Thought For Today 11-30-2009

Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet.

Stuff a turkey, stuff a newspaper

It's known as one of the busiest shopping days of the year, but for the Spokesman it's known as the busiest printing days of the year. KXLY4's Erik Loney reports on the Black Friday newspaper ads.

Palm Springs Desert Sun Needed

I am seeking someone to send me the Palm Springs Desert Sun newspaper on a weekly basis. I will pay for the one year home delivery subscription and the FEDEX shipping cost, in addition to supplying shipping materials and paying a monthly stipend for this service.

If you know of anyone living in the Palm Springs area, please have them contact me on the number or e-mail listed. (I can not use a mail subscription because I will not receive the inserts.)

Thanks,

Freddi E. Moody
Correspondence Supervisor
TNS Media Intelligence
1122A Executive Blvd
Chesapeake, VA 23320

757-213-2154
757-363-0994 fax
freddi.moody@tns-mi.com

Sunday Morning in the Blogosphere

Los Angeles Times Pressmen James Chadwick and Larry Washington

• GREAT LOS ANGELES WALK 2009 - Franklin Avenue
• Mike Penner, 52, believed to be suicide - Kevin Roderick
• Worthless readers. And what to do about Murdoch - Jeff Jarvis
• New Detroit newspaper suspends operations until new year - AP
• 50 Taser-Related Deaths in the United States - Electronic Village
• L.A. Firefighters Begin 'Spark of Love' Toy Drive - Brian Humphrey
• Tribune lenders propose competing plan of reorganization - Reuters
• LAT to Staff: Don't Post Anything on FB That Would Embarrass Us - TD
• Journalism is Changing, Not Disappearing - Newspaper Death Watch
• The Rise and Fall of South Florida's Daily Newspapers - Palm Beach News

A Long Ramble: From Sun To Snow and The Ocean

Here's a little account of the trip I just took:

Yesterday, we left Tucson. As we waved good bye to Uncle Bill, we set out in the warmth of the winter sun. It had been in the 80's all week, flip flop weather for me, and the morning was no different.

Read the rest at:
Get Lost With Easy-Writer

Thought For Today 11-29-2009

In a mirror is where we find a reflection of our appearances, but in a heart is where we find a reflection of our soul.

Castra Praetoria: Flight of Tears and A List Of Countries That Suck

Here's a story for Sunday written by the much loved "America's 1st Sargent."

"Some months ago I recounted the tale of The Longest Day in which we couldn't possibly conceive of a flight to a combat zone being more arduous or lengthy. At the time we didn't consider the fantastic possibilities of our epic return flight from said combat zone."

Read the rest at:
Castra Praetoria: Flight of Tears and A List Of Countries That Suck

Kobe Bryant, on his behind the backboard shots

After the Lakers' 101-85 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kobe Bryant talks about a pair of shots made from behind the backboard. Even Kobe was impressed by these baskets.

SOURCE: Los Angeles Times

Mike Penner Rest in Peace

Long time Los Angeles Times sports writer Mike Penner has passed away, complete story at the Los Angeles Times.

Memorial Service for Dawnielle Jahr

Memorial services for Dawnielle Jahr will be held on Saturday December 5th, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.

Dawnielle's father, Bill Jahr, works as a pressman for the Los Angeles Times.

Calvary Chapel <<<MAP>>>
31612 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA. 92675

949.443.2572

Thought For Today 11-28-2009

Take care of your character and your reputation will take care of itself.

Gene Brame Hospitalized

Mark Turkel and Gene Brame

According to pressroom manager John Walker,

Gene Brame suffered a massive heart attack while headed to work at the Los Angeles Times Olympic Pressroom last night. Gene was near the 5 and 10 Freeways when he left the freeway, and attempted to call 911 before losing consciousness.

Another motorist stopped to render aid, and called paramedics. Gene was transported to White Memorial Hospital. His wife and daughters are at his side.

Gene works as a pressroom supervisor and is well liked by his colleagues, so it's no surprise everyone is very saddened with this news.

Thought For Today 11-27-2009

You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.

Winston Churchill

Thought For Today 11-25-2009

The best way to prepare for life is to begin to live.

Elbert Hubbard

Zeppelin Eureka over Long Beach

The Zeppelin Eureka from Airship Ventures offers the only commercial passenger airship operation in the United States. It offers flight-seeing tours above San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Monterey, Santa Cruz and Los Angeles. Video by Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times

Thought For Today 11-24-2009

Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what's right.

Isaac Asimov

Condolences to Bill Jahr and Family

Condolences to our brother pressman Bill Jahr and family on the loss of his twenty-one year old daughter last week. Bill works at the Los Angeles Times Orange County Production Facility.

Cards to the Jahr family can be signed near the Olympic pressroom office, please take the time to write something, it means a lot.

Climate change was faked from begining.

Please check this link if you want to stand up for truth. Our current government is taking us down a road of lies.

Thought For Today 11-23-2009

The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself.

Mark Twain

Copy Editor's Lament (The Layoff Song)

Own the song! ITunes: http://tinyurl.com/yffp2uk Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/yfehvvv
Christopher Ave wrote "Copy Editor's Lament (The Layoff Song)" to comment on the newpaper industry's woes, to celebrate copy editors and to recognize that the entire media world is in flux. To learn more about the song and its origins, you can read this excellent Poynter article: http://tinyurl.com/agdjrt . The video was shot by photojournalist Elie Gardner and created by an all-volunteer cast made up mostly of journalists. Thanks to infuz.com for providing the location.

Monday Morning in the Blogosphere

LAT Electro-Techs Randy Price and Ron Bagwell

• A Great Newspaper Gets Slutty - Jour MO2
• Newspapers want enemies, not friends - Jeff Jarvis
• LAT updates its social media rules - Kevin Roderick
• Detroit Gets a New Daily - Newspaper Death Watch
• Newspaper circulation may be worse than it looks - AP
• Microsoft, News Corp to challenge Google - Gary Scott
• Layoffs and buyouts at U.S. newspapers in 2009 - Paper Cuts
• LA Weekly Gets Defensive About Neon Tommy Report - Pandora
• US newspaper ad revenue down nearly 28 percent - Google News
• High School halts publication of student newspaper - Chicago Tribune

Save Our Trade: Helping Hand

By Ronnie Pineda

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Members of Local 140-N in attendance at our general meeting earlier this month voted unanimously to provide a helping hand during the holidays to our Brothers and Sisters that were seperated from the company in April.

I was very moved when Brother Linard Williams and Brother Mike Brierley made a motion to extend a Holiday gift of $50.00 to each family of the recently laid-off members of Local 140-N. The motion was immediately seconded and all were in favor, with none opposed. I am very proud of all of you for your compassion and true understanding of what it means to take care of one another!

I challenge management to do the same..................

Ronnie Pineda
President,
GCC/IBT Local 140-N

Save Our Trade: Helping Hand

Eric Schmidt: From War to Art

"Eric Schmidt has a dream. The former rifle team leader with the 82nd Airbone wants to teach art.
In Afghanistan."

Read the rest at:

The Kitchen Dispatch

Thought For Today 11-22-2009

If you don’t start out the day with a smile, it’s not too late to start practicing for tomorrow.

Thought For Today 11-21-2009

A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until you put her in hot water.

Nicholas Mollard Rest in Peace

Former Los Angeles Times truck driver Wayne Mollard has suffered a terrible lost with the passing of his twenty-two year old son Nicholas last Saturday. Our condolences to the Mollard family on their loss.

From KXO Radio:

(22-year-old San Dimas man identified)…The County Coroners Office says Nicholas Mollard died Saturday.

The California Highway Patrol reports Mollard was riding a quad all terrain vehicle at the time of his death. He was riding at the Glamis Dunes, just east of Gecko loop. Mollard reportedly went up a dune, but was unaware of a 60-foot drop down the other side. The quad went out of control. The CHP says the 22-year-old was ejected, and suffered fatal injuries. The tragedy was reported at 2:45 Saturday afternoon. Mollard was pronounced dead at the scene.

My daughter Margaret will be attending Nicholas' funeral today as they were classmates here in San Dimas.

Global Web Systems G100 printing press

Global Web Systems newspaper press G100 in production. Printing the 10th Anniversary newspaper from Dutch Graphic Systems at Flevodruk Harlingen in the Netherlands. Complete manual printing press with a 121 folder. Maximum speed: 35.000 cph. made by MR productions

Thought For Today 11-20-2009

Silence isn't always a void that needs to be filled.

Meg Whitman for Governor

Meg's business acumen uniquely qualifies her to rescue California from it's current economic crisis.

Let's make history by electing California's first female Governor. Meg is a proven job creator who gets technology, she know how to balance a budget, and is committed to our public schools. Now is the time to look forward - not backwards.

Please let me know if you'd like to meet Meg at one of her upcoming Hollywood stops. She is smart, dynamic and truly inspirational. You will leave with no doubt that she is the right leader for this challenging time.

Thank you in advance!

Brian Quintana
www.americandreamfilms.com
323-251-5125 (cell)


Meg At A Glance

eBay President & CEO

In 10 years Meg grew the company from 30 employees and $4 Million in revenue to 15,000 employees and $8 Billion in revenue


Prior Leadership Positions

Disney
Hasbro
FTD
Procter & Gamble
Stride Right Corporation
Bain & Company

Education

Harvard Business School
Princeton Economics Degree
Public Schools K-12

Family

Meg's husband of 30 years, Griff Harsh IV, is a neurosurgeon at Stanford University Medical Center
Meg and Griff have 2 college‐age sons, Griff and Will

Public Recognition

Meg is one in seven women to be consistently ranked among the world's most influential people by Time Magazine
Business Week has included her on its list of the 25 most powerful business managers every year since 2000
Fortune ranked her the most powerful woman in business in 2004 and 2005
The Wall Street Journal named her one of the “50 Women to Watch” in 2005

Campaign Website

www.megwhitman.com

The danger of marketing prescription drugs online

If pharmaceutical companies are allowed to send abbreviated pitches, they'll emphasize the benefits of their medications and send consumers elsewhere to find out the risks, consumer columnist David Lazarus warns.

Thursday Morning in the Blogosphere

LA Times Pressmen Terry, Paul, James, and Cesar

• The opportunity of bankruptcy - Jeff Jarvis
• LA Times Loses Real Estate Blog - Pandora
• The Seven-Year Ditch - Kenneth in the (212)
• Neon Tommy Profiles Drex Heikes - Tina Dupuy
• The Great Los Angeles Walk 2009 - Franklin Ave.
• Ruth Seymour: 'A good time to go' - Kevin Roderick
• Murdoch Takes on Google - Newspaper Death Watch
• Thursday, November 12, 2009 - Los Angeles Media Moves
• Layoffs and buyouts at U.S. newspapers in 2009 - Paper Cuts
• Transcontinental expects U.S. gamble to yield big returns - News & Tech

Thought For Today 11-19-2009

"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something."

Plato

Thought For Today 11-18-2009

The longest journey begins with a single step.

Los Angeles Times Pressmens 20 Year Club: Cocktails with the Los Angeles Times Pressmen

Los Angeles Times Pressmens 20 Year Club: Cocktails with the Los Angeles Times Pressmen

Save Our Trade: Do your co-workers make you sick?

If you’re one of the 57 million workers in the U.S. without paid sick days, chances are the answer is “yes”. Thirty-nine percent of us have a difficult choice to make when we’re sick: go to work and risk infecting our co-workers (and risk making our illness worse), or stay home and put our finances and our jobs in jeopardy.

Click on link below for complete article

Save Our Trade: Do your co-workers make you sick?

Tony Hawk 'RIDE'

For complete story: http://www.smalllinks.com/FHO

Professional skateboarder Tony Hawk gives a sneak peak into his new video game 'RIDE' from Activision.

Tribune memo on bankruptcy plans

From: Tribune Communications
Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 4:34 PM
Subject: Message from Randy Michaels and Gerry Spector/Motions Filed Today

This afternoon, we filed two motions with the court overseeing our Chapter 11 bankruptcy; these motions give us a good opportunity to update you on the restructuring process.

One motion asks the court to extend the period of exclusivity for filing our restructuring plan to March 31, 2010. In plain English, this motion seeks to extend the time during which only we can file a plan. The current period of exclusivity expires at the end of this month.

As the motion states, we have made “substantial progress toward filing a plan of reorganization… ”. Our goal is to deliver a plan that our creditors can support and to do so as quickly as possible. We continue active discussions with our creditors in this regard. The other motion filed asks the court to hold a status conference on certain matters related to accomplishing this goal.

The exclusivity motion makes it clear that we’ve accomplished a lot as a company. With your help, we have stabilized and repositioned our businesses, exceeding the financial results of most of our newspaper and broadcasting peers. This year we project operating cash flow of approximately $400 million—nearly double our original operating plan.

Last week here in Chicago, we met with the leaders of all of our business units and their top sales executives to share ideas and best practices as we head into the last two months of 2009. It was a very productive meeting. There is some incredibly innovative work being done on the sales side, but we can’t let up—we have to keep pushing, keep working together across all of our properties and markets, and keep looking for new solutions for our advertisers.

Today’s motions will generate some media attention. Try to tune out the noise and focus on your job. The fourth quarter is traditionally the strongest one of the year and, with your continued hard work, we're sure this year will be no different.

Randy and Gerry

SOURCE: Poynter Online

Happy 31st, Brandy!

Mommy Luv U!

Thought For Today 11-16-2009

Don’t be afraid of shadows, it merely means that there is a light somewhere.

Thought For Today 11-15-2009

"Hope is what you live on while you wait for your dreams to come true."

Someone:-0 Just don't know who:-) But know it wasn't me:-)

Off Topic: Writer Dean Koontz Answers Questions (with a giveaway!)

"Having interviewed more than a few writers, what I like about Dean is that he's not so full of himself that he can't just have fun. Others tend to stay on the track of what writing means to them, or just pitch their books --mainly because that's all most writers and readers want to know about! But Dean has written such a broad array of books, that he offers much more."
Read the rest at (and enter the giveaway) at: The Kitchen Dispatch

Courant employees will have to start paying for home delivery

From: Savastra, Andrea
Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 10:44 AM
To: HC-ALL Courant and Subsidiaries
Subject: Employee Courant Subscription Benefit Change

Effective Sunday, January 3, 2010, the free delivery for full-time employees will be discontinued. However, all employees (full-time and part-time) will be eligible for a discounted rate with a savings of up to 72% for their home delivered copies and will continue to have free access to the Courant’s e-edition. This change is being made as Tribune consolidates benefits among all properties (we are the only property within Tribune that currently offers free subscriptions to employees). So, please consider supporting our business by taking advantage of home delivery.

SOURCE: Poynter Online

Cocktails with the Los Angeles Times Pressmen

This Monday November 16th at 4:00 p.m. the pressmen from the Los Angeles Times will gather at Weiland Brewery, and everyone from the Los Angeles Times is welcome to attend.


400 E 1st St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-680-2881

DIRECTIONS

"Boon," a novel by TJ Sullivan

The first paperback edition of "Boon," a novel by TJ Sullivan. It should start showing up online [Amazon, etc...] in the next few weeks. The publication date is Feb. 16, 2010. [Firetruck soundtrack unintentionally provided by the Los Angeles Fire Department.] For more information visit http://www.tjsullivanla.com/books.html

Rock ‘n' Roll with Robert Hilburn

Rock 'n' roll and John Lennon through Robert Hilburn's eyes

HOLLYWOOD, CA. Join the Press Club this Thursday for cocktails and a conversation with journalists Robert Hilburn and Geoff Boucher. Hilburn, a longtime music critic for the Los Angeles Times and author of the new book, Corn Flakes With John Lennon, will be speakng with Times entertainment writer Geoff Boucher--and taking questions from the audience.

TIME: Thursday, November 12, 2009 @ 7 p.m.

LOCATION: Los Angeles Press Club @ the Steve Allen Theater, 4773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood (just west of Vermont at Berendo Street). There is free parking available for early arrivals and some street parking. Nearest Metro is the red line at Sunset/Vermont

FYI: Free to members. $15 all others. Attend for free if you join the Club that night (special discounted rate of $50). R.S.V.P. here or visit www.lapressclub.org.

MORE: For 35 years, Robert Hilburn chronicled the evolution of rock music - from the Beatles to U2 to Green Day - in the Los Angeles Times. One of the most influential music writers in the nation, his reviews helped launch Elton John in America and popularize other top artists. His myriad adventures included being the only journalist present for Johnny Cash's concert at Folsom prison and being invited to watch cartoons with Michael Jackson in his bedroom. Hilburn's new book traces his journey through the rock n' roll age and how the music affects us all. He will take questions from Geoff Boucher, an arts reporter whose diverse work in the Times recently included a ode to Hilburn and his long career, and from the audience.

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


Join the Press Club Mailing List!
The Los Angeles Press Club
4773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90027
www.LAPressClub.org

Paul Shaffer on Andy Kaufman

Video credit: Mark Milian / Los Angeles Times

Tony Pierce's interview with musician Paul Shaffer yields an interesting discussion about playing with comedian Andy Kaufman -- or so he thought.

Paul Shaffer talks music

Tony Pierce interviews music legend Paul Shaffer, who discusses his run-ins with some of the most popular musicians in recent history and his favorite instrument.

21 Candles: A Prelude To Veteran's Day

"Along with others throughout the nation, last night we lit 21 candles. 13 for those slain at Fort Hood, and 8 for all the years we've been at war and for those who served."Read the rest and see the photos at:

The Kitchen Dispatch

Tribune to Pay Outstanding Loan Balance of Syndicated Asset-Backed Facility

CHICAGO, November 10, 2009 -- Tribune Company announced today that it will pay back the entire $170 million loan outstanding under the Company’s syndicated accounts receivable asset-backed Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) facility led by Barclays Bank PLC (Barclays). All lenders will be notified of Tribune’s intent today.

:: :: ::

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

The dirt on bagged soil

For complete story: http://www.smalllinks.com/F99

Bagged soils are a $1.5 billion industry in the U.S. While there are many different manufacturers that operate countrywide, most of the bagged soils a customer buys is made within a few hundred miles of where it's purchased from byproducts that are mostly locally sourced. In California, and at Sun Land, based in Watsonville, common ingredients include composted redwood, volcanic pumice and coconut coir. A look at how bagged soils are made.

Special Announcement: 21 Candles

On Tuesday, November 10, we will be lighting 13 candles for each soldier murdered at Fort Hood, plus another 8 to honor those who have served. The 21 candles will light the walkway to our house. If you would like to participate by doing the same, please post the photo on your blog for Veteran's Day.

Please pass this information on.

(Several tea lights may be placed in a pie tin, baking dish, or even floated on water).

Words May Hurt, But The Will Has To Be Stronger

The 442nd Regimental Combat Team

Discrimination, stupidity, bigotry. I've been at the receiving end of all three, but taking the path of a killer wasn't an option.

Japanese Americans faced all three, plus lost their livelihoods, homes, and dignity during World War II. They became much decorated war heroes, and later became some of the most successful professionals in a single generation. Asian Americans served in Korea and Vietnam --also with distinction, and no doubt they heard numerous slurs as well. They too went on to greater success after the wars. Americans of Middle Eastern descent have served in the armed forces through all of the wars, including these. They too have heard the insolent ignorant utterances of a few --but also didn't take the path of the killer at Fort Hood. They've served, doing good for the country they love.

Every person I know of has faced discrimination of some kind for one reason or another. Often, it's been the most pernicious --officially sanctioned by a system of antiquated rules. Many have been without resources to fight it.

The tragedy this past week wasn't a case of a person whose life or livelihood was ruined by systematic discrimination. Rather, he was someone who very much made a decision to play for the other team. The real question is why he was retained after a series of poor reviews during his internship. The Army should have called it a wash, stopped their losses and like any other medical internship and residency in the United States, let him go right then.

For the media --who keeps harping on discrimination, you besmirch generations of those who came before him, rose above it and served with honor and distinction. You tarnish the reputations of others who have worked hard to guard against it. There are times when my bullshit meter goes off, and this is one of them.

Condolences to all at Fort Hood.

Journaling: Learning To Write For Yourself (With A Giveaway!)

This is my Friday writing article. The main audience is for veterans, active duty and milspouses, however, every one is invited to join in. Leaving a comment will enter you in the giveaway.
Read it at:
The Kitchen Dispatch

Motorola Droid review

The $299 Motorola Droid, price before the $100 mail-in rebate debit card, is the newest smartphone offering from Google. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

"Donald Sterling to pay $2.725 million to settle housing discrimination lawsuit

Letter to the Times

Re "Donald Sterling to pay $2.725 million to settle housing discrimination lawsuit," Nov.3

LA Clippers owners Shelly and Donald T. Sterling are two of the least racist people I know.

I am a Latino who grew up in the same Boyle Heights neighborhood of East Los Angeles as Shelly and Donald. The couple has hosted me court-side at roughly 100 home games since 2003. Further, I have been in their home on countless occasions, and consider myself part of their extended family.

Though countless people of color and I were prepared to testify about the Sterlings' great character and non-discriminatory policies, I applaud their decision to put their staff and the people of Los Angeles ahead of their own business interests.

Our City needs more leaders like Shelly and Donald T. Sterling.


Brian Quintana
Hollywood
323-251-5125 (cell)

Thought For Today 11-6-2009

"A person needs at intervals to separate from family and companions and go to new places. One must go without familiars in order to be open to influences, to change."

Katharine Butler Hathaway

Willie Juddine Rest In Peace

Willie Juddine third from the right.

Received word from former Los Angeles Times machinist Ray Staples that former pressmanWillie Juddine has passed away on Sunday October 25th, 2009.

Willie worked in the press room for almost three decades, beginning his career at the shuttered Times Mirror Square Press room before transferring to the Olympic Production Facility.

Willie opted for one of the many buyouts six or seven years ago, and was living in Perris, California with his wife and young daughter after leaving the newspaper.

About six months ago Willie relocated to Anderson, Alabama to spend his last days.

Rest in peace Willie, we have fond memories of you.

What Happened at Ft. Hood?

A civilian who was present at the Ft. Hood army base during the shooting spree recounts her experiences to Katie Couric as army officials placed the base on lock down security.

Obama Reacts To Ft. Hood

During an event at the Department of the Interior President Obama expressed his shock over the deadly shootings at Ft. Hood.

Thought For Today 11-5-2009

"The person that loses their conscience has nothing left worth keeping."

Izaak Walton

Thought For Today 11-4-2009

"When in doubt, tell the truth."

Mark Twain

Los Angeles Times Direct TV

Vaya con Dios: Sgt. Eduviges "Duvi" Guadalupe Wolf

Mother, Wife, and Warrior
Daughter, Sister, Niece, Cousin and Friend
Age 24, A Native Californian
Killed in Kunar, while on a last mission to bring her unit desperately needed supplies. She volunteered despite the danger. She knew of its importance, and also anticipated the possibility of seeing her husband, who who was posted to another part of Afghanistan.

You were on this good earth long enough to make a difference. Your greatness will live on with those who knew you. Your strength will imbue your children as they grow. Your love will help your husband raise them to be all that you ever wanted. Everyone will always miss you.
Yo te bendiga.
Condolences to the family and friends from The Pressmen Crew & Friends

Originally Posted At The Kitchen Dispatch

Tribune: "We don't expect the ESOP to continue once the company emerges from bankruptcy"

From: Tribune Communications
Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 12:02 PM
Subject: Message from Gerry Spector/Retirement Plan Changes

As we move into the fourth quarter and the end of the year approaches, we wanted to update you on some recent developments with our retirement plan and talk about the changes we’re planning for 2010. Tribune’s current retirement plan, implemented shortly after our going private transaction closed, is made up of a 401(k) plan, a cash balance benefit and the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Obviously, a lot has changed in the last two years: The economy went into recession, the investment markets became extremely volatile and we filed for Chapter 11 protection. Given these developments, as well as our commitment to help you provide for your retirement and share in the company’s long-term success, we are redesigning our retirement plan.

The cornerstone of the redesigned plan will be the 401(k) Savings Plan, which will be enhanced with a company match, and a discretionary profit-sharing contribution tied to our financial performance. The redesigned plan will be implemented January 1, 2010; the changes are outlined below:

The 401(k) Savings Plan will be enhanced in two ways.

§ A company matching contribution — If you contribute 6% of your eligible pay each calendar year, the company will provide total matching contributions of 4%. The first 2% of eligible pay you put into the 401(k) will be matched dollar-for-dollar, and the next 4% will be matched at $.50 on-the-dollar. Tribune’s current investment fund line-up will remain in place.

§ A profit sharing allocation — The plan provides for an annual discretionary profit sharing allocation which will be tied to the company achieving budgeted financial targets. If a profit-sharing allocation is made, all eligible employees will receive it, regardless of whether or not they contribute to the plan.

The ability of the company to provide these contributions is not impacted by our Chapter 11 filing.

In an effort to help employees increase their retirement savings, we are implementing two new features for those contributing 3% or less to the 401(k) Savings Plan:

§ Auto-enrollment — Employees currently contributing less than 3% to the plan automatically will be enrolled to contribute 3% of base pay to the plan on January 1, 2010. Employees may opt-out or change this contribution at any time.

§ Auto-escalation — To take full advantage of the plan, anyone currently contributing 3% or less will have their contribution automatically increased 1% annually beginning January 1, 2011, until a contribution of 6% is achieved. Employees may also opt-out or change this feature at any time.

Note: If you already contribute more than 3% to the 401(k) plan, you will be unaffected by either of these new features and do not need to take any action to continue contributing at your current level and receive the company match.

The ESOP — When Tribune became a private company, one of our primary goals was to create a culture that would enable employees to share in the company's long-term success. That was a major reason for creating the ESOP. While we do not expect the ESOP to continue once the company emerges from bankruptcy, we still strongly believe that employees should share in the company’s long-term success. The profit sharing allocation in our 401(k) Savings Plan described above is intended to maintain a connection between company profitability and employee incentives.

When we emerge from bankruptcy, we expect that the shares of Tribune stock held by the ESOP will be extinguished and the plan terminated. Duff & Phelps, a nationally recognized appraisal firm, recently determined that as of December 31, 2008, the value of a share of Tribune Company stock held by the ESOP was $0. Nonetheless, in keeping with the plan provisions, the company has made the initial allocation of shares to the accounts of eligible employees. You will receive a letter in a few weeks reflecting this valuation and informing you of the number of shares you were allocated, as required by the plan.

The Cash Balance Pension Plan — The company will make a 3% allocation to the cash balance accounts of eligible employees for the 2009 plan year; this allocation will be made in the first quarter of 2010. However, with our redesigned plan, the allocation for 2009 will be the last. After this final allocation, cash balance accounts will be frozen, though they will continue earning interest. In the coming weeks, Hewitt will send you a packet of information outlining the details of the plan. In the meantime, feel free to contact the Hewitt Retirement Center at 800/872-2222 (option 1).

Gerry

SOURCE: Poynter Online

Tuesday Morning in the Blogosphere

Pressmen Juan, Juan, and Juaquin

• Going big in Texas - Gary Scott
• Advocate Folding Into An Insert? - Queerty
• Will Paywalls Rescue Newspapers? - Pandora
• 20 years ago: 'So Long, L.A.!' - Kevin Roderick
• The future of news is entrepreneurial - Jeff Jarvis
• Tribune Co. newspapers won't use AP next week - AP
• The L.A. Herald Examiner -- 20 Years Gone - Jour MO2
• Tina Daunt to Work on Huffpo's LA Edition - Tina Dupuy
• East Valley Tribune will stop publishing Dec. 31 - AZ Central
• The Future of Journalism, Part IV - Newspaper Death Watch

Thought For Today 11-3-2009

"There is always a way to be honest without being brutal."


Arthur Dobrin

Marines Sashay To The Front Of Project Valour IT

The 2009 Soldiers' Angels Valour-IT fundraiser, runs through November 11! This spirited competition raises money for voice activated laptops and other technology that reconnects wounded warriors and supports their recovery.

Right now, TEAM MARINES is ahead of TEAM ARMY! How can these cha-cha hokey pokey dancers be ahead?

Please click one of the branches below to support this fine effort.
But Jess and I would appreciate a donation to TEAM ARMY!!

Thought For Today 11-2-2009

"We give our lives away when we let other people make our decisions."

Bette Dowdell

Hiring: NowPublic & Examiner.com

As one of NowPublic's co-founders, I'd like to thank you for helping us build one of the most innovative and vibrant news services on the Web. Because of your contributions over the last 4 years, we have found a new home.

Clarity Media Buys NowPublic
As of September, NowPublic is part of Clarity Media, which also owns Examiner.com, a local news network of 162 city sites with 20,000 Examiners, reaching 17 million readers/month.

Our own 200,000 contributing members and 5 million monthly visitors make the combination a serious force to be reckoned with. The alliance is doubly attractive if you want to write for pay.

Next week we’ll outline the details of the offer, but watch for recruitment ads on NowPublic Thursday or apply now if you're a local in an Examiner city.

Photo Contest
Calling all sun-seekers and shutterbugs: Examiner and NowPublic are running a photo contest in 4 categories for both professional and amateur enthusiasts with a grand prize trip to Bahamas.
Register now to enter 1-6 photos before December 9. Other prizes and winners will be awarded end of January. Snap to it :)

Some New NowPublic Faces

You'll soon be seeing and hearing from some new NowPublic staff who have expanded the team.
Joy Gugeler as VP Publishing has joined us and, as part of her editorial and marketing role, will also be taking over this newsletter and blog. Go easy on her!

I’m also proud to welcome Sudha Krishna as News Director, overseeing our in-house team of reporters. See our Newsroom masthead for other key players.

Over to You
It’s been a wild ride since Mike Meyers, Leonard Brody and I came up with this crazy idea, but the best is yet to come. Thanks again and here's to our new working (and paying) relationship,
Mike Tippett
C0-founder, NowPublic.com

Return to Standard Time Today

We have returned to Standard Time today, so be sure and set all your clock's back one hour.

'White Collar'

Los Angeles Times television critic Mary McNamara reviews USA Network's new Friday night series 'White Collar'