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Archives of Old Kudos and Whiners

August 2005

Wednesday August 31, 2005

 

The illegal alien problem can be easily fixed. All we have to do is make the bleeding heart right wingers house them, feed them, cloth them, raise their mutants, and put them to work building a big boat to get them back to wherever they came from.  Oops, I forgot, sterilize them too!

Moondogs. I hope we don't have one our famous Labor Day hurricanes and the band can play. I can't take much more wind.
As the general contractor for the Habitat Shutter Program let me say that our procedure is to install the tracks for the panel shutters and actually install the panels only on one window. This is due to the fact that the building inspector may have many other inspections on other projects and may take a few days to actually perform the final inspection. I'm quite certain that the great majority of people do not want to live in a completely shuttered home while waiting for the inspector to arrive. It's bad enough when we are actually under a hurricane watch.

The actual panel installation should be very easy, certainly no challenge for a young adult. In all cases building permits have been issued by the governing body (city or county) and all installations have to be signed-off by the appropriate inspector. This also includes the sign-off of the insurance letter that allows the homeowner to receive a significant discount on their windstorm insurance.
 

Mr. Loewy was instrumental in obtaining this very significant grant for free shutters and this community should be very grateful as this is one of the few areas to participate in this program. As the saying goes "No good deed goes unpunished."

OK, I say we track and send back all of the Illegal Aliens.  Perhaps we can attract them to eat the deadly rhubarb plant. On the other hand: Believe me, I cannot believe our government hands out what they do to these people.  Could we not spend some money to try to help our own country without inviting everyone else from another country in and giving them free medical? (You would not believe what I pay monthly on catastrophic only benefits.)  I believe in helping others, but when our own country cannot support itself, it is time to sit back and reconsider what we can do to cut to the chase.  Send them back!
Moondogs do Picnic Island. We can't wait for Saturday. Let's party. I'm ready.
Could someone please describe Art, the fellow whose houseboat sunk? Is he the fellow who used to ride his bike all over from Summerland to Big Pine, with long light colored hair and rather thin build? Well Art, no hard feelings, but it's time to clean up your mess over there in Pine Channel and start looking for a nice place in the Avenues. One less live aboard!
Ed Swift v. MTV. The shoe is on the other foot now. If you've ever lived in Old Town you know how irritating it is to have the Conch Train's loud speakers pointing at you and your house. We can't sit on our front porch because of that. For this reason there have been suits against them for years. Now when it's in Mr. Swift's own backyard he finally knows what it's like to be in the spotlight (pun intended).
To the person crying about the liveaboards. Don't be upset because you had to put money into your house and have to pay the electric bill. You increased the value of your house and will recoup the money. A liveaboard owner will not get the value of their houseboat returned the way you will however he probably won't complain when you bank the huge check from your house sale. The Keys are a special place where we live and let live. Complain to the FWC about pulling the vessels from their graves don't force others that are living and maintaining their boats to jump thru hoops because you had to work on your own house. Be a grown up. Worry about your own. Welcome to the land of freedom. Even for the people in the lower economic levels. Whining is not allowed.
I would like to see a boat poker run from Big Pine to maybe Key West, or Geiger Key Marina on a Sunday.  They have a killer barbecue outdoors every Sunday and you can tie up to the dock.
Sometimes it gets a little boring sitting at picnic island and drinking beer, especially if the women are not taking their clothes off. If anyone is interested let's try to get something going. I don't want to go to key Biscayne or Islamorada as one person suggested. I do not live there. Let's get something local going.  

All About Nuts! This is disgusting and crude.
Dear Completely in Love. What's up with someone who recognizes that they are being fed a load of crap and refuses to find better territory?
I was wondering why the ad about Diana Harris and Tom Stump was put on and than taken off? Is there something wrong with offering a reward for new information to two unsolved cases. There is no evidence that the killers have been caught. Both cases are still opened. I can send proof of this to you if needed. I am the daughter of Diana. Her case was reinvestigated as a homicide in 1995 and has remained opened since.
(Ed: After checking with the Sheriff, our investigative dept. found that there was no guarantee of reward and no bond had been taken out that they were aware of. Plus we're not comfortable posting murder stuff. We prefer to leave that to our law enforcement pros. Old murder investigations are way over our heads. We are sorry for your loss, but this forum is not intended for that purpose.)
Re:5 times the number of average people showed up to support President Bush (incorrect). Could it be because they are all from Texas?  Duh.
I am the surveyor of record for the Habitat for Humanity program for affordable housing. I was involved in the program since its inception including wetland delineation, the method used to actually determine the location of wetlands, if any.

A certified biologist visited the site and staked out the areas that were wetlands and these areas were then surveyed by my firm and shown on the map of the site. Somehow, over a year after this process, the Corps again visited the site and "found" new wetlands. These areas coincidentally seemed to be in areas where trailers, concrete, cesspits and other man made improvements existed and had been removed. The Corps would not listen to reason as to the creation of these manmade wetlands and insanely insisted on mitigation.

Anyone who thinks that the current residents at The Landing will reap fabulous rewards due to the increase in value is obviously totally uneducated as to how the program actually works. Could it be that there is a bit of "sour grapes"?

My heart goes out to the people in New Orleans and Biloxi. The news makes me just cry. I wanted to load up and go out there and help, but  they say they need donations instead. Come on people, let's help out our fellow Americans. They need us.
Dear Edwina: To completely in love. Do you mean that he won't "keep" you--as in support you? Or do you mean that he's willing to let you go? Does he say he loves you in the throes of passion or at other times. Do you have to drag it out of him? I need this information in order to give you the correct advice.

Live Cameras - PanCanal.com  The Panama canal's two entrances were designed to be out of cannon range from attacking ships. When it was built, the Wright Brothers had just made their first flight and no one really took them seriously, yet.
Why is it people complain about having tourists and tourist facilities in a tourist town?  For most of us, that's our bread and butter.  Whoever made the comment about Ed Swift's lawsuit against MTV clearly doesn't care about the working people of the Keys.  Ed and his partners run a very professional, caring company.  The majority of their employees have worked for them for many, many years.  The Conch Train and Trolleys were here long before the whiners who complain about them.  Guess what, you can't buy a house in a tourist town and then expect everyone to change their way of life because you've arrived.  HTA cares about their employees.  They love Key West and don't want to see it turned into a town where the "little people" are driven out.  They strive to provide affordable housing for their employees and others.  I would love to see what this person would say if MTV set up shop next door to him/her and floodlit their neighborhood.  Don't believe what a few ignorant people say about Ed Swift and his partners.  You have no idea how much they give to Key West and the Keys because they don't brag about it.  They just do it.
This Cindy Sheehan thing is a bunch of BS. Just another media bandwagon story to try and blow completely out of proportion. Remember "Wag the Dog"? This one's the fallen war hero's Mom. Maybe they'll come out with a theme song and a rubber bra.


As I drive to work in Big Pine Key, I marvel at the way the
collection of sunken boats, just laying in the sun, is being maintained for the tourists.  More junk boats is what we need.  Can the USCG send more or shall we wait until "Season" for the bums to come back from following the scum?
I don't know who told Art to leave Key Deer  Grill the day he lost everything. I do know that that person should be fired.  Capt. Dan, please find out who was that cruel; and remove him/ her.
If any of you bleeding heart liberals still think that the justice system is racist look at the pictures from new Orleans. All the pictures of looters are black! That's why they are the bigger jail population because they commit the most crime. Not all blacks are bad, but a far greater number than whites. It isn't racist it's fact.
After seeing the Gulf Coast I hope all of you will learn and get out when a category 4 hurricane is coming.


I was talking to my wife at the Tiki Bar and saying I wanted to watch the program about
Frank Lloyd Wright tonight. A bar fly sitting next to me said, "I knew that Dude, he was a bartender at Schooners. Belch!
I should've sent this in a long time ago, I didn't realize we could send in videos. Hey, let me see the general consensus on this very sweet clip. I'm sure many of you have seen it.
(Ed: I did it once, but can't figure out how I did it. I've been trying for two days to do it again. Does anyone know how to get a Windows Media video file to a HTML site?)
Kosovo A great music video put together by our troops over there sung to the tune of Kokomo by the Beachboys.


Brad Fresharra is alleged to be the new owner of the Looe Key Tiki Bar.  If he is not a millionaire, he sure does have a "million-dollar smile!"
Cindy Sheehan has not slapped any idea of moral cause "in the face". War is negative energy being fed by evil and greed. We as evolved humans should have enough spiritual maturity to never entertain the idea of war again. War is murder, primitive, and evil. I invite all Bush ass-kissers to volunteer for an Iraqi tour of duty. Our military needs to be right here in the USA protecting our own country, patrolling our own borders; not cleaning out the filthy Middle East cesspools of inhumanity.
Hurricane Katrina. Where's the National Guard? They should be there. Are they all in Iraq?
Re: Who bought Looe Key Reef Resort?  Some one from Quebec, of course, eh!
I looked at the personal ad in the classifieds that someone wrote in about.  I have to agree with the person who commented about it and take my hat off to that guy.  It says what he wants and is very up front.  As he said in the ad, "Why beat around the bush?".  I wish everyone was that bold and truthful.  No BS in that ad.
NSALA HURRICANE RESCUE MISSION  Donate money to save the animals.
Did you hear some of the news announcers talking to Mr. "Bowdrow" about "Meltaire, La"?   The map was of Metairie and I'm guessing Mr. Boudreaux was biting his tongue.  That's almost as good as the other announcer talking to a senator from Mississippi about the "Redneck Riviera".  The senator didn't bite his tongue, he said "we call it the Gulf Coast".
Re: Atheist. I'm an atheist too. Swear to GOD. Let's get together some time and have a prayer meeting.
The person praising Waterless Car Wash is 100% right.  A coworker of mine turned me onto her and my car looks like I bought it yesterday.  Laurie does a great job and it has to be tough work.  She will be in that direct sun all day and just keeps going.  She does a great job and is much less money than the other local car detailers.  Thanks Laurie. Your hard work makes me look good.



I heard that the Tiki Bar sold. Rumor has it that a French guy bought it. The other rumor I heard is that they are going to make it into a clothing optional pool and bar. I also heard that they are going to rent the rooms by the hour instead of the night. I can't wait to see what going down on a dive trip is going to be like. Tell me it's so.  Can anyone verify these rumors?

Wednesday August 31, 2005

 

Tuesday August 30, 2005

The Moondogs will be at Picnic Island this Labor Day weekend September 4, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and all are welcome to come and party with us.


The boat the band will be on needs 4 1/2 feet of water so if you like to hear the Moondogs play try to get close and raft up to us. We will have beer and and lots of ice for making frozen drinks like strawberry daiquiris, piňa coladas and margarita mixers so bring your favorite bottle of alcohol and we will make your frozen drink. The kids had there party on the 4th of July; now its time for the adults to have their party.

Check back with Bigpinekey.com this Saturday for more information. weather report or call Rick for more info MetroPCS at The Phone Depot 305-896-0650. You all have a safe weekend.

Re: Lost Dog.  Near the Flea Market.  We are missing a small reddish brown dog, dachshund/retriever mix.  Her name is "Roxanne."  If found, please contact Michelle at 954-701-8696.
We lost another very special Keys resident from cancer. Dean Moorcroft of Ramrod Key died early Sunday morning. Dean and her beloved husband, Peter, could often be seen walking their Greyhounds on Ramrod. A tall, elegant lady who knew everyone and was loved by all who knew her. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Aug 31, at 1PM at Dean-Lopez on Big Pine Key. Our dear friend Dean will be missed. "...and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
Dear Edwina: What's up with someone that you're completely in love with. Who tells you that they love you back, but they don't want to keep you. It sounds like a load of crap, right? Help.

Who bought Looe Key Reef Resort & Tiki Bar? I heard it sold for almost $6 mil.
The guy that is looking to "hook up" with a Key's lady is likely to catch something he doesn't want; and I don't mean a Grunt. Hey, there may be a potential song forming here.
Cindy Sheehan isn't my voice, and never will be.  Her son signed up for the military, he wasn't forced to, he wasn't drafted.  When you do that you know there's a possibility you could go to war; and there's a possibility of death.  She has no dignity and self respect for herself or her son's wishes.  He fought for his country, and died for it.  I'm sure if he was alive he would not agree with his mother's whiny miserable attitude, and her little camp-out that has turned into a 3 ring circus.  Yes I'm sorry she lost her son, its a terrible thing, but that's the job he chose, with its own inherent risks.
I don't care how many people take advantage of Cindy Sheehan as long as they get the message out that the war is the wrong war in the wrong country for the wrong reasons.
It's a sad week. Martha's of Key West and is closing their doors. What are they thinking? Everyone loved that place and now they are putting up more condos. Just what we don't need.





The nice thing about being senile is you can hide your own Easter eggs.

In answer to the letter about illegal aliens receiving food stamps, free lunches, free medical care, etc.  Oh, yes, they certainly do receive these things--no questions asked.  They do not have to prove legal status to receive benefits.  Medical personnel are not allowed to ask.  Haven't you heard about all these states giving illegal alien children resident-status tuition at their universities? 

Legal American children from another state must pay non-residential tuition.  Here in Georgia, taxpayer money is used to put on health fairs and job fairs for illegal aliens only!   Babies are delivered free and, in most cases, the parents are given car seats to take the babies home.  My daughter is an RN at an health department, she has had parents come back when the babies outgrow the little carriers and demand larger car seats.  Not only that, but taxpayer money is used to provide an interpreter for those that can't (or won't) speak English.  Full time interpreters that don't do anything else except sit in a chair until they are needed.  Your tax money at work.  Get your head out of the sand and know what is going on around you. 


Cindy Sheehan
speaks for me. She is the corner stone of the anti-war movement in this country. We need to be heard. That's how protests usually start; with one determined person.
Will the storm debris be picked up?
Re: Boat poker runs: The Florida Powerboat Club holds one starting in Biscayne Bay and heading to Key West. Not sure where the stops are. I think it's a spring event. I think Holiday Isle also has one more local, not as much distance to cover.
Cindy Sheehan does not speak for me.
Nice, there are a lot of new things on the website since I cane last. I just wanted to say, though, why isn't Marc Kresser on the sex offender list?



Free Ad: I recently had my truck cleaned by the "Waterless Car Wash System." The truck looks great, she even came out the day after Katrina. That's what I call customer service. If your interested in having your vehicle cleaned this way, make the call. (305) 923-1245
I thank God every day, that I'm an atheist.
I heard a rumor that someone had stolen "Ugh" from in front of the cow palace, but I saw him driving his Red Mercedes so it must not be true.

Recent photos of Cindy Sheehan show a smiling individual who is obviously enjoying her newfound attention and fame.  Too bad her misplaced grief over the loss of her son has caused her to cheapen his memory and slap the face of our other men and women in service to our country all for her personal “15 minutes of fame.”  (Stand-by for a book or movie deal)  She has become a less than credible individual who is simply being used by too many people with their own agendas and axes to grind.  Now the so called ‘Reverend’ Al Sharpton has shown up to put his face on the national news and typically grab a piece of the action for himself.  That is the last of her credibility.



What happened to the nice Eden Pines Colony sign? is anyone going to fix it? That is a nice sign.
Re: Boat poker runs: It sounds like a fun thing. Where would the stops be? I think the run should be designed with the small boater in mind so more of us could participate. Maybe we could have it at different peoples' canal homes and end at Parrotdise. BigPineKey.com could publish a chart of the canals and the various stops.
Here a couple of links that people may be interested in to stay on top of issues, storms and such:
Cindy Sheehan has a lot of supporters, so I would say she speaks for more than herself. We are sick of this oily war, and even sicker of yellow-bellied Bushwack. He's not man enough to admit his failures. Hmmm, maybe that's because he cannot hold a thought long enough to form a complete sentence.


Sometimes
, when you cry, no one sees your tears.
Sometimes, when you’re worried, no one sees your pain.
Sometimes, when you’re happy, no one sees your smile.
But, break wind just one time...
Re:  The whiner whining about the front entrance and the duplexes at Port Pine Heights. What's so awful about either? Go back to New Jersey.
It is Monday, where is Monday Gossip?
(Ed: Your seeing old versions of Kudos and Whiners stored on your computer. You need to clear your browser's cache once a week. It's quite simple. Go to http://www.bigpinekey.com/Pages/kudos_and_whiners_frames_2005_.htm  at the bottom of the page. this should help you.)
Re: Comcast Up and running Before Bellsouth. Another Delusional Comcast person maybe? Bellsouth never went down! Face it, Comcast is the worse service you can get.Whether it be TV or broadband. Death to Comcast!
I say get rid of all those liveaboards be they sailboaters, engine powered, and most especially, the home made pieces of junk whose owners pollute the surrounding waters with sewage and garbage.  Two years ago my neighbor and I were forced to install $20,000 aerobic treatment plants because there was no County documentation of my new septic system.  Now I'm spending $78 a month in electric to run the darn thing. And, oh yes, my house hasn't floated into the power lines either. Find a legal dockage freeloaders!
Cindy Sheehan was joined by Martin Sheen and Al Sharpton near Crawford TX this weekend.  Their well-funded protest provided catered food, several 15 passenger vans to carry their supporters to and from town, and plenty of national media coverage.  The "You Don't Speak For Me, Cindy" gathering, also in Crawford, had no funding, vans, food or celebrities, but 5 times the number of average people showed up to support President Bush.  Somehow the national media missed that one.
I just heard on the radio that Ed Swift filed a law suite against MTV.  He said the reality show is going to be a nuisance. He's in fear of his family being filmed and his privacy invaded.  Mr Swift, the biggest nusiance in this town is your trolly cars and trains.

If engine manufacturers designed an aircraft.

Panama Canal: There are two sets of locks not just two locks.

We lost another very special Keys resident from cancer -- Dean Moorcroft of Ramrod Key died early Sunday morning. Dean and her beloved husband, Peter, could often be seen walking their Greyhounds on Ramrod -- a tall, elegant lady who knew everyone and was loved by all who knew her. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Aug 31, at 1PM at Dean-Lopez on Big Pine Key. Our dear friend Dean will be missed. "...and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
ESL teachers are teachers who teach "English as a SECOND Language". Every school requires ESL teachers and this is an added burden of expense to our school taxes. Classes are overcrowded, some cities cannot build new schools fast enough to keep up with the daily influx of illegals and immigrants. Stores cater to illegals by using Spanish signs and Spanish overhead announcements. Yes, Medicare and Medicaid pick up the unpaid illegals medical tabs to the tune of hundreds of millions per year. INS is a joke. I want a bumper sticker that says "Welcome to America, now speak ENGLISH."
The day that Art was plucked out of the water after his boat sank and he nearly drowned, he went to the Key Deer to have a beer and was told to leave and not come back because he didn't have money to tip.

Tuesday August 30, 2005

 

Monday August 29, 2005

I commend the person or persons who are trying to make the entrances of Port Pine Heights look better. They really need it. Thank you. It's been a long time coming. Keep up the good work.
Extreme kudos to Keys Energy System and Comcast. Most of Big Pine had power and cable though the whole thing. I also would like to thank the Ed for the lovely girl extruding Easter eggs, keep em' coming.
Vote for your favorite ad. Advertising Week Voting : Home
Those of us who live in the Keys are all too familiar with hurricanes.  Recently we’ve had Dennis and the surprise visit by Katrina.  Now however, Katrina is going to deliver a devastating blow to the New Orleans area.  We can be thankful that a storm of that magnitude has spared the Keys since the Labor Day storm of ‘35.  There would be little or nothing left.  I think we should all be grateful that we have been spared and the many thousands now in harms way will find safe harbor and hope Katrina’s devastation is somehow minimized.  Louisiana, you’re in our thoughts and prayers tonight.

Yes. If you drink Pepsi and work at Coca Cola they will fire you. If you get caught, that is.
Looks like we survived another one.  Mother Nature's big blow.  Good Luck Louisiana, this one is going to be big!
For you hurricane fans:
Gulf Live: Beach Cam Central Gulf Shores Alabama
Comcast did well this time. They were up and running before Bell South. That was a surprise!
Coastal Warning Display Signals can be seen at following address. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/cwd.htm
Port Pine Heights. Just get rid of the awful entrance signs and we'll be okay. And those awful duplexes.
To the woman (Jane Bell) who walks up and down Key Deer blvd. picking up trash. Kudos to her. We'd be up to our necks in trash if it wasn't for her. Does she do it for the exercise or just because she cares. I commend her.
Cindy Sheehan is the voice of herself. Not anyone else.
Somebody told me that a Chicago band called "Montana and the Breast Snatchers" is playing at the Green Parrot in October. Anybody ever hear of them? Are they any good? 


What the heck was going on at the Tiki Saturday night? There were more bare boobs shown than on a Girls Gone Wild video, not that I am complaining or anything.
Has anyone seen the personal ad on here where the guy comes right out and says he's looking to hook up?  I got to take my hat off to him.  True honesty and cajones to match it.  If everyone was that open and straight forward the whole dating game would be a breeze.  I hope he has gotten a lot of good response.

This months new administration mantra is that "the insurgency can be beaten only politically, by the success of Iraq's new government." Can it be true that we've finally figured that bullets and bombs can't solve every problem facing us?

To the big tease who is accusing Kathy and Larry Sullivan of abandoning their pet cat: If you are talking about Sophie, our cat of 18 years; she died just before we moved. We buried her in our side yard. If you are talking about Scotty, who was a feral cat that hung around our house before and after we moved to and from Big Pine. This is how ugly rumors get started. Get your facts straight, big tease, before you go accusing people of abandoning their pets.

P.S. As I read some of your e-mails, I am reminded of a bunch of drunken sailors who spout any old myths or lies that come off the top of their heads. I read some of you trying to write rationally and intelligently to these drunken, ignoramuses, citing facts and reason…don’t bother, it doesn’t help, leave them to their misery and ignorance; they will get theirs. Believe me. They will get theirs. Ignorance is not bliss!

Had a great time with Kiss Army on Friday night and thought I would see some postings about it. Everyone was out of their seats and they rocked the House!

So far as I know fire ants survive floods by floating in big piles of ants, because that's one of the reasons the news reporters give for people not to go wading.
Storm Flags: One red pennant is a small craft advisory. wind up to 33 knots
Two red pennants are a gale warning. 34 to 47 knots
One red square flag with a black square center is a storm warning 48 knots and above
Two red square flags with black centers indicate a hurricane with winds above 64 knots
Note: Only tropical cyclones are given the two square flag designation
Source: Chapman's, Piloting 
Darren Bell: This man did not intentionally set out that fateful day to commit murder. His reckless stupidity resulted in the killing of a woman. How does anyone know the remorse that Darren feels? Just because the woman had children does not automatically elevate her status to sainthood. She was an innocent victim, (God bless her.) This is a terrible tragedy. No offense intended, but when a man is killed, why doesn't everyone whine that he was a "daddy"?


August full moon
I would like to educate the person who claims that illegal immigrants "do not" receive free school lunch, food stamps, and free medical. I personally know an extended family of immigrants (about 70 in one family) whose children get free lunch, some receive food stamps, and any county hospital cannot turn down a patient, illegal or not.

The pregnant illegal gives birth in the US county hospitals for free because they rarely marry, (or if they do marry it is in Mexico) everything is in the father's name, and the Prego has nothing in her maiden name. Thus, no one to bill for services. The county hospital is constantly crawling with illegals. Birth after birth, after birth! I called the school free-lunch program director who told me it did not matter if a student was illegal. The only qualification for free lunch was how many were in the household. I personally know an illegal family who owns a new 3,000 s/f home and receives free lunch for their children. I know of others as well. I feel the free lunches should go to American's first. Medicaid and Medicare take care of the illegals, yet many Americans who work hard every day cannot afford medical insurance. The illegals are bleeding our system dry. If the INS were doing such a fabulous job enforcing the law, why is America filled with illegals? Duh! Why does every school require ESL(?) teachers? Take Spanish lessons because the US Constitution will soon be rewritten in Spanish.




Are there any boat poker runs here locally?
Sorry the Storm turned on the Keys. Wish I was there to help.  Art, I am truly sorry for your loss, but you are in good hands with Capt. Dan and the Big Pine crew. I miss you all.
Hello there, Capt. Dan. I haven't seen you on for awhile. I hope all is well with you and hope you enjoy the summer.

Monday August 29, 2005

 

Sunday August 28, 2005





Do the fire ants drown when my yard floods? I've looked for them up the sides of trees, but don't see any that might have climbed to safety. That would be a real nice benefit of Katrina. I saw a land crab swimming underwater. I didn't know they could hold their breath.
Cindy Sheehan. It appears that she is becoming the rallying point for the growing anti-war protest regardless of what she says. All movements look for a rallying point and I think she is the Iraqi war's.
Hunter Thompson and I have done so many of the same thing except he was brilliant and I'm dull.


Sailors. Rule Number One: always lower your sails when a hurricane approaches.
To the person that said that someone was too harsh on Darren Bell, since he "allegedly" did not realize his license was suspended. I'm just perplexed by the ignorance that you directed towards whoever you think is inaccurately portraying this crime of his. The suspended license charge was an "add-on" charge that paled in comparison to his murdering of the woman that fateful Sunday afternoon.

Yes, it was witnessed by many. His actions were not remotely an accident based on what he did behind the wheel. Four children are motherless and injured. Yep. You're right. Drop the suspended license charge. Bell will still get a small percentage of what justice he deserves.



The sound that a gecko makes is not unlike the sound that a cat makes when it scratches itself. Chsk, chsk, chsk.
Immigration. One out of eight people born in Mexico now live in the United States. And you don't think we need to do anything about immigration?
Remember when W/D was opened 24 hours a day? You'd go in there in the night and there wasn't a soul in sight. Corporate didn't know that BPK only has a few thousand people and we go to bed by 10pm.

(Ed: Does anyone know what flag to raise for a tropical storm warning? Gale? We know what flags to raise for a hurricane, but the others elude us. The combinations available are made from two square flags and two pennants. We've tried to find a list on USCG sites, but can't.)

Louisiana Hurricane Cams:
Can you even imagine getting hit with a Category 5 hurricane?
NOLA.com: Cams Central
WebcamIn Port of New Orleans
Four religious truths:
1. Muslims do not recognize Jews as God's chosen people.
2. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
3. Protestants do not recognize the Pope as the leader of the Christian World.  
4. Baptists do not recognize each other at Hooters.


Hot damn, it's almost poker run! Hurry get the bitching done early.
I would like to educate the person who thinks illegal immigrants get free lunches, free medical, food stamps. This is totally false! If you are illegal in this country you are not entitled to any of those things because you run the risk of deportation by applying for anything you mentioned. If an American citizen sponsors any immigrant they have to sign an affidavit swearing that they are able to support their relative or spouse and can never receive public assistance.

The only group that is entitled to free housing, food stamps, medical services are the Cubans because they come form a communist country. Here is a link to the INS read for yourself. Look at the forms. Please stop spreading false rumors and turning people against one another with your lies. Teachers are under paid and under appreciated in this country. We need to pay them what they are worth and stop looking for excuses. Let's cut the President's wasteful expenses first.
USCIS Internet Home Page

Support Cindy Sheenan. She is the voice for all of us.


Pat Robertson
and his 700 Club is the Christian equivalent of Al Queda. Both are religious extremists distorting good for evil.
World School Photographs I found a photo of myself from 1963.
Just don't take all the debris to the Sugarloaf School.  They need a break from the stench.  The field/park needs to be started.
Dear Editor, Please type all comments in the same size font. It is difficult to read the smaller print size.
(Ed: All print is 10 point Verdana with some italics and bold highlights.)




Did you know that the Panama Canal is East of Florida and runs north and south and only has two locks that are filled and emptied by gravity--there are no pumps?
My BellSouth internet rocks. even though I had to switch to laptop and dialup, but it worked! So did my Direct TV dish (so much for those lies Comcast pays big bucks to advertise). And look here, those of you screaming on Biz-Baz about your neighbors stuff and the sailboats breaking free get over it. We survived a hurricane that was not forecast to come here. Nobody was ready for it.  There is something to be learned here. When the county says "evacuate" get ready for a party;  when they say "stay put" run like hell!


Did anyone notice that you have
Friday, August 25, 2005.  I’m pretty sure it’s supposed to be Friday, August 26, 2005.

I hope everybody is ok from the hurricane. Hi, Art, sorry about your boat and belongings, I miss you. Paradise Petroleum, sorry about you getting robbed. I miss you guys. I will be back one day.

Sunday August 28, 2005

 

Saturday August 27, 2005




It's over! My roof leaks, my windows leak, my trees are down, the yard is flooded, but we have electricity. Oh, dear electricity!
Hey Editor. Friday is August 26, not the 25th, but if that's all I've got to complain about, then yeehaw!  Thanks for posting all of these messages on the same day as written.
That is not porn, that is just a chick laying an egg. Would you not like to have you eggs laid once in awhile?
To the person who wrote in about the robbery at Paradise Petroleum and the tables being turned - thanks a lot you uncaring a******.  I work there and it's extremely frightening that you could find humor in something so horrible.
Big Coppit. The turd fish are still swimming in our yard and power is still out! But we got internet and con leche from Key West. So  life is good!
Ed, you're the hurricane Bill Becker of the internet!
Art's boat sank out in Pine Channel. He was lucky to escape with his life, although he lost everything he owned. Donations are accepted and appreciated. Contact Art at 872-1248. He lost everything; all his clothes even his new flashlight and his generator. Contact at the above number or call Captain Dan at Key Deer Grill.
Wow! Another tree toppler. Any news if they are going to be picking up yard waste this time or are we going to have to pay for all the debris removal? New landscaping by Mother Nature. By next year the tallest tree on our lot will be about 10 feet. Yikes!
Ed, you're doing a great job of updating us on Katrina. I love the service you provide and as to the "porn picture,"  the ones offended are probably the same ones who feel war is noble.
Was there a reason you added my e mail address to my comment about Tom Noe?
Other comments do not have their e mail addresses.
(Ed: We must print the name of anyone making negative comments about another person.)
BellSouth.net rules! It stayed on for the whole hurricane. I wonder how Comcast did.



Well I guess since it is okay to post a naked woman shooting out an Easter egg. Let's have equal time for the men then. I  sure do hope you post at least one of these pictures.
Re: Teacher shortage throughout the US. Well, as long as illegals are pouring into the US and multiplying like rabbits there will be a teacher shortage.

We cannot afford to feed the American homeless, yet illegals get free school lunch? Illegals get food stamps and free medical too? No wonder we cannot afford to pay our teachers! Teachers are penalized when their students have bad grades? Shameful!

A big thank you to Cindy for checking on things for us. Wish I could help. Next time. Hope you have a good vacation when you leave. I'll talk to you before then. Talk to you Saturday. P.S. Pat stay out of the wind.





The weatherman sure fooled me. I got caught with my pants down and was putting up plywood in 50mph winds. That was awful.
I have talked to a few folks I know in town,  and hope that all of you are doing alright and no damage to you or your homes. I wish I could be there to help. A big Thank you to Cindy-you-know-who . Thanks for checking on things for us. Pat, no driving over bridges in the wind. Talk to you soon. Have a great vacation.

Saturday August 27, 2005

 

Friday August 25, 2005



Katrina Update:
2:25pm. We, here at the Big Pine weather service have downgraded the Web Cam flag to a gale warning.
I could use some part-time help for hurricane cleanup in yards and businesses.  Call 304-6682.

The worst has passed. Thank God! It sure caught my family unprepared. Our yard won't need watering anytime soon.

Best of luck to all of you!  (former Floridian now in Va.)

Abbey, the picture of the beautiful Easter Egg donator will encourage the right wing Christian fanatics to go elsewhere to spew there drivel.
New Blues Society Starts this Sunday August 28th 7:30pm at the Big Pine House Of Music. Blues Festival in January.
Hoo-Ah!


Katrina Update:
11.52am
The electricity just went out. Bye!
Has anyone else noticed how slow the internet is?


Katrina Update:
11:35am
Katrina is now a Category 2 hurricane!
For the straight story; Urban Legends Reference Pages: Music (KISS) Claim:   The group KISS took their name from an acronym for 'Knights in Satan's Service.' Status: False. 
At 11:00am Katrina has gained strength and the winds are now 80mph gusting to 90mph.
To the person stating that the Key deer are not an endangered species, you are truly showing your ignorance.  They are a subspecies of the Virginia white-tailed deer (Odocoileus Virginianus Clavium), not found anywhere else in the world.  The term Clavium in their name indicates the skull structure is different from that of mainland white-tail, plus they have some other differences other than size.  It is theorized their ancestors were regular Virginia white-tailed deer, that were stranded here, when the glaciers melted and formed these islands, but they have evolved over that time into a true subspecies.  Why don't you do a little reading before making such absurd remarks?
 http://filebox.vt.edu/users/lbeers/key_deer.htm
 http://www.fws.gov/endangered/i/a/saa09.html
 http://www.fws.gov/southeast/pubs/nkdgen1.pdf
The initials of the rock group KISS do not stand for "Knights In Service to Satan" (or Satin as you spelled it).  Check out Snopes.com  for urban legends like this before spreading this kind of bullcrap.  http://www.snopes.com/music/hidden/kiss.htm
Marathon and Key West are at 99 percent strike possibility. Go figure!
The moving away by the Sullivans, is Big Pine's loss.
Web Cam from Islam-arada. Refreshes every 5 seconds
Dear Editor, Before you get bombarded by a mountain of e-mail condemning you for posting "porn" on your site, I'd like to back you up. I love the pictures you post next to everyone ramblings every day, and the message board wouldn't really be the same without them. We constantly read them and point out to the nonbelievers, "You don't see the Citizen's Voice publishing that, do you?" (in a good way).

I proudly support your initiative to keep things fresh and funny, and your fortitude to stand up to the whiny parents who claim, "kids might see it." Believe me, if your kids are surfing the net, they've seen that, and a whole lot more. This is just part of a larger problem we are facing in society where the rules for everyone are dictated by the needs of sheltering children from "offensive" material. Thusly, the responsible adults that want to have some fun, play violent video games, watch controversial movies in the theatre, and have funny pictures posted by comments on Bigpinekey.com, all suffer.

Why should I have to go out of my way to purchase Grand Theft Auto, just because you decided to have a kid, and can't control his entertainment? Either way, Ed., please keep up the good work and try not to let the whining get to you. There are plenty of us out here, every day, who appreciate the time you put in. Long live the first amendment!



Katrina Update:
10:45am
KW Rumor Hot line 809-1108
Kudos to US1 radio. They're back doing the great storm coverage that we need.
No power on Big Coppitt, but my BellSouth account is still getting me on-line thru dial-up service. Death to ComcASS. Long live BellSouth!
The Greyhound bus is running. Are they kidding? Imagine going over a bridge in one of those big things in a 70 mph wind gust?
Is the TV Cable out? We have satellite and it goes out every once in a while, but comes back on within a couple of minutes. I like it.
Sombrero Key, Buoy (smkf1) Local Time: 10:10 AM EDT on August 26, 2005
Current Weather/Wave Observations Updated: 9:00 AM EDT on August 26, 2005
Air Temperature 77 °F / 25 °C
Humidity 100
Wind direction SSW (205 - 214 Degrees)
Wind Speed 49.0 kts (56.4 mph / 90.7 km/h)
Turn your refrigerator to high and freeze water in case the electricity goes out.


Paradise Petroleum
got robbed last night. The tables were turned.
Southernmost Point Guest House, Key West Florida a crummy web cam, but you still can see the storm.

Tides for Big Pine Key, Spanish Harbor starting with August 26, 2005.

Day        High     Tide         Sunrise    Moon   Time       % Moon
            /Low     Time         Sunset                             Visible

F   26     High   2:16 AM      7:04 AM    Rise  12:01 AM      57
     26     Low  10:17 AM      7:50 PM    Set   2:03 PM
     26     High   4:15 PM     
     26     Low   8:59 PM     


Katrina Update:
9:40am
I am writing in regards to US1 Radio, I am very unhappy with their new method of broadcasting. Back in the days of Georges the radio was our life line to the real world. However with the new system every time we have some strong winds their signal goes in and out. As we all know the winds down here hardly ever blow, or at least that's what they sold US1 to believe. Its sad that during this storm the cable company is more dependable then our very own local information station. Please go back to the original method and more reliable method of broadcasting.
I'm surprised to see you still have power, but glad about it.  Hang on!
3-8" of rain are expected. it's 45 miles NNW of KW and only moving at 6mph towards the west. 75 mph sustained winds.
I'm surprised that the electric is still on. This storm is worse than Hurricane Dennis was. My whole yard has 6" of water in it.
Maybe you can add a chat room to the site. At times like this. It would be nice to know how people on the other side of the island are doing.
The Larson family in a 24 foot boat left Banana Bay Resort in Marathon yesterday. They were heading up to Florida. they are missing and the Coast Guard is looking for them.
Evacuation rule-of-thumb; when Jim Cantori shows up, leave.
Emergency Services and rumor control is not activated in the Keys. This caught us by surprise.

I wonder if the pedophile weatherman, Bill Kamal is tracking the storm from jail?
Key Deer Blvd., in front of Winn Dixie, is completely flooded. Use Wilder Road.


Katrina Update:
9:10am
Allison Higgins' sailboat was one of the boats that were in Pine channel and are now on the other side of the bridge. She is all right!
Oh, oh. What is up with the porn on the site? I don't think it belongs here. Why did you post that picture? But since she is there, an we name her Katrina?
Winds are Southwest to West. Answering that persons question about the direction of hurricanes down here and their always being from the East.

Never trust the weatherman!
Marathon Airport: One hanger and 11 aircraft damaged.
Expect 3-6" more rain is expected
Winds are steady 40mph gusting to about 70mph


Katrine Update: 8:34am Hurricane Katrina is 50 miles NNW of Key west.
Authorities are requesting gawkers to stay home as conditions are very dangerous.
Electric is out north to the 7 mile bridges.
A tornado damaged two homes in Marathon and some hangers at the airport.
       ------------------------------------------------------------------------
We here at Stand Up for Animals would like to take a few minutes to recognize some outstanding members of our community for some much needed help.

A big thanks to John and Gigi Harrison of Dot Palm Inc. who removed a large limb from the roof of the shelter, free of charge.  We owe another debt of gratitude to Rico of Time Out magazine and Susan of Big Pine liquors, who provide free advertising space for us -- that means we get them into good homes that much more quickly!  All of us here at Stand Up for Animals are grateful for your contributions -- most especially, of course, the animals! 
Two sailboats hit the tie line at North Pine Channel this morning.
Now Hiring. I have been authorized to announce that we are now hiring for all positions, including management at W/D. If you need employment or know someone who does, we will help direct you in our store through the employment process. Come help us make a difference! Thank you for all of your patience we really are trying to keep you satisfied. Dave Irick Asst. Mgr. Night Shift.
I wish I'd paid more attention to the impending hurricane. I've got water coming in my windows. I shudda shuttered.




Has anyone seen this women? Diana Harris, she worked at the No Name Pub in the summer of 1981.
It always amazes me how quickly people are to jump to conclusions without knowing all the facts. Darren Bell was not knowingly driving on a suspended license when the accident occurred. He did not knowingly have a suspended license while working at Little Palm. Fact is the license was suspended in error and re-instated.
 
He did not pass several cars on the right the day of the accident. Tragically someone died in the accident, but he did not set out to hurt anyone that day. Those small minded people who attack someone without knowing all the circumstances with their expletives simply are displaying how ignorant they really are.

If you knew Darren, you would know how remorseful he is for what happened that day. Why would you make such mean and hateful comments about someone you don't even know, especially when you know nothing of the circumstances that occurred on that day?









Aren't they cute?

The band Kiss Army will be playing a concert at the Big Pine House Of Music on Friday, August 26th, 2005. The concert is scheduled to begin at 7pm. Kiss Army is The Only Kiss Tribute Band endorsed by the official Kiss Band. Ticket price $10.( I just noticed the House of Music ad says the Kiss Army concert is free. Our agreement with them states that we have to charge $10 admission. I hope this doesn't create a problem. Thanks. [Ed: I'm sorry I wrote that it was free. I apologize for any smashed dreams.])




The initials for the rock group KISS stands for “Knights In Service to Satin. If anyone cares.
I went to FishCutters for the first time last week. The portions were huge "Fresh off the Boat", great service and the price was right. It was very local friendly. Great people. I went back three times since last week with my family.
Web Cam. Trying to see how much Katrina is affecting you.  Little breezy, some drops flying by the lens. (8:48pm Thurs.)
Sea Beans, also called drift seeds come from plants growing along tropical shores all over the world.  The seeds fall from the plants into the water and drift with the currents until they wash up somewhere, sometimes thousands of miles from their origin.  They have an air pocket allowing them to float and some are hard beans called “shinies” that can be polished to a nice luster.  Others have a softer covering and are called “corkies.”  Look for them after higher than normal tides along the shoreline.  Wind, hurricane activity, time of year and the gulf stream have a lot to do with the distribution of the beans.  In south Florida, September and October are the best months for “beaning.”  Tides leave a line of seaweed, tar, driftwood and trash.  This line is called a “wrack” and that’s where the beans can be found.
Pot roast recipe.  I didn't care for the sweet taste of the brown sugar or the barbeque sauce . I think I will stay with my crock pot recipe of carrots, celery, spices, beef broth, meat, mushrooms, green peppers, etc.  Thanks anyway.

Save the earth. It's the only planet with chocolate.

Re: My God's better than you God, Continued. That born again Christian fanatic says he sins everyday. I don't sin everyday or every week, for that matter. I must try harder to be good than he does.

If a 911 operator has a heart attack, whom does he/she call? 
Has anyone ever seen a fat woman eat? They are never seen wolfing down copious quantities of food in public that would be needed to maintain their girth. They must be closet eaters or air plants.
In calling people obese, you include children in that 20%.  You must not be a parent or you wouldn't talk the way you do.  Something does need to be done; and that is someone should put you in your place with your rude comments.  I'd like to see a photo of you to see just how perfect you really are?  There may be some things about you that others don't care for and find gross.  Please keep your inferior comments to your own household of probable turncoats.
Cindy Sheehan should move overseas and see what is it like to live in another country, along with a discount for therapy.  Many of us have lost our sons in war.  Some of us have relatives that have been POW's in more than one war who, for years, were being treated worst than some of us treat our animals.  Years of darkness, steamed eggplant for food, no communication with any human.  These heroes still live today, they love their country and support their troops.  They don't call their own President a terrorist.  I give her condolence but that's it.  You're not my voice Cindy Sheehan.  My voice speaks for my heroes that are living and those that died for me. Those who support their country not a voice against this wonderful country.

I think Captain Tony was the first to look at a cow and want to squeeze those dangly things.
On the subject of Key Deer: As much as I hate to break the hearts of the misguided, the "Key Deer" are not an "endangered species." In fact, it is of course a misplaced, runt version of the Odocoileus virginianus, or white-tailed deer, an abundant species of animal more common to the northern parts of America. You could say it has been misplaced in the Keys like other weeds, i.e. Australian Pines. And, as it is not native to the Keys it might be prudent to exterminate it as you would a rat or cockroach, rather than attempting to propagate it with pipe dreams and galvanized fencing.  Oh, and heaven forbid you hit one after it aimlessly walks in front of your vehicle!
Re: Aruba. The majority of psychics are really good at finding people that will give them money, not finding people. And whatever happened to that TV super-scammer John Edward, the jerk who claimed he could talk to the dead?  If he ever spoke with my dear departed Grandmother, God rest her soul, she would tell him to go screw himself.
Do you know thy neighbor?  Tom Noe from Ohio purchased a home in the FL Keys.  What did he use for money?  Allegedly money from the workman's comp fund.  His wife's name is Bernadette.  Are they your neighbors?  [mamarose7251@yahoo.com]
Was yesterday's picture of the three Heifers taken at the Cow Palace? The reason I ask is that I think I dated the middle one
BPK Funny Fridays... (formerly Fridays With Mitch)

You ever got one thing to do all day but you just can't get yourself to do it? "I gotta go to the post office ...but I'd probably have to put on pants. They're only open until 5. I'm going to have to do that next week." -Jim Gaffigan

I'm actually one of six kids, Catholic. You ever notice people from big Catholic families, they always throw in that "Catholic" after the number? Like if you didn't hear the "Catholic" part, you'd think, "Six kids? His mother really likes sex." -Jim Gaffigan

It would be kinda embarrassing trying to explain what an appetizer is to someone from a starving country, though. "Yeah the appetizer, that's the food we eat before we have our food... No, no... you're thinking of dessert, that's food we eat after we have our food." -Jim Gaffigan

I am single, I don't drink. It's kind of hard to get a woman buzzed when you don't drink. You'll be like, "Yeah, I'll have a glass of water, you want a shot of Jäger? You want eight of 'em?" -Jim Gaffigan

Frisbeetarianism is the belief that when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and gets stuck. -George Carlin

If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten. -George Carlin

I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older; then it dawned on me... they're cramming for their final exam. -George Carlin

The very existence of flame-throwers proves that some time, somewhere, someone said to themselves, "You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I'm just not close enough to get the job done." -George Carlin

Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity. -George Carlin

A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. -Emo Phillips

I love to go down to the schoolyard and watch all the little children jump up and down and run around yelling and screaming. They don't know I'm only using blanks. -Emo Phillips

I wonder what the most intelligent thing ever said was that started with the word 'dude.' "Dude, these are isotopes." "Dude, we removed your kidney. You're gonna be fine." "Dude, I am so stoked to win this Nobel Prize." -Demetri Martin

I like to use 'I Can't Believe it's Not Butter' on my toast in the morning, because sometimes when I eat breakfast, I like to be incredulous. "How was breakfast?" "Unbelievable." -Demetri Martin


Re: Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?" It was probably the same person who saw an egg fall out of a chicken's azz and he screamed, "Hey, let's eat that white thing that fell out of that bird's azz.  I bet that'll  be good!"
How do we get in touch with Mr. Sailing lessons?  That is something I have always wanted to learn
Re: Bike path rocks. Get stoned on the bike path.

A fairly well substantiated rumor has it that the old Montego Bay property will once again see a bar/restaurant.  Unfortunately it is also rumored that Rob’s Island Grill will be relocated to fill the spot (possibly under a different name).  So the answer to the question is:  No. The name of the restaurant won’t be Cheesedick’s.  That name is reserved for the owner.

To the person who says that there is a reason that they do divorces behind closed doors. You say it's for privacy. Believe me it has absolutely nothing to do with privacy. The reason is that if the American public saw what went on behind those closed doors they would be outraged. What goes on in there is akin to rape. There will be no justice in their courtroom until the public sees what is happening. If you don't want anyone to be a part of your divorce then that's your choice. I just went through a divorce and would love for everyone to see all the lies and deceit, and how that all powerful Judge conducts her business.

For those who love to talk trash on this website.  What makes you any better than Suzie, Willie, or any of the others you are talking trash about.  Think about the last time you could call yourself perfect.  Probably can't remember, can you?  Get off your high horse and look into yourself.  If you have to talk trash in writing instead of to peoples faces I would say you are a hell of a lot worse person than anyone you are talking shit about.  Grow up.
One of the news channels had a few people on talking about abortion issues. The anti-abortion guest states that when a unborn baby needs surgery, the mother is given anesthesia  "in case" the baby may feel pain. Why then would a baby undergoing an abortion (which by the way is brutal), not feel pain? I would think that the brain would have to be developed for the pain transmitters to work. Just think about it, any feedback?
Abortion is cruel, and inhumane. Read up on it, see video on just how they remove that baby. How would you like it if someone sucked your brains out, and broke up your bones, or injected saline into your brain stem? Get the picture? Outlaw abortion. Understand that with abortion being legal, it gives all the young girls the "ok" to get pregnant and know they can go somewhere and "fix it". If it is outlawed , then they should think twice about doing something they shouldn't, because they will have no where to go but to mom and dad.
Re: Vagina Monologues. We pity your poor husband if you forced him to see that drivel. (Yes dear, of course dear.)
Re: Heaven (and the title they put on my thoughts) My God is Better than Your God. There was nothing in my thoughts that constituted that kind of thought. There are no other Gods. There is one God. Period. "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me". One of the ten commandments. Just sharing my beliefs and praying for all the lost souls in the world. .



 I Love Tussa!

Friday August 25, 2005

 

Thursday August 25, 2005

Another religious hypocrite. Pat Robertson calling for the assassination of President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and then denying he said it. Then latter admitting he said it. (calling for murder). What asses all his ilk are. The only difference between the Taliban and right-wing Christians is that our God is better than their God.

Web Cam
. I like your gale warning flag. If that's what it is.
Re: Summer vacation too long? Never.  Never did I wish for school to resume!  Never did I run out of things to do on my own at home.  Even now I shudder inwardly when the "back to school" ads start showing up.
RE: Response to School Calendar. It is true that the school calendar is being moved up in order to give as much time as possible to prepare students for the FCAT and also to meet the requirements of the federal NoChildLeftBehind Act.  What the writer and most people are perhaps not aware of is the penalties schools are beginning to suffer for not meeting the standard set by the State and Federal governments.  One of the penalties is a loss of funding.  Another is loss of teachers.  Another is the voucher system.  Sure some people like the idea of vouchers, but down here there is not a plethora of alternatives for schooling.  Is it fair to expect teachers to teach only what is on these tests?  No, but that is what is happening in order to pass them.  What about life skills, vocational programs and fine arts programs?  All of these are being pushed to the side for the sake of test scores. 

Teachers are being threatened that if their students don't make the required grades on these tests, they will be replaced.  With who?  Enrollment in programs for educational degrees and teaching are at an all time low.  Why?  Because the teaching profession is unable to offer a salary competitive enough to attract young people.  Are teachers happy about any of this?  Of course not.  Teachers put in many hours helping students before and after school.  Teachers are required to continue their education in order to remain certified.  Teachers are being required to become certified in areas they don't even teach, such as Reading and Math to meet a standard set by the state for teachers to be qualified.  Who pays for all of this ?  The teachers do !  Yes, some schools choose to spend the "extra" money they receive for making the grade on bonuses for teachers and personnel at the school involved in the children's education.  Don't begrudge this much needed "pat on the back" for members of a beleaguered profession who are responsible for the future of the world through our children. 

 
You were right about one thing, we have the greatest teachers and schools in Monroe County.  Believe me, I've been elsewhere and this is the best I've seen.
Good Morning Editor : I sent the Challenge Day info in again yesterday because that one was pertaining to Marathon High School.  The original one was for Key West High School.  Can you please run the Marathon High School Challenge Day information for the parents of Big Pine teens that attend Marathon High School?  Thank you in advance.

Why does nobody clear the stones from in front of their property on the bike path? It is their stones on our bike path. The stones in front of Breeszs stumps are a danger! These stones are your stones not our stones are you stoned or just to lazy? Maybe you should get stoned and do it. Maybe we should stone you to do it.
If that is true: The people that were disabled were able to get shutters from Habitat for Humanity; and then got them dumped off in their front yard? Who got to pocket the money that was saved on installation?  This is so wrong someone needs to look at this like the state attorney. This is so wrong.
Re: Ame. I mistakenly sent a picture of my granddaughter to you.  I thought I was sending it to her mom in Big Pine Key.  Can you please remove it from your site.  My daughter in law called me and was very upset. (Ed: Ame is now gone from our roster of celebrities).
If those who put Bush in office can honestly say that he has done good for our country in the turmoil it's in now, God, help America.
Re: Vagina Monologues. Anybody else notice how many negative comments have been sent in in reference to the Vagina Monologues by people that didn't even go see the play? Shows me how many of you guys don't like women or their opinions very much. I saw the play twice. Once in Key West and once here in Big Pine.  Both times it was excellent. My husband saw it also and laughed a lot because there were some very funny parts. If you are interested, the screen play is available in book stores. The play has gotten rave reviews around this country and around the world because it is very poignant and enjoyable. It isn't just a bunch of kitty cats bitching about what guys do wrong.  My favorite part is called "the flood". Guess what that might be about? Check it out?


No see ums look like the things in the movie Langoliers.
To Larry and Kathy Sullivan. For two people that supposedly love animal's and are so loving, how could you abandon one of your cat's when you moved and left it for the new owner's to take care of!? We don't miss you here in the key's. Sorry.  [thebigtease@msn.com]
God bless Cindy Sheehan.
Parrotdise just keeps getting better and better.  The latest addition to their team is Debbie (the "cute little critter" who used to work at Rob's) as the daytime bartender.  We like the food, the view, the FULL bar, Tom bartending weeknights, and now Debbie Doing Days...  who can ask for anything more?
There once was a Heifer named Alice,
Who hung out at the local Cow Palace,
Some guy picked her up,
But in the back of his truck,
He found out Alice, had a phallus.
On Wednesday my response to the ranting republican was published, so I thought I would beat him to the punch a little.
1. He will use the term "liberal" at least 2 times even though I told him, honestly, I am not.
2. He will throw insults such as "dumb" or "stupid." It's been working for him since 3rd grade.
3. He is required to use the name "Clinton" somehow in his post. Its a republican talking point.
4. He will call the people against the war to build an Islamic religious government anti-America, he does not understand the type of government being put in place is identical to the ones we are fighting.
 Watch, I think I aced this test.
To the person who thinks we have too many Key Deer. What are you thinking? Is the Michigan mentality such that you would remove one endangered species (cougars) from its natural habitat to eat another endangered species? I would suggest you return to Michigan where thinking like that apparently makes sense. Here we are proud of our wild life, including the Hemmingway house cats, the Key West chickens, the iguanas and even the tourists. While I would agree that this may seem unorthodox to some, the Keys has always had a tradition of believing all have a right to live free including the animals. Our animals may sometimes be a pain, but killing them all or feeding them to another species does not go along with the lifestyle we have chosen. Therefore,  I would again respectfully request that you find another vacation spot or just return to Michigan and stay there.
I can't speak for the Civic group, but I do remember something about the third grade being added, when the original school set up stated there would only be two grades.  Maybe they were questioning that if a third grade were to be allowed, then later there might be more grades, and so on.  I know I thought about it...and don't start screaming...I'm not against kids.
 
As far as I'm concerned, what they go up against is the "something good" that they do!  They have attempted to preserve the "rural lifestyle" by trying to stop any additional development here.  This rural lifestyle of Big Pine is what so many of us fell in love with and was one of the reasons we moved here.  I, for one, pray that they continue to fight to keep this lifestyle.  What you call progress, I call ruination
 
I have also seen their group on the highway, picking up trash during the Earth Day festivities.  Steve Estes of the Barometer even took pictures of them cleaning up one year.  I know the last couple of years, they've had a big yard sale, along with the Key Deer Protection Alliance and FAVOR, and donated a sum, from the proceeds, to the Big Pine Charter School, for allowing them to use one of their buildings.  I also saw in the paper a few months ago where they made a donation to the wildlife rescue organization on Big Pine.  And I'm just pulling these off the top of my head. I know I see their organization's name come up from time to time, and it's not negative at all.  I wish you people would just let this rest.  Your obvious hatred of this good organization is unhealthy for you.
Your sight was recently brought to my attention by an employee.  As a business owner and divorcee, I find it extremely sad that you spend your time gossiping about them, rather than dealing with your own problems.  I recently had the opportunity to meet Carolyn as was impressed with her spirit and warm wishes for the continued success towards the business.  As far as divorce: there is a reason why divorce settlements and separation clauses are not public information, it is because it is truly none of your business.  Leave them alone and deal with the skeletons you have hanging in your own closet first.  Don't sit in judgment, because you too have probably had to deal with issues in your life or made mistakes along the way.  As to her daughter and her husband, Thank you for the sacrifice you made in preserving freedom world wide and your commitment to serve our country.
To the part time visitor recommending "sound" conservation:  Hello! You're suggesting bringing cougars, another animal that is not native to the Keys, to thin out an endangered species<