Hate to do the I beat the Journal thing, but 16 hours after I posted the news, the Flint Journal put up a story about the changing of the guard at the paper.
Here's the link:
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/01/john_foren_named_editor_of_the.html
I noticed there was no mention of his current residency in the announcement. In case anyone wants to know it's in a Lansing suburb.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Can you say Peter Principle?
Just when you think that maybe, just maybe, someone at Booth or Newhouse would seek a new vision or new leadership, they prove that they are nothing, if not suicidal. And just when I said things had become suddenly quiet over there.
So the word is out that the current local news editor, affectionately known here as the editor-in-charge-of-corrections, has been elevated to the top Editor spot in the newsroom to replace the former captain of the Titanic.
And just for the record, I don't have anything personal against either of these men - and that's also the operative word here, men - it's just that between the two they have provided perhaps the poorest, most incompetent leadership of the Flint Journal in its history.
At times, I've shared a laugh or two with the new editor of the paper, but his skills at handling people and news are laughable. For Booth or Newhouse to believe this is the way out of the abyss is equally funny. For one thing, he lives in a suburb of Lansing with his very nice family and has for his entire career as an editor of the Flint Journal.
I wonder if the promotion comes with a push for him to finally move into the subscription area of the Flint Journal. It was always laughable when he commissioned stories on the residency of police officers and teachers when he himself not only lived in a different area code, but many, many miles outside the Journal's subscription area.
This is a guy who covered politics, and nothing else, early in his career and who has so little understanding of breaking news and how it needs to be covered that it was painful to those of us who did.
This just makes it plain that Booth is not really interested in surviving the long term.
There's a cliche that says when you're in a hole the first thing you should do is to "stop digging."
Booth just brought in a backhoe.
So the word is out that the current local news editor, affectionately known here as the editor-in-charge-of-corrections, has been elevated to the top Editor spot in the newsroom to replace the former captain of the Titanic.
And just for the record, I don't have anything personal against either of these men - and that's also the operative word here, men - it's just that between the two they have provided perhaps the poorest, most incompetent leadership of the Flint Journal in its history.
At times, I've shared a laugh or two with the new editor of the paper, but his skills at handling people and news are laughable. For Booth or Newhouse to believe this is the way out of the abyss is equally funny. For one thing, he lives in a suburb of Lansing with his very nice family and has for his entire career as an editor of the Flint Journal.
I wonder if the promotion comes with a push for him to finally move into the subscription area of the Flint Journal. It was always laughable when he commissioned stories on the residency of police officers and teachers when he himself not only lived in a different area code, but many, many miles outside the Journal's subscription area.
This is a guy who covered politics, and nothing else, early in his career and who has so little understanding of breaking news and how it needs to be covered that it was painful to those of us who did.
This just makes it plain that Booth is not really interested in surviving the long term.
There's a cliche that says when you're in a hole the first thing you should do is to "stop digging."
Booth just brought in a backhoe.
Gloom and doom
If you love newspapers and want them to succeed you may want to skip this story:
http://www.247wallst.com/2009/01/twelve-major-me.html
Source: Newspaper Death Watch
http://www.247wallst.com/2009/01/twelve-major-me.html
Source: Newspaper Death Watch
All's Quiet on the FJ front
It used to bug me when people would say, "no news is good news."
Well, when you are a newspaper reporter, not so much. But things are unusually quiet on the Booth front and frankly I haven't had time to shake the tree much.
What I do know is that one or two more people have been called aside and encouraged to lighten Booth's wallet by taking the buyout. The final date (or at least the latest final date) for those considering the buyout to sign on the dotted line is Friday.
Because of some pressing family health issues in Buffalo, my wife and I will be heading there for the weekend and so blogging will be sporadic between now and then.
So sorry about the dearth of news. Feel free to visit the links to the right as those folks are pretty regular about putting up news about the news business.
And, of course, if you have some information feel free to e-mail me at: jlsmediaservices (at) gmail (dot) com. Only use the symbols. Duuuuh!
If you are interested I added the obituary I wrote for my brother to the entry below where I announced his death. And again, thanks to all of you who have contacted me on - and off - line to express your concern and sympathy. It is very much appreciated and at some point I will try to respond to them all.
Well, when you are a newspaper reporter, not so much. But things are unusually quiet on the Booth front and frankly I haven't had time to shake the tree much.
What I do know is that one or two more people have been called aside and encouraged to lighten Booth's wallet by taking the buyout. The final date (or at least the latest final date) for those considering the buyout to sign on the dotted line is Friday.
Because of some pressing family health issues in Buffalo, my wife and I will be heading there for the weekend and so blogging will be sporadic between now and then.
So sorry about the dearth of news. Feel free to visit the links to the right as those folks are pretty regular about putting up news about the news business.
And, of course, if you have some information feel free to e-mail me at: jlsmediaservices (at) gmail (dot) com. Only use the symbols. Duuuuh!
If you are interested I added the obituary I wrote for my brother to the entry below where I announced his death. And again, thanks to all of you who have contacted me on - and off - line to express your concern and sympathy. It is very much appreciated and at some point I will try to respond to them all.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Good dog, needs a good home - update Home Found!
January 11 - Home Found!
In the current economy many folks are just leaving behind or turning loose animals they can no longer afford or care for. That is pretty sad, but to prove how ecletic this blog is I am posting this short article and picture to hopefully help a friend and a dog who showed up on her property the Saturday after Christmas.
In the current economy many folks are just leaving behind or turning loose animals they can no longer afford or care for. That is pretty sad, but to prove how ecletic this blog is I am posting this short article and picture to hopefully help a friend and a dog who showed up on her property the Saturday after Christmas.Initially my friend turned the dog into the Animal Shelter, but no one came to claim him, so she reclaimed him before it was time for the evil deed to be done.
Here, in my friend Tracie's own words, is the information on the dog:
"He’s a husky/chow mix. He’s got a husky coat, with the chow coloring and black tongue. He’s good with kids and normal dogs (he’s not wild about my spastic young male husky, and I can’t blame him). My Kodi is constantly in his face being a pain in the butt. I’ve been calling him Teddy Bear because of his beautiful reddish coat. He gets along well with my female husky who is calmer. He is neutered and well mannered. He knows sit, stay, shake, lay down. He is housetrained and likes to have a crate to lay in. He’s very comfortable laying on the floor at your feet. He’s obviously a wanderer, so he would need some sort of containment. Either in the house, cable system or fenced yard (I use a wireless fence for my huskies). I had my vet check him out and he is heartworm and parasite negative. She feels he is around 5-6 years old. I also took him to the doggie spa and got him all shined up.
You can put my email: huskywalkr@gmail.com and my phone 810-441-5819."
"He’s a husky/chow mix. He’s got a husky coat, with the chow coloring and black tongue. He’s good with kids and normal dogs (he’s not wild about my spastic young male husky, and I can’t blame him). My Kodi is constantly in his face being a pain in the butt. I’ve been calling him Teddy Bear because of his beautiful reddish coat. He gets along well with my female husky who is calmer. He is neutered and well mannered. He knows sit, stay, shake, lay down. He is housetrained and likes to have a crate to lay in. He’s very comfortable laying on the floor at your feet. He’s obviously a wanderer, so he would need some sort of containment. Either in the house, cable system or fenced yard (I use a wireless fence for my huskies). I had my vet check him out and he is heartworm and parasite negative. She feels he is around 5-6 years old. I also took him to the doggie spa and got him all shined up.
You can put my email: huskywalkr@gmail.com and my phone 810-441-5819."
If we weren't tied up with family and traveling issues, I would think about it, but it simply is not in the cards for now or in the forseeable future, but maybe one of the readers of this blog is looking for a decent dog with all the hard training work already done.
Margaritaville, Margaritaville
While I was away, a loyal FFE reader sent me a note that the Flint Journal published the exact same story and exact same photo of Jimmy Buffet in separate sections of the Journal on the same day over the past weekend.
By the time I arrived home the dead tree versions of the FJ had been recycled so I did not personally see this. But I know of at least one Parrot Head at the Journal so, who knows?
And just to show I'm not anti-Jimmy Buffet (I went to his show back in the old Pine Knob Days with the resident Flint Journal Parrot Head) here is the Buffet performance on "The Today Show" a couple years ago.
By the time I arrived home the dead tree versions of the FJ had been recycled so I did not personally see this. But I know of at least one Parrot Head at the Journal so, who knows?
And just to show I'm not anti-Jimmy Buffet (I went to his show back in the old Pine Knob Days with the resident Flint Journal Parrot Head) here is the Buffet performance on "The Today Show" a couple years ago.
Central copy desk now not a certainty
Word is that the owners of Booth are not yet sold on the idea of a central copy desk for all the State's newspapers located out of Grand Rapids.
The cost saving measure to reduce and consolidate copy desk functions was perhaps the most confusing part of the Booth rescue plan.
Now word is that the Flint Journal (and presumably the other Booth properties) are being asked to craft proposals on how they would continue local copy editing functions with the personnel that remains after the buyouts.
Of course, a number of local copy desk folks have already accepted the buyouts after this word came down so one has to wonder if that was intentional or simply coincidental. This has all the appearance of a beached whale trying to find its way back to the ocean.
It is simply hard to imagine the lack of foresight and leadership in a business that so sorely needs it now. And yet, those in charge find a home for those most incompetent folks in the future leadership.
The cost saving measure to reduce and consolidate copy desk functions was perhaps the most confusing part of the Booth rescue plan.
Now word is that the Flint Journal (and presumably the other Booth properties) are being asked to craft proposals on how they would continue local copy editing functions with the personnel that remains after the buyouts.
Of course, a number of local copy desk folks have already accepted the buyouts after this word came down so one has to wonder if that was intentional or simply coincidental. This has all the appearance of a beached whale trying to find its way back to the ocean.
It is simply hard to imagine the lack of foresight and leadership in a business that so sorely needs it now. And yet, those in charge find a home for those most incompetent folks in the future leadership.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Too true, so sad
Here are links to two very funny journalism related cartoon panels:
http://www.arcamax.com/mothergooseandgrimm/s-470750-695411
http://www.gocomics.com/nonsequitur/2009/01/06/?campid=0&ssns=9&
http://www.arcamax.com/mothergooseandgrimm/s-470750-695411
http://www.gocomics.com/nonsequitur/2009/01/06/?campid=0&ssns=9&
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
More self-inflicted journalism wounds
Then there's this decision by the Atlanta Journal and Constitution.
http://www.theledger.com/article/20090104/COLUMNISTS/901040311?Title=Cuts_Dry_Up_Dixie_s_Dew___and_News
http://www.theledger.com/article/20090104/COLUMNISTS/901040311?Title=Cuts_Dry_Up_Dixie_s_Dew___and_News
More Oakland Press short cuts
From a reliable Oakland Press source.
Want to get your story or better yet a free advertisement in the Oakland Press?
Here's how; You don't need to be a good writer or photographer.
There are two ways to get free "ink." First, and the easiest, is to just send a fax or email to the editor or city editor. Outline what you want covered. ie; say you have a new business,? it need not be new, just say so.
A used dress shop, a hamburger joint that is cerebrating its first year in business, or say a barber that is retiring after a decade in the same location. All of that is ok, just outline it and almost without a problem a reporter ( or one of the new unpaid "citizen reporters") will take a picture and give a non-factual, one-sided glowing coverage of a story that only you care about.
If you're able this works even better: Supply a decent photograph and a story telling how great your business is. Look! It's done every day in the Oakland Press. If you are in public relations and need to give your client a boost just e-mail your story, all packaged-up to the Oakland Press and, Bingo! there it is on the front page. News content is not a requirement.
Just fill space. Good luck, but you will not need much to be a hero to your company. 'Almost forgot, if your retiring from any job for any amount of years it almost a given you will get a story published. Just ask.
Catpaws.
Don't blame the lower editors for this one either. They are very short staffed and the leadership basically believes that it doesn't matter what you put in the blank space around the ads.
I once worked as an editor for the Ingham County News and a business owner called me to say if we would do an article, he would buy an ad. "Now," I told him, "would you want to read a newspaper filled with gratuitous articles like that?" He admitted he would not. I convinced him that a good readable newspaper, filled with articles people actually wanted to read would be the best way to make his ad work. Don't remember if he bought an ad, but we did not do the story.
Want to get your story or better yet a free advertisement in the Oakland Press?
Here's how; You don't need to be a good writer or photographer.
There are two ways to get free "ink." First, and the easiest, is to just send a fax or email to the editor or city editor. Outline what you want covered. ie; say you have a new business,? it need not be new, just say so.
A used dress shop, a hamburger joint that is cerebrating its first year in business, or say a barber that is retiring after a decade in the same location. All of that is ok, just outline it and almost without a problem a reporter ( or one of the new unpaid "citizen reporters") will take a picture and give a non-factual, one-sided glowing coverage of a story that only you care about.
If you're able this works even better: Supply a decent photograph and a story telling how great your business is. Look! It's done every day in the Oakland Press. If you are in public relations and need to give your client a boost just e-mail your story, all packaged-up to the Oakland Press and, Bingo! there it is on the front page. News content is not a requirement.
Just fill space. Good luck, but you will not need much to be a hero to your company. 'Almost forgot, if your retiring from any job for any amount of years it almost a given you will get a story published. Just ask.
Catpaws.
Don't blame the lower editors for this one either. They are very short staffed and the leadership basically believes that it doesn't matter what you put in the blank space around the ads.
I once worked as an editor for the Ingham County News and a business owner called me to say if we would do an article, he would buy an ad. "Now," I told him, "would you want to read a newspaper filled with gratuitous articles like that?" He admitted he would not. I convinced him that a good readable newspaper, filled with articles people actually wanted to read would be the best way to make his ad work. Don't remember if he bought an ad, but we did not do the story.
The Oakland Press enlists reporters to train free journalists
Thanks to an anonymous, but impeccable source, I have a copy of the e-mail sent from editor Glenn Gilbert of the Oakland Press. Here is the memo, I will comment after:
Subject: citizens unite
From: Glenn Gilbert [mailto:glenn.gilbert@oakpress.com]
Sent: Tue 12/30/2008 1:32 PM
Our first citizens journalism class was a stunning success. We had 45 people in news and seven in sports. Jeff will handle sports, but in news, 29 of the individuals filled out forms desiring to continue in the process.
There is no way to make this work without staff commitment. I would never ask you to believe something that you don't believe in, but I do need your help. Names will be divided up among newsroom personnel. You will be responsible for working with the individual and accountable for their progress and your contacts with them.
Be generous with your time, but time-efficient. You can learn valuable teaching, coaching and management techniques in the process. Some of you who are teaching oriented will enjoy the process. Just remember, those who teach learn. Let me know if you think you can handle more than one or two individuals, or your interest in the process (or even lack of interest if you feel strongly).
(memo ends here)
Ain't this grand, the editor is strong arming his staff to help those who are in line to replace them. And I love his little aside at the end "or even lack of interest if you feel strongly." If you feel strongly about that you may be replaced sooner than you might anticipate.
And don't think of this as extra work, think of this as a chance to learn more. Where did this guy come from? He had to have been a press secretary for some politician to put out doo-doo like this.
If this is journalism, then Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is the Indianapolis 500. I don't even know what more to say about an idea this stupid.
Subject: citizens unite
From: Glenn Gilbert [mailto:glenn.gilbert@oakpress.com]
Sent: Tue 12/30/2008 1:32 PM
Our first citizens journalism class was a stunning success. We had 45 people in news and seven in sports. Jeff will handle sports, but in news, 29 of the individuals filled out forms desiring to continue in the process.
There is no way to make this work without staff commitment. I would never ask you to believe something that you don't believe in, but I do need your help. Names will be divided up among newsroom personnel. You will be responsible for working with the individual and accountable for their progress and your contacts with them.
Be generous with your time, but time-efficient. You can learn valuable teaching, coaching and management techniques in the process. Some of you who are teaching oriented will enjoy the process. Just remember, those who teach learn. Let me know if you think you can handle more than one or two individuals, or your interest in the process (or even lack of interest if you feel strongly).
(memo ends here)
Ain't this grand, the editor is strong arming his staff to help those who are in line to replace them. And I love his little aside at the end "or even lack of interest if you feel strongly." If you feel strongly about that you may be replaced sooner than you might anticipate.
And don't think of this as extra work, think of this as a chance to learn more. Where did this guy come from? He had to have been a press secretary for some politician to put out doo-doo like this.
If this is journalism, then Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is the Indianapolis 500. I don't even know what more to say about an idea this stupid.
Back home, blogging to resume
Arrived home late Tuesday and made my way home in a two and one half hour (usually one hour and fifteen minute trip) from Detroit Metro. Freezing rain turned all the freeways into ice rinks. There were accidents everywhere and I-94 eastbound was completely shut down at M-39 for a half hour.
I appreciate all the kind sentiments here and on Facebook about the loss of my brother. The world seems oddly out of place with the loss of my younger brother, but life does go on and my brother, a frequent commenter here under the name "jim's brother", would not want it any other way.
So after I go to work today I will return to blogging. I received a copy of a memo from the editor of the Oakland Press who was literally giddy over the turnout at his first citizen journalist seminar and is now asking all reporters and editors to take on one of two of the reporters to help them learn the ropes.
It would be funny if it wasn't so sad. I'll put the memo up later today. There is also some additional Booth news and that will go up as well. I just don't have time this morning to put it in some readable form.
If you come back this time tomorrow (Thursday) it should be up.
I appreciate all the kind sentiments here and on Facebook about the loss of my brother. The world seems oddly out of place with the loss of my younger brother, but life does go on and my brother, a frequent commenter here under the name "jim's brother", would not want it any other way.
So after I go to work today I will return to blogging. I received a copy of a memo from the editor of the Oakland Press who was literally giddy over the turnout at his first citizen journalist seminar and is now asking all reporters and editors to take on one of two of the reporters to help them learn the ropes.
It would be funny if it wasn't so sad. I'll put the memo up later today. There is also some additional Booth news and that will go up as well. I just don't have time this morning to put it in some readable form.
If you come back this time tomorrow (Thursday) it should be up.
Friday, January 2, 2009
How do you say good-bye to your brother?
Just hours before I arrived here in California my brother, Michael B. Smith, 57, died peacefully in an Auburn hospital. His wife, Barbara had to make the difficult, but correct, decision to remove him from life support on Wednesday, December 31.
He was moved from ICU to a transitional unit in the hospital where he was kept comfortable until he died at 2:30 a.m. New Year's morning. I received the call of his death while checking into my flight at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. My brother had been insistent that I not come to see him, so I guess he got his way in the end.
As I write this I am looking out the window in the office at his home over the beautiful landscape that is the foothills of the Sierra Mountain range. Last night I slept in my brother's room, surrounded by his family pictures. It was the first good night's rest I've had in a week.
I talked to him Wednesday just before he was unhooked from life support to tell him that despite his wishes I was coming to see him. But before we hung up I told him how much I loved him and how much he meant to me. What more can you say?
I will have more to say and write a proper obituary to my brother when I return home. Thank you all for your prayers, we are sad but not without hope. He was in exteme pain and now he is not. Among my closest friends and family who wish to memorialize my brother in some way, spare the flowers and I will be collecting for the Foothill Theatre Company (www.foothilltheatre.org) here in Auburn. My brother was the house director there for three seasons and a long-time volunteer and donor to the vintage community theater. I'll let you know more later.
As per my brother's wishes he will be cremated and his ashes scattered high over an appropriate place (which I will not name in case some government agency has a stupid rule against it). In February, his friends and family will gather at his home in Auburn to have a party to celebrate his short, but wonderful life.
As for me, I am spending the weekend with his wife and then a day with my two sons and granddaughter and then returning home Tuesday. I will return to blogging then.
Late add (January 9, 2009) Here is the obituary I wrote for the local paper in California:
Michael B. Smith of Auburn died Thursday, Jan. 1, at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital. His death came after a long and courageous battle with severe infections. He was 57. Cremation has taken place. No funeral services are planned.
Michael was born Jan. 16, 1951, in Los Angeles. After high school graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his country honorably in Germany and did a tour of duty in Vietnam and received an award for rescuing a fellow airman from a fire.
After his five-year Air Force service, Michael took his computer skills and used them in setting up some of the first sophisticated wire transfer banking computer systems for Crocker National Bank and Bank of California in San Francisco. He also worked at the First Nationwide Bank in Folsom and San Francisco.
Michael and his wife, Barbara Eveleigh, moved to the foothills of the Sierra and Lake of the Pines in 1988.Michael’s work life was diversified.
At one point in his life, he worked at a trading post near the Grand Canyon where he sold Native American jewelry. He loved reading books, especially historical fiction, biographies and Civil War non-fiction.
He and Barbara loved to travel and cruise.One of his recent passions in life was the support of the Foothill Theatre Company, where he worked as its part-time house manager for three seasons and he was also a dedicated volunteer and donor, along with his wife Barbara Eveleigh.
Michael’s kind and gentle spirit, his quick wit and sense of humor will be greatly missed by his family, friends and loving pets.
Survivors include, his wife, Barbara Eveleigh, of Auburn; his father and stepmother, Lee and Janet Smith, of Virginia; brothers and sisters, James L. Smith, of Michigan, Pamela (Smith) Armstrong, of West Virginia, Laura Lee Fues, of Chicago. He is also survived by his wife’s son, Ron Eveleigh, of Grass Valley, and several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Smith, and stepfather, Raymond Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to the Foothill Theatre Company, P.O. Box 1812, Nevada City, CA 95959.
He was moved from ICU to a transitional unit in the hospital where he was kept comfortable until he died at 2:30 a.m. New Year's morning. I received the call of his death while checking into my flight at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. My brother had been insistent that I not come to see him, so I guess he got his way in the end.
As I write this I am looking out the window in the office at his home over the beautiful landscape that is the foothills of the Sierra Mountain range. Last night I slept in my brother's room, surrounded by his family pictures. It was the first good night's rest I've had in a week.
I talked to him Wednesday just before he was unhooked from life support to tell him that despite his wishes I was coming to see him. But before we hung up I told him how much I loved him and how much he meant to me. What more can you say?
I will have more to say and write a proper obituary to my brother when I return home. Thank you all for your prayers, we are sad but not without hope. He was in exteme pain and now he is not. Among my closest friends and family who wish to memorialize my brother in some way, spare the flowers and I will be collecting for the Foothill Theatre Company (www.foothilltheatre.org) here in Auburn. My brother was the house director there for three seasons and a long-time volunteer and donor to the vintage community theater. I'll let you know more later.
As per my brother's wishes he will be cremated and his ashes scattered high over an appropriate place (which I will not name in case some government agency has a stupid rule against it). In February, his friends and family will gather at his home in Auburn to have a party to celebrate his short, but wonderful life.
As for me, I am spending the weekend with his wife and then a day with my two sons and granddaughter and then returning home Tuesday. I will return to blogging then.
Late add (January 9, 2009) Here is the obituary I wrote for the local paper in California:
Michael B. Smith of Auburn died Thursday, Jan. 1, at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital. His death came after a long and courageous battle with severe infections. He was 57. Cremation has taken place. No funeral services are planned.
Michael was born Jan. 16, 1951, in Los Angeles. After high school graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his country honorably in Germany and did a tour of duty in Vietnam and received an award for rescuing a fellow airman from a fire.
After his five-year Air Force service, Michael took his computer skills and used them in setting up some of the first sophisticated wire transfer banking computer systems for Crocker National Bank and Bank of California in San Francisco. He also worked at the First Nationwide Bank in Folsom and San Francisco.
Michael and his wife, Barbara Eveleigh, moved to the foothills of the Sierra and Lake of the Pines in 1988.Michael’s work life was diversified.
At one point in his life, he worked at a trading post near the Grand Canyon where he sold Native American jewelry. He loved reading books, especially historical fiction, biographies and Civil War non-fiction.
He and Barbara loved to travel and cruise.One of his recent passions in life was the support of the Foothill Theatre Company, where he worked as its part-time house manager for three seasons and he was also a dedicated volunteer and donor, along with his wife Barbara Eveleigh.
Michael’s kind and gentle spirit, his quick wit and sense of humor will be greatly missed by his family, friends and loving pets.
Survivors include, his wife, Barbara Eveleigh, of Auburn; his father and stepmother, Lee and Janet Smith, of Virginia; brothers and sisters, James L. Smith, of Michigan, Pamela (Smith) Armstrong, of West Virginia, Laura Lee Fues, of Chicago. He is also survived by his wife’s son, Ron Eveleigh, of Grass Valley, and several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Smith, and stepfather, Raymond Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to the Foothill Theatre Company, P.O. Box 1812, Nevada City, CA 95959.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
A short break from blogging
Unfortunately, my brother has not responded to treatments, dialysis or several antibiotics and the situation is not looking good.
So I am headed to California to visit him in the hospital. Your prayers have been appreciated and at this point we are looking and praying for a miracle.
See you next week.
So I am headed to California to visit him in the hospital. Your prayers have been appreciated and at this point we are looking and praying for a miracle.
See you next week.
A buyout second chance
Just arrived home from Buffalo and found a couple of messages informing me that there has been an extension of the buyout offers at the Flint Journal for an additional two weeks. I noticed that Jim Carty is reporting the same thing for Ann Arbor on his blog.
The profit and loss numbers are in and the news is horrid. So the company wants to give those who have decided to stay one last chance to take the buyouts. It may be more of a "we warned you" type situation than an actual need for more people to take the buyouts.
Lots of rumors swirling about the central copy desk situation with one rumor that the New York owners don't think it will work and at the same time think it saves too many copy desk jobs, up to 70.
So for those who were thinking of staying, the new offer simply gives them just that much more to think about.
According to those at the meetings, Publisher Dave Sharp did not paint a very pretty picture of the current bottom line of the chain.
I couldn't feel worse for my friends left behind and I really wish there was a silver lining for them.
The profit and loss numbers are in and the news is horrid. So the company wants to give those who have decided to stay one last chance to take the buyouts. It may be more of a "we warned you" type situation than an actual need for more people to take the buyouts.
Lots of rumors swirling about the central copy desk situation with one rumor that the New York owners don't think it will work and at the same time think it saves too many copy desk jobs, up to 70.
So for those who were thinking of staying, the new offer simply gives them just that much more to think about.
According to those at the meetings, Publisher Dave Sharp did not paint a very pretty picture of the current bottom line of the chain.
I couldn't feel worse for my friends left behind and I really wish there was a silver lining for them.
A dream and an adventure lived in real time
Wow, again thanks to Jim Carty at Paper Tiger No More for pointing me (and everyone who reads his blog) to the adventures of another former Booth newspaper reporter who is living a dream while blogging about it.
Here's the link to his very first post back in April, but don't stop there he is a terrific writer who is on an adventure that I certainly wish I had done at his age.
http://nathanfenno.blogspot.com/2008/04/life-off-sidelines.html
Here's the link to his very first post back in April, but don't stop there he is a terrific writer who is on an adventure that I certainly wish I had done at his age.
http://nathanfenno.blogspot.com/2008/04/life-off-sidelines.html
Monday, December 29, 2008
Buffalo, the new windy city
Forget the "Queen City" moniker, Buffalo, NY, on Sunday should have replaced Chicago as the windy city. With temperatures soaring to 60 degrees on Saturday there was widespread flooding (OK, give Al Gore back his Oscar) and then on Sunday all heck broke loose with the wind.
Gusts up to 75 mph swept through here all day yesterday and seriously changed the outlook for the Buffalo Bills versus New England Patriots game. If you saw any of the highlights (we watched it live) you will notice that a field goal attempt from the 30-yard line was blown well wide right because of the wind.
But at least the Detroit Lions didn't screw up their appointment with history Sunday, finally ending the misery at 0-16 for the season.
We're driving home Tuesday and the weather forecast is for an uneventful weather day. Yeah!
Gusts up to 75 mph swept through here all day yesterday and seriously changed the outlook for the Buffalo Bills versus New England Patriots game. If you saw any of the highlights (we watched it live) you will notice that a field goal attempt from the 30-yard line was blown well wide right because of the wind.
But at least the Detroit Lions didn't screw up their appointment with history Sunday, finally ending the misery at 0-16 for the season.
We're driving home Tuesday and the weather forecast is for an uneventful weather day. Yeah!
Gannett blog added to links
As requested by a FFE reader I have installed a link to the Gannett blog at the right. If you are interested in the daily happenings at one of the nation's biggest newspaper chains that's the source.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Notes from "Inside Out"
A long time friend has posted an interesting set of items on her blog, "Inside Out," including a nice shout out to Free From Editors. Thanks MCW!
http://mcwflint.blogspot.com/2008/12/first-words-on-their-last-day-and-other.html
I'm adding a link to her blog on the link list to the right.
http://mcwflint.blogspot.com/2008/12/first-words-on-their-last-day-and-other.html
I'm adding a link to her blog on the link list to the right.
Another newspaper perspective
A good read I borrowed off a blog from a former FJ employee. In addition to the former editor's column there is a column written by a UNC journalism professor that is a pretty good read also.
http://www.metrosantacruz.com/metro-santa-cruz/12.03.08/cover-0849.html
http://www.metrosantacruz.com/metro-santa-cruz/12.03.08/cover-0849.html
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