We are also hearing rumblings that no news will come from the Star this week and it may be another one to two weeks before there’s an announcement. It would appear that the cuts there were planning was not as enough to as they thought. The selling staff is in crisis mode to see as much as possible to make the numbers.We may have been led down a path that’s bigger than we thought when McClatchy said they were going to cut between 100 to 110 million in additional cost cutting. That number could be as high as 125 million now...And from Lexington:
I also heard a rumor today at the Lexington Herald-Leader that it would be 2 more weeks before an announcement is made. Anywhere other than the Star-Telegram hearing this all of a sudden too? Last week everyone was saying it would be before the end of Feb - now we're talking middle of MARCH?? Just keeps getting better and better. I used to think our publisher was a great guy. Now I just resent him for drag this out w/o out giving us any kind of timeline. Other publishers have said more since the original announcement - why aren't they all giving us an ETA on D-Day?
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126 comments:
My exec editor has been telling us that our newspaper's proposal is just waiting for corporate approval on cost-cutting measures — which we KNOW will include layoff. However, we don't know what department.
what paper?
Maybe Gannett would survie a little longer if they cut their officers pay Forbes report shows CEO Craig Dubow made 3.07 mill last year WOW how many of us average peope would still have jobs or would not have to work furlough weeks if he could just live on 1/2 mill a year and still be living good hummm something to think about that turns your stomach mine to
Week 4 Jim "Oops" Witt resignation watch: Elvis still hiding in his bunker and plotting job cuts. Do the honorable thing for yourself and the Star-Telegram, Jim. Resign.
Will somebody please tell me WHO is buying McClatchy stock? They were up yesterday and today before the bell.
Don't they know that it is just a matter of time before the big "B" comes along?
Jim Witt is a dick.
Can't wait for his email after the layoffs saying we have great people left and we will put out a great paper, and the readers love us and bullshit and bullshit and bullshit.
I will hit my head on my terminal when I get that one!
ELVIS CLUB GOING DOWN ON THIS ROUND!
6:48, I heard that also. Club might take a few hits this round. Not many of us non-elvis left.
Question?
Has McC paid vacation time with the buy outs or are they just giving employees the six months?
What does Melanie (we need to be honest) Zill's honesty column say?
I got vacation with mine, think everyone does.
The Star-Telegram could stop publishing 90% of the paper and Jim Witt would write an OpEd piece about how much the "focus groups" love it.
And what about the F----N redesign? What a great job. He said it will bring readers back, young readers will love it! How's that working out?
Cody & Jim will take their beliefs of the redesign being great to their grave! IT SUCKS! AND DIDN"T WORK - ADMIT IT!
When will someone realize the Star-Tele's re-design is a huge waste of the dwindling news space? Front page today points to stories in other sections. Could it be because the A section is only six pages?
Give it up, USA Today Wannabes. Use the front page for real news.
Stock up .07.
Elvis left the building last week in Arlington.
Not many fans present.
Excuse me for being out of the know, but who are some of the names in this Elvis club?
Anyone left who believes McC cares about its employees? Anyone left who believes those in charge have a clue about how to handle this crisis?
Not even GM is silly enough to say they're providing the same products, just cutting the workforce. Fact is, once all the deadwood is gone, cutting only diminishes the product, which diminishes return, which calls for more cuts, which diminish the product.
Nowhere in any of these "lean and mean" announcements have I seen any evidence of a visionary with an idea about how to add revenue from the Web, how to make these boutique publications that publishers swoon over pay for themselves. Pathetic. Glad I don't work there. Too bad the nation will suffer from the lack of a vibrant press. Perhaps that's the plan.
Your company is giving you extra time to get it together. Why not walk out now?
hey 7:31 - you got it mostly right except it's never the "deadwood" that gets the axe. The real deadwood stays on and continues to rot while anything with any life to it and any potential to ignite a flame gets, well, hosed.
KC Star needs to go back to the drawing board and cut more. That's what I' m hearing. Cut anywhere but that print pavilion. Next to the reporters that is the highest paid area. That is also where all the good old boy network resides.
750 - somewhat right.
Anyone worth anything took a buyout long ago. Layoffs too some great people also. What is left - garbage - doesn't matter.
Will somebody please tell me WHO is buying McClatchy stock? They were up yesterday and today before the bell.
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Not necessarily anyone. It could well be that there is a large short that is trying to cover considering that they Ask side was carrying a 50000 lot size this morning. One hour into the trading day and they have almost equaled their average volume, so that is a safe bet.
There well could be someone accumulating a large position at this point though. That mind set was that they whole of McClatchy can be parted out for more than their .53 cents per share.
It is doubtful, however it is worth noting that McClatchy had been awarding a couple of investment advisory firms with huge lots over the past week or two for as little as .01 cent per share.
The only thing you need to be concerned with as a small investor or employee is: Is there any good news that would change MNI's basic, overall fundamentals that would change their outlook. The answer of course is no.
7:52, are you really calling all current McC employees "garbage" and think they "don't matter?" People with families who depend on them, people who have given decades to their profession and to this company, often with lousy pay, crappy work environments and clueless management, because they believe this is still a noble profession?
If you really believe these people are "garbage," just look in the mirror for a fine example of garbage.
Most McC employees I know, both those who have left and those who are still struggling at the company, are classy people who can hold their head high no matter what happens. I certainly can't say the same for the twerps who take cheap shots online.
7:52 You're correct and that's why they put out garbage. Garbage in, Garbage out.
Red Scar still shilling for Three Tire? Why is that? Too funny!
---------
Will Not Be Televised
red lights redux
Rhonda ‘Wheelie’ Lokeman and Mark ‘Nope: Not a Clue’ Zieman have a few announcements.
First off, let’s all congratulate Rhonda for 59 straight days of free advertising!
http://willnotbetelevised.com/tv/
(Mentions McC W)
Sac Bee guild site has posted a confusing (and we're in the biz of communication?) take on what might happen at the flagship paper in terms of layoffs. If you're good with "X" and "Y" crap talk, take a gander at www.beeguildnow.org. Warning: It sounds worse than before.
Stopped in at MoBee yesterday to get some paperwork and saw some old dear friends...They are Doom and Gloom. No one really knows what is oing on and as usual it's a mushroom farm...They keep everyone in the dark and feed them lots of BS! A lot of folks worrying abot where they will go after the paper finally shuts down, which they are kind of thinking might happen.
If I were the Sac Bee guild leadership, I'd call for a vote a lot quicker than March 6! These guys are trying to stretch this thing out and employees want answers now.
KC Red Star: “Cut anywhere but that print pavilion.”
Too many bodies of evidence buried there, tiptoe past the graveyard.
8:04 Cry me a river. If you have "lousy pay, crappy work environment" and stay then my friend you deserve it. You made the choice don't complain.
8:12 Yep!
8:04 AM
“Most McC employees….are classy people…”
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Classy people don’t spread propaganda that harms the USA, our President, and our troops for eight years!
MNI needs to get "leaner and meaner" - We never heard that about Pru’s salary and perks did we? Who are they trying to kid? All these failed editors and publishers make big bucks, and the lean & mean doesn’t apply to them?
Another MNI journalist now works for the government. It was a simple job transfer, no need for paperwork!
Leaner and meaner means hacking off the dead wood called middle management, not to mention some incompetant and over-paid managing editors (we know who you are and YOU know who you are). What the company doesn't need is one manager for every 3 who survive the coming purges. I have a feeling the company is going to act upon this logic this time around.
833
Can you say JMB?
A poster wrote that they were told to use their vacation days before the end of March. That sounds ominous to me, right there.
8:34 AM
BINGO!
All of you bought out, laid off, MCC employees stop trashing the people that still work there. You sound bitter and pathetic. Instead why don't you tell us about your post MCC success stories. I would love to know what you are doing now.
The KC Red Star has so much deadwood, only a total collapse can clean that place out. The ‘untouchables’ have a friend in high places you know.
8:48 AM
sorry, I still work there. The truth is reality.
Post-McClatchy life hasn't been much better. The job market is flooded with applicants across all sectors. At this point, I'd be happy to get a job scrubbing cleaning houses ... except I was told at a Molly Maid interview that you have to have a degree in toilet scrubbing.
At this point, I'd be happy to get a job scrubbing cleaning houses.
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If you live near a military base you can contract with the government to clean their on post housing units. Of course you'll be competing with 1000's of illegal aliens now, but hey, ya'll helped to flood the borders so you should be understanding about it.
Jerk says, "I would love to know what you are doing now."
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I am unemployed, living with my parents, looking a $65,000 student loan debt, don’t even get job application callbacks, I am thinking of making a cardboard sign that says, ‘Will work for food.’
There, does that give you your morning feel-good?
Thanks for the tip ... I'll go check out Ft. Leavenworth. Maybe I'll ask Michael Vick if he needs a dog walker/siter.
Obamabot says, “MCC employees stop trashing the people that still work there..”
There you go, issuing orders again. That ain’t going to fly here. This is a free speech zone. Be careful, you might hear two sides of an issue, and it will be foreign territory to you!
But then again, on the bright side of post-McClatchy life, at least I know where I stand (in the unemployment line) and know exactly what my financial future holds ($165.00/week for 26 weeks in unemployment benefits). Current workers are stuck in purgatory, a place far scarier than mine.
My advice for current employees: Go over your household budget now and cut as much as you can. I decided to file Chap. 7 bankruptcy. (Hey, if the big companies can do it, so can I. I no longer feel guilty for doing it.) I just had to give my federal tax refund to my attorney, but at least I know I will have a roof over my head, utilities on, food on the table and clothes on our backs.
I am unemployed, living with my parents, looking a $65,000 student loan debt, don’t even get job application callbacks, I am thinking of making a cardboard sign that says, ‘Will work for food.’
_______
It will be nice to see correct spelling and grammar on those signs. That degree was not a total waste.
When I read the editorials in most papers it seems journalists know everything about everything and they feel the need to share their insight and expertise with the rest us. How is it that someone with all that knowledge can't find a job outside of the newspaper industry. I would think employers would be jumping up and down looking for people who know everything about everything.
9:01 That doesn't make me feel better at all. I hope you can find a job soon. Journalism is having a hard time now but journalists are a sharp bunch, I know their spot in society is being saved for something better. Publishers and news managers are another story.
9:24
When I read the editorials in most papers it seems journalists know everything about everything and they feel the need to share their insight and expertise with the rest us.
.....
Are you serious? I wish there were more idiots like you out there that buy products they don't like or understand. Then I wouldn't be in danger of losing my gig.
Thanks for the tip ... I'll go check out Ft. Leavenworth. Maybe I'll ask Michael Vick if he needs a dog walker/siter.
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Leavenworth has a whole boat load of contractors doing that. (War College, visiting officers)
Didn't Michael Vick buy a ticket out of the camp?
How you're doing after McClatchy depends on how long you worked for the company. Anybody with 25-plus years in is probably doing OK if they were old enough (usually 55) to take early retirement. The rest are suffering, unless they were smart enough to jump to a state or county job in the last two or so years. All ages should actively be applying for public service jobs with benefits if you're among the stressed survivors in these rough waters.
I just had to give my federal tax refund to my attorney, but at least I know I will have a roof over my head, utilities on, food on the table and clothes on our backs.
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Good for you and chapter 7. I screwed up and paid my bills, paid off my house, didn't borrow and shorted McClatchy. With the Generational Theft Act of 2009 I figure we'll both come out the same in the end.
I have learned though. From now on I teach my kids to sponge off everyone, don't pay your bills, buy everything on credit including that which you cannot afford, because Obama will save you.
Nothin' like looking out for your fellow man, huh? Might as well kick your kids out at 16 so they can earn their own living and fend for themselves out on the streets like the rest of us. That will save you time and money in the end, and they get a great educational experience in the real world.
May God help you if you end up on the other side of your argument. I'm sure YOU won't give up your government entitlements via Social Security and Medicare. And if Social Security doesn't pay you enough, then you'll have to have Section 8 housing, which also is a government entitlement. So spare me the rhetoric. There is not one single American that has voluntarily forteited their government entitlements for the sake of principle.
There is not one single American that has voluntarily forteited their government entitlements for the sake of principle.
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Hell with the principal. I'd trade them in a heart beat in exchange for just leaving me alone. F$%K your entitlements.
Who's principal? I said "principle." Too bad your edumacation sucked,too.
Who's principal? I said "principle." Too bad your edumacation sucked,too.
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If that is the best argument you have for your point, then I rest my case. Your education clearly didn't help you at all, so suck up them entitlements, o' enlightened one.
This conversation sucks, go back to Elvis or JMB
11:40 AM It is people like you that are the reason so many cheer the demise of newspapers. Good going jerk.
My only point is: If you don't want your entitlements, then you and everyone who feels the way you do needs to send all the money back and set up a fund for all those who,through no fault of their own, somehow fell through the cracks of your society.
If you refuse any kind of government intervention, then those funds need to be better spent on helping starving, homeless children living under the viaduct that you drive on everyday to get to work. You may not see them, and you probably ignore them. But they see you and wonder why they are homeless and hungry in our great capitalistic country.
I bet he kicks his dog, too.
11:51
Calm down, you will be getting into way too many fights on the unemployment line!
Also, I'm a she and I don't have a dog!
Re: “Didn't Michael Vick buy a ticket out of the camp?”
Since you mentioned Michael Vick, let me just say, if he returns to football, I am done with the sport that has become nothing more than legal thuggery.
11:59AM
Then what will you do on Sunday's without football? Read a newspaper? hahahahahahahahahaha!
How about the financially strapped Red Scar sending three reporters to the Super Bowl game? The Chiefs weren’t in the game. There is no way to justify expenditures like that now. Anyone really interested in football, watched the game, and there were dozens of outlets to browse for stories.
Z-man is playing his little stupid games that cost people real jobs. What a sorry SOB he is.
So what are YOU doing to rid your society or the bubble of your world of things or people that are "undesirable?" What solutions do YOU offer? What are YOUR contributions to make this such a great, wonderful country we live in? Or .... is that you just don't care about anyone other than yourself? Nothing to be ashamed of .... many, many people are just like you, far too many. Can you just imagine what it would be like to be able to help that 12-year-old girl sitting at 10th and Grand Ave.? She had no shoes, so I gave her some sneakers I had in my trunk. Where were YOU? Oh, that's right ... you were too busy thinking about how to do your hair today and going to the nail salon.
Looks like the KC Star has hired a few new recruits. I've been keeping tabs on bylines and its on-line directory. And I saw an ad for an editor for their new "100-page Mom's magazine" that the Star wants to launch. They sure are spending a lot of time and money that they don't have. Many heads seem to be in the sand.
Anon 12:08 Is gonna do her part.
As a lib, she's could be the greatest cheery Starbucks Barista ever, with no money to donate when MNI lets her go.
Or, if she does make money, as a lib, she'll never donate a nickel, just like biden. But shes got a great smile!
Excuse me while I puke!
At least aim your puke at a donation bucket for the blind. That way, they won't see it.
This conversation is too funny ... don't stop! I never turn down free entertainment.
“But they see you and wonder why they are homeless and hungry in our great capitalistic country.”
What a bunch of liberal claptrap! No one tells an unmarried woman to have six kids when she doesn’t even have a job. Times are tough now, but before this, we had to import workers, and anyone that went hungry was because they didn’t want to work. We have programs for the programs to give out assistance to the poor. Get real!
What a bunch of liberal claptrap!
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She's a shakedown artist honing her skills. Don't encourage her.
Are you overweight or obese by chance?
You know those "Will work for food" signs you see people holding at intersections? Go ahead and tell them you have a job they can do. They will flip you the bird. So much for the downtrodden.
Or, if she does make money, as a lib, she'll never donate a nickel, just like biden.
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haha, speaking of Biden. He is in the news again. Caught up in the Stanford Fraud! Of course it will be page 20 stuff in the McLatchy papers.
"As the economy dives, crime fears spike" is the headline.
The right-wingers better watch out ... the society they cultivated and groomed might turn on them!
Re:“As a lib, she's could be the greatest cheery Starbucks Barista ever,”
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The coffee slosh houses are doing so good either. Libs spending hours over one cup of coffee does not a good business make!
Another damning article to get depressed over. This time Market Watch.
Newspapers Fight to Stay Alive With Bankruptcy Filings
http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/Story.aspx?guid={6318B42D-949B-4162-B3D5-4A043E067193}&dist=WSJfeed&siteid=WSJ
You see, the libs never thought it would come to this.
MNI was going to go one forever, and as long as they had empathy for the common Joe, they felt good.
Now what, "A real job", "No regular manicures". “And more taxes!” “But you don’t understand, I voted for the one!“
Simply put, USEFUL IDIOTS reaping what they sow.
ENJOY!
If you think Zieman at the KC Scar is the only deadwood there think again. The Press Pavilion is full of them but they'll never do anything about it. They'll do reporters.
It's so nice to hear that people losing jobs is such fun for you. Will you PLEASE take your millions and millions of dollars and buy up all the foreclosed homes so that our values will go up??? I know you all are dying to become absent slum-lords ... what say you?
Guys, while not in the newspaper business I've been through the same thing with another large corporation.
When they start delaying the date of cost cuts it means one thing - they have determined that they are too far gone for further cost cuts and they are preparing to file for Chapter 11.
MCT stock up $.09
HELLO GOOD TIMES
As soon as the sherrif boots you out, call me and I'll put in a bid.
I want to do my part, biden says paying taxes is patriotic!
Anon 12:44 "Me smell death in wind"
There are two empty 2-story houses down the street .... come get 'em. Now you'll be able to fulfill your desire to be the greatest slumlord ever. I just know you will be the one of them all.
Hey call you lib marxist buddies at ACORN
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When they start delaying the date of cost cuts it means one thing - they have determined that they are too far gone for further cost cuts and they are preparing to file for Chapter 11.
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I agree with you. Most everyone knows it's the only logical thing that they can do. All they have to do is say it outloud. But saying it outloud makes it too real for them, so they keep mum until the bitter end.
Hey, I guess you'll be delighted to know several people were shot along a Mardi Gras parade route today. Looks like you society is turning on you already. I know this is such good news for you, so I'll toast with you on this one.
When they start delaying the date of cost cuts it means one thing - they have determined that they are too far gone for further cost cuts and they are preparing to file for Chapter 11.
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That would explain passing out the free shares to advisory firms.
Looks like you society is turning on you already.
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Bruthas killing bruthas is old hat, par for the course, business as usual in NO. What is your point? Did they get that killer they re-elected as mayor. Now that would be a story. That is a brutha that really deserves it.
Gosh, did you shave your head already? You sound like you might be lost ... your group is based in Arkansas.
That's good Rhonda. I Didn't think you could mount an argument.
I bet you're the ones who named their son Hitler. NOW I get it. No need for further explanation. Good luck to you and yours.
Is that her?
Anon 1:07 LOL, "Three tire?" Is that you? I thought you Re-tired?
Are you still at the farm, or when did you fall off the wagon?
Les says he's known you for 22 years. Is it true?
I finally found my tire ... it was at 32nd and The Paseo ... go figure.
Hubby Z-man said I couldn't write for the Star anymore, so I decided to work at Bazookas ... because it's so close to the Star building and I only need three tires to get there.
I'd bet money it was her. That is how she works. I was suspicious when she started the nonsense about the families living under the bridges on the way to work. (there are none. Just old winos) Then she started with the little girl without shoes at 10th and Grand. (There were none)
Rhonda is crazy and when she gets to drinking she thinks of herself as a crusader and makes up shit so people will think she is important. If you call her on it, she will start screaming racist every single time. Like it is programed into her mind. It is really just the Chardonnay.
Hey, I prefer beer, thank you very much.
Oh my gosh ... were you following me? How flattering. I've got paparazzi now. I'm famous! Bet I'll see you at Bazookas! I'll even give you a lap dance for free, baby!
Catch a shave this time. There will be cameras.
I know you ... you're one of the regulars. I see you in Bazookas during the day and again at night. You like the freaky stuff. Last time, you said you loved it when I scratched you with my 5 p.m. shadow. Awww, I'm making you blush. Don't worry, baby, Three-wheeler will make it all right. I know how you like it.
C'mon, don't be embarrassed. I really like you ... a lot! I need those $20 bills ... it's my fund to help me get back on the wagon. C'mon baby ... just one more time ... I need you!
LOL That's cold.
What's wrong, baby? Let me guess ... you're right hand is busy right now. I understand. I can't wait to see you tonight. You're so cute. I miss you, baby!
I don't understand why ANYONE would still work at the ST without actively pursuing employment elsewhere. It's over. You WILL eventually be laid off.
Take the extra time your company is giving you to get the hell out.
I second that motion!
Re: “Seattle is about to become, at best, a one-newspaper town.”
There used to be a joke about Seattle; If you want to spread some news, tell your drug dealer.
Rhonda is crazy and when she gets to drinking she thinks of herself as a crusader and makes up shit so people will think she is important.
If you call her on it, she will start screaming racist every single time. Like it is programed into her mind. It is really just the Chardonnay.
Heck, without the booze, that's exactly how a lot of them are!!
ACORN is taking over bankrupt houses. They just cut the locks and move right in. When they are forced out, they take the sinks, literally take the sinks, and everything else removable!
They say it was part of the deal. Now, what deal would that be?
ACORN is taking over bankrupt houses. They just cut the locks and move right in.
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You probably couldn't read it in a McClatchy paper, but they are now being arrested for burglary. The squatters are being arrested for trespassing and their friends are being arrested for disorderly conduct. If that doesn't work, they'll just up the charges, but burglary is a felony.
Bottomline is reporting that the KC Star is closing the bureaus in KCK, Northland and Independence. Keeping Johnson County KS. Looks like this is where they're going to get some numbers from.
Print Pavilion safe again.
More good news kids
Hearst says cuts needed or SF Chronicle may be closed
The Hearst Corp. said Tuesday that unless the San Francisco Chronicle can undertake "critical" cost cutting measures including job cuts within weeks, the company will be forced to sell or close the newspaper.
Hearst said the Chronicle lost more than $50 million last year and added that, "this year's losses to date are worse." The Chronicle has had major losses each year since 2001, Hearst said.
The closely-held media company said cost reductions including an unspecified reduction in union and non-union employees are needed to restore the Chronicle to health.
*************
Bruthas killing bruthas is old hat, par for the course, business as usual in NO. What is your point? Did they get that killer they re-elected as mayor. Now that would be a story. That is a brutha that really deserves it.
************
"Those in stable condition include a 1-year-old boy who suffered a graze wound to the back."
Betcha think he deserved it and had it coming, right? You might as go down to NO and finish him off. I know it would make you so happy.
How appalling!
Betcha think he deserved it and had it coming, right? You might as go down to NO and finish him off. I know it would make you so happy.
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You stupid bitch. You were the one bragging about it and how they were turning on society. Have another drink Rhonda.
Explain something to me: How did McCain lose the election if all you righties brought down newspapers with your anti-Marxist - hahaha, sorry, can't help the laughter - anger?
Kinda appears to me that you guys are overestimating your influence - a lot.
Just looks to me like a bunch of neo-cons here holding each other's hand as they watch their repudiation at the hands of the American people unfold.
Kinda appears to me that you guys are overestimating your influence - a lot.
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I don't think so. Look at the little temper tantrum they caused you to throw without even trying. That is influence tinker bell. If you don't knock it off, they will make you run out in traffic.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
All of you bought out, laid off, MCC employees stop trashing the people that still work there. You sound bitter and pathetic. Instead why don't you tell us about your post MCC success stories. I would love to know what you are doing now.
February 24, 2009 8:48 AM
After 6 weeks of job hunting, The EDD arranged for me to retrain at the local community college. Going back to school after 35 years is hard, but a good challenge. Should be done with the accelerated career path program in two more semesters. I still get UI payments, and They are paying for the schooling too! Win win for me and I hope by the time I am finished that the jobs will be available. (But I still have time to trash the McC). I might be bitter, but I definitely am NOT pathetic! Gary Pruitt and the wrecking crew are the pathetic ones!
My goodness. The Bee is so desperate for hits they posted their "Terms of Service" in Google Finance News.
8:48 - I'm not bitter at all. I was let go in June after working for McC for 20 yrs . I was hired by the Federal Government in September. I wish those that have lost their jobs and those that are left the very best.
how did you get your job with the federal government? I was laid off in June, and I still don't have a job.
Fellow journalists, stay where you are until you find something else. It's a tough job market right now, and a paycheck from anyone is better than none at all.
Fellow journalists, stay where you are until you find something else.
Yes indeed. I don't need more competition!
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