Thursday  November 30, 2006

[Note from the Humor Editor] I have an idea of what happened to make Michael Richards melt down on stage. I had performed stand-up comedy for six years before moving down here. I started out doing Open Mic Nights. I have seen more than a couple of meltdowns that ended in some of the most vile hatred being spewed back to the audience. When you're on stage and in the spotlight, you are more vulnerable than you have ever been. It only takes one heckler to trigger the inner defense mechanism that will make you dig down and find nasty, hurtful things to hurl back in return. Whether it be racial epithets, or misogynistic comments. So often it has happened. Most times, the fledgling comic has to be ushered out to his car before he could get injured. It takes restraint onstage. Restraint and a supply of witty comebacks. Comebacks are a comic's greatest weapon. They hurt the offending heckler, and doesn't make the audience recoil in horror.
Michael Richards should have tried to get more seasoned in the open-mic rooms. Stand-up is a different world than acting. On stage you are laid bare. No one to lean on. Every word of your act is what you wrote and is being judged. It's a rough gig.

Now am I endorsing his actions? Hell, no! I'm just explaining the catalyst behind it. In reality, the guy f**ked up. He didn't just toss out the "N" word... he drove it home, walked it to the threshold, and roundhouse-kicked it through the door. Gave examples like, "Fifty years ago we'd have you upside down with a f***ing fork up your ass." Bad, Kramer... BAD!

So many actors think, "Well, I can act.... so stand-up must be a cakewalk!" I've seen it... and it's always been a train wreck. At least today's open-mic comics have an example to learn from.

"At some comedy clubs they pass out comment cards. You fill it out with your name and address, and there’s a line for comments for people to put what they think. Sometimes people write negative things, and that’s not necessary. I’ve read some that say “Mitch sucks” but I look up above and it has their name and address. That’s right, I do suck, but I’ve got a lot of free time."
~Mitch Hedberg

[Government for sale] The number of lobbyist has doubled during the Bush administration. Everything is for sale in a Republican administration.

New music is hard to take unless you’ve had an extremely good experience while hearing it. I didn’t like acid rock until I took LSD. The same goes with techno music and hip-hop. I didn’t like either until I took ecstasy while partying to that type of music. I didn’t like Motown and Marvin Gay until I got laid while his album was on.

What characterizes the human race? Cruelty or the capacity to feel shame for it; or is it forgiveness?

What’s with movies where the person is driving and turns their head and has a long conversation with the passenger and never once glances at the road? Crap, I can’t even stay on the road when I am looking!

I think some of the worst wrongs were caused by the people who tried to change things. This is mostly true in government (Bush: Iraq) and business, but also applies to people’s personal actions.

We already receive Readers Digest (all old people do). So when I received my credit card statement and saw the $24.98 charge for the magazine I called to find out why I was double billed. The person said that was a gift for filling out an online survey. I said I don’t take surveys and $24.98 is no gift, gift’s are free.

I want to tell you all to be careful online. Free things aren’t.

Does anyone else’s pet have any peculiar idiosyncrasies like mine do? I shoo my kitten off the kitchen table onto the floor where she lands anywhere but on her feet and then purrs and grooms herself. I find that odd, but cute. I thought they were supposed to land on their feet. Nine lives and all that.

[African Grays are the smartest bird] I was just reading about a 29 year old bird who was raised by a professor and taught the concept of zero, identifies 50 different objects, 7 colors, 5 shapes, quantities up to six and the concepts of bigger, smaller, same, and different. I wish my wife was that smart.

While I agree with you that the “N” word is ugly and racist, why in the world do we have such a double standard in this country when it comes to racism?  Take for example ESPN’s and Ex-Cowboy Michael Irvin.  Why haven’t we heard hardly a peep about his theory’s on athletes?  If anyone but an African American had come out with this nonsense, there would be a hue and cry like you had never heard before from minority communities around this nation, the offender would be fired and banished from the public airwaves, never to be heard from again…As was Jimmy the Greek for saying basically the same thing.http://www.sportsline.com/columns/story/9822797

[No habla Español] Is there anyone out there, who would be interested in giving private Spanish lessons?

Day 2 of The Great Terro Puddle Test on middle size ants. It looks like there are just as many ants as yesterday's puddle that was licked clean by their little ant tongues.

Captain Dan is going to start serving breakfast tomorrow. That’s good news. We need more breakfast places. During season you can’t even get into any of the places that serve breakfast because they’re all too busy.

If you followed the suggested poker run itinerary for the poker run next year, you forgot the last step.  Number 6 would be: Get D.U.I. 

Christmas Turkey Recipe 

1 whole turkey
1 large lemon, cut into halves
sprig of rosemary
salt and pepper to taste
butter or olive oil, whichever you prefer

Heat oven to 350 degrees

Rub butter or oil over the skin of the turkey until it is completely
coated. 
Sprinkle with salt and pepper and any other seasonings you prefer.
Take a knife and gently separate the skin from the breast meat; 
Slide  lemon  halves  under  the  skin  with  the  peel  side  up, one on
each side.  This way the  juice from the lemon will release into the
breasts
Place sprig of rosemary into the turkey.

Cover and bake for 30-45 minutes.   Remove cover and continue
to roast until juices run clear, basting every 15-20 minutes

If you've followed these steps correctly, your chicken/turkey should 
look like the one in the picture.

Bon Appetit! & Merry Christmas

One Six Right: The Romance of Flying :: An Aviation Documentary Film about General Aviation and the Passion and Romance of Fl..

You cannot drive in the dark without lights!

I come from the part of planet Earth where I feel political correctness does not have to be applied in defending yourself.  In Michael Richards' case, he was angered by a black heckler calling him a Cracker.  Of course, that part was not shown.  If it's not "racial," there's no story.

[The Grinch from Jersey] I have been out of town since September.  I just got back last night.  Does anyone know what is going on with the Post Office and the God awful lights pretending to be Christmas lights?  I almost ran off the road I was so blinded.  I thought a UFO was landing.  Somebody needs to tell the Post Master the definition of "Moderation".  This is a traffic hazzard.

[Sea Fox Boats] Check into Sea Pro. We have great boats.

There is a public hearing scheduled on whether to ban sailboats (and other vessels with masts) from anchoring in the area between Big Pine and Little Torch (Pine Channel) on the south side of US1.  The purpose of the ban is to reduce the incidence of masts vs. power lines and the resulting power outages.  The meeting will be held at the Marriott Key Largo on Dec 6-7.

When purchasing a boat there are some things to think about. First, what will I be using this boat for? What kind of speed and fuel economy am I looking for? Lastly and most importantly how much am I willing to spend?

If you plan on fishing and family boating in the Keys, center consoles are the way to go. The new center consoles also have heads in the consol which make them even more family friendly. Cuddies are nice if you plan to spend nights on the boat, but in the Keys it is too hot in the summer to sleep in a cabin with out a/c. In the winter it is rougher making it harder to plan trips to the Tortugas or Marquises for the weekend.

Next, is speed and fuel economy most of the time this is a trade-off.  Fast boats normally don’t get the same mpg as a more economically powered boat. If you underpowered a boat, however, you will be running higher rpms which will lower the life of the engine and will also use more fuel. Everyone seems to have their own brand loyalty when it comes to engines. I like the new Mercury Optis. They are a good blend of speed, economy and dependability. Then there is the price. Just like every thing else you get what you pay for.

Used boats are also something to look into. One thing nice about fiberglass is it lasts a long time and is easily repairable. Older Grady Whites, Wahoo’s, Makos, and Whalers are great older boats. Whalers do pound but are very dry.  Just look for stress cracks that catch your finger nail, soft floors, and transom. Just bring along a good fiberglass guy to check it out with you--it will be worth it. What worries me the most about buying used boats is the engine. The newer Whalers have a different hull design, but I believe are still descent boats. One of the guys that built Whalers split and is now making, I believe, Edgewater’s. McKee Crafts, Everglades, are also good boats.

You seem to be looking at a boat around 21 or 22 feet. There are also cheaper boats to look at like Anglers and Prolines. I have ridden in many Anglers from 17 to 22 feet and they ride nice and are ok boats. They also make walk-arounds. SeeVees, Whitewaters, Blue Waters, Jupiter’s, and Ventures are also good boats. I love the lines of the Ventures. There are a ton of boats out there, take your time and look around. Don”t rush into buying a boat! What are you looking for and what to do in your boat should be carefully thought about?

A personality quiz for potential CIA agents. CIA. The Work of a Nation. The Center of Intelligence. Myths about CIA.

[Billy's mom has affair with psychologist and ultimately leaves town in disgrace] Obviously this story didn't take place in Big Pine.

Are people getting bored with this site?   There’s not too much input lately.

[leader of India] That whole post should have embarrassed you.

[Au Con traire] To the one who speaks of the term Coon Ass, you know of not what you speak. Coon Ass is a term of endearment to Coon Ass(es). Cajun is a contraction of Acadian, referring to those who settled in Louisiana after being booted out of Nova Scotia for their religious choosing and then settled in Louisiana; of which most lived in the southwest portion of Louisiana, around Lafayette and Lake Charles (Guyedon, Carencro, Broussard, Opelousas, Rayne) .

Coon Asses are a sort of colloquial encompassing most who live in South Louisiana, specifically the Bayou Country – below Baton Rouge, some would say below Hwy 90.

Louisiana, like Florida has its Southern Folks and Northern Folks. North being redneck, the south being heathens – two clearly different breeds of cats; as someone who grew up there, both in South Louisiana and North Louisiana, it certainly Tabasco(ed) my schizophrenia.

Raised by Hard-shell Baptist parents from North Louisiana, while being born and raised right-out-side of New Orleans, in a predominately (95%) Catholic South and then being told I couldn’t fraternize with those heathens who became my best friends and then 19 years later I married one (Catholic). Then, after attending Sunday School, Training Union, Prayer Meetings and every Revival that rolled into town I agreed to raise my only child as Catholic; I developed a great fondness for Louisiana.

However, there ain’t enough horses in Texas to drag my ass back there now. The Keys are the greatest place in the world for me. Its cultural diversity of residents and people who choose to live here make it the best.

Let’s give a Big Key’s welcome to the Key West Key Lime Pie Company. They are our newest advertiser and a welcomed addition to the ‘hood. I went into their new store in the W/D Plaza (next to the pawn shop) and felt good vibes. I just had to buy a couple of their Key Lime Pie Bars. They are big slices of pie on a stick and then dipped in chocolate and frozen. Man, are they good. Good luck to Jim and Allison. (-Ed)

Thanks for the link to  www.mckinleyandbeggs.com  My order is in the mail. This band is great. I still don't know why all my searching didn't bring this up?  Or I just missed it. I appreciate the link and I'm sure others do also.

[What is going on at Edie’s Hallmark store]  I hear that it’s going to be a combination veterinarian’s office and a taxidermy studio.  No matter how things go, you’ll get your pet back.

When most people buy a boat for the first time they really want a Winnebago with a hull. They want a cabin although they’ll probably never use it.

Is there any truth to the rumor that Trent and Kelly are going to start running Breakfast service at Rob's?  Please say it's so!  I for one will be sure to check it out.  Rumor has it that they plan to start up in a couple of weeks.  Anyone else hear anything?  Trent is a gifted cook and Kelly is a super server.  What a way to start the day!

I didn’t know I had attention deficit disorder complex or motor vocal syndrome. I found my old report cards from grade school 40 years ago and all I see marked in comments by teacher is I talked too much and had ants in my pants.

[The Iguana killers are back!] I have found that a live iguana decoy works great for attracting more of the nasty evil pests into pellet gun range. First I stun a live one with two metal plates on the dock separated by a rubber welcome mat. The bottom plate is much larger than the top one. I attach one leg of the 110 volt power cord to the bottom and one to the top, bait the top with fresh melon, sit back and watch the dancing iguanas. When one gets effectively stunned, I use the power staple gun and 3/4" staples to attach all four legs and tail to the dock in my prime shooting spot. I usually get five or six before one of the large predatory birds swoop down for an afternoon snack. The ones that I shoot work great for baiting my stone crab traps. My weekly catch has increased 20% since I switched from pig feet to iguana for bait.

[Cheap vacation] Looking where he can put a tent up in a yard? Get real. The Keys have changed. It’s time to up the ante and pay $35 bucks for a campground, dude.

Why are all these people so outraged by Michael Richards?  Maybe his words were out of line and a bit classless but he is a comedian, an actor.  Controversy sells.  Look at Broke Back Mountain.  The movie sucked, but was a box office hit because it had gay cowboys.  Anna Nicole Smith, she is a talentless, classless bimbo, but is a TV star.  Victoria Gotti, she is dumber than Anna Nicole, but made millions on TV because her father was a gangster. 

Michael Richards will be crying all the way to the bank.  The more people who get upset about this; the more money he will make.  The more demonstrations Jessie Jackson starts over this the more money he will make.  If the colored people are upset about his comment they should go see Bill Cosby perform and not Michael Richards.

Back in the ‘70s the late Carl Sagan told my X-wife that the Florida Keys would be under water by 2000 because of global warming. Now Al Gore is starting on the same baloney. 6,000 years ago the Keys were under water, but not caused by man. Just like Hurricanes there are cycles in weather.

[sunny vacation this winter] Cheap place in the Key's? Under Cow Key Channel Bridge, maybe?

[Slice of Paradise] I know the people who work there and they always give me a slice. You know what they say, “It's who ya know!”

That's it. I'm going off to college. After looking at collegehumor.com I realized that these kids are having way too much fun. It wasn't like that when I was a kid. If you are a parent and are paying your kid's college tuition, you may find this shocking. Just don't click on the R-Rated section.

Being yanked away from established conventions is precisely what happens to people, once they are "abducted" by the Unknowable…while some hollering and struggling is allowed (humored), it doesn't seem to change anything…Sloan's Space

This is cool. You get a planetarium of your local night sky right on your computer.  Stellarium

[Immigration] Wow! Teddy Roosevelt was 100 years ahead of his time.

In the black community, the rate is about 67% for babies with single mothers. Well Duh! When you figure the mother can get about $500 a month from various state and federal agencies. Why would she want to marry "my baby’s daddy"?

Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key has a newborn calf.  My wife and I went to see it over the weekend. She says it's adorable, and I'd have to agree.

Thursday  November 30, 2006

Wednesday November 29, 2006

Hurray, the Democrats are not going to appoint Alcee Hastings as intelligence chairman. Hastings, was the first federal black judge in Florida and had been accused in a FBI sting for soliciting a $150,000 bribe in return for a less severe sentence for two men convicted of racketeering. The guy’s a crook and only escaped conviction due to good lawyering on his part.

Terro ant liquid can be squirted anyplace ants are marching. You don’t need the little cardboard squares that come in the box. The ants will remove any trace of the liquid.

[Michael (Kramer) Richards’ racial tirade] All you get to see is his rant on-line, it sure would be nice to see what lead up to this melt down. Something else must have occurred to have caused this. Most people explode like this after some provocation.

I want to thank all of you for the input on the Sea Fox boat I was thinking of buying. After hearing from you all I am going to pass on it.

I’m going to go with a Boston Whaler. They say it comes with its own chiropractor. I here also they hold there dollar value real well; and a good boat too.

If you haven’t seen Inconvenient Truth (Al Gore’s wonderful movie), rent it now. Looks like the Keys will be underwater soon. Time to write to Congress.

Using the "N" word doesn't make you a racist? Are you kidding me? What freakin' planet do you live on? Michael Richards had no right to do what he did. I don't care how pissed off he was. He should have ignored the two bozos who were heckling him. Comedians get heckled all the time. It comes with the territory. I can understand him heckling back, but not the way he did it. There was no excuse for what he did. What the hell was he thinking? Add Michael Richards to the growing list of Celebrity and political assholes, like Mel Gibson, To Cruise, Mark Foley and that "Macaca" guy from Virginia, the former Senator Allen. Sorry, I forgot his first name.

I want to take a moment and thank Big Pine Key Tree Service and the very nice man who changed my tire today (11/28/06) at Paradise Gas station. You are a true gentleman and we very much appreciated the help!  As he said, when he refused my offer to buy lunch, its what people should do. Well Said!

Go to www.mckinleyandbeggs.com  for the CD Too Many Horses. I just received mine in the mail from them. I Love their songs! I can hardly wait till their back at Boondocks.

[No pizza slices] It’s called A Slice of Paradise which it is. Some people will go out of their way to find something to complain about. Have you noticed that?

I thought I knew a lot about iguanas, but after reading this webpage, I realize I didn’t know jack. It has descriptions, photos, killing methods, and price per pound. Wow! http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN528

My wife and I are in need of a sunny vacation this winter. (we are in) For many years, as a kid, I came with my folks to the Keys (Marathon and Islamorada mostly). We need to find a cheap place to stay for a few days. Can you recommend a place ? We would not be opposed to throwing up a tent if it's in a safe place were we could get a shower. Any ideas?

[Out of wedlock births] In the black community, the rate is about 67% for babies with single mothers.

Reported on 104.1 Radio is that mortgage companies are allowing loans to be written without wind insurance.  The mass exodus out of the Keys has slowed a lot with that one short sentence.  So the poor writer who said if the government had stayed out of it in the beginning looks more correct than the know it all!  God! I've been down here long enough to regress!

Does anybody know if the Kingdom Hall is going to sell Christmas trees this year or not? Or if they are going to collect toy's, for Toy's for Tot's?

[What a difference 50 years makes]  Just think how far we have gone down hill as a society in that short amount of time.  Consider this scenario: Billy breaks a window in his father's car and his Dad gives him a spanking.

1953 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.

2006 - Billy's Dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and is shuffled from home to home until he finally runs away and joins a street gang. Billy's sister is convinced by a state psychologist that she was also abused and their Dad goes to prison.  Billy’s sister is also placed in foster care where she is actually abused. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist and ultimately leaves town in disgrace.

Injade might be a good band, but I just can't get past their Mullets.

[Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an American in 1907] "In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates him/her self to us, he/she shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man/woman because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man/woman who says he/she is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language ... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

How come no one knows the name of the leader of India? It’s one of the largest, most populous and most powerful countries in the world and most people don’t know a thing about their government. I was in Deli buying opium in a medieval former palace and ended up sitting with a group of men, the leader of whom, was sort of interviewing me. I was not answering his questions as well as I usually can, but when he asked me if I followed politics I jumped at the chance to enter a discussion as his equal. His first question was what I thought of India’s Prime Minister. I replied something like, "Duh, I dunno, duh." I didn’t know if they had a president or a prime minister or what. I knew absolutely nothing about India’s government. I was very embarrassed.

(?)What did you say to the clerk?  Did you answer, "She'll have to get a divorce from me first!" That's not funny.

Wednesday November 29, 2006

Tuesday November 28, 2006

"Santa Claus has the right idea - visit people only once a year." --Victor Borge

37% of all new births in America are single mothers. So why are we worried about gay marriage?

Political correctness has already led to the demise of free speech.

That was a good letter defending “Kramer’s” use of the n word. I saw Kramer’s tirade and it was terrible. I think if the thoughtful writer had witnessed the tirade he would have formed a different opinion. It was pure venom.

Wanted: Single Woman. Must have integrity and morals...apparently my wife has neither. You know you might be in Big Pine Rotation if:
1) Your wife shows up with her boyfriend when you're filing for divorce.
2) And the clerk offers them a marriage license.

Does anyone know where the name of the subdivision Doctors Arm came from?

[Mr Richards is trying to get his career back]  Too bad there are no wacky neighbor positions available on TV. No one should care what he says, it only gives it merit which isn’t warranted.

An investigative reporter for Channel 7 News in Detroit, did a story on generic drug price gouging by pharmacies. He found in his investigation, that some of these generic drugs were marked up as much as 3,000% or more. Yes, that's not a typo.....three thousand percent! So often, we blame the drug companies for the high cost of drugs, and usually rightfully so. But in this case, the fault clearly lies with the pharmacies themselves.

Celebrex: 100 mg
Consumer price (100 tablets): $130.27
Cost of general active ingredients: $ 0.60
Percent markup: 21,712%

Claritin: 1 0 mg
Consumer Price (100 tablets): $215.17
Cost of general active ingredients: $0.71
Percent markup: 30,306%

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction... The chain reaction of evil -- hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars -- must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the darkness of annihilation . . ."--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sloan's Space

Michael (Kramer) Richards’ racial tirade did accomplish one thing—everyone knows his real name now.

[ABATE Toy Run] What a super day for all of us on our annual toy run. I want to thank each one of you for being there, supporting our Keys’ kids as you did, and making this 2006 ride a huge success!

Please think about a poker run/dinner ride combined in Jan for all of us. Profits to go to American Cancer Society of the Keys.
Five stops would be:
1 pick up poker sheet and first card.  drinks
2 get second card and soup and drinks
3 get third card and salads and drinks
4 get fourth card, a simple dinner and drinks
5 get last card and dessert

Maybe $30 per person to eat, and get one poker hand?  I need feedback and ideas!  LoveDkeys@aol.com

I have just finished reading the book, Heavy Wait, a Strange Tale by Sloan Bashinsky. Yes a very strange adventure with Riley, Marylou, and Willa Sue. This is a 222 page must read by Sloan, a local Fl Keys writer, here in Little Torch Key.  5 thumbs up. Thanks Sloan.

Income for other than the rich will continue to decrease as long as the country is full of illegal immigrants willing to work for nothing.  The downward pressure on wages as a result of this group is substantial.

What is going on at Edies Hallmark store?  I see it is being renovated. Someone thought it was going to be a junior size sex store!

Slices of Paradise Pizza. Have no slices. What's up with that? False Advertising at it's finest.

I don't know how everybody else feels about it, but to me I think Hispanic people in this country, legally or illegally, made a huge public relations mistake with their recent demonstrations.

I don't blame anybody in the world for wanting to come to the United States of America, as it is a truly wonderful place.  
But when the first thing you do when you set foot on American soil is illegal it is flat out wrong and I don't care how many lala land left heads come out of the woodwork and start trying to give me sensitivity lessons.

On Friday December 1st, Injade brings their fun energy and great rockin' tunes to the Looe Key Tiki Bar on US1 on Ramrod Key MM 27 1/2 Showtime 7pm. For more information call 305-872-2215.

Rick and Helen should look into buying CoCos Cantina At WD shopping center (if it's still for sale).

To find Elmo go to www.elmotracker.com  or  www.tmxtracker.com

Dear Friends of Big Pine Key,
We are just now getting settled since the November 4th Cancer Benefit held at Coconuts Lounge in Big Pine Key. We extend our deepest gratitude to the entire Big Pine Key community, especially the following friends and businesses for making this benefit such great success:

Jeff Calhoun, Michelle Dravis, Joe and Meri-Lynn Britz and the staff at Coconuts Lounge, Bruce and Judy from Rogers Furniture, Dixie and Bob Henkel, everyone at the Charter School and everyone who helped with the kids, Big Pine Coffee Shop, Parrotdise Restaurant, Slice of Paradise Pizza, crazy Sue and Trudy, Kristi Hutton, Billie for all her help.  And all of our musician friends:  Jason LoGrande (performed and provided sound equipment and engineering), Brian Roberts, Adrienne, Tim Burke, The Moon Dogs, and Michelle Dravis. We further thank Steve Miller (master of ceremonies), everyone who helped with selling tickets, Becky from Ginger Snips for haircuts and CynDee from CynDee's Snip & Sip Hair Saloon for donating the use of her shop, the Chamber of Commerce, John Etmanchzek's "Honey Pots", Pepsi and Coca-Cola, Bluewaters' Stage and Mike for moving it, Capt. Dan and Key Deer Grill, Gayle and Ed Whittaker, Steve Estes and everyone at the Barometer, Ed and Pop Dunn & Josh and friends and the Moose Lodge for the Burger Wagon and Max from Max’s Tire ... thanks for getting us road ready!  We thank any and all friends, vendors, businesses and artists who donated items, time, effort and/or monies to this successful event. We love you all for everything you’ve done. Please forgive us if we have failed to mention anyone here.

Since Zanny’s recurrence of Ewing’s Sarcoma, needless to say the past 2 years have been extremely difficult, both financially and emotionally. Ewing’s Sarcoma is an extremely rare bone cancer, seldom found in adults. Due to the complex nature of this disease, we have been unable to reside in the Florida Keys, as Zanny’s medical condition is followed very closely by a team of specialists, some of whom are known worldwide in this area of oncology. Although we are unable to be there physically, our hearts continue to linger behind.

The community of Big Pine Key is such a caring and generous one, we are more than proud to be a part of it. The love and support from each and every one of you has made a tremendous impact on our lives.

We look forward to the day when we can reunite with all of you, play some music and celebrate being cancer-free. We only ask that you continue to believe that this day will come, as we know that it will. Thank you for opening up your hearts to us.

We are forever grateful, Will and Zanny Parker

[Assaulting, harassing, donut eaters?]  Wow!  Someone just needs to pay their speeding ticket and get on with their life.

Tuesday November 28, 2006

Monday November 27, 2006

It's amazing that the person complaining about the "Mourners" at a local restaurant knew all about them with one exception -- who there were.

30+ locals who go there every Friday night surly don't make up the restaurants complete income.

Could be the selfishness came from your own table (or stool) since this "show" as you put it, only lasted one night.  Is it possible that the 30+ locals every Friday could bother others in some way?

How do you know the establishment wasn't called or how many people actually gave tips to the two who gave tips that you saw? Or if the restaurant lost money?  Why didn't you ask to be moved to another table away from the mourners?

Rude is complaining about one mourning another.  How did they get the mike away from the band -- steal it?  Did the band member complain? You have 51 Fridays but couldn't give them one? Be very ashamed.

Richard’s from the Seinfeld show made one mistake, he apologized. Just because someone used a slang term to tick a person off does not make that person a racist. Blacks call themselves that word and call white people, Spanish people and Jewish people slang terms. All people use nasty words calling someone the n word or calling someone the f word is done for the same reason to tick that person off. When someone ticks you off real bad you think of the worse thing you can that will tick that person off. And if it is a black person that ticks you off and you want to tick him off back call him the n word. Your actions not your words are what make you a racist. “I have more respect for a man that lets me know where he stands even if he’s wrong then one that comes up as an angle but is nothing but a devil.”

I am curious what those black people said to Richards to tick him off so much. They probably called him the c word. We have freedom of speech and also the responsibilities that come with it. Political correctness is going to lead to the demise of free speech. What Richards said is not even that bad. He might have an anger problem but just calling two people the n word does not make you a racist. But one thing people need to do is lighten up and pull what ever is up their ass out.

People need to quit being so sensitive.  Leave it to the media and a bunch of power hungry blacks to make a mountain out of a mole hill. The black leaders are the problem they keep their own people down so they can stay in power. The black leaders should be focused on the dirty cops we have in our mist that murder innocent black people and get away with it. Not some lousy comic. That was probably Richard’s best act to date.

State of Emergency:  “Peace quiet and good order will be maintained in our cities to the best of our abilities. Rocks malaise and disturbances of the peace are against the interest of all our people and therefore cannot be permitted.”

What beat cops are good for: assault, harassment, eating lots of donuts, eating free food from fast food restaurants, taking away your rights.
What beet cops aren’t good for: preventing crimes, catching criminals, solving crimes, finding the truth.

Some might say you don’t have to worry unless you commit a crime, think again. To protect and Serve? I think To Persecute and Subjugate.

[Orange Christmas Truck] It seems that Mike has the orange truck up and running again, just in time for the Christmas season. But he sure could use some help with the cost of the lights and fuel for the two generators. Keep your eye out for white cans with the trucks picture; popping up all around, there is one at Fanti seafood store already, on Cudjoe Key.

Lawrence Roach of Seminole, Fla., complained that the $1,200 monthly alimony payments he has been making to his ex-wife should end, now that she has undergone a sex-change. Said Roach, "I'm a man, and I don't want to be paying alimony to a man." (Legal experts were pessimistic about his chances.)

I have a friend who wants to learn to play and pluck a 5 string banjo.  Any suggestions?

[Previous owners of Sea Fox] I bought a 2005 23 Ft. Sea Fox center console with a 200 Hp. Mercury, new in 2004. I will also advise you to not buy any boat from Legacy Fisherman Boat sales in Dania. I almost got all the options that we had agreed would be on the boat when delivered for the price negotiated, but it was a long frustrating fight.
 

The boat is no Contender, but has served its purpose for me. Having run it in both salt and fresh waters for two years, I have not found any hull or deck cracks or crazing. The wiring does leave a lot to be desired and I completely rewired the gauge dash panel. Sea Fox warrants the hull for life and claims there is no wood in the transom or hull. With all gear aboard and half full of fuel I can get 45 to 48 MPH in salt water.

There is another Sea Fox dealer in Venice, on the West Coast, not sure of the name. 

Saturday was the first day in years that I was able to sleep in until noon.  Before you buy your little piece of Paradise, check it on the weekends, as they are bucketheads who make much noise with their wretched country music, diesel trucks, lawn mowers and blowers.  Many of the noise makers are retired and could (but don't) show some consideration for those of us who are up and out throughout the week.  Sunscreen is another good thing unless you want to look hardened like the locals, who look much older than the arrest log birth date.  The last thing about life down here is there is very little crime watch.  It is similar to New York / Jersey, where you just mind your own business while neighbors get rolled over and the Police take thirty minutes to get to the call. 

I would love to purchase the CD, Too Many Horses, by McKinley and Beggs and have searched every site I can think of and can hardly find these guys on the Internet?  Does anyone know where you can buy this CD?

[Iraqageddon]  Several nights ago, my young woman friend, Brenda, who is like a daughter to me, dreamt that she went to Washington, D.C. and met with President Bush and told him that he needed to stop this war, because something really bad was going to happen if he didn’t . . . Sloan's Space

Monday November 27, 2006

Sunday November 26, 2006

Unbelievable that Dixie Speher wants to hire a communication officer because she doesn’t think the community is "getting" her development agenda.  That is bureaucracy run rampant and at our expense.

We get it! We don’t like it! We don’t want it! Please don’t spend our precious tax dollars to brainwash others.   

Dixie must think the populace is stupid. How insulting.  Not as stupid as jumping on every development bandwagon without thought. It must be very lonely now that 1/3 of the triumvirate is gone.

Late Friday afternoon a group of mourners showed up unannounced at Mangrove Mamas and took over the outdoor sitting. They set pictures of the deceased and flowers down on a table. The Mike and Possum Show (country) was about to begin. They quickly destroyed the ambiance of the Friday happy hour gathering and the usual 30+ locals who attend regularly promptly left. Then as the alcohol took effect, two used the band mike to mourn their loss, screaming that we should listen-up.

Not one of us regulars at the watering-hole recognized the deceased or the rest of them. Only two tipped the band. Mamas and the band lost money that they would have made on the Friday Thanksgiving weekend.

Whoever arranged this is rude. They ruined a nice evening for many in their selfish grief. I have unfortunately attended a few memorial services at Mamas. We call them first and they make arrangements to separate us from the tourists and others that are there enjoying life. It is sad that someone passed, but it would be polite to call the establishment first.

Whoever is born here is a Conch. It doesn’t matter where your parents are from unless they're from Jersey.

How often the cat box needs changing will vary with different cats.  If you wait too long they will use another spot, probably where you really don't want it, so you are taking a risk by pushing the limit.  Best guesstimethod is to get your nose way closer than you'd like to his facility.  If you don't like it, he won't either, and his sense of smell is much more sensitive than yours.  Oh, by the way, he's going to get much more 'productive' over the next year, before tapering off to normal daily output, so you'll get lots of practice.

Sure the economy is doing well in general, but just who is doing so well. 53% of all this years income gains have been the richest 1% of Americans. Average incomes last year for working people fell for the third straight year in a row by $3000 (adjusted for inflation). This is another area where Bush is out of touch.

The Sea Fox is an excellent boat.  However, their dealer is not.   I believe the only dealer around is Legacy in Dania.  Take this advise.  Avoid that place at all costs.  If you can buy the boat elsewhere, do it.  Legacy will not live up to a single guarantee they give you.  Trust me, I had a horrible buying experience there.  If you order the boat now, you may have it by summer.

Coonass is a controversial term in the Cajun lexicon: to some Cajuns it is regarded as the supreme ethnic slur, meaning ignorant and backwards.

Proof that marriage exists in the animal kingdom.

Sea Fox is a cheaper kind of boat from the fiberglass to electrical wiring that’s why it is affordable. The quality of craftsman ship in a Sea Fox is good enough. It’s not an Intrepid or a Contender, but it also does not carry that kind of price tag, which is a good thing. The only problem I see with the rig is the 150 four stroke. To me that boat is underpowered. I bet the top speed is only around 40 with a 25 mph cruise pushing 4500 rpms. But those numbers might be fine for you. Suzuki's four strokes are good motors I ran twin 250s before without a problem and good fuel economy. In my opinion you need at least a 200 on a boat like that with a cuddy cabin.

Hopefully someone will post back who has the exact same rig. Just make sure the boat will do what you want it to do then you will be happy.  Hope this helps, not confuses.

A friend of mine lost a set of Keys in Key West on Simonton Street.  Just putting a feeler out to see if anyone may know anything. 

The Sea Fox is one of the most cheaply constructed boats on the market.  The fiberglass hull is very thin compared to other marine manufacturers of near shore boats.  Take a ride on one and watch the sides flex while pounding through the waves.  I don't think a Sea Fox will hold up well in the long run and will become a throw away boat after a few years of use.

You’ve got to love Neil Young.  Vote Smart. http://www.neilyoung.com/lwwtoday/index.html (It’s the second screen down)

I have had cats for 60 years and have never had a litter box that smelled.  I scoop the solids out as soon as possible (put them in a plastic container and throw them out with the trash, so that litter won't get into your septic system) and I scoop the liquids out and throw it out with the trash too.  Once a week, I take the litter box outside and wash it with the hose and soapy water.  You can put the same litter back in the box, since you have been scooping everything out of it and gradually replacing it with clean litter.  Works for me!

[This is what Big Pine TV should have done to make the boring shot of the pines more interesting] Hey, it's not too late!  Maybe fake snow for Christmas, fog for Halloween, confetti for Mardi Gras?  Endless possibilities!

Just wondering if anyone out there has found a grey and black Motorola cell phone in the past few days.  If so please call 305-481-1541. A reward is being offered. 

[boat called "Sea Fox"] You might look at the web site hulltruth.com they have discussions on just about everything to do with boats. I looked at Sea Fox, but they seemed too flimsy for my needs; not enough fiberglass in the hull. Pound on the side of one with your fist and you will see what I mean.

An amazing breakthrough in web sites where you can actually smell.   Scratch & Sniff

[Citizens Property Insurance Corp wants to know how they can provide the best possible service to us] A little packet of lube with the bill maybe?

The public is invited to provide input at a hearing on the business practices of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (CPIC) Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty and U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen will provide comment and listen to consumer input at the meeting. Representatives from FIRM, Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe, will provide input as well.

Monday, November 27, 2006 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Westin Key West (formerly the Hilton Hotel) Hotel, 245 Front Street, Key West, Florida. Bulletin Board

I saw the recipe for the pumpkin pancakes and it sounds good.  I will try them on Christmas morning as soon as I see what I get for Christmas. Recipes

[Long winded politics] The New Media Journal | December 7, 2008 by Raymond S. Kraft

[How guys shop] After spending the day shopping in Key West, I can’t believe all the good looking woman working in the stores everywhere. What a little piece of heaven!

Ask about our blow dry.

[Hard-working Brits] A man whose job is to paint white lines in the street made more than twice the average annual British wage, and a city light bulb-changer was paid at about the same rate. And in October, London's Daily Mail profiled Keith Jackson, 57, an engineer for the AquaTec Coatings company in Wales, whose occupation for the last 30 years has been watching paint dry (to gauge its application time). He said the job pays "fairly well" but "can be stressful."

Born and raised in Key West = Conch

I got a kick of this and it is pretty informative.  I never knew this process could take this much time! How Pregnancy Happens

[Powerball winner] I resent that remark. I've got a simple mind and I'd know as soon as I read the numbers.

[Gambian Rats] Make them illegal to have on your property like a fine pot plant; then the doughnut munchers can obtain warrants for a suspected property.

Sunday November 26, 2006

Saturday November 25, 2006

[Powerball winner] I’ll guarantee that if you go to that Wal-Mart in two weeks, after the fact that she won $200 million, she won’t be there. It takes a while for simple minds to realize that they’re rich.

I’m new to the cat business and want to know how often I should change the cat box? The beast is 4 months old and the litter box is two inches deep. I can shovel it out forever with the nifty ventilated scoop. But I know there’s a limit.

Ed Swift wrote a good letter to the Citizen against the tracking system that the government is demanding that all commercial fishermen install on their boats. I think that is the first time I’ve seen Mr Swift write about anything that didn’t improve his station in life. Kudos Mr Swift.

Citizens Property Insurance Corp is holding a public hearing on November 27 from 7-9pm at the Westin hotel at 245 Front St in Old Town KW. They want to know how they can provide the best possible service to us. Is this a joke?

Coon-ass is a term used for true Cajuns and they do not mind it a bit. It’s almost a term of endearment to them.

If your kids are born and raised here, but you were not, are the kids considered Conchs?  If no, then what?

[Sloan’s Space] Seahorse Thanksgiving. I said at last night's meeting here at Seahorse that it is common knowledge on the County Commission that Boca Developers received encouragement from County Commissioner Murray Nelson and State Legislator Ken Sorenson, that if Boca purchased Seahorse and Rowels, the needed county commissioner votes could be gotten for Boca to develop both properties…Sloan’s Space

Commissioner Dixie Spehar is not satisfied with the County’s public relations officer because he doesn’t promote her unpopular agenda; so now she wants to spend more of our money and hire her own PR person to promote her positions. How much longer do we have to put up with her?

Poon-tang is black slang for Fuzzy Fish or that part of a woman's anatomy that babies come out of.

Garden Bubble Cam  This is what Big Pine TV should have done to make the boring shot of the pines more interesting.

[Gambian Rats] You are obviously very frustrated with this problem so I will not ride you about the Eminent Domain rant. But you do bring up a good point. If these rats get to the mainland they could wreak havoc on the sugar and other agricultural industries. So the best idea to solve two problems with one stone is to capture these rats alive give the cats back to their owners and let the rats loose on the sugar plantations. Then we all win. The environment, the rats, the cats, and the nuts. The ex farmers can get newly created environmental jobs to get rid of the rats before they threaten the newly established wet lands. But wait, what about the Everglades! Shoot, I thought I just solved all the problems plaguing South Florida.

For the person who asked what the Air Force does.  The Air Force helps protect your freedoms and rights, what else do you need to know?  And for your information, in every engagement since Vietnam, the majority of aircraft flown dropping bombs and shooting bullets has been Air Force, with Navy in second.  And who do you think flew in the supplies the ground pounders and everyone else used?  Yeah, Air Force Transport Planes. 

And who do you think flies most of the soldiers over to where they needed to go?  Yeah, Air Force again.  In this age, almost every branch of the armed forces has about the same capabilities, but the Air Force has got them all. Of aircraft, we do everything with them.  Other branches have them, but not anywhere near the numbers the Air Force does.  But that's not all the Air Force does, from airspace surveillance to space surveillance to rescue of downed pilots and cornered marines to supplying in air refuelers for aircraft making the journey across the pond to Afghanistan.  Standing 12 hour watches watching for ICBM's, fighting the war on drugs, watching the skies for homeland defense.  The Air Force does it.  If you don't believe me, go to www.af.mil and look for yourself.

I have a question for any owners or past owners of a boat called "Sea Fox". I am looking to buy a 2007 216 walk around with a Suzuki 150 4 stroke. Looking for any feed back from my fellow experts in the Keys. I would like to know thumbs up or thumbs down and any other comments you would like to make.

"Big Pine Key Florida is the closest you can get to Heaven" --Captain Eddie.  RIP with much love.

Saturday November 25, 2006

Friday November 24, 2006

Now some woman wants to put the kibosh on the eradication of the Gambian pouch rat on Grassy Key! After all the work that's already been done, all of the money that's already been spent, all of the success that's already been accomplished. This bozo, a Nancy something or other, has a feral cat that she feeds and claims that even though the traps are impossible for cats to enter, a rat may pull some of the poisoned peanut butter out where the cat could get at it. So she is refusing to give permission for the trappers to come onto her property to finish up the remaining rat eradication that has been underway for over a year now.

The remaining rats are depending on houses to get water, so the only rats left are on private property. This person is probably feeding and watering the rats along with her "outdoor" cat. The government should take her property under eminent domain and continue getting rid of this exotic pest before it gets to the mainland and destroys the agricultural industry and much of the economy that surrounds this huge industry. One person should not be allowed to pose such a danger to the public. If you think iguanas are a problem, wait until this pest gets established!

We tried the Pumpkin Pancakes and you were right. They were the best pancakes I ever had. We’re going to cook them again on Christmas morning and start a holiday tradition.

Friday Funnies (abbreviated). Once there was this important businessman who screwed around with his secretary. Well, one day she finds out she's pregnant. She tells him, and he says, "You've got to leave this city. If my wife finds out, I'm dead!" Then he adds, "When you have the baby, call my house and regardless of who answers, say, 'Sauerkraut'!" The secretary agrees and leaves town that day. About nine months later, the man comes home and his wife says to him, "I got the weirdest phone call today! Some woman called and said "Sauerkraut! Sauerkraut! Sauerkraut! Two with weenies, one without!"

What is with the picture of the two deer in the upper right hand corner on the Home page? A mistake or just to see if people are paying attention or do we win a prize for noticing it and letting you know. I grew up on a farm so no big surprise for me.

[I’m thankful that your pets can't testify against you]  If they could, there would be an huge influx of lawyers into Alabama and Mississippi.

There is a difference between supporting Bush and doing what was necessary to defeat Kerry.  I would do it again even knowing the problems that we now face.

“Poon-tang”  Is OK, but they don't like "coon-ass"

Howard Livingston wants to be the new Buffett, but he is older then Buffett and his music is not good until you have had a few. And then it’s not much better!

Happy Thanksgiving. Very good pancake recipe. Having Zambuka and coffee. No company today. Peace and love.

Beautiful blonde pole dancer.

I kind of wonder about this.  If you live in the Keys, you could be called a “Keyster”.  For some reason that just doesn't sound right to  me, but most of the people posting on this site seem to fit the description pretty well.

Redneck camera-phone.

I lived in Big Pine from '80-'82 while at Marathon High school. I’ve been visiting your site for a couple of months now and I guess the picture of the Deer on your home page hasn't offended too many so I guess it is acceptable. Well I hope you don't mind this photo a friend of mine sent to me, titled: Why women move to Florida!

Friday November 24, 2006

Thanksgiving November 23, 2006

Does anyone have any good iguana recopies for Thanksgiving? I am thankful for this squash from our garden, which cost about $75 to grow.

Miniature Men.  Who invented Napoleon Syndrome and why does it always seem to be right?  It's one thing to be fat and unattractive, that could possibly be changed, but to live life as a man under five feet is probably not a happy experience, what with, having to look way up to just about everyone and to talk real loud.  Another reason to quit smoking:  it stunts your physical and emotional growth. 

I'm thankful for women who love short, cheap, egomaniacal guys.

Doesn't anyone recognize MP as part of the former owners of the HOM?  He's the smart one who got out from under the ruin of the business.  He's now back to give it another go and I assume, recover some money.  All I see is good happening to the place and we should all wish him well.  You go, Mark, and stand tall through any rough weather.

Thank you, dear Lord, for this good life and forgive us if we do not enjoy it enough.

Oh, no! It’s raining in New York City this morning. Will the Macy’s Parade happen? It’s been continuous since 1973. What will I watch on Thanksgiving morning if not the parade?

I’m thankful That your pets can't testify against you.

[Rabid Republican who would vote for Bush again]  That is the scariest comment I have ever seen on this forum.  You must have an awful lot of sand in your hair.

I’m surprised that there are still so many Bush supporters speaking up.

America, love it or leave it? I do love America, but I sure wish I lived somewhere else. Has anyone recently tried to leave America? It's practically impossible. Almost all foreign countries have stricter immigration laws than we do. As an American, I was denied entry to 3 different European countries for a lack of visa. Most visas for residency cost more than $1000. In all, I have spent more than $10,000 trying to immigrate, only to remain stuck here. I have been jailed, fined and deported trying to leave America. And every time I returned, there was suspicion as to my U.S. citizenship where I was detained, searched, and scrutinized as to why I was overseas at all. I feel like a man without a country. Love it or leave it? Just try to do either.

[About the UN] I think some of Saddam's old palaces are still vacant. Location, location, location!  That should inspire some reforms.

Happy Thanksgiving all you Big Opiner Keysers!

"Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not
coincidence." - Erma Bombeck

Attention: Aliens are coming to abduct all the good looking and sexy people. You will be safe; I'm just emailing to say goodbye.

May your stuffing be tasty,
may your turkey be plump,
may your potatoes 'n gravy
have nary a lump.
may your yams be delicious,
may your pies take the prize,
may your thanksgiving dinner
stay off of your thighs.
gobble til you wobble....
and in all
and for all things
Give Thanks.

What happens if we don’t pay the national debt? Do the Japanese come and repossess us? If we forget about the debt us Democrats won’t have to raise taxes.

I like the thermometer on my trucks mirror. Now I can tell if I’m cold.

They say Muslims are not violent. From what I’ve seen, when they do get violent, they sure do it better than everyone else.

“Love Comes Easy” I think is the name of Howard Livingston’s new song. I heard it on the radio and it was real good. Can Howard be the new Buffett?

The other day my friend showed me his new camera-phone. He had pictures of his girlfriend in all sorts of nude and provocative poses. I realized I need to get one of these, I could do so much and have a lot of fun with one of these. So I'm now checking on-line dating.

Is the Ebonics term “poon-tang” a dirty word to Black-Americans?

What does the Air Force do except fly bombers? Every engagement I’ve ever seen since Vietnam has been Navy fliers, I think.

Thursday November 23, 2006

Wednesday  November 22, 2006

Kennedy was killed November 22, 1963 where were you? I was in the Army refinishing furniture when I thought someone said that Kennedy was in the next room. I rushed to the next room only to find the workers were mostly in shock and many of them were crying. It seemed, for the next three days, the nation stood still.

I am really glad I voted for Sloan especially after learning he donated the cash to try and help Seahorse. That’s the kind of eccentric people who use there resources to help others in need. That’s the kind of people who moved here and lived here more abundantly than they do now. Who the hell cares what the man dreams. Just be glad he is honest and caring. Sloan, run for Dixie’s seat and you’ll get my vote…again.

Saturday, November 25 Join us at the Looe Key Tiki Bar on Ramrod Key (7:00 PM downbeat) for evening of concert fun with Mile Marker 24 Band. You’ll also get the chance to hear some of our new tunes. Come on out and party with us! The Johnson outboard blender has now been overhauled, including a new paint job, (Thanks to John the Lawnmower Man) and we’d love to serve you up one of her famous margaritas.

I'm looking for people to play chess with, we then can agree on where to play. I have a nice wooden board and stone pieces at my home, and a portable tournament-size roll-out chess mat with portable pieces. I'm not all that good a player, but really like the game and am trying to improve. (305) 407-4285 

Dixie Speahar's rationale on waterfront has as much substance as the childrens' rhyme "Hickory, Dickory, Dock..."

This accident happened in Istanbul, Turkey. Both drivers were women and they weren't sure exactly how the accident occurred. 

I have had great experiences with two local contractors who have done work on my home.

Quality Screening and Aluminum recently enclosed my porch with screen and railing. In addition, they installed all new aluminum railing around my decks and on my stairs. There work was done professionally, in a timely manner and for a reasonable price. In addition, Blue Water Plumbing recently came to my home and did some work and again, the work was done professionally and for a reasonable price. The employees were courteous, fun and professional. 

The best thing about both of these contractors was, they showed up when they said they would show up. No delays, no B.S., they said they would be there on certain days and lo and behold, they were there. If you are ever in need of some screening or aluminum work or need a good plumber, I highly recommend you use either of these fine contractors. And for the record, I am not related to them, I do not work for them and I do not have any economic interest in their businesses. I just believe that good work deserves recognition.

Spanking right wing hypocrites? Why? They would more than likely enjoy it!

I use the same security software Ed recommended and I use it with AOL, so don't let their dire warnings put you off.  First, go to the uninstall programs feature of Windows and uninstall AOL's security stuff.  They are very proprietary and restrictive and don't do the job anyway.  Once you get rid of that, install the new stuff and everything will click along just fine, faster than with AOL's diluted-McAfee-plus-other-stuff versions.

Tis the Season… for Strolling! “Walk on Winn Dixie” begins again, just in time for your Christmas shopping.

Now in its second season, the Big Pine monthly social promenade modeled after Key West’s successful “Walk on White” will be celebrated by many businesses in the Winn Dixie Plaza.  Held from 6-8pm on the first Friday of each month, December through April, the tongue in cheek “Walk on Winn Dixie” event is a great way to browse unhurriedly through our local stores, get great discounts, socialize with old friends, meet new friends, eat, drink and be merry. 

The Key Deer Bookstore will be unveiling the winning entry of its brand new Key Deer Christmas card as well as staging a people’s choice award amongst the other great applicants.   The Artists in Paradise gallery will be opening a two day only showing of award-winning jewelry artist Ruth Ann Jantzen. 

We, Bush supporters are still here. We don't cut and run like you liberals. We just go through spells where we don't feel like arguing with the conscienceless left right now. It gets exhausting sometimes. Don't you all worry, though, we still think we are right. Take care, those of you that think we have our tail between our legs. We are still proud as ever to have voted for our great President, George Walker Bush!

Is Michael Richards, (Kramer) such a racist---or did he just say what a lot of us are thinking?

AOL is the only ISP I've ever had. What would be a good, user-friendly replacement? (Ed: We use Bellsouth and have always been satisified.)

So, you think I bashed ol' Bushie? Well, then I guess you haven't been paying very good attention. It is he who is bashing us. Silly person. I'll pray for you (yes, dear heart, witches pray). May the Creator see fit to open your eyes. Amen

eBay seller. Call 305-304-2561

This has been bothering me since it hit the local papers), as many of you may have read in the Barometer and the Citizen.

The man who got arrested for sideswiping another vehicle and tried to pull a Houdini in the patrol car at Coconuts, was not only in possession of drugs, and not only did he try to flee,  but the vehicle that he was driving was not his and to the best of my knowledge, was stolen by him at the Tiki. Whoever owns the truck that he was driving

(he being the Houdini, that is) most likely has issues with the DMV or some other agency, and therefore did not report it. In my mind, this guy should have the additional

charge of Grand Theft Auto added to the list of charges against him. How do I know this, you ask? Well, I know for a fact that when he and his girlfriend came to the Keys

only two months earlier, he arrived in her truck. He came here with what they brought in her vehicle, which was just clothing. She finally got smart and moved out of their apartment, and back to NH, where they came from. He has no driver’s license, (suspended or revoked because of bad things he did up north) and had no money, primarily because all he wanted to do was get high, and take from whoever he could. He couldn't even pay his rent. At age 36, this man has a lifetime of lessons still to learn and it's a shame that prison probably will not give him those. Only he can do that. Sadly, he may not learn them on this plane of existence this time around. So I pray for him too.

People are not intrinsically evil; they do evil things. But let me tell you, I have to admit I'm glad he's away where he can't hurt anyone else.

It's not my job award. And the winner is...

[Double standards] Isn't it so ironic that a black man (n word) can kill white people and get away with it, and every night on TV you can find a black man downgrading/belittling white people, and every time there is an incident like New Orleans it is blamed on white people, when in fact they have a dumb black man as their mayor, but let a white man say something derogatory and we have to apologize.  They never apologize, so why should we?

To the person who wrote in about OJ's book and referred to Ron Goldman's father as a "super-whiner": The Goldmans have not received one dime of OJ's money.  How dare you refer to Fred Goldman as a super whiner!  The guy's young son was brutally butchered for no reason and this poor guy had to watch that piece of shit (OJ) sit at the defendant's table and make a mockery out of the American justice system.  Then he watched as the murderer smirked and walked free. 

Put yourself in Fred Goldman's shoes if you are able.  You should be ashamed of yourself for what you wrote. If I was Fred I would have taken matters into my own hands a long time ago; that's for sure. I think he's handled himself with dignity over the years. 

[Rabid Republicans] Maybe you should live a Country other than the USA; maybe a country that has a Saddam Hussein.

To anyone interested in selling items on eBay:  contact ramrodruthy@aol.com   or call 515-0001.  I can list for you for a percentage.  I have been a seller for years and would be happy to help anyone with their needs.  I can take the pictures we need and post and maintain it all for you.  Make it easy on yourself, just contact me! 

[Rabid Republicans] Sometimes it's fun to sit back and listen to the liberals gloat.  It all changes, however, when the taxes increase. That's when the kudos are replaced by whiners.  Not to worry though, it'll still be "the republicans fault".

There is a really nice kennel in Key Largo. It is called The Classy Canine.  We left our dog there in the spring for 2 weeks when we went on vacation.  The place is wonderful. Clean, lots of room for the dogs to run and play, reasonable prices and a bath the day they come home.(305)-451-3678 Kenny. Kenny is really nice and cares about your pet like it was his own.

Well, there, Mr. Mark Peterson, the new man in town, best of luck with Conchz. I have nothing but respect for anyone wanting to work 60/80 hours a week, clean johns, pick up trash, (yours or not) and deal with food and employees and customers and booze. I do hope, if this is your dream, it comes true for you.

I will share this with you: You never get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression. This is a funny place, there will be some folks that want you to fail. If you work very hard and love what you do you may make a living doing something that you enjoy. Once again, good luck Mr. Mark Peterson.

[Blame the Black man] Was Kramer really lying?  60 years ago someone probably would have shoved a pitch fork up the black guy’s ass.  He stated what seems to have had a high probability of happening back then.

[Rabid Republicans]  We are still here for sure and I would vote for Bush again if I had the chance, just a difference of opinion, and will remain so forever.  It’s going to be awful to watch Pelosi get eaten alive.  Her first real test with Murtha and she bombed so bad I bet her ears are still ringing.  That shows from the get-go she has no leadership. Let's hope Stenny Hoyer can bail her out of the leadership problem.  As to the media's build up of wide spread corruption, she has one guy that had how many thousands in his freezer?  Goodness, a kid could think of a better place to hide money! Her pick, Murtha, has been taped by the FBI almost taking the money. He said he was interested, just not at that time. 

I am glad Foley is out, he was a bomb about to go off and needed to be fired.  At least they caught him in the Email stage and no further. 

Now about telling lies under oath about interns and black dresses and the oval office-just a reminder that no party is without jerks. I just wish that one had been caught at the email stage.  Wide spread corruption: just wait till the Dems get in bed with the UN.   Money will be changing hands so fast you won't be able to keep up with your rising Federal tax bill.  Look for the United States to be making huge payments to the corrupt UN and we might even throw in billions to remodel the building for all the nice socialists.  The majority wanted socialism and when you get it just remember Russia 'cause when the government takes care of everyone cradle-to-grave and confiscates what hard working capitalists have earned, the well runs dry very quickly.

Who is going to work hard when all you do is give it to the socialists? No one will; and that could be the future! 

As for the terrorists; are we going back and allow the liberals to gut the budgets of the Military, CIA and FBI so the radical Muslims can attack and blow thousands of us up in the future?  Oh, I forgot, where can I get a prayer rug and a copy of Allah's teachings and which way was East again? Until then I shall pray as a Christian, while I am able, for the new Congress to get together and protect us from an ever looming menace.

Rusty Findley

(?)Smart Cat.

Wednesday  November 22, 2006

Tuesday November 21, 2006

Don’t forget to try the Pumpkin pancakes in the Recipe page. They are the best I’ve ever had. Recipes

Since nobody else has commented on last week's post about it being the government's fault that wind insurance rates are so high, I thought I should.  I'd rather  die than say a good word about Citizens' (and I'm not going to...they suck,) But what the poster wants to happen is exactly what did happen back before the state set up Citizens.

Private insurers were withdrawing from the coastal Florida wind market, one after the other.  This poor poster said that if that happened, well, the banks can't make you carry insurance that isn't available. Well, no, what they do (and actually did do) is just refuse to make the loans at all.

This is all old history, and it's why Citizens was created.  Has it worked out well?  Not in many ways, but face it, the wind is a problem, and nobody else wants to (or is going to) pay for our problem. Spare me the "Well, they have tornadoes and forest fires elsewhere" crap.  The total insurance dollar loss from all tornadoes in the U.S. in the last 20 years is less than the tab for either Andrew or Katrina--a tiny fraction of Katrina.

I personally don't think there is any answer to the problem. Either rates are going to continue to go up, or all house deals in the Keys will have to be for full cash up front.  If that happens, the housing market goes dormant and only the upper middle to upper class folks will be able to afford to take the risk (and front the cash) to buy a home here.

My wife and I went to the mountains over the weekend. We took the usual precautions, leave the lights on and have the radio playing. I left the radio on "Talk Radio", this worked well except for one problem. When we got back the cat was a republican.

[my year old car is starting to rust]  If your vehicle was here and went through Hurricane Wilma, you might want to call your insurance company because I know a lot of people that started seeing rust on their perfectly running vehicle way after Wilma (months) and their insurance company came out, totaled their vehicle and they got an insurance check. 

It is always the best policy to tell the truth, unless of course you are an exceptionally good liar.

[Always whining] It is called Kudos & Whiners. If you don't like it why done you start your own web site and call it Kudos.

[My Paradise Cafe opinion differs from yesterday’s poster.]  Mine too. I eat there a lot, and while I never have the Cuban mix, I almost always have the ham and cheese, which has the same ham the guy is complaining about.  I think it's great, and with the portion size, their prices are pretty reasonable.  Do you eat out in KW much?

Cell Phone Donations & Recycle Phones and Help Charities

To the person who bashed Bush. Love it or leave it. Mexico or Canada are only a hop, skip and a jump away. If you said what you said about Bush in other countries they would charge you with treason! God bless America.

[I can't believe how many sex offenses he has been caught at]You know, I can't either.  Something is wrong with that database or your use of it.  Even in our "turn 'em loose" culture, nobody with that many convictions involving weapons would still be on the loose.  I gave up counting the states supposedly involved in his career, but I was over 30 when I quit.

What's the real deal?

Hit the bottom? "There are those who have and those who will." I ran aground this weekend. Slid my bait bucket overboard and once again...afloat. I love my kayak!

I recently found you site and am visiting regularly when I need to smile. 

"I became convinced that noncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good."-- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Kramer is a racist. He did a racist rant at the Laugh Factory last night that left the audience speechless. They couldn’t believe their ears. It spelled the end to (Michael Richards) Kramer.

[Rabid Republicans]  They don't comment anymore because they are afraid that their friends and neighbors might find out they voted for Bush.  The ultimate embarrassment must be sticking your head in the sand and supporting the Bush administration with his bogus war on Iraq, the wide spread corruption, and congressmen trying to diddle 16 year old boys.  All you right wing hypocrites should be spanked. 

[They must have some horrendously large hard drives.]  Remember kilobytes, then megabytes, then gigabytes? Most of the customers who use the software I develop now measure their databases in Terabytes.

[Real tech support] Actually, both "run" and "save" can be correct. You have to run the install program to install your software. Choose that and you computer puts the file in a temporary location while it downloads the file, then runs it. Save allows you to choose where you want to put the file if you think you might want it around after installation. Once you've saved it, you have to run ( double-click the icon ) it to start the install process.

About the Pentium vs. Celeron Processor: don't worry, it's compatible. They're just trying to say you need a computer from the last 6 years or so. There are lots of brand names for the different processors ( Pentiums 2,3,4 and M, Xeon, Celeron, Centrino, Core ( solo, duo, 2 duo), Athlon, Turion, Sempron, etc, etc, etc..) but they're all the same as far as the software is concerned.

I’ve run aground everywhere there’s a bottom. You should see my skeg.

To Lousy Tech Support: FYI, my Celeron processor with 533 Mhz was able to handle Windows Defender, but I did apparently first have to download something called "Windows Installer 3.1," whatever that is. It took about 3 hrs to finally figure it all out.

When I tried to download the AVG anti-spyware and the Zone Alarm firewall, AOL had a popup saying that they blocked the each download because there was "no valid digital signature," and that it was even possible that it could have been "tampered with since it has been signed." Anyway it said that I should "probably not" download them. I can probably ignore the warnings and download them anyway with my fingers crossed. In your opinion, do you think I have anything to fear by downloading these? (Lousy Tech support: First off get rid of AOL as fast as you can and start computing in the real world—unrestricted and unencumbered by their burdensome software. Secondly, download those two excellent programs anyway. Death to AOL!)

The owner of the old House of Music says his new restaurant is going to open next month. It is going to smell "one thousand times better". Live bands will be featured in the back yard "all day, every day." There will even be a Teen Karaoke night (I wonder how our local teenagers will react to that). Will Angus Bangus head the house band? Can't wait to see how the place turns out.  ( www.keyssunday.com, Nov. 19, Page 7)

[OJ's new book] I agree it's not balls, but I do think it's bills.  $3.9 big ones would help with them.  The Goldman super-whiner has taken about every penny OJ's got (which is ok with me) except what he was able to stash in his house's cost.

[whine about their eating experiences] Why the hell would I worry about anyone shooting up the post office?

(?)Props to comic relief this weekend. Too bad nobody was funny on the show.  Good job. New Orleans rocks!

[recommend a place to kennel my dog]  I don't recommend ever kenneling a dog. I understand that sometimes there are extenuating circumstances but it's really bad on their emotional and metal health.  Ask all of your friends for someone to stay at your house or your dog at theirs. If you exhaust all options with no luck contact me at flakeysgurl@aol.com  I am a dog behaviorist and used to run my own company in LA that included pet sitting services, I may be able to help you myself or one of my friends.

Maybe most "rabid Republicans" realize Bigpinekey.com is not an appropriate venue for voicing political opinions.  This is a local web-site for local concerns.  What's the point of picking fights over political views?  Most people are smart enough to know that no one listens to your extreme political views.

Would the person who advertised to sell others’ goods on e-bay please write in and give their phone number?  I missed it, but my husband saw it. 

[dog kennel] You should call Debbie at Pampered Paws here on Big Pine. She will visit your home as many times a day as you would like. We have had her come and take care of our animals several times. Her number is 872 3881. She is also a vet tech so if any problem arises she can handle it.
Business Directory>Pets

There are over two billion cell phones and the amount of virus and malware has recently doubled. The problem is that there is still no effective anti-virus software for cell phones. Beware what email you open on your phone.

If the person that needs a dog sitter would put an email or phone number on this site, I may be able to help.

Hell, yea, Sandy's on White St is the best Cuban mix around!

Tuesday November 21, 2006

Monday November 20, 2006

[whine about their eating experiences] What else is there but food, sleep, entertainment, religion, politics, sports, lifestyle and sex? You should be glad we’re not shooting up the Post Office.

[Ants in bum’s socks] It looks like someone should have bought Benny a bottle of Tarro.

[Chess Players get together] I’ll bet the Senior Center would be glad to provide a place for you. That way you don’t get strangers in your house until you get to know them better.

What happened to all those rabid Republicans who used to write here defending Bush? What finally made you realize that he hasn’t done much to stop terrorism in this country? Our border and port security are a laugh. The rest of the world looks down on our politics and he’s ruined Iraq.

What was the one thing that he did that woke you up? You are the problem. You who say, “He’s my president, I’ll stand behind him.” You who say, “It’s my country, love it, or leave it.”  I dare you to leave our borders and go to any foreign country and listen to their opinion of the sham of freedom that we’ve become (secret prisons, kidnapping, suspending habeus corpus, torture, etc). You know we’re in trouble when we have to elect a Democrat Congress.

Warren Buffet said something like, “You should leave your children enough to do something, but not enough to do nothing.”

The underside of my year old car is starting to rust because of our wet road and a friend suggested I take a spray bottle of diesel fuel and spray the affected areas. Is that supposed to work? How often am I supposed to do it?

When the play “Hair” came out in the late 60s the show stopper was “The Age of Aquarius” Astrologers then said that the age of Aquarius was not at that time, but would arrive at a latter date. I’ve stopped taking LSD so I haven’t kept up with all that. Does anyone know when the planets "…will align with Jupiter and Mars?

Does CNN, etc. keep everything they’ve ever broadcast stored on digital media? They must have some horrendously large hard drives.

The story about the "old bum in a wheelchair" brings back some memories.   I think a bunch of us have had an "Old Bum.or a Cat Lady" in our lives.  Maybe just a "crazy" person living a very different life than ours, down the street or in the woods, under a bridge or in a junk yard, and for those of you that didn't, you missed it.  Some times they spooked us out.  Sometimes they were very special people when we let ourselves get to know them. and some times we were mean to the them.  That brings me to what I think is the real story…Francis Smart.

[White on Rice] You can buy Zatarain's on line, by the case cheaper than in he stores.  I tried it and it's nice to have those little boxes around when you want it.  Their rice is great and we use it as a meal most of the time.

For a great Cuban Mix...the real thing, go to Sandy's on White Street in Key West.  $5.00 and it's so worth it!

Jody Gay is a wonderful massage therapist.  She is extremely knowledgeable of her job not to mention her attitude, the attitude of honesty and integrity.  (Some places, that’s hard to find in the Keys)

[Lousy tech support] I tried to download Anti-virus: AVG by Grisoft; Firewall: Zone Alarm by Zone Labs; Spyware: Windows Defender per your suggestions the other day. However they immediately ask if I want to "run" or "save" it. Which is the right choice?

Also Windows Defender says, under system requirements, that I need a Pentium processor and I have a Celeron. Would that matter?  Finally, you once mentioned that people should install both Ad Aware and Spybot search and destroy anti-spyware. Is that old info? (Lousy Tech Support: I don’t know about the Celeron processor. It depends which Celeron you have [It’s to do with the L2 cache, older chips don’t have it] I’d try it anyway because you can always uninstall it. The other stuff you should select “Run” I don’t use Spybot and Ad-Aware anymore. Windows defender seems to do a good job along with the anti-virus and firewall installed. Aren’t computers fun!)

[OJ Guilty] How many times have you tried to get your hand into a pair of leather gloves that have been completely soaked then allowed to lie around for several years?  Not to mention trying this while wearing latex gloves.  “If it doesn’t fit…” blah, blah, blah.

I have a question. Who owns the Marathon airport, buildings and land?

I just wanted to write a personal thank you to the very nice volunteer fireman who was nice enough to give up the grill at the silent auction at Boondocks on Saturday afternoon. Your generosity was over-whelming--even more so since it was the thing you wanted most!  What was even nicer, was the department delivering it to our residence.  It was a shame you guys didn't get a better turn out.  Thank you again.

[OJ's new book] As it said in the news a few different writers worked on his book. Its arrogance not balls pushing him, he knows even if he admitted the killings he can't be tried for them again. I wouldn't read his book if the piece of shit was paying me to.

5 Brothers 2 on Ramrod Key has a delicious Cuban Mix for under $5 and they are friendly and have a sense of humor.

[Where is Karma] Oh, don't worry about Karma. It is real, it exists, and Karma will present itself when the time is right. Be patient. In my religion, the religion of the Ancient ones, it will come back to him threefold...and boy, I, for one, will rejoice when it pays him that visit. It's going to be a great, great show, and I for one would like to be there when it manifests. He is a scourge upon this blessed paradise known as Mother Earth and he will pay dearly as he should.

Sign me, Marlene, the white witch. I don't care anymore who knows. I will never hide in the darkness what I have become. Bright Blessings to all who are kind and giving and good.

Bush wants us to cut the amount of gas we use.  The best way to stop using so much gas is to deport 11 million illegal immigrants!  That would be 11 million less people using our gas.  The price of gas would come down.

Can anyone recommend a place to kennel my dog over the Christmas/New Years holidays?  I am going to be gone for about 10 days and I usually have a guy stay at my house but he might not be around.  I know the vets in the area board dogs, but I was looking for anyone that has had experience with one or another.  My dog is a friendly 60 lb. mutt.

Monday November 20, 2006

Sunday November 19, 2006

In the early 1980s there used to be an old bum in a wheelchair living in an old camper shell on blocks on the lane across from us when we lived in Old Town. His name was Benny (Feldman, I think) He smoked fat cigars and drank beer for a living. He used to own a house on Fleming St near White St, but it burned up, probably from him falling asleep while smoking his fat cigars. He lived in the burned out Conch house for a few years until the City threw him out because the house was unsafe. That’s when he moved to the box near the back of (what is now) Strunk Hardware.  He was always getting hassled in his box so my neighbor on the lane, Francis Smart, found an old camper shell and placed it in his driveway on cement blocks and Benny moved in. 

There were just enough blocks so Benny could get in and out of the camper shell with little trouble. He lived in that shell for five or six years with only a gallon milk jug for a bathroom that really stank. He was in his seventies at the time. I used to come home and I’d sit with Benny and talk about everything before going across the lane to my house. We’d drink tall Bush beers.

One night when I came home, there was Benny in his wheelchair and Francis was on the ground trying to remove Benny’s socks. He hadn’t had the socks off or bathed in years. When Francis finally got them off he had to spray Benny’s disgusting feet with insecticide because there were whole families of ants living in his socks and feeding on Benny’s feet. It was one of the most disgusting things I can remember.

[African Grey Parrot] I erred when I wrote Amazon when I meant African. Newsweek had an article last week saying that the African Grey was smarter than any other bird. The study they sited was more involved than an opinion from the folks at Whalton’s Pet store.

The jury didn't say OJ was innocent.  They found him not guilty.  The civil trial cost him millions.  That tells us something.

[Cuban Mix sandwich] how come so many people get on here and whine about their eating experiences?

[Kindergartener’s artistic rendering of a pair of scissors] Isn't it great his/her's mind doesn't float around in the gutter yet.

To the person finding fault with the 2nd benefit for Jerry Joseph, I would like to say that Jerry did not put the two benefits together, nor did he sanction them, the people who know and love him did so.  Jerry is an extremely proud man, which has fallen on hard times.  He lost everything and I mean everything during Wilma.  With the support of a really good friend he has survived Wilma and a dual by-pass and is fast on the road to recovery. 

Due to additional good friends and the spirit of the Keys, he has been blessed with two heart-felt benefits to help him through his recovery.  Yes, he is a veteran and no they have not covered any of this medical bills, food bills, etc. since his surgery.  If it were not for the support he has received from his good friend and all of the friends that have participated in the benefits Jerry could very well be one of the famous “Keys homeless”. 

In the spirit of the Keys I only wish for you my friend, that if hard times fall upon you, that the “Spirit of the Keys” is there to help you.  To my Friend and “brother” Jerry I want to say we love you.  Hopefully you know how many people love and care about you, it has been openly expressed. I would also like to thank each and every one of the people, establishments, etc. that have helped Jerry and his good friend in the last two weeks, your generosity and kindness is what the Keys is all about.   To the good friend, hang in their girlfriend.  We love you both, and so do all your friends.

By the way, I am not afraid to sign this as you were. (Ed: The other poster was signed; we didn’t print it or yours. Maybe we should have printed the email address. We don't know.)

My Paradise Cafe opinion differs from yesterday’s poster.  I think that their sandwiches are the best in all of the Keys.  The quality of their ingredients have always been top notch.  If he cannot eat the whole sandwich and the other half of his wife’s then he is no big eater.  Never trust a skinny food critic.

[What? No discussion about OJ's new book] I’ve ordered it from Amazon.  Not much to discuss until I’ve read it but he’s got a lot of balls to write it.  (I’m sure he had someone write it for him) I can only hope that somehow it ends up putting that animal on death row where he belongs.

[critical state concern until Oct 1, 2006] Is it just me or didn't this date already pass. (Ed: Maybe 2009 would be more accurate. Sorry.)

African Grays are the smartest and they do have the largest vocabulary.

This guy's last know address was Marathon.  I can't believe how many sex offenses he has been caught at and is still out on the street!  Family Watchdog Offender

[All show and no go] KW is going to pay a guy $40,000 to figure out how to get affordable housing. Are they nuts? The only solution is to build higher and denser. Both options are unacceptable. How many studies are they going to do? How many committees? They’ve been working on this problem for over twenty years and there hasn’t been one affordable unit put on the market yet. We've talked about this for years and no one has found a practical solution.

So why would another person be able to come up with a solution and get at least one unit built. Save your $40,000; ask anyone, there's no solution except to increase the height and density restrictions or rent out peoples' downstairs enclosures.

[O.J. was innocent]  Court system 101:  O.J. was found not guilty.  He was not found innocent.  In the jury’s eyes, the evidence was not beyond reasonable doubt.  If one watched the trial coverage, the verdict was, sadly, understandable. 

[Insurance News Flash] All of Florida is experiencing the same “up charge” when it comes to homeowners insurance.  Believe it or not, you good homeowners of Monroe County are not the only residents of coastal Florida being forced out of their homes because of unaffordable homeowners insurance.  This is a statewide issue – not a coastal county vs. an interior county vs. the Keys vs. the mainland barrier islands, etc! 
 

Please don’t send a response to this post to Kudos & Whiners.  A debate in this forum is absolutely meaningless.  A more effective use of your time would be to e-mail both your state senator and/or representative expressing your complete frustration over the current condition of the homeowners’ insurance market.  Every homeowner in the state of Florida must make their voice heard, if they believe the insurance industry is using “smoke and mirrors” to achieve higher than ever profits.  I hope you were outraged enough over this issue to vote in the most recent election.  Please remember that the best friend of career politicians and their cronies is voter apathy.  

And thank you, Kudos & Whiners and many of its readers, for your encouragement during the strange campaign I was said to wage for the county commission seat. Strange it was, I confess. But so is life strange. --Sloan Bashinsky.

A jury did not say that O J was innocent, but that he was not guilty.  There is a difference.

To those who want a really good Cuban mix head over to Aroma's on County Road in Big Pine, simply the best in the County.

Anyone who has spent any time on the water down here and says they have never run aground is just lying. I am not a guide and only have problems with the ones who come up me while I am catching fish so they can get fish for their charter. 

[School board] If you or I wrote $46K in fraudulent checks, we would go to jail, but some people get elected to a political office. That is our legal system at its best.

Try the Cuban Mix sandwich at the Villa Blanca Café on the highway in Marathon.

Sunday November 19, 2006

Saturday November 18, 2006

Strong Leonid Meteor Shower Tonight. The Leonids are caused by debris left behind by Comet Temple-Tuttle, a celestial body that orbits the sun every 33 years. This year there could be a big burst of up to 150 meteors per hour on Saturday night.

My Cuban Mix sandwich at Paradise Cafe at Grinell and Eaton St in KW was so big that it was absurd. They should call it something else. It was not a Cuban mix. What was I supposed to do with a six inch high sandwich filled will poor quality lunch meat? There’s no way I could get my mouth around it or even a part of it. I’m a big guy and can eat, but not something that big. I threw away at least a half a pound of ham. I would have kept it for later, but it was such poor quality that I didn’t want to eat it again.

I like a generous serving, but too much is still too much. The worse part is that the sandwich costs me $8 and with a $2 tip I had a $10 Cuban mix! And it was cold on the inside. Never again.
--usa33043@yahoo.com

Citizens Insurance just announced a 57% hike on wind insurance. If my calculations are right that's going to be about a 100% hike when you add the first increases.  I think houses just got dirt cheap in Monroe County; and as usual the government in its infinite wisdom did this to us by meddling in the process.  If they would have just let market forces behave naturally, I believe that two things might have happened: 

(1)There would have been higher gradual increases in the past that would have allowed the Companies to put away enough to cover losses such as Wilma or (2) All companies would have canceled wind, pulled out of Monroe County, and the banks could not make my neighbors carry insurance that does not exist.

Look at your past and you can see the future. It was the government that broke up Ma Bell and within 5 years telephone bills were how many hundred percent higher? Does anyone else think that the timing of this announcement was a little held up by an election?

Look what the effect of the Tylenol murders has done to our commercial packaging. I can’t get into anything without a stick of dynamite.

Brief playtime review: Tiki Bar-Fun and local, Parrotdise-Food & Key Classy, Bobalu's Southern Café-Food, Boondocks-Tourists some locals, Mangrove Mama's-Food tropical, Montego Bay-Burned down and No Name Pub-All tourists, all the time.

Nashville recording artist and Florida Keys’ own Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24 will be appearing for one show only at the Looe Key Tiki Bar on Ramrod Key – Saturday, November 25 at 7:00 PM. When these folks get together it’s always a fun party; Saturday night will be no exception! They will be firing up their outboard motor margarita machine as well as handing out all sorts of fun prizes.

[Scandal] Excuse my language, but shit hit the fan with those involved in the other portion of the Maya Bird Rescue fund raising event - Whiska's & Paws.  I can not faithfully trust that they are going to write Maya the check correctly for this event.  Given this I have to withdraw from this event and hold her a fundraiser completely on our own.  I am going to talk to Joe at Coconuts about it, they seem to have successful events and have Parrotdise cater it.  I will pull one off for her so I shall keep you posted.

Low Key Advice – Wide Open! So far this week, I've received nothing but asinine sexually explicit (I'd love to help but I know very little about anal fissures) and politically charged questions.  You know they must be awful because I've never been that picky about either the topic or the rudimentary composition. SO, if you have a question for Deer Abby, you'll be in right away.  If not, I'm sleeping Sunday night, instead of trying to make sense out of the crap I've got.  Love, Crabby Abby.

What a difference 50 years makes.  Just think how far we have gone down hill as a society in that short amount of time.  Consider this scenario: 1953, Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs Johnny to comfort him. In a short time Johnny feels better and goes on playing with his friends, his fall forgotten.

2006 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. No one bothers to talk to Johnny.  She is charged with sexual child abuse and spends 2 years in prison.  Her teaching certificate is revoked. She now works as a greeter at Wal-Mart.

[Chevy truck after changing the oil] Turn the key on and push the gas paddle down all the way three times. It will go ding-ding or something like that. Then it will reset itself.

To you who wanted a good recipe made with crab meat?  You can get a box of Zatarains Crab Cake Mix at Winn Dixie in the seafood section.  You can make mini crab cakes or crab balls and they will be delicious appetizers.  You could also stuff the crab mixture into some nice mushrooms and bake them.  Mmmmm...Delicious!

I don't fish the flats, but I love to see our local guides doing what we need to do to survive here in the Keys. If the tourists don't fish--We're all done.

Of course real men don’t ask for directions, that’s why I thought you were a girl.  I always like to help the ladies.  My apologies.

There must be some serious global warming going on Saturn to cause such a huge (5,000 miles across) hurricane. I wonder if Al Gore is aware of this potential crisis. We must have caused it.

Would someone please just make OJ go away?  Where is Karma when we need it most?

[two word description of these places] All of the places you named are great except two of them, one burned down several years ago and the other is terrible,  but there will be "No Nameing" of which one by me!

If you had any reading comprehension what so ever you would have understood that you a**holes started it. But then again that is why you're a flats guide. I used to give you folks plenty of space. But when I am diving and hanging on the sand flats with my girl you give me no courtesy and fly by staring or zoom just about over my head. Therefore you lost mine. Now you have to live with it. I have not touched the bottom with any boat since I was 13 years old down here. You poling and using your shallow water anchors do more damage than I have ever done. My boat drafts 12 inches of water and if you are in my 13 inches you are screwed. I know who has done me wrong in the past and that is who I single out. So if you want respect you have to earn it and if you have it don't lose it. Out.

I'm back!

Didn't a jury say OJ was innocent?  The system set him free and shouldn't everyone believe this?

A sure cure for a bad Rabbit is lead poisoning.

I agree charter captains are snobs and flats guides are the worst. I had an arrogant flats guide scream at me for passing him while he was poling at the very mouth of a short cut channel in the back country. What did he expect me to do; add another three miles to my trip just so I didn’t disturb “his” water? Or was I supposed to turn off the engine and wait until he was finished in that area?

[Iguanas do not like mothballs]  The bougainvillea bush now has leaves where the old monster used to lounge and tiny flowers are beginning to appear.  Next is mothballs placed behind the seawall.  One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. 

P. S. Winn-Dixie has mothballs cheap!

There is no such thing as an Amazon Grey Parrot. It is an African Grey Parrot, an Amazon Parrot is green not grey. African Greys are not any smarter than any other parrot; it depends on how much time you spend with them. Come to Whalton's Pet Shop if you want to see the difference.

I thought you might need a laugh, click link and watch the "Copperfield" guy.   http://mandm76.blogspot.com

This is my kindergartener's artistic rendering of a pair of scissors. I wonder what his teacher thought. And I am so dang proud of myself. I allowed myself just a small smirk when I saw it. I waited until he was out of the room before I started to cry from laughing so hard.

Please give me the name of good, reasonable massage therapist again (not on Little Palm).

On an impromptu invitation, the band was jammin, the house was rockin, and the dance floor was packed! All that were there, do tell, Lordy, do tell.

I have been shopping for medical insurance because the company I have is so high I can barely afford the payments.  Anyway I asked the agent why medical insurance is so high in Florida and especially in the Keys and he told me it had nothing to do with all the Senior Citizens that live in Florida, but rates are so high because of all the people who do not have medical insurance.  So the people who bite the bullet and pay the high rates are paying for the people who don't have insurance but receive medical care and don't pay their bills on top of it.  If I hadn't paid for medical insurance all these years and put that money in the bank I would be a wealthy person.  Am I stupid because I am doing the right thing?  Sometimes I think I am.

For friends coming down:   No Name Pub description: boring tourist trap.
--dogonmyleg@hotmail.com

My whole weekend will be spent celebrating Tom Cruise’s wedding. This is such an important event. Aren’t we lucky? I might even take next week off work I'm so excited.

Saturday November 18, 2006

Friday November 17, 2006

Hello to all in BPK.  My name is Janet Jackson, and yes I am for real.  I will be re-locating to BPK this weekend.  I have a keen appreciation for the area and I am looking forward to meeting everyone that I can.

I want to eat Shrimp Pizza at the No Name Pub.  I want to see Key Deer.  Do you really have iguana on the island?  I am so excited I can hardly sit still, which I really should not be doing.  I need to finish packing.  However, on this move, I am traveling light.

Moving to the Keys has been a dream for me for quite sometime.  I feel so grateful to the Universe for allowing me to have this dream come true.

To quote Mark Twain: "In twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed in the things you did not do than the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in you sails.  Explore Dream Discover"

 Here I come ready or not.

Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unaware. --Hebrews 13:1-2

This video is one of the duds who graduated crime school at the bottom of his class. He’ll soon be spending a lot of time with the rest of his graduates. Click here: glumbert.com | How not to rob a liqour store  

Help! I have folks coming down who like to go out (they are mid-30s and like to have a good time). Please give me a one or two word description of these places: Tiki Bar, Parrotdise, Bobalu's Southern Café, Boondocks, Mangrove Mama's, Montego Bay and No Name Pub.

How long can you hold your breath? Video

Thanks for the advice on how to reset my oil light. To the other writer who suggested how to find the info in the owner’s manual: Don’t you know that real men don’t read or ask for directions? But thanks anyway.

[In praise of Terro] I just drip some on the window sill and the ants clean it all up. Their's not a speck of Terro left. I guess they lick it up with their tiny little ant tongues.

Terro is the greatest thing since the tropics. I can attest to its ridding two varieties of ants within a couple of days and it’s not harmful to us.

Benefits are a great thing for people who deserve it, but it is a shame that others take advantage. Wasn't there already a benefit for Jerry Joseph a couple of weeks ago at the Sugarloaf Lodge? And weren’t there raffles and all sorts of donations, and lots of money gifts? And isn't he a veteran which means his medical bills are paid? What is wrong with this picture?

With Photoshop you never know what is real or not. Here are some examples. Fake or Foto?

The good news is that the state is not going to remove our designation as an area of critical state concern until Oct 1, 2006. That give us at least three more years until runaway development hits the Keys.

(Ed: yesterday we had over four hundred junk mails. Aaargh!)

I heard from an employee yesterday that The Cracked Egg will be closing their doors in November due to the sale of the property.  Cracked Egg owners say they will be trying to make a move to purchase, re-hab and move into the old Conch & Stein property and want to reopen there as soon as they can get the place in shape to do so. 

Nobel House has bought the Big Pine Motel and Cracked Egg property for employee housing and will be using the restaurant for employee meals (or so the rumor goes).

At least they warn you.

Did you know that when people fly less the rental car companies take a big hit?

Always acknowledge a fault frankly. This will throw those in authority off guard and allow you opportunity to commit more. --Mark Twain

This is a report of the tremendous explosion of a munitions’ ship in Halifax harbor in 1917. Damn Interesting » The Halifax Disaster

[The most rude, terrible boat captains are the flats guides.]  Ever wonder if maybe they are a**holes because a**holes like you are detracting from their client's experience that they are paying good money to enjoy when you're flipping them the bird and running over their meat holes while they are right on top of them.  Face it, our economy in the gorgeous Keys could not survive without the tourist industry and as fishing is one of our main attractions, why not let our guests fish in peace and let our captains feed their families.  There is so much ocean out there,  just keep your distance and quit your b****ing.

8 years after Clinton left Washington DC

[Terro] That stuff is the best and pretty much the only thing that seems to work for those tiny ants.

They say that the Amazon grey parrot is the smartest bird in the world.

New York city ain’t all that bad, they have a system to keep the trash down.

[Flats Guide Hater] You mean-spirited mainland F*ck. If flats guides are poling in inches of water and you are screaming by them to piss them off and ruin their client’s chance to catch a fish they have dreamed about catching for years, just to see the look on their face you will soon end up with a 22 ft pole shoved up your ass. The tourist will go somewhere else next year and we all loose. And if you’re running that close to them in the shallows then your probably one of the a**holes that regularly damage our echo-system, not to mention our community.

Strong Leonid Meteor Shower Expected Tomorrow Nov. 18. The Leonids are caused by debris left behind by Comet Temple-Tuttle, a celestial body that orbits the sun every 33 years. This year there could be a big burst of up to 150 meteors per hour on Saturday night.

That’s not a typewriter.  The mouse is stuck in a printer cartridge for a laser jet printer.

[Ants] Taro doesn't work.

The next president: Al Gore or Oscar winner?

Sorenson had previously stated he was leaving the Keys to go live at his North Carolina home.

[Here’s my loud bird story]  When I lived in Orlando my neighbor was one of those people who had an “angle” on everything.  One day he proudly told me about the myna bird he had purchased in Ft. Lauderdale.  “I really wasn’t looking for one, but I only paid $50 for him!” he exclaimed ecstatically.  “They normally cost hundreds of dollars.  What a deal!”

Myna birds are among the world’s greatest mimics.  What Pete didn’t realize was that the bird had been in a pet store next to the big airport and could make jet take off noises so loud and so well that you’d duck your head and look for the 747.  The bird lasted two days in the house, two days on the porch, and then he paid a local pet store to take it off his hands.

I guess sometimes things aren’t always what they appear.

This isn't a typewriter; it's a Hewlett Packard inkjet printer, still a weird place for a rodent though.

I never trusted Ken Sorensen. When he wanted his legacy to be the removal of Critical State Concern I knew he was in the pocket of developers. Now he’s going to become a lobbyist. I doubt he’ll be lobbying for the environment.

When you "burn" a flat that a guide is working it must screw up someone's vacation. It sounds very immature of you, and very inconsiderate.

[Tiny little ants in the microwave] Here's the only way to really get rid of those pesky little critters. First, take a clean cloth soaked in hot soapy water and wipe all those colored spots off the interior surface. That's really not a fancy paint job! Next pick up the microwave (yes, it's movable) and use that same technique on the entire counter and backsplash where it sat for, oh, so many years. Now put everything back and spin around three times while chanting "go away, go away!"

This works for most people although the spin/chant is not required, it'll just seem all that more mystical to you.

Does OJ actually say he killed those people in his new book? I read that the Brown family has already filed to claim profits from the book. I wonder if we can get an exception to our double jeopardy law?

Friday November 17, 2006

Thursday November 16, 2006

Glad to see that someone's eyes are opening up to what's been going on at FKCC and eliminated Maureen Crowley from the candidates for president. It's time to get an outsider who is not part of the good ole boy/girl system that has been in power and ruined our primo nursing program. It was sad to see Maureen's employees standing up for her. They probably felt they had to.

Citizens Insurance discount is supposed to go into effect as of January 1, 2007. When your policy renews next year you will get the discount. Your agent should know that. If you have any questions or want more information call Isaksen Insurance in Big Pine Key at 872-0097.

I think there already is an ordinance governing removal of campaign signs.

The Keynoter today notes that Ken Sorensen is taking a job and staying in Tallahassee rather than coming back to the Keys.  Another victim of the “Saunders Syndrome” I reckon.

Citizen’s reduced rates apply to renewals in 2007, not those occurring this year.  Sorry.

[Quick, more bleach in the gene pool] Houstonian Michael Kubosh deliberately ran a red light in a traffic-camera intersection for the purpose of challenging the system in court, but two Houston police officers personally witnessed the violation and wrote him a regular ticket (which overrides the camera's $75 violation with a ticket of up to $200).

There is not going to be just a meeting on insurance rates; but a whole special session of the legislature.

[Does anyone have a really great recipe for a crab meat appetizer] Yes I have an excellent recipe.

[Chevy truck oil reset] Turn ignition on (don’t start). Pump gas pedal 3 times and hold down. Reset message will appear. Start engine. Go.

What is up with the Cracked Egg?  The say on their sign that they open at 6 AM and close at 2 PM. My friend and I arrived at 1:32 and was told they were closed. Either change your hours sign or stay open till 2 PM.

I haven’t read bigpinekey.com for a while and just returned today. Where has all the negativity gone? Wow, it’s a pleasure to read it again.

It's true, they are back at Venture Out. Their sewage treatment (or not) plant is a testament to that, but to their compliment, at least I haven't heard that annoying "Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey; rise and shine pancakes at nine".  Thank you!

People who let there dogs or birds disturb others have no courtesy and will not go back to New Jersey for about another six months.  WWJD (What would Jerseyites do?)

[a good crab meat appetizer] Yes: Crabmeat.

Birds: We are about to give our African Grey to someone in Eden Pines. We can't take it any more. The Bird mimics the back-up alarm on the W/M trucks.

Now she is doing it all day, and my wife has me hauling ass to get the trash out every day.

[Rabbit Victims Unite] I to have seen the A**hole clown roaming his old haunting grounds once again. How many times do I have to see that ugly, good for nothing SOB in our community? Has he not done enough damage? I recently got a letter from his probation officer informing me he was off probation and as a victim I had to be legally told of the state of my case. I replied by saying, "Thanks! The criminal has been my neighbor for the last 2 weeks. Now when he needs to rob me again he won't have far to go because he is living 2 houses down from me!" Let's all get ready for a new round of the Bunny Hop thanks to our fine Judicial System.

The most rude, terrible boat captains are the flats guides. I know a few of them and love to fly by, given them the bird with their clients on board. There faces are to die for. You have to be a special person to be a flats guide, an a**hole.  Years ago I would give them at least 150 yards now I give them 50 feet if they're lucky. The best place to find them is around Monkey Island and south west of Content Keys by Little Crane. When you see them say hello for me.

[oil change light] Look in the owner’s manual.   The index may help.

What replaced the Florida Keys Tri Board MLS (multiple listing service) search?

Light beer.

The Planning Commission meeting at the Sugarloaf school was last night. About a hundred people showed up out of how many residents?  Our Founding Fathers hired these companies to do an annalist of what the Building Commission and their Developer friends can do to make their millions. It was an exercise in venting public pressures and I hope those who attended realized how deep we are in the poo.

HDR, Inc. http://search.comcast.net/?q=%22HDR+inc%22&cat=Web&con=net
Carter-Burgess, Inc. http://search.comcast.net/?q=%22carter-burgess%22&cat=Web&con=net&safe=on

It was nice while we had the chance to live in paradise, wasn't it?

Why woman move to Florida. They grow on trees here.

What a difference 50 years makes. Just think how far we have gone down hill as a society in that short amount of time. Consider: Scenario: Pedro fails high school English.

1953: Pedro is counseled and remanded to a summer school, passes  Remedial English class. He learns English, graduates, goes to college  and is now a successful business owner.

2006: Pedro's cause is taken up by the state left wing liberal party. Newspaper articles appear statewide explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. The ACLU files class action lawsuit against the state school system and Pedro's English teacher is reprimanded.  English is banned from core curriculum. Pedro is given a diploma anyway. Pedro ends up mowing lawns for a living because he can't speak English. To be continued……

If you see this on the way to work you might as well turn around and go back home because it is not going to be a good day!

[tiny ants in your microwave]  Buy some Terro at Home Depot or Ace.  You put a few drops on the little cardboard squares they give you and the ants go nuts going after it and take it back to the nest and the rest all die.  I had a wicked infestation of tiny ants and they are gone after only one application.  I have pets so I put it under something on my kitchen counter.  The ants found it and now they are gone.  I will never be without that stuff.

[stone crabs that fresh and uncooked]  I hope you cooked them before dipping them in the melted butter! ( I thought you were suppose to cook them before eating them!)

I love the television commercials for Holiday Inn with the 3 goofy guys.  Especially the ad about whales.

I thought only computers had a mouse. I didn’t know typewriters had them too. Actually, I didn’t even know they still made typewriters. (The mouse was safely removed.)

Thursday November 16, 2006

Wednesday November 15, 2006

I like the idea of the commission passing an ordinance that mandated political signs be removed within seven days after an election. I’m sick of seeing them and don’t want to be reminded of all the negativity that goes into modern elections.

[Go fast boat] How can the writer be angry when the go fast boats had the right of way? Why should they alter course when they were probably timing their run. Altering course would screw up that time.  

After over thirty years of boating I’ve observed that there is nothing on the planet more uptight than a boat captain, we’re always looking for fault. The most uptight boater of all is the charter captain. You can’t tell us anything. We know it all.

[Citizens Insurance bill and it's $300 higher than last year’s bill] My insurance bill went down 500 dollars, but that is a loud cry away from 32% discount. If you find anything out please let me know

[Sex 'n' Politics]  Loretta Nall, 32, the Libertarian Party write-in candidate for governor of Alabama, remains unembarrassed by her sexiness, telling reporters that she hoped that voters attracted by her cleavage would listen to her campaign platform. She offers a T-shirt to supporters reading, "More of these boobs and (referring to pictures of her opponents) less of these boobs."

I had stone crabs right off my friend’s boat last night. They were only hours old and had never been cooked. I have to tell you that there is nothing in the world as good as fresh stone crab dipped in hot butter. This is only the second time in my life that I’ve been able to get them that fresh and uncooked. When I stuck my head in the bucket when I first got them I was pleased to notice that there was absolutely no smell at all. They smelled like the sea. It just doesn’t get any better than that.

What’s Jeb Bush going to do now that he’s soon to be unemployed? He’s the only Republican that I’d vote for. He doesn’t seem only to be for the fat cats.

Sloan, the election is over.  Please go away.

[Gossip update] Wow!  Nice new paint job on the exterior of the former House of Music. A so-called informed source who knows the owner says they will be opening in December. 

When we lived in Key West our neighbor’s porch was only six feet from our bedroom window. They got a parrot and kept it on the porch where it squawked loud enough to wake the dead. After loosing enormous amounts of sleep we finally complained and the neighbors were kind enough to get rid of the bird. Thank god for nice neighbors!

Aren’t you glad we never voted to make these Keys a city? Islamorada has the highest tax rate in the County.

Does anyone know how to get rid of the tiny ants when they get in your microwave?  Nuking them does no good.

[birds squawking] That’s what birds do; get over it or go back to jersey. Oh, and dogs bark too.

[Insurance bill $300 higher]  That’s nothing, you should be happy about that because my bill is $1,200 higher!  Per my insurance company, they have been told to lower the rates by 32% but they are not complying because no one is making them comply.  Maybe you can do as I did and write to the Insurance Commissioner about it.  I also heard that Jeb Bush is supposed to be having a meeting in Tallahassee about the high Insurance rates soon.  Let’s hope it turns out well.

What is best free anti-virus, firewall and anti spyware software for dummies. (Lousy Tech support: Anti-virus: AVG by Grisoft, Firewall: Zone Alarm by Zone Labs, Spyware: Windows Defender. Google them and download them and open them and you’re protected for free with high quality software. That is the lineup we use here at corporate headquarters.)

Is there an election coming up?  There are sure a lot of signs out there. 

The squawking in Eden Pines has about got me nuts also. What or who is that infernal whistling? It sounds like someone whistling for a dog but it keeps on hollering over and over and it moves all around Eden Pines.  If it's a human, please could you get your pooch a silent whistle if you have to "talk" to him that much; and if its something else would someone please put it out of its misery to let all the rest of us out of ours?  This is really such a peaceful quiet community, but that damn whistling has to go!

P. S. On the Iguana front. They are trying to kill the old bougainvillea plant Mom and I planted  in 1963, but I think I have them worried. I put four mothballs way out in the grass around it (so the mothballs won't hurt anything when they melt) and haven't seen one of them in it for 3 days.  Have I found a cure? Stay tuned, I will report again.

Have you ever heard our Steve Miller sing?  I hope not.

[Sub surfaces near carrier] Do you really think Bush was on that Sub?

[Birds Squawking] Maybe you are already nuts. Your kids are just adding to it. Ha.

[Squawking bird pets]  Unfortunately, bad neighbors can have barking dogs and loud parrots in a residential neighborhood and there's nothing that can be done about it legally as long as the disturbance is during legal hours. My next door neighbor had a macaw and I was plotting to somehow end the squawking when they gave it away because it had become so vicious and dangerous to them and their children.

Mangrove Mamas is holding a benefit this Friday at 5:30 pm for Jerry Joseph, aka Picasso, aka Congo Jerry, aka Bongo Jerry, aka Jerbo who suffered a heart attack two months ago. The Mike and Possum Show (country) will be performing. Come on down!

I have a 2006 Chevy truck and changed the oil, but the dashboard notice telling me to change the oil still flashes when I turn the engine on. How do I reset the warning? I know I’m supposed to press one of the pedals a certain number of times with the key turned on or off or something…

Why would you think a moderate conservative like Rudi Giuliani would have trouble gathering conservative votes?

To those of you who are wanting the song Little Torch Key. It is done by a group called McKinley and Beggs. They will be performing live at Boondocks on Ramrod Key on December 29th and 30th. You can purchase a CD then for just $10 and it has the song on it.  Pass this information on to all your friends and neighbors as it is a lively group they will not want to miss.

[Abby got her leg-pulled]  Smar T. Pants, Abby gets her leg pulled all the time and she's fully aware.  Sometimes she wishes the people trying to be funny were actually funny, but it's Big Pine so she's just not that fussy.  You should see the crap she doesn't print. 

Don’t forget the BP Key Fire Department fundraiser this weekend at Boondocks. Bulletin Board

Does anyone have a really great recipe for a crab meat appetizer?

[Commenting on the reply to the smell from venture out] Don’t waste your time and energy trying to make sense to a person who would conceive of a post containing such drivel and nonsense. It is obvious the poor soul has a anal fixation and a retarded brain. If we can just keep him out of public office he will probably remain harmless. Don’t encourage him he will mistakenly think that what he says is lucid.

Wednesday November 15, 2006

Tuesday November 14, 2006

[Something’s wrong] This week another country’s submarine surfaced within weapon’s range of one of our aircraft carriers--undetected. Oh, oh! Mission accomplished?

Where did you order the song Little Torch Key? 

My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money.

[Chinese Aircraft Maintenance] For anybody who is not familiar with a jet engine, a jet fan blade should be perfectly smooth. You might want to think twice the next time you fly on a Chinese Airline.

A pilot for a Chinese carrier requested permission and landed at Frankfurt, Germany for an unscheduled refueling stop. The reason became soon apparent to the ground crew: The Number 3 engine had been shutdown previously because of excessive vibration, and because it didn't look too good. It had apparently been no problem for the tough guys back in China: as they took some sturdy straps and wrapped them around two of the fan blades and the structures behind, thus stopping any unwanted wind milling and associated uncomfortable vibration caused by the fan.

Note that the straps are seatbelts....how resourceful! After making the "repairs", off they went into the wild blue yonder with another revenue-making flight on only three engines! With the increased fuel consumption, they got a bit low on fuel, and just set it down at the closest airport  for a quick refill.

That's when the problems started: The Germans, who are kind of picky about this stuff, inspected the malfunctioning engine and immediately grounded the aircraft. (Besides the seatbelts, notice the appalling condition of the fan blades.) The airline operator had to send a chunk of money to get the first engine replaced (took about 10 days). The repair contractor decided to do some impromptu inspection work on the other engines, none of which looked all that great either.

The result: a total of 3 engines were eventually changed on this plane before it was permitted to fly again. And soon they will export their cars to America, be sure to buy one of those quality machines so you can increase the trade deficit. 

[Winners and losers of last week’s election] Please remove your political campaign signs.  A week is long enough to put up with this garbage on the roadside.  Maybe the commissioners should pass an ordinance requiring removal within a reasonable time after an election.

Did anyone have the same experience as I did?  I was headed in from fishing Friday afternoon and just offshore from Little Palm Island some jerk off in one of the go fast boats (named “Scaredy Cat”) headed to the races at Key West comes roaring by at about 60 knots.  If I hadn’t made a 90 degree turn we would have collided.   I couldn’t slow own, either, because that would have put me directly in the path of his buddy in another go-fast who was running about a quarter mile aport and just aft of him. All it would have taken would have been for them to come about 5 degrees to port and it wouldn’t have even been close, but he never varied his course at all.

He may have had the right of way, but that’s still pretty crappy seamanship in my opinion.

It looks as though Rudi Giuliani is going to run for president. I don't think he'll be able to win many conservative votes.

I think the cable company should listen to English speaking people (since this is the USA) and at least have subtitles on the 5 Spanish channels that they offer us.  The Spanish people get to watch all the channels on basic cable, and we get to watch only the English speaking channels.

End of the World. Flash Animation

I just read the 11/06 Deer Abby and it occurs to me that Abby did not realize that she has had her leg pulled.

You can help monitor the Texas border for illegal immigrants. Just sign up and you will get access to their cameras. Texas Virtual Neighborhood Border Watch Program

[Sloan’s Slot: War is never God's will, according to what I have been told by the angels] I suggest that you might check out that book that god published a while back called the old testament. In it you will find that god often enjoys having wars, women raped, children slaughtered, etc. Maybe your angels were of a more terrestrial origin? Anyway, get back on your meds.

[dog crap] There are 365,000 piles of shit driving down US 1 everyday.

I heard McKinley & Beggs on 93.5 the other day singing about living on Little Torch Key and it was really good. What places are selling the album?

Energy Drink Ratings  There’s a full list of drinks at the bottom of the page.

Well, so much for the betting. All bets are off. John Bell a.k.a. Rabbit is still on Big Pine roaming the Avenues as if nothing was wrong. I hope somehow, some way, he gets to see his father in North Carolina before it's all over. What a bum and he knows it! --AGK542@aol.com

The fall of Rome: One might ask when comparing the fall of Rome to present events this day of two thousand and six. Over confidence, unaccountable military leaders, disintegration of values, political corruption, power, greed and simple cockiness. When observing other major world powers fall what do they all have in common?  Failed world polices, military prowess filled with inept, incompetent, cocky fools. These woes over decades lead to one inevitable fate. When the time comes, who are your friends and who are your enemies means more. The past repeats its self and is determined by our choices today. There is only one true winner. When the time comes make your voice heard. The time has come don’t let it slip between your fingers you must act and stop misguided voices. Loud Diesel subs entering the Navel Fleets, overconfident political and military leaders, insufficient troops for occupation, partisan bickering for power and money. The only people on our nations side is its citizens. Two choices is not democracy and only leads to one outcome “douche or giant turd.” The citizens, the quiet majority must speak for change or the inevitable state of our union is at hand.  The time of bread and circuses must end. God bless America.

If I lived in any country occupying half the globe the S.S. would have already torn down my door and you can imagine the rest. Without determined honest citizens to fight for our county we would have no country to fight for. We need to do our duty to keep this country on the correct path. Never falter.

I just got my Citizens Insurance bill and it's $300 higher than last year’s bill. What happened to the 32% discount that we were supposed to get?  I called my insurance agent and they know nothing.  Does anyone know anything about this?

[Katmando] Oh My, I  Love this Guy!  When we play his DVD, all of the animals watch it too. http://www.catmankeywest.com/

Dogs have been crapping in the yards, streets and towns since the caveman times. Man has only recently stopped doing this, geologically speaking.

Tuesday November 14, 2006

Monday November 13, 2006

[Boca Developers]  Early on, they had what was basically a "meet and greet" that they sponsored at Rowell's for the benefit of those in Key Largo. I didn't attend, but those who did had a nice time, and walked away thinking that the developers were "a couple of nice guys." Mission accomplished?

[I feel sorry for the people living unhappy lives in our community] Maybe people have a reason for being unhappy. Maybe they are just tired of being screwed around by tedious bureaucracy and living hand to mouth. Maybe they’re tried of being screwed by insurance companies. Maybe a little revolution rather than drugs is just what is needed…maybe both.

If your dog craps in the street and you had any class or respect for others you would pick it up and throw it in the trash. Just think,  if there are a thousand dogs and they each dumped on the street once a day that would be 365,000 piles of shit on the right of way. Even inconsiderate people have to admit that’s a lot of shit.

To those who want to declare Big Pine independence. What a joke!  Just look at the total ineptitude of what happened in Marathon since they incorporated.  It’s laughable at best and pitiful at worst.  That should make the feeling pass.

The song you were asking about "Little Torch Key". The guy's that sing it are McKinley & Beggs. I heard it on biz baz one day and ordered it.

[old Conch and Stein] It was a great restaurant when it was KDs.

For those that are looking for the song Little Torch Key you could have heard it performed live at Boondock's Saturday night by the writer and performers Mckinley and Beggs.  They had their CD for sale with the song on it and I can't stop playing it!   What a fantastic group of musicians and what a great show they put on.  It was good to hear and see such talent and they even have a steel guitar player.  Wow!  Was he a pleasure to watch and hear.  They have been booked again for December 29 and 30 so mark your calendar and get ready for a honky tonkin' good time!  “Put em' up!  Put em' down!”

[stop complaining] If that happened this site would dry up and blow away.

Did the bike shop close up or what?  I went by there on Saturday and the hurricane shutters are still on.  I knew the guy went on vacation, but that was a while ago.  Please don't tell me he went out of business...

Fat Albert is back.

[Why did Steve Miller leave Biz Baz]  That would probably be Steve's business.

[My dog shits in the street] Whether or not your dog uses the street or the grassy right of way, how about cleaning up after him? I have two greyhounds and I also have a plastic bag and a 'pooper scooper' to clean up after them.

The New Yorkers have indeed returned.  While I was filling up with gas at Tom Thumb last weekend, I saw a geezer in a pick up with New York plates and a topper on the back filling up his 6-gallon boat fuel tank in the back of his truck.  When he finished, he locked the door to the topper before going in to pay.  Is that a sad way to live or what?

I watched Bill Maher on cable as I usually do on Sunday nights because he’s such a lefty and very funny. But last night wasn’t that funny because all his material is usually Bush bashing and now that the Democrats are in control he didn’t have much material to work with.

[Would you rather I let my dog crap in your yard] Here's a novel idea, let him shit in your own yard where you can either choose to clean it up or step in it. Life is full of choices.

If you don’t think we are being overrun by illegals, you’d be wiser if you checked out this link. http://www.snopes.com/politics/immigration/parkland.asp

I have a copy of the song Life on Little Torch Key and it's great.  I lived on Little Torch but have recently relocated (huge mistake).  The song is easy country style and tells of the wonderful laid back life of living in Paradise.  Since it's a copy gotten from someone (can't remember who), I don't know the artist or album name (sorry). However, I'm hoping to be in the Keys in December and if so I will leave a copy at the Big Pine Key Computer Club if anyone is interested. Go to Bulletin Board to find out meeting dates.

[Sloan’s Slot] There are different kinds of "spirits" than ones made up of alcohol. In a way, that email was a parable, using booze as a metaphor for some of the other spirits. People use AA meetings like they once used booze, for example, instead of having direct communion with God. It's possible to do both, attend meetings and have direct interaction with God, but nearly all people in the hundreds of AA, NA and ALANON meetings I have attended, seemed to be relying on attending meetings and not on direct interaction with God.

I have had the same experience in churches: most people there seemed to be relying on attending church and not on direct interaction with God.

In a way, this war we now are in is like that. After 911, many American's felt going to war with Osama bin Laden, the Taliban and Saddam Hussein was the right thing to do, it was God's will. War is never God's will, according to what I have been told by the angels who look after and keep after me. But we want to be on God's side, so we say God wants war, and going to war becomes like drinking booze, going to AA meetings, attending church. Not pretty to look at it in this way, but it is how I was taught to look at it by angels a heck of a lot smarter than me.

[Sloan’s Slot Part Two] Long Winded Tomes...

[Why did Steve Miller leave Biz Baz] Rumor has it that he's getting the band back together and is working on a new album.  I hope that it's more like the old Book of Dreams type stuff than that Abracadabra crap myself. "I'm a joker, I'm a smoker, I'm a midnight toker".

Monday November 13, 2006

Sunday November 12, 2006

The people around Redington Beach near Tampa are obsessed with the Keys. There is place after place named for the Keys. There were at least four restaurants named for the Keys in the little area I visited. The Holiday Inn had the Duvall St conference room, etc. Restaurants had Key West this and Key West that on their menus (stuff I’ve never even heard of). The whole place still sucked. Condos were lined up as far as the eye could see along the shore. There was barely an inch of beach that didn’t have a giant condo on it. And to think our politicians want to raise the height limit on new buildings here, Ha!

[Democrats' New Flat Tax Proposal] Yeah, and make sure you add your first born to that total and anything else you have stashed away for a rainy day!

[Colored sidewalks are next] Oh, stop complaining already!

I don’t want Big Pine to unite. Just what we don’t need is another movement to make us a city run by the same ten outspoken people who would even bother to run for office. We get our fair share of everything. I wonder what yesterday’s writer thinks would change. Why do we need to be heard separately? What is the problem? Did you have a problem with the building department or something? I can’t think of any other unique problems we have that other Lower Keys people don’t have. Just what are our unique needs?

(Ed: We received a web page for the link to the song about Little Torch Key, but all it did was display a resort in Ft Meyers.)

[Snow Birds] I was born up north, but have lived in Fla. all my life. I was a snow bird every time I came to the Keys for vacation. I live here now and love it and my snow bird friends.

During the '80s CIA Director Robert Gates was the architect of the Afghanistan revolt against the Soviets. During that time we funded, trained, and provided weapons to the groups and people now known as Al Qaeda. Now Gates is appointed Sec of Defense to fight those very groups. Sounds like poetic justice to me; clean up your own crap ( too bad he won't be doing it with his own children's lives)

Freedom isn't Free. Politicians just think it's cheap!

[Little Torch Key song] The Keys to Romance By Ryan Nance  (Ed: Good luck trying to find the song. I couldn't find it hear either.))               

I was raised by an Italian mom and she makes the best pizza in the world!  She makes her own dough and let me tell you a little secret for those that enjoy a crispy crust.  Roll the dough out and then place it in the oven and cook it for a few minutes. Take it out and then put your sauce, sausage and peppers or whatever you like; then put it back in the oven again and cook it a little longer.   Mmmm. Delicioso. Bon Apetito! 

[Terrorist wish to threaten the USA]  Why not give to them one hydrogen bomb on Mecca, three on Iran and two on North Korea? Those should slow their threats.

[Dog shit in the street] That was a damn Iguana.

And we thought we had a monopoly on idiots in government. Government in Action: The Havering town council in Romford, England, prepared a 300-page report in October, which was the result of a 12-month investigation, to find out who had heckled a speaker at a zoning meeting by making "baaa" noises. The authors said they had narrowed the list of suspects.

Big Pine has no real commercial buildings. There's about a dozen businesses working out of garages next to the flea market. Either it’s because of the outrageous rental prices or the lack of buildings in good enough shape to occupy.

Why did Steve Miller leave Biz Baz?

My dog shits in the street all the time. Would you rather I let him crap in your yard?

I feel sorry for the people living unhappy lives in our community.  You can read it on their hardened, angry faces when you see them at the store.  Sorry you're unhappy, but have you thought about using an anti-depressant?  Maybe a new hobby and / or some vigorous exercise?  They may help curb substance abuse issues as well and maybe your face won't crack if you smile after all these years. 

Wow, I’m back for the season and looked on your site and saw an ad for Bagel Island. Out of curiosity (its been 2 years) I downloaded the menu and went to the shop. What a surprise. It’s clean, neat, bright and the new owner is very pleasant. She chats up almost every customer with a big smile. The old Bagel Island is gone (Thank God) and the new one is outstanding. I had a great sandwich reasonably priced and the coffee was excellent. I will be back soon.

[Decorate the place with Indian artifacts, serve buffalo burgers, have knife throwing contests] Perhaps you cracked yourself up creating this post.  I wanted to call you an ignorant moron, but that would be redundant. 

While we're at it, I'd like to propose a quaint little place named "Yes'm's" and have a big sign on the front porch that says "Niggers Welcome."  Perhaps we could hang vintage nooses from the ceiling and serve only Aunt Jemima syrup.  A copy of Little Black Sambo at each table would be a nice touch to keep the children entertained while their chicken is being fried.  Giinitam (your turn).

Sunday November 12, 2006

Saturday November 11, 2006

Today is the real Veterans Day. November 11, but for some reason they celebrated it yesterday?

Don’t forget to go to the Veterans’ Day Parade today at 4pm on Duval St in Key West and show your colors!

[“would someone please do something with the old Conch and Stein?”]  A bulldozer comes immediately to mind.  And, oh, yeah, how about a nice Taco Bell or a Burger King.  Oops, right, can’t do that.  It would destroy the community character (that now resembles ‘early decay’).  Maybe just a simple restaurant in a simple building, nicely landscaped with a nice, simple interior and a simple menu with a simple name and simple prices.   

I am so sick of it...all. Who's for starting an independent Big Pine voice? The election ink is not even dried and already we read about outsiders to determine our fate. Being grouped into the lower Keys big pot must stop. The people that live, work or own property and have a vested interest on Big Pine need to be heard separately. We have very unique issues that other lower Keys owners and residents simply don't have or even care about.

Big Pine people must unite and voice our needs.

Ed, you OK out there? (Ed: Yep.)

The trees that were planted near the old rock pit and near the Key Deer  underpass were done by USFWS. I am not sure where the money came  from. The large palms are Sabal palmetto (our state tree), the smaller palms  are Key thatch, Thrinax radiata. Jamacia cappers, pigeon plums, buttonwood, gumbo limbo, and geiger trees were also planted. All the trees are native to Big Pine Key.  Deer are starting to use the area. The planting will provide some food and cover for deer and resident and migratory birds. The berm is artifact from the rock mining days and it was an excellent choice to re-vegetate it with native trees that are resistant to  deer, rather than remove it.  The geiger trees, Cordia sebestena, are just starting to flower, and will provide a splash of color to travelers. They also partially make up for the trees removed from Bahia Honda. 

The project is a good one for wildlife and people.  The project came about because of the persistence of Russ Costa, Vietnam Vet and USFWS employee and an all around good guy and friend.

Saturday (today) will be Steve Miller's last day on Biz-Baz -- call him and have some fun.

The best pizza is at Wonder Bar, Shrewsbury St. Worcester, Ma. Since the 1920's. A large combo is less than $10 no $20 pizza down here can come close.

Although this is not your typical Beauty Shop Banter, I must mention what I heard there the other day.  The meandering conversation turned to iguanas and gators and deer, oh my! 

One patron offered this warning; Anacondas are breeding freely on Sugarloaf.  I was incredulous. She advised that a man who bred theses snakes in captivity had many of them freed by Hurricane Georges. She stated that since then, this un-native species has seemed to adapt well to our environment and that offspring have been sighted on Sugarloaf.  Let's face it; they have to be coming from breeding size adults. 

I'd really hate to run into one of them!  They are swimming snakes that can attain mammoth proportions and hide in just a few inches of water. If they are really out there what is to stop them from dispersing throughout the Keys and northward to the everglades?

Hold on to your pets, small children and maybe even your own big behind. (And I loved to swim in my canal.  I really did.) Does anyone know if there is any truth to this Keys legend?  Please initiate debunk systems, on my mark....10...9...8... 

[Big surprise] There are a lot of dopers in the Keys. One would never know by looking at the general population (sure).

I read in today’s headlines online that a few California college students have banned saying the pledge of allegiance before their meetings because they do not want to publicly swear their allegiance to the flag or the government and one objects to “under God” since she is an atheist. 

While we embrace other’s beliefs and nationalities, have we forgotten that this country was founded on Christianity?  And if you look on the back of any of our currency, you will find the words “in God we trust”.  Perhaps these folks should stop using our money as well since they feel so strongly that our beliefs are being shoved down their throats.  A real cause to complain, in my opinion, is the fact that we, as Americans, must select the English language to speak to most businesses on the phone and here in the Keys. Our local stores hire people who can’t even speak the language!  Now there’s a real joy; asking for help in a store and realizing no one can understand you or cares to learn the language of the country in which they choose to live and work. God bless America.

The name Conchz sort of sounds like Cochise to me. That would be a great name for a Key's bar. Decorate the place with Indian artifacts, serve buffalo burgers, have knife throwing contests, etc. Who wouldn't like a place like that?

[Colored sidewalks are next] They’re already here.  They line Avenue A from the light to Rob’s grill.

It looks like Rabbit missed his bus. It's Friday and I just saw him leaving Dion's with a six pack.

Take a picture of a Key deer eating a pot plant. (By the way, they do and love it.) Then send your picture to the environmentalists. Then they will pass an ordinance for Big Piners forcing everyone on the island to grow pot in your yard. If you get caught not growing pot you will get a citation.

I can’t believe the Evangelicals are sending Ted Haggard to man-school to make him un-gay. The religious nuts are about the only people left who think being gay is a choice and not a natural desire. This morning on TV there was a sissy lisping his way through an interview telling everyone how he was once gay and now he’s straight. I can only imagine what it would be like locked in a closet with him. What BS.

The four stages of life. This about sums it up.

[Sloan’s Slot on Seahorse Park] Looks to me that Lawyer Cintron has a pretty good angel [angle] on it. Still in my thoughts, though, is Boca Developers had to have been given the green light from high up in the county to get involved in all of this. Otherwise, Boca would not have made the investment. And were I in Boca's shoes, I now would be really pissed off about how it has gone, and I would go to the county and point out how it egged all of this on to begin with, and I would ask the county to reverse it, by paying me everything I have spent, in exchange for Boca's rights in Seahorse and Rowell. If I were on the County Commission, I would propose that the Commission make this very same offer to Boca, for the same reasons stated above. And then I would launch a thorough investigation into who the [initial] movers and shakers in the county government were [with Boca], and upon getting to the bottom of that, I would have a prayer meeting with Jesus, so to speak, with those of them who are still around.

And I would do it all in plain view. And I would hate every f***ing minute of it. Damn, am I glad George Neugent was re-elected? Not glad for him, glad for me!

I was told there is a song out about Little Torch Key. Does anyone have any info?

There’s a lot of stuff about pot today. All I have to say is I’m ashamed. And also, can I buy some from you?

Oscar-Winning Actor Jack Palance Dies. The actor, who had menacing roles in “Shane,” “Sudden Fear” and other films, won an Oscar for the comedy “City Slickers.”  RIP

(?)[replying to the post that the snowbirds are back] What is it with you? Too much dog poop or smell from human sewage? Then on to old farts? You really must be suffering from a bad fixation or some brain disorder. It must be tough to go thru life suffering so. Really, go for help.

In 1976, in my senior year at Florida State University, I had the honor and privilege of seeing Bobby Bowden's first year as head coach of the FSU Seminole football team.  Beginning with that first September game Bobby Bowden has created a football dynasty that has been unparalleled in the history of Seminole Football. Bobby was THEE MAN that day and always will be.  For all you fair weathered fans who even have less then .0001 of doubt about his greatness and ability as head football coach of the Florida State Seminoles: You can kiss my garnet and gold butt!  And by the way, Bobby Bowden can still walk on water.

While driving to work this morning I couldn't believe that someone had let their dog shit in the middle of the street.  Please be advised if I catch you doing that I will pull out my video camera and turn you into the police.  Be careful.  You never know who is watching.

Remember, if it's not New York style, it's probably got chili and noodles stuffed in there somewhere.

Democrats' New Flat Tax Proposal.

Saturday November 11, 2006

Friday November 10, 2006

[New trees near Deer overpass] I think they are planted as part of the Scenic Highway program where they try to make everyplace look like beautiful Sarasota. Colored sidewalks are next.

[“A sappy link to patriotism that old veterans will appreciate as they cry in their beer.”]  Sappy?  Old vets crying in their beer?  I’d like to slap the living shit out you.  There’s nothing “sappy” about loving ones country and respecting the flag of the United States.  And those “old vets” are the people that allow idiots like you to have the freedom to show your ignorance and stupidity by simply opening your mouth. 

[Old House of Music, soon to be Conchz,]  I keep hearing that Conchz (another silly name) will re-open “soon” or “next week” or “next month”  or by “pick a calendar date”, but nothing ever happens and I haven’t seen any permit notices on the exterior to indicate any significant work being done.  I understand the inside has been gutted but no one seems to know much of anything else except the vague rumor that they will be opening “sometime soon.”  What’s up?

I’m retired and can’t afford the price of good pot either. I wish we were allowed to grow a plant and not got to jail. I promise I won’t sell it. Just one plant! How about if they make some kind of Homestead pot exemption for old hippies?

[The Democrats should raise taxes to pay for the fiscal irresponsibility the Republicans have placed upon us. Who else is there to pay off our terrible national debt?]  You are going to get your wish big time.  The democratss are going to raise taxes alright.  That’s what they do best.  Raise taxes and start spending.  Reverse the tax cuts that kick-started the economy that Clinton left in decline.  Raise taxes and start more social welfare programs.  Raise taxes more then implement even more give away programs to keep the sheep voting for them until they take a healthy economy and ruin it.  And for those of you who only listen to the left wing gloom and doom whiners, despite what they say and make their flock of sheep believe, our domestic economy is in very good shape.  They keep telling people all about what is wrong and how afraid we should be but have no published or spoken agenda or any plan at all to solve the problems they cry about over and over.  Well, the voters have spoken.  Now we all just better hang on because it’s going to be a real interesting ride for the next few years.

“We will not cut and run”--President Bush

I just read an article from the Keynoter concerning the whale stranding. This article stated the skull of the whale was removed and is being shipped up state, possibly to a University for research. I was wondering if they got permits through the Secretary of the interior.

“The Secretary may issue permits for taking and importation for scientific research, public display, photography for educational or commercial use, enhancing the survival or recovery of a species, or importation of polar bear parts (other than internal organs) taken in sport hunts in Canada. Permit applications, except for polar bear parts, must first be reviewed by the Marine Mammal Commission and the Committee of Scientific Advisors on Marine Mammals.”

After other citizens have been pursued by law enforcement for the same thing it would be a shame if the Monroe County Marine Resources or Fishers did not receive a permit through the secretary.

 

Da Nang Air Base dusk to dawn animated

That smell from Venture Out is money.  Not all Venture Out residents are old farts. These people spend money. They buy goods and services to support over 650 homeowners. Construction, furniture, appliances, groceries, restaurants, gas, clothes, etc.

Marijuana Growers Guide by Mel Frank. Buy this book and all your problems will be solved. (Unless you get busted for growing.) Check the Florida law to see how many plants you can grow so as not to commit a felony. Good luck and party on!

For the island multitudes with "less-than-perfect" credit, you can buy a cat. With a credit score of 570 you can either rent-to-own (much the same way you might rent a couch or a washer/ dryer by-the-week) or put 50% down and assume a 5-year secured loan of 23%. Just check with the good folks of Orion bank in Key West. I'm sure, after a little finagling, they can get you into the cat of your choice. Naturally, well-qualified buyers are exempt.

Damn, speaking of high dollar weed, I want some of what the people who put this site together are smoking. Even with the New Clock that displays the day we got 2 Wednesdays. That’s some good stuff!

I think yesterday's photo of the dangerous traffic jam is on the "Death Road" which is outside of La Paz, Bolivia. It is supposed to be the most dangerous road for accidents in the world. I saw it on the History channel.

["Killed by a Coconut" by Bob Gibson]  I think that this song is on the Bob Gibson CD titled “Makin’ A Mess: Bob Gibson sings Shel Silverstein” by Bob Gibson  recorded in  1995.  Call the radio station to confirm.  Then you can order it from Amazon.com.  Go to their home page and search the music category for Shel Silverstein and purchase the above title from the list for about $10.00

It was really sad to hear that navy aviator selling his first house and not getting any noticeable appreciation because of the last 2 hurricane seasons. Hurricanes were a small part of the reason compared to those who bought houses for investments instead of need (a roof over their head) and ran up home prices above local income till about 2 years ago. Now you can walk on for sale signs.  Prices are still going down and another indicator surfaced last week: Brand new homes on good canals for under $500,000. For our youth’s sake, let’s hope they continue to adjust.

[delivered price of good pot has skyrocketed to the point that I’m going to try to grow a plant again] We have free seminars daily. Just bring your plants in to us at 3981 Ocean Terrace, Marathon. 

Yesterday was Thursday the 9th, Ed, not Wednesday.

[If we all withheld our windstorm payments] Citizens would be happy as pigs and just cancel your policy.

There are many dentists that are really good.  It's a matter of who can take you in and how comfortable you are with them and their work.  There are many to choose from and the yellow pages can give you several options.  Opinions are just that and don't forget "everyone has the one".  One hygienist in Key West is great her name is Michelle and she is hot! I don't see the dentist that often, but she knows how to clean those teeth.

Watch the kangaroo in the back. What’s he doing? Kangaro-o-o-o!

Eye test for those over 40. If you see sheep you need glasses.

Blame K-Fed's soaring success for Britney split. Obviously, the strain of astounding success juxtaposed against pathetic failure proved to be too much. Obviously, Britney just couldn't deal with K-Fed's meteoric rise into hip-hop royalty.

Any guesses as to how long it will take the remnants of the Bush administration to blame Clinton for the thrashing republicans took in the mid-term elections?  It certainly was nothing they did, was it?

Woah! You freaked me out with the right date but wrong day. Some of us stoners depend on this site to keep track.

Ed Bradley from 60 Minutes died of Leukemia yesterday at age 65.

The best Dentist I have ever been to is Dr. Steven Dobbs in Kew West. His staff is excellent, his services are reasonable,  and It's the first time in my life I enjoy going to a dentist.

I heard that there is a low cost dental clinic somewhere in Marathon. Does anybody know any more information about it? Business Directory>medvan They will know.

It seems the BBB got a complaint the other day about a scam that AFLAC was taking advantage of women on the street and stealing their money. Now we all, at one time, thought that an insurance company has stolen from us, however this scam is netting cold hard cash from unsuspecting individuals.

I asked the new Refuge Manager about why the plantings were done along US 1.  She indicated that it was just to make things look better using native plants.  A lot of Brazilian Pepper (an invasive exotic) had been previously removed from the site.  No secret hidden agenda, I guess, just a nice touch.

I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult. -- Rita Rudner

To the Navel Aviator and all of his colleagues: I see you fly every day, and am always amazed. Our Navel Bases here in Key West are the best. I know how NASKW always kicks butt in training sessions. Be careful and thanks for protecting us.

This is a nice logo I found for Aroma’s café. Maybe they can use it if they ever advertise on BigPineKey.com!

[Sloan’s Slot] I started feeling poorly two nights ago, and yesterday I felt even more poorly. I took it as a sign that some new spirit weather was coming in, for me to deal with. Not nice spirit weather, but something gnarly, mean, because of how awful I was getting to feel. Long Winded Tomes

To all those who loved our party, thank you. We will have another one next year.

Friday November 10, 2006

Wednesday November 9, 2006 (really, it's Thursday)

To all of the users of this site and voters of Monroe County, both those who voted for me and for my opponent, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for exercising your most sacred privilege of voicing your opinion through voting.

I want to thank all the Winners and those who came up short. It takes a special person to offer his/herself as a public servant and to subject themselves to the public scrutiny and sometime unfair ridicule that goes with the job.

I especially want to thank my wife who has stood by me over the last eight years of service to the public. And, to someone I can’t thank enough my administrative aide Terri Marble; for whom without her tireless efforts, I can honestly say the job would be unbearable. She, too, has served the residents and voters of Monroe County well and deserves most of the credit for the success of my office. Again, I say, we live in one of the greatest places in the world and for that I’m grateful.

With the kindest regard and respect,
George Neugent
County Commissioner, District ll

When you were excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church in the old days they would excommunicate you and no one of the faith could feed you or help you. If you died you were to lay there; and it was forbidden to burry you. Phew! I’m glad I never got into all that stuff.

The delivered price of good pot has skyrocketed to the point that I’m going to try to grow a plant again. I’ve never had much luck growing pot. I’d like to know how to get the little plant to grow past the first stage where it grows about an inch every few hours. Then it dies. It just dries up or goes limp and keels over; and then dries up. I’ve tried raising them with differing lighting exposure, but haven’t had any better luck.

How do I get the little saplings past that stage when they sprout to about three inches and then go no further?

Bush announced that Donald Rumsfeld is resigning as Secretary of Defense the day after Republicans got trounced in the polls, but he said it had nothing to do with the election results. Can you believe how Bush continues to live in a state of denial never admitting the obvious?

Dr. Tycoliz at Summerland Dental is “reasonable” and very experienced. I recommend him.

This is one dangerous traffic jam.

If you’re on the Right side you may feel bad today. I am on the Right side and I am glad to be done with this part of the ride. As a righty, I am very unhappy with all the mean things that this year gave us. I have great hopes that this will be a change we all can live with, I don’t believe anyone is going to "cut and run" and my side had years to make us feel better about ourselves. Let the games begin! God Bless America.     

We were out at Picnic Island on a Sunday afternoon playing retrieve with our 8 lb Yorkie and a small ball.  Some kind of grassy substance went by him and he grabbed it and returned it to us.  About 10 minutes later he went into shock.  His eyes rolled to the back of his head and he got very lethargic.  I quickly grabbed my cell phone and called 411 and got Doc Cruz's number.  He said to meet him in his office immediately.

We took off in the boat towards home, and by now, Rascal was out of it, just barely hanging on.  As soon as the boat touched the dock my wife jumped off and headed to the vet.  The Doc saved him with a shot of this and a dose of that.  He said that apparently Rascal had been bitten by something that was poisonous inside the stuff he grabbed.  Thank God for the Doc. I don't know how he rates among other vets, I just know that he is available on a Sunday afternoon to save your best friend.  Accidents don't always happen 9-5 Mon through Friday, so make sure your vet is available after hours; and get an emergency phone number.

Does anyone know where to get a copy of the song "Killed by a Coconut" by Bob Gibson?  They play it on the Biz Baz radio show every once in awhile. I would appreciate any info.

Just a reminder to meet up no later than 3:30 this Sat, to lead the Veteran's parade down Duval street.  We have to be on time to form up early at the lead.

We will form our group at the corner of Duval and Catherine St. Dress patriotically or decorate your bikes. ABATE and bikers are the best.

If we all withheld our windstorm payments, the company would fold and their replacement may have second thoughts about insane rate charges. Put the premium in the bank.

It is now time for the democrats to fish or cut bait, no more blaming Bush for everything.  I expect to see the following soon:  out of Iraq,  less then $2 a gallon of gas,  better health care and living standards for the middle class,  stock market go up 500-1000 points.  If these things don’t happen I want to know why.

A few of us local great thinkers were sitting at the watering hole putting a good dent in their inventory when someone asked, ”What was the most important thing you’ve learned in life?”  After a couple of pretty lame replies I gave the question a lot of deep thought and realized that I had the definitive answer.  The greatest thing I have learned in life is:  Never lie to your lawyer, and never ever, under any circumstances, never, piss-off your bartender, your barber or your proctologist!

As a former employee of Dr. Christopher D. Golden on Big Pine Key, I send my highest recommendation.  He is efficient, caring, and very thorough.  He is honest and will give you a true diagnosis of your dental health and offer all possible treatment options (at reasonable prices... if there is such a thing in the Keys)  The quality of dentistry he provides is unmatched in my 10 year history in the dental profession.  Keep up the good work CDG!

If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing slowly . . . very slowly. --Gypsy Rose Lee

[“Who's a good dentist with the least expensive prices on BPK? What about the barefoot hippie dentist?”]  The “barefoot” dentist you refer to is Dr. Troxel here on Big Pine.  He is quite selective about the new patients he accepts, prefers to do mostly restorative dentistry and is also quite expensive.  I have been going to Dr. William Tycoliz at Summerland Dental for years.  He is an excellent dentist, very caring, never hurts and has a reasonable pricing schedule and an excellent office staff.  I would highly recommend Summerland Dental and Dr. Tycoliz to anyone needing dental work.

570 credit score…owch ! A bank wouldn’t even loan you the pen to fill out the loan application.

[“Hurray, the Democrats took the House of Representatives by force.”]  Yeah, sure, Hurray.  Now, hang on and watch your paycheck shrink when they start to assemble another massive tax and spend agenda to take money from the people who work for it and give it to the bums with their hands out.

…to make your heart “tinkle”. Are they nuts?

The Democrats should raise taxes to pay for the fiscal irresponsibility the Republicans have placed upon us. Who else is there to pay off our terrible national debt?

Rabbit won’t make the bus and if he does, he'll only make it to Marathon.

Britany divorces that guy. Thus ends civilization as we know it.

Signs that The Snowbirds are back: The large amount of dog poop on the side of Spanish Maine from the Dentures Out crowd. Large numbers of inconsiderate unconscious idiots driving up and down US1 ten miles under the speed limit. “Wakey, wakey eggs and bakey.” The smell from the Venture Out sewage treatment plant is back.  All the isles in Winn Dixie are blocked by old farts with their carts in the middle of the isle.

Iguana population control device: Wal-Mart has a sale on the Crossman G pellet rifle. 1000 feet per second on one pump with a 6 X 9 scope! You can take an iguana out 2 lots away quietly. This sure beats the hell out of my old method of using a paintball gun loaded with Gobstoppers (a jawbreaker type candy) and marbles.

[Will John Bell aka Rabbit make his 6:00pm bus]  I think Greg's being optimistic, I don't think he will make it much past Marathon.

Yes! Yes!  Life is good if you are a Democrat.

Congratulations  Bicycle Joanie, you did a great job.

Keep your eyes out for Key Deer crossing US1 in the twilight.  I plowed into one the other evening on the way home from the bar with my dual axel truck.  Not wanting to be wasteful, I naturally tossed the carcass in the back, went straight home and made up a barbecue.  The only way to make those tough critters edible is to use tons of Teriyaki and slice the steaks really thin.  Me and the neighbors grubbed hard and enjoyed it.

What is the matter with Chris Matthews?  He had horrible Election night coverage.

In response to the person saying all Vietnam Vets are f***ed up. I say F**K you. Where did you hide when your country asked you to serve?

What happened, Bushies?  You got your lying, corrupt heads handed to you yesterday.  Rumsfeld is gone, the Bush and Cheney show is over, and one can only hope that the networks will soon pull the plug on right wing pundits O'Reilly, Hannity, and Limbaugh.  To bad you didn't wake up to these cons back in 2004 when Boy George should have been dumped.

What do you call a duck with an injured leg? Pres Bush, a lame duck.

No one really ever answered who or why the trees where planted out by the southern Key Deer overpass.

Dear Big Piners, this is just a quick note to say goodbye.  I'm a naval aviator and my three years of shore duty in paradise is up.  My wife and I are loading up the car today and setting out for California.  In April, I deploy for six months on the USS Bonhomme Richard and head into harm's way. 

I bought my first home here in BPK, and amazingly, I sold it.  My dream of clearing $60-70K fizzled out thanks to the last two hurricane seasons, but we are going to end up ever so slightly in the black. 

This website has been a real joy during my stay here.  I'd just like to offer this bit of advice for everyone: You live in an amazing place.  Nowhere is perfect.  Enjoy the good things about our little island and do your best to fix the bad.  Believe me; you could have it a lot worse.  I'll miss the dive trips to Looe Key, the weekends at Picnic Island, the Key West pinks, and the fried grouper sandwiches.  Best of luck to everyone and I hope to make it back from time to time.

That barefoot dentist is by far the best dentist going.  He is so good that other dentists admire his work.  He's worth every penny.

I don’t know about Sheriff’s Office, but all career County Firefighters are required to be drug tested yearly, or in the event of an accident on duty. There is zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol in the County’s Fire/Rescue system.

I have a Bowflex for sale. Email me. keywestvideoproductions@yahoo.com

I liked the picture of the Dumb Ass Democrats. What would posses them to have an Ass for their symbol?

Good job voters. You voted in the party the terrorists wanted you to. If you think gas prices were high, just see what happens now. I call it 2 Ts =  terrorism and taxes. Democrappers in charge:  Welcome to no plan, cut and run and higher taxes. Count on it. Remember Clinton? He didn’t know a BJ was sex. (Ed: Sorry, but he rest of this post was unintelligible.)

I would also like to commend the new owner of Bagel Island. I went this morning and it is a really nice, clean, friendly place with giant croissants, a very extensive menu for such a little joint and a much easier counter set up than the last time I was in there. Keep up the great work!

I ran into the new owner of the old House of Music, soon to be Conchz, and he seems really psyched about the re-opening of the place. He replaced oodles of stuff apparently the front restaurant will be sit down and the patio out back, which I miss immensely, will be very locals friendly. Yea restaurant owners! Now, would someone please do something with the old Conch and Stein?

Wednesday November 9, 2006

Wednesday November 8, 2006

Congratulations to Commissioner Neugent. You da man!

(?)Hey, Tarzan, I think it's about time to let it go.  I'm not sure what's worse, the fact that you are a blatant liar and have no understanding of Florida law, or the fact you were able to find a sub-par newspaper who is just as ignorant as you.  Wait, I almost forgot.  You work for that sub-par tabloid, I mean, newspaper.  I am an attorney who has a serious problem with one of our weekly periodicals not taking the time to research the law in order to report an accurate story.  There was not a single word of truth in that whole article relating to Florida and Constitutional laws.  Also, FDLE does not have the authority to order a County Sheriff to do anything.  Shame on you and shame on the editor for that false and misleading report.  

Hurray, the Democrats took the House of Representatives by force.

[drug testing cops] If you read the whole post you would have read that cops should have to pass a physiological evaluation before becoming an officer. If cops would have to take and pass an extensive physiological evaluation we would not have this problem. “Why?” You might ask. Because we would have no cops left to drug test.

How do you know the toothbrush was invented on Big Pine Key? If it was invented any where else it would be called a teethbrush.

I need help from those of you who aren't dentally challenged. Who's a good dentist with the least expensive prices on BPK? What about the barefoot hippie dentist? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Music Review: More Than 4
--by Valerie Ridenour

Joe and Meri-lynn Britz founded the Key Lime Pie Band in the eighties. Terry Cassidy was an original member along with Robbie Amato and Doug, whose last name I don’t remember. They played in Marathon and quickly became the most popular band in the Keys. Meri-lynn had, and still has the most beautiful voice you will probably ever hear and is a great bass player. Joe is a fantastic lead guitarist. When they did their first recording they played the whole thing in one take! It still sells. It’s definitely a classic. Some of the songs have been included on later CDs, like the wonderful “Piece of Pi”. They have a new band now, “More Than 4”. 

New Members are bassist Jeri Chiagouris and guitarist and vocalist Barry Chiagouris, another outstanding voice. I caught up with More than 4 at the Looe Key Tiki Bar. It was the last set. I had been in Key West. They began with “Muskrat Love”. Meri-lynn’s vocal was ethereal. Barry sang great harmony and traded lead with Joe. Pearl Jam’s “Where Oh Where Can My Baby Be” was marvelous. “Last Kiss” was a winner. Meri-lynn played keyboard and Joe played his usual wonderful Lead. 

Now it’s Barry’s turn to sing. Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down” was a delight. Both guitars shone. Meri-lynn played a solo, then Joe. Three part harmony sounded marvelous. We hear Gospel now with “Open the Eyes Of My Heart”. Jeri played excellent bass. Next we get a change of pace as Barry sings Wilson Pickett’s classic “Mustang Sally”, with four part harmony. The dancers get crazy with this one. The new dance floor is filled and the crowd sings along. Joe not only plays killer lead, he’s fun on stage. 

Blues time now. Meri-lynn plays bass and sings “Since I Fell For You”. When her voice sings “You made me leave my happy home”, the dance floor turns romantic. Time to rock out now with So Glad I’m Living In the USA. More Than 4 can play any style of music you can conceive of, and better than most. They will be back at Looe Key on December sixteenth, the first open date they had. They play the navy base at Sigsbee and will be at the Officer’s Club New Year’s Eve.

In the long list of criminal dos and don'ts, one of the top pieces of advice  has to be “Never rob a bank thinking that you're invisible when you're actually visible.”

Sadly for one man in Iran, he made just that mistake and as a result, police in Tehran are hunting a fake sorcerer who convinced the man he was invisible so he could rob banks safely.

The man's ill-fated heist attempt started to go wrong shortly after he entered the bank as he started snatching money from the hands of customers. For some reason, rather than being terrified of the mysterious invisible poltergeist stealing their cash, the customers quickly overpowered the hapless thief.

“I made a mistake. I understand now what a big trick was played on me,” the man told the court. He explained that he had paid 5 million rials to a wizard imposter, who in return gave him spells to tie to his arm. The sorcerer told him that they would make him invisible, and that he could then rob banks to his heart's content.

UPS, Vietnam style.

Did you know it's a lot harder to become a veterinarian than it is a people doctor?  There are fewer vet schools and they can pick who they want.  The people who want in are often those who are more comfortable with animals than people.  I had a vet once who barely spoke to me, but my animals seemed completely comfortable with him.  I had never seen them so cooperative with anyone other than me, so I overlooked his lack of conversation skills.  He made short explanations of any problems and treatments necessary and always got them well.

Redundancy.

Steroid testing cops?  Are we in the same town?  I've seen two kinds of cops in this town. There are the ones who are average size and appear to keep themselves in decent shape.  And then there are the ones who are grossly overweight.  Somehow, I don't think steroids are an issue with our officers.

Speaking of a Bow Flex, anyone have one for sale? That or a total gym?  (Yes, I checked the classifieds, Ed.) By the way, are the ads from Austin still current, or has he not updated lately?  There are some things I am interested in.

[Sloan’s Slot] Re: News~Barometer. Only just this morning I read, online, your Nov 3 piece about George Neugent and me. In my estimation, it's easily the most thorough and balanced newspaper treatment of the two candidates. I can say much the same about other local politics articles you have written, on various subjects, which I've read.

A 570 credit score sucks. You can’t even buy a cat based on that score.

A sappy link to patriotism that old veterans will appreciate as they cry in their beer. http://home.comcast.net/~nw-fla/tribute_flag_B_thompson.htm

Have you seen the size of some these cops? They should be tested for donut abuse. Why do they even make pants for cops that have a waist of more than 50"? How could that cop hop a fence or chase a fleeing felon on foot? Don't they have a weight standard or are they that desperate for help?

I’m surprised Pribramsky won the School Board Seat. I’m even more surprised that any one voted for either candidate considering how dirty the campaign was and how slippery each candidate was.

Sloan got his wish and lost the election. I guess “God” didn’t want him to win. I hope he gets relief from his dreams.

[I had to finally inform you of an error] Thank God someone brought it up, I'll finally get to have a good night’s sleep too.

LaNova's in Buffalo has the best pizza in the country.

OK, Big Piners, the bet is on. Will John Bell a.k.a. Rabbit make his 6:00pm bus Wednesday to see his sick father in North Carolina? Remember he got his meds Monday. I say he gets on the bus, but never makes it as far as Miami before he gets thrown off. Place bets 20-1 and climbing at Aroma's Deli ask for Greg. 
--AGK542@aol.com

Wednesday November 8, 2006

Tuesday November 7, 2006

I had to finally inform you of an error.  As long as I have been visiting this web site (at least three years) the classified ads home page has been wrong.  Alphabetically "Antiques" should be before "Appliances".  I am sorry to be so petty, but it has been bothering me for a long time and I can no longer ignore it.  Even if you do nothing about it, I feel I have done my best to rectify it. Have a wonderful day and thank you for letting me vent on such a minuscule matter. (Ed: Thank you for taking the time. You’re a good American. I’ll change it right away.)

Ted Haggard confessed to his flock that he was only guilty of “sexual immorality.” What about him confessing to being just another Christian hypocrite meth freak?

What is wrong with drug testing cops?

I’ve only seen a couple of local political comments (except for Sloan’s Slot) on here. I’m surprised the politicians weren’t more savvy and used this forum to their advantage. It doesn’t say much for their local knowledge or awareness of the internet.

A 570 credit score will get you a million dollar loan with no down payment. The lenders don’t look at your income anymore. They are more interested in your credit score. www.myfico.com is where you can get your credit score (not credit report); it comes with a lot of strings attached, but it’s worth it if you’re trying to buy a house.

I saw the advertisement on here for the Bagel Island Deli and had to comment.  Many of us have memories of how it used to be with the old ownership--thoroughly unpleasant and, yes, sometimes downright scary!  But the lady who bought it and her daughter are so delightful that going there now is very relaxing and satisfying.  They have created a nice, cozy and immaculate environment and the food and coffee are scrumptious.  Hooray for them!  I sincerely hope they are there to stay; and I, for one, will patronize the establishment as much as possible to do my part to ensure they are.

Blonde.

This Friday, November 10th, the Root Band is taking their rockin' party to the Looe Key Tiki bar on US1 in Ramrod Key MM 271/2. Showtime is 7pm. For more information call 305-872-2215.

[Don't care if teachers are on drugs: “Enthusiastic pot heads.”]  That is an oxymoron. 

It is useless to hold a person to anything he says while he's in love, drunk, or running for office. - Shirley MacLaine

Looking at the papers today, Ron Saunders people were boasting about all his endorsements.  Like it’s some kind of testimonial and we should be surprised that all the labor unions endorsed a Democrat.

If you ever want to go to Cuba don’t vote for Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. She is a prime mover in keeping Americans out of Cuba and letting all Cubans into the USA and supporting them once they get here. She is also a strong supporter of the Iraq war.

Our local hairdressers had one hell of a party on Sunday. It is just too much to believe, but there were several lovely ladies who are very well known in the community sporting all kinds of pretty. Thanks boys, it was a fabulous night.

New Yorkers bragging about the quality of their pizza is like Hillary Clinton bragging about the quality of her marriage. Chicago pizza rules!  Uno’s in Chicago has been rated as the best pizza in the country for years.

I was pleased to see all the voters out the first thing this morning. I hope people get off their butts and continue voting all day to get rid of the greedy, self-centered Republicans.

Hell, yea. Let’s drug test cops! Start with steroid testing.

It is not Bush's fault that the Iraqi people have death squads, beheadings or drilling holes in your neighbor’s head. It’s the dysfunctional Iraqi people. Afghanistan has nowhere near the problems.

I have an eBay selling service in lower Keys. I research the items, pay all fees and take a percentage. Call me at 304-2561.

To anyone interested in selling items on eBay:  Contact ramrodruthy@aol.com or call 515-0001. I can list for you for a percentage.  I have been a seller for years and would be happy to help anyone with their needs.  I can take the pictures we need and post and maintain it all for you.  Make it easy on yourself, just contact me. 

Illeana Ros-Lehtinen and Larcenia Bullard "represent" the Keys, yet they don't live here, or have homestead exemption here.  Does that mean you won't vote for them either?  It’s kind of funny how they only mention us around election time as well.  As far as I'm concerned those two ladies are out of town lobbyists, because they lobby for our votes at election time and forget us the rest of the time.  And I know neither of them are running now.  Go Ron!

I lived in Big Pine for 10 years, and got a beautiful dog from the pound.  She lived 15 years and I, just 2 weeks ago, had to say good bye to her.  She lived as long as she did in part to Dr. Cruz.  When I picked her up from the pound on Stock Island she was very sick and Dr Cruz immediately diagnosed it as Erlickia and because of his quick work she was treated with vitamins instead of a blood transfusion.  My Jessie loved Dr Cruz and his staff and there was never a time when she wasn’t happy to go to his office.  I have included a picture of Jessie in hopes Dr Cruz reads this and sees her.

Maternal instinct: the ability to turn your childhood joy into eternal guilt

The new drivers license for California.

A Big Pine Poem
I woke early one morning,
The Earth lay cool and still.
When suddenly a tiny bird,
Perched on my window sill.
He sang a song so lovely,
So carefree and so gay,
That slowly all my troubles,
Began to slip away.
He sang of far off places,
Of laughter and of fun.
It seemed his very trilling,
Brought up the morning sun.
I stirred beneath the covers,
Crept slowly out of bed.
Then gently shut the window,
And crushed his little head.

Now that a "democratic court" in Iraq is sending Saddam Hussein to the gallows is it just my perception or is this administration and every Republican facing mid-term elections totally ignoring one of the three "evils’" demise? Yesterday even Charlie Crist stayed as far away from Bush's panhandle visit as he could. That's OK, Charlie, we've already seen your alliance to Bush over and over and over. 

Tonight, Democrats will control the House and Senate. This victory is dampened by all the votes and no votes of those "hard core" right wingers just plain fed up with their party's lies and deceptions. I'm sure the two-party system envisioned in the beginning never accounted for the dishonesty and extremes that have led to the kind of separation and animosity experienced today.

Our Republic was based on the expectation that our common centrist views would forever counter the extremists no matter what. To their credit, how could they have known that eventually and idiot would lead a majority of idiots through the voice of Bill O'Reilly?

If you have not voted yet, go vote now!

Unfortunately Winn Dixie has only non-English speaking people applying for jobs. Some try to learn English. I think WD should provide English lessons and also make it a point of hiring people who want to learn English. I'm sure there is someone in the Keys that could provide the lessons. Our places of worship should get involved  as a community service to help provide someone to give basic English courses to all who seek to learn  not only WD employees.

Is Atlantic City on the Jersey shore?  Are you kidding? Get off the rock, why don't you?

What's the coolest, most high-profile, but good restaurant on South Beach for people watching? Maybe where we can see some movie stars and pay too much for everything.  Thanks, dahling.

Marathon Vet Hospital is the best. We went to Cruz when we first moved here, but the bedside manner is gone after the first visit. He hurt my baby once, that was it. In Marathon they are pros, kind and caring. --cjtsts@bellsouth.net

Has anyone noticed all of those chironomids all over the house and screens the past week? They look very much like mosquitoes, but they have feathery antennas and don't bite you.

[Iguana killings] It was very heartwarming for me to read. You see, throughout my life, I have always been aware that I was not exactly the brightest bulb in the hallway; in fact, in my heart of hearts, you could say I know I am somewhat retarded, but after reading your post I now know that there is someone stupider than me living in Monroe county.

[Sloan’s Slot] I saw the piece in the Citizen. The bases were covered pretty well, given the limited space allowed. But "barely campaign?", "gadfly?" I wish folks with that perspective had lived in my skin during the campaign: it would have totally revised their view of politics, and probably everything else, too.

It never occurred to me that George might lose votes because of Mark Foley, and I would feel awful if George loses even one vote over it, because it has nothing whatsoever to do with the issues, which he and I have openly and cordially addressed during a campaign season filled with negative campaigning. If nothing else, perhaps this race offers a different role model for future political campaigns.

I recently saw a TV show about meth labs. The man and woman claimed that sex was great on meth. Is this true? When I was a foolish twenty year old I did a lot of amphetamine pills, both recreationally and for college test-cramming and I am pretty sure that it caused my dick to be limp as a noodle hen I was high. And I don't even want to remember those crashes! It was as extreme coming down as it was exhilarating getting off. I hope that I didn't shorten my life by all of those extra unnecessary heartbeats.

[Ron Saunders] The guy is a sixth or seventh generation Conch and, yes, he is a lobbyist.  He lobbied for the Monroe County School Board to get more affordable housing for teachers.

With the several animals we have, we've been to see a few of the vets from Marathon to Key West.  I agree with the posters who write that they try their best.  My no. 1 kitty has seen Dr. Cruz too.  I feel he is a good guy who treated my cat well, and didn't recommend any unnecessary procedures (kitty was there for a medical problem, not a routine check up).  Most vets get into the business because they actually care about patients (the animals). I wish I could say that about regular medical doctors!  Woof.

Duncan Ford has been advertising the same 88 cars with 20 on the way for months. Why would I want to buy one of these old cars from them?

[John Kerry should get out of politics and write a book about what he does best]  Sure.  He could call it “I Was A Communist Sympathizer” or maybe “Why I Despise Our Men and Women in the Military” or perhaps, “I Miss Hanoi” then there’s “How To Be A Fake War Hero: A Guidebook”  maybe, “I Married the Nasty, Ugly Bitch for the Money” or “Flip Flop  -  How to Change Your Position Daily to Try to Fool the Voters” and “How to Look Like a Vampire and be a Real Bloodsucker” or he could try, “My Plan to Destroy the Economy With a Massive Tax Increase If Elected” or “My Democrats: The Party of Tax, Spend, Promise, No Results, Cut, Run and Collaborate” or something he has intimate knowledge of “Sleeping With the Enemy.” 

Quit picking on Doc Cruz, already!  Consider yourselves lucky to have 3 vets to choose from between  Key West and Marathon.  There are a lot of pets in this area. Critter Docs can't take care of them all. I have heard  good and bad stories about Dr Cruz. The real good ones way out-weigh the other.

I finally saw the rate schedule for the new gym.  A two hundred dollar buy-in and about sixty five a month in membership will definitely keep me home on the old Bowflex.

Tuesday November 7, 2006

Monday November 6, 2006

Yesterday I received a post card from the Monroe Co. planning and environmental resources department that would "like to invite you to participate in the planning of the future of the Lower Keys, Saddlebunch to Little Torch.  The process of drafting a quality master plan hinges on community participation".  First meeting is Nov. 14th at Sugarloaf School.  Does anyone out there know what this is all about?

Maybe Jimmy Swaggert, Jim Baker and Ted Haggard will be called the un-Holy Trinity.

I don’t know if you allow political bashing, but I will not vote for Ron Saunders because he doesn’t think enough of the Keys to live here. Yes, he grew up here, but moved to Tallahassee years ago and only moved back to run for Representative. He got his Homestead exemption for his home in Tallassee where he lives and is a lobbyist. Do you want an out-of-town lobbyist representing us folks in the Keys? We want to live here, he doesn’t. Why should we vote for an outsider who doesn’t know the Keys’ problems or issues; or really even cares about the Keys?

Do they sell these at Home Depot?

I have grandparents who came to this country from Poland and Ireland. My wife had parents that came from Russia. My first wife had grandparents who emigrated from Germany. All of these immigrants learned English themselves and made certain their children learned and spoke English. None of their children speak English with anything other than a regional American accent. They don't claim to be Teutonic, Irish, or Slavic Americans, just Americans. Why is it that so many of the Hispanic immigrants refuse to learn and speak English in public and if they do, even second and third generation Hispanics often have a very heavy Spanish accent?

I really feel that if they are too lazy to assimilate into the American society they need to go back where they came from and quit trying to turn this country into the third world shit-hole they left. When I told a Latino this recently he accused me of being racist. It has nothing to do with race. If you don't want to be an American, leave! The employees of the Big Pine Winn Dixie should especially take note. Even those who know how to speak English generally don't unless forced.

Does anybody have a business putting things on Ebay here on Big Pine?  I have a bunch of stuff I'd like to sell, but I don't want to bother with setting it all up on Ebay and would love for somebody else to list it and take a percentage.

Look out BPK! Our marina is full of boats from New Jersey heading south. All being run by Guido and Stella.

Non-news: Saddam Hussein found guilty and sentenced to hang. That sure was no surprise.

If you have a pet, you will need a vet one day. I have been to many (even while traveling). They all try their best. No Dr's or Vets can save all. But they try.

Ted Haggard the hypocritical closet gay Evangelical preacher told his congregation that he was guilty of “sexual immorality”, but failed to mention the amphetamine.

[What’s next drug testing cops] What's wrong with drug testing cops?

All our Veterinarians are good. I had to use several different Vets over the years for one reason or another and had exceptional treatment for my dog by all. This includes Dr Cruz (my regular Vet).

I’m sick of reading about Jersey women and New Yorkers. Don’t you know when a joke has turned into boring?

Critter Docs’ prices are half that of Dr Cruz’s with more compassionate at-home service.

All State and Federal employees should be drug tested. That would include teachers. This, folks, work for me and you.  If you choose to go into the private sector--fine. That’s between the company and you. When you take our money you should show up clean and sober. Teachers, law enforcement and fire fighters, above all, should have no problem with being clean and sober.
The days of coming to work high or hung-over are over, you have our life and the minds of our young people in your hands. If you can’t run your life I sure don’t want to put mine in your hands.

Dr Cindy and Dr Cruz are similar. The best is Critter Docs.

[I’ve never been to the Jersey shore so I don't know where you get that from] The last time I looked on a map Atlantic City was on the Jersey shore?

[Sloan’s Slot] Just below is an email from a friend from around my neck of the Keys woods, which touches my heart and I hope touches many hearts:

This is in response to the gaudy e-mail forward about the US issuing a pro-Muslim postage stamp for Christmas.

First of all, I'm not going to use large, colored type.  I think there has been way TOO MUCH SHOUTING going on about these issues.  Enthusiasm is good, shouting and hate is bad.  Anger and hate don't make you strong, they make you blind.

It seems to me that most of the trouble between religions and peoples come from a misunderstanding and way too much shouting and anger.  If we look at religions from an outwards position, it seems that most of us believe basically the same thing.  I could care less about whose religion is on a postage stamp.

This is America, and the reason I love America is because we are all allowed to believe what we want, worship as we please, say what we want and have the freedoms to do so.  If the farmers of Uzbekistan want a postage stamp I could care less; or the KKK for that matter.  Democracy, and the free enterprise system, will allow those that believe in such stuff buy it, and those that don't, won't.  It's America, God Love It.  These things will sort themselves out.

I think it is time for the different peoples of the world to start to try to understand each other better, try to start eliminating the hate.  It is the only way to stop the problems and the wars and the bloodshed.  If you look at a mother with kids in any country in the world, I see me, my family, with problems brought on by environments and governments and greedy officials and merchants.  If I could talk to a grandma anywhere, we would all want the same thing.  Food and shelter and safety and love for our family.  It's the governments and the religions and the zealots who type in large caps that are instigating all the trouble and are kindling the fires of hate. 

Remember, it's Christmas!  What is the hope of Christmas?  Peace on Earth. Let there be peace, and let it start with me.

Monday November 6, 2006

Sunday November 5, 2006

Once again Piners show what it means to care. Yesterday at Coconuts locals and business owners did what they do best. They got the job done. What a fine day!  Great food and great music for a special young lady. When she sang for us, there wasn't a dry eye in the crowd.  Zanny, we would like to thank you for not only sharing your walk thru this part of your life but also for sharing your recovery.  You have no choice but to get better. We love you and look forward to hearing you and Will for many years to come.

[reduce global warming]  One sure way would be for Kerry, Gore and the Clintons to keep their mouths shut thereby reducing the amount of hot air in the atmosphere.

Money talks, but all mine ever says is, “Good-bye.”

Is that lunch or are you happy to see me?

I don’t care if the teachers are on drugs. Half of America is on drugs; both legal and illegal. Who cares, they can’t crash their desks into the blackboard. That’s the least of my worries. They should make all teachers smoke pot so they will be enthusiastic and come up with new ideas and stimulate the class. Drunken teachers are another thing. They get slovenly and lax and lose their enthusiasm for everything.

[You limeys should learn how to speak English] When the tour guide at a castle was offering audio tours in various languages, I jokingly requested one that spoke American.  She was not amused.

[pizza place that is cooked in a wood stove] Mangoes of Key West used to have a wood stove and wood fired pizza for many years. It was a great place to sit in the winter and get the chill off since it was a fireplace right next to the bar. Now the new idiots that acquired Mango's decided to shut down the wood fired stove and make the bar bigger. So you are too late. This was the only wood fired pizza I knew of for 300 miles.

[Impeach Bush] Check out http://www.impeachbush.org  please support the cause.

South Park has finally presented the theory of evolution in terms that everyone can easily understand. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux8Wv-qgAwM

Drug testing teachers! What’s next drug testing cops? Drug testing all teachers and taking away all teacher’s right to privacy just to catch a very small amount of teachers is a serious thought process malfunction. Not to mention it is going to do nothing about the alcoholics. Big brother strikes again. I would consider psychological evaluations added to the background checks already performed before employment to both occupations; for the safety of the public and our children. This may help prevent people with ulterior motives from getting into either occupation.

[New York beaches suck] I guess you never went to Jones Beach or Tobay Beach. You must have gone to Orchard Beach.

[debate about veterinarians in the Keys] After my beloved dog was viciously attacked at the "Good" Dog Park on Sigsbee, I was desperate to find help for my now gravely sick pet. Somebody suggested that Cruz was not the better choice, and Dr Cindy at MM22 was. I am so glad that I listened. My pet was quickly treated and healed, and is so back to her lively self. 

Many kudos to Dr Cindy and her staff. Much Boo-hiss to the NAS SJA for not even replying to my contacts after he said he'd do what he could help me recover the vet's costs. Oh well, I'll be back soon, and looking for a lawyer, a civilian one of course.

I don’t know anything about Big Pine Charter School or why it hasn’t been converted to teacher housing. Is this Charter school even a Monroe county public school? I do know consolidation in Key West is a serious consideration. K-8 schools are the new fad and they want to eliminate, I believe, two elementary schools in Key West. I do believe that is consolidation. “How much are we willing to pay for our children’s education?” Wow. If you don’t have kids and don’t know what you are talking about keep your hands and feet to yourself.

Dr. Cruz is personally and professionally the best vet doctor I've ever known. Edie and other vets have clients that feel the same. None of them are God which makes all of them as fallible as any of us. These professionals worked hard to learn the science of doctoring to animals. How about we don't disparage any of them?

The beaches of NY are the best.  You have Montauk, Fire Island, Jones, Captree and many more. It's the people who make some of them suck with their trash, etc.

John Kerry should have learned to memorize his jokes before opening his mouth after the last election. Still, he once again this week flubbed another joke aimed at George Bush, our President. Kerry, a decorated war veteran, is now accused of disrespecting the military by the same President responsible for the senseless death of so many thousands of that same military. Talk about disrespect!

Since our invasion of Iraq Venezuela has become another Cuba, but with money. Iran and Syria are sending insurgents and advisors to Iraq and Iran is trying to build nukes, North Korea has nukes and is testing delivery systems while some African countries have decided to test the worlds resolve in ways never seen. Muslim militants increase all over the Middle East and yet all I hear from the right is how democratic leadership will enable terrorism!

Thank God the polls indicate seventy-some percent of voters have decided enough is enough. Please vote on Tuesday, stop the lies.

Next: You're evangelical, does that make you gay?

Please vote regime change when you go to the polls Tuesday and give the RepubliCons the ass whipping they deserve.  These hypocrites and their culture of corruption need to be walked to the door with your vote.

I haven't heard anything lately about the new gym that is opening on Cudjoe?  Is it open, what are the rates, is it nice?  Also where did the Quay move to in Marathon?

Putting a pet to sleep after knowing and loving it for over a decade was / is the hardest thing I have ever experienced in my life.  It has been months since the Vet put our sick, old cat down while I petted him and I think about him everyday, almost as if I should have had grief counseling.  Then, one day, I found the homeliest, malnourished cat, who had worms, bulging eyes, severely under-weight and it was roaming with a pack of Key Deer.  The vet fixed it and we brought the kitty home to watch it kamikaze all over the house, bully the other critters and suck ferociously on fabric (making bread) because it didn't get enough mom-time. 

This thing has kitty muscles and is the most affectionate cat to date, where we are all completely in love!  The same pack of Deer stop by occasionally and the cat goes out to greet them and they all touch noses.  Looks aren't everything and we are so entertained and loved by this newest member of our family. 

I feel bad that I had to call Stand Up For Animals for the other stray cat which was hanging around, but I have boundaries now and will never again share my little home with nine cats like I did in the past.  It was very cool to be surrounded and loved by felines, but they over-run the house and then you are known as a "collector." 

There was a small group of feral cats which a couple of now-deceased gentlemen were feeding and someone made them disappear forever which is why we no longer let the cats out unsupervised.  We know who did it and realize that there are a bunch of people like this who are unbalanced and disturbed.  They probably have club meetings on Sunday mornings while we're off at Church.  Give yourself some time to grieve and find yourself a new friend and open your heart again to a pet.  They enhance our lives and many times are better company than people.

The pizza debate: http://www.boppizza.com/about.asp absolutely without a doubt some of the best pizza outside of NYC, unfortunately their location is not convenient to Big Pine Key. You just can’t live in paradise and have great brick oven pizza too. There’s no firewood.  Sorry to break it to you.

Since we're counting hands “fer and agin” Doc Cruz, put mine up for him.  He's been taking care of my current mutt for almost six years now, and I have no complaints.  I find him easy to get along with, and at least he knows his stuff.  He's probably not the most touchy-feely guy in the world, which is fine with me, but he gets the job done.  His staff has been super.

Tell me why would someone spend a small fortune opening a restaurant and then not pay for a qualified chef?  One joint has dirty teenagers running the place and cooking the food.  That is almost slave labor and they work them past curfew on school nights.  They do not have stone crab claws on the menu because they couldn't mark them up enough, so they don't want to make their customers happy unless they can gouge them.  Finally, they offered no brand-name champagne, only sparkling wine (big difference) to go along with the other low quality wines and food. 

The paranoids are out to get me.

[I grew up in NYC and have never been to the Jersey Shore] Nobody said anything about New York City. You people don't even own cars, so how the heck would you even get to the Jersey Shore?  It's the rest of New York, and Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Florida that populates the Jersey Shore.

[Sloan’s Slot] Friday afternoon came an email from a fellow I didn't know inviting me to put a campaign sign in his yard beside Newfound Road on Big Pine Key. He provided his phone number and I called him, and he was a little more that surprised that I had no campaign signs or posters. After that sank in, he asked if I minded him making one up? No, as long as it was only about me. He said it would only have my name on it, and I said okay, and I wanted to come over and meet him. Shortly we were talking, and his neighbor came over to join us, and then his wife came out of the house, then two neighbors from across the street joined us, all especially wanting to talk about the plugging of their canal and nearby canals, which was preventing fresh seawater from coming in and out daily and causing the water in the canals to lose salinity, none of which made much sense to any of us gathered at the river, er, canal. All the while the Mr. Picasso was using duck tape to make a stencil for my name on an old piece of boarding he had saved, and then he spray-painted it and removed the tape, and we carried it out to the corner and set it on the wild grasses against a thin metal pole. Having only just the day before purchased a new cell phone with a camera feature, after my house and car chargers for my old cell phone quit working at the same time (but started working again just after I purchased the new cell phone), I took the photograph below of Mr. Picasso and his neighbor. Someone please let me know if the photo doesn't come through.

The Republicans are full of themselves. They think this country is safer because of them when the opposite is true. Their ill-conceived war has only inflamed terrorists and plunged a stable country into civil war. After five years of bluster and fear-talk our border and harbor security is still a joke. If you want a strong and secure country vote straight Democrat Tuesday. (Except--don’t vote for Ron Sanders)

Sunday November 5, 2006

Saturday November 4, 2006

When candidates for lower office make their opponents out to be friends of Osama bin Laden, or try to turn a minor gaffe (Kerry’s mis-statement) into a near felony, that’s just depressing. When the president of the United States gleefully bathes in the muck to divide Americans into those who love their country and those who don’t, it is destructive to the fabric of the nation he is supposed to be leading.

Today at Coconuts, all day long, a bunch of Piners are going to put some money together for a special young lady--Zanny. She and Will have given of there time and music to help many folks. Now it’s our turn. Stop by and listen to some fine music, eat, buy some raffle tickets, have a beer or a soda. We are looking for a Big Pine Key turnout. If your going out today I can’t think of a better way to spend some time and a few bucks. Piners are the Best.

Amen and thanks for the warning about the snowbird front.  Our unfriendly ones appeared after dark before we could get home.  Well, maybe this year they will wave at us across the canal.  Oh, yes, and good news for the working ones serving the public.  Let us all have a get it together new season.  Whatever, have a good day!

Once again Eden Pines rocks!  Thanks for the Rum Punch, candy and the decorations!  Hi Chrissy, glad you're back in town! From one God Damn Yankee who never goes back to the north to my favorite New Yorker who supports us and works here in the Keys.

I'm trying to be even handed about all these darn, nasty iguanas.  So for now I'm trying just to pester them into the canal each time I see one.  This affords the neighbors the opportunity to see me thundering toward the canal at odd moments gesturing wildly (I don't scream at them because that wouldn't be lady like) I don't know if they have figured out what I am doing but, they're laughing till they fall down; so at least someone is getting a kick out of it.  I'll just tell them I had a rough summer, they'll understand?

Your are correct; the school enrollment inquiry was from one who has no children, just someone curious on how it works.  Your information was a big help towards my finding out and the link provided yesterday said the 17 schools in Monroe county have an enrollment today of 8396 and I found the census figures from 2000 that said the enrollment was 11,249, of which 1,240 was private schools.  My only knowledge of schools is mostly private schools and the fact that I'm putting the (step) grand kids thru private school starting at age 3 and I am impressed so far with the discipline, and quality of their education and it does not cease to amaze me what they do know! 

Those schools are run "like a business" and without good results, like super SAT scores, they lose their enrollment and die.  No one, on top of their regular property taxes for the public schools, is going to pay the $8,000 for lower grades to $14,000 for higher grades without great results.  I was curious about the testing of the teachers as I know that teachers are just like anyone else out here and the schools need a way to promote continuing education and weed out the few alcoholics, drug addicts, severely depressed and the other million problems that some of us develop out in the world. You are so right "if you can not teach you should not teach" and testing is a great tool in any environment and should be used as a tool not as the only criteria.  I do not know about the public schools, but the private teachers are even tested randomly for drugs.  I am going to search around and try to find out why the county has 5 schools with enrollment of 83, 74, 157, 30 and 14, They have to be something special!

The pre apprenticeship program, I read about, might work out to be a link to vocational education--it's a start.

One place you and I disagree is to be scared of the government or a corporation. In both worlds we have checks and balances that keep most on the straight and narrow and its not perfect, but looking around, on the whole, it sure does work.

[looking for pizza place that cooks in a wood stove]  Of course, that would be in Italy.

#1 Go to NYC for the best Pizza.
#2 I’d rather have the gratuity on my bill; if service is poor then I'll complain.
#3 Let's not vote for school board. Neither one seems good at this time.
#4 I like people from New Jersey and New York.  Do I need a psychiatrist?

I had a different experience with Dr. Cruz. A couple of years ago I had to euthanize my dear Labrador. His staff came to my house and injected my dog while I held him in my arms. It was very peaceful and they were very respectful. They even sent me a sympathy card. 

Oh My!   He has to live the rest of his life with this one. I hope he never goes to prison.

From the looks of the arrest records it looks like the cops pulled off quite a few cocaine busts Wednesday in Marathon. Excellent job.

Leave the school board open for next year.  Neither candidate seeking the spot seems honorable.

I tried Rays Pizza on your recommendation. It is no Pizza Hut!

Brick, NJ is a happening town and rich too! You all are silly?

[Schools should be run like a business] School enrollment is down in Monroe County, by what percentage I don't know. Nobody in the public forum so far is interested in consolidation and the Big Pine Charter School is a prime example. When that school first opened, it was just to ease overcrowding at Sugarloaf until the new school was completed. Well, the new school is functional, and we still have Big Pin and now they want to make it K through 8th grade. How practical is this? I understand that parents want a neighborhood school, but unfortunately, the bottom line is money. How much are we willing to pay for our children’s education?

Is This Possible?

[Sloan’s Slot] Below this email is a copy of a recent article by Alyson Crean, the Keynoter's Key West Bureau Chief, which was emailed to me by Kay Thacker this morning.

At first blush, the developments reported by Alyson might be viewed as an environmental disaster. I can't imagine any good reason for a decision of such current public interest and importance being made in a county commission meeting from which the public was excluded, even if there was no sunshine law.

But then, maybe another way to look at this is that the settlement earlier reached was simply unacceptable to Mother Nature and to the islands we all call the Keys, who want a much stronger stand taken in their favor by Keys people. So maybe the County Commission's decision was wise. Maybe by the time the negotiations resume in earnest, the County Commission's sentiments will be more environmentally inclined, and maybe that also will influence the negotiations.

County rejects settlement agreement, resumes negotiations on tier system

After a closed session with attorneys, the Monroe County Commission voted Nov. 1 to reject a proposed settlement agreement that would have ended an environmental challenge to the county’s proposed tier system.

Commissioners unanimously approve a motion rejecting the settlement while instructing staff to resume negotiations with environmental groups Last Stand and the Florida Keys Citizens Coalition. The proposed tier system was approved by the county and the Florida Department of Community Affairs in May.

However, the two environmental groups lodged their challenge in July, claiming the system does not go far enough in protecting environmentally sensitive lands.

The tier system defines vacant parcels of land according to the amount of sensitive vegetation on each parcel, and awards points for parcels that are more desirable for building. It’s written to encourage limited development within existing neighborhoods as infill, and along the U.S. 1 corridor.

The system is intended to replace the county’s current Rate of Growth Ordinance, which bases development upon the time it takes for people to evacuate the Keys in case of a hurricane.

The two groups and DCA have already signed the settlement agreement, but it required approval by the County Commission in order to go forward.

The commission instructed staff to work with the state Department of Administrative Hearings to set a date for the environmental challenge to come before a judge.

In addition, the commission approved a future public hearing to adopt the original tier maps approved by the county and state into the county’s Comprehensive Plan. The rejected settlement agreement included a number of revised tier maps that the environmental groups said would better protect sensitive habitat.

Assistant County Attorney Jerry Sanders confirmed that the maps that will be considered at the public hearing are the maps that were finalized in March and approved by the County Commission in May.

Law requires a 30-day lead time on a public hearing to allow ample advertising, so the adoption of the tier maps will not be included on the Nov. 15 agenda for the commission’s regular monthly meeting.

The challenge to the system has effectively stopped the issuance of any building allotments in the Keys. The only exception has been Big Pine Key because that area is not part of the tier mapping system. Big Pine has its own Habitat Conservation Plan that discerns where development can and cannot take place.

The information regarding the Veterans Day parade is wrong.  The parade in Key West begins at 4 pm.  I'm looking for veterans who want to walk their dog and/or other pet in the Parade.  We will be grouped as Vets with Pets.  Can you have them email me if they're interested?

It is wrong for the county government to buy restaurants with the tax payers’ hard earned tax money?  Let the free enterprise own and operate the water front it has always worked and the county can still control and also collect real estate taxes.

Well, well, well. I just received my tax bill and the only authority that didn’t try to lower the millage was the school board. What a disgrace. If you drive past some of the schools, the students have better cars then most residents. It is time for parents to take more financial and social responsibility for there darling children.

The US Navy has always sunk ships for artificial reefs.  Let them continue. Do not spend the tax payers’ money on toys. There are already over a dozen ships that have been sunk in our area.

What did happen to Vocational Education?  The new Key West High School spend tens of thousands of dollars building a new construction trades lab for their new building just a few years ago and two years ago just shut the program down.  Look at the propaganda coming out of the district headquarters. All children are being groomed to go to college.  Ask for the statistics of how many who are accepted into college from Key West High School actually graduate from college.  And ask why students who are not prepared for, or interested in, are not given the opportunity to do something with their high school diploma than file it away.

Here is one of the NJ beauties doing her thing in Key West.

[looking for pizza place that is cooked in a wood stove and tastes like pizza made in Italy]  You might try Rome or Milan.  I hear Florence does a mean pie too.

New Orleans authorities are saying that fatal overdoses are on the rise.

I think John Kerry should get out of politics and write a book about what he does best--marrying very rich women. He isn't the best looking guy around, really doesn't have a job, has no sense of humor, but somehow this smooth devil has learned how to charm the socks off of wealthy ladies. I think John should share his knowledge and show us how to land one of these "prizes."

I don't think I am ready to see Nancy (deer in the headlights) Pelosi on TV every day as Speaker of the House. I may have to cancel my cable and just rent movies; or maybe give up television entirely. The only good side of this is that the comedians will have a lot of material to work with each day.

[Critter Doc] My heart goes out to you. When I lost my first doggie best friend six years ago, I lost 40 pounds.  I had the joy of knowing him for eleven and a half years. He had a fast growing tumor in his heart that took him very fast; and he died in one of his favorite spots in the house. I still grieve for him. Nothin' like a little grief to take the weight off. (I've had my second doggie best friend for just over 4 years, and he truly is my best friend. And he is now where he always is - right next to me.) I hope I get to be partners with him for 17 years! 

More importantly, the reason I started this email is because of your reference to Dr. Cruz. He failed to diagnose a tick borne disease called Erlichia, (which can be fatal if left untreated) in my friends' dog, who was their best friend for fourteen and a half years. It can be treated the same way Lyme disease can be treated, and the prognosis is excellent if treated in it's earlier stages. All you need is a simple blood test, like the test for Lyme.  This time it was fatal because Dr. Cruz never tested for it. And up until my friends' doggie friend got diagnosed (because another Vet knew to test for Erlichia), they and I had never even heard of Erlichia. Apparently some vets think Erlichia does not occur here. Well, guess what? It does.

This was a Keys dog for many years up until her death, so I know she didn't pick it up from somewhere else. (That doesn't matter; he still should have tested for it. He's a professional; he should have known.) My real point here is to warn about Dr. Cruz, because of my friends' experience with him and the fact that I haven't heard too many nice things said about his work. I do not like to bad mouth people, but in this case, I feel the truth is necessary.

So if you or anyone you know is having their dog tested for Lyme disease, demand  that they also run the test for Erlichia. Don't let any vet tell you it doesn't happen in this part of the country, because it can, it has, and it does. I, for one, will always opt to err on the side of caution.  I and my Shadow wish you many future doggie kisses as we wish you a healed heart. --msmrn52@comcast.net

[Why do all the New Yorkers flock to the Jersey shore every summer] I grew up in NYC and have never been to the Jersey Shore-so I don't know where you get that from.  People from NY go to NY beaches which suck, but that’s all we have.  People from NY go to New Jersey to go to Atlantic City or Great Adventure, that’s about it!

For those of you keeping score at home, John Kerry has now called members of the U.S. military (a) stupid, (b) crazy, (c) murderers, (d) rapists, (e) terrorizers of Iraqi women and children.

[You limeys should learn how to speak English]  Why, my dear, they do speak English - the King's English. And unless your ancestors were English themselves, I'd say that their ancestors were speaking English long before your ancestors were! And yes, I do have a lovely Englishman friend who I can listen to all day (and night) long. Very nice to look at, too.

Mangoes downtown serves wood stove cooked pizza.  It's great!

[“They say it takes a village to raise a child.”]  Wrong. “They” didn’t say it.  Hillary Clinton said it and we all know how full of crap she is. 

Saturday November 4, 2006

Friday November 3, 2006

I know the poster that stated “schools should be run a little more like a business” has no kids. For three reasons. First, Monroe County is trying to consolidate schools. Second, what is a half full classroom? The best student to teacher ratio is around one teacher to 18 students depending on age and emotional maturity. Lastly, one of the scariest things in this world besides government is corporations. Running a school like a business is going to create one type of person, the one in jail for financial inaccuracies. What kind of business do you mean; a small one or a large one? And is this our state’s educational system, our counties as a whole, or individual schools you are referring to?

We should test our teachers to be sure they are qualified in the subject area they are planning to teach and Florida does. Paying teachers based on how well their students do on a test is some what strange. If you can’t teach you shouldn’t teach. But still teaching and getting paid less for it seems weird. Just as perplexing is deciding which teachers are good and which ones aren’t just based on a “basic test” a student takes. The global economy is not made up of multiple choice and short answers.

It is impossible to compare our countries test scores with other counties because they only test the ones they teach. They do not teach and test all their children. But that may be our problem. What happened to vocational schooling in high school? Not everyone is going to college and these students need skills.

I find it strange that at one point you refer to corporations like the former trash company as wasteful then mention businesses as being efficient. What is your definition of a business and that of a corporation? A business, a corporation and the government can all be wasteful. It depends on who is running the show. My next thought is has their always been this perceived “problem” with our educational system and teachers or is this a more recent phenomena? I just don’t remember all these thoughts on testing for success.

[So you're saying you New Yorkers are full of hate? Dynamite comment! I guess we're looking at the next brewing insurgency.]  Whoa..."brewing insurgency" are we now talking about beer?  This thread finally got interesting!

This outgoing message was scanned by McAfee Secure Internet Gateway for the Monroe County School District.

[Half the people in New York are related to the people from New Jersey!] Yeah, but half the people in Florida are from New Jersey!

Critter Doc helped me through the demise of my best friend of 17 years at our home after Dr Cruz tried to take advantage of me and my emotions at a cold and sterile atmosphere. Stay away from Crux. --max21@bellsouth.net

I am sure the restaurant on Cudjoe everything you say it is, but it’s not a tip but an added charge. There is a difference.

Ooh,its getting cold up here in the northeast. Time to pack up my two yappin’ dogs and all my Yankee money and come to BPK to drive y’all nuts. Woof, woof.

This is for the guy at Denture Out everyone keeps picking on. Accdrnig to rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, olny taht the frist and lsat ltteres are at the rghit pcleas. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by ilstef, but the wrod as a wlohe. (Ed: You judt killed my spel shecker!)

Eden Pines rocks! Thanks for showing the kids a great time. Every one had such a good time. Camellia Lane was very festive. The pina colada people rule. Thanks for a great Halloween!

As a former restaurant owner, I agree with the party that works at the Italian restaurant that a 16% automatic tip is fair. (I usually tip 20%) The owner can do as they please. Those who complain about it might have moths flying out of their pocketbook. Cheep, cheep, cheep.

Does anyone know if there is a photography club on Big Pine Key or in the Lower Keys? Anyone  interested in an informal photo club? I shoot Nature & Wildlife. Email me if you have any information or would like to get together for coffee and photo stuff. volt@pobox.com

Monroe County school demographics done every Thursday. http://www.monroe.k12.fl.us/Documents/TERMS/demographics.pdf

Southernmost ABATE is hosting our annual Toy for Tots run on Nov 26th, and we always need volunteers!  Before hand please try to get folks to donate new unwrapped toys and put them into drop off right here on BPK like the Vineyard Church, BP Restaraunt, Rogers furniture,  and US1 radio. You can call me, Dixie Lee Henckel at 797-0474 for more details.  The day of the run we are police escorted all the way up the Keys , so you can join us on a motorcycle or go by auto.  We end up at Caloosa Cove, and the sight of all those mountains of toys is amazing. We give to 6 different kids' associations right here in the Keys.

Want to save gasoline and help reduce global warming? Lose a few pounds. Reduce your carbon footprint and enhance the visual environment. This article should be posted at all of the local golf and eating establishments, especially now that the "moo-birds" are migrating back down here. http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2605673

[Auto Gratuity]  I thought if you did that, you would grow hair on your palms!

A kick-ass dem?  Goldwater cons? They don't exist.

You think there’s no pizza south of the Mason Dixon Then try Ray’s in KW and tell everybody what a mistake you made. I thought the same till I tried them. Now I gladly pay a outlandish delivery charge just to get real pizza delivered.

[Brick, New Jersey was selected as the safest city]  Nothing there worth stealing, I guess.

The snowbird front is rapidly approaching the Keys. The leading edge of this noxious storm system has been spotted around Louisville KY and is headed south at about 23 mph. It was hoped that "El Nino" would have steered this system away from the Keys, but a counter-force "El Huevos Freezo" has dominated the steering currents. Locals should prepare for rude behavior, gargantuan women, erratic driving and holier-than-thou attitudes.

Big Pine has something to offer better than Miami. It's called the Big Pine Diet. Compare it to the South Beach Diet. Big Pine has no good eateries and no place to shop for food . How could anyone possibly not loose weight?

I too would like to get into body painting, but I prefer to do finger painting.

[Have some faith that we can get ourselves some kick-ass Dems]  Wouldst 'twer so! (Shakespeare?)  I think Zell Miller was the last of that breed. What a man!

Marathon High School/Middle School enrollment is down about 30 students from last year.  That’d hardly a wholesale exodus.

[Auto-Gratuity]  Ed, Why wasn't the email address of this person posted for what he/she said about The Flamingo Cafe in Key West. Do you have interest in Buon Appetito Ristorante Italiano?

[Iguana hater] Thanks for the info on exterminating those god awful creatures. I have been trying to get rid of those creatures for the longest time. Poison doesn’t seem to work because they somehow end up dying by my front door stinking up the place and after you kill a bunch of them and throw them away in the garbage, the garbage men don't want to pick up my trash because the can weighs to much. Neighbors in my area have complained because when I threw them in the canal, all they did was just bob up and down and float for days and smell the canal up with an awful stench. Hell, even the fish won't eat them because that’s how nasty those things are.

I'll bet those body painters have to put up with some rank odors coming from those sweaty drunks who are having their privates painted.  Yuk.

Friday November 3, 2006

Thursday November 2, 2006

Another great Halloween for Eden Pines. 350 Children came-a-knocking.

Kudos to The Critter Doc. Doctor Don Dehoff and Shelly.  You two are wonderful people for all you do.  I recently had to have my kitty friend put down. It was a heart wrenching decision, but I knew it was time. I called Doctor Don and they came to my house and administered the injection.  I got to hold my friend while he passed from here to Kitty Heaven.  We are kinder to our furry friends than we are to our people sometimes.  I know that Bubby is in a better place, and it was so much nicer that he could be at home, and not have the added stress of going to the office.  Thank you Doctor Don and Shelly.  I will miss Bubby forever, but knowing that he was comfortable and in my arms when he passed, makes it a little easier to grasp. God Bless you both, and keep up the work that you do. You are wonderful. 

Yep, tons of kids on Eden Pines. I had the place lit up like a runway at Miami International and got two kids. They had great costumes and adults where right there with them.  Oh, well.  So much for Trick or Treat! Munch, munch.

I just can't believe how great the Trash pickup is since the change.  Smaller quieter trucks and only one guy doing the driving and the loading.  Very neat with the trash cans each time and they now take everything. No trying to remember which day for what etc.  So far I can only say thank you Waste Management.  I think it’s a pretty savvy company considering that they get paid for picking up our trash and then they use it as fuel for electricity and sell it back to us!  How smart is that? While I'm at it; people just seem to be smiling more down here and, at least at the houses around me, everything is cleaner and neater and most of the junk cars and trailers are gone.  I even went to CVS the other day and picked up a called in prescription that was exactly right and ready as they said on the phone.  I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone here, but so far so good.

My info about Andy McClain came from Monroe County Sheriff Dept. I was told how unhappy they were that he recived 364 days, less time served. The balance of approximately six months will be served here in Monroe county jail. He is a bad person, his folks will tell you that. He has stolen from his family as well as strangers. He is a crack head. S

Someone will be hurt or killed because of him. He has had way too many chances to straighten up. He should have been dealt with as a 3 time loser. If you want the real facts on this call the state’s attorney's office, I think you will fine that what I am sharing with Pine Key is true.

Camellia Lane was incredible! There is a lady dressed in a Hawaiian moo-moo that hands out pina coladas and pumpkins and lights and tiki torches. Tons of candy and a great time. Thank you all.

I’ve never seen a drummer with a woman that big; plenty of keyboard players, but never a drummer.

I am a local guy who feels compelled to comment on some hypocrites who preach that they are living in the spirit of Christ.  I respect that, but these same folks are making a living as a pub owners.  Now, in my mind, this is an attempt to mix water and oil. It doesn’t work, its hypocritical.  People go to the pub to live in (from the Christian point of view) a sinners  lifestyle;  drinking and sexual   promiscuity is what goes on, which is ok with me. I’m not trying to say yes or no on that one. I’ll say if you play you got to pay.  So how can you go to church on Sunday when the rest of the time you’re promoting sin and sinful ways of life for profit? I say let the hypocrites admit the problem and fix it. Make your living in a Christian way.

I have had some experience with the people in question.  My lady used to work for the pub, cleaning.  She was a good employee. I would help her for 1/2 hour every day and I worked there for free helping her do some lifting and trash duties.  It was to help her. One week the employer  was stressed with a family matter. I feel for them.  Any how, my lady's pay did not get to her and we thought it’s just because of the personal problems. We waited till they returned and brought it to their attention.  I was accused of taking it!  The bottom line is they made out that it was my lady’s fault and eventually let her go without paying her.   Wrong move. She did nothing wrong.  It was very un-Christ like.  Christ said love one another as I have loved you.  That is the main jist of it. This is not love that I see.

Now in conclusion, I was there when the Cracked Egg incident  happened.  I was not totally aware of exactly what happened, but I’ll say this, there is a counter person that takes to go orders.  Maybe they were addressing the wrong person.  It doesn’t matter when you’re in the weeds (real busy) as the restaurant was. Having patience would be the reaction I would expect from people in the business.  I  think the Cracked Egg is okey doky with me.

[“I’d like to have the body painting concession in a nudist colony at Halloween!”]  I’d like to have a body paint removal concession.  Rubba, rubba, wash and scruba.

[“I am from New York and most people from NY hate people from New Jersey!”]  Most people from anywhere hate people from New Jersey.  It’s something about their...It’s...everything about them.

Can you pick up dead key deer bones or antlers?

State representative Arza resigned today after using the N word. Women use the N word on me all the time--No, no, no!

Halloween in Eden Pines was definitely fun, but not the same as in the past, a lot of empty houses!  It's a shame the regular folks are getting pushed out by rising costs.

In August, about a dozen masked men lugged six 40-gallon trash bags full of sauce packets into the Taco Bell in Marion, Ind., leaving a note explaining that they had been accumulating them for a while and decided to give them back. They suspected they had 25,000 packets. (Taco Bell said it hands out about 6 billion a year.)

Toys for Tots is headed by MCSO's Capt. Bob Peryam. He works in Marathon and lives on BPK.

I just did a background search on Andrew McClain using the sheriffs web site. Andrew has over fifteen arrests, with a bunch of felonys. This person has no business on the street.

That school enrollment is way down is evident and the fact that the families with school age children are moving out is evident, at least here on Big Pine, so why don't they consolidate the schools and try to save money and not have teachers teaching half full classrooms?  Where can one see the numbers of enrolled students year to year for comparison?  If this is true it looks like a huge chunk of tax income is unnecessary and being wasted.  I do not know this for a fact and am not stating it as such, but it looks that way; and how does one find out and see the printed numbers?  Has there been any talk of consolidation?  I guess I just see so much waste and hate it. Just look at corporations like our trash. It used to be we had 3 people on a huge truck running around picking up the trash.  Now it looks as if one person on a smaller truck can do the same amount of work.  Simple efficiency.  Now the most important thing is teaching our kids so they can compete in a global economy. We need great teachers who are tested; and they need to be paid well based on how well their students do on the basic tests.  The testing alone would get rid of the dead wood.  If the schools could be run a little more like a business it might be better for the children.

There is no good pizza south of the Mason-Dixon line—peroid.

Half the people in New York are related to the people from New Jersey!

I guess John Kerry won’t be running for president anytime soon. Too bad, Herman Munster.

To the defender of the felon: by definition, doing bad things does make you a bad person.

You have got to love a school board that pumps so much money into expanding facilities in an environment with a rapidly declining student base.  Using some of the money to keep good teachers with housing incentives or other perks to make for a stable environment for teachers can’t be all bad.  

This is in response to the person who supposedly went to the Cracked Egg on Sat. morning. First of all I am not lazy. Secondly it was not even busy at 8:30, so that proves you aren’t being completely honest here. I took plenty of to go orders throughout the day. I do what my employer tells me to do and I was never told we weren’t doing to go orders. Please don’t resort to name calling as you don’t know me, and I resent your silly and unfair bashing.

[Auto-Gratuity] I am an employee of the new Italian Restaurant located in Cudjoe Gardens, namely Buon Appetito Ristorante Italiano.  I have read several comments regarding the 16% gratuity that is included in the check.  It clearly states this on the menu and is also on the check when it is presented to the guests.  The owners made the decision to have this applied as they are looking out for us, the employees, so that we could be assured of a decent tip for the service that we provide.  I have been in the food-service industry for many years and have never worked for anyone who cares about what their wait-staff is making for tips.  The owners are not benefiting from the auto-gratuity at all. 

One must realize that this is a fine dining restaurant.  It is also by far the cleanest restaurant I have ever worked in.  The wait staff is instructed by our manager that we are to give the customer service that is over and above the 16% that is included.  The food is the best Italian cuisine that anyone could ask for.  Most people who have the pleasure of dining with us think that we truly deserve the gratuity that is included and have left additional because of the outstanding service they were given. 

I recently had breakfast at the Flamingo's Cafe on Duval Street.  Bacon and eggs, toast and coffee and the service was less than acceptable.  There was an 18% gratuity added to our check.  This was for bacon and eggs.  We certainly didn't think they were deserving of the auto-gratuity. Buon Appetti!

All I can say is vote early and as often as you can.