My horoscope for this past Tuesday as determined by Eugenia in the Highlands Today Astrology column, stated; "Things are looking up and opportunities are apparent. Try your hand at something new or offer a service that you can do for extra cash. You can learn something new if you research over the Internet, sign up for a course or talk to someone with experience." It is a five star day for me. Well, she is right in one sense, as I am up to my eyeballs in a job that I have taught myself and have no idea most of the time exactly what I am doing. Somehow in the past I have managed to pull off my bluff and get the job done with what many call exceptional success. ...more

October 11, 2007

Regarding 'Change Rocks Media World' (Commentary, Sept. 30): Every morning, I huff, sigh, 'tsk' and groan my way through the newspaper. Disasters, warnings, scandals, reversals are everywhere. But the news is also necessarily informative, and often, positive, and I wouldn't be without it. I may go online for information, but it feels less personal - even though it may say 'local' - and reading at length onscreen is uncomfortable. The news connects us as members of a community and functions as our 'watchdog.' ...more

October 7, 2007

I agree with Andy Tuck's suggestion that the school superintendent be selected rather than elected. School administration is a profession with a complex skills set. We are best served by someone who meets the job's requirements and has specific experience related to our current needs e.g. upgrading FCAT scores. Because of its locale and reputation, Highlands County would attract a number of qualified candidates, most likely successful superintendents from smaller districts seeking career advancement, which is generally tied to the size of the operation. ...more

September 14, 2007

Misguided MAP I feel compelled to write about the newest performance pay plan, Merit Award Program (MAP), that will be voted on in the school district. ...more

September 14, 2007