I have read with interest two St. Petersburg Times articles within the past week about schools. One was that Charter schools ARE NOT fairing any better than the public schools the children came from. The second showed a study of school voucher programs DID NOT fair any better than public schools.

As an advocate for physically and psychological fragile children that are often labeled as “social misfits”,  I thought I would take this opportunity to speak up regarding our collective response to the rise, fall, and “resurrection” of Michael Jackson in the courtroom of public opinion.    I would like to suggest that his story line (and that of Susan Boyle as well) might have played

Brad Grandorff, owner of FAT Ink, writes in response to St. Petersburg Times story, FAT Ink tattoo studios have designs on a hip mall crowd

In the past week, the world lost two icons of democracy: one, a beautiful young girl in the prime of her life, the other, a beautiful woman who accomplished so much yet had so much left to do.

The reason why I moved here 6 years ago was I was told that it was cheaper to live here. Since I have been here there have been increase after increase on different things and now with the DMV increases, that takes the frosting off the cake. How can anyone afford these outrageous fees?

Dear Michael,

Michael Jackson died today.
A legend star
has gone away.
His music thrilled,
his life immense,
emotion filled,
the sounds intense.
We cry today
all ov’r the world,
his spirit strong
his heart unfurled.
I miss you Michael,
you were the best,
despite the cads

The St. Petersburg Times' June 24 editorial The abuse behind Scientology's facade proves beyond doubt that any aura of objectivity in the Times' so-called special report was illusory.

We were all sad to hear about Michael Jackson’s Death.  I was at work when the news spread, first that he was in a coma and then that he was dead.  I was also told that Farrah Fawcett had lost her battle with cancer and died that morning also. 

I was imagining the morning St. Petersburg Times, half the page with Farrah Fawcatt and the other half with Michael Jackson.  I was really disappointed that it didn’t turn out that way.  I guess the mystery behind Michael's death is a much better story then the expected death of Farrah.  So sad.

As a way to get really get in touch with the voting public may I suggest that Alex Sink, Bill McCollum and all others on the taxpayers' payroll fly commercial as opposed to private.

There are fans that will watch their team no matter how much they disappoint or stink. There are fans that will be fair weather fans and only there for the team’s success. And then there are other fans who expect and deserve a good representation of a competitive team on the field that gives them a decent chance for a win.

Florida’s high schools earned dismal grades from the state last week. The St. Petersburg Times dutifully points out that schools, parents and students share the blame. It suggests that there is no one answer to improving student performance. I beg to differ.

Well, evidently all the brouhaha over the arrest of Joseph Prudente, for disobeying a court order has not stopped the "Lawn Nazis" of Beacon Woods.

Hillsbrough Yorkie Puppies

Good Luck! I've had dogs over the past 40 years. Two years ago my youngest dauther wanted a Yorkie. I've must have been drunk when I paid $800 cash for that dog! I've never had a pure breed. Muts from the pound are the best!

David Miscavige has many a trick up his sleeves by which he enslaves people. One of his best tricks is how he pries "confessions" out of his top staff. Here's how it works:

Anyone involved in bringing accused Scientology criminals to justice needs to know a few important things about the Church of Scientology and Scientologists.

Saving Trop means $471M rehab

Half way thru the article the columnist asks the question”so whats wrong with Tropicana Field?”

In due time, the cost of driving in the great state of Florida is going to go up. Not only the cost of renewing and/or obtaining a replacement Florida drivers license, the cost of renewing your Florida registration is also going up.  The average percentage of increases is about 100%, if not more give or take.

1. Iranian workers: Elect workers' councils in every workplace, shop, plant, factory, office!

2. Iranian rank-and-file soldiers, Iranian rank-and-file sailors: break
from the military brass! Elect soldiers' councils and sailors' councils
in every military installation!

What a shock!  The Rays’ consultant comes up with a high cost for doing something the Rays don’t want to do.

Saving Trop means $471M rehab

First of all, drop the retractable roof? This is the Tropics.  Has anyone asked how much it will cost to cool the interior down, after the top has been open for a day or two?  How long will it take to get back to a comfortable temperature?  How “green” is this?

St. Petersburg mayoral candidate Richard Eldridge submitted this letter in response to a comment that was posted on a St. Petersburg Times story, Political rookie becomes 11th member of mayoral race. The comment contained incorrect and misleading information and has been removed.

Tampa Bay Rays force Threshers to end bobblehead giveaways

The Tampa Bay Rays have lost any respect that I had for them. My friends and I, all seniors, have been going to the Threshers since they started.

The tickets are cheap, we get promos, and we get a night out. How very pett of you Rays! you'll never see me at a Rays game again.

I have overcome many barriers in learning how to effectively communicate with my children. I think we all, on occasion, have had an instance where we have had to overcome communication obstacles with someone close to us. Such is obviously true of Erik von Brunn.

While I am very happy that the staff at Tampa General brightened the lives of pediatric patients by staging a mock wedding of two dogs on Thursday, the event saddens me tremendously. I, too, have a notary license and can perform marriages in Florida -- sometimes.