Friday, July 30, 2010

Thought For Today 7-30-2010

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.

Anne Bradstreet

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Thought For Today 7-29-2010

Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.

Bishop Desmond Tutu

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Tribune to employees: Stay focused, don't be distracted by fraud reports

From: Tribune Communications
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 2:42 PM
Subject: Message from Randy and Gerry/Developments in our Chapter 11 Process

As you know by now, the independent examiner appointed by the bankruptcy court to review our 2007 going-private transaction filed his report late yesterday. We have reviewed the summary conclusions contained in the report and from what we know now, we agree with some of his assessments and disagree with others. Since much of the more than 700-page document remains redacted, including the analysis on which the examiner bases many of his conclusions, we think it is premature to comment further about the report.

We continue to believe that the company’s Plan of Restructuring, which was the result of many months of negotiation, remains the best solution for resolving issues among our various creditor groups. Voting on the plan is to conclude August 6, and we are continuing to move forward toward the confirmation hearing that is scheduled for August 30. Most important, while there are a lot of variables, we remain optimistic that the company can emerge from Chapter 11 before the end of the year.

The examiner's report has gotten some media attention, which we expected. Nonetheless, it is important that we all stay focused on the fundamentals and the things we need to do to continue improving the performance of our media businesses. Our financial results were very strong in the first-half of the year and we can’t let up now—there is still a lot of opportunity out there. As we enter what we hope are the last stages of the Chapter 11 process, try not to be distracted by the media attention it may receive.

Thanks for your effort and energy, your best thinking, and your dedication.

[CEO] Randy [Michaels] and [COO] Gerry [Spector]

SOURCE: Jim Romenesko

Wednesday Afternoon in the Blogosphere

Pressman Sammy Torres hard at work preparing the printing press



Pray for Pressman Roger Dolan

Los Angeles Times pressman Roger Dolan is extremely ill and may be on his last days with us. Please keep Roger in your thoughts and prayers.

Thought For Today 7-28-2010

If it's very painful for you to criticize your friends -- you're safe in doing it. But if you take the slightest pleasure in it, that's the time to hold your tongue.

Alice Duer Miller

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The Merritt News Printing Press in Kamloops

Glacier Media Inc. pressman Leland Harmon tests out some pages. Harmon produces the Merritt News, several other community newspapers, as well as the Kamloops Daily News.

Tribune Interactive Promotes Jeff Kapugi to COO

Tribune Interactive today announced the promotion of Jeff Kapugi to chief operating officer, effective immediately. Kapugi, who joined Tribune Interactive in 2008, will be responsible for all aspects of the operations of the company’s publishing, broadcasting and interactive websites. Most recently, Kapugi served as senior vice president/representation for Tribune Interactive.

“Jeff is an important player on our leadership team and an essential part of our future,” said Marc Chase, president of Tribune Interactive. “He’s been driving change efforts for the last two years, churning the pot and keeping us focused on operating effectively and efficiently.”

“We have an incredible opportunity to take the media industry to the next level and I’m excited to help make it happen,” said Kapugi. “My focus will be on implementing innovative efficiencies while maintaining a strong sense of organization.”

Kapugi will replace Nick Cory as chief operating officer.

“Over the last six months, Nick has been serving double duty for the company, leading operations for Tribune Interactive and devoting additional time to the reorganization of certain back-office functions for the company,” Chase explained. “Now he can devote all of his energy to that project.”

Prior to joining Tribune, Kapugi held numerous positions at Clear Channel Radio including vice president/programming, operations manager and program director.

Brian Quintana thanks you

Thank you for supporting our campaign for United States Senate. Together we received 338,442 votes (14%) against Barbara Boxer and politics as usual.

Here’s what some respectable pundits had to say:

"The surprise runner-up: Hollywood producer Brian Quintana, who snatched almost 15% of the vote." - KQED

"But the news of the day is that Hollywood producer Brian Quintana, who didn't get any publicity, garnered nearly three times as many votes as Kaus." - Sacramento Bee

"Quintana's showing was surprising. Kaus got some press. Quintana came out of nowhere," said Jack Pitney, a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College.
Quintana ran a good e-mail campaign, according to Republican political consultant Matt Klink, of Cerrell Associates. – San Gabriel Valley Tribune


Incidentally, I received more votes than Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has in any of any his elections, and received 118,948 more votes than (two-time) California Attorney General candidate Rocky Delgadillo. Despite national exposure, I beat or tied Republican U.S. Senate candidate Chuck DeVore in 25 Counties, and received only 12,315 fewer votes than Facebook executive Chris Kelly who spent $12 million of his own money to become California's Attorney General. Further, no challenger to Senator Dianne Feinstein or Senator Barbara Boxer had received more than 8% of the vote since they were elected in 1992. Some amazing stats when you think of it.


Most importantly, I had a great time campaigning statewide. My goal is to influence the outcome of this election in November and remain a political player.


Thank you once again!


Brian Quintana
www.bqforsenate.com
323-850-1040

Tuesday Morning in the Blogosphere

Pressman Rick Hernandez and family visit Mount Rushmore



Thought For Today 7-27-2010

The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being.

- Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama

Monday, July 26, 2010

Thought For Today 7-26-2010

”You don't build a good career by making enemies.“ You also don't build a good career by being a patsy. Decisions, decisions.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Brush Prairie man killed in motorcycle-car crash | The Columbian

My sister Celeste with her husband Kenny Reising.


The Kitchen Dispatch: Art As A Path To Understanding The War Experience

"Look at the bigger world beyond ours. That's why we have writing, photography, documentaries, film, painting, poetry, drawing, and performance art. Because avenues of expressing how we feel are not limited to "therapy" groups." Read more at The Kitchen Dispatch

Friday, July 23, 2010

Buffalo Soldiers Ride Again

Doctor Gilmore and Edward

Last Saturday I was the guest of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club’s second annual event titled “Party in the Pit”. This was my second visit and I was not let down as groups from as far away as Oakland, California were in attendance.

The group rented the go-cart track for the night and filled the area with motorcycles, but what caught my attention was how many female riders rode in from different parts of the Southern California.

Far enough away from homes not to bother anyone the music blared at high decibels, while the aroma of barbecue filled the area with the sweet smell of ribs, meats, and hot links.

The media gives a misconception about motorcycle riders, something like the Hells Angels, but this is so far from the truth as I spoke with many about their professions. One rider told me he’s a registered nurse; my friend Dr. Gilmore (AKA Doc Gee) is an oral surgeon. They may dress like their rough and tough, yet they all have regular jobs like you and I. In my two years of attendance I have yet to see any trouble at their event.

As their name hints, this is a group of African American men and women, and I was hugged and given much love from everyone I came into contact with, I was welcomed and accepted to their party even though I’m not Black or not a motorcycle rider. I have also been invited to their Compton event, and a weekly gathering in Inglewood at a donut shop on Tuesday nights that I cannot remember the location at this time, which I plan to attend.

At next years event I will get the word out to the Los Angeles Times motorcycle riders, as this group is growing rather quickly, and the Times riders would have a great time as I did.

Additional photos can be viewed on Flickr

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Harrison Gray Otis, The Los Angeles Times and Southern California

Beyond the Chair Trailer

Seems I’m always meeting interesting people in my travels through life, and last Saturday night was no different as I met film editor Alex Bridgman at my grandson’s party. Alex is a friend of my daughter Margaret and a graduate of UC San Diego, now living in Chico, California.

Alex played a documentary video called Beyond the Chair that grabbed my attention, below is the trailer for the film, which may draw your attention as well.







Trailer for feature length documentary about traveling the world with a power wheelchair. http://btcmovie.com/ - Going where wheelchairs have never gone before.

Thought For Today 7-21-2010

When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.

George Washington Carver

Cafe Oly reopens this Friday








Café Oly will be resurrected this Friday July 23, not certain what the hours of operation will be or what type of food will be made available to the men and women of Operations at the Los Angeles Times Olympic Facility?

As information becomes available I will let you know what gives.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

State of the State

It's been a very long time since I've added anything to this blog but I have something to say about the state of California. First, I'm outraged that the Governor would attempt to reduce the wages of state workers to minimum wage as a way to reduce state spending. If anyone deserves to have their wages cut to minimum wage it's the state legislatures we have elected. They are not doing what we elected them to do and haven't passed a budget on time in years. Instead of acting in a fiscally responsible manner, they balance their budget by taking revenue from cities, putting the cities in a worse financial situation than before. How much longer can the State of California last if those we've elected refuse to do their jobs? Personal agendas need to be put aside and everyone of our elected officials need to pay attention to what's going on around us. If it were up to me, I'd reduce their pay to minimum wage and withhold their paychecks until they passed a budget that actually addresses the financial challenges we are facing. Of course, that will never happen but it should. I'm urging everyone to pay attention to what your elected officials are doing and let them know how you feel. We must remember they work for us, not the other way around.

Thanks for allowing me to express my opinion on this matter.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Thought For Today 7-16-2010

Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.

- Philip K. Dick

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Luke Hooks Rest in Peace

Former Los Angeles Times Machinist Luzell Hooks lost his fight with cancer and has passed away. Mr. Hooks worked for the newspaper almost thirty-one years before leaving on an early retirement in 2001. His son Derrell Hooks works part-time in the Packaging and Distribution Department at the Olympic Facility on Friday nights.

Luke will be fondly remembered by his colleagues at the newspaper as a quiet man that never had a bad thing to say about anyone.

Funeral services for Mr. Hooks:

Friday July 16th, 2010 at 11:30 a.m.

Glory Christian Fellowship International Chuck
225 West Torrance Blvd.
Carson, CA. 90745

(310) 538-9185

Click here for directions.

Big Brother Watching your Tweets

From: Fung, Lisa
Sent: Monday, July 12, 2010 5:41 PM
To: yyEntertainAll
Subject: Twitter


Hi all

Just a reminder that when using your Twitter accounts, you need to be mindful that what you're Tweeting is totally public and accessible to, well, the world. We've added Twitter feeds to several of the blogs, so your Tweets are that much more visible to our readers and anyone on our site.

We've had some complaints from readers about the nature of some Tweets, including language and commentary. One person recently sent her complaint to Russ + Eddy.

So moving forward, please remember that with Twitter, Facebook or any other social media we need to be careful about what we, as journalists, say and to remain within the guidelines set in our Code of Ethics.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks

SOURCE: Fishbowl L.A.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Vacation comes to an end

As my vacation draws to an end in ninety minutes it was refreshing to be away from the newspaper and the Blogosphere for one week.

This was a vacation I will not soon forget.

Regular blogging to begin once again either tonight or tomorrow.

Thought For Today 7-13-2010

There can be no friendship without confidence, and no confidence without integrity.

- Samuel Johnson

Monday, July 12, 2010

Thought For Today 7-12-2010

Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Thought For Today 7-10-2010

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Baptist Hymnal

Friday, July 09, 2010

Thought For Today 7-9-2010

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.

- Barbara De Angelis

Thursday, July 08, 2010

Thought For Today 7-8-2010

You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.

Harper Lee

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Thought For Today 7-7-2010

'Tis better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.

- Abraham Lincoln

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Sunday, July 04, 2010

Youth Choir Reunion


MY children are rehearsing for the YOUTH CHOIR ALUMNI REUNION @ St. Stephen, July 24th! A GRAND OCCASION! Daughter sang SOLO years ago! They're all grown now! Want some gospel singing, Youth style? Be there! Come One, Come ALL!

JIMI HENDRIX-STAR SPANGLED BANNER

Saturday, July 03, 2010

Los Angeles Times and Tribune Offer Next Generation Mobile Phone App

First-Class App Receives Four Star Reviews

The Los Angeles Times and Tribune Interactive today announced the launch of The Times’ next generation mobile phone app designed for easy access to editorial content and built for a broad audience.

“Los Angeles Times new News Reader app brings our great content, including news, commentary and photography, to readers on their iPhones and has a customizable UI,” said Times Publisher Eddy Hartenstein. “Next month, our Hollywood Star Walk app will also go live, offering a robust, interactive “L.A.-centric” experience for visitors to Southern California and entertainment junkies.”

Marc Chase, president of Tribune Interactive said, “We listened to user feedback and came back with a vengeance, offering up a completely new app for The Times that adapts to users preferences and makes content just a click away. Our team is building first-rate apps for our media properties and advertisers with the goal of providing an optimum experience for users.”

Early reviews of The Times app confirm that notion. Check it out.

“Got a world class newspaper you want to keep publishing as tastes go digital? The Los Angeles Times has, and so it has introduced its rather marvelous and all brand new Los Angeles Times News Reader iPhone app.” ~Jon Edwards, Techi.
LA Times gets an iPhone habit

And users seem to love it too.

“So easy to use, gorgeous layout and I get to read the amazing entertainment coverage on the go at last. I also love the scrolling feature between sections. So much more visual than the “other” boring news readers.” ~Nick237558

“I don’t ever write reviews but LA Times went from worst to first with this app!! Really easy to use, easy to read, and really is one of the best news apps out now…” ~AG4

“This app has top-notch elements including built-in sharing with social media platforms, the ability for users to browse and reorder sections based on their preferences, as well as read saved content even when a network isn’t available,” explains Jonathan Ozeran, manager/product innovation. “The galleries of award-winning photojournalism by The Times alone are worth checking out.”

The cost of the app is $1.99 and it’s available via the iTunes store and on latimes.com.

The app was created by Tribune’s Apptivate.Me unit which develops mobile applications for Tribune’s media properties, including Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times and KTLA-TV, as well as its advertisers and other clients. Apptivate.Me taps into Tribune’s mobile network which generated more than 63 million page views in June 2010, across a network of 33 mobile sites. Its mobile products for Tribune’s newspaper websites offer the convenience of reading great content on a mobile device, while leveraging Tribune’s high-traffic sites.

Friday, July 02, 2010

Friday Morning in the Blogosphere

Former Los Angeles Times Pressman Ray Butters sent this rare gem over showing how the pressmen appeared at the LAT seventy-five years ago. Note the width of the newsprint back in the day. Based on the numbers at the lower left of the photo the picture was captured on February, 1st, 1935. Thank you for sharing Ray.



All 5 Supes sign letter to Zell protesting fake LAT page * - LA Observed

All 5 Supes sign letter to Zell protesting fake LAT page * - LA Observed

"Future of Newspapers Is in PDF Format" Sam Zell





h/t Fishbowl Los Angeles

Thought For Today 7-2-2010

Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.

- John Wooden

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Thought For Today 7-1-2010

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forty is the old age of youth, fifty is the youth of old age.

- Hosea Ballou