Wednesday Morning in the Blogosphere

Charles Laird and Gary Bunch mounting a roll of newsprint

• In the year 2020 - Romenesko
• College Newspaper Struggles To Stay Afloat - NPR
• The return of Steve Harvey's 'Only in LA' - Kevin Roderick
• The Collapse of Print Advertising in 1 Graph - The Atlantic
• 2012 layoffs and buyouts at U.S. newspapers - Paper Cuts
• Global News with a Local Twist - Newspaper Death Watch
• As newspapers move, R.I.P. for the old morgues - Gannett Blog
• City Manager Threatens to Sue Blogger Chaz Stevens - The Pulp
• James Murdoch steps down as head of News International - Poynter
• Send Subscribers A Free Kindle inplace of a Newspaper - Business Insider

The new printing press

Print Manager Matt Pilcher gives a tour of the new printing facility at Logistics Drive.

Tuesday Morning in the Blogosphere

• Newspapers on Pinterest - Pinterest
• Newspapers Future Isn't Paper - Patch
• John and Ken return to KFI - Kevin Roderick
• LAT Reporter Returns from Syria - Fishbowl LA
• How LAT put its Oscars edition together - Romenesko
• Fox News: No Love for Union Maids - Steven Mikulan
• For 5th year in a row, GCI lags industry - Gannett Blog
• With Sale, Phila. Reporters Fear Loss Of Integrity - NPR
• Execs: Collaboration Key To Papers' Future - NetNewsCheck
• USLD concludes settlement of $32 million to Tribune ESOP - Newswire

Peer Pressure Enforces Smoking Bans

by Mysti Reutlinger SafeCig

On Wednesday of last week, a New York state law went into effect that bans smoking on train platforms, waiting, and ticketing areas. The new ban has not yet seen any summonses resulting from violations, but many from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the American Cancer Society say that's because the ban has been enforced by the most unlikely of people; non-smoking passengers. This interesting twist of events has drawn some lines between people, but has been called empowering by others.

Non-smoking passengers, now knowing that there is a law in place to back them up, feel more empowered to say something to smokers who light up in public areas where smoking has now been banned. So when a smoker decides to light up in a place they may have thought was previously okay, they can certainly expect someone to correct them. Though, of course, the correction is not always approached in the most polite of manners.

Smokers, both those who have and have not been caught smoking on train platforms, waiting and ticketing areas, say that this is just another infringement on their individual rights to smoke. The argument given is that platforms and other areas are outside. Because it is outside and not within a confined space, why is there a need to ban smoking? Non-smoking passengers, if they are that opposed to the possibility of being exposed to secondhand smoke, can simply move to another area; there's enough air for everyone, isn't there? Moreover, they are more than a little offended that someone not in a position of authority would correct them.

No matter what way you look at this public, outdoors, smoking ban, it is a law. And laws must be followed unless and until they are changed. It would probably be much easier to get your nicotine fix without upsetting someone if you had an e-cigarette, of course. However, the issues brought up because of this ban beg some questions. Which we will, of course, turn over to you.

Are outdoors smoking bans a big overstep of power by the government? Should authorities really be reliant on non-smokers to enforce these bans? Let us know what you think!

Visit SafeCig

Staff memo from LA Times president Kathy Thomson

From: Thomson, Kathy K
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2012 9:40 AM
To: AllLosAngelesTimesEmployees
Subject: Exciting changes

Colleagues,

You are an integral part of ensuring our success and we want you to be the first to hear about the exciting changes we’ll be making to the Los Angeles Times in the coming days. These are important steps in our ongoing evolution as we expand and grow our digital offerings and reinforce the value of our print products.

LOS ANGELES TIMES MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

On Monday, March 5, we’re launching a membership program designed to be our readers’ all-access pass to the best of Southern California news, culture and happenings. It will include:


• Unlimited digital access to all of The Times’ award-winning news and information: unique storytelling, investigative reports, in-depth local news, signature blogs, compelling photo galleries, original video content, revealing data projects and analysis

• Special opportunities at select Times events, exclusive discounts and deals, giveaways and contests


Here’s what it means for our readers and you:


• Our valued home delivery customers will automatically be considered members at no additional cost

• Our most avid latimes.com readers who don’t currently subscribe will be able to join for a nominal fee

o At launch, we will be offering a special $0.99 promotional membership for four weeks of unrestricted digital access

o Additional packages combining print and digital will also be made available

• Non-members can continue to browse The Times online for limited reading and breaking news

• Employees will be provided with automatic membership and can register at www.latimes.com/employeemembership starting March 5th


Here’s what it means for our advertisers:


• We expect latimes.com to remain one of the most trafficked news sites in the country and the leader in Southern California

• This change increases the value of our digital advertising programs, ensuring that ads are seen by more engaged users

• We do not anticipate any disruptions in service for our advertising partners


LIFESTYLE SECTION LAUNCH

On March 10, we will debut a new weekly section called Saturday for our print edition. Saturday is a visual feast designed to reflect Southern California’s unique lifestyle. It will combine the best of our health, food and home sections on a day perfectly suited to living life to its fullest. Our individual Health, Food and Home sections will remain available online, but will no longer be separately published in print. We are excited to reimagine some of our distinctive feature coverage and present it with a fresh, bold point of view.

The change will allow advertisers to reach more than 2 million readers through the Saturday print section and latimes.com’s Health, Food and Home verticals. It will also provide five new zoning opportunities for ad sales – Orange County, South Bay/Southeast, San Fernando Valley/Ventura, San Gabriel Valley/Inland Empire and Westside Central.

The last publication dates for the current Health, Food and Home sections are as follows:

Health ─ February 27, 2012

Food ─ March 1, 2012

Home ─ March 3, 2012

ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED

Employee FAQ: is posted in “Latest Company News” on TimesLink
Saturday prototypes: Karin Satterfield (xxxx@latimes.com)

AS ALWAYS

In introducing the new Membership program and launching our new lifestyle section, we are delivering on our mission to provide the highest-quality journalism for our readers and influential and engaged audiences for our advertisers. This is going to be an exciting year with much more to come.

Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence.

Kathy

SOURCE: Kevin Roderick

Monday Morning in the Blogosphere

The sign on Alameda outside the Los Angeles Times Olympic Production Facility

• Discouraging news on Skid Row - Mark Lacter
• LA Times puts up a web paywall - Kevin Roderick
• Washington Post sweetens its buyout offer - Poynter
• How many work in your department? - Gannett Blog
• Newspapers are not going away - Herald and News
• Buffett says newspapers need to charge online - Boston.com
• Times Community News Will Remain Free Online - Fishbowl LA
• Sam Zell Blames Tribune Failure on Greedy Journalists - Fit to Print
• LA Times to Put Up a Paywall Beginning in March - Matthew Fleischer
• Dubow separation agreement appears in new Gannett filing - Romenesko

In Memory of Steve Parker

From Steve's sister Karol:

Hi Ed,

I wanted to share this picture with you so you could post it on your blog. I am Steve’s sister and this picture was taken 19 years ago.

My brother was the kindest, most thoughtful, and most loved person on the Planet. I feel as if a piece of me is gone forever. My love and prayers go out to all who loved him as I did.

Thank you for doing this for him it is very much appreciated. I know the Times family misses him as much as I do.

Don Reese Celebration of Life

I spoke with Dawn Reese a few days ago and she asked that I let everyone known that her late husband Don requested she throw a party in celebration of his life as one of his last requests.

After Don’s funeral there will be a gathering at his house immediately following the service.

If you would like to attend contact me for the address.

Tuesday Morning in the Blogosphere

Pressman Ron Williams preparing a roll of newsprint

• Profitable news - Jeff Jarvis
• Crappy Newspaper Executives - Digital First
• O’Shea: CNC Suspending Publication - Chicago News
• Mediaudience Empowers Online Newspapers - PRWeb
• 2012 layoffs and buyouts at U.S. newspapers - Paper Cuts
• We've now accounted for 86% of the buyouts - Gannett Blog
• Jonathan Gold finds himself in a good spot - Kevin Roderick
• How did Packer get into Los Angeles Times’s story? - Romenesko
• Comparing the Great Recession with the Great Depression - Mark Lacter
• Des Moines Register begins search for new home - Des Moines Register

Bob Marley Movie Trailer Extended version

Marley
A Film by Kevin MacDonald
In theaters and on demand
4.20.2012



Bob Marley Movie

Services for Don Reese

In Memory of

Donald Leon Reese

May 28, 1959 - February 18, 2012

Viewing

Friday, February 24, 2012 | 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM

Rose Hills Mortuary

3888 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, California 90601 | (562)699-0921

Enter Park through Gate: 1

Driving Directions

Funeral Service

Saturday, February 25, 2012 | 01:00 PM

Rose Hills Memorial Park - Hillside Chapel (View Chapel)

3888 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, California 90601 | (562)699-0921

Enter Park through Gate: 17 | Service: Concludes At Interment Site |

Interment: Morning Glory - Morning Glory Terrace Lawn | Lot: 2818 | Grave: 4 | Enter Park through Gate: 1

Driving Directions

Don Reese Rest in Peace

(From left) Bill Conover, Terry Domingo, Edward, and Don Reese

Just heard that Brother Don Reese passed away early this morning after his long battle with cancer, may he rest in peace. I will post additional information as it becomes available.

Memorial Services for Walter Stephen Parker

Memorial Services Celebrating:

Walter Stephen Parker

Viewing Service:
Thursday, February 23, 2012
4pm-8pm
Heritage-Dilday Mortuary
17911 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, CA 92647
heritage-dildaymemorialservices.com

Memorial Service:
Friday, February 24, 2012
11:00am
First Christian Church Auditorium
1207 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
www.fcchb.com

**If you are sending flowers, please have them delivered to Heritage-Dilday Mortuary on Thursday, Feb 23rd.
**Care of donations, please send to Lori Zaccari (Steve's daughter) at 1829 Kemper Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705

Winning at the Race of Life

By Janeen Ferdinand

The need is great in America and in our own backyard. Together we can make a difference in our communities. For a year we've been going to skid row in Los Angeles, just blocks from those beautiful red carpet events you may see on TV! This is home to a reported 5,000 living on the streets. Last week these champions got a fresh barbecued meal, blankets, pillows, clothes, prayer, music, encouragement and most importantly, our founder Sammy Maloof is teaching them how to WIN by feeding themselves! Thanks for your prayers and support. As we go- YOU go! (photo by Ed Padgett)



The Winning at the Race of Life Truck was on the move again this past weekend. What a blessing it was to feed the hungry. We are told there are over 5,000 people living on the streets of Los Angeles alone in this challenging economy. Many of them came asking for prayer, needing a helping hand to get out of the situation they are in. Thanks to your donations we are able to bless them with fresh food, Bibles, prayer, clothes, blankets, pillows, shoes, music and encouragement. If you would like to help us continue to give, please click the "donate" button on this page (Facebook) or send your donation to Winning at the race of life, PO BOX 848, Sierra Madre, CA 91025. Thank you!

Visit Winning at the Race of Life on Facebook

Los Angeles Press Club Journo Awards

To Journalists Across Southern California:

In the face of the continuing downsizing of news rooms by newspapers and commercial
broadcast stations in 2011, journalists in Southern California produced quality
journalism and award-winning stories.

Online, reporters and editors are increasing their skills in the effective use of blogging
and the social media. "Hyperlocal" is the new buzz word.

Now the LA Press Club's 54th Annual SoCal Journalism Awards is looking for the best
journalism produced in the Southland during 2011.

"Winner of an LA Press Club Award" will add luster to any resume!

New fees and categories this year:

Lower fees for Journalists of the Year...addition of Best Print and Best Broadcast
website...and Best Videographer.

Newer categories include best news tweet or tweets, best Facebook presence, cause/
advocacy journalism and expanded opportunities to compete in student media.

And because for many journos the economy has yet to return, we’re offering a moneysaving,
early bird deadline. Enter before 5pm Wednesday, Feb.29th at a reduced rate.
Entries made after will pay a premium.

Final deadline is Friday, March 30 at 5pm.

Your entry will be once again judged by volunteer members of press clubs around the
nation.

Finalists are invited to the Awards Gala in the legendary Crystal Ballroom at the historicBiltmore Hotel in downtown L.A. on Sunday June 24 where we will be honoring Bob
Woodward and Carl Bernstein on the 40th anniversary of Watergate.

I’m looking forward to seeing you there.

Good Luck!

Will Lewis
President
Los Angeles Press Club

For entry forms and rules follow this link.

Chicago Called Most Corrupt City In Nation « CBS Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) — A former Chicago alderman turned political science professor/corruption fighter has found that Chicago is the most corrupt city in the country.

He cites data from the U.S. Department of Justice to prove his case. And, he says, Illinois is third-most corrupt state in the country.

The link below takes you to the complete article

Chicago Called Most Corrupt City In Nation « CBS Chicago

Are you ready to stop smoking?

With smoking cigarettes becoming taboo at most public places there is an alternative with Safe-Cig, an electronic cigarette that can be used everywhere but inside the cabin of a jet.

Take a look at this product that will pay for itself within weeks of the initial outlay, which omits a slight scent that is not offensive to non-smokers.

Click here to visit Safe-Cig

I'm Black - A Proclamation Of Color

I'm Black - A Proclamation Of Color - Original song written by Stan L. Turner Copyright 2011 for Black History Month with a message of UNITY among African American / Black people.



h/t Lauren Turner

Tuesday Afternoon in the Blogosphere

Rest in Peace Brother Steve Parker

Photo credit: Cesar Calderon

• SNL Mocks Newspaper Nostalgia - Julie Moos
• Organize Your Valentine’s Day - Steven Mikulan
• Newspaper apocalypse looming? - Deseret News
• World’s Best Designed Newspapers - Romenesko
• Heart of a Lion: Nelson Mandela - Electronic Village
• Anchor recovering from on-air dog bite - Gannett Blog
• Media Arrogance at its Worst - Newspaper Death Watch
• LA Times advertising for ethnic niche reporters - Kevin Roderick
• Everybody's Sucking Off The Government Teat - Advice Goddess
• LA Reporter Greg Hernandez Transitions to Gaystarnews - Richard Horgan
  

Steve Parker Rest in Peace

Sad news to report this morning, forty-four year Los Angeles Times Employee Steve Parker passed away last night after suffering a heart attack.

Steve began his four-decade newspaper career as a material handler in the shuttered Transportation Department, and transferred to the press room in 1972 and was currently still employed.

I have no further information at this time and ask if someone would forward a few photographs I can use online.

Rest in Peace Brother Parker

Services for Edward D. Padgett Sr.

Viewing Thursday 02.16.2012 4:00pm - 8:00pm

Rose Mortuary
66424 Pierson Boulevard
Desert Hot Springs, CA. 92240
760.251.7673

Funeral service Friday 02.17.2012 10:00 am

Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church

66700 Pierson Blvd
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240

(760) 329-8794

Post funeral gathering

Elks Lodge
64680 Pierson Boulevard
Desert Hot Springs, CA. 92240


Burial Monday 02.20.2012 12:00pm

Riverside National Cemetery
22495 Van Buren Boulevard
Riverside, CA 92518
Phone: (951) 653-8417

Faces of the Homeless - Skid Row Los Angeles

The term “Skid Row” derives from Seattle. Washington, where “skid roads” were the places that loggers slid their cut timber to the ports for shipment. By the 1930’s the term referred to the rundown areas of cities, characterized by bars, brothels and the like originally attracted by loggers, and began to include the presence of homeless and other extremely low income populations.

The “Skid Row” of Los Angeles is a portion of the area in downtown Los Angeles east of the Financial District and the Historic Downtown Center, partially overlaying the core of the downtown Industrial District. It is generally referred to by the City as part of the “Central City East” area, a fifty-block sector of downtown bounded by Main Street, Third Street, Alameda Street and Seventh Street, although Skid Row’s boundaries are actually somewhat fluid.

The Sammy Maloof Racing Team has been on Skid Row Los Angeles for over two years feeding the homeless, and asking for nothing in return. Three weeks ago we began asking for donations, with the sign on the water bottle "Homeless feeding the homeless", some complain with many others donating what they can.

After feeding the homeless last night we caravaned to San Julian, between 5th and 7th Streets, where the sidewalks are wall to wall tents and homeless, and the streets are carpeted with trash. Very intimidating to say the least.

Luckily the truck has a lift gate, which was positioned at it's highest level, as the masses of homeless converged upon the truck as Sammy and Janeen gave out blankets and clothes.

I captured many photographs to give you a fee for the need on Flickr.

Donations to "Winning at the Race of Life" can be mailed to:
P.O. Box 848
Sierra Madre CA 91025-0848

Or contact Janeen
(626) 292-2258
janeen@sammymaloof.com

Sammy and Jennifer Maloof

I made this homeless fellow smile when I requested his photo

Many of the homeless are very friendly

Homelessness knows no age limits

These three are always fun to see

The King and Tom stick together for safety

Edward D. Padgett Sr. Rest in Peace

Edward D. Padgett Sr. 01.12.33 - 02.09.12

My father passed away yesterday after his five year struggle with the effects of Alzheimer’s, which many have shared regarding their own experiences with their parents and grandparents.

Survived by his wife Maria Elena of fifty years, she was at his side when he passed away at the hospital.

His children; Edward, Celeste, Michael, William, and Martha.

Grandchildren; Kristine, Bryan, Lauren, Margaret, Nathan, Joanna, Michelle, Michael, Kenny, and Gabby.

Great grandchildren; David, Denise, and Bentley

Preceeded in death by his brother Boyd and Grandson Bryan

Worked as a truck driver for the Los Angeles Times from 1950 till the first of many buyouts gave him an early retirement in 1992.

Retired to Desert Hot Springs where he volunteered with the Desert Hot Spring Police Department several times per week and enjoyed hanging out at the 19th hole of the golf course within the community he lived.

Funeral arrangements pending.

Wednesday Afternoon in the Blogosphere

Nathan and Cookie are but two of the thousands living on the streets of Los Angeles.

• Homeless in Los Angeles - LA Progressive
• Dear Patch: I am not your enemy - Romenesko
• Media notes and a lady in gold - Kevin Roderick
• Buyouts offered to 665 USCP workers - Gannett Blog
• 2012 layoffs and buyouts at U.S. newspapers - Paper Cuts
• Washington Post offers buyouts for 5th time in recent years - Poynter
• San Francisco Government Wants You On Welfare - Advice Goddess
• Getting the Living Wage Message to the LA Times - Frying Pan News
• News Publishers Missing Tablet Opportunity - Newspaper Death Watch
• California’s Struggling Spanish-Language Weeklies - Matthew Fleischer

Happy Earthday: Bob Marley (1945-1981)

Bob Marley was born on this date (February 6) in 1945. He was a Jamaican singer and songwriter whose name more than anyone represents reggae music, the tenets of Rastafarianism, and the struggle of the economically and politically oppressed. [SOURCE]



One love, One heart
Let's get together and feel all right
Hear the children crying (One Love)
Hear the children crying (One Heart)
Sayin' give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right
Sayin' let's get together and feel all right

Let them all pass all their dirty remarks (One Love)
There is one question I'd really love to ask (One Heart)
Is there a place for the hopeless sinner
Who has hurt all mankind just to save his own?
Believe me

One Love, One Heart
Let's get together and feel all right
As it was in the beginning (One Love)
So shall it be in the end (One Heart)
Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right
One more thing

Let's get together to fight this Holy Armageddon (One Love)
So when the Man comes there will be no no doom (One Song)
Have pity on those whose chances grove thinner
There ain't no hiding place from the Father of Creation

Sayin' One Love, One Heart
Let's get together and feel all right
I'm pleading to mankind (One Love)
Oh Lord (One Heart)

Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right
Let's get together and feel all right


h/t Electronic Village and Leimert Park

Monday Morning in the Blogosphere

The Union Station Clock Tower Los Angeles

• Big redesign is prelude of more to come - Gannett Blog
• Chicago Tribune Pulled Friday’s ‘Doonesbury’ - Romenesko
• Happy Birthday: Bob Marley (1945-1981) - Electronic Village
• Defending Workers Against Discipline - Broadcast Union News
• Newspaper's duty to question on behalf of its readers - Courier Mail
• Sacramento Bee fires Bryan Patrick for photo manipulation - Poynter
• Will relationship building cost newspapers too much? - Econsultancy
• Lee Enterprises updates annual report to reflect refinancing - Reuters
• Old Newspapers Give Santa Monica Museum View of the Past - Lookout
• LAT Reporter Laughs Off Nevada Caucus ‘Spy’ Mix-Up - Richard Horgan

Photos from Skid Row Los Angeles

Every Sunday before we setup the tables and grill to feed the homeless in front of Lamp Village (527 Crocker Street) I plan to capture the homeless plight of Skid Row Los Angeles through pictures. The homeless of Los Angeles come from every walk of life and have ended up on the streets for several different reasons, getting off the streets is no easy task.

Besides giving away cheeseburgers we also hand out blankets and shoes, what is trash to you and I is a treasure to many whom have absolutely no personal belongings.

Donations to Winning at the Race of Life can be mailed to:
P.O. Box 848
Sierra Madre CA 91025-0848

Or contact Janeen
(626) 292-2258
janeen@sammymaloof.com

Los Angeles Times Union Meeting Feb. 20th

Our next General Meeting is scheduled for Monday February 20, 2012 at 2:00pm.
We will hold our meeting once again at Crowne Plaza Commerce Casino.

There is plenty to discuss including upcoming nominations and elections for Local 140n Officer, Executive Board member positions and shop stewards.

Only members can nominate, accept a nomination or vote in Local Elections. Beck Objectors waive their right to participate in Local Elections.

I look forward to a well attended meeting.

Executive Board Meeting to be held 1 hour before general meeting. All Board Members are encouraged to attend and be prompt.

Fraternally,
Ronnie Pineda,
President,
GCC/IBT Local 140-N

Thursday Afternoon in the Blogosphere

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Anthony Asadullah Samad at the Los Angeles Press Club a few weeks ago. Dr. Samad was my professor of African-American Studies at East Los Angeles College

• NY Times profit falls as ad revenue shrinks‎ - Reuters
• An Evening with the Onion brings peals of laughter - KSC
• Local newspaper deliveries reduced this week - WZZM 13
• Brother and sister launch own newspaper - Ayrshire Post
• Newspapers should not be tossed aside - The Parthenon
• Suffolk Journal apologizes for profane headline - Romenesko
• Big squeeze as rising newsprint costs hit papers - Irish Times
• Reader happy with newspaper coverage - Arizona Silver Belt
• Newt Gingrich and What Black People Need - Anthony Samad
• Police Arrest 2 in shooting at Bee newspaper carriers - Sac-Bee

Klan Bombing of Birmingham Church 1963

Haven to the South's most violent Ku Klux Klan chapter, Birmingham was probably the most segregated city in the country. Dozens of unsolved bombings and police killings had terrorized the black community since World War II.

On Sunday, 15th September, 1963, a white man was seen getting out of a white and turquoise Chevrolet car and placing a box under the steps of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. Soon afterwards, at 10.22 a.m., the bomb exploded killing Denise McNair (11), Addie Mae Collins (14), Carole Robertson (14) and Cynthia Wesley (14). The four girls had been attending Sunday school classes at the church. Twenty-three other people were also hurt by the blast.

Birmingham, Alabama, and the Civil Rights Movement in 1963 http://ow.ly/q8bG

Media Bistro Party at the Falcon

Last night in Hollywood Media Bistro held a party at The Falcon, which attracted many from different areas of the media. I was hoping to see Pandora Young and Matthew Fleischer, from Fishbowl L.A. at the party, but unfortunately they couldn’t make it last night.

As I chatted with Joseph Mailander and David Resin a young fellow approached and mentioned he had a problem, the photographer couldn’t make the event, and would I take a few photos. Naturally I agreed to help out and captured two-dozen pictures of the event, which will appear online soon.

It was another fun filled event that I hope is repeated very soon in the near future.

Wednesday Night in the Blogosphere

My Los Angeles Times and the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the SGV Tribune
is the larger of the two newspapers.

• Welfare Drug Testing Bill Withdrawn - Huff Post
• It's not the medium - it's the market - Robert Niles
• AP lets 10 staffers go in restructuring - Romenesko
• LAT Loses Its Chief Revenue Officer - Richard Horgan
• Johnston Press to end Yorkshire Post printing in Leeds - BBC
• Gannett Q4 profit falls by a third, revenue down - Gannett Blog
• More People are Visiting Newspaper Websites - Fishbowl NY
• Dean Singleton in newspaper Hall of Fame - Fort Morgan Times
• NYT offers $100 off Nook e-readers to 1-year subscribers - Poynter
• Job Cuts Are Sad, But That's 2012 Newspaper Reality - Paid Content

The Wrinkles Of The City, Los Angeles by JR

h/t Andy Sternberg

February is African-American History Month

Black History Month was begun as Negro History Week by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. His goal was to educate the American people about African-American history, focusing on African Americans' cultural backgrounds and reputable achievements.

The following letter is from Jourdon Anderson to his former master Colonel P.H. Anderson. The letter's date is post Civil War and is in reply to the Colonel's letter requesting Mr. Anderson return to work his land. Mr. Anderson's response is rather funny and I'm certain you will read all the way through.

LETTER FROM A FREEDMAN TO HIS OLD MASTER.

[Written just as he dictated it.]
Dayton, Ohio, August 7, 1865.
To my old Master, Colonel P. H. Anderson, Big Spring, Tennessee.


Sir: I got your letter, and was glad to find that you had not forgotten Jourdon, and that you wanted me to come back and live with you again, promising to do better for me than anybody else can. I have often felt uneasy about you. I thought the Yankees would have hung you long before this, for harboring Rebs they found at your house. I suppose they never heard about your going to Colonel Martin's to kill the Union soldier that was left by his company in their stable. Although you shot at me twice before I left you, I did not want to hear of your being hurt, and am glad you are still living. It would do me good to go back to the dear old home again, and see Miss Mary and Miss Martha and Allen, Esther, Green, and Lee. Give my love to them all, and tell them I hope we will meet in the better world, if not in this. I would have gone back to see you all when I was working in the Nashville Hospital, but one of the neighbors told me that Henry intended to shoot me if he ever got a chance.

I want to know particularly what the good chance is you propose to give me. I am doing tolerably well here. I get twenty-five dollars a month, with victuals and clothing; have a comfortable home for Mandy,—the folks call her Mrs. Anderson,—and the children—Milly, Jane, and Grundy—go to school and are learning well. The teacher says Grundy has a head for a preacher. They go to Sunday school, and Mandy and me attend church regularly. We are kindly treated. Sometimes we overhear others saying, "Them colored people were slaves" down in Tennessee. The children feel hurt when they hear such remarks; but I tell them it was no disgrace in Tennessee to belong to Colonel Anderson. Many darkeys would have been proud, as I used to be, to call you master. Now if you will write and say what wages you will give me, I will be better able to decide whether it would be to my advantage to move back again.

As to my freedom, which you say I can have, there is nothing to be gained on that score, as I got my free papers in 1864 from the Provost-Marshal-General of the Department of Nashville. Mandy says she would be afraid to go back without some proof that you were disposed to treat us justly and kindly; and we have concluded to test your sincerity by asking you to send us our wages for the time we served you. This will make us forget and forgive old scores, and rely on your justice and friendship in the future. I served you faithfully for thirty-two years, and Mandy twenty years. At twenty-five dollars a month for me, and two dollars a week for Mandy, our earnings would amount to eleven thousand six hundred and eighty dollars. Add to this the interest for the time our wages have been kept back, and deduct what you paid for our clothing, and three doctor's visits to me, and pulling a tooth for Mandy, and the balance will show what we are in justice entitled to. Please send the money by Adams's Express, in care of V. Winters, Esq., Dayton, Ohio. If you fail to pay us for faithful labors in the past, we can have little faith in your promises in the future. We trust the good Maker has opened your eyes to the wrongs which you and your fathers have done to me and my fathers, in making us toil for you for generations without recompense. Here I draw my wages every Saturday night; but in Tennessee there was never any pay-day for the negroes any more than for the horses and cows. Surely there will be a day of reckoning for those who defraud the laborer of his hire.

In answering this letter, please state if there would be any safety for my Milly and Jane, who are now grown up, and both good-looking girls. You know how it was with poor Matilda and Catherine. I would rather stay here and starve—and die, if it come to that—than have my girls brought to shame by the violence and wickedness of their young masters. You will also please state if there has been any schools opened for the colored children in your neighborhood. The great desire of my life now is to give my children an education, and have them form virtuous habits.

Say howdy to George Carter, and thank him for taking the pistol from you when you were shooting at me.


From your old servant,

Jourdon Anderson.