Those who know me in my current conservative curmudgeon phase may be surprised to learn that I began my journalism career at the relentlessly liberal St. Petersburg Times, now known as the Tampa Bay Times (or, in some circles, as the Tampa Bay Daily Progressive Newsletter and Thunderstorm). I worked there for a few months back in Tricky Dick days before getting an editorial job with a small Central Florida daily. The rest, as they say…

The Times, like daily newspapers everywhere, is having a tough time making a buck. Every few months brings news of yet another round of layoffs there, more editorial jobs lost. Clearly the proof-reader posts have been eliminated. This morning’s weather page predicts that next Wednesday the Tampa Bay area will enjoy a low of 76 and a high of 73. I can’t wait to see how that works out.