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

Deer teeth? Or is he laughing?

There hasn't been any yard sales for two weeks. I'll bet this weekend will have some good sales.

Rosh Hashanah begins tonight at sunset for Jews. Rosh Hashanah is also called Yom Ha-Din, the Day of Judgment. It is the day people are judged by God, and their fate for the coming year is also decided. The idea of the Day of Judgment produced a special liturgy and special customs.

Billy Wagner said he made the right decision to evacuate five days before Ivan was supposed to hit. I disagree. There should be some kind of warning in place before they evacuate. you can't close down the economy for a week every time a hurricane is headed our way.

I am a little confused, first Ivan is 1200 miles away, every one frenzies--many leave. Then Ivan Is still 200 miles away on the other side of Cuba and the evacuation order is lifted, and the evacuees begin pouring back in. Being that predicting hurricanes is not an exact science, why wouldn't you wait another day or until it was north of us. Hmmm, guess we got lucky in more then one way.

Does your God have a steering wheel? Please look into your crystal ball (is it insured, against wind and storm?) and let me know. I believe there is some greater power out there, but what do you see when you make remarks like God made the storm miss us etc.? Is it the same God the Indians out west believed in or the God the Iraqi's believe in, or just the one you believe in? Could it be collective thought of individuals wishing it away?

"THROAT SLASHER in Key West". Now wasn't that a pleasant little ditty that was printed in the Key West Citizen? Key West is just such a wonderful little town, don't you think? One human family and all, I mean after all where else can illegal immigrants perpetrate such crimes and make a living to boot? What a disgrace to the human race. I'm betting a dead beat dad would suffer great consequences as a U.S. citizen then the SLASHER will. I'll bet you wont see that one in the T.D.C. advertisements. If you cheap-shit businesses down there paid legals a decent wage you wouldn't have to hire throat slashers, and the like, whom don't hold human life sacred. Once again it's all about YOUR greed

Have you seen the new business next to the News Barometer? What is it? Just a Metro PCS center or what? How many cell phone companies do they need around here?

1:45pm

Today in the year 1814 Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner. Happy birthday to a great song.

1:45pm

If there's no hurricane, no rain and no wind why aren't the delivery trucks coming to the Keys?

1:45pm

How can they have mandatory evacuation and not control who comes back in? It could be looters.

1:45pm

It blows my mind that so many people are being critical of the EOC for evacuating them. Instead, they should be on their knees thanking the merciful God for holding back Ivan from total destruction of the Key's. Did it ever occur to you that the only thing that kept it away was the many prayers of those of faithful?

If the EOC did not act when they did, given the predictions, all of you (if you survived), would be wanting to sue them for not acting soon enough. Don't forget, also, how long it takes to evacuate. It's not like you can wait until your roof is coming loose before you act. I'd like to see any of you complainers do a better job. Lets face it, it's not an easy call.

Tuesday
September 14
2004

In lieu of the fact there was a mandatory evacuation, I left the Keys Sat. am to find more traffic coming into the Keys than going out. Many cars had no re-entry stickers, so I called FHP to find out that traffic into the keys was unrestricted or monitored. How can it be that residents are under mandatory evacuation, yet vehicles with no entry permits are allowed to enter the Keys without proving residency; free to loot or do whatever? SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE. I suggest we all e-mail our EOC officials.

The lights (live web cam) look great! I'm real glad you folks are ok this time. It must be a very hard decision to stay or go, and you don't find out which was right 'til too late. Kinda worried about New Orleans now; talk about a place that is so NOT ready.

This was a very stressful week for all of us. Thank God we weren't hit.

I heard, if you live in the Aves., you have trouble if you have dial-up because of the phone lines being old. If this is true, maybe we all need to complain to bellsouth. I have AOL and I have dial-up and am constantly being kicked off. Anyone else out their having trouble in the Aves with AOL or any other provider?

Anyone who has AOL deserves what they get. Any other ISP is better than them. Switch now. Try Juno Premium. $9.95 a month and no pop-ups and better service for half the price of AOL.

9pm

A recent study on hangovers found that hangovers were no worse if you mixed different liquors than if you stuck with one liquor. I guess they're saying that if you drink twenty shots of anything you're going to have a hangover. They also said that dark liquors gave you a worse hangover than clear liquor. I always thought that was the opposite.

8pm

How anti-climatic. This is the first time in my life that I've liked anti-climatic!

8pm

I am sure no one who said they stayed has ever been thru a cat 5 hurricane. Probably the worst was George. Glad you were right about not leaving. Luckily my house didn't leave and was here when I go back.

8pm

Come on you have to admit that all the media and computer models had Ivan right into the Keys. Better safe than sorry. I evacuated and came back early, but given the same info I probably would do it again.

8pm

(ED: The lights are on tonight on the live web cam so we can watch the trees move during this non-hurricane relief period.)

8pm

Has anyone had problems with AOL? Always getting disconnected.

Noon

I am thanking God today for sparing the Florida Keys from the fury of Ivan, It is now time to pray for those still in it's path.

Noon

For those of you that are a little upset about the five day pre-mature mandatory evacuation of the keys, you may contact the director of Monroe County Emergency Operations Center at WWW. CHICKENLITTLE.com.

Noon

From what I have heard from all the TV stations over the last several days, during the Ivan evacuation, including an interview with a Sheriff's Lt., there has never been any restriction on anybody driving into the Keys at any time, and people have been doing so. True, if you call and ask they will say stay away, but not that they won't let you in. Even this column has had people report no problems. If anybody that was actually stopped would let us know with the specific details, it would be helpful.

Noon

Please SQUASH whatever that little blip in the Leeward Islands is! I can't take another weekend of TV!

Noon

Welcome to Moron County where they evacuate in beautiful weather, then let them back in in tropical storm conditions. I think we should get some people out of office, namely Billy Wagner and that idiot Andy Newman.

Noon

I heard Billy Wagner speaking on the radio. Has that guy graduated high school? He can hardly speak English with his cracker-conch accent and all. I think he was more into protecting his job than protecting residents by his ridiculous five day advance evacuation order.

September 13
Noon

Today is Monday the 13^th, not the 12^th , but I understand it has been a bad week for you all!

Monday
September 12
2004

Don't eat in any restaurant until they get rid of the old food they've had since last week's closing.

Hi, I would like to know if the person known as Arbuckle earlier in the format (9/11/4) is William F. Arbuckle married to a Lois M. Clark. I have been trying to contact him. He was my stepfather. I used to live in Port Pine Heights in the 60's. I would love to hear from any Port Pine Heights people. --Gerald at jmantoo1@juno.com

Hurray, They're letting people back to the Keys.

Winn Dixie: For all those Whiners who have been crapping on Winn Dixie and their management. Let us not forget that during the Ivan scare, they stayed open for us when Eckerd's and others slammed their doors in our faces. Especially Eckerd's who closed Friday, but kept CVS crews inside changing over the store. Come on Walgreen's, we need you now. And yes, thanks to those few eating places that stayed open for us also.

In response to the person who said they will not go to the Big Pine House Of Music, no matter how much we clean the building, because we have not cleaned up "the loser drunks" we have hanging around, I would like to thank you for noticing our improvements. We are trying hard to clean up the entire situation. We have not had a single fight in the House Of Music and we are trying to attract the right clientele. Can you help? Or just throw stones?

It looks like rain today.

8:00pm

We came down the 18 mile stretch this morning about 10am with no trouble.

8:00pm

Renamed storm for the keys: Ivan the Tolerable.

8:00pm

Wow. I just heard that they are evacuating Canada now for hurricane Ivan. Alaska could be next.

8:00pm

I'm so happy I didn't evacuate! I went to Winn Dixie last night and this morning and it was great. No waiting in line at the register. The shelves were stocked and I didn't have to trip over people chatting in the aisles. Big Pine is such a nice place when there is no one around. It makes me remember why I'm here. Thank you to the restaurants and businesses that stayed open for the non-evacuators.

8:00pm

They're still not letting people back in. A agree with the other person who said, "you can't come home when you want." I sure would be bored and upset if I couldn't go back home and continue with my life. I fear that people won't be so quick to evacuate the next time; five days before the next hurricane is supposed to hit. Maybe the county should wait until there is, at least, a hurricane alert posted before issuing a mandatory evacuation order.

5:30pm

Are they letting people back into the Keys?

12noon

We went by Winn Dixie and The Cracked Egg at eight this morning and both were opened. Kmart is also opened. Home Depot in Marathon is still closed.

Sunday
September12
2004

Another case for not evacuating: You can't come home when you want. Ivan's brunt will miss us and they won't let us back in the keys.

12	Now that we're not going to get hit I'm glad i didn't evacuate. Imagine the boredom sitting in a shelter for 3-4 days. I go bugsy. And then when it's over they don't let you back home until they want to. I go further bugsy.
12	The Hogfish on Stock Is. stole Royboy�s slogan from the No Name Pub: �It�s a nice place�if you can find it.�
12	I come home from happy hour with a good buzz and the computer draws me. I have no willpower. I have to write something, but my mind is to befuddled to make any sense.
2:45pm	As far as Jamaica getting 23' waves and Big Pine Key being 5' above see level, Jamaica is surrounded by much deeper water than we are, our near-shore waters are much shallower than theirs and they extend farther out than theirs. Don't compare the two islands, as they are not the same situation. Jamaica has much more ocean around that allows hurricanes to produce larger waves. Try not to be so smart next time.
10am	Toad's name was George Thompson and was born in D.C. on Dec. 21, 1947, but grew up in Maryland where he attended Springbrook High. He is survived by a sister. He worked for Pinewood Materials driving a big truck for a while. Toad died of throat cancer at 4:30pm on September 4 at a friends home in Big Pine. There will be a memorial gathering at the Moose lodge Wed. Sept. 15. I think.
Saturday September 11 2004	It breaks my heart. REMEMBER!
11	I know we are all worried about Ivan, but I would like to relay a personal story about something I am sure none of us could ever forget. We have had a house down here for a few years but just moved down a year ago from Jersey. We had been receiving the Key Noter up there for years. Soon after 9/11, my boyfriend, a retired Fire Capt. from Jersey, purchased Mercy Bands. Just like POW bracelets but for the fallen firemen from 9/11. He had a few still in boxes and told me to pick one. I took one. Opened the box and saw the name, Michael Carlo FDNY and put it on my wrist, rubbed my finger over the name and thought what a shame. I picked up the new Key Noter and started to read it. On the front page was a story about Fantasy Fest. The story was about a NYC fireman who came down for Fantasy Fest in place of his brother who was also a NYC fireman who had died on 9/11. His brother Michael Carlo. All the hairs on my body stood on end has I looked down at my wrist and saw the name Michael Carlo again. I believe it was some kind of kismet or something that I had picked that bracelet. I have worn the bracelet ever since. So even with Ivan heading towards us...I would like to ask ever one here on Big Pine to stop and take a moment to remember Michael Carlo, the other 342 firemen who lost their lives, the office workers, the police officers and everyone that was murdered on that day.
11	Six of the eight full time families on my street have gone. I have not heard what percentage of Monroe County or Lower Keys evacuated. Anyone else? How many on your streets have left?
11	Jamaica is now getting 23' waves. Big Pine has an average elevation of 5'. You won't have to stay to protect your property it will be underwater. Please write your next of kin info on your body with a permanent marker.
11	How much does it cost to evacuate? If one person is gone for four days at $100 a night in a hotel and $40 a day for food it comes to $560 plus you have to add transportation (car or plane) costs to that number. By this figuring it will cost each person about $600 to evacuate each time they tell us to go. Ivan is the third time in about a month that they'd have us leave. That would be about $1,800 so far this year. They should have built category 5 shelters all through the Keys instead of worrying about the 18 mile stretch.
11	It's been nearly 10 years since I moved away from Big Pine. Back then I was known locally as Arbuckle. No one really knew my real name or cared to. The internet wasn't a big thing yet, and few residents of Big Pine had a computer or even wanted one. I was there when Andrew came. I left about 2 years after. Who, there now, even remembers Kanda's Lair BBS? It was, then, the only fidonet node on Big Pine. The closest thing we had to the internet back then. Located in Castaways Campground Ave B or C and 3rd St. I was one of the breakfast/lunch cooks at The Island Reef Restaurant then. So hopefully, before Ivan wipes you all out maybe someone could catch me up on what's happened on Big Pine since I left. I've been looking through the various BP business directories and don't recognize a thing. So: Other than the 1935 Labor day cat5 that wiped out the Flagler railroad, I've been in every Cat5 that's hit the U.S. - Camille and Andrew - So when Ivan hits it won't be a Cat5 because I'm not there. Have fun down there, 30 miles from the end of the worlds longest dead end street. We had a hell of a Hurricane party when we expected Andrew to wipe us all out. Tip: When they turn off the power drive around to all the restaurants and fill up on the food they have to toss out from the walk-ins. Empty Beer kegs when roped together make an excellent floatation device. Collect as many as you can full, then empty them. If you are still there after Ivan the Terrible hits, maybe I'll tell you the story of the Great Royal Ice Bag Auction...
11	For those of us not in the know, please enlighten us about Toad, real name, etc.
11	Toad, I will miss you. R.I.P. bro.
7:30pm	....rib-itttt The Toad will be missed by all who have had the pleasure of his company over the many years he made us laugh. Thanks to bpk.com for letting we far away Piners know of things as important as the loss of another old friend.
8pm	Did you hear the one about the hurricane that destroyed Haiti and no one could tell?
7:30pm	For all of our evacuees and anyone else concerned about Ivan and the Keys, log onto www.US1Radio.com for live audio streaming....right through the hurricane.
7:30pm	Good luck all!
7:30pm	I am highly interested in staying in contact with anyone that remains in the Big Pine Key area. This Website can be of great help in a time of great need. Cell phones and telephone lines may not be working. I am a HAM radio operator. All active people on this net are advised to contact anyone they can to be alerted and monitor this site frequently for updates. All HAMS should be advised of this. We must keep it short and to the point. Any further suggestions are requested.
7:30pm	Yes. Eckerd's took a giant slide downhill. Walgreens will be welcomed, or if Winn Dixie was smart they would take over Edie's store for a pharmacy. Are you paying attention Winn Dixie?
10:45am	At 9:30am Tom Thumb has gas and it's only a two car wait.
10:45am	I can tell the web is slowing down already. I wonder just how long it'll work around here?
10:45am	RUN RABBITS, RUN!
10:45am	We're evacuating under a mandatory evacuation order and we don't even have a hurricane watch yet! I think it's time to rethink our warning system. What good are they if you don't know what to do when they're issued?
Friday September 10 2004	Here we go again boys n girls. Who's evacuating? Can you please keep us posted here? This has been the BEST place to live! Big time Prayers going out to Big Pine Key and all the nice people and Deer. (Ed: we'll be updating several times a day until this hurricane passes, so keep those observations and bits of information coming so we can share them with the rest of our community. Also we forgot to turn on the Live Web Cam yesterday..duh!)
10	"Martha, this is the big one, I commin' to join you."
10	Looking at IVAN in the eye makes me realize how much I can lose and just how much "STUFF" I have that I take for granted and how much I want ALL my "STUFF". I look around my house and yard and realize how vulnerable I am to Mother Nature. I was thinking about taking my important things with me, photos, insurance info, title to my car and things like that when I realized there is so much more. A friend said it was all just material things but I don't think so. A person collects special things over the years and they can't be replaced no matter how much insurance you have. What about my trees and gardens that I put in years ago and have watched grow? I know first hand about loss with Andrew and I don't want to be in that position. I hope and pray that we are all safe and all of our "STUFF" will be here next week. Good Luck to all!
10	All pray no Ivan.
10	Ivan has the highest probability to impact us this season. I hope I'm wrong, but everything indicates its arrival here. For those of you who track these storms, this site has the most comprehensive information to formulate your own future track of the storm! www.crownweather.com/tropical.html (high speed broadband recommended)
10	Here's the latest on the path of Ivan.
10	IVAN: Me scared, no watches, no warnings and yet mandatory evacuation. It's playing like a symphony. It is a delight seeing those awful motor homes getting the hell out of here; and exquisite watching the tourists leave. Ahhhhhh, wonderful, my new friend Ivan.
10	As for hurricanes, it's a left punch, a right punch and an uppercut in a fight that could add up to a KO (a knock out). What do you think Florida? As for the rest of you whiners, run, run as fast as you can. Ivan's got his eye on you. I wish I was in the Valley of the Sun right now.
10	PLEASE BE SAFE! May all the Gods of Heaven and Earth Protect you and yours from all harm. The Mighty and Ancient Spirits of The Valley of The Sun will watch over you.
10	Hey, all! Take care and batten the hatches for Ivan. If you evacuate, safe travels. Oh, HUGS, Dad, Donna, Uncle Jerry and Aunt Glenda.
10	You all have my prayers for a safe journey with Ivan knocking at our back doors! Be safe and stay dry. Good luck to you all!
10	Love ya' Toad 4-ever in my heart. Sherri
10	Did you hear Toad died Sunday? Well, at least he's not in pain anymore.
10	Re. messy: Amen bubba!
10	Lawnmower men & More. The new owner, John is excellent. Slow getting started, but really cleaned up the place and is stocking all types of equipment. Generators. For the person seeking a repair place for generators. John is stocking and repairing all types including large industrial full building units. I don't think you will be disappointed.
10	Eckerd's/CVS. Has anyone else, besides myself, really seen a slide in service, all around, especially in the Pharmacy. I have a feeling if Walgreen's ever comes to town CVS will be a thing of the past.
Thursday September 9 2004	Happy 500th Birthday to David. That�s Michelangelo�s David which was 500 years old yesterday. He still looks fit doesn't he?
9	What an awful day I had yesterday. I was working in K.W. and had such a hangover that I left at 11am. I got to Big Pine five minutes after the tanker crashed. I had to suffer for my sins for over four hours in limbo.
9	Jonny Threlkeld is in Baptist hospital in Miami and he is having a 3-way bypass. Just like Clinton.
	I heard the news call Charley a left punch and Frances called a right jab. To me that means that Ivan looks like its going to be a quick sharp kick in the nuts.
9	Don't wait - get fuel NOW ! Before the mad rush. (Ivan the Terrible)
9	Of course Real Estate Prices are going up...Look around, Bubba, this is the prettiest part of America! Why haven't prices gone up faster? Big Whine to the trucker who spilled gas in our neighborhood and I hope that he pays a big fine.
9	The Lawnmower man changed hands. Does anyone out there know if he is a good mechanic?
9	RE:MESSY: Oink, Oink! You obviously can't read either. I am a natural born "Conch" Grad student of Key West High School and Florida Keys Community College. My children were born here. Don't try to justify your pigpen. Clean up your MESS! Don't assume that I'm from up North because I like things nice.
Wednesday September 8 2004	I'm looking for a friend I never got to say good bye to while I was in Big Pine. I lost his phone # and can't find it on the web or directory assistance. His name is Issac Benanucher(sp.?). He owns a contracting business called "We B Hoppin" or something like that. He's in his early 30's and has short black hair, dark eyes, and is dark-complected. He lives on Bogie Rd. or something like that- the road before No Name Bridge. If anyone knows him and his phone #, I'd appreciate having it. My e-mail is Ruby9@localnet.com. Thanks.
8	Mystery: Why do croutons come in airtight packages? Aren't they just stale bread to begin with?
8	Restaurant Review: What is wrong with Pizza Works? They close whenever. They never put a sign up saying why or when they will be closed. Sell the place to someone who wants to make a go of it. They have lost my business. I will start ordering elsewhere.
8	Does anyone know if there is a firearms range (legal) in the lower keys for private citizens?
8	1000 kids died in Iraq. Gee, I am happy with spoiled milk and no gas during a hurricane warning north of us. When the warning or damage is to the north, don't forget that is our trucking route.
8	Does anyone know how John Threlkeld is? Heard he had a heart attack.
8	Does anyone know of a person or place that can service a Generator? And I don't mean the Lawn Mower Man. I'm looking for professional service where the machine is actually repaired the 1st time. Please advise.
8	Unedited ramblings
8	That Ramrod Chevron has turned into a junk food heaven. Good grief! The only thing healthy in that place to eat is in the dairy section. No wonder the owner had a heart attack. What a way to try to kill the tourists. My children aren't allowed in there any more, but that probably makes that old ogre happy.
8	RE: 7 months in keys and being thankful. Yes, being thankful is a wonderful thing, as you yourself implied things are screwed up north and that is why I complain about things changing around here, trying to waylay or postpone the inevitable, being consumed by the mouth of the upper 48. I mean, really, these real estate prices are outlandish and squeezing out the poor. This is the Disney faction of the Florida Keys. ...welcome to the end my friend, this is the end my friend.
Tuesday September 7 2004	I was particularly impressed with some freelance doodling. I walked over on the No Name Key road yesterday. I especially loved the �Snort Coke� message in huge letters, then lo and behold �Free Hinckley� and finally (the only other legible item) �Big Pine Key Vigilantes�. What noble causes the BPKV are so vehemently protecting. Am I supposed to defecate as I pass this spot or would they like me to throw up on it? Would they please let us all know when their next anti-establishment meeting will take place so that we could all meet up in some dark corner together and plan to overthrow every beautiful, natural habitat for both the human and animal species. If they could show their faces in public at least we�d know who to sacrifice to the hurricane gods this season.
7	Restaurant Review: "Amen" to the BPCS Queen. So far we have tried the House of Music's Sandwiches and their Pizza. They are Excellent. I get them to go because I really don't like the Bar type atmosphere. But GOOD. Kudos to them. Kevin is a wonderful cook and I trust him with my food. You've got my business. Keep up the good work.
7	Heard a local newscaster refer to the next one as "Ivan the Pretty Bad" already.
7	This is in response to the uninformed pot shots at the staff of Bahia Honda State Park. The rangers at Bahia Honda State Park (as well as any other Florida state park) are employed by the state as custodians of the parks and are there to keep the park safe and clean. They spend a lot of time on the �clean� part because of the number of pigs that visit the areas entrusted to them. Park rangers try to educate visitors through interpretation and asking for voluntary compliance of the parks rules. If you should ever see a park ranger carrying a gun you should immediately inform the park manager since the state has not empowered any park ranger to carry weapons. The park manager, most likely, would send a park law enforcement officer (who is an official state law officer and does carry a weapon) to investigate the situation. These are the officers that can and do arrest persons for violating the park rules. Like any law officer, park law enforcement is bound by laws including search and seizure. Well, enough of trying to educate the uninformed. Oh, by the way, fishing by legal means is allowed at Bahia Honda. It�s not a mystery. Just read the brochure offered to you when you enter the park along with the information signs throughout the park. Or ask the ranger.
7	Without the whiners, It wouldn't be Kudos and Whiners, now would it? And it might get a little BORING . Get over yourself . Glad you made it through the Wicked Witch of the East, but watch out for Ivan the Terrible, he could be sneaky! P.S. I agree that the WWE should have a hand in naming Hurricanes. NO MORE wussey names for such awesome displays of natures' anger and POWER. Huggggges and Kisses from the Valley of the Sun. 110� forecast today, 10% relative humidity.
7	All you people whining about spoiled milk you should be ashamed. Put yourselves in those poor Russian peoples' shoes. All those children that were killed--over 200. I think I could live with spoiled milk.
7	Well, our prayers were answered. All gone and no casualty's. I looked out early this a.m. and said t.g.i.f. Yup, thank god its floating. Happy labor day to all.
7	I was in Big Pine for 7 months on an extended stay. I'm back home up north. It sucks! I REALLY miss the keys especially Big Pine. It was so tranquil down there. I also miss No Name Bridge and Key Lime pie at Mangrove Mama's. I hope to return some day soon. Be thankful for the good things you've got down there people! Have a happy Labor Day everyone!
Labor Day PM	Great. Seven o'clock in the last hours of the Labor Day weekend; and the wind and rain stops! It's dead calm, my boat is fueled, equipped, and I even have a new boat trailer that I'm dying to use, a new dive regulator, and everything else you'd need for a great Labor Day weekend. The only thing wrong is that I have to go to work in a bunch of hours. I'm still grateful that we didn't get wiped out from Francis, but like everyone else I had plans that I was looking forward to doing. I was going to go up the Keys with my new boat trailer and explore all those places that I read about all the time. It's just to late for the weather to get good. I've got to go to go work at 8 AM tomorrow morning. We usually do get a hurricane on Labor Day Weekend.
Labor Day Monday September 6 2004	Labor Day! Don't go to work.
6	Spoiled milk chunk-check test: Pour a little into a cup of hot water. If the milk dissolves, it's good. If it curdles or separates, return it to the store. Don't risk the taste-and-puke migraine method.
6	Has anyone ever heard the expression "don't cry over spoiled milk"
6	MILK the bodily fluid of another living animal, and people drink it. I personally can't drink the stuff unless it's got chocolate in it
6	Special Night lights on web cam: That is a cool effect! It would make a nice Halloween screensaver!
6	Restaurant Review: I agree. The Big Pine Coffee Shop is horrible and that female owner thinks she is the Queen of Big Pine. Bad place to go.
6	Restaurant review: I really like the Big Pine Coffee Shop.
6	I really don't like all the whiners, but realize that it is a good community service because it lets people vent on small issues before they get bigger. We feel like we're doing something about all the little things that make parts of our lives irritating. Who knows, maybe this venting will prevent some crazy from shooting up McDonalds.
6	I said it once and I'll say it again. Could we please have more Kudos and less Whiners?
6	According to my better half as we went on a short trip to Port Pine today, the burned areas and the deer are so happy to have some fresh water as we were in a drought situation. Maybe we'll venture out again on Labor Day to see if it worked. Life is good, only finite. God Bless.
6	Overall we still fared better than most of the state including probably the panhandle which hasn't even begun to experience Frances. A few limbs here and there, a little ponding here and there and whine, whine, whine. Get over yourself already. Do you really want to know what real suffering is? Believe me I could write a book and weather would not even be mentioned. Be thankful for what you have, not what you could have had or had and lost.
6	Philosophy Dept: To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. --Ralph Waldo Emerson, writer and philosopher (1803-1882)
6	Hey, check it out. A "between hurricanes", last minute, Labor Day yard sale. Come and find a bargain or complain via e-mail. Help a Piner out.
evening	To whoever wanted terrible names for hurricanes we could call this one Ivan the Terrible.
evening	Hey, great forecast job for Sunday. Today is worse than Hurricane Charlie. Someone should tell my broken trees that Frances wasn't coming to the Lower Keys. All day long the Weather Channel was forecasting that we were to have a half an inch of rain. Did they mean each hour as my little plants float away. Who is doing the forecast for today, the Chamber of Commerce?
evening	Restaurant review: Whoever said that the Big Pine Coffee shop food is better hasn't eaten there in awhile. Ever since the older cook left and moved away the food has been terrible. Got three cheeseburgers to go today. Medium done and when I got home 5 minutes away, the bun was soaked with blood and my son who is a teenager wouldn't even eat it. Now that's pretty sad. Wont eat there again!
evening	NBC 6 reports that they will have the Nextel race tonight. Thank you channel 6. Now, if only the power and cable will hold out, I will be a happy person.
evening	Web Cam: Someone needs to wipe the lens.
noon	Unfortunately, getting spoiled milk at Winn-Dixie is not at all uncommon. I've often wondered how they can ruin milk prior to it's expiration date and the best that I can figure is that they must let it sit on a pallet in the parking lot in the hot sun for too long. How else can it spoil prior to the date? You'll learn never to chug Winn-Dixie milk without first checking for chunks. Do the chunk-check followed by the ole sniff test and then and only then can you try to taste it.
noon	Here comes the uppercut, Ivan. We have had a right-hand punch and a left so whose to say, whadaya think?
Sunday Am September 5 2004	Checked the cam; that is so cool! And eerie! Why are the woods lit up tonight? Looks like a promo from Blair Witch.
5	Ed: The woods were lit up so you could see the wind at night. Our lighting director did do the lighting for Blair Witch project, but never progressed in his skill. Tonight he'll try smaller light bulbs. Stay tuned...
5	I thought that the winds were forecast to be 20 mph - It seems more like 50 and the water is rising ...
5	I have many neighbors that have dumped junk out at the street. It embarrasses me to have to look at it everyday as I drive to my home that I work so hard to take care of. I thought most, or at least some of it would have been removed for hurricane Charley but there it still sits 3 or 4 months after it was dumped at the street. Is there code enforcement in Big Pine? How do I report people too lazy to have their trash taken away?
5	Everybody pray for Johnny Threlkeld the owner of All right A/C. He had a severe heart attack on Fri. and needs to go to Miami but the hurricane has delayed him in Key West. So please pray for him.

ppm	Has anyone else bought milk in Winn Dixie lately only to find out it's soured - a week before the expiration date?
ppm	Here in the Keys we are BLESSED! Imagine how ugly or messy it would be if either Charley or Frances had hit here. Quit your bitchin'. Piners rule.
ppm	Messy: No, I don't like it messy. My neighbors have had a mattress outside in the rain for nine months now! If they could read or speak English, I would leave them a note. Trashy!
ppm	Looks like TIB bank used the mainland storm as a good excuse to have a 4 day weekend. Nice. They've been slipping in their service for some time now so this doesn't surprise me.
ppm	Ed: Check out the Live Web Cam. The woods are all lit up tonight at corporate headquarters so you can see the wind blow the trees.
month update September 4 2004 ppm	Editor, we are now in September. Keep up the good work!
pm update	Unfortunately, if there was no religion humans would find something else to fight about. So long as there is variety in anything there will be somebody who doesn't like it and thinks it's worth a war.
pm update	Good idea about the hurricane names! Maybe they could add an adjective for every category one increases, or have the WWE come up with a list of nasty names each season.
Saturday August 4 2004	Boca Raton's city cemetery does not allow upright Crosses or Stars of David. This just reminds me of how much hate religion inspires. The irony is obvious. As a non-believer, I would prefer a world without religion so we could have a world with more peace and love.
4	Islamic terrorists will kill anyone and destroy anything including their own mosques with clear consciences, but let us kill a civilian by accident and it's an unforgivable thing! I can't understand their justifications. The recent Chechnya Moslem terrorists' purpose was to kill as many children as they could just so they can have a political state. Is that worth it?
4	Messy: I hate messy. It looks like loser-land and I'm not a loser living in this land
4	Re: We like it a bit messy. Please don't speak for me. I don't like it messy.
4	Congratulations everyone. We missed another hurricane. I, too like the idea of having horrible names for hurricanes. How about Paul the Punisher, Debbie the Destroyer...like that?
4	Unedited ramblings
4	Restaurant review: I went to BIG PINE COFFEE SHOP today. Breakfast was great! I went back for dinner to find out they are doing just as well with their dinner items as the are with breakfast and lunch. You have a new regular costumer. Thanks, and keep up the nice work.
4	duh...TIB bank is a trailer. I am glad they prepared. Its always better to be over prepared. Do remember weather forecasts are only predictions. Oh, by the way, tell your neighbors to put their trash back in by their house , I really don't want to run it over if our streets flood. Did anyone else notice the fool who put a lot of pressboard kitchen cabinets out by the road on Father Tony Way? I hope I don't end up with door hinges in my tires.
4	I agree that closing TIB was unnecessary. Granted, it is basically a trailer, but we didn't even have any storm warnings.
6:40pm update	Today I went to TIB bank to do my important Friday business. They were boarded up and closed. What were they afraid of? We never even got a storm watch alert! Never mind a storm warning. Hey, TIB, turn on your TV and see what's going on. Is that supposed to be service? What pussys (Is the plural of pussy--pussies?).
6:40pm update	The wind just picked up. It went from calm to about 15-20mph and they're all gusts. Time to batten down the hatches.
Friday September 3 2004	The Russian Moslems who are holding 700+ people in the school don�t even have cohesive demands. It seems all they want to do is kill non-Moslems. They�re not even sure why. That is the frightening thing about Islamic terrorists. It�s all about killing. I cannot respect any religion like that. You�ll notice that their religion is never mentioned as the reason for their actions. The only terrorists in our world today are Moslems. We should address that fact.
3	Well said "pride of property ownership." I'm tired of looking at the dumpy business properties. We live in paradise, it should look like it.
3	To the person who cares so much about how our buildings look. Maybe you should go where you come from, like your concrete jungle. It is people like you that give us a bad name. We Know that we live in Manana-land. We like it a bit messy.
3	Why, when someone disagrees with you in this column, they assume you're from out of town?
3	Both successful school board candidates in the primary had their advertisements printed by children. It looks like the image worked!
3	I don�t like the hurricane names we now use. They are too sweet like, Charley, Donna, etc. A hurricane is an awful thing and the name should reflect that fact. Let�s name them something like, Mess You Up, Horrible Wind, Wipe out. Names like that.
3	Best of luck to all of you again! I really enjoy your discussions and wish you well. It all sounds so much like my neighborhood, you'd be amazed! One big difference though; we don't have enough water to float a boat for miles in any direction.
Thursday September 2 2004	Here we go again!
2	Scared Again In Big Pine Key. Who's evacuating and on what day?
2	Remember, if you evacuate, they might not let you back to your house for a week!
2	May the weather Gods protect you and yours from all harm! The Spirits of the Ancient Ones of the Desert have told me that you are all in their care. Love and stuff , xoxoxo.
2	Fill your gas tanks fast. Its gonna suck here when the stations run out. Imagine all the folks from Miami evacuating TO Key West then not having any gas to get home. The petro docks in Miami will not reopen until at least Monday.
2	Yesterday, I went to buy gas at the Thumb Thumb in Big Pine on the last day of the tax freeze to save 8 cents a gallon. Well, what do you know, they were out of regular. Now what is up with that? Someone should look into this.
2	Tussa came to me 2 months ago looking for work. He worked for me as a Divemaster back in the late 80's. Good memories, great diver and a hard worker. Any way, I do all my own yard work so I declined his help. He asked if he could borrow seventeen dollars to take his wife to dinner but I only had a fifty. I had no idea he had changed from the young man who once worked for me. How sad. The fifty bucks I could care less about. The loss of trust and a friend, though is very sad.
2	Can anyone recommend a good and reliable handy man, yard service, and some kids for general labor. I am disabled and need some help with things around the house. Please e-mail jkg921@yahoo.com. Thank you.
2	I think I found a solution to the current iguana overpopulation problem. I ordered one of these beauties from Dragons.net, being drop shipped to the Big Island soon.
2	I haven't been in Bahia Honda for about 20 yrs. The rangers have guns?
2	I went to Bahia Honda Memorial Day weekend 2003 by boat to the east end. When my Dachshund jumped out of the boat 50 yrds from shore the ranger (or what ever position he was) started screaming to get my dog out of the water. I thought from the water mark at high tide out is public property. Does anyone KNOW the law concerning this? Is it different for State Parks?
2	RE: WRIST WATCHES. Just glanced down at my watch to see what time it was. Lordy, Lordy my watch stopped at 1:00 a.m. Perhaps someone is trying to tell me something. Do you suggest I take my $200.00 watch and throw it in the Gulf or the Ocean and rely on the tides for the rest of my life? Can't very well do that if I am moving to Arizona, now can I? Guess I will have to go get a new battery or at the very least a sun-dial!
2	I would like to know why some people do not care what their property looks like? There are so many businesses and homes in Big Pine that are eye sores. Classic Carpet looks like a Flea Market that has filed Chapter 11. The used appliance store across from the Post Office should not be allowed to have all their JUNK outside. Why can't Curtis Scomp and Coldwell Banker fix the drainage problems at the Winn Dixie shopping Plaza? Why is the old Marshall building such an UGLY blue? Big Pine House of Music, clean up the outside of your building and maybe you will get more business, it looks like a rat and roach trap. Dion's Quick Mart, good paint job! Where is the pride of property ownership? Even if you lease your building you can still keep it clean and neat looking. Paint is cheep. Yard work is good exercise and does not cost a thing. I was born and raised here and this is the only complaint I have. Roosters, dogs, cats, iguanas, key deer, Tussa (who ever he is), conch trains, cruise ships, jet airplanes, scooters, motorcycles (even rice burners), 9lb rats, loud parrots, people with big signs, realtors, and the Monroe County building Dept. Live and let live just keep it clean and neat.
2	I'm sure the Big Pine House of Music will do just fine without your "loser" business because they accept all American citizens in their place of business despite their personal circumstances. Who's the real loser here?
Wednesday September 1 2004	The rangers at Bahia Honda are morons who should not be allowed to have guns. Even the lowest ranking ranger picking up garbage thinks he's better than the average person. Thank Clinton for empowering them in the 90's. I personally haven't been there in 8 years; ever since they gave the redheaded guy, drooling on hisself, a gun that he keeps his hand on while talking to you.
1	I just heard that anyone can register to vote online! How come I just heard it now? Why wasn�t there more emphasis to get the word out how easy it is to register now?
1	To the strong Padget and Bush supporter: Could it be that by happenstance you, like me, caught the RNC by mistake and you are a Republican (read wealthy) and you meant impervious not imperious which is probably what they are since none of it makes any sense, especially the rendition of Amazing Grace. Give me a break. Are we back to whom was the most heroic? The average voter is impervious. I'll not vote, period. P.S. Teresa Heinz Kerry looks like a drunk and a loose woman. Wish I had her money and she had a feather stuck up her butt and we'd both be tickled to death.
1	Ear wax: Yes, we�ve degenerated to talking about ear wax. My ears tickle a lot because of it. My hair is also straight now. When I lived in Southern Calif. My hair was curly and my ears didn�t tickle. I think it has to do with humidity. And people ask my why I drink!
1	I will not go to The Big Pine House of Music because as much as they clean up the building they have not cleaned up the loser drunks that are hanging around outside drinking all day and night.

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