By the cabal's double-dealing: Bob Norman's work about Southwest Ranches was excellent ("Cash Cow," March 24, and "Cash Cow 2," May 26). He presented the facts truthfully. It appears he spent quite a bit of time and tried to present all sides.
I am a member of the Ranchers for Better Government... and World Peace. I also was a member of the Charter Review Committee and presented quite a few changes, most of which were rejected. The committee was packed; we still were able to get some items through; they were supposed to set a rule for running meetings or adopt "Robert's Rules of Order." This has not been done.
We suggested forming a finance committee, and still it has not been formed. Our taxes will have to go way up to pay for the projects the council is approving. Roads and drainage are not being addressed aggressively enough. General upkeep of the town is falling behind because the council has tapped out the budget with pet projects.
Michael Fisikelli
Southwest Ranches
Town Hates Hippies
Hippies return the favor: I just wanted to say "RIGHT ON" to Jonathan Zwickel's Beatcomber column about Crazy Fingers and the City of Pompano Beach ("I've Never Seen 'Em Fing," May 26). My boyfriend happens to be a member of the band, and they are all full-time musicians. This is their livelihood. Without places like the Wharf, which has been extremely loyal to this band, we would have surely starved to death by now.
I'm sure the city is not too concerned about the well-being of a buncha long-haired hippie freaks, but it is obviously concerned about the well-being of its bank account.
Sarah Rein
Hollywood
Free Weekly Too Free
With its sex banter: I just finished reading the article on the new shock jocks ("Doctor's Order," Trevor Aaronson, May 19). I am amazed that this passed over your desk without your omitting some of its contents.
You have a free magazine that's available to adults and children alike. This article belongs behind the counter in a gas station, don't you agree? I am sure you don't want your daughter thinking a "guess that jizz" contest is the new craze. I couldn't believe I was reading an article from a free publication without explicit content warnings.
I am a strong supporter of freedom of the press, but you have more of a responsibility when your press is free on every corner and available to all of our impressionable youth.
Leslie Walker
Via the Internet
Interpreting Wilonsky
He's full o' baloney: Robert Wilonsky wrote that the film The Interpreter is all talk, little action ("Lost in Translation," April 28). Gee, I had similar thoughts about his review. Robert, you must have gone to the same review school as former restaurant critic Jen Karetnick. All the talk that annoyed Wilonsky so much is called acting. It's the subtle nuances of a long dialogue that have largely given The Godfather films the status of film classics.
The way Wilonsky begins his review -- by ripping apart Sidney Pollack's career -- reminds me of a Washington Post critic's column several years ago: The Post reviewer attacked countless Oscar winners as not being worthy of the award. I guess Wilonsky is one of those critics who never likes anything.
Contrary to Wilonsky's assertion, the majority of film viewers do not have infantile mentalities that need to be sated with infinite car chases and explosions. Today's films do not all have to conform to the Jerry Bruckheimer formula to qualify as good filmmaking. Stupid special effects and Will Smith one-liners do not make for a great movie.
The Interpreter is a certain style of drama that Sean Penn has always done. I guess Wilonsky's mind is just a little too feeble for such films.
Marc Smilen
Dania Beach
Hungry for Fame
So they keep thumpin': I just wanted to send a note thanking Mark Keresman for the write-up on Hunger-Thump in the April 14 New Times ("Thump and Grind").
When we were playing our gig at Red Lion this weekend, a friend complimented us on the fantastic article about us. I was like "What?!" and when he showed it to me, I felt even more like a rock star than my $250 leather dress and Medusa-inspired hairdo suggested. I think it made us rock harder than ever.
The whole band was "stoked" (my guitarist's favorite verb for "excited"), so I'm also thanking you on behalf of the guys, although I'm the only one who was vain enough to laminate the thing! The article not only gave us a little ego stroke but also brought some folks out to see us. It'll get lots of mileage too, as we'll definitely be using it in our press kit.
Thanks again!
Marya Summers
Via the Internet
Remembering Styx
Before the history ends up in heaven: I first learned of the community of Styx at a recent conference. I then found Eric Alan Barton's March 17 article, "Urban Removal," for which I thank him. But I have a concern: I fear that this important history of the black community in Palm Beach may be lost because the story resides with the children of the residents of Styx, who are now up in years.
This is especially important since, as you state, there is no official record and because those who know the past will not be around much longer. I guess I'm hoping that New Times will see the value in doing an extended article and interviews on the community of Styx and its malevolent destruction.
Patrice Woeppel
Coral Springs
