Friday June 30, 2006

It has come to pass. The US Fish and Wildlife has been clearing and disturbing critical endangered species habitat in some of the most environmentally sensitive areas in the National Key Deer Refuge today. What you or I would be arrested and eventually fined for doing, they are doing with not the slightest concern. Did they get their taking permit?  The fire break was cleared behind Coconut Palm Ave. from Key Deer Blvd. in Eden Palms. The machine used was similar to a bobcat, but on heavy tracks with a front end that rips up native vegetation. It creates a lot of debris, but it is too small to clear the giant Brazilian pepper that  the refuge has allowed to grow on their property. Some Brazilian pepper have recently been poisoned with Garlon IV and these dead trees have been  left in place. There are also some live Brazilian pepper left unmolested.  The dead trees are a fire hazard.  The most outrageous and senseless destruction is behind Blue Hole.  At the old fire trail that runs west off the end of Higgs Lane.  The native vegetation on the sides of the trail has been mangled and ripped up . It gets worse as you approach Watson's Hammock.  Although most all the pine trees, including many old giants are dead as the result of Hurricane Wilma's surge, the surviving poison wood, stoppers, and pigeon plum along the trail have been destroyed  or mangled. This is more than a quarter mile from the nearest house,  so they can't pretend they were protecting anything.  The manager was quoted in the Keynoter as saying, "we are taking  residents concerns seriously". She went for a boat ride with three other USFWS employees today and was not reachable.

Captain Dan, I was curious about the fellow who plays music at the Key Deer on Sundays.  When did he pass on?

[Educator]  I wasn't fired.  I quit in good conscience.  I have two children of my own, but thank you for your advice on how to cure my ego.  Something tells me you crack yourself up with your biting wit.  Your simplistic views of education tell me that you may never have been a teacher in this state.  I'm not really inclined to dignify anything else you have to say, but by all means, carry on if it does something for you. 

[Conservative internet comments anyone can write] Congratulations on finally admitting to being a liberal. That's a big first step towards growing up and becoming a conservative. I don't need to defend President Bush; he's doing a great job in spite of all the interference from the liberal media. As for what they're saying about him on the Internet, anyone can create a web site and publish anything they want. The only thing that tells me is that liberals have too much free time and no motivation to use that time to better themselves. I won't list all of the President's accomplishments; it would take up too much space. Instead, I'll just give you a few of my favorites.

Tax cuts. Especially the cap of 15% on capital gains.
Invasion of Iraq and the war on terror. It's the start of democracy in the Middle East and it's gives us a base from which to protect ourselves from Muslim extremists. It also has the additional benefit of being a war on illegal drug trafficking (to the dismay of many liberals).
Banning late term abortion. Allowing such a procedure was definitely a low point in our moral history. The moral climate in general has risen considerably since Bush took office (again to the dismay of many liberals).

By the way, anyone that was paying attention could have made money in oil over the last few years. Same goes for real estate.

I think I got a picture the car that God’s candidate Bashinsky drives to and from dream to dream.

The reason that the fireworks were moved is because the land had been used for the hurricane recovery. After removing the debris they had to re-seed the grass and it is not ready to be walked on let alone have a festival of that magnitude on it.

[Pool store] Their main offensiveness is the torn awning and their lack of concern for the community.

You, sir, did indeed call them slugs. I quote "The slugs are moving out, so why cater to them?" your words not mine! I go to Key Deer on a regular basis and the drunks (as you call them) are not screaming and slobbering all over me. I relax and take in the color. Sometimes it is loud, but hell it's a bar. Plus most are outside where they can smoke. I just wanted to point out that the ones you are referring to are people, not slimy creatures that you referred to them as.

Weed smoker, your little known disease is called Adult Pot Head Disorder (APHD). No pill for it yet, but ask your doctor and he will give you Xanax for those dry spells.

Can anyone tell me where on Sugarloaf the fireworks have been moved to? Is there still going to be the before hand events? What time does everything start?   

To the person complaining about the county not having a permit for the demo at the old Mariner Resort: They'd better look again. The permit for demo has been hanging there for quite some time. The only reason the work hadn't started earlier is because of people like you who complain about everything. You complained so much that we have had to jump through multiple hoops to get this thing off the ground. I grew up here and personally think the park is a much needed addition to the community. 

Do the freaky Dean-iacs and other Liberal ilk really believe the crap they are spewing? Get real. A small handful of republicans are pissed at Bush and some of his less farsighted supporters. But they just help incumbents get reelected when they curry favor by disagreeing with Bush.  We may be a bit pissed over immigration, but we ain't dumb enough to give control of House back to lefty yet, either. Dream on. As for fuel cost; funny thing I'm not bothered by it yet. Both of my SUVs are still a pleasure to drive. I'm making tons of money. I just cannot find all the problems y`all are talking about?

I just wanted to ask Mr. productive member of society what he thinks the Gates Foundation will do with the 27 billion dollars?  If any of it goes to charity isn't that the same thing in your view as having someone unworthy get something for nothing?  As for Warren Buffet's heirs, I doubt if 27 billion with put to much of a dent in their inheritance.  Let me guess, you're a Bushie?

[The Pool Store] Yea, still a crap hole. Would you do business there? And their probably to ignorant to have a computer and read this site.

[Ford assembly plant in Mexico] Chevrolet has one there also.

[New Gossip] 2 for 20 Pizza has been sold. I spoke with the guys that own Boondocks and they told me that they were excited about all the things there doing at Boondocks and that 2 for 20 was a distraction. Let's see what the new people do.

To the proud tree hugging hippy that wants new businesses with Keys décor and Keys landscaping.  I agree with everything you said except for the “no porn” comment.  Not that I want porn either, but give me any of the 3 adult stores (Marathon, Stk Isl, Fairvilla) over the sight of the Conch & Stein, Pool Store and House of Music ANY day of the week!!!

Wow, that must be some really good acid "God's Candidate" is taking.  How does he have that much time on his hands? 

They started work yesterday morning on the road through the refuge. I think it is a good idea, if you walk through and see the piles of dry trees and bushes it is scary to think what would happen if someone threw a match in there. No ones house would make it for sure. So for all the people that are complaining take a walk in there and see. There are always more then one way to look at things. Think what good this will bring and you will surprise yourself. One thing I noticed was when the men were gone the deer were just eating away on the downed bushes and small trees pushed down by the backhoe. You all did say the deer are starving did you not?

Every time a liberal makes a posting, it really shows their ignorance.  I can't believe you used the slave owners as an example of right-wing "rice bowls."  Here's your history lesson for the day.  It was the 15th President, Democrat James Buchanan, who ignored the slave issue and led this nation into Civil War.  The 16th President who freed the slaves, Abraham Lincoln, was not supported by the southern plantation owners.  Did I mention that Honest Abe was a Right-wing Republican? 

[People who were against Walgreens' having a new building because it did not fit the look of BPK]  Well, guy's, the new bank by the post office is way too modern for this community. Take a look on US1--anything goes.   Walgreens will be a welcomed sight.

Lindsey Lumber was in the building where Overseas Lumber is,  which is going to be torn down so they can build a new building.  Then the building held RBC Lumber. Then it became Scotty's.  Then they built the new building were they eventually went out of business.

I can't understand why some people are critizing Warren Buffet's 27 Billion gift to the Gates Foundation. I think that those people are so dishonest themselves that they can't believe any rich person could do anything nice for the poor.

[evil weed smoker] Did you ever think that maybe you do hear voices and you just forget it?  For that matter, how do you know, for sure, that you aren't God's candidate?  Think about it.

Warren Buffet is so rich he' hired Bill Gates to spend his money.

To the person who had 37 noseeums in his drink: be grateful you did not have this happen at the Cow Palace.  They would have charged you extra for them.

Go ahead and publish the ramblings of God's candidate. He sounds exactly like a guy I met down on Key West a few years ago. He was into the Native American stuff too. Of course he had just gotten out of jail for putting on feathers and war-paint and attacking other tenants in his building with a tomahawk.

[Warren Buffet recently donated 27 Billion] I, too, am a great admirer of Warren B. and his many accomplishments, but just in the interests of accuracy, you should have mentioned that he did find a couple of billion left over for the kids.  See any of the AP or Reuters stories about his donation.

Best Restaurant in the Keys.  Shula's at Wyndham Reach Resort in Key West is still open for business and I had the tastiest Australian Lobster Tail with a lovely Split of Champagne.  Just another fabulous way of draining society and adding nothing but a generous tip.  We need more five star restaurants with diversified menus and wine lists.  There's nothing better than fine dining with great food and wine, white table clothes and top-notch service.  Life Is Good.

I think the majority of the money of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation goes to minorities on welfare...oh, and third world nations.  With all his money I can't figure out why Warren Buffet just didn't start his own foundation.

BPK really needs a good pizza place to eat at. I ordered 2 for $20 the other night. Big Mistake! It was disgusting. That was my first and last time ordering anything from there. Big Pine Pizza? Ha, ha, what a joke! The dog wouldn't even eat it. I guess the only other place to eat until the Chinese restaurant opens is Pizzaworks and they have gone downhill too. I hope Papa John's replaces 2 for $20.

[This has to be magic.]  A mathematical trick.  Try to fool it. You can!  Magic trick

No matter how desperately I wanted an in-ground swimming pool I would never do business with the pool store on Big Pine.  A good friend had a very unpleasant experience with them and they took forever to resolve their poor work.  Even more than that, they obviously have no pride in themselves or their community.  The trashy front of the store is perhaps the worst looking business on Big Pine. 

Friday June 30, 2006

Thursday June 29, 2006

General Geof Chapman of the Conch Republic Army passed away last week at the age of 58. He will be sorely missed. His spirit shall reside forever at the Chart Room. http://www.generalgeof.com/

I am wondering how someone who has a bunch of plants in ugly black pots just sitting around on the property has the nerve to complain about other people's landscaping choices.  We all have a small piece of property that we either own or rent on these islands. We should be able to do as we please with those small pieces of properties.  Please don't depend on the adjoining properties to make your individual property more palatable to you.  If your intention is to zone the Keys to death then I suggest you consider a move to a location that is more compatible to your needs - Truman Annex would probably work for you.

Warren Buffet recently donated 27 Billion dollars to the Bill Gates Foundation.  That is one impressive donation.  Mr. Buffet apparently feels that his children do not deserve the bulk of the fortune which he worked hard to make. In fact he feels that children of the wealthy who receive inherited money are no better than welfare recipients; all are a drain on society by adding nothing and taking from those of us who are productive members of society.  Kudos to Mr. Buffett.

[Someone should ask Walgreens about donating the flagpole] Why not, Walgreens has been treated so fairly by the county government and all, maybe if they threw in the big flag they would get an " 'atta boy."

[Bagel Island]  I stopped going there a couple years ago do to the miserable women who owned it. I've been hearing around town how nice the new owner is and decided to give it a shot. Wow what a sweetheart Donna, the new owner, is. For those who have not been there yet since she took over; give it a shot it's a very enjoyable experience. Ding Dong the wicked witch is...!

[Fireworks moved to Sugarloaf]  I believe it had to do with the owner(s) of the private property where the event has previously been held.

To our esteemed Editor.  I believe we have all heard enough from God’s candidate to know his level of stability.  Perhaps we shouldn’t encourage him further by publishing his ramblings. 

Wait I know this; one, three, no wait...four!

I made the picadillo recipe using ground turkey instead of beef (I heard another horrible thing about mad cow disease) and I couldn't tell the difference from the beef picadillo. Recipes>Picadillo

Looks like the HCP is finally going to get approved. If it goes through in the way the  Barometer's article states. I like it. they'll release 10 new building permits a year for next 20 years. Total new buildings allowed will be 200 over 20 a year period. that sounds good to me. 200 new homes in Big Pine over 20 years should not do any catastrophic damage to our delicate ecosystem. I also think the other 44 in limbo should be added to the total and released immediately, but, no more than that please! I also would like to see the kids' park finally started and completed ASAP.
Watson Field parking should be done ASAP. And why not three-lane Big Pine all the way through? Any area on US 1 that already has been built on, let's rebuild something better/cleaner/nicer. No New land cleared but, the places where a business has already existed, let's clean it up.

Add a Publix with a Keys decor, Keys style landscaping. It could be done. Walgreens the same idea. Let's move on already. Let these businessmen sell their places along the highway at fair market price, whatever is put in their place have a Keys style ,decor and landscaping.( No porn, etc) Let's clean up US 1 In Big Pine it looks really bad.

I love Big Pine and am glad they are not going to allow a whole lot more building here. I hope they stick to that for many generations to come. It will preserve this Key for future generations.  --Coming from a proud tree hugging Hippy.

Maybe Bush does have an IQ of 91, which I doubt, but that's still twice the IQ of your average drummer.

[Country radio] Oh, boy a new business to rag on.

"In French, oeuf means egg, cheese is fromage...it’s like those French have a different word for everything."  --Steve Martin

I do not go to any of the bars on Big Pine for refreshments.  I don’t have a problem with any particular class of people, but I really don’t enjoy a room full of late afternoon drunks trying to out-shout each other, slopping beer all over the bar and acting like asses.  It’s not about a class, it about behavior and a pleasant environment.  I take my business to Parrotdise and enjoy a clean, decent place where I can have a pleasant happy hour, a snack and a conversation with the person next to me without having to engage in shouting to be heard.  So, you get to enjoy your place of choice and I get to enjoy mine.  Cheers!

House of Music is going to reopen. Whether are not it’s going to be called the same, is beyond me. As far as them donating the furniture, please do us all a favor and drive it up to the dump in Miami.  Nothing in there is worth saving.

Do you really think your neighbor's yard is a mess?  Take a drive by State Rd 4A and Gato and check out the Sanford and Sons property there.  What a disgrace that some thing like this can be for sale for over 2 million.  They need to bulldoze the property on the corner.  Now the owners don't even bother to mow the grass.  I can only hope that the grass will grow high enough to hide the mess.

Burger Queen

Who say's that liberal's are anti-American? Mr. Conservative step outside your box, typical republican with your hatred comment's and war answers. Liberal's are very proud to be American's and proud of our troop's. We're just sick of angry, greedy, freaks making the decisions for the American people. We'd like a lot more help for our own tax paying American people. How is that anti-American? May I suggest anger management? Even the hard core republican's are over Bush.

[But if I must go to court, won't she have to pay all of the court costs and my attorney's fees, and perhaps money for my time and inconvenience?]  You will have to ask for attorney fees, costs and monetary compensation for your time and it will be up to the judge.  You could get all or part or none.  Probably part.

[Part 2] What are you dense? Why are you even talking about lawyers and punitive damages--it's just a fence. In small claims court (under $50000) there are usually no attorneys and the only cost is less than $50. There are no punitive damages for your bullshit time and inconvenience. It's only a friggin fence.  Just go to the court house, fill out the simple form and get over it.

[Part 3] This is to the person with the neighbor that won't fix the fence. Go to small claims court. It's just like Judge Judy on TV except that Judge Miller isn't funny.

[Part 4] My sixty year old friend, who's been a professional defendant for most of his life, recently tried to compliment retiring KW judge Paine on his exemplary career. In front of the court, he went on about the judge's fine achievements and splendid career; further going on about how he knew most of the lawyers and bailiffs present in that day's courtroom. The judge, having had enough of this criminal's approval, retorted, "And what about your career?" The whole courtroom laughed.

Would someone please post a picture of the Indigo Snake?

I guess if I am not a conservative, I must be a liberal. If you want to get into a battle of wits with me, you had better get some ammunition.  In both of your posts you have made no points whatsoever.  I have asked repeatedly for all you well-meaning right wingers to offer something good that this president has done or accomplished and still there is no reply. As far as your dad beating mine, I am sure he can because mine is dead, but his last words were, "George W is a dubya."   There are web sites dedicated to this man's stupidity. How can you defend him? Hell, he never really even won the election, but you have to admire the divisiveness of the GOP getting him in  not once but twice. Because of the stellar job of this administration, the Democrats  probably could have a mutant  run in the next election and win by a landslide. (No, I am not talking about Hillary. I would never vote for her because she could not even keep her own family in order.) So why don't you show your pride by joining the search for WMD. That is if you get financed to fill your gas tank to take you to the airport. You could spend a night at the Watergate while you wait for your flight. If you get lucky you could have dinner with W and his close friends in the oil business, the Bin Ladens.

For the one who thought God's Candidate was the evil weed smoker. No, that's just little old me. I don't hear voices, I just forget things.

George W makes Dan Quayle look like a member of Mensa. Do you think this may have been the source of confusion for Cheney when he could not distinguish a human from a Quayle? I thank God that term limits are still in force.

The old Mariner's Motel is now being demolished on Sands Road. No permit is posted to do this work! I guess this is no surprise to the citizens. I called code enforcement on Tuesday 3:00pm. the answer I got, "Well it's County property, I'll get them to get one out there." At no time did they suggest to stop work, or even drive out there to issue a stop order. Fair is fair, except the for the County.

If knowing that good parents need to set boundaries, teach morals, enforce rules and provide a good example is arrogant then I guess you're right.  All good parents are arrogant.

[When it rains, it pours] New Orleans is in the midst of the worse drought in one hundred years.

I have not noticed any familiar faces in the last month on the Keys Sheriffs' Office site.  You people are slacking. Come on, let's drive fast and take chances!

To the person telling me to go back to where I came from because I wish we had a nice place to go to for a drink on Big Pine.  Because you are so defensive about what I said you must have taken what I said personally.  I didn't say working class or local people were slugs or low class.  You are saying that. I still wish there was a nice place to go and so do a lot of people here on the island; and that, manly, includes working class people.  Everyday someone makes a post similar to mine.

Why am I weeping?  I had a look at the long winded tome from God’s candidate. Oy vey! It has to be a joke.

The other night while sipping a cool one at Boondocks, I was pleased to see so many people patronizing the golf course. This area really needed something for kids and the families to do besides watching sunsets. Another great idea would be for those guys to open a small ten lane bowling alley with a restaurant upstairs. (Call me I have just the plan.)

[Welcome to summer in paradise] I had 37 Noseeums on my White Russian cocktail last night while sitting on the porch.

Betty Cracker says don't try the baked Bean recipe just yet. I haven't perfected the tenderness part of the recipe. I think they should be baked at a higher temperature than 250° and for a longer time than 4 or 5 hours. Stay tuned for our oven tested recipe update.

A cracker is a Florida or Georgia native whose name was derived from the cracking of the whip, in the old days, when herding free ranging cattle was their livelihood. Upstate Florida was loaded with free range cattle left from the Spanish. The crackers were the first to settle Florida. They would drive the collected cattle to Fort Myers, which was just one or two streets, but had a dock and a couple of stores.

I don't believe in mythical super beings like Superman or God, but I think I believe in something like luck. I think that I think that luck is just bouncing around and is just a hit or miss thing.

When we finally have national health care the two most costly branches of government will be the Military and Medical.

[The disorder (obsessive-compulsive) seem more likely to fit a sane, stable member of society]  I'm not surprised you think that.  Most mentally ill people think they are perfectly normal. 

I actually read the long-winded tome by "God's candidate" yesterday out of curiosity. What comes across is a fellow who desperately needs a mommy. Now the Catholics believe Mary is God's mother, so she could be the candidate's mommy too. If he is dead set on being God's man, then he needs to read about woman, or Eve, and how she was the one who, far from being some holy spirit, brought the curse upon the world through tempting her husband, Adam, to disobey God.

Better not write too much more because the poor soul's own words speak loudly enough. It is an example of a confused individual who has his mind and soul all mixed up with his pee pee. I may just vote for him, though. Can you imagine the Commission meetings? It would be better entertainment than any reality show on TV, simply because of all the un-reality going on. 

To the disgruntled educator that doesn't understand the purpose of education.  It is a parent's job to build their child's "confidence to be a thoughtful, valuable human being, ready to begin the journey of adulthood", not yours. If you want to parent, have kids of your own.  If you what to be adored and worshiped by naive young minds, start a cult.  But, if you want to teach, stick to the basics, reading, writing and math. If you had realized that, you might still have a job.

The reason the fireworks have been moved is the Family Trust that owns the land where the fireworks have been is having some problems with Monroe County. It has to do with the clean-up after the storm. The Trust feels that the site has not been restored as well as it should have been so they moved the fireworks to Sugarloaf. The new site will allow a bigger and better display. Not to worry; it will all work out just fine. Give the new site a shot and I am sure that you will enjoy the display and will be very happy. Things have a way of working out for the better. This will be the best 4th of July fireworks ever.

It looks like Ford is going to build an assembly plant in Mexico. They haven't announced it as yet, but the writing is on the wall. They can no longer compete globally with Americas unions stifling their bottom line.

Good Mexican food is at the corner of Duval and Truman.  I can't remember the name, but it is real authentic Mexican food.  Very good food and reasonable

Luwak Coffee, Animal Coffee, Kopi Luwak from Indonesia How to break the coffee habit.

The fire works were moved to Sugarloaf because of the huge trash pile that was at the old site after hurricane Wilma. I know many of you chose to not pay any attention to what was really going on, but that was a huge heap crap. Honestly, would you really want to have your children sitting on the ground or running around out there where, I am sure, there is some sort of remains squashed into the ground.

I bet the drive off the 7 mile bridge was a trip.

To the person who laughed as the neighbors lost their vehicles in Hurricane Wilma. It is a sad state that someone can see joy in another's misfortune. Just remember what goes around, comes around and when it becomes your time to be in need, don't be surprised if everyone just sits back and laughs. No, that won't happen if you live in the lower Keys, because this is a giving and caring group of people for the most part. Maybe after this happens you may understand the meaning of compassion and neighbor.

One last comment -next time you have problems with someone, you may want to keep it between you and that person and not broadcast it to the community. It reflects on you more than on them.

Do Canadians have a sense of humor or what?

Yo, homies I got way too much time on my hands livin' in the Av's. Checkout this Mentos and Diet Coke video it's absolutely unmatched! http://www.eepybird.com (Ed: I couldn't get it to work, but it did look promising.)

[Hurricane shelters] Its never to late, but unfortunately, by the time the County gets its ass in gear 30 more years will have gone by.

You are so right about the pool store at the traffic light being an eyesore.  To hear that lady on Biz Baz from this store, everyone in the Keys must have a pool or spa.  She's always bragging about how much business they're doing (and do you notice that in almost every sentence she uses God's name in vain?). They need to spend some of that profit and fix their place up.

[Neighbors] Although the unhappy complainant (I'm assuming the one on the left like others) uses the word "neighbor" to describe the people that live next door, I am quite mystified at that usage. I am aware that the official definition of neighbor is one who lives next door but I personally define neighbor as one who behaves "neighborly" or friendly.   If one chooses to move into a "neighborhood" where people live closely next to each other; one needs to develop an attitude of tolerance and friendliness.

Thursday June 29, 2006

Wednesday June 28, 2006

Now they say that 24 ounces of coffee a day is good for you. They say the anti-oxidants it contains helps prevent Parkinson, Alzheimer's and Cancer. I think if I live long enough, they'll say ice cream is good for me. Ooo, I can't wait.

The right wing anti-liberal is so stereotypical. It's obvious he's greedily sitting on top of his pile of toys and cash and hates the thought of sharing anything but his vituperation with others. The dangerous part is there are more than a few of these nowadays, and they readily support fascism in order to protect their own little rice bowl.

America was founded on freedom of speech and expression. Two hundred years ago abolitionists were written about with fear and scorn just like the right- winger did about progressives of today. Back then the idea of freeing slaves was a threat to the plantation owners' little rice bowl, and they howled all the louder any time someone challenged the morality of it.

So just relax, tiger. We're not out to take away your toys. We're not communists, either. Communism always has its wealthy ruling class. I don't consider myself a liberal or conservative because like 90% of Americans truth be told we're all a little of both. If we don't wake up and get together on this thing one morning we're liable to look out and see tanks rolling down the street.

This is the most popular screen saver in the U.S. IF he gets stuck, push him with your cursor. You can also grab him with the cursor & chuck him about, and whizz him round and round. Actually it is really strangely hypnotic. http://www.planetdan.net/pics/misc/georgie.htm

[Saddam killed 600,000 Kurds after the Gulf War] Please get the facts straight. Saddam Hussein imprisoned or forced hundreds of thousands of Kurds to flee when their independence movement collapsed in 1975 after being treacherously abandoned by the Shah of Iran and the US. Repression of the four or five million Iraqi Kurds reached a peak of cruelty and violence in the late 1980s: Saddam Hussein's forces slaughtered 182,000 of them and destroyed 3,800 of their villages as he crushed another uprising during the Iran-Iraq war. Human rights groups believe about 300,000 people were killed during Saddam's 24-year rule. Yes, he was a very evil guy, but please don't give him more credit than he deserves. Also, it doesn't matter when the US pulls out because a civil war is imminent no matter when. Most advisors to H.W. Bush at the time of the first Gulf War stated that to remove Saddam would completely destabilize the middle east and strongly cautioned against doing so. I guess they were correct! It's a shame that so many of our kids had to die for the financial gain of Halliburton/Cheney

This has to be magic. For the life of me I can't figure out how this is done.  milaadesign.com :. professional flash designer

[About God’s Candidate]  It makes for interesting reading and makes me wonder if he\she was the one that wrote in recently with the forgotten reason for writing and blamed it on the weed.  It takes all kinds.

There is plenty of affordable (under $800/ mo.) housing in the Keys; you just had to have made a buy (not rent) when it was affordable.

Looks like the Vatican is going for the big Yen again. The last time they were thrown out was in 1951 for corrupting China! Now they want back in to tap the masses of gullible with mucho yen to spend. Lots of young boys there too. Dog, I hate organized banking, er, religion.  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13115103/

I don't understand why the fireworks were moved to Sugarloaf either. Won't it be worse to have it there? Where is everyone going to park? Who made this choice to change something that didn't need to be changed?

The live traffic cameras are dead and are not worth a crap.

[A messy house/yard means You may have an obsessive-compulsive personality] Dear Doctor: The definition you gave of the disorder seem more likely to fit a sane, stable member of society, rather than a mental. Were you trying to convince yourself you are like this?

“My Indian name is Running Tab.” Overheard in a bar.

[War stats] Please explain, because I’m not aware of the 600,000 that you are talking about, but from what I can see from this Administration, it really doesn’t pay much attention to Genocide because there is no money in it. Now if Karl Rove and Big Dick Cheney can figure out how to make a buck off of emaciated children as a fuel source, Now were getting somewhere.

As I drove off the 7 mile bridge today and happened to look up at the information sign, it flashed "Don't look up here keep your eyes on the road" What's up with that?

Amazing current photos of North Korea. I'm really glad I live in the Keys. North Korea - Military Photos

[clean up there establishments] Now the working class and lower are slugs? Why don't you buy a bar and make a sign that says "Snobs Only"? Better yet, you could go to Rob's and whine that his is the only place in town. It will boost his ego and the whining will make you feel better. Drunks are not slugs! Working (not middle) class are not slugs. We are, however, people. Take your better-than-us attitude and go back to where you came from because it sure as hell wasn't from here. No I am not a drunk, but I am working class and not afraid of sitting with the local color.

Gotcha!

I tried the Pool Store. You're absolutely right. Their store represents the quality of business. If you work in a dump, you live in a dump, and do business as to what you are used to.

[To the closet liberal] I'm not trying to make you sound uneducated or simple minded, you're doing a fine job of that already.  As far as having a logical discussion with a liberal (you know you are), it's just not possible.  I'd have a better chance of explaining calculus to a 6 year old.  But to bring this discussion down to your level, let me just end it by saying; my dad can beat your dad, so there!

Who is the sheltered person that said America is the only country who thinks Iran and N. Korea should not have nuclear weapons?  The entire free world agrees with America on that issue.  You must be running out of things to blame on Bush.

I'm glad we have a country radio station, but why is it when you call to request a song, they don't play it or they are just down right rude to you on the phone and hang up when you're still speaking. Is that how you should keep listeners? If so, that's new to me.

[Tree huggers are the only people that put the planet and environment ahead of development and shopping convenience]  Really?  Is that why one of your religious icons, FWS, is planning to eradicate a large stretch of pine forest on BPK?  To put the planet and environment first?  I don't think so.  I think you tree huggers are a bunch of self-serving hypocrites using the "save the environment" mantra to get whatever you want.

I just can’t understand why you’d call me a lousy neighbor. Hell I don’t even live in your lousy neighborhood.

[Tree Huggers] You turned my crab traps upside down two years ago. You probably order Stone Crab when you go out for dinner. Go to an Island all your own.

[Giant Flag] How about the flag pole at the old Scotty's on Big Pine? Maybe someone should ask Walgreens about donating it?

Attention:  W/D has American Flags for sale.  Lets do the 4th of July and proudly fly our flag. There are towns across America proudly flying our flag, but sad to say, here in the Keys, not many home owners do.

I know the more you stir shit the worse it stinks, but for the record the lousy neighbor complainer’s house is on the left and the plants they are referring to were beautiful oleanders, which the deer will not eat.  This constant complainer bitched about the foliage hanging on her side of the lot line and called code enforcement so many times the owner on the right chain sawed them to the ground.  Be careful what you ask for.  This neighborhood has not been the same since this person on the left moved here.  There are lights on sensors that are obnoxious to all who walk their dogs at night.  The police have been there so many times for stupid BS it is no wonder our friends are moving.  And, yes, their cars did drown, like most people who stayed.  And, no, they are not unemployed.  These people have enough money to burn a wet mule.  They are simply moving to a closer location to their employment, on acreage in upper Florida to get away from the certified nutcase that has been nothing but a troublemaker from day one.  Hey, friends, everyone that knows you and your “neighbor” knows.  Can’t blame you one iota. You will be missed by all except one; and I believe the other “good riddance” posts all came from the same troubled person.  Damn, get a life would you?  Or get laid.

FEMA's version of a group hurricane shelter; and they do have money to waste.

[Purpose of education] Yes, that is what college and post-secondary training is for.  Primary and secondary education is to equip one with the skills and confidence to be a thoughtful, valuable human being, ready to begin the journey of adulthood.  But what do I know?  I just have one of those touchy feely graduate degrees in Humanities.  I wasn't born having it all figured out like you, so I had to learn a couple of things from the greatest thinkers of human civilization.  Maybe that's why I can't bring myself to teach another year in this fabulously efficient amalgamated education corporation Florida calls its public schools.  (Psst...the rest of the country realizes public education in Florida is a joke--one of those really bad jokes you feel obligated to laugh at because you don't want to insult the person telling it--sort of like telling the emperor he's naked.  If you get that, it's because you didn't go to school in Florida). 

To the person who posted about the worst neighbors, shame on you!  It is frightening to me to see that persons such as you are part of our community.  It is unbelievable that you took pleasure in another's loss during Hurricane Wilma.  I feel nothing but pity for you.

Perfect parent:  I was suggesting that while one raises their children doing the best they know how, one can never know with certainty that their children will always make good choices.  If your children are arrogant like you, I guess that proves my point. 

[Who wants to go into a place (bar) just to get hassled by a stupid drunk] Are you saying that drunks can be found in bars?  When the hell did that happen?  I thought bars, especially those found on Big Pine, were establishments where intellectual elitists gathered for philosophical discussions.

Jeff's Pirates Cove Gift Shop Coolest pirate tanks and Tees I've found so far.  I have to mail order a new one every so often.  Also, its a really good bar and restaurant if you ever get out that way.  Not exactly on the way to anywhere else, but Guam is what Hawaii must have been before the tourists "discovered" it.  It's changing fast, though, because it's becoming Japan's "Hawaii".

You don't have to support the war to support our men and women that are fighting and giving their lives for our freedom and the freedom of others. Politicians have always made the wars, but the troops are the ones who fight them.

[Who ever said to use carpet tack strips to keep cats off a car, thanks.] You're quite welcome. I'm glad it helped you as much as it did me. Sorry to hear you have slow-learning kitties. Since it works so well, I think I'll send the idea to "Hints From Heloise" so she can include it in her next book.

Wednesday June 28, 2006

Tuesday June 27, 2006

Who are Americans to say that a country (Iran) can't have nuclear weapons and long range ballistic missiles (N. Korea)? The rest of the world thinks differently--that's why their French.

The Pool Store at the stop light here on Big Pine is a mess. I can not think of any reason that it should be so damn ugly. Just a few hours spent picking up around the place would make a difference. Boy, oh, boy I wonder if they leave there jobs as messy? Come on guys, get with the program, clean your place up.

I am the Right Wing anti-liberal. I stand proud to call myself a Right Wing Conservative. You think you really pulled one over on me with your leftist fictional ramblings. Ha! All you did was give me Goosebumps. I was so giddy when I read all three of the comments. You think you can just spew out all of your stupid anti-American garbage and we will just back down and quiver. All I read is "poor ol' me". That's all you Liberals do is complain about (boo, hoo) what you don't get or what they take away from you. You poor pitiful breed. Liberals suck! Plain and simple. I don't have to sit here and tell you how great this administration has been because you won't get it anyway. There are people that read this that get it. If you want to threaten me by saying that you wish you had my address, I'll leave that up to the editor. You have my blessing, I have nothing to hide.

[Fix the fence] The poster might have missed this, but you don't need a lawyer. Take her to small claims court in KW for less than $50. You don't need a lawyer. You usually win and the loser has to pay costs too. Its the best legal value there is. All you have to do is fill out a short form in the building next door to the courthouse, go to a preliminary hearing and if it's not settled to your satisfaction at that hearing then you go to trial.

Boy do I feel like an idiot.  All these years, I thought to be a good parent and produce a happy, responsible, non-addicted kid I had to set boundaries, teach morals, enforce rules and provide a good example.  Now I find out it's just a matter of "luck" if the kid turns out OK.  Good thing I'm lucky.

The Two Party System in America is working perfectly! It keeps one group fighting against the other and does not allow any input from third parties at all. Both are totally controlled in their ideals by TV, Radio, Newspapers. It occupies both sides while the real government does what it wants to do, and you Americans call this freedom?

The person who wrote that negative comment about US1 radio is obviously an unhappy ex-employee or a relative.  The bottom line with these auctions is that they surely benefit participating local businesses.  They obviously benefit the radio station as well, but more than anything, they benefit the community enabling them to purchase things they need or want at a seriously reduced price.  Expect more in the future and welcome it. I can't wait for the next one and long live US1 Radio and the Conch Republic!

I have come to believe that the posts from “God’s candidate” are a joke aimed at pulling our collective leg.  There’s no other explanation.  Either that or this guy needs serious help.

I went to a very stuffy cocktail party in Marathon Sunday. I over heard a person bragging about their family coming to America on the Mayflower. I laughed a little too loud, and was asked why. I just asked the person if their Mayflower ancestors were, criminals, plague victims, religious nuts, slaves, or crew !? I was asked to leave and did so, happily!

[In reference to the Bush comment] Thank you for your truth and the truth of our country right now, Bush sucks.

I beg to differ with the person who says "the worst neighbors in the world are moving." I think that they have been very good neighbors-they introduced themselves to us when we moved in and they have always been willing to help us when we needed it. I will miss them immensely. What is really sad is not what you have said, but the words from the people who pretended to be their friends. With friends like that who needs enemies? I think that it is sad that you have had so many problems with them. With houses so close it makes it difficult for everyone when there is so much tension between neighbors.

To my friends who are moving, Good luck.

After almost three years Caitlyn from Now Showing Video is leaving the store to finish her degree at FSU in Tallahassee.  Sunday July 2nd, will be her last day, come say good bye.

[The purpose of education is not to prepare you for a job] That's what's wrong with this country; too many people are into touchy, feely education. That's why our country is going to be crushed by more competitive nations that have teachers that can really teach you how to do something. Like spell, fix your back, design and engineer useful products, litigate, heal the sick and make life safer and cleaner. Whoever wrote this is probably a stay at home spouse (partner whatever), that uses their education to clean the bathroom and make dinner. Or someone with a degree in philosophy or the humanities that makes coffee at Starbucks when they are not high. What a poop!

[About the lousy neighbor’s debate]  These are my neighbors and I find it appalling that grown people can’t just get along.  The truth is the complaining neighbor has only been here a short time. In comparison, the other neighbor has been a good neighbor for a long time and I fully believe this bickery is one of the reasons they are moving.  Life is too short for such nonsense.  The newcomer is not a bad person, just a bad neighbor. I fully believe these departing neighbors have no enemies other than the complainant.  Constant nagging, threats, many calls to police and code enforcement for nonsensical matters.  People in glass houses should not throw stones. (Dear Ed, I know bickery is not a word and chose to use it anyway.  Let’s see how many other editors will jump on that one.)

After reading all the stuff about opening a Bar/Restaurant for under $1 mil, where do I file for a Drive-In Tiki Bar/Dinner permit?

Many people are leaving the keys because there is no affordable housing. How about this; affordable renting? The county could buy Seahorse or one of the other properties for sale and construct a building complex for the working class. Reasonable rent would pay for the complex to be maintained. That would be a win, win situation for the working class locals and for the business in the area. I know the money grabbers won't be happy with this concept. I'm retired and own my own house. Lets take care of the next guy. Karma.

Rush Limbaugh got busted again for possession of illegal pills proving that you have to be on drugs to spout his brand of politics.

I've always felt that tree huggers are the true patriots too. We are the only people that put the planet and environment ahead of development and shopping convenience. On an island with only about five thousand people we don't need a second shopping center. The one we have now can't even fill all the empty stores. What are you guys thinking? Are you just trying to sell your highway property?

To the person suggesting the Kingdom Hall donate land for an American flag pole. Thanks for the hearty laugh, the Jehovah's  Witnesses do not support government, they pay their taxes and that's it, the rest is considered to be "of this world" or "worldly involvement" of which they don't subscribe to. Odd bunch, in my opinion.

[Bush has an IQ of 91] This proves a good point, that it is not necessary to be a superior intellect to become the most powerful human on earth. Just having the right connections and the balls to get there is all that counts! Bush must be a cousin to Oppenheimer, because Bush is also a destroyer of worlds.

[War stats]  By your count almost 17000 lifes lost since the war started.  Big numbers,  but what about the 600,000 that died after we pulled out of the first Gulf War.  Your numbers sound great by themselves and it's so nice of you all to forget of the genocide that took place after we pulled out early the last time.  Lets hear some more American bashing.

True American Tree Huggers, are the greatest bunch of un-Americans there are. They want to keep the Keys and wherever else they live for themselves and will do whatever it takes to keep others out. That doesn't sound like a good neighbors or good American to me.  Talk about greed, just look at your own.  Granted it's a different type of greed, but its greed.  The old pot and kettle.

[House of Music should donate all the furniture to Good Will]  There wasn’t much of anything in the place that was worth donating to anywhere but a bon fire.  Does anyone have an update on their rumored re-opening?

Who ever said to use carpet tack strips to keep cats off a car, thanks. It worked great and the little blood left behind was easily removed at the car wash. But it took 3 nights before the dumb animal got wise or there was more than one.

A messy house/yard means the owner who could be mentally disturbed?  I don't think so.  Messy people are usually easy going and creative.  However, obsession with the condition of your neighbor's place could indicate a problem.  You may have an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. People with this affliction exhibit the following: a preoccupation with orderliness, perfection, as well as mental and interpersonal control. They are often preoccupied with details, perfectionism interferes with their ability to finish tasks, they are excessively devoted to work, and inflexible in matters of morality, ethics, or values.  If this describes you, you may want to seek help.

[House of Music should donate all the furniture for use by the poor] I'm speaking for the poor. We don't want it. It's old and nasty and has probably been there since it was the Gangplank. We want your new leather couch and love seat then you can get the tax break.

Remember cats are just tiny women in cheap fur coats.

The post from the anti-Bush Gulf War vet was somewhat convoluted. But, I did get that he though Bush is the reason there are no jobs in the Keys and prices are too high.  So, since the Pres is a close personal friend of mine, I gave him a call and explained the problem.  Great news!  Being the good guy he is, he signed an executive order to make the following improvements for Keys residents:  Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory will be moved from Batavia, IL to Stock Island. So all you physicists out there, jobs are waiting for you to sign up.  You Rocket Scientists are in luck also.  The NASA Johnson Space Center will be relocating to the Big Pine Flea Market. What's that you say?  You still can't afford to live in the Keys?  Not a problem.  Free waterfront houses will be available for all employees (and their families, close friends and drinking buddies).  No need for thanks now. The next election--speak up.

[God's Candidate] I saw this gentleman in a store and I realize he is a little south of reality, to say the least. I think he's just going for the donations for his cause. The guy should be looked into by the authority's before he starts sharpening his sword and hurts someone.

At Last Proof of Global Warming!

[In response to worse neighbors] It is always sad to see people go from our neighborhood.  More than likely after Wilma and losing employment they can no longer afford the cost of living in the Keys, as could be determined by the way the house was kept.  But the part we need to also look at is there could be much worse neighbors.  If this is who I think it is I am sure the couple was always willing to help their neighbors when needed, and were giving people in the community.

[That's why I read this website] I usually read it when I'm feeling bad about myself and by the time I'm done I usually feel pretty good because I'm not the only wacko on here.

Or they could put a really big flag pole and a really big American flag in front of the Chamber of Commerce.

yo shur-nuff put me in ma place bout Jedidiah W. Bush. When ya'll can't come up wiff no answer bout nothin he done good, ya'll trys to make me sound unedumacated. Whilst I ain't no liberal; I sho as hell ain't no cornservative. Hell I gots me a massa's degree and I cain't hep but ax if ya'll even finished hi-skool. I cain't believes sum folks cain't puts up no lodgikal fite. We'uns wood be ashamed to tell folk we done voted for that there Dubya.

There are some of us who think US1 Radio has never been the same since Gene Michaels and Luther left.

I don't understand why the bar owners on Big Pine Key aren't willing to clean up their establishments by unloading all the stinking drooling obnoxious drunks that sit all day at their bars spending little money and are causing both middle and upper class clientele from wanting to go there.  Who wants to go into a place just to get hassled by a stupid drunk.  The smell is bad enough. 

Don't you people want to make money?  Big Pine Key's biggest change is the class of people who live here now.  This island is begging for a decent place to go into and also one with some ambiance as well.  The slugs are either dying or moving out.  Why cater to them?  It blows me away no one is doing it.  Big Pine Key is in such dire need of a nice place what a gold mine opportunity for the right person.

[Sloppy neighbor: The yard next door in that picture doesn't look so bad] Funny, now I'm really confused. I had a hard time telling, but I finally decided the house on the left, with the potted plants, was the complainer's and the one on the right was the sloppy neighbor complained about.  But this new poster obviously thinks the reverse.

Maybe the original poster could help us out?  (And I'm not trying to give the original poster a hard time. I know that sloppy stuff by a neighbor isn't always that easy to show in a single snapshot.)

Tuesday June 27, 2006

Monday June 26, 2006

Kudos to the posters who have spoken out against the anti-liberal raver. Maybe we should all give the poster who wants our name and address exactly that. Then do a reverse IP address look-up. Coordinate it. I'm in. There are spoof addresses and emails, but probably not from this one.

I did 2 deploys to the Gulf, but that does not mean I support this current admin. In fact, I voted against Bush/Cheney twice. I think that this trio has some bad issues. When I was in, of course I respected my Commander-In-Chief. He is the President. Didn't vote for him. Didn't like his policies, but I respected his title.

When 9/11 took place I was already there, and my group moved out of the Gulf and did our biz from the Indian Ocean off Afghanistan. I hope we did some good. It's fire and forget with Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles. Unfortunately, we didn't get Osama, but we certainly spent some money that month.

2nd deploy we guarded the oil terminals from rogue terrorists. Keeping the oil flowing to tankers. Protect the money. Now gasoline is $3+ gallon. What the hell did we accomplish? I'm not sure. Except to fatten Exxon's profits. It is a crime perpetuated on every American Citizen, and anyone who has worn a uniform protecting our way of life.

Now in civilian life, I run across people who are signing up for the armed forces, because they want the college, and medical benefits that they don't have here in The Keys. Good for them for wanting to serve. But I look at the 2700+ dead so far, and I wonder if there is a better way. I'm torn between the good and the bad of what we are doing east of The Suez Canal.

When kids can't afford to live in the place they were raised, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan is not going to solve that. We need to concentrate on our home towns. NYC is an expensive place to live, so is California, and the metros of DC and Chicago, but they pay a decent wage there. It is a shame when I see good, intelligent workers joining the military just because of housing costs.

I make less than 50K a year, but we don't seem to matter to our current administration in The White House. Every trailer park that gets demolished is another instance of the elite hurting the middle and lower income residents of the Keys. It is developable land to them. Who cares who lives there? Let's build a Condo and rent it for $1000/week. We have already seen the decline in customer service when we bus in workers from Miami-Dade. Employ Locally!

Kudos to the posters who are speaking up about the Big Dogs in charge, Insurance rates unchecked, Spy cams, and residents getting evicted from the homes they were comfortable in. Do we work two jobs or more down here in Paradise just to educate our kids so they can leave? So call me a liberal. I don't care. Conservative Republicans are ruining our way of life---on all levels. 

It absolutely sickens me that a mobile home in the Keys now costs more than a 4BR house with detached garage in many medium sized cities in the southern states. An Economist might say, "Supply and demand", but there is a limit if the crucial middle class is forced to leave causing the economy to collapse. I don't want to leave. I like it here. The next election--speak up!

[US1 Radio having a radio auction to support themselves.] Have you been paying attention at all in this past year?  US1 Radio (and its sister stations,) are still very much involved in local groups and charities.  They donated an entire day earlier this year for both the Mel Fisher auction (which was moved this last time due to hurricanes) as well as the Lower Keys Chamber auction.  They still, annually, donate tons of airtime to AIDS help and the FantasyFest candidates.  Every year they are still the first of the local media to jump up and support the American Cancer Society's "Relay For Life."  They are the first, and sometimes only media to donate their time for the Taste of Key West, which also benefits AIDS Help Inc.  And with hurricane season here, let's see how many of the Clear Channel stations decide to leave town and broadcast crap out of Miami. 

You can rest assured that US1 Radio and it's staff will be right here during every storm, doing everything in their power to keep us safe and up to date on the storms.  So what if US1 holds an auction for no one in particular?  In the end, it was those who stuck around and listened to the auction that made off with the best deals, getting many of the items for well over half off.  They're a local business, just like every other business here, and anyone who owns a local business knows that they have to make money as well in order to survive.  At least they're working with all the local businesses (who's items were on the auction) to help each other, and give the listeners some great deals.

What a disgrace and we wonder why the democrats keep losing elections. They had there chance to pull out of Iraq and 13 democrats voted no (30%). They better learn the old adage because the successful Republicans have "Don't talk about it, be about it." I guess they just support George W and his administration.

[Rental for July for five nights in the Keys]  You can call 1-888-333-5536 for an Ed and Ellen's Lodgings. 

[IQs of each president]  What a load of leftist-liberal crapola.  I haven’t seen that much horse shit since I left the farm.

Please clean up the Pool Store at the light. Wilma was a year ago. It makes BPK look like a third world country.

[Big Surprise] Latino immigrants and those born in the United States are driving the population growth.

[My neighbor refuses to fix her fence] Thanks for Sunday's post. To answer you, no she is not a widow nor poor. She is just a bad neighbor who doesn't want to spend the money, I think. I intend to try one more polite chat. But if I must go to court, won't she have to pay all of the court costs and my attorney's fees, and perhaps money for my time and inconvenience? Thanks for yesterday's advice and for answering my questions that I just posed, if you would be so kind.

Alaska.   More than  half of the coastline of the entire United States is in  Alaska.
Chicago.  Next to  Warsaw, Chicago has the largest Polish population in the world.
Rome.  There is a city called Rome on every continent.
Siberia. Siberia contains more than 25% of the world's forests.

[The ranting and raving from obviously marginally educated and ill informed people continues.]  You say that like it's a bad thing.  Heck, that's why I read this website!

[Sloppy neighbor] The yard next door in that picture doesn't look so bad. Sure they have trees in tacky black plastic pots  but at least they fly the flag. Don't be so judgmental.

I think it would be real nice, if who ever owns Kingdom Hall on Little Torch, would donate some land out front, so the Chamber of Commerce  could put up a really  big flag pole, and we could have a really big American flag, flying from it. It would really look nice, going north or south.

Let's try something different with the political translations.  This time, I will translate an anti-Bush post back to its original version, before it was "cleaned up". 

Someone posted:
"I am sick to death of conservatives trying desperately to find some grand achievement by George W. Bush. I am not a liberal or conservative. Like many people I simply vote my mind choosing who I think is the better man. In the last election I will plead guilty to voting against someone rather than for the candidate himself. In the most simple of terms, I have lived through presidents going back to Harry Truman and in my humble opinion; George W. Bush is the worst president I have ever seen. 2600 brave young soldiers have given their lives. (I am a veteran of Viet Nam"

And here's the original:
"ah's sick t'death of cornservatives tryin' desperately t'find some gran' achievement by Jedidiah W. Bush. ah's not a liberal o' cornservative. Like menny varmints ah simply vote mah mind choosin' who ah reckon is th' better man, as enny fool kin plainly see. In th' last eleckshun ah will plead guilty t'votin' aginst someone rather than fo' th' can'idate hisse'f. In the dawgoned-est simple of terms, ah have lived through presidents gwine back t'Harry Truman an' in mah hoomble opinion; Jedidiah W. Bush is th' wo'st president ah have evah see. 2600 brave yo'ng soldiers haf given their lives. (ah's a veteran of Viet Nam"

I'd say this guy is definitely a liberal.  But, I think it's pretty cool that he's ashamed to admit it.

[Dear good parent with rotten choice-making kid]  If you're doing your best, don't worry about harsh judgments by others.  Often, their children have already made it safely to adulthood (employed, reasonably happy, no dangerous addictions) and they're trying to convince themselves and us that somehow they've solved the mystery of good parenting.  All along, though, they were saying, "Jesus Christ, I hope I'm doing this right" just like the rest of us.  They're the very same people that become irritated and roll their eyes when babies cry in restaurants or on airplanes. 

Experience (and parents) prepares one for life.  School is suppose to prepare you for a job/career.  They just don't do it very well.  They've convinced parents that they "owe" their kids a college education, no matter the cost.  Now if they can get the kid to postpone a decision about what career path to take, they can get a couple of extra years of tuition to boot.

And as for the education system preparing you for life, if you consider "dumbing-down" preparation for life, then they are doing an outstanding job.

 I sent you an E-Mail I hope you received it. You have a great sight.

You're not the only ones happy the "worst neighbors in the world" are moving away.  We are too and they think we're friends.  Do me a favor friends...

[Insurance and the County] What do you have to say Commissioner Neugent?

A messy / unkempt yard / house is a sign of a messy brain.  It reflects upon the owner who could be mentally disturbed.  Since the slob probably has no life, hobbies or joy, it gets off on attempting to intimidate people because it is an envious hater, which causes the disorders to become even more toxic and morph in physical aliments.  The messy people usually do not sleep well and are unhealthy inside and out.  The mind, body and spirit are all connected.  When one neglects one aspect, the others suffer deeply.

Apparently, the poster on Saturday who isn't happy with the building department being open during business hours feels they are the only people who deserve to work regular hours. Maybe you don't realize that everybody that walks on two feet ( and even those that aren't able to walk on their feet) have the same rights as you do. The poster complains that the Stock Island satellite office isn't readily found. If that person had taken a moment to read the directory by the elevator door, they would have seen where the office was. I know this because I have found the office without knowing where it was before I went. It takes no more than a 3rd grade education to locate an office. All you have to do is look.

It isn't the building department that requires these flood inspections. They are doing you a service at a cheaper cost than any other inspector available in Monroe County. You could pay between 2 and 5 times as much for the same inspection and find somebody else to bitch at. Your anger should be directed at FEMA and the insurance conglomerates for the flood insurance mess we are in here and the insane building requirements we have, not the building department. They are only trying to meet the requirements forced on Monroe County by this government. If this county didn't comply with the regulations forced on this county by FEMA, we would have no financial help in case of weather disaster. No matter how little it appears that FEMA helped after our recent hurricanes, I wouldn't want to see this county go through a storm without their financial assistance.

Please, direct your anger where it is deserved. You are not the only one here who is upset with the insurance disaster we are in. Why don't you join other locals in the fight against our dilemma?

We had a perfect, yes, perfect, bottom paint job on our boat through the Company which works out of Turnkey Marine in Marathon.  Every year, a different company would slap on a sloppy paint job leaving us unsatisfied.  They did the best work ever and we were happy to give the guy a generous tip for his pride in his work, which is a rarity these days.

Well, hello there! I know who you are, and thank you very much for yesterday's post; and, yes, I do miss the Keys very much, you too.

Why did they move the Fire Works to the Lower Sugarloaf Airport?  Summerland was a great location.

Monday June 26, 2006

Sunday June 25, 2006

 [Somebody likes us] To the Editor(s): I would like to complement you on a website well run! You keep things up to date on a daily basis and only edit what needs to be edited. Everyone has opinions, but you practice good objective journalism and don't interject your own position(s). I have been reading the Gossip Column for some time and have noticed a trending toward the more intellectual side of things. However the ranting and raving from obviously marginally educated and ill informed people continues. Unfortunately this contingent will always be with us. No, I do not live in Big Pine Key, nor am I a "Snow Bird."

[Mortgage 101] Baloney. Don't ever go to a mortgage broker they charge more than any one else (loan plus their commission) Try online and you get all the deals there are--minus commission. Like every contract read everything and you will come out ahead. We did. Mortgage brokers are for people who have credit or some other problem. It is the lender of last resort.