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Passing thoughts on the random scene.

• Periodic talk centers on the possibility of banning dogs, banning camp fires and even banning people from Keewaydin Island.

But if the powers that be really want to make a positive change on the island, they should ban loud stereos.

Nothing brings the quiet enjoyment of a natural setting to a crashing end faster than the unrelenting thump and bump of some gawd-awful techno-pop music.

• World Cup fever, as it does every four years, reminds non-fans of the unique nature of soccer. In no other sport will you hear a 1-0 game described as a one-sided blowout. And in no other sport does a tie set off celebrations in the street.

• You've perhaps seen the anti-steroids television commercial that depicts the sculpture "Discobolos" crumbling away. You've perhaps noticed there is a Spanish language version. There's nothing wrong with spreading the word about the danger of steroids to all segments of the community. But do the people running the announcement believe that people who don't speak English are sitting in front of the TV watching English language programming?

• A curious phenomenon in evidence last year has resurfaced in this year's Collier County FCAT scores. Schools generally show much better results in writing than in reading, even though common sense would seem to dictate the two skills should go hand in hand.

Only 44 percent of Collier eighth-graders taking the FCAT achieved a passing grade of 3 or higher in reading. Yet 83 percent scored 3.5 or higher in writing. Among 10th-graders, 30 percent did well in reading while 71 percent scored well in writing.

What gives? Educators say the FCAT reading test requires a large vocabulary whereas writers can pass the test using the words they know. A ray of hope — emphasis on reading at early grade levels may be paying off. Sixty-five percent of Collier County fourth-graders scored 3 or higher on reading. Seventy percent of fourth-graders did well in writing.

• Sign on the wall of the training room used for Principal Manny Touron's June 9 press conference to answer questions about over-age students playing sports for Immokalee High School: "Errors viewed positively in the learning experience."

• Two gubernatorial candidate forums scheduled for Naples. Two postponements. One common factor in each — Brent Batten as a panelist. They can hide behind homeland security votes and hurricane emergencies if they want. But it's obvious no one wants to face the sort of withering interrogation I have planned. "What sets you apart from your opponent?" "Katharine McPhee or Taylor Hicks?"

• This week's scheduled opening of the Sun-N-Fun Lagoon water park represents a foray by the county into recreational activities previously served by the private sector. So, is it fair to say the government is starting down a slippery slope? Will parkgoers feel soaked by the $10 admission fee?

Enough.