Come as you are … leave different … and save 20% at Sarasota Symphony’s Masterworks this weekend!

This weekend, November 12, 13, and 14, the Sarasota Orchestra is presenting a unique “Masterworks” concert that seems designed for someone like me — who is open to, but sometimes uncertain about, classical music … at least beyond my immortal beloved.

What makes this weekend’s concerts different is that they offer a rare opportunity — a kind of “sampling” of the masterpiece works of several masters — from Ravel, Tchaikovsky, Strauss, and more. (more…)

Democracy is Doomed … thanks to ethically challenged bloggers? (surely they don’t me moi!?)

A week or so back, we had the Business Ethics Alliance panel discussion “Does Journalistic Truth Now Mean Something Different Than It Previously Meant?” Putting aside the unwieldy title that would have been nixed by any editor worth his or her salt, the panel that assembled at the Hyatt Regency to discuss same — Diane McFarlin, publisher, Herald-Tribune Media Group; Susan Burns, editor, Biz941; and Matt Walsh, editor and CEO, the Observer Group — represented the salt of the local journalism earth.

“But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?” — Matthew 5:13 (more…)

Healing hunger for the holidays — MC Reality Readers annual fundraising for All Faiths Food Bank

Since 2006, readers of my “reality” columns, op/ed essays in papers, and of this blog, have been kindly and generously donating to my annual fundraising drive to benefit All Faiths Food Bank.

Every year, I add to the drive myself, by personally donating any money I receive from print publications during the month of November — most years, it hasn’t been that much, but this year, I’ll be able to donate all my earnings from my new Sarasota Herald Tribune column called “After Hours” which appears in the TICKET section of the paper. I’m proud and happy to know that because my hometown local newspaper has helped me by hiring me as a weekly freelance contributor … I, in turn, can turn around and help others. (more…)

Heat Bomb to Explode in Sarasota …MC Coolidge launches new print column!

What’s black and white and read all over? I sure HOPE it’s my new column!

After something like two and a half years — TWO AND A HALF YEARS, folks! — I’ve finally landed a regular print gig again. I can’t believe it. But here’s the proof: Heat Bomb to Explode in Sarasota (more…)

Election Etcetera

I was on the streets and at precincts throughout Sarasota County yesterday from about 7 am to 5:30 pm (with only a short break at my office to squeeze in some “real” work). I was also at the Democratic party at Gecko’s on Hillview Avenue in the evening hours.

Though all the precincts I visited were hopping, it ended up being a low voter turnout — big surprise.

Over the course of about 15 hours yesterday, I was everything from discouraged to dumbfounded by things I heard and saw. To wit: (more…)

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

IF YOU DO ONE THING TODAY — LET IT BE FOR YOUR COUNTRY …

VOTE!! (more…)

Attack Ad “Facts” are Fiction

I dig what Nancy Feehan, candidate for District 70 Florida House, had to say about her opponent Doug Holder’s recent negative television ads which say she’s lying when she talks about his voting record. (She’s not lying — check out the links below if you want to see his voting record).

“While it’s disappointing that my opponent has chosen to go on the personal attack,” Feehan said, “the facts are that Doug Holder has refused to debate me throughout this campaign, and has been a no-show at political events where he would have been asked about his voting record. Since he’s so unwilling to discuss any real issues, and since he’s unable to deny his own voting record, he’s had to resort to tasteless advertising tactics.” (more…)

Super Scary Walking Dead– aka the Non-Voters

Zombie is too kind a word to describe the catatonic state of mind of America. I’m talking about the interior state of its intellect, obviously. Because the mouth and the eyes and the jangly arms and legs, and the hyper-extended eyebrows, are all still popping and bopping like Micheal Jackson Thriller dancers on crack.

I think I’ve seen one too many campaign ads. (more…)

Safe sex is better than scary sex …

I’ve never been to Planned Parenthood’s annual Safe Sex Halloween Bash. (more…)

Doug Holder’s Attack Ad is Amateur-Hour

Doug Holder, with his new laughably doltish and amateurish attack television ad against Nancy Feehan, has dug a new hole for himself. (more…)