FlotSam, JetSam and Eddies

Roy Rivenburg's Not The LA Times has a new edition, including a send up of new publisher Eddy Hartenstein. That didn't take long, did it?

The Retch's mailbox did fill with articles about Eddy and the hot rod deal after the announcement naming him publisher. The deal was mentioned briefly in the Times announcement and there were articles on its failure at the time and on automotive blogs.

Basically, Eddy led a group of investors who were trying to buy out the National Hot Rod Assn., based in Glendora. The $121-million deal fell through at the last minute in February. No funny business, the reports said. Blame fell on the collapse of the credit market.

The only discord to enter the Retch's mind was the randomness of the thing. Why was Eddy mucking about in hot rod associations? It reeks a bit of the dilettante bazillionaire, looking for something to do. Which is exactly what brought us Sam Zell.

And speaking of Zell, don't forget that at the end of the day he's still in charge, no matter how much we secretly wish that Eddy is our paladin. With that grim image in mind, the Retch notes that the Teamsters in the press room are reporting progress on their contract negotiations, including setting up language about seniority.

Don't let the torpor of August keep you from thinking about organizing with your fellow employees. Come fall, you're going to want a seat at the table.