America seems to be infatuated with makeovers. We follow the television shows as houses and people are given a whole new look. Most of the shows end with the viewers in awe over the change. I am not quite sure why we like seeing this so much since most Americans are routine freaks. To some, the deeper the rut the happier we are.
There is also the more practical approach when you do a little remodeling to include updating some areas, keeping the best of the old while sprinkling in a few new ideas. That’s the approach we have taken here at The Times. For the past week you might have noticed half-page ads every day since last Sunday and posters on the front of our paper racks giving our readers a little pre- notice that something new is coming.
Tomorrow is the big day, Monday, June 15. Our totally revamped newspaper will make its debut. We have spent several weeks in this process. Our primary goal was to present the VDT in a way to make its pages easier for the reader. You will NOT see a change in the size of the type in our stories. You will notice that your eye will be able to follow the words in the stories more easily.
For those readers who have called about having color ink blotches on one of two of funeral notices in the area where the newspaper folds, this has been fixed by moving the funeral – death notice page two pages over to page 5A. Here you will also find the notices to be squared-off over two columns. This will help readers who want to cut out a notice for family and friends to keep.
Another change to help the readers will be two new features “The Numbers” and “Quick Facts.” You will see these added to stories both in main news and sports where the editors will pull from the story pertinent information for a quick read about the story’s contents.
The type used for our headlines is changing. Each story’s headline is now centered over the story. A few weeks ago we began setting our story type in ‘ragged right.’ This means the columns of type in a story are no longer straight on the left and right. The column is now only straight on the left. The right side is ragged. This should be easier to read.
Of all the changes you will see tomorrow remember they are only skin deep. Our heart and soul is the same as always. A banner on our wall in the editorial department reminds our reporters and editors their job is to ‘surprise our readers every day with something new.’ That is our mission. It has not changed. We only tinkered a little with the package in which we wrap that surprise.
Happy reading!
What We Think
From the publisher: Our makeover is only skin deep
- What We Think
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
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Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
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Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
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Events that get things done
Finding something that repeatedly attracts the public is difficult enough, but finding an event that accomplishes that feat while also promoting your organization and helping others … well, in many places, that’s a rarity.
Not so for the Valdosta area. - More What We Think Headlines
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
