Wednesday May 31, 2006

If you think this planned widening of the fire breaks from 8' to 16' by the US Fish & Wildlife Service and TNC is ridiculous, then you need to email or write to Jon Andrew, who is Chief of the Southeast region of the USFWS.  His email address is Jon_Andrew@fws.gov.   His mailing address is:  Jon Andrew, Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, Southeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 875 Century Blvd, Suite 420, Atlanta, GA  30345.  Let him know that the public is not happy with this plan, as the real agenda for this habitat destruction is for future prescribed burns.  Send as soon as possible, as they are starting the widening in a couple of weeks.

MCCLAIN, ANDREW PIERRE
Address: 29186 ROSE DRIVE, BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043
DOB: 06/18/1979 (26) Sex: M Race: W      

This is the real picture of the crack head robbing all those houses.  This kid has been a waste he's whole entire life.  I really wish somebody did shoot him. 

I like this site because it's like having my own person blog site, but without having to come up with something original to say every day.

[Gaps in flooring] I'm a building contractor and any visible gaps in any flooring is unacceptable. You should contact the Dept of Prof Regulation and complain.

[All those bad mouthing the USFWS and TNC] If you think you can do a better job managing the public lands of the Florida Keys than why don't you apply for one of the many job openings at either agency. They have many different types of job opening available for all types of experience, but since most of you are "experts" why not apply for the management positions? They also have openings for internships, biologists, forestry techs, exotic techs, land stewards and the like. So go ahead and back up your words by showing everyone how "you" can do better! They are doing the best they can with what they have, so leave them alone to do their work.

For those of you that have not heard, the Key Deer Refuge will be loosing more pineland at the hands of TNC and FWS. They plan to clear cut a new section of pristine pineland for an unnecessary fire road. They are also going to widen all existing fire roads to 16+ feet. This will result in the loss of approximately 7 acres of pineland.

These existing fire roads have been left un-maintained for years and do need attention, but to go from 8 to 16+ feet will cause extreme loss of habitat. It is unfortunate that the residents of this island were not notified until a very recent public meeting held by TNC, who by the way, were paid by FWS to conduct, (yes with your tax dollars). Residents that attended the meeting were outraged by this decision and were told by FWS that this plan is slated for mid June and will take place no matter what.

I personally feel this is completely unacceptable since we were also told there would be no prescribed burning taking place this year. However, there are plans for more burning in the near future. The very little of this island that is left alive after previous bad prescribed burns, wind, drought and storm surge simply must be left alone to recover. More habitat destruction at the hand of man is simply wrong; and you, the public, need to loudly voice your intolerance of these actions to get it stopped.

Please call or fax your views to the FWS S.E. Regional Director, Elizabeth Souheaver PH: 404-679-7163 or fax 404-679-4082. You may also call Ecological Services 772-562-3909. This is our home folks and your tax dollars are paying for this destruction. Remember this is starting in June so there is very little time, if we take control we can stop this.

[Injured deer] They will put it down if it is too broken to fix.

To the poor soul who hates God: Yes He could fix your broken nut, and make a way for you to have food on your table, clothes to wear and people to love the right way. His word says "The Lord draws near to those who draw near to Him." If you had a grown child who constantly cursed you, complained about you and was ungrateful would you be motivated to do anything for them?

It's a shame to burst people's bubble, but God isn't a cosmic bell-hop whose purpose is doing just what we want. He has His reasons that mostly make little sense to us. Like the ants in an anthill have no idea what the human, a million times bigger, is doing walking by. But God can be known through His son Jesus. He became one of us little ants and felt our pain.
 

I throw out this challenge. Ask God to reveal Himself to you. Forget all of your hate and frustration with yourself and others for a moment and go to Him with a clear mind. Ask Him to prove Himself in your life, and then patiently watch for it. Remember God is boss and we're not. He will do it in His own time or He wouldn't be God. I've never met anyone who looked for God with an earnest, clear conscience who didn't find Him after all.  

That picture of Andrew McClain is wrong!  Andy McClain is much younger, and looks a whole lot more pissed off in his mug shot! ( LwWay7@aol.com sent in the wrong picture)

Proposed improvement for downtown New Orleans. A big drain!

For the person that thinks I carry my bills around to get the locals discount. I happened to have them in my possession because we were in the process of moving our homestead to Monroe County and did not know what I needed and did not clear out my purse from that day. 

I have my Monroe drivers license and have had it for quite a while now, but just because of the treatment that I received that day I would never go back.

Read the many complaints about Rob himself. It sounds like a person ready to explode. Maybe he better have his blood pressure checked.  I hope nothing to be wrong, but maybe it is found to be to too high and he needs to get on medication and maybe then he will chill out a bit. Come on now, we are in the Keys and did not expect to be harassed from a restaurant owner like that.

[instant message talk] IMHO = in my humble opinion

This goes to the idiot who presented the wrong picture with the correct information on the sleeping burglar. Don't try to B.S. us by showing us the wrong guy. Are you trying to protect his face, so that if we see him in the street we don't freaking lynch him right in the middle of the Winn-Dixie parking lot? Or is it that you are just a stupid idiot? If you are going to disclose information to the public make sure you are correct. The guy on the photo should not pay for something he did not do. Or is it, that you're practicing today's media trend of telling only 1/4 of the truth to the public? ( LwWay7@aol.com sent in the wrong picture)

Actually Urban Beach Week was tame this year. There was only one nightclub shooting. I figure taming it down world make it a fine civic event for Big Pine Key.

I'll just stick with the Cabernet.

I'm a long time resident. What the hell is a local's card? Never mind, don't answer. I've lived here this long, I don't think I really need it now.

That person in the yesterday's photo is not Andy McClain. ( LwWay7@aol.com sent in the wrong picture)

[I wish the Pagans were back]  They are. I know the collection plate is tempting, but maybe you should stop hanging out in churches so much.

[Rob's paint job] Where's home, Haiti?

Boondocks min-golf looks good to me too. I ‘m told that effort cost a cool one million.  Families with children need something to do. Old people too.  It is a done deal, live with it. 

The number one CD on Billboard this week is The Sound of Revenge by Chamillionaire featuring Krazie Bone. I am sure that the people down here who are in touch with the latest music all own and love this CD. I can't wait until the local bands start playing cuts from it.

 [Mini-golf] I usually hate everything, but they did a great job landscaping that place.

I have lived in the Keys almost all of my life (which is longer than I care to remember) and I have never had or would have a locals card. I know I'm a local and I can afford to eat out if I want.  "Local's Discount Card." It brings to mind the Old Dutchman's Pizza Joint whose busiest night was all-you-could-eat Discount Wednesday.

Why not celebrate life and join all your friends and neighbors on June, 10^th, next Sat. at the Help Trap Cancer Benefit for the local commercial fishing family, Buddy and Martha Becker?

[Sick Deer] If the deer is ambulatory and being fed and watered please just let nature take its course.  If it is the same one I’ve been trying to help I have been assured by sportsmen and hunters he will be fine. Perhaps a little lame.  My first instinct was to call also, but with the shoddy treatment and “help” they received after Wilma I am afraid they will indeed kill it.  There is a mitigation study planned by the Army Corps of Engineers for one month, soon, to determine the impact on all wildlife in the Keys. Just help the little fellow out and give it some time please. Business Directory>pets>wild bird rescue

Yesterday's picture of Andrew McClain Is not Andrew McClain.  The write up is about him.
(-- LwWay7@aol.com sent in the wrong picture) 

I love it when people criticize the older music and the people who like it. These are the same people who would run, not walk from a hip-hop concert. Wise up dude, hip-hop is the latest and greatest in current music. If you don't appreciate it, you are out of date.

[Locals discount]  I never ask for a “discount” from a merchant.  Those places that I frequent and offer a discount for locals give it to me automatically because I’m recognized as a local resident.  I saw a woman last season create a loud, shouting, obnoxious scene in a local restaurant demanding a locals discount.  She was very obviously a tourist or snow bird (most likely from Jersey). 

And all of the huge disturbance over a $2 or $3 discount on a lunch tab.  (How incredibly small and cheap to make a fool of oneself for a couple of dollars)  The establishment that I frequent gives their regular, recognized local customers an automatic discount on the food portion of the bill, but it is not advertised.  Local means local.  Not Miami, New Jersey, and as far as I’m concerned not Key West or Key Largo either.

Thanks for showing a picture of Mr. Hankey. You made my day.

Hey Ed, please post McClain's real picture.  Who the hell was that guy?  The Sheriff's Office has all their evidence together and will start serving the Burglary warrants on him Wednesday.  Also, from what I've heard, there will be more arrests also. ( LwWay7@aol.com sent in the wrong picture)

[Boondocks golf]  Before golf there was just another patch of stinky buttonwoods and now it's full of tropical plants and trees. It amazes me, the mentality of the people here in the Keys complaining about something so nice. It is really unbelievable sometimes.

Call Maya Totman at 872-1473 for any injured or sick wildlife (including deer). She will get the animal treated properly. If indicated she will call in a vet at her own expense. Maya operates the Exotic and Wild Bird Rescue on Big Pine Key.

I looked on the sheriff web site and saw a totally different face with that name. Also the guy pictured looks older than 26. Seems like some shabby journalism and misleading the people. This web site really should verify things before you just go and print anything, without thinking of the damage you might do to a person that had nothing to do with it. It was as easy as looking at the face and then the birthday. Shame, shame, shame.

(Ed: Mea culpa. I'm only one person doing everything and I barely have time to publish everyday. That's why we don't do news, only gossip. That is also why I always print the email of the person submitting anything of a personal nature. I've removed the photo of that poor unsuspecting dude that the jerk submitted in place of the real crook's picture.) ( LwWay7@aol.com sent in the wrong picture)

Rob's may have been correct in denying the discount to possible snowbirds posing as locals. However, I was there when they scammed my elderly parents and other relatives who visit us every year from up North on a buy one/ get one free entree deal. I posted about that two winters ago, and my family  still will not return to Rob's, nor will I or any of our local family members. What a foolish business decision that was for them. (And they were warned  at our table that if they did not honor their newspaper ad that we would never return.)

Where did Charlie Brandt the live on Big Pine?  What did they do to his 600,000 dollar home?

Once again this is about Robs.  I was the person who wrote exactly what  happened yesterday between Rob and my daughter and was told I was being sued for slander.  I believe this site is for people to voice concerns over things that happen in Big Pine and I will stick to this story 100%.  I am disputing the charge and Rob you don't have to worry about myself or any of my friends coming to your establishment ever again.  I look forward to hearing from your lawyer. I am sure I am not the only person who has negative things to say about you.  As a matter a fact I know I am not. I will print out all of the negative comments for my "court battle with you."  Get over it.  If you're not a regular, we're nothing to you. And that's a shame.

Moose. (player) Good to see you. Thanks for the souvenir

Hey Eric!  Do the right thing, dood.  This is no way to treat someone who's been very kind to you.  The Karma will outweigh this petty disturbance which you may notice will be posted at the bottom, appropriately.   

Wednesday May 31, 2006

Tuesday May 30, 2006

I am a regular reader and contributor to the BigPineKey.com website and find the Island Information site fascinating. Thank you for your research and dedication to compile this information. We are a unique spot on the planet and I appreciate the resource.   Recently I was asked by a state park ranger at Bahia Honda Beach who the conductor was on the first train that actually drove Mr. Flagler when he made his first trip to Key West on the Overseas Railroad.  I work in the Information, Ticket and Travel office at the Navy Base on Sigsbee Park.  (mcclaindo@naskw.navy.mil ) I live on BPK and regularly visit Bahia Honda to sunbathe. 

I spoke with my contact at Flagler’s Railroad Museum and Historic Tours of America and was able to determine that the chief engineer was a fellow by the name of Krome, my contact was able to only come up with the name of Goethe as the possible conductor.  Even Tom Hambright, our premiere historian, could not provide me with this information.  Does anyone know or tell me how to go about finding about this man?

I love history, especially Key’s History; and even though it is an odd request I’d like to provide the information as that is my job.  Thank you for the history of the Key names.  Now I have something to do today on my day off.  I believe the lowly conductor should not be forgotten.  If there are any other history buffs, or railroad buffs that may have the final answer please let me know. 

[Nature Conservancy] Yes, take a look at that site.  And TNC's history in the Keys is also full of the type of bullying in that Illinois case.

A few years back, two things happened here.  The Keys director for TNC had to resign under a hell of a cloud involving all sorts of misfeasance.  Ask any old timer from Key West or Sugarloaf about that.

As part of that, he took the blame for much bullying of landowners and even owners of occupied homes on Sugarloaf (oceanside) when TNC was pushing the idea that all of southeastern Sugarloaf should be "wild land," basically, I guess, 'cause they said so.

A good friend of mine (and yes, she still lives there and could not be bullied out) was subject to much of this harassment, as were a number of her neighbors.

When the director resigned (for other reasons) TNC decided to pin the blame on him for the Sugarloaf efforts, and backed off.  But they are, IMHO(?), rotten to the core.  Just one more charity/lliberal cause which has become enamored of money, power or both at the expense of what was originally (I thought) a worthy cause and a "my way or the highway, asshole" mentality.

For all you music fans out there. Here is a link to all the lyrics to your favorite songs. http://www.rare-lyrics.com/

FWS may be a part of the idea of widening the fire roads to 16+ feet and bulldozing some new ones, but read this TNC site and you will see fire is the initiative of TNC. In our long absence of permanent FWS management TNC has wormed their way into the decision making process of the FWS and their undue influence has stirred much controversy in recent years.   http://www.tncfire.org/

[The times, they are a-changin'] In the movies, it used to be that everyone rooted for the cavalry to kill the savage Indians. Now everyone's rooting for the Indian.

[Listening to each other's music and find common ground] We've already heard your music. It's called classic rock and we're all sick of it. That music was made over thirty years ago. Times have changed. Music has changed. If you don't like modern music just admit that you're stuck in the past and be satisfied. Stop discounting a whole new generation's music because they're not your generation.

I laughed my arse off at Rob's paint job. Thanks for sending it in. I felt like I was home and that's wonderful.

To the person who considers themselves somewhat of an expert on music. That's exactly right, you think that. No one else does! Please let us know when your band is playing so you may enlighten us.

I’ll bet the painter that Rob hired to do the headache inducing carnival job is laughing all the way to the bank. Never mind all of the negative stuff about the new colors.  I think it’s great.  In fact I think Rob should continue the theme.  Maybe add a corn dog and a cotton candy stand and dress the help up in clown outfits. 

I cannot believe I missed the trendy event called Urban Beach Week that was held in Miami Beach this past week. Only 557 people were arrested between Thursday morning and Saturday night on the beach, where revelers flocked for a celebration of hip-hop music and culture. Maybe Key West could host this event next year.

[Big Pine Restaurant Friday Night and it was great!]  I agree.  The Big Pine Restaurant (coffee shop) is the only decent, friendly clean place to get a good dinner meal on Big Pine.  Good food, service and prices.  Lunch is pretty darned good too.

I did not realize that there was anyone else out there besides my self who thought that Boondocks Golf was an eye sore.

This cat calling Mustang Sally and Brickhouse dumb songs really has a stick up his kiesta. I have to wonder if you have ever danced with a beautiful person of the opposite sex? If you have, you should realize what fun it is. Especially to those dumb songs.

[TNC gets audited] http://ataxingmatter.blogs.com/tax/2006/01/the_nature_cons.html

If anybody expects to find seriously great musicians playing at the night spots in the Keys they have a fat chance. That's not the idea. To quote Lawrence Welk (who was anything but a great musician) "We play music for people to drink and dance to, and that's why we're popular." We've attended a few professional good concerts at Tennessee Williams Center, but people weren't getting drunk or dancing there.

Now the players in the bar bands think themselves stupendous, and so does the crowd, (after some 90 proof lubrication). So we know the difference between fun music and serious music. The measure of a good bar band is how many cases the owner goes through in an evening, and he doesn't give a rip about how technically precise the performance was. Yep, I have to agree a lot of it is junk, but if you've been in the Keys any length of time you know that's what they consist of, and people love it. 

I'd die before I'd use a locals card or a coupon. I'd be too embarrassed to ask to negotiate the price of a meal. to me, it's like saying, "I'm broke and can't afford to eat out or leave you a good tip." I'd rather stay home.

To the person who wrote that they are a guitarist for "over 35 years etc." I would like you to contact me so we can compare notes. I would love to learn some new stuff. (You seem to have the part about being arrogant down pretty well.)  philomusic@hotmail.com.  (No Dale, it was not me)

[The person that did not receive their locals discount at Rob's] I ask, "Who in the hell carries around their phone, electric, and tax bill wherever they go, hoping to get a discount?"  Did you go back after you got your Monroe Co drivers license and try again--or did you move on to another local restaurant hoping for a discount with same bills? It sounds like a load of BS, if you ask me.

A man without song, is a man without love.

I loved the post from the parent who enjoyed their kids taste in music and they in return enjoyed their parent's music. And for all who can think out of the box--yeeha!  For the pompous ass that thinks because they know so much about music and wished everyone else knew as much as they do--grow up, live and let live. We are all here to enjoy life and music. This is America where we all have choices. Just because my choice of music is not yours does not make it wrong or inferior. Start living your own life and quit worrying about the rest of us who know so little about music. We know what we like and it's ok if it isn't what you like.

[Mai Lai revisited] "Soldiers murder two dozen civilians." It looks like Abu Grab and Guantanamo are going to take a back seat to this latest scandal perpetrated by the honorable and better-than-everyone-else Americans.

I have a locals card and hardly ever use it.  You don't get that big a discount and who can remember on which night you can use it and where.  Most of the places I frequent don't take it or never heard of it. 

I've never been to Rob's, so I don't know how loud it is there.  I went to Parrotdise tonight and the noise level was so high I couldn't wait to get out of there.

The person robbing you. -- LwWay7@aol.com                 

[How not to apply for a job] I am very disappointed with the treatment my daughter and I received at Rob's yesterday.  My daughter is 14 and out of school for the summer and I am looking for a part time job for her.  A great friend of mine called Rob and asked us to meet him at 4pm and that he could use her 3 shifts per week, which we did.  He did not show up until 4:30 pm and in the mean time we ordered dinner.  My sandwich was way to (spicy) hot. I only had one bite and asked them to take it off of my bill. He refused and said I ate the whole thing.  Mind you, it was only one bite. I refused to sign the ticket and Rob himself chased me out to my car for my signature.  Boy, that's not professionalism if I've ever heard of it.  I have disputed my charge and cancelled payment and will never step foot in that restaurant again.  It's a shame, my daughter would have brought much needed personality and good work ethics to the establishment.  I am sure she will find someone who will appreciate her and her hard work.  

Thanks to all of you who were part of the ABATE Memorial ride on Sunday

Classic Carpet and Tile on BPK is not where you want to get your flooring done.  Our installation was a nightmare and the finished product has huge gaps between the boards with the cork underlay clearly visible.  We were told that this is normal for wood flooring due to expansion and contraction (bear in mind that these gaps were visible immediately after installation, and the house has central air).  I'm not a physicist or a flooring expert, but I have seen wood flooring all over the Keys for years, and none of it has gaps like the ones in our floor.  It's just shoddy, unprofessional, take-our-crappy-service-or-do-it-yourself, unsatisfactory BPK service.  And yes, I am a local, so don't tell me some BS like "Go Back to Jersey," or "That's the way we do it here."  A little pride would go a long way here in BPK's few remaining businesses.  Classic Carpet was completely unprofessional and disorganized, but where else are you going to go?  Lack of competition only hurts the consumer.

Regarding small fire: Just have a pack of hotdogs handy.

I want Wal-Mart here.

[New kids on the block] My name is Joe Bachman and I am the new Entertainment Director & House Band Leader for The Rum Barrel in Key West.  I just moved down here to the beautiful Florida Keys with my wife Joanne to take on this amazing opportunity at The Rum Barrel. 

My band, "The Crew," is a two-piece acoustic duo consisting of Danny (Gunz) and myself.  We are both professional musicians from Philadelphia and we bring a high-energy, party-atmosphere to every show we play.  We are Nationally Sponsored by Jagermeister and we pride ourselves on making sure our crowds are "part of the show!"  We'll be playing at The Rum Barrel every Tuesday thru Sunday Nights from 6PM until 11PM

[Bands at the Tiki bar] You're a self-centered SOB. If you only want to hear the songs you like, than stay away and listen to your own music, or better yet, go the hell home.

A few people crapping in a body of water the size of the Gulf of Mexico is not the problem.  It's most likely overloaded, poorly maintained septic systems from the camp grounds or motels.  Another likely source are the cruise ships dumping just offshore.  So in the spirit of environmental responsibility, let's get rid of the camp grounds, motels and cruise ships.  Keep the Keys clean.

[For a broken heart] Just remember, you never lose your girl in the Keys, just your spot in line.

[Kittens make great tarpon bait]  Cute, huh? Troll of the week award.

Rob's new paint job. Looks like NAPA east.

Concerning campers and their bathroom habits.  The writer asked where are the conservation officers, the Department of Environmental Protection, etc.  Well on Sunday they were at Bahia Honda beach hassling me for having beer on the beach. Luckily I only had to pour out the first one and they let me keep the other 11, probably because I was a local girl.  Anyway, from now on, I guess I’ll have to go to the beach on the military installation where they actually sell beer.  Go figure.

I just checked out the Island Statistics on this site. There is some very interesting information there and proves we are indeed in Paradise. Island Information

[Higher Class] So does everyone I know, but they can spell the word "wear". You spelled it as in "tupperware".  A true sign of your higher class. You might want to clean the glass on your belly window so you can see where you are going while your head is up your arse. If you hang at the Tiki bar you can't be any different than the rest of us.

Lighten up.  Don't look at the new paint job at Robs if it's not to your liking.  I happen to like it, it's colorful, cheery, and sure as heck looks nicer than the abandoned and overgrown places scattered about.  Kudos to Rob's.

Ludacris is ludicrous. And when you mix Country with Rap--you get crap! Try again.

The whining about the lack of fast food, decent looking women, respectable service in local restaurants and bars pales in comparison to the problems that are really going on. As a displaced Conch, I have now found there are many problems that Keys people can fix themselves if they only try. Things could be worse, but they could also be better.

[The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart]  I got a broken nut, will he fix that? Will he put food on my table without some dude in black drag, asking me to, "Bend over for Jesus"?  Man, I wish the Pagans were back. At least they partied well and didn't play in closets.

[Public execution] Start looking at the big picture of the comments posted here and you can tell its summer again. Neighbor against neighbor bad mouthing our local bands instead of supporting them, criticizing paint jobs and bored to death whiners.  We should take that mother f**ker that burglarized our neighborhood and hang him like in the old days so we have something to celebrate together.

[Injured deer on BPK not getting better] Who would I call to help it or do they put them down?  I think I heard they kill them so I haven't called anyone,  but it is crippled and looks uncomfortable.  It is not getting better and you people need to slow down and not let your dogs chase after them, please.  I may end up spending credit card money for a Vet to come by and I would hate to see it get run over by a speeding Piner.

[Only a local can have a local drivers license] A Fl. Drivers License is a breeze to get. All you need is a local address.  Half the snowbirds, including those who drive their house here and stay in R/V parks, have Fl. drivers licenses.

Congratulations on being higher class, walking up-right, using a fork and drinking from a glass. Would you please spare some of your free time to learn how to spell wear and bathe? As in, I bathe (not bath) and wear shoes (not ware shoes). Again, congratulations on being higher class; now you just need a friggin brain to go with it.

[locals discount] It's cool, but having the local merchants take a beating on price from the very people they stay open all year to support seems kind of cruel to me.  It sure doesn't cost the poor merchant anything less to serve the locals-- half of whom come to this site and complain anyway.

Tuesday May 30, 2006

Memorial Day 2006

The FWS came up with these new firebreak locations in a vacuum with no input from The Nature Conservancy. TNC should not be getting beat up on this so badly. It's the Fish & Wildlife Service that are the bad guys in this instance.

Local discount means local not a part time resident. A snowbird is a part time resident. Any snowbird can have phone, electric and water bills, but only a local can have a local drivers license. Rob was correct in refusing to give you the coveted locals' discount. Coming to live here at your convenience does not make you a local.

One sign of a weak and poorly developed mind is a fondness for extreme, over-sweeping, generalizations and emotional rhetoric.  Judged that way, of course, 80% of us here are poster children for such a mind.

Today what has me going is this:  "All other plants are not from the Keys and are invasive destroyers. Don't use them."

This is nonsense (except for the statement that plants on the list are from the Keys.)

What makes Australian pines and Brazilian pepper such "destroyers," is just that trait.  They will spread, poorly controlled or uncontrolled, and choke out native stuff.  Ok so far.

Many common landscape trees, shrubs and flowers not from the Keys do not have such characteristics at all.  They will not spread, can't "escape," etc., etc., and there is no reason at all not to use them. They are not "native," but they are neither "invasive" nor "destroyers."

Near shore fecal problems with our water and campers are allowed at bridges and islands that have no facilities. I wonder where our problems are coming from without rain runoff this spring. Where is law enforcement, code enforcement, environmental protection? These people have no place else to relieve and clean themselves except the water, our water, which is vital to our economy and way of life. Wake up people, call your county reps now!

Music in bars, store fronts, sidewalks, schools, everywhere it's great, not always to my taste, but still great. I play  and have played for money in many different settings. My kids, not really kids anymore, would play some hip-hop or rap for me. Oh, yes, there is a difference and I didn't care for it, but I was very set in my time and kind of music that I liked. We didn't do well. Then I asked if they would listen to some Doors, Kinks, Zep, Stones and most of all Jimmy. We all found some new stuff that we liked. I became open to a bunch of Alt. rock and hip-hop. The kids were taken back by the Doors. My daughter fell into some very hip country/rock stuff and my son likes hip-hop and knows all the words to When the Music's Over (a Doors song)

Get out of the box and grow a little. It is for the most part live music that most of you talk about. Shoot, a song is over in a few min. and they should never sound the same way being live. Look at the players, their style, the way they work the crowd. You will find some very good players out there. Chill-out and enjoy this life, its the best deal you're going to get and it turns on a dime.

I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease..

I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.

 I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant "Amen,"

When a flag had draped a coffin.
Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea

Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.

I have been playing guitar for over thirty-five years, and I consider myself somewhat of an expert in the musical field. With very few exceptions, all the bands down here are basically terrible. They only play tired, three-chords songs from the 60's, and the louder the better. It is really too bad that the people down here don't have the level of musical appreciation that I do. If they did, they would never think about dancing to dumb songs like Mustang Sally or Brick House. 

I hope the person would have the courage to give us all the name of the CENSORED that was breaking in all these houses.  Or at least the correct web address so we can see this coward's face.  You already didn't kill him when you had the opportunity, so the least you can do is tell your fellow neighbors who this person is.

[God's back] The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. (Ps 34.18)   Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

My husband and I went to the Big Pine Restaurant Friday Night and it was great! We got two yummy appetizers, two rib dinners with salads, wine and we both had desert and everything was delicious and the bill was only $77. The service was great and the restaurant was clean.  Check it out.

[Getting scumbags off the streets will benefit the rest of the community]  Hold on a minute, lets not be too hasty. These people serve a useful purpose.  There's nothing like being surrounded by pathetic losers to make you feel better about yourself.

Friday morning at 2 AM I was traveling thru Marathon on the way to the Miami airport. As usual at that time I was traveling in the left lane so as to avoid any drunks who might fall onto the pavement and get run over. Imagine my surprise when I closely passed a sheriff’s cruiser parked facing South on a turn lane with all lights off. He couldn’t have been more than 2 feet from the left hand line of the North bound lane. As I traveled further North there was a second sheriff’s car parked in the same dangerous manner.

What bothers me about this is not so much the danger of the whole thing, but the fact that these police hold themselves above the law stating that “it is illegal to park on the right of way with your lights off” or to park there at all. These policemen carry guns, and have the power of life or death over all of us. I don’t believe men with this above the law attitude should be allowed to carry guns or be on the police force. This mind set is the flip side of the criminal mind set that believes that if they want it they can do it. Both are dangerous to society.

[pedophile's and rape] were those the words of a closet pedophile?

I hear gators do eat New Yorkers and their yip yap doggies but then they complain, "Hey this tastes like crap!"

Happy Memorial Day weekend

I don't know, it seems these piney are whiney so we ate at the No Name Pub on Sun and it was great. Great service, great food and friendly. It was worth the trip from Marathon and will continue to do so.

[For a broken heart] Push yourself to put in more hours at work or work on a hobby or project that requires your attention, maybe something new.  It's hard to be interested in anything right now, I'm sure, but fill the hours with something constructive.  If it involves being around other people with other things to discuss that helps even more.  Mostly it takes time and that time needs to be filled with other things to get your mind refocused.  Think of it as repair work to becoming a whole person again, because I do know how it feels to have your guts ripped out like that.

I agree that the old people down here don't know squat about what is good in music. Check out the new album by Ludacris "Chicken-N-Beer."  It is so much better than anything the Eagles or Allman Brothers ever did. Ludacris is a genius.

[sleep well sandman has been caught] What about the driver in the white car or the loud other car? Are they still investigating?

[Indigenous plants] If any grants for planting native plants exists the Florida native Plant Society may be aware of them. For Monroe County contact the Monroe County Biologist to see if there are any possibilities. Marathon Government Center  2798 Overseas Highway, Suite 400 Marathon, FL 33050. Biologist Counter (305) 289-2868 http://www.fnps.org/ 

Rob's does give a Locals Discount, he cuts the portions in half.

[Broken Heart] What ever you do, don't listen to the radio. When your hurt like you do it seems all the music is talking to you about how bad you feel. That was one of the worst part of breaking up. Personally, I take the drug and booze cure.

[Broken heart] The best way to get over someone is to get under someone new.

[You sound like you think you are a higher class than the rest of us. Why?] Because I walk up-right, bath, ware shoes, use a fork, and drink from a glass not a bottle! OK?

['Drug Cocktail' Sparks a Series of Overdose Deaths] They say its a problem, Why are more dead addicts a problem?

[Friendly service along with friendly dogs outside]  Were you referring to the four legged, mans best friend variety or one of the Avenue’s three tooth crack whores with dirty feet looking to score some free beer and a ten dollar parking lot quickie?

[no good new music] Those first 3 aren't bad and I do have all three of them in my collection, I just noticed they are covered in dust. The bigger picture is did they stand the test of time. I really don't think they did. I can't remember the last time I heard any of these in a public forum (radio, TV etc.). All three are more than 10 years old. My fish bowl has lots of room for change, however I choose positive change. Your choice of music seems a little one sided and you could expand your horizons by listening to a variety of music. I'll take another listen to your music and you can listen to mine and maybe we will find common ground.

I just wanted to say that the other day, I was out running a few errands and noticed very little traffic so just for fun, I tried a few left

[Don't stop helping the turtles that are trying to cross the roads]  I agree.  I always stop and help a turtle trying to cross a road if it is at all safe to do so.  Living in Eden Pines I often see them crossing Watson or Key Deer Blvd. and always stop and take the little critter to the other side.  Last year I actually saw some young punk veer over into the wrong lane to go out of his way to run over and crush a turtle to death.  If you don’t want to stop don’t.  Just try to be a little humane and try your best to avoid hitting them.

turns onto US1.  I was surprised I still remember how.  Maybe it's time again to revisit the idea of blowing up the 7 mile bridge.  There isn't much above Sunshine Key worth driving that far for anyway. 

Don't know if he will handle a remodel dispute, but Hal Schumaker is a real bulldog of an attorney.  I've watched him work in Key West.  He gets the job done!  His office is in Marathon.

I haven't been by to see the new paint scheme at Rob's yet but I bet it ain't half the eyesore as the new mini-golf mess over at Boondock's on Ramrod.  What's next, a go-cart track and a Ferris wheel?

[prove premeditation] The only way it could be premeditation in the first place is if you knew someone was going to break in and then lay a trap for them instead of informing your local doughnut munchers.

A Walgreens and a couple of chain stores equal urban sprawl?  Yes and corporations are the root of all evil.  If only the government ran everything.  Just think how much better that would be!  You're either an employee of F&W or TNC or a completely brain-washed product of some ultra liberal educational institution.  In other words, a fascist.

Hey, Montanas dad, I'll see you Tues A.M.

They were cooking up a storm yesterday at Picnic Island. I saw everything from a roast pig to shrimp kabobs. Now I know how it got its name.

(?)[Eagles challenge] That sounded like a half reply to me.

(?)[clearing our pine forests] I hope the workers know that in the pine forests, there's a substance that really screws up diesel fuel, and ruins engines. Be careful, guys.

(?)[You dope] I suggest that you are calling the kettle black, if you don't know where Maja can be found.

(?) [Eagles challenge] You don't sound too confident. If it is that good and compared, you would be screaming it out. That speaks for itself. This is a pretty big world for such a shallow stereo type. You are older today than you were yesterday which now makes you an older person. Now reread your comment.

Kittens make great tarpon bait.  You use rubber bands to attach the hook.  Just pitch them out near tarpon water and hang on.  Cute, huh?

Monday May 29, 2006

Sunday May 28, 2006

The mosquito plane flew again this morning. I found a new feature on my three year old digital camera: movie clips. And I just found out when trying to play my new clip that it even has sound. Maybe I should have read the directions when I got the thousand dollar camera three tears ago!

[Eagles challenge] In reply to your challenge I have the name of an equally-as-good new album, but it's new so I won't even bother printing it for you to critized. If it's not old time rock, by the same old artists, no older person will give it its due.

I need a good remedy to get rid of a broken heart that doesn't involve drugs or alcohol.

[burglar] The young man that was caught was, in fact, the one that I feel robbed my home while we were in bed. I heard and chased him to his get-away car. The one with a damaged left side. Then I told the police that I didn't see him real good, but I new the voice and I told them who I felt the voice belonged to. to make a long story short, he was caught for something else and the judge reduced his bond from 50,000 bucks to eight or ten and he found the 10% and got out. I won't say his name but he is on the "done bad again" web site and boy does he have a history. This bad man has been in trouble a bunch. No, more than that! With any luck and a good judge he will go away for a very long time. By the way, I did have a gun and it was by choice that I didn't shoot him. Sorry.

You can find anything you want to know about generators, on line. After Wilma, I have one that runs the whole house. $1200

[No Good New Music] Wow, such a mouthful. So utterly old and close-minded it befuddles my mind as to where to begin. The Eagles? I listen to a lot of old music and love it, but to say nothing compares in the  past ten years is so utterly false as to indicate a conservatism that  fits nicely with Big Pine Key.

Here's a few for you. Nirvana's Nevermind,  Offspring's untitled. Beck, chose which you like, the guy is a genius.  White Stripes, ditto. Xavier Rud, self titled. Jack Johnson, Brushfire Fairy Tales. I could go on for pages.

I'm sorry you live in a fishbowl so small that the there is no room for change, but please, take the time to truly listen to the music before you paint with such a wide brush.  Just because it doesn't appeal to your sense of taste doesn't mean it doesn't compare. Look at the ratings. Check out the sales, are you saying all these people have bad taste too, or are you just a wee bit bitter?

[prove premeditation] The prosecutor has to prove it and if you do it right it will be extremely difficult to do. And you get another scumbag off the streets which will benefit the rest of the community and the country and the world. Get rid of criminals and you get rid of crime.

Prom in da 'hood. (N.J.)

Who are the corporate shills cheering for Walgreens and chain stores? How smarmy can you get; sucking up to Corporate America which will use you and discard you! Go to Kendall if you like urban sprawl.

Nothing adds to the atmosphere here like Buffet or Island music. Palm trees, warm breezes and Island Girls. Well, two out of three isn't bad. This is the sub tropics, you know, not Cleveland. So all you people that want to hear Mustang Sally or One Way Out again pack your station wagon and head north.

The gun link was from me, an armed woman--not macho.  Just prepared. There are crazy, hateful, nutballs here on  the Island as you can see from the little man who posted  about buying unmatched knives and screwdrivers.  I can bet his e-mail address was captured and stored for future use.  I liked the counter-post about money for his canteen and Bubba on top.  Guns really are a cure for Sociopathy.

I would like to thank Roger and all the people of Moose Lodge for lending me their 3 wheel bicycle. I can continue taking Montana for the daily long walks. We are both happier.

If you really want to find out all about the TNC ask for an accounting of the money (Grants which are tax free) that they receive from the Fish and Wildlife and other sources. Find out how much the TNC gets, what they do with it, and how much their employees get paid. Anytime you want to know what's going on remember to "Follow The Money"

[Rob's. Why in the world would anyone complain about this place]  Just ask any local. I do not type well, but if I did I could go on and on.

Ask the fish and wildlife how many alligators they dropped off at the end of Koehn? I bet you don't go near the place.

[Wild Bird Rescue really needs towels, sheets, etc. Ddrop off your unwanted old towels for her]  You dope!  Why don't you take a few seconds more and tell us where to drop off the towels? Business Directory>Bird Rescue

Florida Keys Dragon Boat Club is paddling weekly. We are forming teams and preparing for events. Captain John Duke 305- 304-5100.

I know a couple of other posts have listed this website, http://www.undueinfluence.com/nature_conservancy.htm, but everyone really needs to take the time to go there and read all about The Nature Conservancy.  They are not the good guys that they profess to be...really scary.  Here's an excerpt from the link:

"Another story of land grabbing:  In 1993 TNC tried to bully a German professor, Dr. Dieter Kuhn, into selling some land he owned in rural Illinois. Al Pyott, Illinois director of TNC, threatened Dr. Kuhn that if he did not cooperate in the creation of Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, his land would be taken by force of condemnation through Pyott’s influence with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which was listed in the local phone book in the same entry with TNC. Pyott wrote:  'The Nature Conservancy has, starting in 1987, made numerous efforts to contact you by letter, by phone, and through your agent, Mr. Clay, in an effort to discuss some basis for the acquisition of your property in Pulaski County.  If your land is not acquired through voluntary negotiation, we will recommend its acquisition through condemnation.166b'

TNC head at the time, the late John Sawhill, had to write a letter of apology to Dr. Kuhn.  Sawhill may have been prompted to apologize by Congressman Glenn Poshard (D-IL), who told TNC that if they continued their campaign of threats and bullying land owners, he would withdraw support for future refuge acquisition funding."

Scary, indeed.

[Rob's Philly Cheese Steak exactly like the ones I had in Philly] No way! What part of Philly were you in, West Philly? That's the only part of Philly that uses road kill and gator meats!

Please don't stop helping the turtles that are trying to cross the roads.  The one that "took a chunk" out of your finger was probably a Florida soft-shell turtle or a common snapping turtle, which can both be quite ornery, but most turtles are very passive and very shy of humans.  Just remember to wash your hands afterwards, as most reptiles can carry salmonella.

[Bands and Bars]  I like bands and I like bars.  I like live music and like to have music while I’m having my cocktail.  However, it’s not the music that some people object to--it’s the volume.  I agree with some of the posts that criticize some of the local bands.  All the local venues are fairly small and the bands don’t have to have the volume at skull-splitting levels to be heard.  That’s just ego on their part.  Loud doesn’t mean better.  They aren’t playing to 50,000 screaming fans at a stadium.  There playing to maybe 80 people at a local bar.  Professional musicians play their music at levels (loud enough) that allow everyone to hear and enjoy their music and still allow for conversation at the bar.  Anything else is amateurish and annoyingly loud.

Why does the Sheriff's arrest report show so many of these kind of charges: smuggle contraband - introduce into detention facility? 

About Dion’s:  First, they need to hire a new manager with experience in managing and running a convenience store.  They need to clean up the inside and make the place a little neater and somewhat more attractive. Not that it’s particularly dirty, but just cluttered looking.  A fresh, pleasing paint job on the exterior would help a lot.  It wouldn’t hurt to get rid of the druggies and bums hanging around on the side of the building either.  Some of these same suggestions apply to Tom Thumb as well. 

[If it weren't for all the work of TNC nature would not thrive in natural areas? Maybe someone should consult with God on that] OK, email me His email address would you? I got a few other things to bitch to S/Him about too.

[Robs is the only good place on Big Pine] I’ m glad you had a good time and enjoyed your visit.  Unfortunately, many of us have had the opposite experience. Two months ago my group of six had a very poor lunch both in terms of service and food quality.  We decided to a person to never go back.  Maybe things are turning around.  It goes without saying that Big Pine really needs a couple of good restaurants.  Perhaps after a few more complementary posts about Rob’s we’ll try it again.  (But what in the name of color-blindness was he thinking when he painted the place? Ugly, Ugly, Ugly!)

I agree with the poster that said how arrogant for someone to say that if it weren't for all of the fine work of The Nature Conservancy "nature would not thrive in natural areas".  This group is trying to play God way too much.  They say that lightening normally strikes every seven years, so they're trying to recreate that?  So, what happened?  Did lightening stop doing its natural thing?  Every time man tries to step in and "help Nature", they wind up making things much worse. 

I think the bands at the Tiki should only play songs that I like to hear, otherwise I am going to continue to whine on this website and complain about everything musical.

I called the Nature Conservancy once, to get a list of indigenous plants to replace all the non-indigenous plants the previous owner stuck in the ground. TNC didn't know what I was talking about. Then I asked if there was any grant money, tax help or other money stuff to help restore the Keys to what they are supposed to be. Again, "duah what? Call the  Governor" was the answer. Like all "government departments" they are only there to get that paycheck.

[mosquito plane]  I'm not sure what it was spraying, but it didn't affect the mosquitos in my neighborhood at all.

[clearing our pine forests]  You might as well face it, if it's a planned deal it's a done deal; and being there's government involved it will probably be done poorly without much care.

The only positive thing I have yet to see from Wilma is Bahia Honda Beach.  The beach is twice as wide as it was and there is “real” sand.  The kind you’d expect to be on a beach. It must have washed in with the surge.  Check it out.

When saving the turtle from the middle of the road I placed it in the direction in which it was originally headed. 

[Nature Conservancy] According to the post they don't make much money so supposedly that allows them to use as little brain power as possible which is usually the government way.

All this talk about pedophile's and rape and other crap that put people in prison is nuts. Look around the world, sex begins at puberty not at some designated age. You can go into the Army at 17 with a waver,  be trained to kill millions, but you can't drink a beer or have sex with a twelve year old, five foot ten, hooker from downtown, with 30,000 miles on her ass. It's all BS!

[generators] As far as my 2 cents, Honda is the best and I would go ask a professional.

I see the guy with the prison rape fetish is back.  Maybe if you'd learn how to shoot a gun, you wouldn't be so intimidated by them or the people that own them. 

Love the food at Robs.  It's the noise I can't stand.

I had no idea the depth of gratitude we all owe to TNC. To think, without them around to burn up all the nasty plants and little animals, this place would be a "mess of invasive species" (Are they talking about snowbirds or plants?).  Just because their controlled burns get a little out of control and take out a few homes is no reason to complain.  Those homes shouldn't be there anyway.  They're not native and they're not owned by TNC.

Even 48 year old gym owners have been known to take a liking to steroids!  

Sorry dude, I had three iguanas in my yard yesterday, and I do believe it is their mating season.

[get rid of live music and pipe in pay radio] The person that wrote this should open up a bar and try it. You wouldn't last six months. The live music has been there for years. A simpler solution would be for you to go to a bar that does not have a sign out front saying, "live music". It is that simple. How unintelligent you must be to think you are getting intelligent conversation at a bar. You sound like you think you are a higher class than the rest of us. Why?

I went to Rob's Island Grill a few years ago when the new location opened. It was really good.  I went back about a month later with a group of 10 and ate.  Not only was our food portions greatly reduced we were also treated like crap.  We inquired about the locals' discount prior to ordering; which we were assured that we would receive.  Came bill time there was no discount.  I reminded the waiter and he went back to Rob and asked him to apply the discount which was never received because we had not yet switched over our drivers licenses.  Not only did I produce a phone bill, electric bill and tax bill to prove residency he still refused.  In fact he replied that anyone can produce those things and not be locals.  He refused to apply the discount and I still refuse to give up my hard earned money to a piece of crap like that!

[Concerning generators] They are rated according to watts, which is a measure of electrical "horsepower", so to speak. A household refrigerator can use anywhere from 400 to 1,000+ watts depending on what gadgets it includes. An air conditioner or clothes washer take 1,500 watts plus, but use much more in the first few seconds of motor startup. Lights, smaller TVs, radio, computer, fans take a lot less wattage. You can get a nice truly portable generator, (one a normal person can move around) rated around 2,000 watts for $400.

That would be sufficient to operate a small refrigerator, fan, lights, TV, computer, albeit not all at the same time. If you insist on running an A/C or automatic washer you'll have to go for one of those bigger hosses that are hard to lug around and use more fuel. You would need at least a 5,000 watt or more because of the large current load at start-up. And the noise is incredible.

The way we handled the last hurricanes is to keep frozen jugs of ice in the fridge and run it two hours on, two off. We washed what we had to have to wear by hand and used fans instead of the A/C. That way we got by with our ancient 4,000 watt Coleman which is over 30 years old. It kept ticking along because we didn't overload it and used less fuel. 

If it's unbearably hot an idea is to choose out one small room with a small window A/C and run it occasionally. That way there's at least someplace to go to cool down, but there again you will need a stronger generator. A 4,000 watt will run a small A/C unit, but it lugs it down and uses a lot of fuel. We found it's better to use fans and shower often to beat the heat. We also use a small freezer that takes little current to keep ice for beverages and cold wash rags (good to cool off with). Harbor Freight up in Homestead sells a nice 2,000 watt generator for $400. Home Depot has different sizes but if you rent you want portability, so choose the smallest you can get by with.  

Sunday May 28, 2006

Saturday May 27, 2006

[Burglar Caught] Sleep well tonight Big Pine Key.  The "Sandman" has been arrested.

I am not expecting any petitions from our good buddies at FAVOR to stop TNC and FWS from clearing our pine forests any time soon. Why? Because the director of FAVOR is a TNC employee. Maybe we should call the Florida Keys Invasive Exotic Task Force, about the clearing of threatened cactus on protected land while leaving the Brazilian pepper in place. Nope. The chairperson is a TNC employee.  Should we complain to the County about a threatened species being removed from a county owned hammock? Maybe a phone call to the new county land steward would help. Nope, her husband is the TNC director.  When working your agenda, it always helps to have the key people in the right places.

I stopped to move a lost little turtle off of US 1 last year, and to show his appreciation the little bastard took a chunk out of my finger. Needless to say I don't stop for turtles anymore. Crack whores maybe, turtles and New Jersey women no way. 

All home owners, we are all on the same page regarding the increased windstorm rates. Please join the FIRM group they are doing a lot of good for all of us it does not cost anything. To join this organization just go to  www.firmkeys.org  and sign up. A lot of people thought by signing the petition they were also a member, but this is not so.

Robs is the only good place on Big Pine. I went there Friday night.  The place was packed.  Friendly service along with friendly dogs outside.  The food was good.  My only complaint is that I don't go there enough.  It was clean, busy with a bunch of handsome guys inside and the food was of generous proportions and was great.  Why in the world would anyone complain about this place?  Their Philly Cheese Steak was exactly like the ones I have had in Philly. 

[Dion's and Sarah leaving] Is that good or bad?  I could not tell from the posting.

I think the new management of the Tiki should get rid of all the live music and just pipe Sirius radio throughout the place. This move would let us be able to talk and hear one another over drinks. Let the screaming-guitar aficionados migrate to Boondocks and enjoy the lack of intelligent conversation. 

[Do yip-yap dogs make good alligator bait] Please, feed the New Yorkers to the gators and use the Yip-Yaps to troll for sharks.

[New way for Citizens Insurance to raise its rates]  Pay a "takeout" company to take policies, which is legal.  Then when the takeout company doubles its rates Citizens goes to the State and says we have to raise ours to comply with the law that says we have to be higher than anybody else.  Then when the takeout company collapses or, after their 3 year commitment, they turn those policys back to Citizens.  All legal, unless somebody can prove there was an under the table deal with the takeout company to raise the rates.  Why else would such a company take a policy whose rates were half what they needed be. Had they planned bankruptcy, fraud (taking our premiums when they knew they couldn't cover claims?

Go with the flow, Have some fun, Relax and enjoy your life.

I really need keys to one of these snowbird homes to use so I have somewhere to go with my lover.  These hotel rooms get expensive. 

[no good new music] I like the music from when I was young and am open to new music, but the problem is quality, simply put. The music being released today is garbage. You have the mentality of a moth to think that any CD put out in the last ten years is better that any Eagles CD period. I don't really even like the Eagles, but you can't deny their talent. I challenge anyone to name one CD in the last ten years that can even stand up to the Eagles. I'll be waiting.

The link to generators was interesting, but I rent and am interested in something portable, reliable and very basic. The difference in quality between, say, a Homelite or a Sthil. A generator that will run a fridge, window A/C and washer. Clues anyone?

I know and like every person that was fired from the Tiki Bar and would like to thank them all for great service and friendship. These people worked to the standards of the old owners which may have been lower than the new owners'. However, these people should have been given a chance after you told them what would be expected from them. Look in the Barometer, the only place in town not looking for help was the Tiki Bar. Out-of-towners (the owner) will find out the hard way that good help was already there. I witnessed the remaining employees walking on egg shells wondering if they will have a job tomorrow. Not a good first impression from the new owner.

Fellow Pine Nuts, Miss Maya at Wild Bird Rescue really needs towels, sheets, etc.  Go through your stuff and drop off your unwanted old towels for her. 

Come on Walgreens we all need you here on Big Pine.  You are no. 1.   Don't listen to the few who are moaners.  I've lived here 26 yrs and have seen a lot of good changes.

[Paint job at Rob’s Island Grill] I really don't know the man well, is he blind?

[Looe Key Tiki should get rid of bands] If you are at a bar and a band is playing and you realize that you are the only one whining because you just want to talk, stay home you cry baby. If you want entertainment go to a bar. If you want to talk, invite your friends to your house and sit around the kitchen table and talk your ass off. Only some really selfish person would suggest they fire the bands so you can talk. This site should put your picture on here so the community can see a face to go along with your selfish comment. Your nose is so high in the air you don't even notice that every one else is enjoying the music.  If you want to talk, go to a bar that doesn't have music. Don't go to a bar that has music and tell them to fire the band so you can talk.

I like live music and won't go to any bar that doesn't have it, but I won't cry because they don't have it. This town has something for everyone, so go where you fit in. Apparently the Tiki is not for you. If you think Brad and Michelle are in concert, let me tell you they are as mellow as it gets. Folks, it gets a lot louder, harder and faster. They are good musicians that are just trying to make a living. Where do you work? Let us come by and try to wreck your job.

[School Superintendent] Randy, the FCAT scores are out and it is just a matter of time until each school's grade comes out.  What will happen when a school doesn't get the "A" that you promised the taxpayers?

[Buffet Island music] Huh! That could only describe one band. You said it.

There's nothing macho about protecting yourself or your home and I am a very light sleeper and I sleep great.

RE: Semi tame alligator--what the f*&k.  Most people respect the fact that there are animals out there that can snatch a small child, and or pet. A friend of mine lives in an area where brown bears rule the earth. He taught his kids to keep an eye out no matter where they are. Education means Information.

So let's get this straight. If it weren't for all the fine work of TNC nature would not thrive in natural areas? Maybe someone should consult with God on that. How arrogant!

Cheyenne County District Judge Kristine Cecava of Lincoln, Nebraska sentenced a pedophile to 10 years probation instead of a jail term because she felt he was too short to go to prison because he would not be able to defend himself. I wonder how the 12 year old girl he had sex with parents feel about it. This Judge needs to be horsewhipped.

The TNC has done a lot of good, but there comes a time when enough is enough. 8 ft fire breaks are wide enough.  Let our island recover some please.  Give it a break.  TNC would not be doing the work for nothing so please don't act like you would.  All our goals are similar.  To protect what we have left.  We are not like anywhere else.  We are tiny so national standards don't fit.

Will someone please take a picture of Rob's new paint job? I would love to see it and get a good laugh. I am not home right now and can't wait till I am.

[Nature Conservancy] You guys don't get the point; these are the people that are supposed to be stewards of our precious island. They are the ones who are supposed to care for our native plants, yet they don't have a clue what is native and what is an evasive exotic. All they really care about is creating more fire lanes so they can continue to have controlled burns. The last controlled burns we had here got out of control and burned acres of private land. The fires came onto private property and the only response from the powers that be was, "Oh, well."  

We need to stand together on this one and stop the TNC and Fish and Wildlife from destroying our homeland. How many of you even know what the native vanilla orchid looks like? It is also called a worm vine. Well, these controlled burns that don't harm anything have completely wiped out this native plant on most of Big Pine Key. If you have ever seen this in flower, you would realize what we are all missing because of these controlled burns. .  I have attached a photo of one. They only bloom for a few hours when they do.

Every time the Mosquito Spray Guy does his thing, we get bigger mosquitoes. What's he feeding them, Grow Bug?

[Controlled burns] I'd like to see a un-controlled burn to get rid of the mosquitoes, rats, trash and what's left of the Snowbirds, on all the Keys!

I don't care what kind of music they play at the Looe Key Tiki as long as it's something you can dance to like a human instead of a s**t kicker!

Of all the HDTV TV's I've looked at, it seems they all are terrible. I figured out how to get the same effect with my old regular TV. I take my glasses off.

[The folks that work at for The Nature Conservancy make very little money ] That's BS and you know it. Little money compared to whom, President Bush? I was a rep who serviced that org, and it should be renamed The Nature Conspiracy!

I hate to bring it up, but I haven't seen an iguana in over a week. I'll bet that is why no one is writing about them lately (thank God). Are they only around during mating season; like about in the spring time or something?

[…go out and buy a long bladed screwdriver that doesn't match any that you have in your tool box or workshop]  Advice:  You need to start putting some money away so one of your friends can send you a little each month for your canteen account up at Raiford in the big house.  You try to pull any of that stuff and a good prosecutor is going to prove premeditation and you’re going to spend 10 to 20 in a cell with a big weight lifter named Bubba who likes to be on top and wearing Depends from playing house. 

Saturday May 27, 2006

Friday May 26, 2006

[To the lady that stopped traffic to save a turtle] I have also done the same thing. Then after some thought I wondered if I had placed the turtle on the right side of the road, or did I put the turtle on the wrong side; and he or she had to cross the road again. Then there's the folks that were almost  killed by me running around in the traffic and putting the turtle on the wrong or right side of the highway. I am still not sure. Anyway that turtle had some kind of virus and my whole family got sick. I forgot to wash my hands when I was saving him or her by putting it on the wrong or right whatever (I am still not sure) side of the road. Anyway the doctor's fee and meds came out to 378 bucks.

The Nature Conservancy does a lot of important work, especially in the Florida Keys.  Without their staff and volunteers, many of the natural and disturbed areas will eventually turn into a mess of invasive species, such as Australian Pines and Brazilian Pepper, to name a few.  Y'all want to have a healthy environment, but only a select few members of the community are actively involved in making this happen (thanks to those to give their time and money).  The others, simply voicing your opinion on a bulletin board hardly makes you an active member of the community.  Go ahead and protest the fire lines and fire thinning that TNC and other organizations create.  In the end, you'll loose many rare and endemic species that require that clearing/thinning to exist.  It's a nature process that we have altered.  Pave the Keys; just make sure we have good photographs of the flora and fauna to show our children.  Furthermore, when your house burns and your assets are lost because the adjacent property had too much fuel for a pineland, don't look for a shoulder to cry on or an environmental agency to blame. Fire thinning protects you.

For the cactus, that's an unfortunate mistake.  Cactus species are hardy, and fixing that problem is easy enough. I'm confident that many green pieces of the cactus are still on site, and they will eventually pup and restore the population that was removed.  If not, we can propagate the cactus species and create a new population.  Just Google "cactus propagation" and discover how easy it is. 

Song: I just don't look good naked any more.  http://www.goodolddogs.com/older.html

[Looe Key Tiki Bar]  We're never all going to agree on what's happening at the Tiki, some will say change is good, some will boycott the place.  The fact remains that most everyone that went to enjoy themselves at Tiki were on the most part treated very well.  If you're a regular, your drink was ready before you got to your seat.  It reminded me of Cheers, where everyone knew your name.  We became close friends with the managers, bartenders and wait staff.  I've been going there for over two years on a regular basis, and not once did I witness theft or any wrong doing.  Yes, there were times when service was bad, but usually it was because it was standing room only, and we regulars understood that.  I will truly miss those that have been fired, each and everyone one.  They worked very hard and cared about the business, and their customers.  It's not easy down here to get people to work, let alone work together and enjoy doing it.  I will miss the way it was.   

Stealing from the cash register is just one way it is done. Giving people drinks so you can get a bigger tip is another way. Stealing is stealing, if you get busted, don't cry.

Why did the new owners of Looe Key fire the waitress and bar staff? If they want to make money, they should get rid of the bands. More people would stay to drink, eat and socialize if they could hear each other talk.  Why does Brad and Michelle think it is a concert every night?

To the person seeking a babysitter for 4 girls age 2 to 12. It's not a babysitter you need, it's a SWAT team.

[Tiki Bar] I, for one, would like to see small concerts at the new, improved Tiki hut instead of those horrid cover bands and wailing solo acts. This concert venue is what we New Yorkers are used to. we would like to see some when we winter down here.

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The folks that work at for The Nature Conservancy make very little money considering all the education that they have.

Does anyone know of a good, affordable attorney serving Marathon through Big Pine for a remodel dispute?

Gravity. We would like to assure everyone that no animals were injured or hurt in the making of this movie. The Human cost appears to be appalling, but then, that's why we have such a liberal immigration policy. Turn the sound up, the music accompanying the pictures is perfect!  Parasail meets gravity

Considering how dry it's been this year, it would not be prudent for TNC or any one else to have any controlled burns.  Instead, they can get out there and remove dead and fallen plant material manually.  That's what we did after the hurricanes.  I think everyone needs to call the county and ask them to prohibit controlled burns this year.

[No good music in ten years] You're the person I wrote about. Here's your profile: You only like music you listened to when you were young. You only listen to those artists' new albums. You don't like any music that wasn't around when you were in your prime. You can't wait for the new Eagle's album. End of profile.

Don't feel bad my parents would only listen to the music of their youth too. Does anybody want to hear Glenn miller?

Radical new tire design by Michelin. The next generation of tires. They had a pair at the  Philadelphia car show. These tires are airless and are scheduled to be out on the market very soon. The bad news for law enforcement is that spike strips will not work on these tires. 
  
This is what great R&D will do, and just think of the impact on existing technology: no more air valves, no more air compressors at gas stations and no more repair kits.

The blond raccoons are just sun-bleached. What about the Canadian and English, eh?

[Society is breeding more and more uncaring viscous humans] That's for sure.  I was watching an episode of American Justice called "Thrill Killers".  It was about a young couple that started committing crimes for fun.  They eventually brutally murdered a couple of tourist in Ocean City, MD and chopped them to pieces to dispose of the bodies.  Unlike the local alligator killers, they didn't start out