Local Notes

A few interesting items in the Derby City.

• The "Why Buy Local" event organized by the Louisville Independent Business Alliance, b.k.a "Keep Louisville Weird", provided needed advice for local businesses competing against big box retailers. According to the C-J, John Timmons, owner of Ear X-tacy Records, admits that he cannot compete on price so he tries to provide better service, expertise and selection. LEO's blog also noted that the panel's keynote speaker, author Stacy Mitchell said that due "tremendous consolidation", Wal-Mart now captures one of every $10 spent on retail goods on the country. Unbelievable.
  
  
• Hat tip to 'Ville Voice. On redneck radio this morning rebel Republican Chris Thieneman, who spearheaded the defeat of the library tax and announced he's running for Kentucky's 3rd U.S. congressional seat, was snitchin' on the GOP. According to 'Ville Voice, Thieneman said various party officials, including Mitch McConnell aide Larry Cox, told him to sit this year out so serial loser Ann Northup can get her rematch against Rep. John Yarmuth. At the moment the conversation is getting ugly.