Regarding "Kennedy Prognosis Not Good, Experts Say" (front page, May 21): Like him or hate him, Republican or Democrat, you have to admit that Sen. Ted Kennedy is a politician. Not in the new sense of the term, but the old. A legislator who realizes that to get things done requires compromise. He has been one of the few senators who have been able to "reach across the aisle," as is commonly said today. ...more

May 22, 2008

Rae Will Donate Amendment 1 Proceeds I appreciate the feedback of Christopher Miles to the letter I submitted regarding the passage of Amendment 1 and how I felt the continued inequities of property taxes reinforces the shortcomings of Save Our Homes. ...more

February 8, 2008

Howie Carroll said he would try to do better. As Hillsborough County's affordable housing manager, he could have been more vigilant. ...more

February 6, 2008

Why Spring Hill? Nia Diebel's letter, "Is there life in Spring Hill?" expresses frustration with some of the shortcomings of Spring Hill. Diebel apparently believes these shortcomings are the result of the "rather selfish attitudes of the so-called 'greatest generation' ... (that) place their whims and wants over valid needs for a community that is growing (as they) shuffle along and ... seem confused and not much engaged in life beyond medical appointments and early dinner specials." ...more

February 6, 2008

A skyrocketing number of applications for concealed weapons licenses has hindered the state agency that screens people for the documents from, at times, suspending or revoking the permits in a timely manner, according to a state audit released this week. ...more

December 21, 2007

SEBRING — When Howard Jenkins retired from the Air Force, he used his veteran benefits to go back to school and improve himself. From his experience, he saw the shortcomings of the military and wanted to help others. After starting as a veterans representative in Winter Haven, he transferred to Sebring in 1992 as a local veteran employment representative for Heartland Workforce. Jenkins enjoys helping the young, returning troops, showing them how to apply and get their earned benefits under the GI bill. ...more

December 17, 2007

College football fans are among the most passionate and ardent supporters the sports world has to offer. Stadiums the size of small cities are routinely filled every Saturday, and yearly clashes between rivals can make or break careers, turning 18-year old men into legends and providing fans memories that last a lifetime. Feasting upon every snap is the college football fan, who, through their alliances, rarely agree on anything. ...more

December 5, 2007

The Roman Catholic Church must figure out what it is doing wrong in the battle for souls, because so many Catholics are leaving the church to join Pentecostal and other evangelical movements, a top Vatican cardinal said Friday. ...more

November 24, 2007

'The Best American Comics 2007,' edited by Chris Ware (Houghton Mifflin, $22) ...more

October 28, 2007

'Shortcomings,' by Adrian Tomine (Drawn & Quarterly, $20) ...more

October 14, 2007