Local officials take to the stage next week to help the homeless in our community

Wednesday, November 24th, from 11:45 am to 1 pm, the Sarasota Ministerial Association presents a free event for the public – a pre-Thanksgiving Day lunch that benefits the homeless in our community, and includes live theatre put on by local public officials. The event takes place at First Baptist Church, 1670 Main Street in Sarasota.

Officials hamming it up at last year's event.

Marina Jack is wack

Just one woman’s opinion:

Marina Jack is wack. I believe the owners should just do the right thing and pay taxes. (more…)

What if … we take a moment to help fight hunger in our community?

I ran my “What If” blog on January 22nd of this year … but it seems appropriate for this current week too; so I’ve excerpted it below. Thank you to all who donated so far to the All Faiths Food Bank “Reality Readers” fundraising drive! If you’re interested in donating money through the MC Reality Readers fundraising campaign to help feed the hungry this holiday season — click here for details.
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What if …right this moment … or at least the minute you get done reading this blog … (more…)

Whew! Local buildings won’t turn blue!

It’s a rare thing when I’m reading the newspaper that anything tickles my funny bone. But this morning, as I read page 2B in the Sarasota Herald Tribune, I read a story that made me laugh out loud. (more…)

Best of the Suncoast … four years running!

I really can’t thank the readers of this blog enough for voting for me in this year’s Creative Loafing Best of the Suncoast contest! Merci Beacoup! Grazie!! Danke!!! … um, just plain … thanks a bunch!

This is the fourth year I’ve nabbed a Best of nod from CL readers/voters — in the Best Reporter, Best Columnist (grrrrr … that darn Tom Lyons … he’s the 2010 winner in that category! 😉 )and Best Blogger categories.

It’s a true honor and I appreciate every one who took the time to go online and cast a vote for my little patch of blogospheric reality.

Where the mind goes … martinis must follow!

MC’s After Hours column in today’s Sarasota Herald-Tribune TICKET — Where the mind goes … martinis must follow!

If you’re looking for stuff to do in the coming week that will engage your brain — read this!

Sarasota’s Red-Light District … we aughtta be ashamed!

Mother of Three Killed by Red-Light Runner.

There really should be a special place in hell for people who intentionally run red lights.

I also have a special disdain for people who don’t pull over (safely) when ambulances or fire trucks are approaching from either in front or behind.

Is anyone really in that big of a hurry that they can’t slow down for yellow, and even stop on yellow when it’s about to turn red? Are people really okay with themselves acting like they don’t have to slow down, stop, or safely pull over if an emergency vehicle is running its sirens to get through traffic?

I just don’t get people sometimes.

Heal Hunger for the Holidays — update

Let’s Heal Hunger for the Holidays!

Since 2006, readers of my “reality” columns, op/ed essays in papers, and of my blog, have been kindly and generously donating to the annual “MC Reality Readers” fundraising drive to benefit All Faiths Food Bank, raising $10,600 so far to help feed the hungry men, women, and children of our community who struggle to put food on the table and make ends meet.

This year, more than ever, is the year of greatest need … and of great opportunity for those of us who are able to dig deep and help out those who need a hand.

It’s a nice circle of grace to know that because my hometown newspaper has recently helped me by hiring me as a weekly freelance contributor … I, in turn, can do something more significant than in years past to help others. Every year, I’ve always contributed any writing fees I received from print publications during the month of November — wasn’t always a lot, but this year, I’m grateful to be able to donate more than ever before because of my new Sarasota Herald-Tribune/Ticket column.

Times are extraordinarily tight for so many of us – for our friends, family, neighbors, people we see on the streets or at bus stations, or in line at the supermarket or bank – people we might not know personally, but who are part of who we are as a community… that’s why I’m writing again about the All Faiths “Reality Reader” drive.

All Faiths has already begun receiving donations from Reality Readers — if you’d like to help heal hunger for the holidays – here’s how you can get involved:

A donation of any amount, even $5, will help; $12 will provide enough food to supply a holiday meal to a family of five; $100 will provide 159 meals; and $500 will supply 794 meals. On your donation, if you’d like to participate specifically in my annual drive, simply write “MC Reality Reader” on your check or in the “Special Instructions” box online.

All Faiths Food Bank — make a donation online at All Faiths
Or send a check snail mail to: 8171 Blaikie Court
Sarasota, Florida 34240-8321
941-379-6333
Just be sure to put the words “MC Reality Reader” on your check or enter it in the “special instructions” box online, if you want to specifically participate in this “reality” drive (All Faiths will be giving me a final tally on “reality” donations in early December, and this helps them track the donations.)

Thanks for taking the time to read this blog – no need to respond unless you want to; just know that I appreciate your time in reading, and of course, if you do choose/are able to make a donation in any amount – know that your generosity is truly appreciated.

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…)