Wednesday January 4, 2007

To the unfortunate person who seems to think that nothing good has every happened under democratic rule, there are many who feel otherwise. Perhaps you have the tendency to think war is better than communication. Perhaps you are one of the many republicans that still have the mentality of a 7th and 8th grader who prefers bullying tactics to working things out by peaceful means. Unfortunately that mentality and that of fear has been ruling our country for the past 6 years, and rather badly many people have noticed. It’s hard to believe that some haven't noticed. That tells you how well the greedy, money hungry leaders who never did their time in the military have brainwashed and rallied with fear, the ignorant masses.

If you want to know how republicans think on this site watch FOX news at night and then read them in here the next day.  The Bush administrations failures and bumbling has turned them into parrots.  There’s a reason Americans kicked them out of office.  I saw a republican yesterday standing and staring at the grapes in Winn Dixie.  He was waiting for them to go sour so he could relate to them.

So our new County Mayor, Mr. Di Gennaro is rude.  Hey, he's from New Jersey!  Should this be news?

Sin, miracles and salvation. I do not for a heartbeat expect to change the perspective of someone who believes in the simple salvation formula Christendom generally teaches . . .Sloan's Space

I wonder how much Al Jazeera TV paid for Saddam’s hanging video.

Here is another idea on how to control the number of snowbirds (aka weather wimps) coming into the Keys: put a weigh station for passenger cars right after the 18 mile stretch. If the weight of the occupants exceeds the normal limits, then don't allow them in the Keys. An added advantage would be that the really obnoxious snowbirds will scream and bitch their necks off about being stopped--don't allow them in either. 

New Years Eve my husband and I wanted to go out to the Tiki so I suggested we take a taxi so we could be safe and not drink and drive. I called a few taxi companies and found out no one will come to Big Pine. I could not believe it. Here we were trying to do the right thing and could not. So we stayed home and had the most wonderful time.

With all the thefts on Big Pine Key lately, someone has to have seen something.  Come on folks, help your neighbors, here!  If you've seen anything please call the police and tell them.  We can't just let these people roam our streets and waters getting away with this.

Our economy is fantastic. The Dow is at the highest it’s ever been. Is this great economy driven by the war? Would we be seeing this great wealth without the war? I’ve read that the top group of the rich are making all the money and very little of this great wealth is trickling down to the average Joe who’s children are going to have to pay for the extraordinary national debt this war as created.

America: Freedom to Fascism. (1 ½ hour movie) http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4312730277175242198&q

Pools by Rogers is an illegal dumper. He dumped in my yard. Anyone that knows him please put his address on web. --jimyoung@bellsouth.net

[Join the Army] Our son has joined the Army.  He will be leaving for Boot Camp at the end of January.  If you have questions about the process, etc contact me at JeanR@KEYSBANK.COM Have a fantastic New Year!

[Iraqi Tradition] The Iraqi national security adviser has denied accusations that Saddam Hussein was humiliated in his final moments, contrary to what a leaked video of his execution showed. He insisted that there was nothing improper in executioners and officials dancing around Saddam's body after he had been killed, saying it was Iraqi tradition.

[Whiners who are bashing republicans and Pres. Bush] I can bet that they don't remember Morton Halperin, a former Clinton Admin official and liberal mastermind who organized a highly damaging campaign in the 70's to strip the FBI and the CIA of intelligence gathering capabilities. One does not send a handicapped person to a foot race and expect a world record! I'm sick to death of the liberal asses. General Wesley Clark, the "Perfumed Prince" campaigning for presidential nomination had the gall to call the war in Iraq "Non Patriotic" and called for impeachment probe of Pres. Bush. You Americans have a giant task ahead of you in 2008. You must weed out the cut and run bastards from among the presidential candidates. Good f**king luck. Conch Republic for Ever!

Thanks for your interest in the band Reach.  Yes, one of our members in undergoing surgery this weekend, please keep him in your prayers.  We are looking forward to getting out in public again soon. Thanks again for your interest.

“Only someone as self-focused as Sal Gutierrez would think money was a great equalizer. With folks like George Neugent and Sylvia Murphy in office, he may not get to make his second $10 million this year.” That was printed about Sal Gutierrez. It seems to me a guy that makes 10 million a year could get a cooler crib than Sal’s house which is pictured here.

[Etiquette Lesson For Snowbirds] You don’t get out much, do you?  I’m a local and you just described most of my friends and the locals I see out.

[Islamic Blues]  Ginnah Muhammad, who was suing a rental car company in Michigan, refused to remove her veil (which covered all but her eyes) on the witness stand, and consequently, the judge refused to accept her testimony and dismissed the lawsuit. He said judges must evaluate witnesses' credibility, which the veil prevented.

[Another hint for snowbirds]  You can eat lunch any time.  Some of us who live and work here have our lunch hour from noon to 1:00 p.m.  Stay out of the restaurants during that time.

[Another hint for snowbirds] Don’t drive 25mph on Key Deer Blvd. We know you’re trying to protect the deer, but stop driving below the speed limit to demonstrate your touchy-feeley side. Around here we drive five miles per hour above the speed limit.

[Etiquette lessons] I agree with you, but this goes for everyone not only snowbirds.  A lot of locals need some fine tuning too. (I love NY and NJ  accents.)

This statue currently stands outside the Iraqi palace, now home to the 4th Infantry division. It will eventually be shipped home and put in the memorial museum in Fort Hood, TX. The statue was created by an Iraqi artist named Kalat, who for years was forced by Saddam Hussein to make the many hundreds of bronze busts of Saddam that dotted Baghdad. Kalat was so grateful for the Americans liberation of his country; he melted 3 of the heads of the fallen Saddam and made the statue as a memorial to the American soldiers and their fallen warriors. Kalat worked on this memorial night and day for several months. To the left of the kneeling soldier is a small Iraqi girl giving the soldier comfort as he mourns the loss of his comrade in arms.

[Key Deer and Tourist] After seeing so many tourists feeding Key Deer I finally had to stop and say something. Yep! Out of state tag, fat kid in the front seat feeding the deer, fat wife in the back seat, of course taking pictures. Dumb ass hubby didn't get my suggestion about feeding the deer. As I pulled away, here comes the fat paw out of the window with more burger. What a waste of my time.

[New Rule] If you need to shave and you still collect baseball cards, you're gay. If you're a kid, the cards are keepsakes of your idols. If you're a grown man, they're pictures of men.

[Alert, alert] The Big Pine Coffee Country Club announces that meetings with the owners of Pine Channel RV Park will, unbelievably, commence at the end of this month for final review of purchase contract proceedings. Consequences from acquisition of the park will be the demand of all trailers under the age of 2000, be removed immediately. Pending instantaneous acquisition, riddance of the trailers and belongings will be completed within 15 days. All contracts and agreements, whether written or verbal, will become null and void. Under Florida's 456.123.00 "Poseur" law this swift and facile action will be enjoined. Further promulgation to be announced.

Have a Happy New Year, keep up the good work.

I lost my best friend today, I will miss him terribly. He was my child in a canine’s body.  Tomorrow I will write a eulogy recapping the last 15 years & 7 months together.  I'm feeling kind of a numb.  He went quickly and peacefully thanks to Marathon Vet Hospital who came to our house.  I was not about to let my baby boo suffer, it was time.  Say hi to all of our friends up there Bubba Roo.  I love you more than anything.

Key Deer has the makings of a cool neighborhood bar if they would keep the low life's out.  Stop the outside crowd and the people drinking out of a brown bags.  Maybe set a rule that you have to have more than 3 teeth to enter.  Back when Key Deer first opened it was a good local pub with good food, good drinks, good staff and good patrons.  Let’s bring it back.  Big Pine needs a place for the locals to go and have a drink, watch a ball game and feel safe.

 When I want a cold beer I go to a bar if I want my drugs I will go to my doctor or CVS not Key Deer.  -- DickLarge1@aol.com

The deadline for publishing is 6am

Wednesday January 4, 2007

Wednesday January 3, 2007

A big happy new year from Capt Dan at the Key Deer Bar and Grill. Thank you all for helping me make the Key Deer a neat clean family place. We proved that New Year’s Eve. Thanks to my employees , my entertainers, my suppliers, my advertising folks, etc. They have all helped make my efforts to be create a good, clean establishment come true.

Now, I have leased the property to two fine young men, Clayton and Greg. They are experienced business men and have two great women to back them up. I have been hired to be the day and early evening manager (wow, a real job).  All my employees have been retained  and will continue as usual doing a great job. We will be staying open till 4 AM 7 days a week. Serving food and beverages. A few new employees have been hired to cover the late night shifts.

So stop by and say hi to the new folks, and a big thank you to all for being great friends and good customers . Time marches on.
--captdan38@aol.com

[Monroe County Administrator Mr. Willi] This is from the Florida Keys News / Florida Treasures Blog: “Tom Willi, Monroe County administrator, is under scrutiny because of contracts he has awarded. Willi, who came to the Florida Keys in late 2004 from Davie Florida, has given at least $400,000 in computer contracts to a single company since June and may not have followed county purchasing policies, Monroe Clerk of the Court Danny Kolhage said. Kolhage said he is conducting an audit to determine whether the contracts needed prior approval from the County Commission.

Kolhage asked the Monroe County attorney to review several contracts and invoices from Advanced Data Solutions of Tampa. Financial records show ADS had computer data and software contracts with Davie during Willi’s four years as administrator, and was paid nearly $70,000. The company has not done any work in Davie or received any contracts since Willi left.

The records show ADS received its first two payments about seven months after Willi was appointed on Dec. 20, 2000. The final payment was made on Dec. 10, 2004; about six weeks after Willi left Davie.

Kolhage said he made his decision to conduct an audit solely on contracts he has reviewed in Monroe. Besides his audit, he wants the county attorney to look at discrepancies between bills submitted by ADS and the actual wording of the contract. “We couldn’t figure out the relationship between the invoices we were getting and the work that was supposed to be done, and that’s why I asked the [Monroe] county attorney to take a look,'’ said Kolhage.”

The ongoing saga……

New Rule:  Stop giving me that pop-up ad for classmates.com!   There's a reason you don't talk to people for 25 years.  Because you don't particularly like them!  Besides, I already know what the captain of the football team is doing these days
-- mowing my lawn.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday Iran would not retreat from its right to nuclear technology and that a U.N. resolution imposing sanctions on Iran was ``invalid.''

``The Iranian nation is wise and will stick to its nuclear work and is ready to defend it completely,'' Ahmadinejad said.

Found: Taurus Wheel Cover. 12/31/06 Key Deer Blvd (near Road Prison).  Call 747-2869.

[To the person saying that the liberals are the ones that are trying to make life easy for the Muslim terrorist.] The Republicans’ great idea of turning Iraq into an Islamic law based country is appeasing the enemy at its worst. They hated Saddam so you gave them what they wanted. I love how you guys try and revise facts to fit your wants. And the Cole incident happened less then 3 months before Bush took office--what did he do? We all know Osama waited almost a year into Bush’s term before he attacked America. No wonder you guys were run out of office on a rail.

[Etiquette Lesson For Snowbirds]  Part One.  Please slow down and try not to be so pushy.  Our kids are out of school and playing in the streets where you are speeding.  Sometimes a dog or a cat escapes and is out on the street too.  Remove your baseball cap when entering a building.  Hang up and drive. Take your important cell phone call outside of the restaurant/store.  If you have that wretched New York accent, do everyone a favor and try not to speak; be seen and not heard--silence is golden. Do not chew with your mouth open.  If someone gives you a present, takes you to dinner or helps with a chore, a hand written Thank-You note is called for.  An e-mail is unacceptable.  Tip your servers 20% or stay home.  The deodorant, shampoo and razors are in the bath room for your use before going out in public--every day!  It's also advisable to keep your fingernails trimmed and clean.  To those of you who still smoke, ashtrays are located inside your vehicles and a shot of perfume / cologne would be nice for those of us who have to endure your stench.  Try to smile and wave since kindness is contagious.  Thank you and Happy New Year.

Today is the start of a brand new year with fun and prosperous for all! Don't forget, your Income Taxes are due 15 April 2007, so be prepared! --A friendly message from your local I.R.S. Office!

Apple Computer reported today that it has developed computer chips that can store and play music inside women's breasts.  This is considered to be a major breakthrough because women are always complaining about men staring at their breasts and not listening to them.

Allah tells Muslims to blow themselves up, just make sure other non-believers are around.

Aliens are still in the Avenues and seahorse--illegal aliens!

Happy New Year to all of the hard working W/D employees that help keep food in our homes. Thanks.

[really hoping for the Dunkin’ Donuts] Ah, you have outed yourself as a true Yankee. If you were from the South you would hoped for a Krispy Kreme doughnut shop.

Win $25 of ice cream. Dairy Queen - Win a Gift a Day Promotion

The Sheriff’s web site was down for two days.  You can’t link from here to there if it’s among the missing.  It happens with that site every so often.

Happy New Year to all! I just wanted to say thanks to my friends for "being there", and also wanted to thank the Tiki for a great night, a truly great band. (They don't let met out much. It was my first time actually going to see "Injade") and a gathering of some very special, wonderful

people. I haven't danced in front of a band in a while and it felt good! (It helps when the band can really play!) I had to be at work at O'dark thirty on New Years Day and I was exhausted, but the night's fun and good vibes were worth it. I love living in paradise!

Bright blessings to all.

It looks like John Hammerstrom is a new guest columnist with the Citizen.  I know John well and he has been a whiner in these parts for years.   John is basically the same as me but in a reverse mode, I’m usually on opposite sides of his rants. (Kind of a reverse whiner). John also qualifies as one of the biggest hypocrites south on the Last Chance Saloon.  Mr. Hammerstrom’s mantra is constantly preaching the woes of building in Hammock lots, yet Hammerstrom’s house is snuggled square in the middle of 23 acre pristine Hardwood hammock.  I advised him to be a man and disassemble his home and move it to a less environmentally sensitive lot and let the land revert back to its original Hammock like he wants everybody else to do, but he, being a hypocrite that he is, failed to take my advice. 

John is also one of those people that live here that have grown accustomed to claiming that empty lot next door to them or the one across the street and silently claps when the county and state slowly takes all the rights of their owners away from them. John also fails to understand that there will come a day when all those “I got Miners’” taxes will go up so much that effectively they will have purchased those lots for real big bucks.

I’m sure everybody down here has seen their taxes escalate substantially in the last two or three years and I believe these increases are just the tip of a very large iceberg.  Just wait till that lawsuit James Mattson and Andy Tobin just filed on the Tier system comes to and end.  Some estimate buying those parcels in Big Pine and No name alone will exceed 400 million dollars.  John, you will be so broke from paying taxes the only food and drink you will be able to afford will be peanut butter and jelly sandwiches followed by a six pack of Old Milwaukee beer. You will have to park your Toyota Prius and take the JTL (bus) to work.

And John if you don’t believe me maybe you can ask your buddy Sloan Bashinsky to see if God tells him something about the situation we are all in from one of his dreams.  I hear he’s batting 100 percent on them, but what I really think is Sloan might have found a bail of that good stuff.  --Govwatch05@netscape.com

[Alien Hieroglyphics] I agree with the person yesterday who speculated that space aliens have taken over the Avenues. It is looking a lot like Roswell, New Mexico back there. I was also concerned that aliens may be starting an infestation of Port Pine Heights, breeding with the locals and experimenting on Key deer. I will be looking forward to Vinny and Vito looking into this expanding occupation; and while they are at it, maybe they can open an Italian restaurant on Big Pine Key.

You’re not the only one that has a thief in the neighborhood.  We had $3500 worth of fishing gear stolen from our yard, as well, last night in Big Pine.  They took 10 brand new rods and reels, 6 TLDs on brand new rods with yellow line and some new spinner rods and reels.  So if anyone tries to sell these to you call Tow Boat US Big Pine. We also would like to have our stuff back. 

Here’s what to do if the Christmas truck drives by your house and you love it and want to help. He randomly drives everywhere. Have a plate of cookies and gas money ready. Also he does have 2 kids that he raises alone, have something for them. They are one boy and one girl over 7 and under 12. We all donate to places where we never see the kids, this time you can hand them a gift yourself. Imagine if your childhood memories were that your dad that raised you alone was the Christmas truck guy every year? Merry Christmas.

I read that they were to build a 30' bridge at the C-111 canal (MM116).  If they plan to plug the canal, why would we need a 30' bridge?

Hey, Perry, you were the one on that job and you were the one that was supposed to put the new pad down. We had to pay someone else to finish and do your job! See you in Monroe county court. -- carpetclassic@bellsouth.net

To the folks opening the xxx video store. Do you have the new Screech video?

Is James Brown still dead? They haven’t raised the flags back up yet.

Nope, I haven't hugged anyone from NJ. I can't get my arms around them.

Our boat was towing another boat last week.  Four boats passed us and only one boat slowed down.  One boat passed us on the bow at a good clip, made the boat we were towing break the cleat.  One of the boats that breezed on by was Law Enforcement.  Is this legal? 

[Ah, there's always Marylyn!] That happens to be Jane Mansfield!

Has anybody heard any more about the band name Reach? I heard that they were not going to be at the Key Deer because one of the band members was sick or something. Please let us know. I thought they were pretty good when they were at Boondocks. I hope to hear something.

How do I get one of those killer bumper stickers: 90% of all crime…?

I’ve got about twenty-five of these left.  If anyone wants one, please send a self-addressed stamped envelop (with 2 stamps on it) to C.O. Jones Jr. L.L.C, 125 Harbor Dr., Key Largo Florida, 33037.  You must live in the Florida Keys and promise to display it on your car.

Deer Hearts who cry that the Democrats have short memories. I lived in the good old US of A almost 50 years and nothing good happened under democratic administrations. The democrats of the later twentieth century are akin to communists. Gerald Ford, may he rest in peace, declared that he did not believe that the Soviet Union oppressed the countries of Eastern Europe. How and who informed this man? Under democrats the US always lost prestige and face. Jimmy Carter, Slick Willie Clinton in the recent past, and who would you have run in 2008? Hillary Billary Clinton? Great, and for #2 carpet munching Janet Reno.  I can just imagine that cabinet with Ms. Feinstein as Sec. of State. Or how about that 24 karat liar John Kerry his vice president would have to be Pinocchio. How about good old Chappaquiddick Teddy Kennedy? Good God what a line up! These people, if not reds, they are Pinkos. Please God, deliver America from Evil! If you would care to read into Lenin’s 1917 manifesto some of it has happened in the US under democratic administrations. That illustrious senator Howard Metzenbaum was a lawyer for the communist party--this is in FBI records. Going with the democrats is like a man sitting on a limb and sawing away, you wake up if the fall won't break your neck!

Sloan's book Heavy Wait has just been surpassed by Sonny McCoy's new documentary book.  It will be interesting to see where sonny whet wrong. --Govwatch05@netscape.com

[Ah, there's always Marylyn] Nice sentiment, but wrong picture. That is Jayne Mansfield taken at the 1957 academy awards. I hope that you haven't been lusting after Jayne all these years thinking it was Marylyn!

The deadline for publishing is 6am

Wednesday January 3, 2007

New Year's Eve 2006

Man, I can not believe the hate that is spouted from you Big Piner Whiners. How can you compare Jesse Jackson to Saddam Hussein? I'm no fan of Jackson, but what has he ever done to warrant lynching? Do you really have that much hate in your heart?  And I'd wager the person who wrote that ignorant comment is a good "God fearing Christian" too.   And the comment about the Grand Key Resort was not funny either. Another "God fearing Christian heard from. Lord, save me from your followers. What the hell is wrong with you people? All I ever read on here is bashing. Whether it's Jews, Blacks, people from New York or New Jersey, fat people, skinny people. Jesus Christ, you people need to get a grip. But then I guess bigotry is alive and well on Big Pine Key. As that wonderful Journalist Linda Elerbee used to say when she signed off on the old NBC news program Overnight, "And so it goes".

People are flabbergasted by the human voice. When was the last time you listened to a CD of popular instrumental music? There isn’t any! The only instrumental music that you want to listen to is classical and that’s no fun when you’re partying. The human voice makes it interesting. There is no other sound more beautiful and stirring.

The best thing about tourist season is that whenever you go out you meet cool new people you can deliver your own particular line of BS to.

Kudos to Skeeter’s Marine for their holiday light tree. It’s imaginative and very nice to look at. I think this is the first year they put on a Christmas display.

Tonight Capt Dan’s Key Deer: The Terry Cassidy Show with Ron Baumann
Open party at the Big Pine Property Owners Building. Bulletin Board
Injade at the Tiki injade.com

Start your year off with fabulous savings at Little Palm Island's gift shop clearance sale. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m .until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 20th, in the resort's parking lot, mile marker 28.5 Oceanside on Little Torch Key rain, shine or snow. See you there!

This is for the people who resent the presence of dogs at places they feel is not appropriate for a dog. The dog just might be looking for his or her master. Be patient, be kind.

The Big Pine Key post office is one of the most efficient and polite post offices I have been in.  If you think that this post office is bad go to Marathon main post office and check out the attitudes.  Walk at a snails pace, no smiles or positive “hello” greetings. It takes hours, sometimes days, for them to walk to the back to find your package to be picked up.  They expanded the post office so you didn't have to stand in line to buy stamps.  There is never anyone at the counter to purchase just stamps.  (They say they are short staffed)  You used to be able to go in at 7 and check your PO box. If you had a yellow slip you could knock on the door and one of the early bird mail sorters would greet you and get your package for you.  Knowing that you where on the way to work and probably needed the important package for your job.  The Shores post office has two people working and can get more done in one hour then the main post office does.  The post master at the main post office never comes out of the office and checks on how things are going--Not their job. Be proud of our little post office.  Good job and thanks for being there during the holidays!

Saddam is longer, he stretched when the rope got tight.

The ATT that just merged with Bellsouth was not the old ATT that the government forced to break up.  That original ATT went out of business.  One of their regional spin-offs, Southwester Bell grew up, bought them out a couple of years ago lock, stock and barrel. At that time the original ATT legally ceased to exist. The regional took the ATT name (along the lines of NationsBank taking Bank of America’s name or First Union buying out Wachovia and likewise taking their name to replace their own). 

Also interesting, Cingular was half owned by Bellsouth and the original ATT.  The regional got that half share of Cingular when they did away with the original ATT.  The merger with Bellsouth puts both halves of Cingular together with only one owner. And there are still several large pieces of the regional spin-offs from the original ATT still in business, primarily out west – all the pieces have not been put back together.  Confused enough?  My head hurts and that’s not supposed to happen before Monday.

The Key Deer Bar and Grill will have music live New Year’s Eve with Steve Roberts from the Georgia Blue Hill mountains, singing down home country from 5 p.m. till 8p.m.  Then it's the Terry Cassidy Show from 8 p.m. till after midnight.  Terry will be playing banjo, guitar and foot bass singing country, blue grass, sea grass and folk songs and stories about the Keys. Ron Baumann will accompany Terry on his red hot harps. It's a family show with plenty of food available. I'm going, so see you at the Key Deer on Big Pine Key tonight.

Has anyone else noticed that the post offices on Summerland and Big Pine are getting rather unpleasant and downright dangerous to visit this time of year?  It is bad enough that many of our obese northern visitors all try to park in the fire lane or the handicapped area in order to save themselves a few steps, but inside the building they are like feral animals-making no eye contact with anyone (standard safety practice in northern cities) and bowling people over to get to their PO boxes. I think it would be a good idea to issue postal workers tranquilizer guns and cattle prods to keep these migrating herds under some semblance of control. And don't get me started on the insanity at the Winn Dixie...

I guess it is that time of year again. Folks on my block have started seeing strange lights in the sky, and my neighbor's fat wife again claims she was at the business end of an anal probe. She also claims they impregnated her and will steal the baby when the time comes. Since this woman looks like an uglier version of Rosie O'Donnell, I can only conclude that aliens are blind as bats.

Rumors and more rumors.  First we heard that Wendy’s was moving into the former Edie’s Hallmark shop.  Then it was Dunkin Donuts, now we hear it will be Radio Shack.  Where is the outrage about the horrible “chain stores” destroying our little slice of heaven.  Radio Shack is most certainly a “chain” yet we haven’t heard a peep out of the Citizens Against Virtually Everything crowd. 

Wendy’s.  Perish the thought.  All those nasty burgers and greasy fries clogging old arteries.  And Dunkin Donuts.  Horrors.  The cholesterol and calories.  Frightening.  Aah, but a Radio Shack where they have hearing aid batteries?  Yep, we can go with that!

Ignorance is rampant in these postings.  Talking about who should get child support and who shouldn't? The child born in wedlock is the only child that should be privy?  More than half of the Piners not only have illegitimate children (even if they marry afterward) and were probably illegitimate themselves, if the truth be known.  These kids aren't stealing anything nor should they be called slugs, they are helpless children.

Why is everyone from New York or New Jersey bad? Isn’t everyone from somewhere else? Let's get along everybody; there's enough fighting in the world!

The Doubletree is a nice hotel. It’s a shame what happened. I don’t think the Nazi comment was nice either; their families wouldn’t either!

Kyle Blvd. What's with all the commercial equipment parked on the right of way? Let's keep our street looking good.

[Least Competent Criminals] The man who stole the safe from a Runza restaurant in Omaha, Neb, in October was forced to abandon it in the middle of a street when he realized his getaway plan (dragging it through town from the back of his car) attracted attention that he had somehow not anticipated. (He fled empty-handed.)

Barney Cam 2006 (WM) and a Happy New Year!!

The tragedy at the Doubletree Resort is made even worse for the lowly employees who’ve waited all year for the tourist season so they can get tips and get out of debt. Now they are all unemployed until the spring when the hotel is supposed to reopen. (I know I won’t be staying on the fourth floor).

I kept seeing Marlo and the girls get their stuff from some guy with a pit-bull tattoo on his arm.  Is she still working at Boondocks?  They must have a strong liqueur license she has been selling for years without getting fired.  I won't be bringing my daughters in their anymore as things couldn't be anymore obvious.  I heard that the guy she is with is on the run.  Does anyone know his name?  When will the pretty girls around here shape up and know there are good guys like me out there.  Does anyone know this losers name?  --Suziekwfl@aol.com

[Displaying the American Flag]  No matter who is in power I will always fly my flag proudly. I doubt very much, that you are a former naval officer and if you are shame on you for your comments.

The person that stated that "George Bush has sucked Al Qaeda into the war" in Iraq has to be a republican. Who else could be so stupid that they didn’t know it was Al Qaeda that attacked America first on 9/11 with the Taliban. Who got pulled into it? Bush republicans are so far out of touch with reality that they are forced to revisit history and bringing up Clinton to try and gain credibility. No wonder Americans joined together and fired the Republican  whackos. 

As for the silly belief some folks have that if we leave they will follow us back here. I hope you’ve noticed the Vietnamese and Communists didn’t follow us back like you said they would at that time; now, did they?

[A lot more bleach in the gene pool] Thirsty man sells beagle to buy beer. (Dec 29, Berlin) A thirsty German sold his 6-year-old step-daughter's pet beagle to the owner of a bar to pay for beer. The unemployed man offered to take the dog for a walk and then stopped at a bar where he convinced the owner to buy the 3-year-old dog for 40 euros ($53).

A few days ago, I started receiving Salvador Gutierrez Jr.'s political stingers .  . . Sloan's Space

[Dems one politico dying or retiring from losing the senate]  Never fear.  One republican corruption or pedophile charge and we'd have it right back again.

So if President Ford was the accidental President does that make Monroe County Mayor DiGenarro the accidental County Commissioner?

[Two long lost friends start the New Year right] I’m sorry I missed your earlier responses. I hereby apologize for my "karma" crack.  I now strongly suspect that one of your fully automatic Minoltas was given to you by a mutual friend of ours. If it came without a case that would be proof enough for me, but it is no longer important, if it ever was.

Are you in touch with old "crack of noon" Womak himself?  I miss the old Big Pine (not to mention my youth), it is good to hear almost forgotten names. Best wishes back at you.

[Response] I hereby accept your apology, your name sounds familiar. For the life of me I can't put a face to it. As a matter of fact, the last SLR I had didn't have a case and I traded it for some blow. It was on my desk the last time I saw it, then the Marshalls took me away. You must have been away from Big Pine for awhile. No I'm not in touch with Womak.  He escaped to Tenn. thought that I will rat on him. Joe Britz brought me up to speed on what's happening on the Pine. The Toad, Rockett, Capt Eddie, Rob French, Fat Jack are all dead. Booze and Drugs did them all. From what I'm told old Buzzy is not far behind. A mess of people are in prison, some are on the run. Signal me back if you feel like it, be glad to hear from you! Have a very Happy and Safe New Year.

In reference to the poorly written iguana signs on the DOT signs. Top 10 ways to legally annihilate iguanas: 1. Potato gun 2. Dart gun 3. Pellet gun 4. Spear gun 5. Tie them to a tree and throw rocks at them 6. Hang them 7. Stick them in a freezer 8. Catch them in a cage and throw the cage in the water 9. Douse them in hair spray then set them on fire 10. Get a Cow Palace chick to sit on an iguana and smother it to death.

Viva la Marathon/Blue Hole alligator kids.

To the poster from New Jersey,  Gesundheit!

The deadline for publishing is 6am

Sunday December 31, 2006

Saturday December 30, 2006

I was one of the people who wrote saying the Chart Room smelled of rancid peanuts. I’ll further ad that it’s dirty and disgusting and filled with losers who sit around talking about the old days for the pleasure of the tourist staying at the hotel. You assume that because I criticize an institution that I’m not a local. I am a local of more than thirty years and was a regular at the Chart Room in the days of Dr Bill drinking and Jerry Pannessi tending bar. I drank there until they stopped cleaning it some years ago. This isn’t the flag we’re talking about here; it’s a smelly, dirty loser bar for the amusement of people stuck in the past.

Now I’m really curious. How did Mark Picklap die? I want o know. He was a member of our community and maybe we all can learn from his passing.

[Getting last paycheck] Take them to small claims court in Key West. You’d be surprised how easy it is. It’s cheap and you usually win. Quit complaining and do something about it now that you know how.

I get a kick out of the submissions that alternately accuse George Neugent of being an environmentalist pawn and then a developer’s pawn. Maybe George is no ones pawn and calls them like he sees them, and it averages out to be the right thing for the community.

Stay at the Auschwitz Doubletree Grand Hotel--it’s a gas.

[I wonder what they’ll name the style of popular music from the 90s and 20s]  Most likely “Garbage”

I know where that old fridge came from that was dumped on Key Deer Blvd. and it has nothing to do with Wilma. 

I saw this on a bumper sticker: W.W.S.D? What Would Scooby Doo?

[Illegal housing behind flea market] No sewer just dumping on ground. Palomino Road is starting to stink. Crime is on the rise. No wonder it’s because there’s no code enforcement. Look behind Habitat for Humanity trailers’ jacks are very unsafe. They are a junk yard. True Art Bakery signs on DOT US1 and along Quail Roost Trail.  There is an illegal trailer being lived in along side the True Art Bakery.  Where is the code enforcement?  Big Pine is becoming a dump and crime is on the rise.

[AT&T closes BellSouth deal after FCC OK] It took AT & T twenty years after their forced breakup to buy back all the pieces so they’re now just where they were positioned before the breakup. No one benefited.

[Don't they celebrate Hanukkah in Jersey]  Sure they do.  And they also celebrate Obnoxouskah, Nastykah, Rudekah, Offensivekah, Beligerantkah and Cheapkah.  They don’t discriminate.

The Dunkin Donut project has been canceled, here's what you are getting instead.

If prostitution was legal we wouldn’t have to pay these exorbitant prices. For about the same price, I usually fly to another country and make a weekend out of it.

They are set to hang Saddam Hussein tonight.  Can we get two for the price of one and lynch Jessie Jackson at the same time?  At least Saddam had a job.

[Just because your head fits so easily up your butt doesn't mean it would work for everyone]  Oh, my!  That's one of the best comeback rips I've read in a long time!  I realize it was a personal jab in a verbal jousting match, but I'm going to have to file that one for future reference.  I can think of a few zillion appropriate instances for use, unfortunately most of them are in the past.

[Radio Shack on BPK] Why? What will they sell besides batteries and iPod accessories?

[Artificially high real estate prices of waterfront property] Hello! The prices aren't artificial if people are paying them.

Enjoying the snow in Colorado.

For great music this new year’s check out Rocking Jake from New Orleans at the Green Parrot.

I have also used the services of a Czech Escort- what a great deal. Chef on South Park summed my experience up nicely in this little song (sung to the tune of "Your Smiling Face" by James Taylor):

The Prostitute Song
"A prostitute is someone who will love you/No matter who you are or what you look like /But that's not why you pay the prostitute. No, you don't pay her to stay/You pay her to leave afterwards/That's why I praise the Lord for prostitutes! A prostitute is like any other woman/They all trade something for sex, and they do it well..."

You freakish liberals; do realize you’re one politico dying or retiring from losing the senate? Iraq is the battleground Bush chose to suck Al Qaeda in to fight. I really prefer the battles to be there than on American streets. You just do not get it even after all the shit that was blown up during Clinton’s appeasement presidency?

Check out Injade's website where you can hear some of the music from their upcoming CD. http://www.injade.com/music.html

[wish they’d make a detachable monitor for my laptop] You might want to just get a wireless keyboard and mouse (I recommend the Microsoft Elite for $90) and then you can just close down the lid and use the big monitor.  What is even better is to use both monitors at the same time.  You will probably find if you plug in the second monitor and go to Display->Properties->Settings you can click on the second monitor icon and then check the "Extend my Windows desktop to this monitor" button.  You get twice the desktop real estate for your money!  If you do presentations with a projector it's even nicer because you can put the presentation on monitor #2 and all of your embarrassing desktop icons aren't projected on the screen for everyone in the room to see.

Mark (Picklap), we will miss you this summer at Picnic Island and promise to raise a toast in your name. 

I think Rob's was ratted for giving two for one Yuenglings during happy hour and then forgetting to pick up the tokens, thus creating three for ones.

Every living thing dies, period! I have friends and family that have and are dying of cancer or some other disease or malady they’re not responsible for. Please don't ask anyone to not ask why the junkie or alkie died. Just say it was pneumonia.

Goggles :: The Google Maps flight sim

Sadam Hussein is on the way to Heavenly Paradise and he thinks that he will be awaited by 75 virgins. Boy, will he be surprised, 75 Virginians are waiting for him (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and their likes). If he thought that hanging was bad, it can't even be compared to what he will get from those guys. Good thought!

Now for those of you who knock the US for being in Iraq and say it's all about oil. You all should know that the US Government is not in the oil business. It is in the business that oil flows freely. Your sons and daughters are not in Iraq to rob oil for the US. They are there so that you back home can go and fill up your RV's, vans, and convertibles with the least expensive gas in the free world. Here in Hungary I pay $1.25 for a Liter of gasoline; it takes a little more than four liters to make a Gallon. Deer hearts, that’s over $5.00 a Gallon. So you Whiners, you are doing a dis-service to your country and those in uniform when you make those gray statements.

Here, some people ask me, "Who elected the US to be the policemen of the world?" I say no one, the US picked up the baton when no one wanted to. Who else would take a stand against the Kaddafi’s, Hussein's or that North Korean ass hole? The pansy French?  The yellow Spanish or your Britt cousins? Not a chance. Teddy R. said "Walk softly, but carry a big stick!" and no one messed with the US.

After the midnight parties sleep well Deer Hearts, the US has the big stick, thank God! If you read this, thank your teacher. If you read it in English, thank a Veteran.

Illegitimate children were not the intended recipient of child support and benefits which were earmarked for the child born in wedlock. To steal such a windfall for slugs is a crying shame.

[to the Jewish person that doesn’t like Christmas lights] She should go back to were she came from. New York or New Jersey and mind her own business. If I was selling houses I would not do business with her at all.

This former naval officer and Vietnam veteran hasn't displayed the flag for seven years now for fear that someone might think that I'm a Bushie.   Although I admit this would not be as embarrassing as having a W '04 sticker in my car window.

The deadline for publishing is 6am

Saturday December 30, 2006

Friday December 29, 2006

[From time to time Tom Willi the Monroe County Administrator will be responding to some of the concerns that our readers have. Let's begin.]  Let me be the first to say that I believe Mr. Willi to be one of the most corrupt people in Monroe County government.  He came to Monroe County trailing with him a whiff of financial scandal from Davie.  His first arrogant act to come to light was to try to obtain overtime pay for time spent at the county EOC during a storm.  He knew full well that overtime pay was not included in his already overpaid, sweetheart deal contract, yet he belligerently demanded the money.  Only the astute County Clerk and citizen outrage stopped his money grubbing try.  He did not collect. 

He has continued to make back room wheeling and dealing decisions with the taxpayer’s money including approving the purchase of the Hickory House property and approving the misuse of County monies for the Vandenberg nonsense.  Most recently he misrepresented figures to the Governor in relation to the evacuation time for storm emergency.  Of course, like all slippery politicians, he has a denial and a slimy explanation for his blatant lies.  It is interesting to note that he will be commenting on various issues on this site.  I give him about as much credibility as Sloan’s Space and I’m sure that we will be treated to even more spin and political rhetoric from an individual who has already shown himself to be less than trustworthy.  --chartrac@bellsouth.net

I have been reading the postings about the real estate building and the lights for Christmas and nothing for Chanukah and the people harassing the person who wants all holidays recognized.  Shame on all three parties.  Shame on any place of business relying on the public to honor one religious holiday and not the other.  Shame on the person writing in chastising them for displaying their religious preferences and the biggest shame on the people chastising the person who wants to see their religious preferences observed.  This is the Keys.  One human family.  Let everyone have their freedom of religion in what ever way they want to have it.

Yesterday’s writer called us cowards for not staying the course in Iraq to fight terrorism. I’m insulted and would like to know how will staying in Iraq fight terrorism or protect America? I don’t think a lot of Americans understand that this war is not about terror. It’s about oil and misguided Presidential policy.

Kudos to the Rotary Club for all the fine decorations along our roads.

The hand of the County moves in mysterious ways. Think how long it took them to finish the parking at the ball field and then try to imagine them fixing a five mile long Key Deer Blvd.

If I had a restaurant in Key West I’d call it Jimmy Buffet and serve a great buffet.

I wish they’d make a detachable monitor for my laptop so when I connect to a larger monitor the smaller one wouldn’t be in the way.

Let's see, now.  Using some figures from the Citizen 6000 homes could be hooked up to the sewer system for the money the government is going to blow on that nearly useless bridge.

[Christmas truck] Hey Mike, How about a trip through Eden Pines one more time before you put your lights away!

Great news! I just saved a bunch on my car insurance. I just kept driving; besides I'm pretty sure the other guy was in the wrong. He was jaywalking.

[Who’s playing New Year’s Eve?] The fun starts at 8:00 PM (Sunday, December 31) with the Mile Marker 24 Big Band and it is all going to happen at the Sugarloaf KOA resort at mile marker 20. The evening is free and open to the public. Also, food will be available and the champagne is free! We are going to have a limbo contest, door prizes and tons of fun! And as always we will crank up the old Johnson outboard motor margarita maker and make a batch just for you. What could be better, free champagne and free margaritas? We hope you can join us!

Howard Livingston of Mile Marker 24 will be live on US1 Radio this  morning (Friday December 29) at 10:00 AM. You can listen worldwide at www.us1radio.com

Why is the person that wrote about 9/11 saying we will be in trouble if we pull out of Iraq?  Iraq wasn’t responsible for 9/11.  It was done by the Taliban in Afghanistan and they have been destroyed, removed from power and are on the run. 

Iraq was the largest military blunder in American history.  Republicans would attack Ireland if we were attacked by the Chinese.  America has had enough with the foolishness and spoke out in the last election.  Sanity is returning to America and its going to take a decade to fix the republican administration’s damage to the home of the free.  But we will pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and become the voice of reason again in the world now that the Buffoons have been fired.

Dixie and Mario updates. Who among us, who lived elsewhere and then came to call the Keys home, doesn't have an interesting background?...Sloan's Space

Why do you get the handicapped VIP front-door parking when you are not even handicapped? Many people with these cards take long walks, do extensive gardening, go to exercise class, can leap tall buildings, lift heavy things and spend hours upon hours in the kitchen cooking and eating.  They are not handicapped - they're fakers.  Since many of you are so healthy, why not let the real handicapped people / elderly park in the front?  My friend is blind and the seeing eye dog does not wear any kind of bogus "Vest" either at work or around town. 

Eden Pines Home Owners Association now has a website. All the best to our neighbors in 2007! http://www.edenpinesowners.com/1.html

I had one of those Key Lime Pies on a stick also and have to agree that it was one of the best desserts I’ve ever eaten. It was a bit pricy, but worth it. I especially liked the thick chocolate covering.

I have a lot to say. No1. Kudos to Mike and his Christmas truck with the American flag.  I’m proud you and your family are in this community. No 2. Caldwell Banker  Christmas display is beautiful and tastefully done, however Century 21’s display  is an eyesore.  Why not keep the tradition that the McSorley family had? There Christmas display was a welcome sight coming into Big Pine at night; you knew the Holidays had begun. No 3. Now Showing Video made the same mistake  with there Christmas décor;  Pete and Toni always had such a beautiful Christmas window. What happened this year? No 4.  To the Jewish person in Cudjoe: perhaps you should talk to some of the Jewish business owners as to why they are not displaying the Chanukah candles. Happy New Year to all.

[illegal housing behind the flea market on Palomino] If they start calling them "settlements" the people there can probably stay. Hey, it works in Israel. 

Moose must be at the Tiki tonight, all the single girls have "diversion dates".

Jim Fisher was one of the good guys.  Like the Fishers, we moved from Eden Pines to a little farther north.  We're unable to attend the memorial, so would someone please give our regards to Ann?  Thanks.  Pati and Carl Day

I want to wish a happy and prosperous new year to everyone! The most wonderful thing happened today. I got a package from my daughter Tami, it was my Christmas present that didn't arrive in time. Better late than never, I say.

There was all the things in the package that I can't get here in Hungary. Peanut butter, Corned beef hash, corn bread mix, KC Masterpiece barbeque sauce and many other unobtainable items. It was a big box and to fill it so that the other stuff didn't slide around, there were these hermetically sealed plastic bags to take up the empty space. To me these were the most precious gifts of all, and you can't buy it here for love or money: American Free Air inside those bags, and I will keep them forever. May the Good Lord Bless and keep you and yours safe in the New Year!

Just because your head fits so easily up your butt doesn't mean it would work for everyone. I must have missed your attempt to respond to my insinuation (not accusation) in the whiner's forum and I have certainly received no e-mails from you. I remember more good things than bad in our relationship and prefer to keep it that way.  I am very impressed with your writing, keep it up.
--c4nick8@yahoo.com

All you redneck ex-military always get your shorts in a bunch whenever anyone mentions the flag. I re-read the posting in question and saw it as a suggestion based on advertising practices (Which I disagree with as I like the flag on the truck.) My point is that merely talking about the flag always gets you old farts in a tizzy. I used to wear the flag as a cape with my Superfreak outfit in the 70s. (Boy, did that get the rednecks going?) I’m no less patriotic than anyone else. And yes, I served in the Army.

I say we vote on the next snowbird/tourist state to bash after the recent New Jersey bashings (P.S. don’t leave Canada out).

If you overheard at the hardware store that the Big Pine Publix deal is still on, it must be true.

Parrotdise should offer a Little Pecker size wine. Not everyone is a big connoisseur.

Dear Ed, we do need entertainment info on the local music scene. All we need is info on Key Deer, Coconuts, Tiki hut, Boondocks and Parrotdise.

Does anyone know how to go about getting your last paycheck from a company that you no longer work for?  Harbour Point Marine will not pay me my last check.  They are not answering when I call, or when any of the customers, whose boats I have worked on because they are calling me.  Has anyone else had any problems with them? -- kimchris3@aol.com

I left a post in the situation wanted section I am attempting to open a full service auto repair center in Big Pine. Does anyone know of any bays for lease there? We are a family owned company with state of the art equipment and 20 plus years knowledge to use it. I have been speaking with someone there and it seems there is a need for an honest repair shop as well as a place that can keep you from having to go to Miami for service. We had a shop in West Palm and lost it due to Wilma damage. We are moving to Ramrod next week and would love to find a shop as well. Thanks and have a happy new year. allen_s2@msn.com 561-633-3850 Allen Swift

Artificially high real estate prices of waterfront property (any property in Florida within one mile of ocean) will ensure the Keys will never be like they used to be.

[crime is on the rise in the lower Keys] 20 years ago we took care of "problems" without the cops!

[Flag on Christmas truck] Amen brother. I think it's a damn shame that anyone in this country has to justify flying an American flag. I have one flying in front of my house, and one on my truck; in honor of those young men and women (including my son) who have chosen to serve their country. 

You folks live in a near paradise and find time to harp about a BPK Christmas landmark? Mike, I'll gladly buy you a couple more flags for the orange truck, just fly them. After 33 years in the Army I think that I have the right to do that. Mike, thanks for helping me get my motorcycle tied down on that rack, it made it home safely. One more summer of the Miracle Gro diet and it will become a real Harley.

What was Rob’s Grill ratted out about?

I have used the services of a Czech Escort. Damn was she good looking, really great in bed, friendly and very, very expensive. But worth it you’ve got the bucks to spare.

Mark Picklap passed away last Wednesday night. Enough said. People close to this young man know how it happened. Markie-mark, will be missed by many folks, but friendship is ever-lasting, even for the "old dude" he worked with for so many years. Don't be worried why or how he died, just remember how great a person he was and will always be, thanks for the friendship.

I’d much rather have a Dunkin Donuts than a Radio Shack.

I am a 50 yr old parent of a 23 year old son.  I have an idea to open my time and space, if need be, in my home to dedicate to the younger population of Big Pine.  Let's not let one more potential former leader of this community pass us by.  Would any of you younger people be interested in letting your friend's passing help you to understand that he could be you and just maybe now is the time to unite and help one another prevent the sadness you felt today at the Dean Lopez funeral home?  Respond and I will give you my e-mail.  Let's honor your friend by improving your lives one by one, any way we can.  Peace and love brothers and sisters.

[“The Chart Room (Pier House) is a dump]  The Chart Room has been a local Key West hangout for years.  The “locals” like it like it is.  We “locals” don’t try to change your neighborhood Jersey tavern with the women with hairy legs and arm pits with garlic breath.  If you don’t care for the aroma of stale peanuts and spilled beer stay at home and enjoy your orange Kool-aid. 

Oh, yea, Dunkin Donuts is coming to Big Pine! Anybody want to bet on that one?

The deadline for publishing is 6am

Friday December 29, 2006

Thursday December 28, 2006

I would like to thank People like John Hammerstrom, Kay Thatcher, Barry Paterson and Ron Miller who have been at the forefront and campaigned tirelessly to elect folks like Sylvia Murphy and George Neugent.

They have made sure that the developers don’t destroy these Keys. Further they keep the commissioners in check, just ask our selected and not elected Mayor and his yes woman, Dixie S.

The newspapers are starting to report on there antics from rudeness to incompetence.

Have you noticed that crime is on the rise in the lower Keys? How about the cops looking in the mangroves and in the illegal housing way behind the flea market on Palomino; and chase these people out? Maybe it will return to the way it was 20 years ago.

I loved your Christmas page. I'm in central Florida for the holidays and it's pretty chilly. Plus we have tornados. Be back soon.

The Doubletree Resort in KW had a person die and others sent to the hospital from carbon monoxide gas, they think.

Gerald Ford was our best president ever.

The Chart Room (Pier House) is a dump. Maybe if you locals fixed it they might make money.

Let's add the blue Nissan pick up truck to the 50 mph club on Key Deer Blvd.

I thought it was really great that flags are being flown at half-mast in order to honor James Brown.

Trailers at the flea market got broken into and a lot of stuff stolen. ‘Tis the season for burglaries. Lock your doors and be extra watchful until the season is over. More thieves seem to come here when the weather turns lousy up north.

Somebody told me there were a lot of Czech hookers in Key West. I have been considering looking into this in order to secure a date for New Year's Eve.  Has anyone seen any of these women? If so, then please describe what they look like. I keep picturing a bunch of fat old ladies in dumpy dresses with do-rags (or whatever they call them) working in a potato field. My neighbor's wife looks like that and I don't need to see anymore of that nonsense.

How did a young man of 25, Mark Picklap die?

Real estate agency Xmas lights/ no Chanukah decorations: You won't do business with them over Xmas decorations? Get real!

Regarding real estate office Christmas lights: Most of us believe in Christmas, you know, the day Christ was born! I love the lights and the more the merrier. Bah, humbug to you in Cudjoe.

Classic Carpet got caught trying to put it to Marriott (Key West). It seems they forgot (yea, right) to put down new padding as was part of the contract. So, Keith how much did that coast you? A lot more then the $200 you owe me. (It seems Keith likes to write bad checks and not make good on them). See you in court in Brevard County, little man.   --dfowler21@cfl.rr.com

But the dull version gets better mileage.

The old appliance dumped on Key Deer Blvd had to be from a winter home owner who is too damn cheap to come down after Wilma to clean up his mess.

I live in my own world, but that's OK, they like me there.

[It’s better to advertise one holiday or event at a time for more impact] First of all I’d like to say that the last time I checked this is the United Sates of America and a flag is always a welcome site for any holiday and lets our troops know that we are thinking about them during Christmas. A couple of people took pictures of the truck in Key West to send to their son in Iraq.

Second, not that it’s any of your concern, but the flag on the back of my truck was given to me by a couple of army guys at Home Depot in Marathon. As me and my son walked by them in the parking lot my son asked, "Are we going to put a flag on the truck, dad?" They overheard my son and walked over to him and asked if he wanted the flag for the truck and he said, "Yep, sure do." Anyone who knows Mikey Jr will understand that one; so we put it on the truck and after talking to the guys I found out that they are shipping out to Iraq in Feb. and are down visiting their grandmother on Grassy Key and went to Home Depot to buy her a flag to fly at her home.

I will fly a flag at Christmas, Thanksgiving, Sept 11, Flag Day and any other holiday just because I’m an American and damn proud of it.