Big Pine Key Archives Sept. 2004

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Archive of Old Kudos & Whiners
September 2004

Thursday September 30 2004	I think it's very commendable of John at the Big Pine Restaurant to defend himself without making a "dig" at the Cracked Egg. Too bad the owner of the egg can't give him the same courtesy. There is a troll in her kitchen.
30	You go John! Your ribs are the best.
30	Congrats to the owners of the Big Pine Restaurant and the House of Music for defending yourselves. I like businesses whose owners work with and at their establishments. I love how John buses tables and serves food when he needs to step in to help his employees and as for JR's terrible drug problem, my, my, doesn't the poor kid realize that pot smoking can lead to heroine addiction? (HA!) Both businesses are a pleasure for this long time resident and anyone who "stops into an establishment for a beer" at 4:30 a.m. must be looking for trouble anyway. Hopefully your family was not with you at the time. By the way, what did you catch? Get a life.
30	WAY TO GO JOHN. I am so proud of you. You and Sam are the best and we are grateful that you provide our family a great meal numerous times per week. We love you and keep up the GREAT work.
30	Business owners should be glad there is a gossip column like yours because how would they know what lies the jerks are spreading around the island. No one ever tells an owner what they really think. It's a perfect place to be able to straighten them out and stop roomers from escalating.
30	Where I come from the government puts stickers in the window with a grade from A-F. If you wish to eat at that restaurant it is up to you. If I were the health inspector I would for sure shut down some of the restaurant's here on B.P.K. Next time you are waiting for your meal just look on the floor around the baseboard. Oh, yea, while you are at it next time you shop at Winn Dixie drop a coin on the floor at the check out counter then bend down and pick it up and try not to look at the pure SCUM on the floor. NASTY is not the word I would use. It is much worse. You are what you eat. So, enjoy. I say BITCH, BITCH, BITCH yourself sick. HA HA HA
30	Since when did our confused President admit to this goofball blunder (attacking Iraq for 9-11 when they were not responsible)? He didn't admit anything. Go Kerry!
30	Gathering together is how people cope with loss. Those who criticize this behavior need to take a lesson from the wonderful families of Teri and Charlie Brandt. They are mutually gathering to help each other grasp to the best of their ability. Please have some compassion for the living, allowing them to heal in the manner they wish.
30	I will be very, very, very relieved when the elections are over this year.
30	If republicans are the right wing, I guess democrats are never RIGHT. Bush and UM both winners.
30	Marie-ism: My wife went to Miami yesterday and stayed overnight so she would be the first in line at US Immigration to apply for her citizenship. Naturally, she forgot to bring her papers, passport, etc. and had to come back to Big Pine still an un-citizen.
30	Food for thought: Why is Ralph Nader having such a hard time getting on all the state ballots? What are the rules here? Sounds like both major parties want and like their monopoly, and they don't want anyone dipping into their "potential" votes. Why is voter turnout as low as it is? Maybe "the people" really don't like there choices to begin with. Where are the real issues? Why are voices being suppressed? Education sucks. Our Justice system is terrible. Health Care? Where in Canada? Not here. Hurricane, home, auto, medical insurance are all out of control. Legalize Marijuana and tax it or ban the Booze, and tobacco.
Wednesday September 29 2004	The owner's of The Big Pine Coffee Shop are lovely, wonderful people. So, stay home and eat or stuff yourself silly with greasy Mooseburgers. What, never had a bartender or officer busted in the Men's room engaging in the same white rocks you speak of. Grow up!
29	I'm sorry but, somebody is a liar. My House Of Music was not open at 4:30 in the morning Saturday night and the security company can verify that the alarm was set at 3:32am. How could anybody buy a beer? We did ban (86'd) somebody from our establishment over the weekend. Is this a coincidence?
29	Just because someone questions the government does not mean that they are unpatriotic. What a skewed way of thinking. I suppose the Chaplin�s family espouses �My country wrong or right�.
29	Nothing anti-patriotic about being pro-US, and anti-terrorists. Enlighten us please, when did Iraq attack America? Get your attackers straight. Don't hide behind a confused president who admits to making this goofball blunder.
29	Please tell your chaplain dad a really big THANK YOU for all he does to help our soldiers. His efforts and theirs are much appreciated by a lot of people. Even the ones who don't agree with the politics still wish our troops the best and want them all home safe and as soon as possible.
29	Exactly which country are our US troops serving in the middle east--land of beheading, Iraq or America? The billions of US tax dollars spent on Iraq could be used right here in the US for healthcare, education, etc. Think!
29	Re: "a shameful way to try to win an election" - It started being shameful the day Bush and his team (Brother Jeb and Katherine Harris - not to mention the Supreme Court) took away a person's right to vote.
29	The Kerry/Bush debate is going to be boring with the new format. They�re not even allowed to speak to each other. I think that is absurd. What kind of a debate is that? It will probably be just a scripted campaign speech covering a variety of subjects. Boring.
29	Why, yes indeed save all anti-Bush comments for the FBI. You never know when a dictator will take over & no more free speech. Unlike Bush, most Americans can, at least, form a complete sentence, and half a thought. Duh.
29	RADICALS OWN SECTION: Ha you better wake up Pal or Palette, its called reality. We've got some real serious issues going on in this world and Bush is leading us into destruction. Feel free to forward any damn thing you want to to the F.B.I. You need to get up off your butt and go vote Bush out.
29	Unedited Rambling & Long Winded Tomes
29	LOOKING FOR A WELDER: You might try a home study course, or try using trap rope to fasten your boat trailer axel to frame. That's how me and my friends do stuff on Big Pine.
29	Fired Fire Man - Well said! Chief Dave is okay with me, also. If he is gone, I am sad.
29	Answer this if you can: What is greater than God? More evil than the Devil? The poor have it. The rich need it and if you eat it you will die. Perhaps this will, hopefully dispel some of your personal frustrations. If you know the answer please share it with us all.
29	When I was a younger woman, I thought old goats that asked me out were disgusting. Why on earth would I settle for the old leather-skin, tired, balding men when there were young, desirable men available? Ugh. Do the old men really think that driving a new car would impress anyone? It's STILL an old man that's driving!
29	Does anyone out there have a sure fire way to get rid of the teeny, tiny ants that bite inside the house? Ouch! (ED: Terro which is sold at Ace Hdwe. $2.50 a bottle. A few drops on a window sill and they are gone within the week.)
29	Does anybody have any advice on how to politely inform a neighbor not to do so much screaming at 5:30 in the morning getting their teenager off to school?
29	A friend sent his excellent recipe for gumbo, which we ate a while back. When Marie opened it and read it aloud, she said: "Oh, wow! Mikes recipe for gumbo limbo! It's really good." I explained to my friend that I send these priceless Marie-isms to other friends on a weekly basis- he said his wife is full of these gems as well. I wonder how many millions of husbands or even wives have to simply smile and swallow hard without being able to make a comment about the stupid shit their significantly other says. Wouldn't they want to share with others? I think this could be the start of our get rich quick without working idea- let's start a web site that allows people to post stupid comments from spouses! We could have a quote of the week and all sorts of things!
29 noon	To the wonderful person who made the comments about my restaurant the other day, I'd like to address you. Hi, I'm John, the owner of the Big Pine Restaurant. I find it sad that you would go on line and speak about things that you have no knowledge of. With that said, I'd like to address the facts. 1. I'm not and never have been "open at my convenience" If you had any knowledge of what it takes to operate a restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you would realize that it takes about 18 hours per day, every day to make that happen. 2. The reason we were closed is because I was considerate enough to let my employees evacuate for the most recent hurricane. Unfortunately, most of them left the state. They were gone for over 8 days, so I could not open. It was not a "convenience closing." My employees are my most important asset. 3. Ron/Ronnie does not work for me. 4. The only thing being smoked in my backyard is fish, chicken, and ribs. 5. I invite you to meet me at my restaurant to ask my employees if they feel appreciated or not. I'd really like to meet the person who has to hide behind e-mail to make such huge accusations. 6. I don't want to equal the Cracked Egg Owners. They are great hard working people. I like to mind my own business. (Just try my best every day.) Sorry I don't meet your standards. 7. Cracked is closed? Was that convenience? 8. Have fun eating at home. 9. Would love to see you at the Moose, if you have enough courage to identify yourself. To all of our regular guests who dine with us often, that you so very much for your ongoing support. We will continue to do our best to provide you with a great dining experience.

29 noon	House Of Music Owner: Good For You! I am glad you are standing up for yourself and your business. I had a run around a few months back with vindictive people, which is very frustrating; but they will calm down and move on to someone else. So be strong and good luck!
29 noon	The answer to the riddle is "Nothing". Nothing is greater than God. Nothing is more evil than the devil. The rich need nothing. The poor have nothing, and if you eat nothing you will die. -Bob
29 noon	TO TELLISS, (A billing company for web sites in the U.K., that apparently features "Adult movies". I am currently in dispute with over bogus charges to my phone bill). Maybe you did not understand the circumstances I described in my previous E-Mail. No one but me has access to to my PC. NOBODY! But recently my PC was hacked and almost destroyed. Many of my files, including saved mail, were lost. I discovered the hack by accident. Someone was sending dozens (hundreds?) of spam E-Mails through my PC to addresses I'd never heard of. All the same subject. Some Mortgage scheme which I reported to AOL Fraud dept. I had to delete and reload AOL twice, change my password, and re-load my anti-virus program. Another similar company, ONECALLCOMM, also had similar charges on the same phone bill, but one phone call to their Customer. Service Dept and a credit was issued (as my phone bill is paid directly by my bank, maybe not a good idea) along with an apology; and the site in question was blocked so this could not happen again. I would expect the same courtesy from you, but instead I get threats of collection companies, credit ruination and worse. I would not like to be forced to deal with this matter in Court. Please reconsider your decision.
29 noon	Here are some pictures of Patricia Baldatti and David Drabkin wind surfing at Bahia Honda in one of our recent hurricanes. Photos by Mark Hruban
Tuesday September 28 2004	What the heck is wrong with Monroe County Mosquito Control? Our neighborhood calls for help day and night. They do not come? What the heck do they do? Common sense tells one that with all the standing water around, we need lots of help. I have been here for years, since 1962, and the disease carrying heathens are worse than ever. We need the planes, trucks, helicopters and whatever else can carry larvae killer. Where are are tax dollars going. Not in Mosquito control. What do we need, some dreadful deaths from the West Nile Virus? A few deadly cases of Encephalitis, Malaria? What? Maybe lots more taxpayers calling in complaints. FYI: Mosquito Controls telephone number is 1-800-276-7493.
28	I�ve felt weird for the last couple of days for no reason whatsoever; and I just looked out of the window up into the sky and, was not surprised that, it was a full moon. Can that be the reason I�m feeling strange? In the past, I�ve noticed that when the moon is in certain astrological sections of the sky it has different effects on me. I�ve seen repeat coincidences of these effects over the years when I happen to notice. Usually I find this topic boring, but this got my notice.
28	My dad was the one of the first ones to be dispatched to the Pentagon to minister to the soldiers recovering bodies. He wanted serve his country, unlike some people who hide behind servers and firewalls while spouting anti-patriotic comments.
28	I believe the Editor has been fair with political thoughts on this site. I thank him for putting the thoughts of some radicals in their own section. You might want to keep them on file for the FBI if he ever snaps, though.
28	Tussa, Dave, Tarra and the list goes on and on. Sure are some people talking trash about any and everyone. Try if you can to say something NICE about someone. If you can not think of one by all means make one up, or one better, just shut up.
28	Kudos to the author of Hurricane/Christmas Top Ten. Thankfully the Spirits of Heaven and Earth have gathered to spare the Big Island & most of the Keys from Mother Nature's wicked wrath. Ya'll stay high and dry, now hear!
28	To: Joe & M. Britz (Coconuts Lounge) Let's have a benefit to fill in the horrible craters and potholes in the parking lot. Needs repair so badly. Not all of us ride bikes or drive "keys cruisers." Please!
28	FIRED FIRE MAN: I don't give a rats ass what kind of complex the dude may or may not have had, I'd still lay money it would be o.k. with you if he pulled your burning butt out of a house fire or one of your loved ones, rather then leaving you there to look like a roasted turkey just out of the oven. I think everybody is a little different around here. Sometimes you've got to look past the book's cover to understand the content. That dude's o.k. He's got a heart.
28	Best wishes and prayers for all , especially the Mcclainiacs , from the Valley of the Sun.
28	Can anyone recommend a Welder? We desperately need a boat trailer repaired and would like to start with a quality craftsman.
28	I went night fishing Sat night. On the way home I noticed the House of Music was open at 4:30 a.m. I stopped for a beer. Wow, what a surprise. High prices, low life. Help, I traced a terrible smell to the men's room and the back bar was full of it, butt that is. The girls that work there were leaving nothing to the imagination. The customers were paying top dollar to touch. Well, not my idea of a place to take my wife & family. So that was my last visit to a place Big Pine Key should be ashamed of.
28	Big Pine Coffee Shop. The owner, who is open at his convenience, John, advised everyone on the radio this am that his chef-manager, J.R. smokes on the barbeque out back. Well, he sure does smoke out back along with his asst. chef (?) Ronnie. Does, owner, John join his pets barbequing the white rocks and the odd smelling doobies they inhale? This is no bull. Only the help who serve are super, but un-appreciated by the owner. They'll never equal the Cracked Eqq owners. Guess I'll eat breakfast at home this week. Cracked Egg is closed. See you at the Moose.
28	Restaurant Review: I recently ate at 2 for 20 Pizza for the first time, the food was awesome and the cook was cute. Keep it up.
28	Charlie Brandt will be a very interesting book and movie.
28	Hurricanes, homeless & FEMA = The good life. FEMA gave people living in the woods money after hurricane George's so the could live in hotel rooms and buy liqueur.
28	Okay, people. Reality check. All of you that are whining about losing a few dollars this summer because of hurricanes get used to it. History shows more than a few hurricanes have hit Florida, maybe not all in one year. I have figured out why everybody used to leave for a few months each summer. Silly me. I thought it was because of mosquitos.
Monday September 27 2004	To the person whose dad, the Chaplain, is in Iraq. He would never have gone to Iraq without Bush in office. Bush is the one extending the troops time in hell. I hope your dad makes it back home.
27	I'm alarmed that the chaplain in Iraq was told by his superiors that if Kerry was elected he would have to stay in Iraq longer. This is a Bush scare tactic. That is a shameful way to try to win an election by scaring the military into voting for Bush.
27	Why don't you print anti-Bush comments? I wouldn't vote for Bush if he ran solo.
27	Restaurant Review: China Garden. The same.
27	Unedited Rambling & Long Winded Tomes
27	If 4 out of 5 people suffer from diarrhea...does that mean that the other one enjoys it?
27	Here is something to think about. If you own a mobile home damaged by Frances FEMA gives you $10,000 to repair it. You claim you did it. Now Jeanne damages it again and FEMA gives you $10,000 more. FEMA has a job too hard for anyone to control.
27	Would that be Dave that got fired from the fire dept.? The one with the Napoleon complex? 4'4" thinking he's 8'8". lol, hahaha!
Sunday September 26 2004	I heard from an unreliable source, my wife, that the macho-military-type BP fire chief got fired. Does anyone know if it�s true?
26	Finally, Kerry gave a good speech. Friday noon in Philadelphia. He called for a Palestinian State; and for the Saudis to be held accountable for their part in terrorism.
26	At noon CNN, on the left, broadcast Kerry�s major live speech and FOX, on the right, broadcast Bush�s minor live speech about Russian terrorist. Fair and Balanced?
26	Yes. Go Bush! My dad should be home from Iraq where he is a chaplain in 18 months. If Kerry gets elected, he was informed it could be up to and beyond 3 years. No way!
26	Regarding Fantasy Fest for a single Mom with a teenage son. You are absolutely right about the drunkenness and the parking and the dangerous ride back to Big Pine. Maybe you answered your own question. Duh.
26	The McClain Brothers are the salt of the Earth. They were raised on a farm by a single Mother who instilled in them a tremendous work ethic. She still will let you know if you don't do something "just right". What a woman. The apple didn't fall far from the tree in this case.
26	Unedited Ramblings
26	Charlie Brandt must have been a democrat!
26	It just goes to show you don't really know your neighbors. Carl Brandt lived within 5 miles of at least six unsolved murders starting in '88 when they moved here. Now considering his past makes one wonder.
26	To the person wondering how someone like Charlie Brandt could have done what he did to his mother and father, and then was able to obtain a position in a company dealing with national security. Can we say juvenile? He was a juvenile, 13 years old, when he killed his pregnant mother. Those records are sealed and not made available for public knowledge. Scary, huh?
26	It is sad for all the people who knew the Brandts. I do think a small service for Terri is in order. Let's not mention Charlie at all. He lead a double life and fooled people and his wife. What set him off? Something at the father's house?

Saturday September 25 2004	Top Ten Reasons Hurricane Season is Like Christmas 10. Decorating the house (boarding up windows) 9. Dragging out boxes that haven't been used since last season (camping gear, flashlights) 8. Last minute shopping in crowded stores 7. Regular TV shows pre-empted for "specials" 6. Family coming to stay with you 5. Family and friends from out-of-state calling 4. Buying food you don't normally buy ... and in large quantities 3. Days off from work 2. Candles And the number one reason Hurricane Season is like Christmas: At some point you know you're going to have a tree in your house!
25	Click for a larger view of this Florida Postcard
25	What in the world is Fantasy Fest & is it fun for a single mom and her teenage son? I am guessing it's a drunken festival like Marti Graw, with no parking and a dangerous ride back home to Big Pine after people-watching the characters who call this great place home. Is it worth it? Trick or Treat?
25	Yes, the McClainiacs are wonderful people. You will be hard pressed to find better men anywhere on this Earth. I love my Dad and My Uncle and I thank you all for taking such good care of them. Next time you see them, give them a hug or a smile for me. Tell a joke, it is a guaranteed pleaser.
25	Old men with young girls: Are the dirty old men trying to relive their youth? Or do they just want someone they can control?
25	I'm an older man who likes younger women because everything is way up firm and high and their skin is taut. They are the only reasons. I 'd like a younger woman with an older woman's mind.
25	Here is to the Kerry propaganda pushers. I have a son who came home after a year in Iraq and told us the country really did need us there and the news only looked for the bad things to report. I am very glad that he is not there now while the Kerry campaign endangers every soldier there. I would vote for Mickey Mouse just to stop Kerry. Remember he voted no on funding for the military to get the bulletproof vests that they wear today.
25	GO Bush!
25	I would NEVER vote for Bush, and really think the misguided people that are willing to follow Bushwack (with his GI Jane costume) are out of touch with reality. I would be afraid to have any Bush followers as teachers or even babysitters of innocent children. God deliver us from evil!
25	BRANDTS: If they are having a little get together at the park, and you would like to bring a covered dish, might I suggest , bringing a Pyrex dish with your URGES inside under the lid. I know I may not be the brightest bulb in the pack but can someone out there please HELP ME understand how it is you kill your pregnant mother while she is taking a bath, then plug pops a few times, for good measure, then you are able to obtain in later life a security clearance to work for a company handling sensitive information concerning national security, then you kill your wife and niece, and at the very same time, while the girls are receiving heart surgery at home, some other individuals can't land a job at less then survival wages because they puff a little pot? And, lastly, you want to bring a covered dish to what kind of party is it exactly?
25	Brandts: Before you celebrate anything maybe you should look at this: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/seminole/orl-locslayings24092404sep24,0,4998170.story?coll=orl-home-headlines
25	I don't think a celebration of the life of Charlie Brandt is in order. After all, as a kid, he killed his mother, tried to kill his father and as an adult killed his beautiful wife and niece and then hung himself.
Friday September 24 2004	I heard that there is going to be a get together at Bahia Honda to celebrate the lives of the Brandts. Does anyone have any information about this? I think it may be this Sunday, I just wanted to be sure and didn't know the time or if anything should be brought.
24	Click for a larger view of this Florida Postcard
24	Unedited Ramblings
24	As far as John Kerry and George Bush are concerned, can you blame John Kerry on changing his mind? Isn't that the AMERICAN WAY? Freedom to feel the way you feel no matter when it is. At least he has a conscience that shows the good in him for human rights; and then you have the big time political part that doesn't have a conscience. Like I taught my son, I would rather him feel remorse and bad inside for something he might think is wrong or right, and know that you can change your mind because sometimes the conscience inside you wants to do good but is not sure how to. Look at where our world is today. Is it where you really want it to be? If more people listened to their conscience this place would be a better place.
24	Not to be disrespectful of any posters here, but if you continue to believe the tripe that this current administration is pushing, than you will inherit the outcome...and it will be too late. As for those who flame & bash others who disagree, it only shows your insecurity and inability to consider that there may be another answer to the problems of today's world. The hate and mean-spirited castigations are all a ploy to divide and conquer; or have you all forgotten that simple battle strategy. WTF happened to our nation in the last few years? Have we all been cowered into believing the fear BS that this government is dishing out in the form of color-coded levels of anxiety. WAKE UP PEOPLE. To those too fearful to face the facts, spare me the hateful spew. Kerry may not be the best looking, but he is better than the evil bastard we have now.
24	To all of you who believe that we are in a constant state of threat from terrorists, here's a little quote for you: "Of course the people don't want war, but after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to greater danger." -- Herman Goering at the Nuremberg trials (He was the head of the Nazi Storm troopers and latter Hitler's Air Force.)
24	Laura is that you? Laura and Mike? We miss you, too. Good luck in the real world. Remember we'll have floor space for Fantasy Fest if you need it . Bring your air mattress. (Your former neighbor on your left facing the house from the street.)
24	From an older women's point of view of a younger man. If his mind hasn't been affected by the cruel world, life can be great between the younger generation and the older; and God bless them. The younger men try so much harder to please a woman than the older men do. What's up with that?
24	As an older man, I like younger men too, but NOT if they are young enough to be my son. That is like being a child molester.
Thursday September 23 2004	As an older woman, I like younger men, but NOT if they are young enough to be my son. That is like being a child molester.
23	Older men and younger women: It's not the older women who are brainwashed. The younger inexperienced women can be easily brainwashed by the anyone with an agenda. How does the old goat feel about his young daughter laying up with another old goat?
23	If you believe in the evolution theory, you�ll believe that every atom in our bodies was once a part of a star.
23	As someone who is 107 pounds - STOP making fun of fat people, back in the day you weren't worth anything in society unless you were over weight. Some people like to be large, or wish they were larger.
23	Kerry will lose, not only because he�s the least attractive-looking candidate, but because he changes his mind to often on major issues. I also think that those swift-boat ads are having a negative effect on his image. Kerry drones, Bush speaks (although, I hate what he says).
Wednesday September 22 2004	Hang in there Jerry McClain. Your Big Pine Family Loves you.
22	Just want to drop a line to my Big Pine Key family. Moved away about 3 weeks ago and miss this wonderful place. So glad to hear all's well after the evacuation. Love to all, Laura.
22	OLDER GUYS AND YOUNGER WOMEN: Absolutely the best. It's like receiving an infusion of something good. The younger women are not as brainwashed as the older ones. I'm just getting started on the benefits of youth, but I gotta go. As a middle aged goat I'd highly recommend a Latino in her early 20's. It's a mind bender. American girls are pretty, well, how shall I put it?
22	Campbell's soups new soup container, for people on the go , (FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE TIME TO EAT) I don't think so, that's sick. I'm thinking that a two hour lunch break is about right for Big Pine. What scares me is this mentality is creeping into our lives here on the Island as in the aforementioned. Eat slowly, its much more enjoyable. AHHH, now time for a siesta and a belly full of rice and beans. Throw in a dose of some good afternoon sex. The American work ethic sucks, just ask any cart pusher at the plaza. There you have educated individuals reaping the harvest of gold from the land of plenty. Ya, baby! Out in the hot sun.
22	(?)Thanks for your 911 message US-1. Your theory sucks!
22	Does anyone know of a person that baby-sits? I have a friend coming down for fantasy fest and needs a sitter for a 7 yr old in the Big Pine area down to Key West.
22	Bush's war has increased rather than decrease the threat to the United States.
Tuesday September 21 2004	Does anyone out there that knew those 2 people Carl and Teresa Brandt who's life's were tragically taken from them? Does anyone have a picture of them? A lot of us on Big Pine know the name, but can't seem to place who they were. It was such a horrible thing to happen to two beautiful people. God bless them into heaven.
21	To answer the question why drunks marry women 100 years younger-- it's an ego thing. Drunks think they are studs. Young women are easier to impress and are often financially desperate. They "Oops" the poor drunk, then live off child support. No fool like an old fool.
21	Unedited Ramblings
21	I can�t think of one time the USA didn�t pull out of a country that we invaded when the going got rough. The first country we invaded was Tripoli, on the Barbary Coast of Africa, in 1805. As soon as we realized we couldn�t beat the Moslem pirates we went home leaving many to suffer and our image to be diminished in the Islamic world. We�ve continued this policy since. And our reputation has, likewise, suffered. Sad.
21	Restaurant review: Sorry, but had to say this. Went to Conch & Stein after staying away for a couple of months hoping the food would improve. I'm sorry to say it was actually worse! Will not go back.
Monday September 20 2004	To our Paradise family, this post brought tears to this McClain's eyes. Both McClainiac's are such upbeat and positive people they uplift the rest of us or at least this one. What Class! The community has been so supportive. This has been a trying year. Thank you Big Pine and the Lower Keys. Continue to PRAY. What a place to live.
20	"McClain" is the proper spelling of their name - you should not edit any ones input especially if you are going to spell it wrong. (ED: Please excuse my mistake.)
20	Mystery: If flour and water make glue, how come if you add an egg it's called cake?
20	Please stop using this site as a way to try to correct yourselves by degrading others. We should be living here because we love our mother ocean (our natural medicine) and the laid back lifestyles we can choose to live. There are some very personal and serious issues on this island to share (i.e. our brother Jerry McClain, the tragic loss of Teri and Charlie Brandt, Johnny Threlkeld, Toad's passing...) Let alone we are in the midst of hurricane season. No one should judge the people who choose to take the challenge of authority in trying to give us the best information available. Most of us know when to leave and "where we should go". We all have the right to express our feelings. Anger breeds keys disease. Whether you just arrived (welcome) and have much to experience and learn or if you have been as lucky as I am and know the difference between up there and down here. C'mom people let's get together and try to love one another right now. P.S. I love you, Nancy H. (chamber of commerce). Personally I love my home and the diversity of one and all.
20	T. Bubba Bechtol, part-time City Councilman from Pensacola, Florida, was asked on a local live radio talk show the other day just what he thought of the allegations of torture of the Iraqi prisoners. His reply prompted his ejection from the studio, but to thunderous applause from the audience. "If hooking up an Iraqi prisoner's scrotum to a car's battery cables will save one American GI's life, then I have just two things to say: "Red is positive, black is negative"
Sunday September 19 2004	What�s up with these drunken geezers who marry women 100 years younger than they are? Aren�t trophy wives supposed to be stunningly beautiful? Two words for them gals: Weight Watchers. No prize for either side. For every trash can, there is a lid.

I went to KW yesterday to look at Bikes. I've never seen so many fat women. Do you have to be overweight to ride a Harley?

To Jerry and the McLaine Family - ANYTHING you need come see your Paradise Family - we will do what we can to help you anyway we possible can - you guys are the best and you deserve the best. Hugs and Kisses XOXOXO

I'm glad they fired Deputy James Freed who let the other Sheriffs on a high speed car chase and then didn't show up as a court witness allowing the defendant to go free.

Two developers in KW got variances to include more units because they're reducing the hurricane evacuation problem by building private Cat 5 hurricane shelters on their property.

It looked like the Brandt deaths were part of a murder-suicide. How tragic.

I located Tussa on the current inmates list on the Monroe County Sheriffs' website. He presently resides at the Key West Jail Unit D.

I guess the local deputies read our whining too, they got him off our street before he got to everyone on Big Pine. Thank you Monroe County Sheriffs. We are happy you are paying attention

Hey, maybe Tussa took is sorry behind, chain saw, and lawn mower to the hurricane

devastated mainland. Maybe he is right now looking for "elderly" targets he can charm. Hurricanes bring out the best and worst.

Saturday
September 18
2004

Has anyone seen Tussa lately? Maybe he went north to do landscaping.

Iraq is Bush's Vietnam. Let's face facts. We can't beat an enemy who, primarily is uneducated, ignorant and steeped in faith; and who is fighting for that faith. The first rule of war is to: Know your Enemy. Clearly Bush didn't. We should not reward him with another term as president for the unnecessary mess he's gotten us into and the loss of respect we have received from the rest of the world.

Long Winded Tomes

Pass this on to everyone you know.
I received a telephone call last evening from an individual identifying himself as an AT&T Service technician who was conducting a test on telephone lines. He stated that to complete the test I should touch nine(9), zero(0), the pound sign (#), and then hang up. Luckily, I was suspicious and refused.

Upon contacting the telephone company, I was informed that by pushing 90#, you give the requesting individual full access to your telephone line, which enables them to place long distance calls billed to your home phone number.

I was further informed that this scam has been originating from many local jails/prisons. I have also verified this information with UCB Telecom, Pacific Bell, MCI, Bell Atlantic and GTE. Please beware. DO NOT press 90# for ANYONE.

Big Piners' Carl Brandt, 47, and his wife Teresa, 46 were found dead along with their 38 year old niece in the niece's home near Orlando the Citizen writes. All were dead because of foul play.

There are some rumors about the deaths of two of my best friends who were murdered north of Orlando after evacuating their home on Big Pine Key in fear of Ivan. Although I do not have the privilege of knowing any details of their deaths I can personally give you my very personal and ultimate heart-knowledge that my beloved friends Teri and Charlie Brandt were the soul mates that any couple were and should ever be. This tragedy was not a murder/suicide for them and beyond my comprehension of any threat to the Florida Keys these two ultimate beautiful people can never grace our presence again because someone made a choice to murder them and Teri's sister's daughter. May we all who knew Teri and Charlie be grateful and blessed to know them. Teri is and always be my Teri Berry. I love you...both of you. Today I am devastated. This message is only a small tribute.

Friday
September 17
2004

After the evacuation fiasco it's time for the government to reimburse a part of the cost for residents to build our own hurricane shelters. We should even get tax credits for this life saving necessity. Who's running for county commissioner? If they would embrace this idea it would probably get them elected in this political climate.

Mystery: What would happen in the Amer. Disabilities Act if a person working in a paint store was found to be color blind? If he was fired could he sue?

We say the government of Iraq is legitimate, yet if anyone wanted anything done over there I�m sure they wouldn�t go to them they would go the U.S. Gov�t. No wonder most Iraqi�s think their Gov�t. is just a puppet of the U.S.

I agree let's have a chat room.

10am

Eckerds is going through a changeover, CVS bought them out.

5pm

For those who are unaware , long time Piner Jerry McClain is rapidly losing his valiant battle with the Cancer Monster. Jerry has always been one of the Good Guys and his Family could use all the help and comfort they can get in this time of dire need.

5pm

I really like the idea of family hurricane shelters. The US Government offered similar financial incentives in the 1950's for families to build bomb shelters.

Thursday
September 16
2004

If Ivan got pushed away by collective thought-power, there's some serious wattage at work in the Keys! Especially when you consider the population relative to the area where he's taking aim now! Keep it up, folks, push him back into the sea! You have 5' elevation, New Orleans is at NEGATIVE 9', and I doubt the Mobile/Gulfport stretch is much better off.

A big thank you to all the folks who stepped up to the plate and filled in the voids left by some of our employees who left for higher ground. We tried to feed everyone who was left, and I hope we made the folks who ate and drank with us happy. Thanks for your patience and patronage. P.S. This is the Capt.'s daughter amber...she's the one on the left.
--The Key Deer crew

I was all packed and waited till the last minute then decided not to go. I watched all my friends houses. I am glad the storm isn't bad and I think they cried wolf too fast. My suggestion to the people worried about looters is to go outside and make friends with all your neighbors. We all take care of each other here....... unless you don't have friends.

When Andrew was due to hit the keys I was on the west coast visiting. I saw the news and knew I had to get home to take care of things. Before I got off the turnpike they had shut down south bound traffic. I was stopped and had show ID that I lived in Monroe County before they would let me through. I don't think it was a random stop. They had the road blocked. When there is an evacuation anyone coming into the keys should be stopped. If your license says you live in the keys or you have a re-entry sticker you should be free to go. If not you shouldn't be allowed in.

We saved Iraq from Saddam over a year ago. Are they better off today than they they were under him? can they walk the streets in safety? Answer: NO!

It's time to set up a chat site on this site. Please.

Big Whiner here about Eckerd's Pharmacy and their lack of efficiency lately. I dropped off a prescription on Wed., 9/1 at 10:00 AM, was told it would be 30 mins. At 5:30 that day I was told to come back tomorrow. The prescription wasn't ready on Thursday or Friday or Saturday. I went in on Mon, 9/6, only to find out they had lost it along with my insurance card. It was finally ready later that day after they had to call my Doctor's office. NICE JOB!

Wednesday
September 15
2004