Posted on January 5 at 9:49 p.m.

Good Grief, no wonder you had a heart attack.

On Guest commentary: Richard Calabrese talks about Collier School Board matters

Posted on January 4 at 11:05 p.m.

When I was a young girl, many years ago, I held an after school job working for the United Way.

I did clerical duties, typing and filing and such. The people I worked for and the people that came in and out of the office were some of the nicest and kindest people I have ever met.

I understand all the wonderful things that are accomplished through your organization and I would never want to diminish the good work, however I have always been cautious of my donations to the United Way because of my job as a young girl.

At that time, I learned of much of the donations that were used for "expenses," management, administration and even my salery. It seemed to me that much of the donated money went to pay expenses and always in the back of my mind, I thought that more should go to the community.

As I said, I was young and really didn't know how charities worked, but after that job and through the years, when asked to give to the United Way I was always reluctant.

Then there was a time when your organization became the subject of much controversy when it was learned how much money was going to individuals in the organization for cars and other "expenses."

I'm sure that damaged the organization for a time as I am just as sure that the problem has been solved. However, it is still hard for me to support the United Way because of my old job, and because of the controversy over the years.

I know this guest commentary was not an invitation for criticism and I don't mean to weaken your sincerity. I am quite sure of the earnestness of the United Way as I am sure of the grateful participants on the receiving end of the generosity of those who give. That needs to continue in earnest.

I guess what I am asking for is an accounting. What percentage of all donations goes to the charity, what percentage pays saleries expenses and so on. Put my mind at ease. Is there a public viewing of the annual budget, done by the local volunteers that you mention in the article? I'm sure there must be some place on the internet to research.

And otherwise, good luck in reaching your goals, I only wish the best for all who are not as fortunate as I and if that means giving to the United Way I want to be able to give without reservation.

Thank you for the commentary and your time.

On United Way needs community’s help more than ever

Posted on December 20 at noon

BigG, I wish I knew. I think first, He has to be invited in.

On Letters to the Editor: Dec. 20, 2008

Posted on December 19 at 9:56 p.m.

Jim Gerali and family,
Good for you and your family. I, to, was becoming increasingly frustrated at Christmas time, knowing I could not afford the gifts I was charging, but still, not wanting to disappoint the young ones in the family, I continued to charge away.

Then, spending the rest of the new year, paying off the bills.

What a silly merry go round to find yourself on year after year.

A few years ago I started a new tradition. I began giving donations to the Florida United Methodist's Childrens Home. I put a donation in the name of each family member (nieces, nephews, Aunts, Uncles etc.)and at Christmas time I would pass out the donation acknowledgement cards instead of expensive gifts.

I also asked my family to take the money they may spend on me at Christmas time and donate to the childrens home in my name.

Of course I still get a little something for the young ones, but the tradition seems to be working out well. I feel much better about giving a spiritually substantial gift. And I don't have those ridiculous credit card bills haunting me all year long.

More people should try it. You won't believe how much better it feels to give something that may do some good, rather than giving another expensive gift that may, or may not be appreciated, used, returned or whatever.

Merry Christmas to you and your family. God is at work in your household.

On Letters to the Editor: Dec. 20, 2008

Posted on December 18 at 9:22 p.m.

Virgil Salmon,

I'm sure all the Mothers, Fathers, sisters, brothers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters of the brave soldiers who are fighting, or have fought in Iraq, really appreciate your letter. Especially the parents, siblings, spouses and children of the soldiers who have died in Iraq. Your very brave pen and paper sure showed all of them...

Our personal American feelings regarding George Bush does not matter to someone throwing the shoe, or showing any form of disrespect for your President. He is not doing it for you, he loathes you and every American as much as he loathes the man he threw the shoe at.

Why would you show support for the criminal act of an Iraqi citizen, before you would support an American, like it or not, your President.

I believe there is a word that describes someone who would do that.

On Letters to the Editor: Dec. 19 , 2008

Posted on December 5 at 8:28 p.m.

Finally! It's been a long time coming, but at last we are able to see his humble face, and not the sneer he was wearing when the dream team suggested he put on the gloves.

He's been gloating for a long time as the Goldman's and Brown's grieved.

Simpson called his own actions at the robbery stupid. Typically, most thugs are not going to be the brightest color in the crayon box and his robbery was stupid and ill conceived but he has been so convinced that he is above the law.

You are right, dooley, he should have been locked up as soon as he threw the first punch at Nicole. I'm sure his first wife received a few bruises from this brute-slash-murderer-slash thief-slash-slasher, also.

I really do believe a lot of people are safer now that O.J. Simpson is in jail.

God Bless the courageous judge.

On O.J. Simpson sentenced to as much as 33 years in prison

Posted on December 4 at 11:08 p.m.

No doubt, flatbroke! However try to find a good, "just the facts" kind of a news broadcast. My example is extreme, of course, however most media outlets harp on the sensational and leave the real stuff in a small paragraph on the back pages, or as an afterthought on the evening news.

Please don't get me wrong, flatbroke, I'm not the insipid twit that I appear to be in my last post. I just try to find anything in the letters that I can do a "bit" on and I run with it.

On Letters to the Editor: Dec. 5 , 2008

Posted on December 4 at 10:50 p.m.

No doubt PuffyStormClouds, I was thinking the exact same thing. Gosh if anyone looks evil, it's this guy. Every picture I've seen of him screams "serial killer!" I'm pretty sure if we looked up "murderer" in the dictionary, a picture, looking very much like Mr. Cooper would accompany the definition.

It's easy for me to make fun from where I sit, however, I still think of the family. My prayers and concern are with the family of the victims. And that poor little boy... he will have to endure this travesty for the rest of his life.

But really, Mr. Cooper's attorneys have to counsel him to soften that look!

On Gateway Murder trial: New discovery may contradict Cooper’s defense

Posted on December 4 at 7:39 p.m.

So here's the thing Mr. Geringer,

I did not read or see on the TV news shows anything about the NASA story you refer to.

I can tell you what color Paris Hilton's cell phone is, or I can relate how many times Britney Spears has been married, oh yeah and guess what, her first ex was arrested today. I know way more than I ever wanted to know about Anna Nicole Smith. I know Brad and Angelina are thinking about adopting more children and I think I know more about Tom and Katy's daughter than I do about my own.

Of course, my point being, why can't they leave stories about the above mentioned on the pages of the National Enquire where they belong, and the media report only the newsworthy? Never gonna happen I'm afraid. Nobody's listening.

I will be looking up Business Week on my computer and maybe I can be enlightened on this very serious story that you have brought to my attention. Thank you.

On Letters to the Editor: Dec. 5 , 2008

Posted on November 30 at 10:06 p.m.

Beachykeen, hey, you're taking yourself way to seriously. If you will notice, I used the word "we" in the first sentence. It was not meant to be personal, just my attempt at humor. I was not trying to show nerve, or audacity or gall or impudence or even impertinence. Sorry if I ruffled your feathers. Oh gosh, dare I say it, "get over it." Oh sorry, couldn't help myself.

On Letters to the Editor: Dec. 1, 2008