Half-Baked Update for Thursday

Mr. Sunbeam has nothing really new to report. No updated numbers have found their way to him from the staff or management. There is also very little chatter in the newsroom. This could reflect a lack of interest in the buyout, or people playing their cards close to their vests.

Of the 16 people reported to have applied, the largest bloc appears to be in Photo. This is followed by Local (aka Metro or State) and News Art. There are no reports at all from Sports, the lifestyle sections or the universal desk, which doesn't mean there aren't takers there.

One longtime staff member usually in step with the mood in her department said her feeling was that people "are going to stick it out until they get fired."