After 20 years of complaining, developing creative strategies, and watching my blood pressure rise, I finally came to the realization this week that in my town I WILL NEVER GO TO A MOVIE THEATER WHERE SOMEONE DOES NOT TALK DURING THE ENTIRE FILM. Objective proof: Only myself and ONE other person seated 10 rows behind during a showing of "Marilyn & Me" that laughed and talked to her imaginary companion the entire time. One of us was clinically insane and I can only suppose it was me for paying 8 bucks. Roger, Please ask the management to install a mute button for the audience.

If you schools are bad: 1) DON"T RE-ELECT ANYONE to local positions that influence school policy and tell them why. 2)GO TO SCHOOL meetings, board meetings, PTA meetings and enlist help from other parents. 3)VOLUNTEER at a school. We have excellent, nationally rated schools in our area because we, as a community, have refused to give up the arts and classical studies, and we don't make concessions to fascists (right and left wing), status quo apathy, and realize that most administrators would starve if they had to get a real job. I agree with your comments about tenure and unions, but first, please god, TAKE YOUR COMMUNITY BACK! Pardon the rant.