Notice anything different this morning? No?
Well we have taken the “Beta” tag off the masthead here at LouisvilleKY.com, so no more using the “we’re just in Beta” excuse for any shortcomings on the site. We’ve been tinkering with things for about 6 weeks, so it’s about time, right?
On Friday, several of us went down to Browning’s on a beautiful evening and had a few beers. Thanks to everyone from the team who joined me: Cindy Lamb, Angela Champion, Brigid Kaelin, David Caldwell, Holly Brockman Johnson, Kirk Kandle (who arrived, of course, on his bike), Jeff Schneider and our site design team – Jason Smith.
As always, I’m interested to know what you think of what we’re doing. Now on to what’s going on:
C-J Shrinkage: The thing about layoffs at the Courier-Journal is that it’s not really news any more. Here’s what Arnold Garson had to say about the latest cuts — “There’s a lot of good things that are happening in our business and our industry and we’re optimistic about the future. … But the economy remains fragile, and it’s necessary for us to continue implementing efficiencies that make good business sense — and that’s what this is all about.”
And Even Less News in Indiana: The southern Indiana papers the Jeffersonville Evening News and the New Albany Tribune are merging, creating an opportunity for the media organization over there to cut some jobs. They’re not saying how many.
Change at the top at Louisville Magazine: Bruce Allar, for 10 years the editor of Louisville Magazine, left last week for a new job with Pizza expo, where he will help organize the world’s biggest convention of pizza makers.
Start Spreading the News: Doug James, one of the chief marketers at Main Line Broadcasting, is taking a job in New York at Inner City Broadcasting. James, who grew up in the South End and played football at Michigan, has done commentary on U of L football game broadcasts.
Berman’s Words: If Sheldon Berman had communicated to the school board all his accomplishments like this, he might have a new contract. His C-J editorial is well-written and lengthy. But the bottom line remains that the JCPS problem is the battle between diversity and achievement.
Telling the World About Our Polluted Mountains: The New York Times published a brilliant Op-Ed piece by Kentuckian Silas House, who complains about Gov. Steve Beshear’s efforts to prevent regulation of coal.
More Wasted Bridge Money: Did you see the Ohio River Bridges Project is rewarding Jerry Abramson’s former communications director, Chad Carlton, with 90 bucks an hour for some P.R. work?
Angie’s Pictures from Haiti: When Angie Fenton of the Voice-Tribune went to Haiti earlier this month, she brought back some good stories. One of the best is all the good work being done by local pilot Steve Koch. Watch the story on WHAS-TV.
No Rubber Stamps: This is why new blood is a good thing on the Metro Council. Jerry Miller, who took over Hal Heiner’s district, is questioning the rubber stamping of city contracts.
Packing ‘Em In at Borders: I figured out a good way to sell a lot of books. Borders, which announced it is closing its Hurstbourne store last week, started a store closing sale during the weekend. The lines were out the door.
Luke’s a Teen-ager: My son Luke is 13 today. It’s a big one — he’s old enough to get on Facebook now. Happy Birthday Luke!
