I’m sure I am in the minority, but I’m just not a fan of the otherwise affable Ernest Hooper (I wince every time I read his closing sentence — “That’s all I am saying”).  His contention that “nothing good happens after 2 a.m.” as a criticism of the City of St. Petersburg’s recent decision to change “last call” to 3 a.m. is just silly.  Most of the great American cities have a “later last call” and a vibrant night life to match.  St. Petersburg’s embrace of a 3 a.m. “last call” for alcohol will staunch the flow of diners and partiers, and, most importantly, drunk drivers, leaving the ‘burg for Tampa.

Instead of Hooper’s column-by-bullet-point, wouldn’t it be worthwhile for the Times to publish a forceful columnist on Monday, you know, someone who can set the agenda for the week.

There may be a once-in-a-generation environmental crisis in the Gulf of Mexico, but the Rays victimization at the hand of Oakland A’s pitcher Dallas Braden throwing a perfect game gets the headline treatment.

Speaking of the Rays, there is a must-read article about how Fox Sports Florida — not the Rays — will rake in the lion’s share of advertising gains through 2016.

I’m going to cheat and highlight an article from yesterday, but you (and hopefully Governor Crist) should read about Five bills Gov. Crist should veto.  I think the Times is 100% right about which 5 Crist should veto, but will only hit 60%.