Gossip Column           Business Directory            Classified Ads         Bulletin Board
Arrest Record          Island History           Key Deer           Recipes           Island Information       Maps
Advertise Here         Live Web Cam            Archives           Home           Daily Horoscope

Archives of Old Kudos and Whiners

July 2005

Sunday July 31, 2005
Join the gang from US 1 Radio and 98.7 Conch FM in a big welcome home party for Susan Rozanas Twito today - Sunday July 31 from Noon - 6 PM at Captain Dan's Key Deer Bar and Grill.

Captain Dan has graciously offered his fundraising abilities to help raise money for Susan who is diagnosed with untreatable cancer for her care and medical expenses. She had been airlifted to Baptist and is back home in Big Pine now.  US 1 Radio's Steve Miller is the MC and Leigha Fox is organizing a cake walk.  Terry Cassidy will be the opening band with many more to follow. There are great silent and live auction items. The sales team at the radio station has gotten over 60 items from two night stays at hotels to dinners at restaurants. Thanks to all the merchants who have donated items.  See you there!
Doc Pruett is ok. I've been trusting him with my epidermis for years
The guy who bashed Conch 'n Stein Saturday and suggested  that the Old Wooden Bridge patron who had received poor treatment from the proprietors should never come back to BPK is obviously an uneducated dolt with poor reading comprehension. You can tell he is the same poster of both emails by his misspellings and that he thinks an "s" needs to be preceded by an apostrophe. He doesn't even know that "relied to much" should be, "relied too much!"  I'm guessing that this same guy gets drunk and just goes off before giving much thought to what he is reading or what he is about to write.
(Ed: Dear reader, as your humble editor, I must take the blame for the speling and grandma erors that slipt thru spelchek.)
Trailer Trash. What a wonderful site on my morning walk. I can not believe how everyone is using State Road 4 as a land fill to clean up garbage that has been in their yard for the last several years.  The disaster recovery is going to laugh. You are only suppose to put actual hurricane Dennis damage items not your rusted broken boat trailers and worn out boat hauls that you can't give away on Biz-Baz; with the older than dirt jet skis. Somebody actually dumped all their left over building materials.  Hello, this is our home, our community. What's so funny is most of the neighborhood is trailers and mobile homes. Now I know how the name Trailer Trash started. And, yes, I live in a trailer. I'm laughing out loud in my 1/2 million dollar trailer. So call me trailer trash while I laugh all the way to the bank. (even thou I will never sell.)  Let's start a pool on how long the county leaves the trash sitting there.
Dr. Pruett.  I also had a positive experience with him. He immediately knew what my problem was, prescribed 2 different meds to be taken for it, scheduled a follow-up appt, then said, " I think this will cure it, and if it does, just call the office and cancel the follow-up appt. You needn't come back." He could have nailed me and my insurance co. for another appt. if he had wanted to.

What really bugs me is FWC agents that poach lobster going out and arresting someone else for doing the same. This is an actual photo of one agents take.
To the person who wants some peace and quiet time here. How about the whole month of Sept.? Isn't that quiet enough? Everything down here does a stand still in Sept. So leave the mini-season alone. It brings a lot of money into the Keys and gives a boost to business.
Okay, Joe (Coconuts) What was a good decision and who did you make happy? I've got to know. That was a tease!


I am pretty sure that Outward Bound folded up and left the keys years ago.
Re: Curtis Gartenmayer. Now that someone has finally figured out who the guy in the white truck is. Let's figure out a way for him to pay for his crimes. Ripping off fellow locals is not cool. How many out there have been ripped off, conned, lied to by this individual? I know one lady lost $15,000 for a pool she never got.
Does anyone have any information about Glen Reber who lives on Ave. E? I think he is an old friend I have lost contact with.







Do you not post yard sales any more?
(Ed: No. There was a lack of interest. But if you email us we'll be glad to put them on the Kudos and Whiners page for you.)
I fully support the Sea Base on Summerland and the rest of the bases on the upper Keys and out islands, The experiences that they provide to such a large number of youths is invaluable. But don't fool your self for a second and think that they are benefiting the Keys financially.  Compared to an equivalent commercial resort in terms of property tax, bed and sales tax revenue and tourists with real money to spend--the sea base is fractional pennies on the dollar. 
 How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.
Hey, wait a minute! Anybody who ever went to Homestead or Daytona during NASCAR week knows you need a 1 ton truck to pull a true redneck grill. They hold half a ton of the best imported oak and another half ton of button wood to grill about 4 lbs of steak and burgers. But damn, do we have a fire! (and you never know when a Key Deer may need grilling). No sissy shopping cart sized grill for a true redneck. And by the way, notice the blue collar comedy guys are doing good? bush made it cool to be a redneck again. Thanks G.W. and Bubba Jeb.
Those large lizards will keep on multiplying if left alive. Do you want your young children or pets attacked by these nasty creatures? What part of the world did these lizards come from?
An interesting fact about so called non-profit organizations.  #1. They cost big bucks to go to. #2. Because of there non-profit status they are not required have licensed captains nor are their boats USCG certified. The boats Sea Camp have, the ones you see packed with 10+ kids, don't have to pay for a USCG certified vessel.  #3. Most of the workers at these places live on the grounds and are paid a minimum stipend for there work.  #4. The owners of these outfits make big, big dollars.  #5. Go look at the tax rolls and see what they pay in property taxes! Who picks up the slack? We do. Dolphin research is a big scam. They research nothing, but how to make more money without paying taxes.
Nobody is tossing large lizards into the ocean.  They are swimming here from Cuba or Mexico. There is an easy way to determine their place of origin: The Mexican ones will help with the yard work while the Cuban ones will immediately apply for welfare.


One of those behemoth lizards relieved itself in my yard. I am thinking about making it into a coffee table and advertising it on E-Bay.
Re: Fridays with Mitch. I can honestly say that I look forward to the postings.  It is the first thing I read on Friday mornings and it always makes me smile.  What a wonderful way to start your day--smiling!  I will look forward to other comics hoping they are as funny as Mitch was.  Friday's are a tough day for me (like Mondays for most) so starting it off laughing takes the edge off of a usually stressful day.  Thank you as always!


Patience and tolerance.
Since Dr. Oppenheimer has two Dr's in his office it would be wonderful for you all to make the difference known. The Sr. has been in business for many years and the Jr. maybe not that many. I know that the lights went out on someone and the machine stopped in the middle of a Lasik procedure; and truly believe that a back up should have been in place for sure to prevent that from happening. Poor planning on their part. I have gone to Sr. for years when wearing contacts and he gave me sight just fine. He didn't cancel my appointments like other doctors in the Florida Keys have - at the last second - and he was always available for whatever I needed.

Many doctors in the Florida Keys are good, some not so good. If a procedure needs to be done that you have question about, get out of the Florida Keys to have it done if that is how you feel. If anyone remembers many years ago, a Miami hospital had a worker put formaldehyde in a patient that went in for a cataract and killed him. It was all over the front pages, so everywhere there are problems and incompetence. One almost needs a roulette wheel to pick a doctor.
Dr Operchal in Marathon is an excellent eye doctor.
The surveillance cameras in the canals is the modern day "neighborhood crime watch".  I like the idea, of at the minimum, the signage, and perhaps a couple of dummy cameras.


Re: Large lizards.  Thanks for letting us know that you will bring them back, next time there will be a concrete block tied to them.
Mini-season. What are all the stupid comments about mini dive? I am a local and I don't like it either. But you are all whining as if it only happens in the Keys. Mini dive doesn't have a thing to do with the Keys. First, it is a statewide event. Second, they have incentives for people to go anywhere except Monroe county (every other county gets 12 per day compared to our 6). And third, mini dive was started for the recreational harvesters who screamed that they couldn't compete with commercial guys; so mini dive was created just so recreational folks could have a couple of days to catch bugs before the commercial traps are put out. Quit whining, take your vacation during mini dive, visit your mom, shop for school clothes for your kids in the city. By the time you come home on Sunday it will be over. It's not always about you.



Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year.
Greedy. Has anyone noticed the overuse of the word "greedy" in both the Big Piner and the Citizen's Voice? Could there be just a touch of jealousy hidden in these comments? If it will make you feel any better, remember one certain truism about all the money those greedy people make: It ultimately winds up in the hands of ex-wives and lawyers.
The benches outside of Winn-Dickme bring the bums out of the woods. Also the benches turn out to be the break room for their employees who still believe there mom will pick up after thy're done eating. I know the last thing I want to do is pick up their garbage.
Aren't short term, weekly rentals, still illegal in Eden Pines?  They are starting to crop up again.  What's with that? 
Dr. Douville is a medical doctor, ophthalmologist, and very professional and a southern gentleman too.  If he has any uncertainty about your eye, he will send you to a specialist at Palmer Institute in Miami.  You will be very impressed with both he and his staff.  I have always been extremely satisfied with him.




This is a picture of an octopus. It has eight testicles. (Kelly age 6)

Sunday July 31, 2005

 

Saturday July 30, 2005




Hello. I am the Happiness Fairy. I've sprinkled happy dust on you. So smile dammit. This stuff is expensive!!
To whom ever said they had a problem with Dr. Pruett at Keys Dermatology is giving you bad info. I work in the sun and have been going to him for many years. He is fast, but I never have to wait in the office very long. My wife said Dr. Berman doesn't care much for his women patients.

Trash can;  The Gov't wants your spam!  The idea is to use it to track down and bust spammers.  Send your junk email to;  spam@uce.gov     I'm sure it will be a slow process.
Old Wooden Bridge: Hey, I live here too! Maybe before you reply you should know facts not just what you've been told. The several new owners have poured a lot of dollars into the place. A major make-over was done on the cabins, the land and the store plus a pool is being put in. While there are 2 managers now I can remember when Julie was the only one and it ran very well. She took my money happily and every now and then told me to kiss her a**! While the place may not be 4 Star it is nice and clean and a great place to send your family and friends, launch your boat and buy your bait. Let the new managers find their groove. It will all work out. 



No true Southerner would ever assume that the car with the flashing turn signal is actually going to make a turn.
Someone is tossing the large lizards into the ocean.  They have been found floating far out.  This is a sick thing to do. I'm  just letting you know that each one I find (and it was tired as hell) I'll bring right back in.





Lobster dog.
Old Wooden Bridge: I don't think anyone was slandering anyone in the comments made about the Old Wooden Bridge.  That was their personal opinion.  Maybe they did have a bad experience.  Everyone works hard, you work hard to keep the Keys what they are, and your visitors work hard to get here.  I hope that one day we can all get along.  Let's not argue about things that don't work out.  Maybe everyone should sit back and look at the points of view from both parties.  We all know who wrote the letter and who wrote the rebuttal.  Maybe you did lose future guests, maybe you will learn from the experience.
Re: Friday with Mitch material. You are correct. Although Mitch Hedberg was an incredibly prolific comedian, I am currently on the verge of scraping the barrel's bottom for material. I may do one or two more Fridays with new material, then do a "best-of" post. Then Fridays with Mitch will have to take a breather. I had only started posting the Mitchisms because he had recently passed away and got his start in Florida. I could start featuring other comics for Fridays. I have the resources. I'll leave that up to you good folks. Thanks for making it worth posting!

(Ed: Thanks for all the laughs. Please keep it up.)
Re: Old Wooden Bridge: First of all, I was not looking for anyone to kiss my butt, as you will understand if you read my letter again. Obviously, we are not the only ones that had problems. The improvements to the grounds are great. The reason that we come to Big Pine is not for four star motels, it is for the nature of it. Even at the hotel we stayed in for 4 days during evacuations they said, "Thank you" when we departed. If other hard working people like us stayed away, how would you all survive. I did not send my letter to bash anyone, just simply voice my opinion on my first unpleasant visit to such a wonderful place that has always treated us great during the past years, maybe you should not have taken it so personal.
 NASA TV. Live mission coverage! Human Space Flight (HSF) - Realtime Data
Hey Captain, you work for the Boy Scouts.  I went to the Brinton Environmental Center web site and this is what is says: The Florida National High Adventure Sea Base is owned and operated by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America to offer unique educational aquatic programs to our members.
Only God owns the oceans. The lobster mini-season is something that will continue to attract greedy pigs until the laws change. I think those pigs feel that Keys residents have a bountiful harvest of all seafood (including lobster) year round, and they want to grab "their years worth" on one visit. People who are greedy have no consciences.
One more time, Brinton Environmental Center is not for Boy Scouts only, It can be used by any non-for profit group of folks, it doesn't cost you a cent and spends a lot of money in our area. If you are interested please stop by and speak to Capt. Jeff, base commander. The boy and Girl Scouts' camp is on the east side of Spanish Harbor Bridge, just before Bahia Honda. Sea Camp, another program on Pine key, is behind Paradise Petroleum. We also have and Outward Bound on Pine key. Stop in, say, "Hi, what's gong on here?" I am sure you will be enlightened. This will be my last post about BEC. I hope this answers your questions, no government double talk, just the facts. It's a great program, doesn't cost you or me a dime and spends a bunch of money here.
Mini-season. Every ordinary local citizen I've ever talked to hates it.

Redneck grill. I hesitate to put this on here for fear of seeing them all over Winn Dickme parking lot, but here goes...
So not one of you can come up with just ONE word to describe "loss of horizon?" The people who thing it's depressing, take a powder.
(Ed: Someone wrote "horizonless"...one word.)




Congrats Big Piners. Capt. Dan's Key Deer Bar & Grill is the greatest!
Is Mark and Julie still running the Old Wooden Bridge?  I use to wait on them at Mangrove Mama's. They are the sweetest couple and lots of fun.  Mark had to have Cracked Conch with island tartar as soon as they walked in the door.
I just wanted to thank everyone at the Lower Keys Medical Center in KW. My son had an emergency surgery there and everyone from the very first person we saw to the last person we dealt with, was awesome!  They treated my son and myself with high regards and went out of their way to do anything that would make my son more comfortable. So if any doctor or nurse or anyone in the medical field, wants to work there, they can be proud to work there because they are truly 1st class.  Thank you again so very much.
Dr. Berman is the best dermatologist I have ever had. I have been to so many of them and been poisoned and tortured. I had a fairly common problem on my face and he changed my life. I was so self-conscious, not to mention afraid of doctors. He changed my life and it was worth every penny. He actually cares and if you call his office he will (gasp) call you back personally!
Petition to ban Mini-Season. I wonder who we would send a petition like that to and how we can get it started. I for one would love to be rid of the lobster mini-season. It was started when we had a huge vacant time here in the Keys when no tourist money was coming in. Now we have virtually no off season for tourism. We who have lived here forever sorely need a bit of time with the quiet we only get after a hurricane. Maybe if we stopped mini-season we would get a day or two of peace and quiet. It was a necessary thing in the past, but now with all the advertising dollars spent to draw year round visitors, the mini-season does nothing more then trash our islands. We really do get more tourists here than our natural ecology can handle. Didn't anybody else notice how hot the water in the channels was compared to how cool the water was in the flats? That is backwards. Usually the water is cooler in the channels and hotter on the flats. The channels were as hot as pee.
O.K. people, let's get real. Conch & Stein sucked and the employee's couldn't have relied to much on making money there because nobody ate there. There's several other restaurant's looking for good wait staff, what's the problem?
Shark rumor. There is a rumor going around that somebody was killed by a shark during mini lobster season. Has anybody else heard anything else about this?

In reply to the person who commented on the New Yorkers who appear all gloom and doom, have nasty attitudes and foul mouths, are loud and obnoxious, talk through their nose and whine, whine, whine.  All true.  It’s just that their in-training to become New Jerseyites!
What about the two other guys (on Sugarloaf) reported missing in the mullet wrapper on Thursday? Has anybody heard anything more about that one? Why isn't all this needless death stopping the mini season? Why in the world would anybody with a scuba certification take all his other equipment off before taking off his weight belt. That is the first thing taught in scuba class. The first thing off is the weight belt. Apparently the guy who died in the Bahia Honda channel either wasn't scuba certified or he "forgot" what he was taught. Never under estimate the power of the ocean. Never become complacent with safety practices. See: http://newsbarometer.com/
Dr Mauer in KW is the best eye surgeon. Dr.Douville does not do surgery, he is also excellent.



Re: Surveillance cams in the canals. Well, at the very least, we should have signs that warn of surveillance cameras. With the possibility of Big Brother keeping a watchful eye, people might think twice before tearing up lobster carapaces anywhere & everywhere. The signs don't have to stay all year. But, it couldn't hurt for just a while.
I don't think you all are aware that the men that are removing the storm debris are subcontracted out by the county. FEMA pays the county and they bring in these people. The county, I am sure, has a some way of making money there. When FEMA is paying, someone is making the bucks.
I saw the varmint on Journeys End weeks ago so I doubt it's the same one that Craig has lost. The one I saw was really, really big and I'm pretty sure it was my neighbor who initially posted a comment. Maybe we shouldn't substitute pictures from the internet for what we really saw. Attached is an accurate picture I took with my own camera.

P.S. Did I just use varmint in a sentence? My redneck conversion is almost complete!
Are you serious about mini-season? Money is the controlling factor for events like this. And the hotel industry has the money behind them and until the locals can get it on the ballot and vote it out it will stay and we will pay the consequences.




We ate at the Big Pine Coffee Shop last eve and the food was impressive. Special attention was paid to it's appearance. It was beautiful and tasty.
(?)Congratulations to Joe (of Coconuts). Good decision. You made a lot of people happy Thanks.

Saturday July 30, 2005

 

Friday July 29, 2006




Twenty two years ago something flew in my eye at work. I went and saw Dr. Oppenheimer and he put an ointment in my eye and patched it up and sent me home. I landed in the hospital for two weeks in Bascombe and Palmer in Miami. If it wasn’t for Dr. Douville in Key West I would have lost my eye. After reading about the girl that went blind I now wonder if he caused my problem too. I had to wear a patch for 6 months when I got out of the hospital and I have poor eye sight in it ever since.  Dr. Douville in Key West is the best eye doctor you can see.
Global War on Extremist. The war in Iraq is now in it's third incarnation according to Pres. Bush's latest remarks. It has gone from the war against WMD to Democracy for Iraq to yesterdays shift; now calling it the Global War on Extremist.
Oh, boy it's Friday. I hope there's enough comedic material left for another "Friday with Mitch."

Osama bin Laden. They asked a peasant in rural Pakistan if he thought Osama Bin Laden was hiding in that country; and he said that if he was, someone would have already turned him in for the twenty-five million dollar reward. He said, "After all, this is Pakistan." I think he's right. I think bin Laden's dead already.

Our condolences to the family of Mr. Dobson, who is a neighbor that lost his life Monday under Bahia Honda bridge. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Brinton Environmental Center. Is the writer saying that it's not a Boy Scout camp even though only Boy Scouts use it? Is this some sort of government double-speak?
Re: Aruba Teen. I think he slipped her a "Ruffie" and she had a reaction and died. He panicked and hid the body.
We lived on BPK for 11 years from 1987 thru 1998 and just discovered your web site. Its very well done and informative and fun reading up on the latest at Winn Dixie and the like.
I was not surprised to see that Oppenheimer had blinded someone because "the machine wasn't adjusted properly". I had to go back to him several times to get contact lenses changed because of incompetent equipment assisted diagnosis. My wife also had to return her reading glasses to him several times because the prescriptions were so far off. There seems to be a pattern here. Poor Girl. Is the quack still practicing?
Please! no more mini-mobster season. These people out on the water are crazy. I think in the future I will leave my home for this big frickin' Joke.
Hey Ed! You're doing a great job. Keep up the good work and don't let those idiots get you down. To the low-life who threatened Ed. How stupid are you? If you beat up the Editor, he/she will post your name and then we'll all beat you up.
Observations. To the guy who had his canal invaded (again). I would suggest a surveillance camera next year (I would be happy to contribute cash) and end their folly. Personally, I think the Big Pine WebCam could be relocated to problem areas like this, and we could all help monitor the situation, and it would be a more productive use. Then move it to the next location...

Also, because I live in Key Largo, and was entertaining an out of town guest, I went out on the glass bottom boat for the first time last weekend. What I mostly observed was broken coral, and it made me sick.

Equally disturbing are the head boats at the KW Bight that encourage anglers to keep fish of any size.

That large lizard is a ground iguana that escaped a couple days ago. It is a non-aggressive, vegetarian, if seen again please call Craig  395-2776

Tech support. Yes!  I successfully installed Microsoft Office. Thanks for your vote of confidence that I could do it.  Now I have spell check and a whole heap of other programs that I can learn to use. 
Re: mini season.  How about a locals season the week before. You have to get a Monroe county sticker for your boat.
Anxiety. Taking pills? check out the website, www.dangerousdrugs.com  It profiles how open we are to anything anyone can put out. What you are taking, may be totally different than what was prescribed!
Neither I nor my wife work in the dive or watersports industry. She works in the service industry and we are rolling in bucks from last night's tips! Leave the lobster mobsters, the bikers, etc. alone. The Keys are not even most of your homes. Buying property and whining like a 2 year old about anything you don't like does not make you local! Having a few generations of family here does. So get a life. It's over in 2 days and we will be able to pay our bills. Thanks to the divers!
Monitor lizards. Several years ago there lived a couple on Big Pine Key that sold birds at the flea market. She had flaming red hair. They had a couple of kids also. Well, she told me one day that a pair of her Monitor lizards got loose in the Whispering Pines subdivision of Big Pine Key. Weeks later she told me they had never been found. They were about 4 feet long at the time.  That was probably 8 to 10 years ago. I have been waiting for there to be a sighting of this type of lizard here. They are carnivores and eat anything alive. Will we be faced with a deluge of them as we have been with the Iguana's? Who knows? Just be aware that they are here in the wild. I saw the photo yesterday and was reminded of  the loss of these "pets".
To the person complaining about Old Wooden Bridge facility, I happen to know a little more info on that place, living here and all.  Unfortunately, before you slander somebody you should try to find out both side's of the coin. The facility was bought by several new owner's that don't want to put money into the place and expect the two managers to take care of the whole facility on their own; which does not mean just taking your money and kissing your butts. I have rented boat's from them and live not to far from the facility. I'm very impressed by the work that has been done on the place and they have been nothing but kind when we've been there. Unfortunately, it is not a four star hotel nor has it ever been. Might I suggest staying away from Big Pine and leaving the few hard working people that are here alone. Bye Bye.
Re: A nice place to stay on BP. Sorry the famous corrupt Jack London, when he was on the county commission, made sure the vacation rentals were banned so his friend Pritham Singh could turn the lower Keys into condo havens and the people who had legal weekly rentals had to either sell or go long term, but I understand there is an underground network. Try www.Flakeysrentals.com 




Islamorada is a secret resort for Islam terrorists. Couscous anyone?
Storm Debris. Be glad they haven't picked up your storm debris. They picked it up on our street and it is a damn mess. They left a good portion of it in the street, and even large branches in the roadway. They need to have a crew come and clean up after the cleanup crew.
This is not lobster season with lobster heads all over the place! It is maggot season.
Re: loss of horizon. Those of you that don't know what the person is referring to when they talk about the "loss of horizon" needs to look at the water on a very still day after 5:00 pm and see what the horizon looks like when you can't tell the difference between sky and ocean. It is a beautiful thing and not depressing at all. I refer to it as "eternal bliss".
Re: Skin doctor. Michael Berman is very patient with his patients. A good doctor.


Love the "commodo" dragon story!  But those monitors are no joke.  I vote for "shoot on sight".
Eye care. People who take care of your eyes come in three categories which are getting confused here. Opticians are the people who physically make the lenses - they can't give you an eye exam. Optometrists are people who give eye exams and fit lenses into frames. They can't legally perform surgery and are rather limited in what medicines they can prescribe. Ophthalmologist are full medical doctors licensed and trained to perform surgery and handle medical problems of the eye. These guys can do any of the others jobs but, as medical doctors, prefer that aspect of the job (and some I've been to don't actually like merely fitting glasses). If all you need are glasses, go the optometrist. They will give you an eye exam and send their lenses prescription to the optician to make the lenses or refer you to an ophthalmologist for medical problems. Pick the right category - you don't want to do the equivalent of taking a conch cruiser to a Mercedes dealer in Miami for an oil change.
A dermatologist is Dr. Pruett of Keys Dermatology. He is based in Islamorada, but travels up and down the Keys on a regular basis coming down as far as Big Pine every Thursday. He seems pretty knowledgeable and skilled. He recently added a second doctor to his practice and is looking into opening a Key West office at some point.
Re: Dermatology:  Dr. Michael Berman in Key West is very good.  Located at 1411 White St.  Phone 294-5400   (Try to avoid Dr. P at Keys Dermatology. He is impatient and has poor tableside manner) 
Winn Dixie. The new Landlord would not let WD take over Edie's. The Key West  management is very unfriendly to BP. They took away the benches. None of the stores can have a bench outside for their customers.  The island can't support two major supermarkets.  
Mini-season. I totally agree with the comments about how mini-season only benefits a few greedy hotel owners and dive shops. Another thing is whose tax dollars pay for all the hundreds of law enforcement agents that are working for those two days and the helicopters everywhere?  Us of course. What can we do about it?  Can we put an electronic petition on here somehow and get thousands of signatures and then send it to the powers to be?

I see the sign at Knuckleheads that says "Dinner Only."  Can someone post their days and hours of operation and does anyone know if they have future plans to open for lunch also.  After reading the positive comments here I really want to try them. 

Conch & Stein closed its doors without any notice whatsoever to its employees who depend on income every single day to survive--a truly shitty thing to do.  They also claim (via the Barometer front page panel) that due to a kitchen fire they will be closed for a couple of months, but intend to re-open.  A former employee told me that the fire was very small, quickly extinguished and did minimal damage.  The whole thing has a bit of a fishy odor about it.  How about a reply on this site from the owners stating the facts.
What is the difference between the rude people influx during mini-season as compared to the snowbird migration? Mini-season only last two days.

When I first read that somebody tried to fight Ed over something in this column I was nearly surprised speechless.  After thinking it over, I'm even more surprised that someone of that intelligence was using the computer to access anything besides porn.
I also had a problem with the Old Wooden Bridge cabins.  My family has been staying there also and never had a problem whenever Julie was there.  The new owners were not as friendly or helpful.  They were eager to refund us our money and basically told us to go find a new place to stay.  So if anyone knows Julie and if she is at another establishment, please let us know.  We will also be relocating in the near future to Big Pine Key.
Re: Loss of horizon = progress.  Whether it's for good or bad, the loss of horizon is accomplished through progress.
Is signage a word?
Fridays with Mitch.

Is a Hippopotamus a Hippopotamus? Or just a really cool Opotamus?

This shirt is dry clean only. Which means .... it's dirty.

I never joined the army because at ease was never that easy to me. Seemed rather uptight, still. I don't relax by parting my legs slightly and putting my hands behind my back. That does not equal ease. At ease was not being in the military. I am at ease, bro, because I am not in the military.

I used to do drugs. I still do, but I used to, too.

Man. I went to the doctor the other day. All this guy did was suck blood out of my neck. Never go to see Dr. Acula.

My manager told me, "Mitch, don't use alcohol as a crutch." I can't use alcohol as a crutch because crutch is something that helps you walk... alcohol is like the step I didn't see.

In my house I have a sliding glass door, and on it is a sticker that says "Warning: Alarm System". And it's a pretty simple alarm system, consisting of... a sticker.

I wear a necklace, cause I wanna know when I'm upside down.

I like Swiss cheese. It's the only cheese you can draw with a pencil and identify. You can draw American cheese, but someone will think it's cheddar. Swiss cheese is the only cheese you can bite and miss. "Hey Mitch - does that sandwich have cheese on it?" "Every now and then!"

They say that the recipe for Sprite is lemon and lime. But I tried to make it at home. There's more to it than that. "Hey, you want some more homemade Sprite, man?" "Not until you figure out what the f**k else is in it!"

I had a box of Ritz crackers and on the back of the box of Ritz crackers it had all these suggestions as to what to put on top of the Ritz. It said "Try it with turkey and cheese." "Try it with peanut butter." Oh, c'mon man, they're crackers. That's why I got 'em — I like crackers. There ain't no suggestion: "Put a Ritz on top of a Ritz." I didn't buy 'em 'cuz they're little edible plates.

Once I saw this wino who was eating grapes, and I said, "Dude, you have to wait."

Fettuccini Alfredo is macaroni and cheese for adults.
July, 1940 Bugs Bunny made his debut in a cartoon called "A Wild Hare." Warner Brothers' writers and animators set out to make a rabbit who would be the epitome of cool. They modeled bugs on Groucho Marx with a carrot instead of a cigar. Mel Blanc gave him a Brooklyn accent. He was a nonchalant rabbit who chewed on his carrot in the face of all of his enemies and he was famous for the line, "What's up, doc?" which he used in that first cartoon when he met Elmer Fudd who was hunting rabbits.

As America entered World War II, Bugs Bunny became the most popular cartoon character in America, always defeating his enemies through sheer cleverness, oftentimes as a quick change artist.
Hey, Nextel guy. Call your sister in Spring Hill. We worry, you know!
Replace the "J-man" with Tommy Tunes?  You guys need serious counseling. The little statue out front is a monument to their IQ deficiency.

Friday July 29, 2006

 

Thursday July 28, 2005
Mini-season. For all these years the tourists have been coming down and raping our ocean and trashing our Keys during mini-season. The only group that supports the mini-season is the TDC and local dive/fishing shops. We live in a sanctuary and are supposed to be protecting our ocean. The way I see it is that our "protected waters" are only protected in name and exploited in reality to bring in more tourist dollars while taking away the rights of the land owners in favor of more ocean devastation. When the tourists leave, who is blamed for the trashed ocean bottom and wrung short lobster remains? We are! The wonderful tourists wouldn't do a thing like taking shorts would they?  The end result is that we loose more freedoms, find more limiting laws and see more advertising for tourists to visit our  paradise. Is anybody else upset about this? When will we be pissed off enough to try to do something real about this? Why are we so angry and yet so complacent?
Don't blame the editor. I read this website virtually every day. If I leave for a few days as I did this past week, I take the time to catch up on what has been written in the  time I missed. This is how I found out that Judy from the Moose Lodge has been dealing with cancer. Aside from all the useless rabble, there is some important news being shared here such as the above mentioned. 

Any idiot that reads something here and takes it out on the editor needs to be verbally slammed by everybody that comes in contact with him. Whether we find humor or import here, the editor shouldn't be blamed. Believe it or not, this is a useful service she/he provides.  If angered, please use restraint in the future and put your thoughts to "paper" and share with the rest of Big Pine in a non-violent manner.



Re: Loss of horizon?  You said it was beautiful.  I considered Loss as a negative. The only word that comes to mind is horizon-less.
Mini season. I hate it! The people are like in a feeding frenzy, rude and inconsiderate. (the word rape comes to mind). Every one I know is against this invasion except the dive shops. We've been against it for years. And still they shove it down our throats.

Ditto on the watermelon.  Yummy, but expensive.  As a child in Mid-Georgia. A farmer would come by with fresh picked that day selling them at 4 for $1.00.  Memories.
Editor:  Fear Not.  You called it as you saw it. A drunken lowlife looking to pick a fight.  Obviously you are doing what you wanted to do.  This is not just a gossip column, but an island history, Key Deer info site, maps, free classified ads, recipes, business directory, sex offender link, arrest record, bulletin board, horoscope, Live webcam with a flagpole and an assortment of flags.  Now what is wrong with this picture?  People should be buying you drinks (only if they know your identity).  I prefer not to know.  But if you decide to come out I'll buy you all the drinks I can afford.  You are important to most of your readers.  I must admit I'm hooked. I do know the role of an Editor and appreciate when you correct my spelling or edit, entirely, my submissions because sometimes I don't remember what I sent.  No, I am not elderly, I  just like to imbibe on occasion.  Keep up the good work.
I got a new Dell a few months ago.  Spell-check does not work.  Called what I assumed was an out sourced location in Bombay.  Spoke with a male named "Ricky Smith" with a thick Indian accent.  He told me spell-check only works if Office is installed.  Of course I do not have Office installed yet but I have it.  I do not have the time or the know how to install it.  I know this is not a repair center but perhaps someone can tell me how to turn it on because I'm not convinced it isn't there. 

(BP tech support: It is an Office function. Just install Office. End of problem. Come to the BP Computer Club which meets every other Saturday AM. Look for the schedule in the Bulletin Board.)
Space Shuttle. They've grounded the shuttle fleet because of a large piece of foam falling off. I sure hope the crew makes it back ok.
To the person who wants to know "how you lose a blimp".

Re: Loss of horizon. Horizonless.


I appreciate the feedback on the eye Dr.s  I have used the O. practice and found them expensive, and the glasses I received no better than I had bought at the drug store.  I'll be making an appt. with  Dr. Maurer. 
Re: Loss of Horizon. I can narrow it down to two words--Pritham Singh.
I am really not up for this, but here goes: It's not a Boy Scout camp. It's called Brinton Environmental Center. It is Florida National High Adventure Sea base. They employ a bunch of folks, to many to list,  I am sure that if you stop by they will give you a tour of the center and help you understand a little more about what's going on there. Oh, I almost forgot, I have been a well paid captain for them for 3 years, along with another 50 or 60 folks. It's a great place, but it's not a Boy Scout Camp.
RE: huge lizard. That picture is a monitor lizard and some types can reach 9 feet in length. About a year ago some 7-footers had infested canals near Cape Coral. Another case of unwanted pets tossed and thriving (destroying the ecosystem. They will devour anything they are capable of dismembering and gulping down, including dogs/cats). It was just a matter of time before they reached the Keys.  If you see it again, call Fish & Wildlife...or kill it. Iguana's are pretty much harmless compared to the Monitors.
http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=1662&z=3&p=
Recently, my family and I spent 9 days on No Name Key (actually the Big Pine Key border). We had rooms at The Old Wooden Bridge Camp. We have been visiting this area since 1998 and I must say that this was the worst experience we've ever had. The new manager was rude to us and when we returned from being evacuated, we even cleaned up the water inside our cabin and debris outside. Upon checking out, it was very uncomfortable to debate the amount of nights they were to comp us for. The thing that probably upset us most was they neglected to say "Thank You, Hope to see you next year, kiss my butt...anything''. I can honestly say that Julie and her husband were terribly missed. If anyone has suggestions as to a friendly place to stay in the area, please let us know. We do not live in Big Pine yet, but we read these pages daily. Thanks


Was the huge lizard a Komodo Dragon perhaps?  Very nasty!
Knuckleheads. I recently visited the new Knuckleheads and was amazed when I walked in the door. As others have said there was obviously a lot of thought that went into the place, and attention to detail. I loved the menu with such a variety of different types of food, and very reasonably prices. The food was nothing shy of great, and the drinks were also very good and well priced. I was impressed with the wait staff, bar staff, and all the rest of the staff on how professional they were and at the same time I had a great time.  Anyone who hasn't gone to Knuckleheads should try it out if your looking for a good time, great food and great drinks. I think this restaurant will be the next biggest thing in Keys.





Does anyone know of a good Dermatologist in the lower keys or Key West?
Wear red on Friday for the troops.
I am truly sorry to hear about Tom of Group Therapy. He truly was the best all around musician. I loved to listen to him play and sing; and Group Therapy rocked! 
Not only do New Yorkers look like doom and gloom, they have nasty attitudes, foul mouths, and are loud and obnoxious. Why do they talk through their noses? Whine, whine, whine. You have to go south of the Mason Dixon line to enjoy people with good manners, graciousness, and friendly attitudes. Thank God I'm a southerner!

I discovered one of those huge lizards mentioned yesterday in my bathroom. I think it is what they call a commodo dragon.
Wow, I just got home from Winn Dixie. What a nightmare!  How can this community say they do not want another grocery store.  Everybody has sold out and the new homes going up everyday has increased our population.  W/D cannot stock the shelves fast enough per day. I realize it's mini-season, but you have to agree it's just as bad during tourist season which, by the way, is starting to be year round. When W/D redesigned the store they should've taken over Edie's Hallmark and any other space available and expanded the store or at least made it like Key West W/D-- that's a nice store!
This guy actually plays the piano with his balls!


Only a true Southerner knows instinctively that the best gesture of solace for a neighbor who's got trouble is a plate of hot fried chicken and a big bowl of cold potato salad. (If the neighbor's trouble is a real crisis, they also know to add a large banana puddin'! )
I'm glad to hear from somebody else from the good old times. Dick and his crown royal bag. And the wet t-shirt contests that were participated by many who had a bit too much to drink. And the fun that ensued. The likes of which will never be seen on Big Pine Key again.  All of you that don't know can only imagine and you will probably be wrong in your imaginings. Those of us that remember should keep those memories a sweet part of our pasts. Something to hold onto without all the short timers' false memories.


When to stop tanning. Yuk,  I'm draining the pool today!
These two to sight-gag comedians are very original. Men In Coats
Are they going to pick up the storm debris before another storm comes?  My street has huge piles of branches, yard waste, etc., and no one has come by yet.  Tom Willi is on the radio, right now, talking about a "second sweep." What happened to the first one?  Did they just miss my street?
Two things: To the person with the big lizard, I think it might be a Komodo dragon. If so, their bites are full of bacteria and can kill people. Be careful. 2.) And the baggy pants. It's just a fashion. A style.


What do you think happened to that missing American girl in Aruba? I think she was raped, died of alcohol poisoning, and buried on a nearby island when the Dutch teen panicked.
My apologies Wires were crossed when I was told which Sue. My prayers still go out to Sue from the radio station; and to my good friend Sue, I'm glad you are alright.

Thursday July 28, 2005

 

Wednesday July 27, 2005
To the BPK Moose Lodge and friends of Queen Judy B.  Please have her contact the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys, (Not a part of the American Cancer Society.) for help.  294-7300.  Ask for Lanny. The Foundation cannot pay her medical bills, but they can help pay her rent/mortgage, utilities, etc.  She should also contact the Monroe County Social services.  If she needs to go to Miami for treatment, the ACS should provide transportation.
 
The Cancer Foundation is a Keys non-profit.  It's an all-volunteer organization with no administrative deductions taken from their donations. 
 
My thoughts are with her.  Breast Cancer IV survivor and co-founder of the Foundation. 
Knuckleheads. I stopped for a drink at the new Knuckleheads (MM15) last night. What a nice place. Everything is perfect. You can tell that a lot of thought went into everything. They lost their business during hurricane Georges and it's taken Mr. and Mrs. Knucklehead eight years to open again. It was worth the wait. They've come a long way since the old Bay Point Inn had a boat hull for the bar in the '70s. We're going there for dinner real soon. The menu looks great and I overheard diners complimenting the food.

(Ed: Woe is me. Last night some drunken low life tried to pick a fight with me because I published something he didn't like about someone who I didn't remember.

I tried to tell him that I don't write the stuff I only edit it to make it readable. He doesn't understand the role of an editor. This is what I've feared since starting this website three years ago. That's why I try to remain anonymous.)
The Little Palm Girl that had the botched Lasik surgery can see, but only well enough to drive with her special contact lenses on. Her eyes are dry all the time and require drops. Her careers in Boat Captaining, Nursing, and Facial care were ruined, because her ability to see color variation has been impaired. She can only read giant print books and her computer screen is configured with a large letter format. All that and it turns out she wasn't even a candidate for the surgery - it never even should have been attempted. Also, a now former Piner had one of his eyes messed up at the same Dr's. Thank God he had decided to do his one at a time and still has one good eye. Be careful folks.



Watermelon is so delicious right now, I'm in watermelon heaven.
Wow, our mini season visitors are really in a hurry. Either that or they do not have driveways north of the Keys. If you are trying to pull out of a driveway on US1 right now folks, even if they are waiting on a light to change, will pull right behind the car in front of them and act like they don't see you waiting to get out. And so on and so on. Eventually someone you know or have seen around town will slow down and let you out into traffic. I guess some folks cannot enjoy what we have and won't take the time to look around or let someone get in front of them. Oh, well, they will be gone soon and we will get our Islands back. Say hi to a friend and slow down so we can share our own style of courtesy. Were not in such a hurry that we can't slow down and enjoy the views. Have a safe trip home folks. Georgia's a nice place to visit.
I discovered this huge lizard under my house today and took a picture of him.  He was at least twice as big as any iguana I've ever seen down here, more darkish green, and his head was rounder. Does anyone have any idea what this thing is.
Mini season. I was trying to leave Hurricane Hole Marina last evening and there was a young couple washing their boat in the middle of the driveway and no one could enter or leave. I tried to explain that this was the only exit and would they please more their boat so that me and the cars behind me could leave. Naturally, they got offended at me. I just don't know what to think.
The Americans who support our troops are the silent majority. We are not "organized" to reflect who we are, or to reflect what our opinions are. Many Americans simply want to recognize that Americans support our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops is starting Friday; wear something red. Word of mouth, press, TV--let's see if we can make the United States, on any given Friday, a sea of red much like a home football game at a university. Wear red on Fridays.

Support our troops! We live in the land of the free, because of the brave. God bless America.
Thanks a lot for ringing all the lobsters on my seawall and leaving the heads. Good thing I didn't see your head when you did it cause it would  be next to the lobster heads you left behind.  Those were my kids' pets along with the Jewfish you speared last year that we had been feeding for years.  Go back to where you came from!



Keep an eye on those kids with the baggy clothes. This is disturbing... http://www.big-boys.com/articles/baggyclothes.html
Loss of horizon is one of the most beautiful things I have seen here in the Keys.  I travel towards Marathon and it's a beautiful drive each morning.  I will move from here some day soon and have the great memories of that especially.  Does anyone out there know of "one word" that describes loss of horizon?  I have been searching for years.  One word only, no phrase.
The name of the "guy in the white truck " is Curtis Gartenmayer. And yes, beware of him, he scammed me too. I've never met a liar like him. His name has been in all the papers around here as a construction scammer.  [bullshittinbob@hotmail.com]
We live in the Florida Keys. To all of you who are complaining about spending $4.50 for a specialty cocktail; what is wrong with you? Move back to the middle of the United States and get out of the Keys. You probably didn't tip 20% and we don't need your business anyways. I don't work at Knuckleheads but $4.50 is about average for an alcoholic drink in the Keys and you, maybe, should have been drinking water.
How do you lose one of those giant blimps, much less two of them? If I lost something worth 1.4 million I’d be for darn sure looking for it! Furthermore, if they do find or replace them I think a web cam would be a worth while addition. http://balloonlife.com/publications/balloon_life/9701/fatalber.htm



Why was Jane Fonda ever charged with treason?
What’s happened to Biz-Baz? It use to be fun to listen to. I looked forward to it every morning. Now I find myself turning it off. That laugh has got to go!
We all miss Square Grouper and hope that Lynn and Doug and all their employee's are having a great vacation. We wait patiently for you all to come back safe and rested.
What's up with the Boy Scout compound? I see another new building going up and now they have taken over the parking on the bridge going into Cudjoe Key. Back in the day the original owner wanted to put in a hotel and marina that would've offered lots of employment and revenue for this area, but of course the county said, "No way."   I'm not bashing the Boy Scouts just curious how this is possible?
Why is it that for years we have had Mini Season, as well as the invasion of the snow birds and Winn Dickme never thinks ahead to stock the shelves?   They are empty year after year, after year, after year.  Can't wait for Publix and I do drive to Publix in Marathon to shop for food every chance I get.

Thanks to Brad Nye and the crew from Protection Plus, the Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Florida Keys administrative office and Home Center phone systems were recently upgraded. Protection Plus donated the labor, hardware and new system. They also coordinated the donation of wire from Silmar Electronics and two receptionist phones and other equipment from Pat Croce of Pirate Soul.
Wow!  I was surprised to hear of Tom, from Group Therapy, passing.  Was the cause determined?

 

If there's anyone out there that has recipes for finger foods for cocktail hour, could you post them on the recipe section on the site.  We need new ones.  I love to see and learn other's tasty secrets.
Dr. Oppenheimer did blind someone who used to work at Little Palm Island, the person who said he saw her driving around town may be mistaken since they don't live in the Keys anymore. Or maybe Dr. Oppenheimer blinded more than one person? A good eye doctor is Dr. Otto in Key West.

Did anyone see the 7:30 to 8:00 am news on channel 7 Tuesday morning?  The three people that died of bird flu from chicken droppings? Be careful when walking in the Winn Dixie Plaza shopping center, the parking lot is full of chicken droppings.
Regarding the girl Dr. Oppenheimer 'blinded'.  She hasn't been 'driving around town'  because she moved to NC last October.  She does see through halos, and she wears special goggles and has special lights and a magnified PC monitor screen.  Beautiful girl, whose career was ruined thanks to Steven and Darren Oppenheimer.  Check out the lawsuits against them. She is not alone, except that hers may be the worst.

Re: Skateboarding Dog. His name is Tyson and he has a website!  Tyson's Pictures and Movies
My prayers go out to Sue Stockton and family. I am so sorry! Jim, will you or Dusty one please call me. 806-864-3782. I love you Sue.  --Billie

Wednesday July 27, 2005

 

Tuesday July 26, 2005

Lobster Mini-Season is tomorrow. Check out the Bulletin Board for complete information. (Ed; Just stay out of my canal. They're mine!)

Re: Mosquitos. As soon as they sprayed from the air the mosquitos were bearable. They should spray more often. That's all I ask.
Kudos to Winn Dixie (I never thought I'd say that.) They have restocked two of things I've been missing. I think that the discontinued items in the first place because the store was bankrupt.

Now, under Chapter 11 reorganization, they're able to get some of those suppliers back. If that is the case, Winn Dixie should have told us, their customers, and we would have understood and not gotten so mad. Piners are a soft-hearted bunch and would have understood. This is another example of their top management being clueless to the Great Big Piners!.





Here's a dumb dog who just was introduced to a porcupine.

Re: Windstorm Insurance. It got so expensive that we cancelled ours. We just can't afford it. If tragedy befalls our home we'll have to take a loan out to repair the damage. "Pay now or pay latter." We have to pay later.
It's been said once, and I'll say it again. Publix did not buy anything on Big Pine Key! There is a developer looking at land. That developer just so happened to have done business with Publix in the past. But it does not mean that anything is going to be turned into a Publix. Get over it people.

Does anyone remember when Dick Rudell (vice chairman of mosquito control) owned Dicks Bayside lounge on B.P.and introduced the contestants in his wet T-shirt contest wearing  a Crown royal Bag. Only a Crown royal bag!
Restaurant review: I thought I'd try out Knuckleheads last night and as nice as it was, I'm not sure how long they'll be in business without some changes.  Knucleheads is clean and well lit.  Ceramic tile floors throughout make the place cooler, but it does get loud.  They have a wide menu featuring everything from typical American fare to decent Tex-Mex.  We decided to try a featured cocktail which was good, but the price of $4.50 limited us to one.  An appetizer of chicken wings was tasty, not overcooked like most places.  The portion, though, was smaller than most places in the Keys.  I felt daring and tried the Chicken quesadilla.  It came with a side of beans and rice.  I don't particularly care for guacamole and I wish they put it on the side instead of on top the quesadilla.  Again, I was a bit surprised by the smaller portion, but it was very tasty.  We did order dessert from their limited menu.  Both were excellent and the waitress said they hope to expand their selections.  The biggest surprise was when the bill arrived.  Ouch!  When I gave my typical 20% tip for good service, the total was over $75!  Good food and a good establishment can demand higher prices but Knuckleheads is still a Keys restuarant bar.  Maybe I expected to walk into a bar but instead discovered an upscale restaurant with an image problem?  Definitely visit Knuckleheads and try the food.  However, I suspect repeat diners will be hard to come by which makes or breaks a restaurant.



Group Therapy was my favorite local band in the Keys. Unfortunately, Tom, the flute playing, guitar playing and singer among other talents had died very suddenly about a year ago. We miss them.
To the person who stated "I only want Bush to admit that he invaded Iraq for the wrong reason (WMD). Then I could support the war."  Ultimately, your support of the war is not an issue with President Bush; it's an issue with the men and women who put their lives on the line.  That's the bottom line.  If you have an issue with President Bush, Vote!  However, don't withhold your support of those brave men and women for your opinion; while waiting for someone to say what you want.


Good eye doctors: The Beckwitts in Marathon. They are in the second generation of eye doctors in the family, very gentle, incredibly customer friendly, go out of the way to accommodate your appointments and, oh yes, the actual part about improving your eyesight -- they do that, too.
Those new insurance premiums blew me away too.  I live on a fixed income and can no longer afford the high cost.  At least I own my home, so I can opt not to buy that insurance.  It's just rather scary to imagine what a bad fix I'll be in without insurance should another storm pay a visit.  There should be something we can all do collectively to get some relief from these price hikes...I mean other than move out.  Any ideas out there?
We bitch and whine and then read the paper or watch the news.  Things could be a whole bunch worse.  Count your blessings.  Now we can look forward to the African dust storm arriving Tue or Wednesday with it's germs.  I'm thinking Ebola, Marburg, and some new unknown ones.  Just kidding . 
Re: Insurance increase.  Get ready because it'll happen again next year.  You are right in that all the required insurances; windstorm, flood and homeowners are more that property taxes.  We too were surprised in March when we recieved our notices and saw just how much windstorm and homeowners insurance increased.  The sad thing is our property is underinsured and we can not afford to increase it.  The only thing worse is the IRS.  Bastards.
Was is Monday all day long today?  I had a work day from Hell!
Dr Oppenheimer did blind a girl that worked out at Little Palm Island. She was a scuba instructor and boat Captain. Now she can do neither one. He was performing LASIK surgery on her and the machine was set up improperly.
Dr Oppenheimer did not blind anyone! He screwed up big time, but he didn't blind anyone. The girl sees through a halo or something like that. I've seen her driving a car around town.
Doesn't it seem interesting that the Blimp Base had 105 mph winds during Hurricane Dennis. My goodness, seems like the highest winds everywhere else were around 50 mph. Is this some sort of coverup for loosing two blimps that cost 1.4 million to replace. And then to think that all they do is transmit a TV station to Cuba that has been blocked for years. This is another really dumb expenditure of money by the Defense Dept. Can you imagine what we could do for kids in the Keys (and even share some with the mainland) with that kind of money. Someone needs to get their priorities straight.
Capt. Dan. What happened to the complainers. I haven't read anything about him for over a week. Did they run out of negatives?
Big Pine's best kept secret is the Habitat for Humanity store located right behind Roger's furniture. Offering a large selection of furniture and appliances and many other useful items; the money raised by this facility helps fund the affordable housing that Habitat provides for families that need a helping hand. Please stop by and check it out. They appreciate your donations and they are completely tax deductible.  The problem is that there is no signage on the highway so many people are unaware of this fantastic facility.
I've lived in NYC all my life never seen anyone looking like doom and gloom.
NASA - Return to Flight Tuesday morning!
I wonder how much Citizens Insurance charges for meteor coverage?
I think it's a great idea to let Publix in Big Pine.  I would bet that the majority would agree.



Re: What's wrong with this picture? What's wrong? Sounds like some mullet head really needs crappy food. We need a decent supermarket. Not a Whopper. Go to Marathon for your junk food fix. I think it's also good for Piners' health that sh**ty food isn't close at hand.
Thanks mom for telling the whole Keys!  Yes, we're getting married now! Woo Hoo! And he asked on my birthday!
Congratulations Lauren and Jason. Is this Iowa?

Tuesday July 26, 2005

 

Monday July 25, 2005
What's wrong with this picture? Let's see, Burger King was turned down when they wanted to open a store on Hwy 1 because of traffic issues, Wendy's wasn't allowed to come into the Winn Dixie shopping center,  Duncan Doughnuts is in negotiations, right now, to come into the shopping center (which rumor has doesn't look promising), Walgreens can't tear down the old Scotty's building and build a nice new store. Highway 1 was rebuilt and fences put up for the protection of the Key Deer. Keeping traffic down has always been an issue on Big Pine, look at all the trouble we've had by the flea market. Traffic bumper to bumper during the season. So much that locals don't even venture out on Saturday and Sunday knowing they'll get stuck in traffic during flea market hours. 

Now, Publix is buying up the property on Hwy 1 to build their store plus a strip mall consisting of 4 or more stores. And that's Ok?. Plus, as rumor goes, they also bought the Big Pine Motel to turn that into apartments so they can bring in outside help and house them, which means employment will be very limited. I ask you: What's wrong with this picture?


You can always tell what city is good to live in by the smiles (or lack of) on the residents faces. When I go to NYC all the people on the street, in shops, in subways, and in buses are all looking like doom and gloom.
Re: Disgruntled Poster. Pretty much all of my posts have been reprinted verbatim. I don't know what's going on with your entries. Maybe they're too hateful, crazy, or unintelligible, (or a mix of all three.) Sounds possible, considering you're comparing the poor editor to a Nazi. The editor has said before that there are just some scary, hateful posts too awful to print. This site is great for some down-home debate, but no place for bilious hate-mongering.
These photos are enough to make anyone appreciate the beauty of our islands.

Re: Chinese revaluing Yuan. Now that Chinese goods are likely to cost more for Americans; and American stuff cheaper for the Chinese-- what if they now start buying our mining and fuel companies? We'll be out of resources if they decide to withhold them from our own markets. Suppose they use all the oil from their imminent purchase of America's Unical Oil? This sounds like a good scenerio for a thriller book.
Re: People can live without Daylight Savings Time. Most of Arizona does not recognize the crap about, "Spring Ahead, Fall Back."  It never has and most likely never will. We seem to get along fine, but when change happens in the Keys, I can't remember if Arizona is two or three hours behind, and friends from the Keys call me too early in the morning. It gets a little weird, especially cause I still don't do mornings.
Re: Good Eye Doctor. Someone had suggested Dr. Darren Oppenheimer as a good eye doctor. One of my former coworkers went to him of the laser eye surgery a few years back and when the operation was done she was blind. The case is still in court.
I think mosquito control does a pretty good job. It is a losing battle no matter how you look at it. Anybody that was here forty years ago know what mosquitoes can really be like.
 
Every morning as I go out the door to work there is someone from mosquito control sitting at the end of my road just checking the old fashioned way, Just see how many times you get bit in a given time. He is there every day before sunrise and sometimes after sunrise.
 
Sure we got some skeeters now, but it's that time of year. You have two choices: Don't go outside or use repellant. Don't worry it will get better. It does every year.



Here's a little something an old friend in Pa. sent me.

I know y'all like Parrot Jokes, especially since

Jeeemy Boooffaaa doesn't live in the Keys anymore. 
Can you cry under water?

Re: I always feel great confidence in a doctor who refers to another colleague. Every doctor that refers another doctor gets a "referral fee" from the other doctor. Surprised?

The average homeowner should expect to repair direct meteor damage every hundred million years or so.
Boy, do I have something to say! I just received my notice for this year's windstorm insurance. An increase of $1000 + over last years exorbitant price. Well I never thought I would see the day when my taxes were less than my windstorm insurance. What really blew my mind is that after speaking to some folks who live in Cape Coral (Florida's west coast), I find out that they don't have windstorm insurance. Their homeowners policy covers everything. Did you ever feel like you're being screwed? I think we need our elected officials to take a long look into this fiasco ASAP.  Thank you and keep those premiums coming.

Christian vs. Islam: Christians may say gay is wrong, but they don't have a terrorists murder campaign killing off gays. This is not to say Christians are all good. Many claim to be Christian but stand in judgment of others. Also, wouldn't it be nice if those who claimed to be Christian acted like Christians? Christ was not greedy, backstabbing, did not kill, nor spread negative thoughts and deeds.
Can someone please tell me what happened to Larry Erskine and Group Therapy? they're a great band. I haven't heard of them playing anywhere in quite awhile.


"Going to the chapel and we're gonna get married..."
Congratulations Lauren and Jason. I'm so happy for the two of you.  You know I've got to tell everybody. I love you all. --Mom.

Monday July 25, 2005

 

Sunday July 24, 2005
God, do I hate daylight saving time. Now it seems we get it shoved further up the wazoo by extending it from March to December. It is so moronic to implement it when there is more daylight than you know what to do with, lasting 16 hours at the peak, then when the days are so damn short that you could use "daylight saving", they take away! Just leave the clock alone already, and get the hell out of our lives. I'm so sleep deprived because of this horse crap.  And the only reason they want it, is to generate more tax revenue by extending shopping hours. Some folks say "just ignore it... go by your own clock", but you can't do it (I've tried), unless you're living in the desert, far from the madding crowd.
I called Mosquito Control to complain that they have not sprayed at all in my neighborhood.  The lady said that they have indeed been spraying and they have the records to prove it.  She transferred me to her supervisor and he said that, yes they have been spraying our neighborhood.  When I asked when they last sprayed, he said June 3rd, this call took place on July 21.  I live out near the blue hole.  They said they haven't "detected" much mosquito activity out there. 

They are checking for mosquitos when the mosquitoes aren't prevalent, their people work 9am - 5pm.  So, until something changes, we have to do THEIR job for them and call them when mosquitoes are bad.  All the people working in the field and all the money that we have paid in taxes for them, they still can't figure out when mosquitoes are bad.  Remember waking up to the planes flying over or coming home from work and the planes flying over?  Those times are gone, and the mosquitoes are back.  We need to step up and make sure that Mosquito Control does it's job.  Everyone knows that they aren't spraying like they used to, we need to make them have a regular schedule for spraying.  They say that they rely on us to call to let them know when they are bad.  Why are we paying for them to control mosquitoes, but we have to tell them where to spray.  They are not being proactive, but the mosquitoes are. 

Time for some changes with Mosquito Control.  If you live near the blue hole, and heard the plane or helicopter, it's because I called and had everyone in the neighborhood call, not because Mosquito Control took an initiative on their own.  Call your local Mosquito Control Commissioner instead of calling the main line for them.  Maybe the commissioners will step up and take charge.  You can find their info at www.keysmosquito.org.
Re: Mini-season. Well I guess you can't stop for a swim anymore. Dive flag flying and guess who shows up (and we were in 4 ft. of water)? Yup, you guessed it, the Green Meanies. He said "What y'all doin?" I said, "Uh, duh, swimmin!" We had just come in off 600 ft. of water and were hot and ready for a dip. Can we start a petition to stop mini-season to send to W's brother? Do you think!
Re: Eye doctors in the Keys.  Dr. Robert Douville is a wonderful caring ophthalmologist who I went to for many years when I lived in Big Pine Key.  He referred me to Dr. Paul Maurer for cataract surgery. I couldn't have been more satisfied with both of these wonderful doctors.  I no longer live in the Keys but I'm grateful for both of these men. I always feel great confidence in a doctor who refers to another colleague.



Re: Mosquito Non-Control Board. Richard F. Rudell from Marathon is the Vice-Chairmen of the Mosquito board and is the man directly responsible for District 2 (Marathon to Bay Point) Mosquito control. He's the reason we have such a problem here. I tried to call him, but his phone number is not listed. I'm going to remember his name in the next election. I hope you do too. Richard Rude-ll.
Hi, I am Looking for anyone who knew my mother Diana Harris in 1981? Does anyone remember her?
Quit your complaining and get over it. You moved to the Keys to get away from the troublesome city folk and your turning this place into the same thing you ran from. Everyone smile, catch yourselves some lobsters and thank God we can live like kings down here. Amen.
Re: A religion that inspires hatred? I think you could say the same about Christians. Look at how much they hate gays.
Re: China's revalued currency. Now the idea of a Wal-Mart in BPK may seem a little less unpalatable, considering that's where most of their products come from. W