govern, sustain, and defend itself, and be an ally in the War on Terror.
We are reminded today of how far the Iraqi people have come since the end of Saddam Hussein's rule - and that the progress they have made would not have been possible without the continued service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform.
Many difficult choices and further sacrifices lie ahead. Yet the safety and security of the American people require that we not relent in ensuring that Iraq's young democracy continues to progress.
Today, Saddam Hussein was executed after receiving a fair trial -- the kind of justice he denied the victims of his brutal regime.
Fair trials were unimaginable under Saddam Hussein's tyrannical rule. It is a testament to the Iraqi people's resolve to move forward after decades of oppression that, despite his terrible crimes against his own people, Saddam Hussein received a fair trial. This would not have been possible without the Iraqi people's determination to create a society governed by the rule of law.
Saddam Hussein's execution comes at the end of a difficult year for the Iraqi people and for our troops. Bringing Saddam Hussein to justice will not end the violence in Iraq, but it is an important milestone on Iraq's course to becoming a democracy that can govern, sustain, and defend itself, and be an ally in the War on Terror.
We are reminded today of how far the Iraqi people have come since the end of Saddam Hussein's rule - and that the progress they have made would not have been possible without the continued service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform.
Many difficult choices and further sacrifices lie ahead. Yet the safety and security of the American people require that we not relent in ensuring that Iraq's young democracy continues to progress.
Union Representatives GCC/IBT
In case your wondering whom Marty Keegan might be, he's pictured at the right. Marty is the union organizer for the GCC/IBT and has a very positive attitude when it comes to the upcoming election.
Mike Laspina (L) and Lou Nicosia (R) are pressmen from Newsday, they held several meetings with the men and women from the Los Angeles Times Pressrooms.
Photos provided by Ronnie Pineda.
Ronnie tells me videos have been mailed to all pressroom employees today, if your video does not arrive tomorrow it will be in your mailbox on Wednesday.
I should have a copy of the DVD tomorrow if you need to view the video.
Saddam has been executed
Fox News reporting that al Arabiya has announced that Saddam has been executed.
Still and video cameras were in the chamber at the time of the execution. How long before it's on YouTube?
Stay tuned for video
AFP/Getty Images
Photo by Karen Ballard
Message From David Hiller to Pressroom Employees
L0s Angeles Times latimes.com
202 West First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-237-4400
FAX: 213 237-4401
E-mail: david hiller@latimes.com
David D. Hiller
Publisher, President &
Chief Executive Officer
Publisher, President &
Chief Executive Officer
Dear Ed:
I want to take just a few minutes of your time this holiday week to talk to you about an important issue. Next week you must make a decision that will affect you and your family's future: whether to vote for or against the Union.
You know that The Times strongly opposes the Union because we believe that having a
union would simply make things more difficult for all of us. But we respect that this
decision is yours and yours alone to make
Throughout this campaign we have attempted to provide you the facts so you can make
an informed decision. Consistent with this approach we are enclosing a DVD with
some facts about the Union and what it could mean for you. (If you don't have a DVD
player, we can provide you with a VHS tape - just ask any pressroom supervisor or
manager.)
Some of the things on the DVD you may have heard before, things like the Union's
record in elections and at the bargaining table across the country and, importantly, here in California. But we also talk about the possible sale of the newspaper and what having the Union could mean.
We hope that after considering the facts you will once again (for a sixth time) reject the Union. But regardless of how you feel, we urge everyone to vote. This is too important an issue to leave up to others and we hope that if you are on vacation or otherwise off work during the election you will make the extra effort to come in and vote. I have enclosed a reminder of the voting schedule and locations in both plants. You can find all the election information at The Times' website www.unionfree.com/latimes
I want to conclude by wishing you and your family a healthy and happy New Year.
Sincerely,
David
Your Vote Counts Next Week
Next Thursday and Friday the Pressroom employees of the Los Angeles Times will decide one way or the other if they would like to be represented by the Graphic Communications Conference/ International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union.
No matter how you decide to vote, it is important that you cast your vote at either the Olympic Plant or the Orange County Plant at the times listed below.
Olympic Roller Room:
9:00AM – 11:00AM
2:00PM – 4:00PM
8:30PM – 10:30PM
Orange County Roller Room:
6:00AM – 7:30AM
1:00PM – 3:00PM
8:30PM – 11:00PM
Every attempt has been made to allow both sides to give the employees of the newspaper their opinions, and your opinions are always welcome here.
When the stress of the upcoming election is behind us, all Tribune Company employees will still be wondering what will become of the company and their jobs next year?
.
Union Site Save Our Trade
Company Site Union Free
No matter how you decide to vote, it is important that you cast your vote at either the Olympic Plant or the Orange County Plant at the times listed below.
Olympic Roller Room:
9:00AM – 11:00AM
2:00PM – 4:00PM
8:30PM – 10:30PM
Orange County Roller Room:
6:00AM – 7:30AM
1:00PM – 3:00PM
8:30PM – 11:00PM
Every attempt has been made to allow both sides to give the employees of the newspaper their opinions, and your opinions are always welcome here.
When the stress of the upcoming election is behind us, all Tribune Company employees will still be wondering what will become of the company and their jobs next year?
.
Union Site Save Our Trade
Company Site Union Free
Message from James Hoffa to Pressroom Employees
INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS
JAMES P. HOFFA
General President
25 Louisiana Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Dear Los Angeles Times Pressroom Employee:
You know that the Tribune Company is in trouble and looking for a buyer. Here at the Times that turmoil resulted in the firing of the paper's publisher and editor. They refused to follow orders from Chicago when told to lay off more staff. The new Tribune replacements are here to carry out any orders dictated to them. These circumstances clearly demonstrate why you need a strong voice to protect your jobs and future - presently you have none.
This union campaign is not about hurting the Times. We do not want to do that. In fact, we want the paper to be successful and prosper. However, we do believe that employees - whose outstanding performance makes the company profitable - should have a voice in decisions affecting their welfare and the workplace. No one knows the pressroom better then you. No one but you knows what is best for your family.
Without union representation, you have no legal rights or voice in these matters. All decisions are made by a plant manager or a Tribune executive in Chicago. Sometimes the company acts responsibly. Often, it does not. In either case you are denied any real input that union representation provides. It's that simple.
As newspaper craft persons, you exercise intelligence and initiative on the job every day. Union membership affords the opportunity to do the same in matters essential to your livelihood. Other than that, the boss solely makes all the decisions. In order to keep their power, they want you to vote no. assuring their absolute control.
In these uncertain times, with Tribune trying to sell all or part of its news operation, it is important that you take steps to protect your interests. Whether or not Tribune remains intact, you should make union representation — certified by the National Labor Relations Board - a top priority so that you have legal remedies if the company seeks to make significant changes.
Tribune already has stated that more cuts are needed to boost profits for shareholders. If the company is sold, new owners will likely do the same. Do not allow yourself to he put at a disadvantage by executives who care primarily about the bottom line - and their own paychecks.
Times management is trying to intimidate you by claiming unionization would lead to a strike. They cite strikes that happened_decades ago but do not mention the GCC/IBT's record of settling disputes without resorting to such action. Recently, at Newsday, the company feared there might be a strike. We never threatened such action and none took place. We settled that contract - receiving $13 million in union signing bonuses.
For any of you who are still undecided about union membership, we want you to know that we are sincere in our pledge to create a strong independent local union that represents Times workers. The 1.4 million members of the Teamsters will assist you in obtaining a fair and equitable pressroom contract. As you know. the drivers who distribute the Los Angeles Times are Teamster members. They are eager to welcome you into IBT ranks and enthusiastically support your efforts to organize.
We are with you all the way. Stay strong and united in order to protect your jobs and families. Vote YES and become part of the Teamster family and benefit by the strength and solidarity of Teamster power.
JAMES P. HOFFA, General President, IBT President. GCC/IBT
GEORGE TEDESCHI, President, Graphic Communications Conference
1900 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 • phone (202) 462-1400 fax (202) 721-0600
Friday Morning Linkage
McClatchy's profit-and-loss statement: They profit, we lose
Mercifully, Mr. McClatchy passed away in May and did not live to see the Sacramento-based company that bore his name disgrace his legacy by dumping its largest newspaper -- the most important one between Chicago and the West Coast, the one that serves 5 million Minnesotans and that can be a conscience, a scold, a cheerleader and an interpreter of life on the tundra.
Twin Cities will lose Star Tribune Foundation
The sale of the Star Tribune does not include the assets of its charitable foundation, which makes annual grants to community organizations. The McClatchy Co. will honor previous commitments, then transfer the assets of the Star Tribune Foundation to California.
Private equity firms buying newspapers
Sacramento, Calif.-based McClatchy Co. said Tuesday it would sell the Minneapolis-based Star Tribune to the New York private equity fund Avista Capital Partners for $530 million.
While private equity firms have invested billions in media companies, the Star Tribune is their first major daily-newspaper deal. How Avista manages the Star Tribune will be closely watched far beyond the newspaper's circulation area.
Extra! Extra! The skinny on David Geffen and the L.A. Times
Those who have dealt with Geffen while covering this business should find that obvious. Geffen is famously vindictive. One reporter now at the Times once called me in tears after an encounter with him on the phone (one truly has to be on the receiving end of his verbal savagery to appreciate it). And does anyone think he'll tolerate articles that annoy him or his friends? And he has lots of friends—from Hollywood to Washington, from Steven Spielberg to Hillary Clinton.
Advertising's future on the Internet
Marketers and ad agencies, long accustomed to interrupting a television show or preceding a movie with their message, are now trying to learn the new language of video advertising on the Internet.
More Companies Will Start Hiring Bloggers
As one of the few paid bloggers, Romenesko believes that more organizations and companies will start hiring people to blog. “I think it would be smart for firms to experiment with blogs on their intranets—offer relevant links to employees and the opportunity to comment on them.”
Mercifully, Mr. McClatchy passed away in May and did not live to see the Sacramento-based company that bore his name disgrace his legacy by dumping its largest newspaper -- the most important one between Chicago and the West Coast, the one that serves 5 million Minnesotans and that can be a conscience, a scold, a cheerleader and an interpreter of life on the tundra.
Twin Cities will lose Star Tribune Foundation
The sale of the Star Tribune does not include the assets of its charitable foundation, which makes annual grants to community organizations. The McClatchy Co. will honor previous commitments, then transfer the assets of the Star Tribune Foundation to California.
Private equity firms buying newspapers
Sacramento, Calif.-based McClatchy Co. said Tuesday it would sell the Minneapolis-based Star Tribune to the New York private equity fund Avista Capital Partners for $530 million.
While private equity firms have invested billions in media companies, the Star Tribune is their first major daily-newspaper deal. How Avista manages the Star Tribune will be closely watched far beyond the newspaper's circulation area.
Extra! Extra! The skinny on David Geffen and the L.A. Times
Those who have dealt with Geffen while covering this business should find that obvious. Geffen is famously vindictive. One reporter now at the Times once called me in tears after an encounter with him on the phone (one truly has to be on the receiving end of his verbal savagery to appreciate it). And does anyone think he'll tolerate articles that annoy him or his friends? And he has lots of friends—from Hollywood to Washington, from Steven Spielberg to Hillary Clinton.
Advertising's future on the Internet
Marketers and ad agencies, long accustomed to interrupting a television show or preceding a movie with their message, are now trying to learn the new language of video advertising on the Internet.
More Companies Will Start Hiring Bloggers
As one of the few paid bloggers, Romenesko believes that more organizations and companies will start hiring people to blog. “I think it would be smart for firms to experiment with blogs on their intranets—offer relevant links to employees and the opportunity to comment on them.”
Thursday, December 28, 2006
STRIKES
The following Message is directed to the men and women of the Los Angeles Times Pressrooms from management.
During the past week, the issue of strikes was raised a few times.
1. In his radio interview, the GCC/IBT organizer stated: “…one of their (the Company’s) recent fliers handed to the employees said that they were preparing for a strike”.
Regarding point number two above, while union supporters may well believe that they would not vote to strike today, it is a reality that no one knows what would happen during good faith bargaining. Why would the union give up its strongest bargaining chip? Would that not weaken its position in collective bargaining?
The third point is most interesting and enlightening. Union organizers claim that there is no need to worry about a potential strike if the union is elected. Yet, a prominent supporter is already talking about perceived results of a strike.
The Company certainly hopes there is never a strike. As we have stated time and again, it would bargain in good faith. But as the three points above illustrate, there are no certainties. The Company would have no alternative but to prepare contingency plans to respond to possible labor actions, including a strike, just as we have contingencies to respond to earthquakes and other potential business interruptions.
We urge you to consider this and many, many other facts about unions and collective bargaining as you prepare to vote January 4th and 5th.
Visit www.unionfree.com/latimes
WHY GAMBLE? VOTE NO!
During the past week, the issue of strikes was raised a few times.
1. In his radio interview, the GCC/IBT organizer stated: “…one of their (the Company’s) recent fliers handed to the employees said that they were preparing for a strike”.
2. In one of the employee union campaign meetings, a staunch union supporter claimed that there is no need to worry about a potential strike if the union is elected because union members would vote on it and they don’t want a strike.
3. Earlier in the week, an employee recognized as a union supporter, was heard to say: “a short strike would bring the Company to its knees”.
Regarding the first point above, it is important that everyone understand that strikes and other labor actions are stark realities in a collective bargaining world. If the union is elected to represent pressroom employees on January 4th and 5th, it is certain that the company would have no choice but to take necessary and prudent steps to ensure that the newspaper will publish in the face of potential strikes or any other labor actions.Regarding point number two above, while union supporters may well believe that they would not vote to strike today, it is a reality that no one knows what would happen during good faith bargaining. Why would the union give up its strongest bargaining chip? Would that not weaken its position in collective bargaining?
The third point is most interesting and enlightening. Union organizers claim that there is no need to worry about a potential strike if the union is elected. Yet, a prominent supporter is already talking about perceived results of a strike.
The Company certainly hopes there is never a strike. As we have stated time and again, it would bargain in good faith. But as the three points above illustrate, there are no certainties. The Company would have no alternative but to prepare contingency plans to respond to possible labor actions, including a strike, just as we have contingencies to respond to earthquakes and other potential business interruptions.
We urge you to consider this and many, many other facts about unions and collective bargaining as you prepare to vote January 4th and 5th.
Visit www.unionfree.com/latimes
WHY GAMBLE? VOTE NO!
Newspaper News
Can The Washington Times Survive?
The Washington Times gets picked up every day on C-SPAN, and by other major news organizations when it scores a big hit. But for a paper that only has a daily circulation of just 90,000 with inflated numbers, can that marvelous respectability continue?
I don't need to read 11 million Blogs
But while I hook up my laptop just about anywhere, IM my buddies and continually check my buzzing BlackBerry, one thing is missing: what I call Ed Sullivan moments.
Sun-Times to end TV Prevue in '07
The Chicago Sun-Times will cease publishing TV Prevue in the new year.
The decision comes as information on TV programming is becoming much more readily available in the daily newspaper, on the Internet and on the TV screen itself.
Private group buys Star Tribune
The McClatchy Co. capped a year of dramatic changes in the newspaper industry Tuesday by announcing the surprise sale of the Star Tribune, its largest newspaper, to a private investment group.
Google Set To Expand Newspaper Ad Program
For some of the nation's newspapers, Google's offer was too good to pass up. This fall, the search-engine company proposed to show how it could help newspapers sell print advertising to the hundreds of thousands of small merchants who buy Internet ads from Google. Advertisers would go online and bid on the excess ad inventory of daily newspapers, giving them a much-needed revenue boost.
Rick Wartzman leaving Times
The editor of West magazine told his staff today that he has given notice to become a senior fellow at New America Foundation. But he will continue to write for the LAT on a contract basis as a once-a-week business columnist.
The Washington Times gets picked up every day on C-SPAN, and by other major news organizations when it scores a big hit. But for a paper that only has a daily circulation of just 90,000 with inflated numbers, can that marvelous respectability continue?
I don't need to read 11 million Blogs
But while I hook up my laptop just about anywhere, IM my buddies and continually check my buzzing BlackBerry, one thing is missing: what I call Ed Sullivan moments.
Sun-Times to end TV Prevue in '07
The Chicago Sun-Times will cease publishing TV Prevue in the new year.
The decision comes as information on TV programming is becoming much more readily available in the daily newspaper, on the Internet and on the TV screen itself.
Private group buys Star Tribune
The McClatchy Co. capped a year of dramatic changes in the newspaper industry Tuesday by announcing the surprise sale of the Star Tribune, its largest newspaper, to a private investment group.
Google Set To Expand Newspaper Ad Program
For some of the nation's newspapers, Google's offer was too good to pass up. This fall, the search-engine company proposed to show how it could help newspapers sell print advertising to the hundreds of thousands of small merchants who buy Internet ads from Google. Advertisers would go online and bid on the excess ad inventory of daily newspapers, giving them a much-needed revenue boost.
Rick Wartzman leaving Times
The editor of West magazine told his staff today that he has given notice to become a senior fellow at New America Foundation. But he will continue to write for the LAT on a contract basis as a once-a-week business columnist.
Gerald Rudolph Ford
Gerald Rudolph Ford (July 14, 1913 – December 26, 2006) was the 38th President (1974–1977) and 40th Vice President (1973–1974) of the United States. He was the first person appointed to the vice presidency, under the terms of the 25th Amendment, and upon succession to the presidency, became the only person to hold that office without having been elected either president or vice president. Prior to becoming vice president, he served for over eight years as the Republican Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. Ford was the longest-lived president, dying at the age of 93 years, 5 months, and 13 days, slightly longer than Ronald Reagan who lived 93 years, 3 months, and 12 days.The Ford administration saw the withdrawal of American forces from the Vietnam War, the execution of the Helsinki Accords, and the continuing specter of inflation and recession. Ford came under intense criticism for granting a pre-emptive pardon to President Richard Nixon for his role in the Watergate scandal, and was subsequently defeated by Democrat Jimmy Carter in the 1976 presidential election.
Vacation from Blogging
It was rather nice not using the Internet or any other devices to communicate with the past two days, just made for some quiet days to do something different. Every now and then we all need to get away from it all and do something out of the ordinary and recharge ourselves.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Newspaper Delivery
I have a question regarding the delivery persons.
I got the usual end of the year solicitation for a tip.
But the address for "Tomas Hernandez" is in Sun Valley.
Is this for real? Or is this that scam where the supervisors have all the tips sent to them and then they don't distribute it to the carrier? I know that delivery is no longer pat of the Times. YET.. the card enclosed with it looks very official and has the Times written all over it.
What do you think? I thought because I'm in Fullerton that my carrier would at least be more local.
I got the usual end of the year solicitation for a tip.
But the address for "Tomas Hernandez" is in Sun Valley.
Is this for real? Or is this that scam where the supervisors have all the tips sent to them and then they don't distribute it to the carrier? I know that delivery is no longer pat of the Times. YET.. the card enclosed with it looks very official and has the Times written all over it.
What do you think? I thought because I'm in Fullerton that my carrier would at least be more local.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Happy Birthday Jesus
The race of Jesus has been a subject of debate since at least the 19th century. The physical appearance of Jesus of Nazareth, though with no explicit emphasis on race, was also debated by theologians from early on in the history of Christianity. Different societies have depicted Jesus and most other biblical figures as their own ethnicity in their art, for example he is primarily white in the West, and black in Africa. Such representations are not, in the modern day, usually intended to be historically accurate. The current dominant opinion among secular historians and scientists is that he most likely had light-brown skin, resembling modern-day persons of Middle Eastern descent. Others, however, have suggested other possible racial backgrounds, including African ones. For some Christians the question is complicated by the belief that his birth was a unique miracle, an "incarnation in flesh of divine substance."
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Happy Holidays Everyone
Hope everyone in cyberspace has a great day with family and friends, I will have a houseful shortly. With roast beef slowly cooking, the house smells wonderful. With so many children I had our party early in the afternoon so my children could make the rounds to their significant others families homes tonight.
If you find yourself alone with nothing to do, please come over and join us for some food, drink, and companionship. My house is your house.
May not be back online the remainder of the day, have fun.
Eddie
If you find yourself alone with nothing to do, please come over and join us for some food, drink, and companionship. My house is your house.
May not be back online the remainder of the day, have fun.
Eddie
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Saturday Night News
The Misplaced Assumption
That young people are less interested in the news than they used to be. It's a point of view that confuses a declining interest in newspapers with a declining interest in what's going on in the world. But just as comic strips, sports scores and celebrity gossip once coaxed previous generations of teens and 20-somethings to pick up daily broadsheets, newspaper companies today need to make their Web sites more appealing to the young by tempting them with their contemporary equivalents, such as popular music and movie blogs and user-generated video footage from local high school sporting events.
Balzar leaving the newspaper game
John Balzar, one of the last ties to the L.A. Times' run as an exemplar of the literary newspaper journalism form, has given his notice and will move to Washington to work for the Humane Society. His farewell email, posted below the fold, hints that the internal turmoil rocking the Times (and papers generally) pushed him to seek a new life.
Put Oprah On Page One Every Day
What can newspaper editors to do beef up the front pages of their print products and reach out to defecting reader groups in 2007? To find the answer I turned on my television, looked at the magazine rack at the grocery checkout, and browsed a bookstore.The answer is Oprah Winfrey. The best way to reach out and grab new readers is to put Oprah on page one every day.
We're sorry about the late newspaper
Delivery of The Denver Post will continue throughout the day as there is limited access into many neighorhoods in the Front Range.
If you do not receive delivery today your carrier will make delivery as soon as it is possible.
Publisher of Ex's City Star lasts a month
John Gollin, publisher of the San Francisco Examiner's new City Star, has resigned a month after the new free daily started.
That young people are less interested in the news than they used to be. It's a point of view that confuses a declining interest in newspapers with a declining interest in what's going on in the world. But just as comic strips, sports scores and celebrity gossip once coaxed previous generations of teens and 20-somethings to pick up daily broadsheets, newspaper companies today need to make their Web sites more appealing to the young by tempting them with their contemporary equivalents, such as popular music and movie blogs and user-generated video footage from local high school sporting events.
Balzar leaving the newspaper game
John Balzar, one of the last ties to the L.A. Times' run as an exemplar of the literary newspaper journalism form, has given his notice and will move to Washington to work for the Humane Society. His farewell email, posted below the fold, hints that the internal turmoil rocking the Times (and papers generally) pushed him to seek a new life.
Put Oprah On Page One Every Day
What can newspaper editors to do beef up the front pages of their print products and reach out to defecting reader groups in 2007? To find the answer I turned on my television, looked at the magazine rack at the grocery checkout, and browsed a bookstore.The answer is Oprah Winfrey. The best way to reach out and grab new readers is to put Oprah on page one every day.
We're sorry about the late newspaper
Delivery of The Denver Post will continue throughout the day as there is limited access into many neighorhoods in the Front Range.
If you do not receive delivery today your carrier will make delivery as soon as it is possible.
Publisher of Ex's City Star lasts a month
John Gollin, publisher of the San Francisco Examiner's new City Star, has resigned a month after the new free daily started.
Visit From the Publisher
Los Angeles Times Publisher, David Hiller, walked through the pressroom on Friday wishing all happy holidays. Really brought back memories of Otis Chandler, he would walk through the pressroom shaking hands and wishing the employees a happy holiday.
Mr. Hiller said he would be returning to Chicago to spend time with his family during the Christmas Holiday.
Message From David Hiller - Publisher LAT
From: Hiller, David
Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2006 11:25 AM
Subject: Have a good holiday!
Folks,
I want to wish you and your families and friends a happy and safe holiday season.
I'm going to Chicago for a few days, and then coming home to go to the Rose Parade which I have watched on television every year since I was a kid. I hope you also have good plans to relax, unwind and have some fun. We all need it.
I have spent a fair amount of time over the past couple of weeks in meetings with potential investors, talking with them about the Los Angeles Times. In an odd way, with all the uncertainty about the future ownership of this company, telling these new people our story - about what we have meant to Los Angeles and Southern California for 125 years, and our plans looking to the future - has reinforced my confidence in our future. No matter what change, if any, may occur in our corporate ownership, we are the leading and most influential media company in the biggest and most dynamic region in the nation. That's a pretty darn good base to build on.
And build and change we will. I spent time yesterday with Jim O'Shea, Doug Frantz and the Spring Street group talking about their ideas and recommendations for re-orienting our news operations toward the Web, driving more continuous breaking news, and overall better integrating our efforts across print and online. I don't want to scoop that story here, but I'm very excited about the early recommendations, and we'll be hearing more about that soon after the first of the year.
I also want to thank all of you for what you do every day. This is truly a remarkable place, with extraordinary people. And I want to thank you, too, for helping me and making me feel welcome these first months I have been here. I really appreciate it.
So have a great holiday, and I'm looking forward to our 126th year.
David
Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2006 11:25 AM
Subject: Have a good holiday!
Folks,
I want to wish you and your families and friends a happy and safe holiday season.
I'm going to Chicago for a few days, and then coming home to go to the Rose Parade which I have watched on television every year since I was a kid. I hope you also have good plans to relax, unwind and have some fun. We all need it.
I have spent a fair amount of time over the past couple of weeks in meetings with potential investors, talking with them about the Los Angeles Times. In an odd way, with all the uncertainty about the future ownership of this company, telling these new people our story - about what we have meant to Los Angeles and Southern California for 125 years, and our plans looking to the future - has reinforced my confidence in our future. No matter what change, if any, may occur in our corporate ownership, we are the leading and most influential media company in the biggest and most dynamic region in the nation. That's a pretty darn good base to build on.
And build and change we will. I spent time yesterday with Jim O'Shea, Doug Frantz and the Spring Street group talking about their ideas and recommendations for re-orienting our news operations toward the Web, driving more continuous breaking news, and overall better integrating our efforts across print and online. I don't want to scoop that story here, but I'm very excited about the early recommendations, and we'll be hearing more about that soon after the first of the year.
I also want to thank all of you for what you do every day. This is truly a remarkable place, with extraordinary people. And I want to thank you, too, for helping me and making me feel welcome these first months I have been here. I really appreciate it.
So have a great holiday, and I'm looking forward to our 126th year.
David
Pressroom Xmas Party
Here's a few photos of our Christmas party last Thursday. The lovely ladies from human resources joined us, and even sang a Christmas carol for us.
New Christmas Card
Somebody call Hallmark and tell them to start printing the new revised cards.
Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the December solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. And without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishees. By accepting these greetings you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for herself or himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.
Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the December solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. And without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishees. By accepting these greetings you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for herself or himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Not Enough Time in a Day
With the holiday upon us, I like you, don’t have time available to do what I like doing best, blogging.
Our pressroom Christmas feast went off well, no one left hungry, as there was plenty of food for all. I will post the pictures tonight after work.
I video taped Russ Newton giving a speech, and will post after he gives the green light.
Kanani and Jesse are both sick with either the flu or colds, lets hope they are both feeling well enough to celebrate with their families.
I start vacation after today’s shift, but I’m preparing for a Christmas party for my six children and two grandchildren on Sunday, so I may or may not post much this weekend.
Stay tuned.
Our pressroom Christmas feast went off well, no one left hungry, as there was plenty of food for all. I will post the pictures tonight after work.
I video taped Russ Newton giving a speech, and will post after he gives the green light.
Kanani and Jesse are both sick with either the flu or colds, lets hope they are both feeling well enough to celebrate with their families.
I start vacation after today’s shift, but I’m preparing for a Christmas party for my six children and two grandchildren on Sunday, so I may or may not post much this weekend.
Stay tuned.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Look at these photos of Denver!
Just when I started complaining about the cold weather, I saw these photos of Denver! The roads are socked in and the airport is not expected to re-open until Friday or Saturday.
Future Gringo photos of the snow!
Future Gringo photos of the snow!
The Cold Of The Season
On the 26th, we're supposed to go to Santa Anita for opening day.
But my ear feels like it's falling off. So maybe Xmas will be very low key this year.
I have my annual Christmas cold. Just this week I'd been so happy that this year I managed to avoid it. But kapow! Yesterday morning I woke up, got dressed for work, and promptly went back to bed!
But my ear feels like it's falling off. So maybe Xmas will be very low key this year.
I have my annual Christmas cold. Just this week I'd been so happy that this year I managed to avoid it. But kapow! Yesterday morning I woke up, got dressed for work, and promptly went back to bed!
Thursday Morning News
People should care what Bloggers say
The decision by Time magazine to name "you" as the 2006 "Person of the Year" really bugs George Will -- especially because it gives props to all of the narcissists who he thinks own the blogosphere.
Strupp's Top 10 Newspaper Industry Stories of 2006
NEW YORK (December 20, 2006) -- As always, the newspaper industry had more than its share of ups, downs and, well, more downs. Still, the newsprint kept unrolling, and, more importantly, the Web sites kept growing. Jobs were cut, deals made, and some press freedoms were protected while others were lost. YouTube was the craze of the year.
Chandlers present at Tribune meetings
Representatives from California's Chandler family visited Chicago on Tuesday to attend presentations for suitors in the auction for Tribune Co., said two sources with knowledge of the situation.The Chandlers appear to be working with one or more of the private-equity firms that have shown interest in bidding for Tribune, the sources said.
Tribune makes a pitch to 2 local magnates
Representatives of Tribune Co. on Wednesday presented detailed information about the media company and its largest unit, the Los Angeles Times, to representatives of two local magnates who have expressed interest in buying the company.Participants in the morning session in downtown Los Angeles said it was unclear whether the presentation would push Eli Broad and Ron Burkle any closer to making a formal offer for Tribune. The duo earlier made a joint, nonbinding bid for the Chicago-based company.
Bee recalling L.A., S.F. reporters, offers 'separations'
The Sacramento Bee this week offered "voluntary separations" to at least four reporters, including three who cover beats outside Greater Sacramento, and could offer such deals to almost 3 percent of editorial employees.
"There are no layoffs that are in play at this point," said Sacramento Bee spokesman Steven Weiss. "This is not an across-the-board buy-out in the newsroom."
Sacramento Bee closing LA, SF bureaus
The Sacramento Bee announced today it is closing its bureaus in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Hearst asks some employees for blood
We don't know if this program has reached the Hearst-owned San Francisco Chronicle, but workers at Hearst's Houston Chronicle are being asked to provide blood samples in return for lower health insurance premiums.
Judge won't delay Guardian trial
A judge has refused to delay the start of the trial in the Bay Guardian's lawsuit against the owner of the SF Weekly and East Bay Express.
The decision by Time magazine to name "you" as the 2006 "Person of the Year" really bugs George Will -- especially because it gives props to all of the narcissists who he thinks own the blogosphere.
Strupp's Top 10 Newspaper Industry Stories of 2006
NEW YORK (December 20, 2006) -- As always, the newspaper industry had more than its share of ups, downs and, well, more downs. Still, the newsprint kept unrolling, and, more importantly, the Web sites kept growing. Jobs were cut, deals made, and some press freedoms were protected while others were lost. YouTube was the craze of the year.
Chandlers present at Tribune meetings
Representatives from California's Chandler family visited Chicago on Tuesday to attend presentations for suitors in the auction for Tribune Co., said two sources with knowledge of the situation.The Chandlers appear to be working with one or more of the private-equity firms that have shown interest in bidding for Tribune, the sources said.
Tribune makes a pitch to 2 local magnates
Representatives of Tribune Co. on Wednesday presented detailed information about the media company and its largest unit, the Los Angeles Times, to representatives of two local magnates who have expressed interest in buying the company.Participants in the morning session in downtown Los Angeles said it was unclear whether the presentation would push Eli Broad and Ron Burkle any closer to making a formal offer for Tribune. The duo earlier made a joint, nonbinding bid for the Chicago-based company.
Bee recalling L.A., S.F. reporters, offers 'separations'
The Sacramento Bee this week offered "voluntary separations" to at least four reporters, including three who cover beats outside Greater Sacramento, and could offer such deals to almost 3 percent of editorial employees.
"There are no layoffs that are in play at this point," said Sacramento Bee spokesman Steven Weiss. "This is not an across-the-board buy-out in the newsroom."
Sacramento Bee closing LA, SF bureaus
The Sacramento Bee announced today it is closing its bureaus in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Hearst asks some employees for blood
We don't know if this program has reached the Hearst-owned San Francisco Chronicle, but workers at Hearst's Houston Chronicle are being asked to provide blood samples in return for lower health insurance premiums.
Judge won't delay Guardian trial
A judge has refused to delay the start of the trial in the Bay Guardian's lawsuit against the owner of the SF Weekly and East Bay Express.
L.A. union leaders reach deal with city
By Joe Mathews,
Times Staff Writer
December 21, 2006
The tentative pact with the Engineers and Architects Assn. would provide a 9% raise over the next three years.
Bringing a close to its most contentious labor fight, the city of Los Angeles has reached agreement with leaders of the Engineers and Architects Assn. on a new contract that would provide a 9% raise over the next three years, according to union and city sources.
The deal, which still needs the approval of the EAA's approximately 7,500 members, surprised leaders of other public employee unions and turned upside down the pattern of relations between the city government and its unions.
When unions representing civilian employees signed contracts in 2004, EAA was the lone holdout. Now, as the city goes into its 2007 contract negotiations, EAA is the only union with a deal.
Continue reading KTLA News
Times Staff Writer
December 21, 2006
The tentative pact with the Engineers and Architects Assn. would provide a 9% raise over the next three years.
Bringing a close to its most contentious labor fight, the city of Los Angeles has reached agreement with leaders of the Engineers and Architects Assn. on a new contract that would provide a 9% raise over the next three years, according to union and city sources.
The deal, which still needs the approval of the EAA's approximately 7,500 members, surprised leaders of other public employee unions and turned upside down the pattern of relations between the city government and its unions.
When unions representing civilian employees signed contracts in 2004, EAA was the lone holdout. Now, as the city goes into its 2007 contract negotiations, EAA is the only union with a deal.
Continue reading KTLA News
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Message from Mark Kurtich-SVP Production
DATE: December 20, 2006
FROM: Mark Kurtich
SUBJECT: Campaign Meetings
TO: Times’ Pressroom Employees
This week will mark the final round of planned campaign meetings. Because of the holiday, we have not planned additional campaign meetings at this time, but we will continue to communicate with you concerning the upcoming election.
Last week our main theme during the employee union campaign meetings was “Why We Oppose The Union.” This week, however, the campaign meeting discussion will include broad issues such as retirement programs. Many of you continue to ask questions about the pension. As such, given the global nature of some of the topics this week, all pressroom employees are invited and expected to attend.
In addition, I am pleased to announce that David Hiller is planning to address the afternoon and evening meetings Thursday and Friday, which is another reason why it is important to have everyone in attendance.
FROM: Mark Kurtich
SUBJECT: Campaign Meetings
TO: Times’ Pressroom Employees
This week will mark the final round of planned campaign meetings. Because of the holiday, we have not planned additional campaign meetings at this time, but we will continue to communicate with you concerning the upcoming election.
Last week our main theme during the employee union campaign meetings was “Why We Oppose The Union.” This week, however, the campaign meeting discussion will include broad issues such as retirement programs. Many of you continue to ask questions about the pension. As such, given the global nature of some of the topics this week, all pressroom employees are invited and expected to attend.
In addition, I am pleased to announce that David Hiller is planning to address the afternoon and evening meetings Thursday and Friday, which is another reason why it is important to have everyone in attendance.
JOB SECURITY v. UNION SECURITY
This message is to all Los Angeles Times Pressroom Employees from Times management.
The Union wants you to believe that with a union you will automatically have greater job security. That just isn't true.
· Having a union does not guarantee your job: The only contract the GCIU negotiated with The Times gave management the exclusive right to lay off employees and to reduce crew size.
· Look at what has happened at the Daily Breeze, which outsourced it press operations, and what’s happening at the San Francisco Chronicle, which has announced permanent outsourcing.
· Having a union did not stop the employees at WLVI from being laid off when the Boston television station was sold recently by the Tribune Company.
· Unions cannot guarantee better wages and benefits: In California the Union has never been able to negotiate wages, benefits and working conditions as good as you have today. And with respect to benefit plans such as pension, health and welfare, etc., the old GCIU contract provided that the Company had "the right at any time to change, modify, amend, or discontinue those plans."
· The Union cannot even guarantee that you will keep what you have today: The law recognizes that bargaining is a two-way street. You could end up with more, you could end up with the same, and you could end up with less --- like the union-represented presspersons ended up in the 1960's under the only union contract negotiated at The Times.
· With a union there is always the possibility of a strike: The GCIU has gone on strike more than 50 times over the last 20 years at newspapers across the country. Striking employees lost thousands of dollars in wages and in some cases were permanently replaced.
There is one thing, however, that is virtually guaranteed. If the Union wins, an important union goal will be to negotiate a Union Shop and Dues Checkoff Clause.
· A union shop clause generally requires all employees to pay monthly dues, fees and assessments as permitted by law, and, if an employee doesn't pay, the Union can force the employer to FIRE the employee.
· A dues checkoff clause means that dues can be deducted directly from your paycheck. That's a clause the Union had in the 1967-1970 contract with The Times.
How important are these clauses to the Union? Important enough to strike over. At Hirschfeld Press, once the largest completely union print shop in Colorado, the GCIU struck over the Company's refusal to continue forcing employees to pay union dues. The strike lasted a year and ended when the Union was voted out. And the Union abandoned the pressroom employees at the St. Joseph News Press when the employees would not vote to strike over the issue of union security.
Now, we're not saying that there will automatically be a strike if the Union is voted in --- and The Times would bargain in good faith. But what we are saying is that a union doesn't automatically guarantee greater job security. In our opinion, having a union can sometimes mean less real job security.
· Having a union does not guarantee your job: The only contract the GCIU negotiated with The Times gave management the exclusive right to lay off employees and to reduce crew size.
· Look at what has happened at the Daily Breeze, which outsourced it press operations, and what’s happening at the San Francisco Chronicle, which has announced permanent outsourcing.
· Having a union did not stop the employees at WLVI from being laid off when the Boston television station was sold recently by the Tribune Company.
· Unions cannot guarantee better wages and benefits: In California the Union has never been able to negotiate wages, benefits and working conditions as good as you have today. And with respect to benefit plans such as pension, health and welfare, etc., the old GCIU contract provided that the Company had "the right at any time to change, modify, amend, or discontinue those plans."
· The Union cannot even guarantee that you will keep what you have today: The law recognizes that bargaining is a two-way street. You could end up with more, you could end up with the same, and you could end up with less --- like the union-represented presspersons ended up in the 1960's under the only union contract negotiated at The Times.
· With a union there is always the possibility of a strike: The GCIU has gone on strike more than 50 times over the last 20 years at newspapers across the country. Striking employees lost thousands of dollars in wages and in some cases were permanently replaced.
There is one thing, however, that is virtually guaranteed. If the Union wins, an important union goal will be to negotiate a Union Shop and Dues Checkoff Clause.
· A union shop clause generally requires all employees to pay monthly dues, fees and assessments as permitted by law, and, if an employee doesn't pay, the Union can force the employer to FIRE the employee.
· A dues checkoff clause means that dues can be deducted directly from your paycheck. That's a clause the Union had in the 1967-1970 contract with The Times.
How important are these clauses to the Union? Important enough to strike over. At Hirschfeld Press, once the largest completely union print shop in Colorado, the GCIU struck over the Company's refusal to continue forcing employees to pay union dues. The strike lasted a year and ended when the Union was voted out. And the Union abandoned the pressroom employees at the St. Joseph News Press when the employees would not vote to strike over the issue of union security.
Now, we're not saying that there will automatically be a strike if the Union is voted in --- and The Times would bargain in good faith. But what we are saying is that a union doesn't automatically guarantee greater job security. In our opinion, having a union can sometimes mean less real job security.
WHY GAMBLE? – VOTE "NO"
Elf Visits the Los Angeles Times
The post below tells how we had a good laugh using Elf Yourself, with our Boss' face inserted onto the dancing elf.
As I walked from my car at the rear of the parking lot, I could not believe my eyes. My Boss, Johnny Walker, was actually wearing a costume, that looks similar to what an elf would wear.
Have to admit, he's a very good sport.
On the Lighter Side of Life
I had a great laugh on Sunday morning when a co-worker played an animation of our pressroom manager, John Walker, as a dancing elf. We all need a good laugh now and then, so I highly recommend visiting this site, and creating your own dancing elf.
All you need is a picture of a friend, their face can be inserted into the animation, which can be emailed to everyone on your mailing list.
Visit Elf Yourself
All you need is a picture of a friend, their face can be inserted into the animation, which can be emailed to everyone on your mailing list.
Visit Elf Yourself