Columnist takes leave of absence

Tina Daunt, who writes the Cause Celebre political column for the L.A. Times' Calendar section, posted on her blog that she's taking time off to care for her ailing father.

Another media blogger: KTLA reporter and Villaraigosa squeeze Lu Parker posts on the power of positive thinking: "Positive people are addictive." Her last previous post was an alumni profile of her, titled American Beauty, that says Parker "is considered by her peers to be one of the most respected television journalists in L.A." She's also described as "expert marksman, news reporter, television news anchor, actor, model, author, athlete. She is active in golf, rollerblading, kickboxing, yoga, basketball, softball, swimming, water and snow skiing, pistol shooting and horseback riding."