Different kind of topic today.

I was at the KMart on Western Avenue in Augusta last week and, to me, the place looked very different. It was full of merchandise, there was a nursery in the parking lot.

It just looked more vibrant, and I couldn't help but wonder if the new Target up the street may have something to do with that.

So, I thought I'd write about "big box" stores now that all three -- Wal-Mart, Target and KMart -- are in Augusta.

They're more fun now. And a little more irreverent.

As I've written before, one of the best things about my job is that I get to go to some cool events. Saturday, I attended the Unity College commencement. The Morning Sentinel received a "citation" from the college for our environmental coverage and editorials.

I told the crowd we'd rather receive awards like this from local readers and institutions than from national journalism organizations. And we truly would.

We'll see.

We covered the GOP state convention extensively over the weekend because Mitt Romney was speaking and it was in Augusta. (We'll do something comparable with the Democrats.)

The stories from staff writer Susan Cover and the Portland Press Herald and Associated Press reporters frequently mentioned "confidence" from the Republicans this year. If that indeed was the tone, it's going to be an interesting year in Maine.

One of the neat things about my job is that I get to meet new and interesting people, go to events and meetings of all sorts. I do this as much as my time permits.

Being a journalist -- reporter, photographer or editor -- is fun this way. People kind of expect us to pop in on their events from time to time. Often, though not always, they are pleased when we do.

Part of my job includes reviewing letters to the editor. I do this pretty much every day, and see all of them when Naomi Schalit is otherwise occupied.

Today, I reviewed one, written by a Waterville woman, that basically just says "thanks" to the local snow plow drivers. I agree with her.