Quick Read

Whereas most newspapers gratify themselves as “local institutions dedicated to local stories,” the Dispatch never has… They underscored their brilliant versatility again this morning, providing excellent news and photo coverage of the “Miracle on the Hudson.”

The front page also featured an outstanding piece on the raise freeze that is affecting both Columbus and Ohio… Unfortunately, this great work was offset by a potentially brilliant, but pathetically brittle piece on Barack and Michelle Obama as “A New Model for African-American families.” I agree with the premise… the Obama’s are an example which minority families should follow…

However, tell me something I don’t know! The single parent parade in the black community is a conversation worth having… but this piece didn’t have the conversation… It was as if the reporter was afraid to offend someone, so he provided bland context… The story deserved to be buried on page C8 (Instead, James Nash’s excellent piece on the sale of hard liquor to individuals and not restaurants was buried there)…

Metro started disappointing with a story about “Hot Spots” that read more like an advertisement for the Franklin Conservatory… Thankfully, Ann Fisher’s piece on post-election volunteerism and an exquisite column on churches and the impact the inauguration will have on them salvaged the section…

Life and Arts featured three thorough reviews of much hyped movies that will open in the city this weekend… Apparently, the Wrestler is worth watching and Notorious and Revolutionary Road are worth skipping… (The section also had a great piece on upcoming movies)…

Tim May led sports with a solid endeavor on Donald Washington’s decision to skip his senior season… However, his skilled work was offset by Jim Massie and Shaun Mitchell’s sleep inducing reads about Ohio State women’s basketball and the Columbus Crew’s draft selections… Guys, the OSU Women and the Crew are two subjects no one cares about… If you want us to care, you need to give us a reason…