Kevin Roderick Coins New Word - DownZelling

According to Kevin Roderick seven Tribune Employees at KTLA Television in Hollywood were given pink slips today.

Six employees in the marketing Department at Times Mirror Square lost their jobs last Friday, according to an anonymous source at the Los Angeles Times.

Everyone at the Los Angeles Times had anticipated a memo from David Hiller on the DownZelling, but nothing has been released for the moment.

Kenneth Reich, 70; Times reporter covered effort to win '84 Olympics for L.A.

Los Angeles Times Staff Writer, Dennis McLellan, wrote a very nice obit for our friend Ken Reich.

Click here to be redirected to the Los Angeles Times

Take Back the Times: In Loving Memory of My Dad, Ken Reich

Dad with his grandchildren at the Palm Springs aerial tramway, March 1, 2008

I am deeply saddened to write that my father, Ken Reich, died early this morning at his home in Los Angeles. His passing was peaceful. His last hours were spent as he would have wished them--chatting with friends and family and posting to this blog. He sent his last email, to lifelong friends in India, at around 2 a.m., and then he went to sleep. His caregiver was unable to wake him this morning.

This was a terrible shock, although those of you who know my Dad know that he had been in failing health for several years.

When I get my thoughts together, I will write more about Dad--about what an amazing father he was, about what a committed and tenacious journalist he was, and about how, despite his many quirks, he endeared himself to literally hundreds of friends and family, from all over the world. Right now, it's all too raw for me. But I encourage people to leave their own thoughts and reminiscences on this blog. Dad would have loved that, and my brother David and I will take great comfort in reading your notes.

Dad's funeral will be on Thursday, July 3 at 2 p.m. at Mt. Sinai Hollywood Hills, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive in Los Angeles. All are welcome.

Kathy Reich

In Loving Memory of My Dad, Ken Reich

In Memory of Ken Reich

The reaction in the Blogosphere has been swift over the passing of Ken Reich a writer till the end.

Ken Reich, retired Times reporter, dies - Kevin Roderick

Word at the Los Angeles Times is that retired reporter Ken Reich, 70, died in his sleep. He was found this morning. Friend and former Tom Bradley deputy mayor Anton Calleia got the word to the Times. This note was sent to other retired LAT staffers who belong to an informal group that calls itself the Old Farts Society:

Since he didn't get the chance, here's for Ken Reich:
- 30 -

Tribune’s Loyal Opposition Loses a Soldier - Paul Gillin

Veteran journalist Ken Reich, a 39-year employee of the Los Angeles Times, died in his sleep last night. He posted his final entry on Take Back the Times just hours before he died. Reich retired from the Times four years ago and almost immediately began blogging. His blog was notable for its fine writing, its insight into the inner workings of the paper and its withering criticism of Tribune Co. management. Reich was a friend to executives and pressmen alike and his voice of loyal opposition will be missed.

His daughter, Kathy, is asking visitors to Take Back the Times to share their memories and condolences.

Former Times reporter Ken Reich dies - Jesus Sanchez

Reich worked at the paper for more than three decades and served as The Times' main reporter covering the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Reich died in his sleep last night, according to close friend Anton Calleia.

While he retired in 2004, Reich remained very much interested in the goings-ons at the paper and maintained a blog, Take Back The Times, that was highly critical of Times' management and ongoing changes.

Ken Reich Dies In His Sleep - Mayrav Saar

FBLA was saddened to learn (via LA Observed) about the passing of Ken Reich. We hadn't known the former LAT reporter well, but he was definitely one of the nicer long-time staffers at the paper while we were there. And we were fans of his blog. He'll be missed.

Ken Reich - Rick Orlov

Former Los Angeles Times staffer Kenneth Reich, one of the unique characters of the Los Angeles news scene, has died. He was 70.Reich was one of those characters who, once you met him, you never forgot.He was passionate about his stories and his beliefs. He would lecture politicians _ he said privately and for their own good _ and then write stories about how they had reversed course when they followed his advice.

Ken Reich:Turn the Rules - Tell Zell

Word is spreading fast that ex-LATimer and blogger Ken Reich has died. What's extraordinary is that he apparently spent his last hours protesting what Sam Zell and the Tribune have done to the LA Times.

Ken Reich, A Final Farewell - Kanani Fong

This is the biography Los Angeles Times Journalist Ken Reich wrote about himself on his blog, Take Back The Times.

Ken Reich Rest In Peace - 30 -

Ken Reich with the Blogging Pressman Edward

Just when I thought my mood could ebb no lower I read that my friend Ken Reich has passed, on LAObserved. Ken was very kind to the pressmen, and even attended two of our dinners, giving the men an insight into the inner workings of the Los Angeles Times. He would answer the questions the men would ask and would not allow us to pay for his dinner or taxi expenses, he was honored to be in demand.

Ken did not hold his opinions of Tribune executives, and felt most Tribune Company executives should be sent packing. Ken will be sorely missed in the Blogosphere and by all his friends and family.

Here’s what Kevin Roderick said on his blog:

Word at the Los Angeles Times is that retired reporter Ken Reich died in
his sleep last night. He was found by a friend, former Tom Bradley deputy mayor
Anton Calleia. This note was sent to other retired staffers who belong to an
informal group that calls itself the Old Farts Society:

Dear OFS Members:

Sad news. Anton Calleia, a close friend of Ken Reich and a fellow
OFS member, sent me an e-mail this morning saying that Ken died in his sleep
last night. Ken was a retired staff writer for the Los Angeles Times. In his
three-plus decades with the newspaper, Ken covered City Hall, wrote a column and was a lead reporter on the 1984 L.A. Olympics coverage.

Those of you who attended last Wednesday's OFS luncheon noticed that
Ken arrived and left in a wheelchair, the result of a defibrillator episode he
experienced on the last two days of his recent weeks-long cruise around
Africa.

The Los Angeles Times obituary desk has been notified of Ken's
passing. Funeral details will be sent to OFS members when they become
available.

Reich had been a Times political writer in the 1970s and '80s. He has been
blogging at Take Back the Times and posted his final entry at 12:20
this morning — asking the question whether the Times will survive the Sam Zell
regime.

Reich's last line:

This is a bad time in the newspaper business, as it is, economically for the country in so many ways. But, I fully believe, brighter days will come, and we must do what we can to insure that they do."

Since he didn't get the chance, here's for Ken Reich:

- 30 -

Lee Abrams' June 30 blog post

The latest from Tribune chief innovation officer Lee Abrams

THINK PIECE: THE ZONE BETWEEN TOO SUPERFICIAL & TOO SERIOUS

The economic realities are a pain. But they are realities. What is MORE painful is the reporting that the relaunches and re thinks are because of that. Yes, economics are a component, but it' more about getting AHEAD of the competitive curve and getting back in the game, in a BIG way. You can't dwell on the economics...it is what it is...and it's even worse in the music business. (Though I rarely see artists complaining) What we CAN do is dwell on the once in a lifetime opportunity and green light to re-think what we do. To design the future. With that said....

Visited Channel 5 out in San Diego who is doing their own re-launch. Other than contributing to the re-making of WGN-AMERICA, I've been focusing primarily on the newspaper side in my first 60 days, so this visit was a nice change of pace. The competitive spirit was a bit closer to what I've experienced on the radio and music side...let's call it---Intense. Personally and generally speaking I think our company deals with extremes. TV strikes me as often playfully superficial and newspapers often serious and self important. Somewhere in the middle is
a zone that balances intelligent with the ability to engage the masses in 2008. Channel 5 in San Diego is certainly headed to that zone with some fascinating new approaches to local news. I believe they will reach that "zone". The media landscape has changed so dramatically in the past decade that staying on the either superficial or too-serious-for-the-room edges can spell trouble. But reaching that zone that balances intelligence with accessibility will be magic.

One newspaper clearly headed to that zone is the Baltimore Sun. Once again, they were very impressive with how they have evolved their re-launch prototypes. Some of the aspects I really liked included:

Continue reading at Poynter Online

Monday Morning News

Olympic Pressmen Lance, Matt, and Jesus

• Layoffs by the Bay - Gary Scott
• A Heaping Helping of Zell - Paul Gillin
• Go Down in Flames, Hack!* - Tell Zell
• 'Book of Tribune damnation' - Kevin Roderick
• Can L.A. Times Survive Zell, Michaels, Hiller? - Ken Reich
• L.A. Times Roll of Honor, Those Who Left, 51-63 - Ken Reich
• Bill Clinton to Barack Obama: 'Kiss My Ass' - Electronic Village
• Publisher Denise Ivey to leave Courier-Journal - Courier-Journal
• Hewlett Packard Inkjet Web Press For Newspapers - Meta Printer
• Monrovia: a loose grenade or a loose cannon Saturday afternoon? - FrazGo

Tribune IT Departments to Trim Staff

The Blogging Pressman has many friends around the country that supply information most Tribune Employees would never see, yet my friends working in the Information Technology Department at Tribune sites across the country feel they will be terminated this week. Read the following two memo's to see why they feel this way.

-------------------------------------------------
Title: Change to Outlook Web Access 062708

The story: To streamline processes and reduce expenses, all Outlook Web Access (OWA) sites are being consolidated to a central site.

Effective immediately, OWA users should start using webmail.tribune.com. The myemail2.latimes.com, myemail.latimes.com, and chiwebmail.tribune.com, sites will be redirected to webmail.tribune.com. You will receive a different login page and you will be required to enter your domain\user name and password in order to access OWA (e.g., lat\jdoe). On some computers, you might have to enter the information twice.

If you experience any problems logging in, please contact the Los Angeles Times Help Desk at x7HELP (74357).

-------------------------------------------------
Additional Information on Technology Reorganization

Earlier today, you received an e-mail from Steve Gable outlining some changes in information technology designed to improve customer service to our business units, streamline application support, and reduce costs. As follow up to that e-mail, we are announcing the formation of a centralized Application Support Team for the Print Division.

Bob Palermini will head up this team, which will include four vertical application sectors:

1. Debby Vinakos – VP Editorial Technology

2. Mike Asher – VP, Advertising Technology

3. Ed Wolf – VP Circulation Technology

4. David Bucknor – VP Implementation and Production Technology

This team will be moving to standardize our business applications so that we can provide more economical support and deploy applications at a more rapid pace. These changes should result in technology solutions that will help to move the organization forward.

In addition to the Application Teams, we'd also like to announce that Tony Arteaga will be heading up a Print Applications Development team and will report directly to me. This group will be responsible for special development projects, interfaces between systems, data warehousing tools, and special needs as they arise. He will work closely with all of the application teams as well as the TI development team. Their current major project is, of course, the e-commerce face for both classified and display advertisements.

Job Action at Los Angeles Times

Our friends over at Tell Zell are calling for a job action, which we are unable to participate in because of the attention we are drawing to ourselves, but other Tribune employees can and are encouraged to join in to show support for one another.

As a direct result of my interview with Paul Gillin, from Newspaper Death Watch, I am no longer allowed to give personal tours at the Olympic Production Facility, because I told Mr. Gillin the TRUTH regarding maintenance and the lack of on our printing presses.

So I will be unable to call in sick on July 9th, like many other Tribunites.

Here's what Tell Zell is proposing:

Many fellow Retchers want to protest Zell's continuing cuts. One suggestion comes from a hack who wishes to be known as M from the Orlando Sentinel:

"It's clear that Sam Zell wants a world without journalists. So, for a day, let's give him his wish. On July 9, I encourage all Tribune employees to call in sick to protest his destruction of our newspapers. If any reporter, photographer or other journalist cannot do that, then use the July 10 edition for a byline, cutline or masthead strike.

I refuse to let serious journalism die without a fight."

The Retch thinks protest an excellent, jolly idea. What do you think of the sick out/byline strike plan? Poll below is anonymous. You can click on "view results" to see how many other Tribune staffers agree.

Take the Tell Zell survey by clicking here.

Employees Rate Supervision at Tribune Company

Every year the men and women working in Operations at the Los Angeles Times are given a rating on job performance, occasionally it happens but every other year. This year was an unusual rating across the board, as the majority of employees received very poor ratings, which makes one wonder how we produce a newspaper if we are all so incompetent?

Ronnie Pineda has created a survey for employees to rate their supervisors and managers, which will reflect the incompetent to the highly proficient leaders at Olympic and Orange County Production Facilities.

Sam Zell, Senior Management and Supervision are topics of an online survey I have created for the purpose of evaluating those who evaluate us.

I have wanted to create something like this survey for quite some time now and this
website provided the opportunity to finally do so.

We have all sat down with a supervisor during an evaluation and felt that their evaluation of our performance was not quite as accurate as what we would consider to be a true assessment of our work. We are evaluated for our performance and it is proper that we do the same of our management and supervision. Do they manage and supervise in a manner that promotes productivity, cooperation and teamwork, or do they do just the opposite? You can let each of them know in this survey. We
will evaluate each of their performance using the same "H" (Highly proficient)"P" (Proficient) and "N" (Needs improvement) grading system used to rate our performance in the same "General Competencies" areas of:
Communication
Skills
Reliability
Flexibility
Initiative
Problem Solving Skills
Teamwork

Click here to be taken to the survey from Save Our Trade Blog

San Francisco Peninsula Press Club: Palo Alto paper fires 6, kills Monday edition

The Palo Alto Daily News today laid off five newsroom employees and one graphics department worker. The free daily will also eliminate its Monday edition in Palo Alto and its Tuesday edition in San Mateo County. (The Daily News cut its Monday edition in San Mateo County two years ago. The Palo Alto paper has printed seven days a week since 2003.)

The Daily News had a newsroom of about 20 before today's cuts, so the layoffs will eliminate a quarter of its staff.

Earlier this month the Daily News won 17 Greater Bay Area Journalism Awards from the San Francisco Peninsula Press Club.

Employees were told about the cuts today in a 4:30 p.m. meeting at the paper's offices in Menlo Park. In May, the paper moved from Palo Alto to Menlo Park.

The Monday edition of the Palo Alto Daily News had shrunk to 28 pages in the past few weeks. In May 2005, Monday editions ranged from 52 to 64 pages.

The Daily News is owned by the MediaNews Group's California Newspapers Partnership, which also owns the Mercury News. The Merc cut at least 17 people this week.

San Francisco Peninsula Press Club: Palo Alto paper fires 6, kills Monday edition

SGV Blogger’s Pot Luck and Happy Hour - all invited!

Edward and Frazgo
Imagine my surprise when I happened across a post by Frazgo, on Los Angeles Metblogs, regarding a Bloggers potluck. At first glace I took it for granted the potluck would be held sometime in July, but upon further reading I discovered the Bloggers will gather tomorrow. Now here’s the kicker, I’m listed as attending, yet knew nothing about it.

After my email to Aaron Proctor was returned, I did something unusual for myself; I called Aaron to inquire about the party. Seems Aaron had changed his email address, and I’m assuming his message was caught by my spam blocker and the message inviting me to the party, was deleted.

I will be attending the potluck after work and must decide on what tasty treats to bring along with me?

Here’s Frazgo’ S post from Metblogs:

You meet the nicest people blogging. You meet the nicest people who comment on what you post. Putting the two together turns out to be a lot of fun.

A group of bloggers out here in Far East LA are having a Pot Luck and Happy Hour and anyone who cares to meet us is welcome to join. Bring a nibble to share. Bring some pocket money as this isn’t a hosted bar. I’m bringing my soon to be infamous Margarita Tart.

Blog writers from all over the area will be there. Some you may follow already from following their blogs. Some you know from comments made here on Metblog posts. Those in attendance: Miss Havisham, West Coast Grrlie Blather, 99 Cent Chef, Ed Padgett, 91204, Monrovia City Watch and Pasadena Photo. Of course co-host to the silliness, unstoppable former Pasadena mayoral candidate Aaron Proctor will be in as well.

Location, location, location is everything. Kathie Reece owner of the Aztec Hotel here in Monrovia is our gracious host. She’s opening up the patio for our meet up. Kathie will also open up the Mayan Room if its too hot to be outside. Of course you may get your tipples and cocktails at the Brass Elephant Bar in the hotel. Kathie even promises that there will be a few tasty bits courtesy of the hotel to indulge ourselves with.

Details: 6/28, 2PM - 6PM. Aztec Hotel, 311 W Foothill Blvd, Monrovia CA 91016

Directions: From 210 Fwy exit Myrtle Ave and turn north through Old Town Monrovia. At Foothill Blvd turn left (west) and drive 4 blocks. The Aztec is on the North side of the street between N Magnolia and Melrose. There is ample parking in the hotels lot at the west side of the property. There is direct access to the patio from their parking lot. Google Map HERE.

Sam Zell on the Economy

Zillionaire Sam Zell, Equity Group Investments chairman discusses the economy and potential buyers of the Chicago Cubs. Click on image to be redirected to the nine minute video on CNBC.

End of Week News Links

World of Luxury Magazine Publisher, Kamila Saxova meets Edward

• Sam Zell to public: You're idiots! - Tell Zell
• Sam Zell is Back in the Real Estate Business - Paul Gillin
• Today's secret word is "bloodletting." - Tribune Two Step
• Judge to Order LoHud to Name Anonymous Posters - LoHud
• L.A. Times Roll of Honor, Those Who Left, 38-50 - Ken Reich
• Barbara Henry retires as Indy Star publisher - Poynter Forums
• Death of Almost 1,000 Cuts this Week - Recovering Journalist
• Venice Beach Eco-Fest 2008 Saturday - Earth Day Los Angeles
• Tribune Faces Painful Choices After Takeover - Washington Post
• Sam Zell Didn't Make His Money Putting Things Together - Gary Scott
• Much has changed around the Los Angeles Times Building - Los Angeles Times

David Hiller Pre-Layoff Message

Folks,

As you know, the company's financial picture remains exceedingly difficult, and all the more reason for us to move quickly, decisively on plans that will help us build a sustainable LA Times Media Group for the long run. Over the next 2 months we will be rolling out our 2010 business plan, one that is grounded in financial reality, and also true to our vision of being the leading news and information source in Southern California. Here are key elements of the plan:

* Our digital business will be a lot bigger than today, both in audience and revenue - the online destination in SoCal.

* Our flagship newspaper will continue to be a smart, engaging experience for people in L.A. who love print. It will also be different than it is today, responding to changing reader needs and wants.

* We'll create our unique engaging content out of a unified multi-media newsroom.

* We'll develop and launch more new products and services for targeted audience segments, like we have with Hoy, the Envelope, and Metromix.

* We will be the best in the business in creating advertising solutions for our customers, here again across all media including TV.

* We will make money and find efficiencies by being the leader in printing and distributing other newspapers and advertising products all across the Southland.

* We will continue to be the destination of choice for people who are passionate about inventing the future of journalism and community-based media.

A fundamental requirement for creating a sustainable business is that we keep our expenses lower than our revenues. So as we find ways to grow new revenue, we are also taking actions to reduce expenses in all parts of the company, including job reductions. As a result the company in total will be smaller in staffing, with a different mix of talents and skills dictated by the changing needs of our customers. We'll be communicating a lot in the next days and weeks about our product and people plans. The road ahead is going to be tougher than ever before. But there is a sustainable business and a good future in being the Los Angeles Times Media Group, and we are going to own our destiny, shape it with our customers, and make it successful. We want people to say in the years to come, "you know what-these people figured it out."

David

Thank you Kevin Roderick, source of this message

Star Tribune Rally

Facing yet another round of budget cuts, members of the Star Tribune's Newspaper Guild rally outside paper HQ.

Thursday Afternoon Links

Where the Media Bistro Book Signing Party Was Held Last Night

• The future of newspapers: Are you on a sinking ship? - Graphic Designr
• Why You Should Buy Clothes Made In Sweatshops - Advice Goddess
• Tribune Co. Gambles With Deep Newsroom Cuts - Paul Gillin
• L.A. Times Roll of Honor--Those Who Left, 27-38 - Ken Reich
• The Courant To Make Deep Cuts, 'Reinvent' Paper - Courant
• Goldstein On Finke; Finke On Goldstein - Nikki Finke
• Bloggers: Big Media Is Watching - Business Week
• Employeeeeeeeee for sale! - Tribune Two Step
• Layoffs at San Jose Mercury News - Tina Dupuy
• India: Editing broadsheets abroad - TJ Sullivan
• FlotSam and JetSam - Tell Zell

Pressman Larry Brush -30-

Nubia and Larry

Word just arrived that Larry Brush, also know as Mercy to colleagues at the Los Angeles Times Olympic Production Facility, has bid farewell to his friends at the Times, to spend more time with his family. Larry is a regular at our semi-annual dinners, and all the poker parties the pressmen enjoy monthly. If you would like to say farewell to our old friend with a phone call or card, drop an email my way.

Good luck Larry; you'll be missed.

Times Mirror Square For Sale - As Is

From Save Our Trade Blog

Sam Zell strikes again. This whole ESOP bullshit and implying that the employees are owners and partners is insulting. We would never support the decision to sell these historic properties or as Zell states, "maximize their value" Who will see the proceeds from these transactions? Not the ESOP "Partners", the "Lender" partners get their cut first and there wont be anything left when they're done.

Update on Missing Teen

Andre has been found in Norwalk, unharmed.

"Somebody saw a TV broadcast with his description about 10 p.m.," Martinez said. "They saw him earlier in Norwalk. We had another caller at 11:30 p.m. to the L.A. sheriffs, and they went and located him."

Andre was not injured, Martinez said.

An Anaheim police officer picked up the boy at the sheriff's Norwalk Station about midnight and drove him home early today to be reunited with his family, Martinez said.

Police did not immediately determine how the boy got to Norwalk, he said.

Submitted by Kanani.

Twelve-Year-Old Autistic Boy Missing in Anaheim

A 12-year-old high functioning autistic boy has not been seen since leaving school in Anaheim today, and police asked for the public's help in locating him.

Andre Hsu left Savanna High School at 3:30 p.m. and has been missing ever since, said Sgt. Rick Martinez of the Anaheim Police Department.

"He may have gotten on the wrong bus or walked away," Martinez said.

Andre is 5 feet 3 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes.

"He will not initiate a conversation and has difficulty speaking," Martinez said.

When last seen, Andre was wearing a light blue T-shirt, possibly in combination with a red checkered long sleeve shirt over it, tan shorts, and is in possession of a brown Batman backpack.

Anyone knowing of Andre's whereabouts should call police. 714 765 1900

A station has been set up at Savanna High School at 301 N. Gilbert, just north of Lincoln in Anaheim. If you can help, please do.

Storm Clouds Approaching Times Mirror Square

• Sam is fucking with our house - Tell Zell
• Who would buy LAT building? - Mark Lacter
• Palm Beach Post To Cut 300 Jobs - The Daily Pulp
• Times building "virtually worthless' - Kevin Roderick
• Layoff news gets more depressing - Graphic Designr
• Makeover in Orlando; Consolidation in Miami? - Paul Gillin
• I Want a Paper I Can Drink a Beer With! - Tribune Two Step
• L.A. Times Roll of Honor--Those Who Left, 13-26 - Ken Reich
• Directory of newspaper gossip and insider blogs - Journalistopia
• Orange County Register Outsourcing Editing - Foothill Cities Blog
• Zell to entertain offers for Tribune Tower, L.A. Times building - Peter Viles
• Times Mirror Square for Sale, But Who Would Want It? - Blog Downtown

Times Mirror Square Name Restored

Shortly after purchasing the Times Mirror Company in 2000 the Tribune Company renamed Times Mirror Square, Tribune West. With the completion of the Tribune sale to Sam Zell and the Tribune Employees I have made several requests online to change the name of Tribune West back to it’s original name, but no one heard me, or so I thought.

The subject line of Sam’s message this morning states “Maximizing the Value of Tribune Tower and Times Mirror Square”, appears Sam does read blogs, and I for one appreciate the name change.

Thank you Sam

Message from Sam Zell to Tribune Partners

From: Talk to Sam [talktoSam@Tribune.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 10:07 AM
Subject: Maximizing the Value of Tribune Tower and Times Mirror Square

Partners,

When we started this adventure together, I made a point of saying we would challenge traditional thinking, that there would be no sacred cows, and that we would do everything possible to maximize the value of our assets.

With those objectives in mind, we are in the process of asking a number of real estate firms to give us their best thinking on how we can generate more value from Tribune Tower in Chicago, and the Times Mirror Square complex in Los Angeles.

We’ll be considering numerous options to maximize the value of these properties. While a near-term transaction is possible, we’ll be focusing on opportunities that allow for some level of ongoing occupancy in both buildings for the mid-term (defined as five years), for farther out (15 years), and beyond.

Most importantly, we are not rushing this process, and I can assure you we will not accept anything but full market value for these assets. As we made clear on our first quarter earnings call, Tribune has sufficient liquidity to satisfy our principal amortization requirements through 2008, due to the proceeds we will realize from the Newsday transaction, and from our plans to create an asset-backed commercial paper program.

Our request for proposals, which is being issued today, is likely to generate media attention and debate about what we should or should not do with the properties. Both Tribune Tower and Times Mirror Square are iconic structures, deeply intertwined with the history of this company. But, they are also both under-utilized, and as employee-owners, it’s in our best interests to maximize the value of all our assets.

We will keep you posted as we solidify our plans, so don’t get distracted by speculation. Let’s keep our eye on the ball.

Sam

SOURCE: Anonymous

LA Observed Exclusive: Steve Lopez

Los Angeles Times columnist, Steve Lopez, receiving the President's Award from the Los Angeles Press Club at the 50th Annual Southern California Journalism Awards.

Fast & Furious Hollywood Stuntman Sammy Maloof

Fast & Furious Hollywood Stuntman Sammy Maloof – Guest Speaker at Celebrate Freedom

Hollywood Stuntman, Speaker and Author Sammy Maloof, will be a featured speaker as well as ‘show how it is done in Hollywood’ through a stunt show demonstration. Sammy has been in major blockbusters including Fast & The Furious Tokyo Drift, The Hitcher, Déjà Vu, and Transporter 2. Kids and “young at heart” adults will be given the opportunity to win safe rides with Sammy in his infamous 1967 Camaro, powered by a 415 cubic inch Chevrolet engine with 640 horsepower and 640 ft. lbs. of torque.

Dallas, TX, June 24, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Celebrate Freedom is the largest free outdoor Christian concert in the country taking place in Frisco, Texas on June 27 and 28. This event is estimated to draw in a staggering 600K+ audience. 500,000 advance tickets have already been distributed. This concert will feature special guest world evangelist and author Luis Palau, over 28 musical acts including Kirk Franklin and Mandisa, top BMX Pros, Untitled Skateboards, Bikers for Christ, Monster Trucks, Country Western dance team Aggie Wranglers, Dallas Desperado Dancers, and more. Sponsors include Verizon Wireless, Pizza Hut, Capitol One Bank, Dr. Pepper, Toyota and Habitat for Humanity to name a few. This event will be broadcast via TV, print and radio. For more information visit http://www.klty.com/celebratefreedom/index.htm.

Sammy will also be speaking and giving rides on Sunday June 29 at 9:30 am at New Life of McKinney; McKinney Performing Arts Center located in the middle of downtown McKinney in the historic courthouse and on Wednesday night July 2, 2008 at Covenant Church 4100 N. Travis Street Sherman Texas.

Children and adults will have the opportunity to win an unforgettable ride next to Sammy inside his custom built stunt car. Winning products, giveaways, photo opportunities and signed autographed pictures will also be available.

Learn more about Winning at the Race of Life, see several videos, pictures and even download a Free full color 44-page magazine at http://www.sammymaloof.com.

Sammy strongly believes the younger generation needs to know that God has a wonderful plan for their life and can give them their hearts desires just as He did for him in the movie industry and other areas of his life.

###

Sammy and the entire Winning at the Race of Life team have volunteered their time to support this event. Contributions and Sponsorships are greatly appreciated. Winning at the Race of Life is a 501 (3)c non-profit organization.

Winning at the Race of Life
Janeen Ferdinand(626) 890-9365
janeen@sammymaloof.com
http:///www.sammymaloof.com

A Single Mother's Life Was Changed.
Read a recent article of how Sammy Maloof impacted the life of a single mother and her five children at one of his stunt shows.

Tuesday Mid-Day News

Pressmen Rodger LaForce, Chris Cooper, David Joe, and Jesus Morales

• -30- List Expands -- Geographically - Tell Zell
• Future of the Local Paper - Foothill Cities Blog
• F the FCC: The internet as interstate - Jeff Jarvis
• Zell Continues to Piss Off Cubs Fans - Tina Dupuy
• The era of the copy editor is gone - Gene Weingarten
• Memo to Sam Zell and Randy Michaels - Hugh Hewitt
• Detroit media group offers buyouts - The Detroit News
• Patrick Goldstein becomes a blogger - Kevin Roderick
• L.A. Times Roll of Honor--Those Who Left , 1-12 - Ken Reich
• Is Murdoch the Industry’s Savior? - Newspaper Death Watch
• Lee Abrams on the Future of Newspapers - Jeffrey Goldberg
• Most Newspaper Sites Down, in Time Spent - Editor & Publisher

Interesting Statistics

A recent study conducted by Harvard University found that the average American walks about 900 miles a year.

Another study by the American Medical Association found that Americans drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol per year.

This means, on average, Americans get about 41 miles to the gallon!

Kinda makes you proud to be an American:-)

Tell Zell: Project 3: The Pension

The Blogger/Bloggers over at Tell Zell has hit the Blogosphere by storm with hard hitting news important to the men and women that are employees of the Tribune Company. Here's a sample of their informative work.

In spring 2006, a handful of employee then retiring or leaving the Tribune Company noticed a curious thing about their pension plans. Without notice, the Tribune had decided to apply a controversial calculation that, in effect, cut their pensions. The explanation is a little bit mathy, but it's one of several things that has set off alarm bells among ex-Tribuners who have emailed the Retch about the use—and potential abuse—of the Tribune Pension Fund.

Click on link below to be redirected to the entire article.

Tell Zell: Project 3: The Pension

Teamsters/GCC Run Advertisment on KFWB Radio

If you missed the one minute advertisment on KFWB Radio Los Angeles, it's now in a slideshow for your enjoyment.

Save Our Trade: KFWB 980 AM Radio Spots

By Ronnie Pineda

Radio ads informing union members in Los Angeles and Orange County of our efforts to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement are scheduled to air Monday, June 23rd, on KFWB News 980 AM.

Fired Santa Barbara Newspress Reporter Tom Schultz can be heard delivering our message to all union members listening to KFWB 980 am all week long and online at KFWB.com

We wish Tom and all of the reporters who were unlawfully terminated for union activity at Santa Barbara NewsPress the very best in their battle against Owner Wendy McCaw. Obey the law, Wendy McCaw!

Save Our Trade: KFWB 980 AM Radio Spots

Monday Afternoon News

Los Angeles Angels Stadium

• Brokaw to lead 'Meet the Press' - Politico
• Flip Schultz Remembers Carlin - Tina Dupuy
• LA. Press Club Award Winners - Mayrav Saar
• Old home week at L.A. Times - Kevin Roderick
• Boston Herald May Outsource Printing - Boston Globe
• Tribune Exec’s Memos Invite Staff Derision - Paul Gillin
• Versatility key to news gathering - Rocky Mountain News
• Tribune Starts Its Overhaul in Orlando - Wall Street Journal
• Agonizing Wait For New Tribune Fuck-Ups At LAT - Ken Reich
• Daytona Beach News-Journal prepares to be sold - Romenesko

R.I.P. George Carlin

George Carlin died yesterday in Santa Monica at the age of 71 and will be missed by his fans around the world. Poking fun at ordinary things we all take for granted he would make one look within, and then laugh for not being aware of the silly things we all do. Messages of condolence can be left on his MySpace page by clicking on the title of this post.

Venice Beach Here We Come

With temperatures in the triple digits my children and I are escaping the heat wave to Venice Beach in about an hour, where it is twenty-five degrees cooler than San Dimas. There will be more news about the upcoming changes about to occur at the Los Angeles Times this week, so try and enjoy your weekend before the flood of less than desirable news begins to flow.

Otis Miller - Father - Pressman - Inventor

It has come to my attention we have another pressman making a difference in our community, allow me to introduce you to Otis Miller (pictured on right), pressman Los Angeles Times. Otis began his career at the Los Angeles Times shuttered Chatsworth Production Facility, and transferred to the Times Olympic Facility in January of 2006.

Due to a low sonority number, Otis was forced to make a decision, take the last buyout or transfer to the Times Costa Mesa Facility, Otis opted for the latter. Because the Miller Family resides in Palmdale this monster of a commute (120 miles one way) has lead to a hardship for his family, one of loneliness. As a direct result of sky-high fuel costs it has become cost effective for Otis and a colleague to share motel costs several days per week, making it difficult to see his wife and children.

As a direct result of Otis’ invention, many lives will be saved, once implemented across the country and possibly the world.

Thank you Otis



Traffic Light Awareness










Product Description

The Traffic Light Awareness is a specially designed sound, or transmission, (frequency) activated lighting system to be used in conjunction with existing traffic lights. Design intent is to provide a highly visible warning system to motorists that an emergency vehicle, such as an ambulance, fire truck, or police car, is approaching a busy intersection.

Design Features

• The Traffic Light Awareness was invented by Mr. Otis Miller with convenience in mind. The Traffic Light Awareness is an independent, sound or transmission (frequency) activated flashing light system that is specially designed to be installed over or onto the poles of existing traffic lights. Largely fabricated of durable plastic materials, the light system would consist of fixtures that are circular or dome-like in shape and feature a series of blue flashing strobe lights. To ensure that the flashing lights are easily viewed, an overhanging cap could be affixed to the top of the lights, and could feature mirrors to reflect the blue rays further outward. The sound or transmission (frequency) activation components and circuitry, tuned to the specific sounds of the sirens and tuned to the specific transmitted (frequency) that emanate from emergency vehicles, could be enclosed within the light system’s weatherproof housing and interconnected to the controller unit with the required wiring. The components used in the signal receiving circuitry would be frequency selective presenting minimum impedance to signals generated on the unique frequency transmitted by the emergency vehicle sound transmissions and frequency transmissions. This is referred to as a resonant or “tuned” circuit which would pass signals transmitted on the “tuned” frequency and block signals on any other frequencies. The frequencies germane to the emergency vehicles and Traffic Light Awareness could be configured to work within a radius of two to three blocks.

Advantages & Benefits

• The Traffic Light Awareness could be instrumental in minimizing the possibility of accidents between motorists and emergency vehicles that are enroute to a fire, accident or crime scene. Specifically designed to be operated at busy intersections, this clever device would provide an effective second warning system that emergency vehicles are approaching a traffic light. In this manner, motorists who are not aware of the wailing sirens around them due to their sound-efficient vehicle or noisy distractions inside the car would have a highly visual beacon to capture their attention. As a result, costly accidents could be prevented and, more importantly, precious lives saved as Traffic Light Awareness is a clear indication to slow down, pull over, and stop when approaching an intersection.

Shout Out to the Union Members at Newsday

The Union members representing all departments at Newsday sent this over in solidarity as the Los Angeles Times Pressroom attempts to negotiate a contract with the Tribune Co.

Have the new owners of Newsday changed the domain name from Tribune to Cablevision, seems we have many new visitors with the new domain name?

• Jeff Jarvis Gets It - Patterico
• Google Should Buy The AP - Wired
• Do We Dare To Eat A Peach? - Tell Zell
• Debt troubles at MediaNews - Gary Scott
• AP/Drudge Retort "Resolution" - Amy Gahran
• Big Changes in Store at the LA Times? - Paul Gillin
• 'Plain Dealer' Publisher Says No Cutbacks ... Yet - E&P
• Zell's influence kicks in on his papers - Kevin Roderick
• Moody's Gives Junk Rating To 'Newsday' Purchase Loan - E&P
• Do news industry's problems tilt views of economy? - USA Today

Original photo can be viewed, printed, or downloaded from Flickr

Newspaper Publisher and Editor Wanted

Tina Dupuy over at Fishbowl L.A. has this help wanted advertisement from Craig's List seeking a publisher and editor in Los Angeles. I'm not surprised as the rumors grow that David Hiller could be leaving the Los Angeles Times, to spend more time with his family of course, which I hope is but a rumor.

We Predict This Door is About to Be Beaten Down

From Craigslist:

Newspaper publisher editor (los angeles)

Reply to: gigs-726634002@craigslist.org

Date: 2008-06-20, 11:05AM PDT


New start up NEWSPAPER looking for someone with newspaper experience.
Looking for someone that can assist in putting the newspaper together for
distribution. Newspaper experience a must. please do not apply without that experience.

* Location: los angeles
* it's ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
* Compensation: no pay

We like that the job requirement is that you be severely over-qualified for the position. It's like the opposite of running for public office.

Anonymous Comments No Longer Accepted

Anonymous comments are no longer welcome here, but if you have a burning desire to voice an opinion feel free to create a G-Mail account.

New Presidential Hopeful

Hat Tip David Markland

Juneteenth 2008

LAT Pressmen Frank Lind, Buddy Williams, and Keith Denson

• Tribune COO at LAT - Mark Lacter
• What is Juneteenth? - Electronic Village
• AP pulls a Metallica - Los Angeles Times
• What's Zell Doing With Our Pension? - Tell Zell
• Icahn says blog to go live on Thursday - Reuters
• Juneteenth: Celebration of freedom - The Swamp
• Register-Guard plans 30 job cuts - Register-Guard
• AP v. Bloggers: Hurting Journalism? - Poynter Online
• Court Approves Ziff Davis’ Bankruptcy Restructuring - Folio
• 'Til Debt Do Us Part--Hidden Reason for Newspaper Crisis - E&P

Kanani Fong -30-

I am saddened to report the departure of Kanani Fong from our blog today; the contributors and our readers will sorely miss her. Kanani will always hold a special place in my heart for the moral support after the death of my son last August.

A prolific writer and poet, Kanani’s work can be seen at Easy-Writer.

Thank you for everything Kanani.

Juneteenth

Though the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued on September 22, 1862, with an effective date of January 1, 1863, it had little immediate effect on most slaves’ day-to-day lives, particularly in Texas, which was almost entirely under Confederate control. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of its slaves. Legend has it while standing on the balcony of Galveston’s Ashton Villa, Granger read the contents of “General Order No. 3”:

The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.[8]

That day has since become known as Juneteenth, a name derived from a portmanteau of the words June and nineteenth.

Former slaves in Galveston rejoiced in the streets with jubilant celebrations. Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas the following year.[8] Across many parts of Texas, freed people pooled their funds to purchase land specifically for their communities’ increasingly large Juneteenth gatherings — including Houston’s Emancipation Park, Mexia’s Booker T. Washington Park, and Emancipation Park in Austin.[8] Juneteenth celebrations include a wide range of festivities, such as parades, street fairs, cookouts, or park parties and include such things as music and dancing or even contests of physical strength and intellect. Baseball and other popular American games may also be played.

Wikipedia

Book Review: "The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie

"The setting is the tall pine trees and blue skies of the Pacific Northwest. The tribe is the Spokane. The focus is Arnold Spirit, the gawky, fourteen year old nerdy teenager whose parents are alcoholics. His sister spends twenty three hours a day alone in a basement and his only friend is the school bully. Arnold stutters and lisps and is prone to seizures. He's the human punching bag on the reservation, a geek who makes sense of life by drawing comics because

"I want to talk to the world. And I want the world to pay attention to me."

Read The Rest On:
Get Lost With Easy-Writer

San Francisco Peninsula Press Club: Hearst CEO quits after dispute with board

The chief executive of the Hearst Corporation, Victor F. Ganzi, is leaving the privately held publishing empire after nearly 30 years because of irreconcilable differences with its board of trustees over the company’s future, Reuters is reporting. Those differences weren't disclosed by the privately held company which owns the Chronicle. Former chief executive Frank Bennack Jr., 75, who stepped down in 2002, will reassume his role as chief executive while a search committee looks for a successor. Hearst is one of the nation's largest magazine publishers and it owns a controlling interest in a group of TV stations. It's newspapers include the Houston Chronicle, The Times Union in Albany, and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Hearst CEO quits after dispute with board

Where's The New Production at Olympic?

The much anticipated Wall Street Journal and Barrons, that was to commence production at the Los Angeles Times Olympic Facility this month, has been mired in negotiations over slim profit margins. I’m told miscalculations in energy usage and possible overtime issues are the reasons for the delay.

The press crews are in place and the newsprint has arrived, but if we're employing the same individuals that are currently negotiating with the pressmen’s union, don’t expect to see any new production at the Los Angeles Times anytime soon.

Tell Zell: -30- List, part 2

The anonyomous blogger at Tell Zell has created a list of the men and women from editorial at the Los Angeles Times that we have lost due to downsizing, with many more to be added within the next few weeks unfortunately.

By Ink Stained Retch

Dear readers, my heart is full. I have had way, way too many responses to the -30- list. After some earlier technical difficulties, I updated this post to reflect that the list has grown now from 7o names to more than 125. And I have promises of more to come.

[SNIP]

My favorites were from readers who missed favorite bylines. Said one: "The -30- list represents the reasons I used to devour the stories in the LA Times and why unopened bags of it now accumulate by my front door." Paying attention Zell?

[SNIP]

So much true talent gone--reporters, editors, copy editors, magazine writers, researchers. It's so damn sad. And so infuriating.

To be redirected to the complete article, you know what to do.

Tell Zell: -30- List, part 2

Media Links That Will Entertain You

Olympic Mailers Linda Olmeda and Arnold Williams

• Tribune closer to default? - Mark Lacter
• Whither the Associated Press - Buzz Machine
• What’s it worth to you? I are an elitist. - Nancy Nall
• Media revenue to hit $2.2 trillion by 2012 - Reuters
• Marriage and Religious Freedom - Boi From Troy
• Printing paper a survival exercise - Chicago Tribune
• The Sky Is Falling! The Sky Is Falling! - Advice Goddess
• Has the Death Spiral Begun? - Newspaper Death Watch
• The N&O cuts 70 jobs, consolidates coverage - Indy Week
• Press release ‘humor’ is sexist, uncalled for - Graphic Designr
• Return of Dog the Bounty Hunter is Unacceptable - Electronic Village
• Orange County Register to Outsource Copy-Editing to India - Fishbowl LA

Save Our Trade: June 16th & 17 Negotiations Update

By Ronnie Pineda

As expected, the company representatives immediately expressed their concern over our decision to communicate with our advertisers. The exchange did get pretty heated with both sides defending their positions. They are aware of our rights under the NLRA and also realize we were within our rights in doing so.

Naturally we expected some criticism for this decision, but those who support our effort to negotiate a fair collective bargaining agreement understood that there is only one way to get management's attention, and that is financially.

It works on all of us, hit our wallet and they've got our attention too!

To be redirected to the entire article, click on link below.

Save Our Trade: June 16th & 17 Negotiations Update

Tribune Company in Default by End of Year?

As I glanced over the Bloomberg headline Tribune, MediaNews May Wind Up in Default as Ad Sales Evaporate yesterday, I questioned the timing of this article, with the elimination of many in editorial looming at Tribune Newspapers across the country.

Is this just a ploy to justify shedding twenty percent of the writers and editors at all Tribune Company newspapers? Didn’t we just sell Newsday to Cablevision for $632 million, which would almost cover the $650 million due this December?

In a message to the owners (employees) of the Tribune Company, Sam Zell made it clear we would be able to make the payment at the end of the year, so how could this article say we may default on the loan, I asked?

The ratio of debt to cash flow at the Tribune Company is currently 8.1 times cash flow at the end of the 1st quarter, and must not meet or exceed 9 times cash flow for the remainder of 2008. If the ratio of debt to cash flow reaches 9, the loan violates the terms of the agreement and goes into default.

According to the Los Angeles Times Grapevine, David Hiller (publisher) or Russ Stanton (editor) will reveal the restructuring of editorial at the end of June.

Many of my colleagues and I feel all departments will be required to downsize a bit more to improve the bottom line.

San Francisco Peninsula Press Club: Should the media avoid a gay kiss?

Until a few years ago, the networks wouldn't show gay couples kissing. Today, some newsrooms still have policies that discourage running photos or video of same-sex couples kissing, says Poynter's Kelly McBride in a piece headlined "Gay Marriage Images: How Will You Play the Kiss?"

KPIX CBS5 reporter Joe Vazquez talked to McBride. She says that there was a negative backlash four years ago when same sex marriage first made a national splash. People said they didn't want to see that image on TV or in their local newspaper.

Now, she says photo editors are trying to find ways to tell the story beyond the kiss: "The kissing photo is one image of many that represents this moment in time, so editors are thinking about how to create the deepest understanding of this issue for the largest number of people."

Because of the backlash, McBride says photos of the kiss had the potential to turn viewers away, so editors are now trying to find a way to tell the story so that their audience can hear it. (Photo credit: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images via CBS5 Web site)

San Francisco Peninsula Press Club: Should the media avoid a gay kiss?

Tuesday Morning Hyperlinks

Wayne Bean and Frank Lynn

• The Romenesko Empire - Portfolio
• The Madness of King Lee - Tell Zell
• Tu Ciudad is dead - Joseph Mailander
• People meters return to SF this fall - SFP Press Club
• McClatchy’s Bloody Monday - Newspaper Death Watch
• Tim Rutten Receives 1st Amendment Freedoms Prize - LAT
• USC shuts down Online Journalism Review - Kevin Roderick
• Is Zell Redesign A Plot To Destroy His Newspapers? - Ken Reich
• Blogger Boycott and Petition of Associated Press - UnAssociated
• FBI investigating Michael Reagan for threatening 9/11 truther - David Markland

Charles G Laird - Father - Pressman - Pilot

The Blogosphere is overflowing with articles regarding writers and editors, but little is said about the men and women behind the scenes that produce your daily newspaper you find on your driveway everyday.

Allow me to introduce you to Charles Laird, from our production facility located in Costa Mesa, often referred to as the Los Angeles Times Orange County Plant. Charles, who likes to be called Charlie, has been married for nineteen years with one child from this union.

Charlie’s career at the Los Angeles Times began in 1976 in the Mailroom, with a transfer to the pressroom on May 22nd, 1977, which makes him an old timer with the newspaper.

But what makes Charlie stand out is his passion for flying.

Charlie’s flying experience almost equals his years at the newspaper, with his first solo flight on May 1st, 1980. He earned his private pilot license five months later, and then proceeded over the next three years to earn his instrument rating, commercial flight instructor certificate, instrument instructor, multi engine and multi engine instructor certificate.

Charlie also worked at the flight school (Martin Aviation) where he trained for four years, while working full time at the newspaper. While attending Orange Coast College he was certified as a commercial pilot and completed the power plant program as well.

He owns a bi-plane called a Travel Air; this is his second plane, which can be chartered by the hour for a nominal fee. But Charlie has a special offer for the employees of the Los Angeles Times, fifty percent off the listed prices.

My grandson David and I will be soaring with Charlie sometime this summer, not sure who will be more excited, my grandson or me?

For information and cost of flights stop by Fly With The Barnstormer.