WW welcomes letters to the editor via mail, e-mail or fax. Letters must be signed by the author and include the author's street address and phone number for verification. Preference will be given to letters of 250 words or less. AND THE LIST GOES ON Regarding your editorial of Feb. 24, "Citizen Intel," and discussion of the Strategic Investment Program (SIP) application under discussion, it appears that you are unaware of Intel's commitment to and extensive support for public education here in Oregon. Keith Thomson, representing Intel and the Governor's School Transformation Advisory Committee, spent almost an hour testifying before the same legislative committee to which you referred in your article. Intel has been a clear and consistent voice supporting adequate and stable funding for schools statewide. Some examples of our direct investments in education: * 1998 donations in Oregon were over $6.25 million for K-12 schools--over and above any obligations for taxes, Community Service Fees and other contributions negotiated under earlier SIP agreements. * Intel has placed thousands of computers in Oregon schools in the past few years through Project 10,000, StRUT (Students Recycling Used Technology) and Intel's Technology for Schools program. * Hundreds of teachers and parents have been trained in effective use of computers in education through Intel training programs. * Students throughout the metropolitan area are completing four years of rigorous math classes through Intel-sponsored Interactive Math. * Over 80 high schools and 600 students throughout Oregon are learning technical skills by refurbishing used computers and building new ones through StRUT. * The CAPITAL Center, recipient of over $500,000 in Intel grants, is providing hundreds of high school students with hands-on, technically rich learning opportunities. * Teachers statewide are being recognized for Innovations in Teaching, and their methods proliferated through Intel grants. * Intel pioneered the Volunteer Matching Grants program now being offered by several Oregon corporations, encouraging corporate volunteers to become directly involved in the schools and supporting their efforts with cash. * A new cash-matching gifts program provides dollar-for-dollar matches of employee donations to K-12 schools. * Intel placed a $100,000 computer lab in the University Park Community Center for the use of children in after-school programs, as well as community members of all ages. * In the past year, Intel has been named Partner of the Year by the Oregon Association of School Executives, the Business Education Compact and the Oregon Association of Supervisory and Curriculum Directors and has been honored by numerous local, regional and national organizations for support of education here in Oregon. * Uniquely, Intel has a full-time Education Relations Manager here in Oregon. My work is supported by thousands of volunteer hours and the entire Community Relations and Public Affairs staff. Intel's support for education in Oregon and throughout the Portland metropolitan area is well documented. Wendy Hawkins Manager, Education Relations Intel DEE-FENSE! As a teacher at Jefferson High School, I found Nigel Jaquiss' article on Brandon Brooks to be insulting ["Points of Controversy," WW, March 3, 1999]. The implication that Brandon has somehow "figured a way around the system" indicates that he has manipulated his instructors into granting him grades he did not earn. While I did not have Brandon as a student last semester, I do have him in class right now. Above all else, Jefferson is putting a very high priority on giving students a quality education. I am well aware of what kind of work Brandon produced for my colleagues last semester and can assure you that no one gave him anything he had not earned. Over the course of the last four weeks, Brandon has been enrolled in one of my English elective courses. When I noticed that his performance in the classroom was in need of a fine-tuning, I approached him as I would have any other student. He responded to my advice by increasing the quality of his work and attempting to learn from his mistakes. Given the enormous spotlight that has been placed upon him, largely as a result of Jaquiss' earlier article ["The Education of Brandon Brooks"], Brandon should be given credit for his academic accomplishments. Incidentally, I found it interesting that WW decided to reuse Brandon as a springboard to laud Jaquiss' award-winning piece of March 4, 1998. In questioning Brandon's grades, you have mitigated the quality efforts of some very hardworking professionals. Karl J. Meiner Southeast 37th Avenue IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC As the Crazy 8's sound engineer from 1985 to 1992 and owner of the sound system located in Key Largo from 1982 to 1995, I was in a position to observe closely the "scene" there, and I must take strong exception to the assertion in a recent article that the action was fueled by cocaine ["New Club on the Block," WW, March 3, 1999]. Sex, yes, sure it was a meat market, but owners Tom Nash and then Tony DeMicoli tolerated no drug scene at the club either by the patrons or by the staff, which I for one think contributed to the longevity of the place. In those days if you wanted to score some blow, the action was at a certain club on Southwest Alder Street, and another place a short walk away on Southwest 2nd Avenue, where drive-up curb service was usually available. Key Largo's main focus was always the live music, and the good bands brought in the good crowds. Tough dram-shop laws, the return of disco and a certain inflexibility to change on the part of the management were what finally closed Key Largo's doors. I wish Dan Reed the best of luck in the space, but I wouldn't want to take any bets that he'll last as long there (or walk away counting cash) as the former owner did! Evan Shlaes Southeast Division Street - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Willamette Week | originally published March 17, 1999