Quick Read

Allow me to ask the obvious… Did Batelle pay for this edition? Honestly? Did they pay for the printing and distribution of this edition in exchange for Kevin Mayhood? Both his pieces were solidly written… The front-page story provided an interesting prospective and the Home and Garden piece, while the graphics were overwhelming, was still informative… But, two stories were necessary?

Mark Niquette’s story concerning the State of the State address and Governor Strickland’s impending re-election was excellent (although I could have done without the Strickland as fisherman illustration)… Bill Bush’s story on mortgage complicated divorces, had no business on the front page and was also void of any personal aspect…

Aaron Portzline’s sports front page (yes finally front page with graphics) story concerning the Blue Jackets at midseason was excellent… It was if Columbus finally noticed and cared that they had a professional sports team… Tragically unprofessional remained Bob Hunter, who typed a column on television ratings… Bob, just quit already…

Sherri Williams metro section story on Forest Park painted the picture of an area over run by crime, but she never described the crime… She did an excellent job of relating proposed solutions and actions taken, but never mentioned one crime that has occurred (You don’t have to rely on blood to sell crime stories, but it’s still needed)… Alan Johnson’s article on human trafficking, while an important issue, was equally terrible… It seemed rushed and after a very poignant opening, was without the human element so important for those kinds of stories…

Considering all the comparisons of Barack Obama and Abraham Lincoln, the Life and Arts story “Lots of Lincoln” was outstanding… The Home and Garden story on pollutants (yes, pollutants), was the edition’s most informative… Sadly, the Business Section’s story “PNC Priority” was beyond boring… I know news involves facts… But throw in a splotch of blue to all that gray…