Point/counterpoint abounded in our recent e-mails and Web comments. Andisheh Nouraee: Informed observer or partisan mouthpiece? Hollis Gillespie: The only thing in the paper worth reading or not worth the paper she’s printed on? Hulk Hogan: Bad son or unanointed saint? The Hulk debate bubbled up in connection with our story of a few years ago, “Body Slammed” (June 21, 2006) which seems to have attracted new interest in the wake of Hogan’s more recent troubles. Hollis’ column “Everyone Has A Drug” (Nov. 21, 2007) struck a nerve, and Andisheh’s analysis of the surge in Iraq got blood boiling. Consensus was clearer elsewhere: Evander Preston was praised for his unique brand of aid to the homeless; Megan Voeller got props; and everybody’s happy Magadog’s back.
Another thing to be happy about: Creative Loafing has begun a new “green” initiative called “Re: Cover” — that’s “re” as in “recycling.” We began by asking local artists to find ways to re:furbish our newsboxes. In October, Jay Giroux re:covered the first box at the Channelside “Save the Arts” Festival, and in coming weeks you’ll see boxes on Central Avenue in St. Pete transformed into representations of the four elements (earth, air, fire and water) by Maria Licodo, Josh Sullivan, Chad Mize & Phillip Clark and Chris Parks & Scott Lukacs. Keep abreast of these and other re:cover projects at www.myspace.com/projectrecover.
Re: “Virgins & Vixens,” by Megan Voeller, Nov. 28: Just a short note of praise for your arts writer, Megan. Her article captured not only the precise artistic information about the genre, but also the true spirit of the exhibition and was done in a most engaging and entertaining way.
Marcie Hoffman Porges, Hoffman Porges Gallery, Tampa
Re: “Bourbon Street,” by Alex Pickett, Dec. 5: Go EVAN!!!! GREAT story on Evander Preston. … we should all give a bit more during the holidays, and Evander definitely got it right! As for the director for the homeless coalition … giving more alcohol to alcoholics isn’t a good idea?! GET A GRIP LADY! … ask Bob, Reggie or Nancy if they need a drink! Thanks for the great article on a great artist, and maybe he will inspire some restaurant(s) downtown to donate some sandwiches to go with those bottles!
Aili Taber
Re: “Is the surge working?” by Andisheh Nouraee, Dec. 5: The correct answer is: Depends on who you ask. A conservative will tell you, yes of course! A liberal will tell you, No! It’s a total failure. It’s all about partisan bullshit and who stands the most to gain or lose from the truth. The truth, as is usually the case, is somewhere in the middle.
Jackson
Re: “Ska Survivors,” by Wade Tatangelo, Nov. 28: I was a Magadog groupie for the summer of 2000, following their success around Florida and beyond. The energy of this band amazed me. They always managed to get everyone up and dancing with reckless abandon. Magadog speaks to the human DNA. I remember a night at the Green Parrot in Key West and at the Middle East in Boston, where the encores would not end. I don’t know why this band has not been “discovered” either, because they are all rock stars. Magadog, the encores have still not ended. Your New England fans are psyched that you are back!
Cousin Wendy
Re: “King of Pain,” by Eric Snider, Nov. 14: I was appalled about this man being targeted as a drug peddler. What bureaucratic idiots we have. I am also glad to see that Gov. Crist could see right through this situation. Yes, the state should compensate this family for all the money and agony they have put out. The sentence was commuted, but they still need help to restore their lives. Thank you for bringing this problem to the public’s attention.
Jeanne
This article appears in Dec 12-18, 2007.
