New Reading Eagle

It's been a very busy week at the Reading Eagle. On Feb. 16 we unveiled a completely redesigned newspaper, printed on a brand new press. You can see more about it here, Most of the comments were positive, which is surprising. People seldom take the time to write or call and tell you when they like something. But they don't hesitate to let you know what they don't like, and sometimes in very nasty ways. I guess that's just human nature. We estimate that for every good comment we receive, there are at least 10 who don't take the time to respond. So the reaction has been very positive.

I do know that in spite of the smaller page size in the newspaper -- readers consider it more convenient to hold and use -- there's a lot more information in the newspaper now.

In addition to the page size, people like the improvements in organization (things are in the same place every day) and color (on every page).

In spite of some production bugs and some extremely long days for a lot of employees, it's been an amazing experience and something many of us are very proud of.

The new press building and distribution center.

The new KBA offset press.

Special memories on the trail

The Appalachian Trail is a special place and has provided some very special memories of friendships, challenges, nature's beauty and accomplishments. I completed the entire AT in Pennsylvania in October 2004 when we reached the Mason Dixon Line. Joining me were frequent hiking friends Kenny, (me), Dan, Steve, Walt and Ryan.

Steve, Ryan and Dan at twin shelters in October 2004. One shelter was for snorers and the other for non-snorers.

Ryan taking a break on a rocky outcrop in Southern Pennsylvania in October 2004.

The entire group taking a break along the trail. It's amazing I was able to finish with all the breaks I had to take so those guys could keep up.

One of the fancier shelters along the AT in Pennsylvania in May 2004.

Walt and Dan in May 2004.

Ryan, Walt, Dan and me at the halfway marker for the entire AT in May 2004.

Dan, Walt and Steve take the easy way over a creek in September 2003.

Walt on the trail between the woods and a corn field in September 2003 near Boiling Springs.

Most of the rocks were in the northern part of Pa., but we enjoyed this challenge near Boiling Springs in September 2003.

Ryan on a very cold day in early April 2002.

Campsite with a beautiful view in eastern Pennsylvania in April 2002.

Dan, Walt and Ryan pause to enjoy the view in eastern Pennsylvania in April 2002. This is why we climb the mountain.

Coming down off the mountain isn't always as easy as going up. Ryan waits at the top for Kenny to make sure it's safe.

Me on top of the rocky eastern Pennsylvannia trail in April 2002.

A view of the Delaware River that you won't see from a highway. This was the weekend in April 2002, when we reached the New York border.