The Kitchen Dispatch: Taliban Commander Calls It A Crime

The late British Surgeon, Massacred by the Taliban, Dr. Karen Woo

From the post: "Make of it (the apology) what you will."
Read the rest of it at: The Kitchen Dispatch

Thought For Today 8-31-2010

We need to find the courage to say NO to the things and people that are not serving us if we want to rediscover ourselves and live our lives with authenticity.

Barbara De Angelis

Thought For Today 8-30-2010

Knowledge of what is possible is the beginning of happiness.

George Santayana

Screw History: Getting Rid Of The Mental Health Stigma (useful links included).

"We have to get rid of the stigma because it's killing us as a society. The stigma drives people to self-ridicule, separation, doubt, and causes both victims and family members to slip into a trough of depression. From there, the damage begins. "

Read more about how to help veterans at The Kitchen Dispatch

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Tribune Company Announces 2010 Financial Highlights

Consolidated Operating Cash Flow Up 44% Through July

Tribune Company today announced financial highlights for the first seven months of 2010.*

“We are making solid financial progress,” said Randy Michaels, Tribune’s chief executive officer. “Despite the noise surrounding our Chapter 11 process and a tough economic environment, we have not only stabilized our business, but in 2010 we have grown operating cash flow—and we’re really just getting started.”

Other financial highlights for the seven-month period ending August 1, 2010:

• Operating cash flow increased substantially in both publishing and broadcasting compared to the same period in 2009.
• The company generated approximately $100 million more in consolidated operating cash flow compared to the same period last year, and in the month of July alone, generated $18 million more in consolidated operating cash flow compared to July 2009.
• Consolidated operating cash flow increased 44% and consolidated operating cash flow margin increased to 18% from 12% for the first seven months of 2009.
  

“We continue transforming Tribune from a collection of media businesses to a single media company,” said Michaels. “Working together enables us to continue leveraging the development of scalable, common systems throughout the company, which is the primary factor behind our ability to reduce expenses. Consolidated cash operating expenses were down 7 percent through July, 2010.”

The company’s cable network, WGN America, is more profitable than it has ever been, thanks to new programming, a 25% increase in ratings among all adults, and strong upfront advertising sales. Next month the network will add “Entourage,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” and ‘How I Met Your Mother” to its programming line-up.

The company’s television group has added more than 130 hours per week of local news programming since 2008, and later this fall will broadcast a total of eight NFL football games in select markets.

On the publishing side, the company has launched “breaking news” centers in each of its markets, introduced new niche print products and expects to have slowed the trend of circulation declines at its newspapers when it reports results to the Audit Bureau of Circulations in September.

“Our employees have done an incredible job,” said Michaels. “They are talented, innovative, and dedicated to serving our readers, viewers, advertisers and communities. We have built some momentum and accomplished a lot, but there is much more to do.”

Later today, Tribune will file its monthly operating report for July 2010 with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The report will reflect that the company has approximately $1.6 billion in cash on hand.

###

*Tribune Company and its subsidiaries maintain their financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”); however, the information included herein is preliminary and includes some non‐GAAP financial measures.

The Company uses cash operating expenses and operating cash flow to evaluate internal performance. “Cash operating expenses” are defined as operating expenses before depreciation and amortization, write‐downs of intangible assets, stock‐based compensation, certain special items including severance, non‐operating items, and reorganization costs. “Operating cash flow” is defined as earnings before interest and dividend income, interest expense, equity income and losses, depreciation and amortization, write‐downs of intangible assets, stock‐based compensation, certain special items including severance, non‐operating items, and reorganization costs. Cash operating expenses and operating cash flow are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Friday Morning in the Blogosphere

While visiting Washington State, where everything grows like weeds due to the

constant drizzle, I toured a marijuana farm.

• Michael Eisner To Replace Sam Zell - Nikki Finke
• News Corp-ification of the L.A. Times - Gary Scott
• Major Layoffs On the Way At USA Today - Fishbowl LA
• Call him Gustavo Arellano, managing editor - Kevin Roderick
• Tribune Meets Lenders Opposing Bankruptcy Plan - Bloomberg
• Tribune Co. Reports $3 Billion Loss to Date - Editor & Publisher
• Tribune Co. court Michael Eisner for top job - Los Angeles Times
• Tribune Co. to file revised restructuring plan - Los Angeles Times
• Tribune Says Operating Cash Flow Rises 44% - Wall Street Journal
• Tribune May Still Be Bankrupt, But It Has $1.6 Billion In Cash - Paid Content

Save Our Trade: Phillip Mulligan Serves Teamster Homeowners

Recently many Union Members have expressed an interest in discussing the various options available to deal with the financial difficulties of home mortgages during these unprecedented times.

This Project is dedicated to help relieve some the grinding financial stress of home mortgages that is literally destroying homes and families throughout the USA. Fellow Teamster Phil Mulligan is a representative of America Back On Track Inc. He has arranged a special outreach of his company's distressed homeowner services to Teamsters who are struggling with their mortgage payments, or who are facing foreclosure, or are in foreclosure.

You don't have to be told how financially tough these times have been, and continue to be. There are Teamster Brothers and Sisters who have been under-employed, irregularly employed, or just flat unemployed !

America Back On Track Inc. is a company that is focused on helping homeowners deal with the financial problems caused by the loss of a steady paycheck, or a change in their mortgage terms. They have the resources to help even the most difficult situations facing homeowners, Including....



COMPLETELY STOPPING FORECLOSURE.... PERMANENTLY !


Insane government money policies have made it increasingly difficult for homeowners to keep up their mortgage payments. Foreclosures by the big money lenders are up 43% over last year. Tens of thousands of people have already lost their homes. Now they’re coming after yours. If you really want to get a good idea of how crazy and unfair Banking practices are.... Please watch the video at the following link :
http://www.youtube.com/fiercefreeleancer

We don't know exactly how those of you who are struggling with mortgage payments, or are facing possible foreclosure got to this point. One thing is certain. You didn't get there all by yourself. Reduced wages, and high taxes have eaten away a good portion of your income. Inflation has eaten up even more. They've been taking advantage of you, and what you're left with right now just isn't enough to make ends meet.


The banks have had their bail-outs and other forms of taxpayer subsidies because they are "Too Big To Fail"..... You Are Not ! You need to get out of this mess. Timing is critical. The longer you wait, the worse it will get. Your bank or mortgage company is interested in only one thing.... the money you owe them.

But you don't have to take this lying down ! There is a way to fight back ! 80% of all loans from 2000-2007 have significant violations of Federal Law. One of the few ways to level the playing field is through the America Back On Track, Inc. foreclosure relief system, which includes among other strategies, challenging these violations.

All banks have a battery of high priced lawyers on the payroll, ready to take your home through foreclosure. The government has made it financially attractive to do so. Do you really think banks are going to cut your loan principal and modify your loan without a compelling reason? (You don't have to respond to that - we already know the answer).

Your only real hope is to use a method that exposes your banks violations of law and put their feet to the fire. Any other way is simply NOT GOING TO WORK, and now you know why. Banks simply make more money by foreclosing on you. Doesn't it make sense to check your loan for Federal or State Violations?

Phil, or one of his team will individually consult with any Teamster who is interested in discussing ways to reduce or possibly even eliminate their mortgage payments. How to avoid foreclosure, even if you are seriously behind in your payments. How to stay in your home and not be forced into a short sale or foreclosure sale.

Every situation is unique. Some of you might have heard about, or even tried (and failed)

1 A short sale ( a lot of work, pays 3% commission, bank controlled)
2 A loan modification (these are bank controlled payment arrangements)
3 Forbearance (another bank controlled payment arrangement)
4 Strategic foreclosure (keys for cash, give the house back or quit)
5 BANKRUPTCY (long term negative for a short term positive)


HOWEVER THIS IS NOT WHAT AMERICA BACK ON TRACK, INC DOES !

We stop the sale !

No bankruptcy !

No lender approval involved !

We take them out of the picture !

We tie their hands and get them out of you life !

The end game is to force the banks negotiate. Our goal is to negotiate, to get the house at current market value.

GET THE DETAILS AND SPECIAL OFFER FOR TEAMSTERS BELOW
OR CALL PHIL MULLIGAN AT: 310-923-1924

Many plans require lender participation, have temporary benefits to homeowners, and or, provide a single line of defense against the banks. Banks are well funded and resourceful, and much attention to detail is needed when searching for a good defense against these people.

America Back On Track, Inc. uses multiple defensive strategies. This plan is an administrative process that uses contractual law to simplify foreclosure defense. As such, it requires:

NO bankruptcy

NO modification

NO sale

NO lawyers

NO job needed

NO credit requirements

NO problem owing more than house is worth


WE STOP THE SALE AND FORECLOSURE COLD

WE USE A TRUST. Trusts are used by banks and the wealthy. Some trusts are hundreds of years old. These are powerful tools allowing for jurisdiction changes and challenges from beneficiaries. Remember Leona Helmsley... her dogs inherited her estate as beneficiaries !

WE REQUEST A PROMISSORY NOTE (The document the homeowner signs). Most lenders or servicers cannot even produce one !

WE VERIFY THE TRUSTEE. We make sure the trustee is licensed in this state.

If not we get him fired !

WE VERIFY THE LENDERS CORPORATE CHARTER

Are they licensed to do business in this state?

Are they in the loan business ?

WE DO A COMPLETE FORENSIC LOAN AUDIT

Each violation is challenged and the lender is required to respond. Using contractual law each request has to be responded to in writing in a specific time frame.

This is how you beat bankers. Flood them with a legitimate law abiding process. These are just a few of more than forty strategies we can use in our process. IT WORKS ! This is the one . All the other plans have lost homes


WE HAVE NEVER LOST A HOME TO FORECLOSURE !

Qualifying factors for Union Members :
First month payment is $ 3,500, or your regular payment, whichever is greater

Your subsequent payments are 1/2 of your regular payment, recurring month to month for 8 to 24 months.... a minimum of $ 1,500/month

FEES COLLECTED WILL CREATE AND MAINTAIN A FAMILY TRUST USED TO PROTECT YOUR HOME

CALL PHIL FOR A NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION AT: 310-923-1924
OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE BELOW AND ENTER THE DETAILS OF YOUR SITUATION FOR PHIL TO REVIEW, AND HE OR ONE OF HIS TEAM WILL GET BACK WITHIN 24 HRS WITH A PLAN FOR YOU


http://ontrack.realturf.com/


Disclaimer: Posted as a courtesy to Brother Phillip Mulligan. Saveourtrade is not responsible for claims made in this advertisement and recommends consulting your Financial Advisor for aditional information.

Save Our Trade: Phillip Mulligan Serves Teamster Homeowners

Thought For Today 8-27-2010

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.

- Brian Tracy

Thought For Today 8-26-2010

I don't believe you have to be better than everybody else. I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be.

Ken Venturi

Victor Davis Hanson asks the real question

Is Everyone A Bigot?

"Anti-Hispanic, anti-gay, anti-Muslim, anti-black — it is hard to keep track of all the recent allegations of bigotry. "

Click the link above to read the rest of the column.

Thought For Today 8-25-2010

Celebrate what you've accomplished, but raise the bar a little higher each time you succeed.

Mia Hamm

Thought For Today 8-24-2010

"Energy and enthusiasm make just about anybody fascinating."
Add concern for others, and you're pretty much unstoppable.

The Kitchen Dispatch: "Right Wing Extremists" Party. Visit Code Pink. Wonder --Is Jerry Brown The New Pink?

Update: We've been made aware that the original photo shared here and pictured on Jim Hanson's post on the Big Peace blog is a fraud. So we've updated the original post about Jerry Brown's fundraiser at Code Pink with video footage of them branding those who serve as "war criminals." Note that Code Pink has done enough nefarious things not to need doctored photos, and so we've shared few of them in the below article (follow the link). While there is the right to express our opinion, when it comes to attacking the men and women who serve, I feel compelled to rush to their honor. We have had enough struggles overcoming the treatment given to Vietnam veterans, and to help this current group make progress in their own lives, taking groups like Code Pink to task for the heckling and perpetuation of stereotype is necessary.

"This includes trying to kick the Marines out of Berkeley, telling Gold Star Mom Debbie Lee that her son deserved to die, and branding Marines war criminals."

Read the rest at:
The Kitchen Dispatch: "Right Wing Extremists" Party. Visit Code Pink. Wonder --Is Jerry Brown The New Pink?

Thought For Today 8-23-2010

One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love.

Sophocles

Pink is the new Brown

We aging post-hippies love things like Photoshop. It allows us to do lots of small things in between sips of our Citrucel and feeding our cats.

Smart gal, wise alice Kate Coe points out to us that Jim Jones brought out the votes for Gov. Pinkbeam "back in the day." Pinkbeam had though Jim was a "great guy." Now, Governor Pinkbeam is intending to take money from Code Pink.

Rally for the troops today. See post below for details on why.
757 Palms Blvd, Venice Beach. Fund raiser by Code Pink for Governor Pinkbeam.

Saturday in Venice: Jerry Brown To Kick Troops In The Face

See? How pink? Cute? Think not.
Damn shame Jerry is forcing us to vote for a candidate
who didn't bother to vote for 28 years, and has all the appeal of a cold brussel sprout.

Jim Hanson has a great article up about former Governor/Mayor of Oakland/Attorney General Jerry Brown who is going to be cavorting with the nefarious harridan Jodie Evans, at a Code Pink-sponsored fundraiser this Saturday in Venice. Apparently, he needs more money to run against Meg Whitman, and doesn't mind kicking a few troops in the face in order to grab at some liberal west side money.

Read Jim's article, which also details their protests outside Walter Reed hospital when the wounded were being bused in from Iraq and Afghanistan. They jeered at the busloads of wounded.

"Perhaps their most reprehensible act was protests outside the Walter Reed Medical Center where our wounded troops were recuperating. They would gather on Friday nights to coincide with the arrival of the bus carrying our wounded just arrived from overseas. What kind of low human being does it take to attack those injured while fighting for our freedom? A Code Pinko, that’s who."

And Jim should know. He witnessed their attacks.
When it comes to the troops, there is not much difference between Code Pink and the Westboro "God Hates Fags" Baptist group.

Freedom of speech, right? But we also have the right to peacefully assemble... a counter protest in honor of our troops. Melanie Morgan, long-time foe of Code Pink is advising interested parties who support the troops tomorrow to gather outside the fundraiser. Address is at the top. Drive them nuts. Wear pink, but carry a pro-troop sign.

Dear Jerry,
The best thing you ever did was date Linda Rondstadt.
And that was one hell of a long time ago.
You really should of left it at that.
You want their tainted money, you've got it.
But guess what else?
You've already lost.

Time Clocks at the Los Angeles Times

Date: August 17, 2010
From: Chris Avetisian, CFO
Gwen Murakami, SVP Administration
Subject: KRONOS – new time and attendance system
To: All LATMG employees

Here’s the first of several communication steps we will be taking to explain those black boxes that have been installed in our buildings. Tribune has initiated several technology projects to improve the efficiencies of many business processes and the new web-based KRONOS time and attendance system is one of them. KRONOS will replace our current time entry system that provides data for our paychecks every two weeks. The black boxes are time clocks which will be one way that employees will be able to report their time; online reporting is another way.

Because accurate paychecks are important to everyone, we want to be sure that we transition to KRONOS in the best way possible. Next month, we’ll provide training to managers/supervisors as well as to employees in each department, so you’ll be very familiar with the new process when we “go live”. We know that you have a lot of questions and we’ll be sure to address all of them in the upcoming training sessions.

Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks.

Tribune execs' bankruptcy proceedings update

8/20/2010 2:39:25 PM

Memo to Tribune employees

From: Tribune Communications
Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 12:55 PM
Subject: Message from Randy and Gerry/Chapter 11 Developments

Today we informed the U.S. Bankruptcy Court overseeing our Chapter 11 filing that we intend to file amendments to our plan of restructuring by next Friday, Aug. 27th. We'll also be filing a supplemental disclosure statement and a motion about procedures related to voting on the plan, and it appears that our confirmation hearing may be rescheduled to Nov. 8th.

This process is moving more slowly and has become noisier than we had hoped. In spite of the noise, you are performing exceptionally. As the Chapter 11 process moves forward, we must continue to focus on our business and our mission to provide outstanding service to our customers, advertisers and communities. Next week, we'll file our monthly operating report for July and once again, our financial results will be strong. All of our media businesses are profitable, and our creditors recognize how well we are performing. We're delivering new, creative products to the market, transforming our business, and operating more efficiently. Our strongest asset is you, and the fine work you are doing.

Thank you -- for your creativity, your innovation, your dedication. We've done a lot. We have a lot more to do. Don’t get distracted. We're on a roll, and we aren't going to slow down. Let's go!

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

SOURCE: Poynter Online

Friday Afternoon in the Blogosphere

GCC/IBT Local 140-N President Ronnie Pineda with daughter Stephanee

• While children die - Los Angeles Times
• Tribune Bankruptcy Settlement Falls Apart - WBEZ
• What's Next, Going After A Strip Club? - Advice Goddess
• Tribune to Amend Reorganization Plan - Wall Street Journal
• Tribune Co.'s proposed bankruptcy settlement falls apart - LAT
• LA Weekly's Mike Penner, Christine Daniels Profile - Tina Dupuy
• Tribune Co. says bankruptcy negotiations have failed - Sun-Times
• Tribune Bankruptcy Plan Forced Back To Square One - Paid Content
• Tribune bankruptcy talks break down as key players flee - Kevin Roderick
• 25% of Americans “Confident” in Newspapers - Newspaper Death Watch