Boxed In
Loved it so much she's afraid: "Million Dollar Maybe" (Natalie O'Neill, July 30) was great — just crazy-cool. It makes me want to cry to see a woman so strong and determined. You go, girl! Good thing I saw Christina Swanson's pic, so I know not to mess with her if I ever bump into her.
Jossie
Miami
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Hated it for personal reasons: This would have been a great article if it weren't for a few things. Natalie O'Neill insulted me not only as a trainer but also as a person. She mentioned me twice in the article and one was a personal insult. I know that both Christina and Luis explained to her that I am also one of her trainers. Remember how many times you called me because you didn't know anything about boxing? You had never even been to a boxing match.
I even let Natalie work the corner, and we never let media in the corner! I did this not only to help Christina and women's boxing but also to help out the writer. And in return, she insults me. All of us were excited for this article to come out, especially Christina. That is, until we read it.
Matt Baiamonte
Hollywood
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Loved the PR: Nicely done. the wrap-around format worked very well covering the bout and the sport overview. Christina Swanson appears to have some talent, but at this point, depth of talent is not the primary problem for women's boxing; meaningful mainstream exposure is. Good writing like this helps.
Bernie McCoy
White Plains, New York
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Steaming Pile of Corruption
She voted no: For the reasons discussed in "Chips for Coke" (Bob Norman, July 30), and for the protection and safety of customers, I voted against gambling here in South Florida and for the rest of the state. My greatest fear is now happening. The low-lifes and thugs go to places such as Gulfstream. If everything from the lottery, Gulfstream, and even Indian reservations is really supposed to help out with education, why are so many teachers out of work? I have never been to these places, and I will never go. If schools throughout the state of Florida are not getting the proceeds that were promised to them by all the smooth-talking CEOs and gamblers, these places should be shut down!
Joycelynn
Miami
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What about Flagler?: I think Gulfstream's owner should also be investigated. I believe it's upper management's fault too for not doing their job by making sure everything is running properly. And what about Flagler Dog Track in Miami? Didn't they just get rid of their flea market? Did they also have a loss? I guess there are a lot of questions to wonder about, but I would like to know.
Susy
Miami
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More Corruption
We call it nepotism: There is nothing unusual about the situation described in "The Mayor's Little Helper" (Francisco Alvarado, July 30). This sort of thing happens so often in Miami-Dade County that it is not even news. County departments are filled with friends and family of commissioners and mayors.
Dante Vide
Miami
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Paranoid or Homophobic?
You be the judge: Just when you think society is moving beyond that old "gays will rape your kids" image (Do I have to mention all the research on the subject?), here comes "Bruno the Delicious" (Natalie O'Neill, July 30). These are homophobic scare tactics. It is horrendous that New Times would write/publish such hatred. I'm sure if this were about a straight female porn star, you would not find it newsworthy. I am sending your article to every friend, aquaintance, and business owner I can. It's time to shine a light on reporters/publications like yours and expose the bigotry that lies within. I am also sending the article to GLADD. I'm sure they can't do much about this, but at least maybe they can help spread the truth and be a counterbalance.
Mike Brown
Hollywood
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Editor's note: Hey, Mikey, maybe you missed it, but Natalie O'Neill wrote about a straight porn star in the story "Risky Business" (July 9). We don't discriminate. Ever.
