Another Soul Saved
Your article was expertly written but the subject was disgusting. It was one of the more depressing things I've read lately. It's inspired me to eBay the Gamecube and get out more.
Justin Cozart
Tampa
Get Some Guts
I found your article interesting when you mentioned talking to St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker. You said "I like Baker … I like a little spunk in my public officials." Well, I like some guts in my officials, especially when the issue Mr. Baker has skirted for a while is homelessness. It's unfortunate when spending millions for downtown development doesn't include a human approach to displaced people. Let Mr. Baker ask the citizens of St. Petersburg for a tax increase for housing assistance. Teachers just received a pay increase. The homeless would surely be voted a shelter.
The homeless need safe refuge. Once we all realize that homelessness is rarely a choice and mostly a set of circumstances, then our fellow citizens won't be "thrown out with the trash." This realization must start at City Hall with Mayor Rick Baker.
Donald Kraus
St. Petersburg
Sisterly Love
When I saw the "Top 10" cover, I picked it up specifically to see if there was any mention of the Scissor Sisters CD. I was extremely happy to read your review. Their music is as if someone took every band I liked in high school, put them into a blender and distilled it into one super-band. My guilty pleasure has been traveling to a few of the shows. If you even marginally like them, you really should experience them live. They are one of the best live bands I've ever seen. Jake is an incredible singer, dancer and performer, and Ana always has a great conversation with the audience throughout the show. They are also very friendly and accessible to their fans. Thanks again for the great review.
Guy Balson
Clearwater Beach
Jam On
I want to thank you for recognizing our efforts in helping the "jam-band scene" reach "cruising speed." This has been a dream come true for me as Rising Jupiter has developed relationships, in our first year in this business, that will lead to our first festival, UPHONIA (www.risingjupiter.net/uphomia), May 13-15. This festival is about giving back to the artists that have paved the way for Rising Jupiter. Mountain of Venus, Buffalo Strange and Uncle John's Band were key cogs in providing local support and national contacts. Without them AND the warmth from the community of peaceful music lovers in the Tampa area, we'd have less diversity and many local artists unable to exhibit their hidden talents. Again, thank you for your support.
Ted Freed/Rising Jupiter
Clearwater
Missing His Planet
When I leave Tampa I will miss the uniquely excellent WMNF-88.5 FM community radio and the local presence on WUSF-89.7 FM. While I can pick them up via Internet connection, I won't be able to pick up the latest copy of the Planet. (I realize one can read from the Internet, but I want to hold the paper while having breakfast at Mom's or First Watch!) Week in and week out, your staff offers good reading as they cover the arts, alternative views of politics and our new world order, and great tips on where to wine and dine, too. Foremost among your writers I want to acknowledge Lance Goldenberg, who consistently delivers good reviews while sharing his love of film with his audience. Saludos also to Taylor Eason, Diana Peterfreund, Mark Leib and the indomitable Andisheh Nouraee, who reminds us to recall the words of Douglas Adams and always keep our towels nearby.
Mike Judd
Tampa
This article appears in Jan 12-18, 2005.