Two stories dominated most front pages this morning: The Bush-Obama meeting and Veteran's Day.

Most papers used the Oval Office photo. The Bakersfield Californian presented it as only they can. The El Paso Times tried to do the same thing, but added too much type to the photo. The SunSentinel showed great balance on its entire page, using a more atmospheric image. The Chicago Tribune tried something similar, but that nameplate was an unwelcome intruder. The Sun-Times was cleaner, hence better, while RedEye took an alternate route to D.C.

Most Veteran's Day tributes were undistinguished. The Times Herald tried something different, but it was tough sledding. The Virginian-Pilot was more successful. With its ultra-large military community, it better be.

The fever chart on the Detroit Free Press did a better job of conveying GM's woes than the headline alone on The Detroit News. It's always better to show than to tell.

The Denver Post brought its A-game. Mug shots dominated in Nebraska, in both Lincoln and Omaha. We're all for going green, but not like the Review-Journal in Las Vegas.

The newspaper with the best front design today is the Wyoming Tribune Eagle for its break-from-the-pack news judgment.

You couldn't throw a dead cat today without hitting Bush-Obama photos and flag-draped servicemen. But who would buy the paper for either of these stories? The White House visit was 24 hours old by the time readers got their hands on it, and Veteran's Day is older than dirt.

No dominant image. No White House photo. No veterans. That trifecta makes Cheyenne stand out from all the other front pages.

Would you buy the paper in Cheyenne for "Skiing in style?" Maybe. The Tribune Eagle deserves credit for tying something different to woo readers instead of being predictable. And speaking of clothing, how 'bout that Sarah Palin story down page?



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