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Thursday January 31, 2008

[biggest fear about voting is getting trapped in the booth] My mother, who was a real character, got stuck in the booth once. It was on of those old fashioned kinds with a curtain that had to be opened by a large lever in the booth. Ma, not being mechanical, couldn’t figure out a simple lever and ended up crawling under the curtain to freedom and everyone else’s amusement.

[Strategy] Have you noticed that Winn Dixie, who is undergoing a multi million dollar redo, doesn’t have many 2 for 1s or other sales? I think this is to let us know how expensive food is; and then when they have their grand opening all the sales will reappear and we’ll all be so grateful for all the new low prices and the very popular 2 for 1s.

My most favorite icon is the save icon. It has “save” my butt so many times when I’ve been writing the great American novel and my computer screws up and I don’t lose all my work.

I see just now on the internet that John Edwards has announced he is withdrawing from the race. Now we are down to Obama. Clinton, Romney and McCain. Romney and McCain are out of the question for me and Hilary is too much like them on the war, leaving Obama unless someone else runs as third party. You accurately describe Mc Cain as learning absolutely nothing from the Vietnam experience. He is definitely a warmonger–and he believes what he says about that.

Hawkman is an old Alabama amigo. Hawks are his spirit totem. In 1972, he participated in full military dress in Dewey Canyon III, a week-long Vietnam Veterans Against the War demonstration in Washington, D.C.  This was when John Kerry testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This was the first time American vets opposed a war while American troops were still fighting in the war. In 2003, wearing his Vietnam ribbons, Hawkman marched in Washington D.C. with veterans and civilians against the Iraq War, which was one month old. In 2005, he marched in a similar demonstration in Atlanta. He often stood on street corners holding a “Peace” poster. He told me Vietnam Veterans against The War now mentors members of Iraq Veterans Against the Iraq War. He supported John Kerry in his bid for president, which I could not do, because Kerry started talking like he was more of a hawk than President Bush, in an effort to get the hawk votes. Kerry eventually disappointed Hawkman, too. GoodMorningKeyWest.com

The acting county administrator and the county staff clearly demonstrated that they believe in the "just us" system. They only care about themselves and their lucrative salaries and benefits packages. To all of the people who had their jobs eliminated, would you please contact me at golf12@earthlink.net

Chris Dean Blues Band will be performing tonight at Coconuts (MM30 at the light). This is a special performance and the only night Coconuts could book this great blues band.

There are, I think, many of us who would like to know Tina's condition and learn of any progress, but there are too many sources of disinformation here.  People mean well many times, but their sources are not always dependable.  If there is someone out there who is a reader and has true and reliable information I would like to be the first to know.

[Hate] Time is a perishable commodity.  Money cannot buy this or good health.  Energy spent hating and committing petty crimes against people whom you dislike could make you sicker.  Instead of putting forth so much effort into your hate campaigns perhaps you could change your tapes and simply ignore them and try to do productive, positive things in your lives and attempt to have some integrity.  Hate takes a lot of work and a different path could lead you to happiness and peace.

It’s getting easy to see that Americas have had enough of the neo-conservatives. Rudy got trashed and John McCain seems to be the man to beat. He is the most left leaning Republican that still has a chance. Hillary is getting ready to run away with the Democratic Party. I guess the independents, like me, are actually acting like a third viable party. If either person wins, moderates from both parties can celebrate. “Enough of the neo-cons” seems to be the way America is turning. It smells like victory. It’s time to regroup and regain our leadership of the free world.

Bashers of Republicans are a sorry lot, they screech and throw falsehoods like chimps toss crap in a zoo.  If they were to engage in just a little thought before tossing excrement, their message might have a smidgeon more weight.  Yesterday one poster whinnied that the illegals were crossing our borders at a higher rate than at any time in history.  The poster claims knowledge, yet shows us no proof of his claim.  Could his claim be pure political rhetoric?   Now, let’s consider what has happened to staunch the flow of illegals in the last 7 years. 

First, the old “Catch and Release” policy that began in an, ahem, previous administration, has been rescinded.  We’ve seen “Operation Jump Start”, a program whereby the National Guard provides assistance in patrolling the border in Texas, Arizona, California, and New Mexico, 6000 National Guardsmen were assigned.  Border Patrol increased the number of agents from 9,000 to 12,000, with an additional 6,000 requested.  Funding has been increased by 66%.  In excess of 6 million illegals have been apprehended and returned to Mexico. There have been many attempts to build fencing to enlarge on the existing 80 miles of (semi) secure fencing, but all attempts have been rebuffed by Congress.  Most importantly, there is a growing, already substantial body of anecdotal evidence that suggests that the numbers of illegal aliens are on the decline. There are claims that there are labor shortages.  

Let’s face it; Democrats do not want to have a secure southern border.  The Democrat establishment curries favor with the illegal alien populace. They want to spend our security and economy to buy the votes of the illegals, their families, and sympathizers   Please, please, someone challenge me on this, there is so much overwhelming evidence to support that charge that if I were a Democrat, I’d hide my head in shame.

I'm not sure why I did it.  I guess I was just bored.  By it was definitely 30 minutes of my life that I will never get back.  I actually took the time to scan over the internet sites created by our newest gang of three, otherwise known as the three S's (Sal, Sloan, and Sandy).  I am completely dumbfounded at what these people are claiming, some of which just can not possibly be true.  It always upsets me when people think they have it so bad here.  I guess you can't have a community without a few lunatics. 

This is chilling picture of a man with just seconds to live. 

["panic-buy" carrots] These people need a life and a job.

Spanish for your Nanny http://youtube.com/watch?v=5fda4_wo6JI

Pray for guidance and reserve your seat for the heavenly musical “Nunsense” by Dan Gogin.  This is Keys Kids 3^rd production of the season and opens Wednesday Feb. 6^th and runs until Sunday February 10^th at Key West High School (no performances on Saturday).  This comedy is in the skilled hands of Director Mimi McDonald, Musical Director Bruno Casolari and Choreographer Penny Leto.  Tickets can be purchased at Mac Arthur music 294-9329 and start at $10 with a discounted family ticket. For more information contact nora.revelin@keysschools.com or 509-1370. 

Bulletin Board

[lowering the house price also lowers their commission]  Why would any realtor agree to lowering their commission rate at the time of sale because their client will walk away with less profit due to a high mortgage payoff?  Where the justification that a realtor should share the loss? Why would any realtor lessen the high mortgage payoff burden for the seller when the realtor had no ownership interest in the property?  The realtor must be nuts to agree to this arrangement.   When a realtor lists a property with an ownership interest, their are FREC rules that govern what must be disclosed, and, Real Estate office's have their own policy addressing commission rates.   

A commission rate is negotiated prior to listing the property.  The Realtor Commission Rate is crystal clear in the listing agreement and is binding throughout the listing period.  A commission rate reduction must be clearly addressed in the listing agreement; if not the commission rate that is written in the listing agreement is binding.  When a price reduction occurs without a commission rate reduction agreement during the listing period, the commission rate written in the listing agreement prevails. You are confusing rate vs actual dollars.  

Educate yourself, read the FREC handbook (oops, do you even know who FREC is).

Does anyone in the lower Keys have any info on the sport of powered parachuting?  I've flown in the two seat version, and have begun to get an itch to try the backpack version.  I'm wondering if there is a club, or an instructor in the lower keys?  I'd appreciate any info. 

Hillary said she will bring the troops home within 60 days. She never said that! She said it would take till at least 2010.

[Investing and the stock market]  Check out the Motley Fool website  www.fool.com.  Don't let their name throw you, you can get good advice there.

Does your doctor charge any less for a physical where he finds something wrong with you than he does when he finds you are healthy?  Probably not.  Why would your realtor lower his commission when you lower your over-priced house and finally sell it.  Maybe if you weren't so ready the day you listed it you would have sold it months ago and saved a lot of tax, insurance and mortgage money.  Don't be greedy and you might sell it.

[Crispy French fries]  Try soaking them in ice water before frying.  Pat them dry then immediately fry.  I always fry mine at a little lower temperature then most people. 

I just read the sandyforsheriff.com website.  It sounds more like a kid running for class President than a professional running for Sheriff.

[Bush Sr.] You’re right about him raising taxes, but the worst thing he did was barter with the democrats who insisted on raising taxes in concession for things he wanted to pass. Then as soon as he gave them their tax increase, they turned around and said, “Read my lips.”

[Investing] The best book I ever read was "The Wall Street Journal Complete Money and Investing Guidebook” (The Wall Street Journal Guidebooks, Paperback) Available on Amazon for 10 bucks. Whatever you do, don't pay attention to anything regarding investing on this site.

Finally a clear, researched and accurate definition of the Federal Reserve. Be gone all you of the paranoid mindset. (I heard that JFK recently called about an RV space at Lucky's Landing.)

[Amendment 1 passed] This is not a good thing. In years to come, as less money comes into the county coffers, and that $246 saved is a faint memory, people are going to look around ask how did it get this bad? Now my landlord can claim homestead exemption on his rental properties, so his tax liability will not increase this year. Guess what, my rent is still going up $75 more a month.

Do you like real Piña Caldas?  Then you have to make them at home.  They help hot flashes!  In a blender add a bunch of ice, two shots of Bacardi rum, four ounces of Coco Lopez, four ounces of pineapple juice then blend, pour in to a pretty glass and garnish with a pineapple slice and a big straw.  A float of Meyers rum is optional and much fun if you're not driving.  If you want your favorite bar to make this, you may have to bring your own can of Coco Lopez as they serve a generic mix that sits in a tub for days and tastes awful. 

If you woke up today free to choose what you will have for breakfast, and where to eat it. If you spent most of the day working where you choose to work, doing what you wanted to do for your wages, or choosing to go work elsewhere. If you live in the Keys, or in New Jersey because you can. Be sure to thank our treasure of veterans, for without them you would not have those choices.

[Q-tips] There were none to be found. I was told they would be on the next truck. W/D is good at brain teasers; Q-tips are on the aisle with the band aids.  Otherwise W/D is looking good.

[The realtor lost $3,000] Here's the really sad part. The realtor didn't lose anything because it's not their investment. They just make a little less. Convincing you to lower your sale price helps them complete the sale and make a commission before your contract expires and someone else gets a crack at it. They win if they sell it, regardless of price. I agree with the homeowners. They’re the one who takes the big hit. Ouch is right!

I hope someone at Winn Dixie can explain why they are taking up so much room for wine.

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Has anyone heard of any of these stories?

Spooky Ghost Tales from Big Pine Key, Florida. This island appears like any other place in the States, but this town has scary mysteries concealed in the dark. Night is living-dead-time here. People who have never spent the night in this town will say to you it's lies, but seeing is believing and if you spend the night here in Big Pine Key, you may perhaps catch a glimpse of a phantom. These are some of the spooky things that have happened here recently.

The phantom of a man sporting a sheriff outfit has, every now and then, been seen striding through a Big Pine Key vicinity churchyard. One thing's for certain, this ghost undeniably is scary; one that should be avoided.

The phantom of an old guy with a huge white beard is, from time to time, spotted looking down by the water at Coupon Bight.

A lady with a sword sticking out of her head is rumored to have been witnessed on several instances pulling a cadaver across the dirt in Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve at midnight.

A medieval armor lacking a human inside can now and then be noticed pondering next to the water's edge at Long Beach. One of the local residents confidently says that this ghost enjoys startling unwise folks who come searching for ghosts in Big Pine Key.

The ghost of a female with a plastic bag strapped around her head has repeatedly been distinguished by The Grasses shuffling orbs around.

A big bloodcurdling spirit has been observed on a handful of instances appearing terrifying beside a deserted road near Big Pine Key around midnight. A number of the people here say this ghost may be the soul of a local resident who passed on here in Big Pine Key some decades ago.

The ghost of a tied up man may be distinguished repeatedly gazing irritably at the watcher in Friend Key Bank very late at night.

The phantom of a street bum is, every now and then, perceived standing by a wild road in the vicinity of Big Pine Key. In any case, this is a bad phantom that you’d rather not upset.

The ghost of a young lady covered in blood has allegedly been witnessed on a few instances flinging stones by Bahia Honda State Park. It has been said that this exact ghost is possibly the struggling ghost of a person who used to have a house here in Big Pine Key. Whatever people express, it unquestionably is a scary ghost that you wouldn't wish to bump into in the early morning hours before sunrise.

The ghost of an elderly hag can every so often be witnessed being carried by a bicycle on a dark road in the vicinity of Big Pine Key. One thing is for sure, this is an unsympathetic phantom that you shouldn't go looking for.

My God, you can really recreate history to meet your needs.  Bush Sr. did say "read my lips, no new taxes".  He said that while running for the presidency.  After he was elected, he reluctantly agreed, in an attempt to deal with a democratic congress, to raise taxes. You guys have packed that comment up his butt ever since. What it really proves to me is never trust a democrat.

[Federal Reserve] I thought that was a well laid out post. Getting to the basics of it without going thru pages and pages, made it concise and to the point. I don't know where the fellow is coming from that was asking the questions, so I won't attempt to go there. As to conspiracy theories, I think many people when they are young and  naive, morph into these ideas, but as we  get older and mature, most of us tend to cast off these childish views of the world and begin to recognize it as it really is.

Benedict Arnold set the standard for treason in America by consorting, plotting and scheming with and lending comfort to England. Rather than face the music, the hangman’s rope, he snuck out of America on a British naval vessel and moved to London.

It is not disputed by serious military historians that Franklin D. Roosevelt knew the Japanese fleet was headed toward Pearl Harbor and purposely delayed having that news sent to the U.S. Naval Base there because he wanted America to enter World War II and he correctly figured a sneak attack on Pearl bring that off. In substance, FDR, plain and simple, consorted, plotted, schemed and lent comfort to the enemy. In fact, he betrayed his own troops and country. Treason. He should have been hanged.

George W. Bush took America to war in Iraq over fabricated evidence furnished not by American intelligence agencies but by British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Intelligence of weapons of mass destruction America’s own intelligence agencies could not and would not confirm. Intelligence America’s own intelligence agencies doubted was accurate. All of which President Bush knew and went to war in Iraq anyway. Treason. He deserved to be hanged. He still deserves to be hanged. And his Vice President and Secretary of Defense. Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld. Hanged.
 
Amazingly, most Republicans still attempt to defend what they clearly know was and is treason. Even more amazingly, quite a few Democrats, including Hillary Clinton, still defend President Bush as well. So the question must be asked: What does it take for an American president to be tired and convicted of and hanged for treason? Would he be tried and convicted and hanged if he admitted on national television that it doesn’t matter that he went to war in Iraq over fabricated evidence because it was in America’s best interest? No, he would not be tried and convicted and hanged if he did that, because he already did it and he’s still alive.

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Thursday January 31, 2008

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Tuesday January 29, 2008

Vote today!  Polls open 7am - 7pm. 

You have to realize that even if you recently had an aerobic system installed, it will have to replaced or "upgraded" to meet the latest standards if sewers are not installed. I know this may shock some of you, but some of our county departments seem to be influenced by the companies that install these systems. The buzzwords they will use are "best practices."

[Yes on 1] The folks who earn their living off our taxes are the ones opposing Amendment One because they think it will impact their jobs. You will hear them talk about services being cut and people dying because of fewer police and firemen. These are the standard scare tactics used when tax reduction is mentioned. Here is the question I have: During the long period when real estate prices were going out of sight, and the tax revenues increased proportionately, what the hell did they do with all that windfall money? And why can't they live with a reduction? The bottom line is that the government will take and spend as much as you let them have.

[Animal shelter budget cuts] All three contractors for the animal shelters in the Keys had to cut $17,000 from their 2008 budgets.  We need to amend the budget, so that each shelter takes a certain percentage cut across the board.  Since the Key West Shelter (FKSPCA) gets the most money ($365,000), their budget should be cut $21,206.50.  SUFA (operating two shelters, Big Pine Key and Marathon) gets the least money, their budget should be cut by $14,408.80.  Key Largo (HACC) getting the second largest amount of money should take a $15,396.50 budget cut.   Let's not reward the highest bidder; they need to shoulder a proportionate share of the budget cutting.

[Toot-tone] An invention whose time has come. Video

You are misinformed about the additional homestead exemption.  Those who are homesteaded will continue to receive the 3% Save Our Homes cap on their taxes.  Those non-homesteaded people will receive the 10% cap.

How to tell if a Catholic is driving too fast.

[Relatively very few stocks traded on Wall Street pay dividends] Thank you Captain Obvious. The original "rant" was about the DJIA not all the stocks offered for sale.  The DJIA stocks do pay dividends.  For more information go here http://money.cnn.com/data/dow30/

If you want to gamble, go to a casino or buy a penny stock.  If you want to invest, do some research, buy quality and hold the stock for the long term.

I live near Paradise Petroleum and I have heard that low rumbling kind of noise too, for at least 2 years.  I have wondered what it is too.

[Animal shelters and the population they serve] The only real difference is in salaries. Key West salaries run around $275,000, nearly double that of anyone else. Their animal expenses are pretty much the same as the other shelters. So, how does population fit in?

[Federal Reserve] It is not Federal and has no Reserves. It is as federal as The Federal Tire Company. The US dollar used to be backed by the gold and silver in Fort Knox. Now it is backed by a bunch of greedy bankers who print it and lend it to the Government at rates that can never be paid back. They profit from every war this world has seen. The fleecing of America and anyone who thinks otherwise must be living under a rock. Our Founding Fathers knew the dangers of letting the federal reserve control America's money. Look what happened to Kennedy when he tried to stop the Federal Reserve!

To the person who posted doubting any of this, I’m sure you will be first in line to get your National Government ID Card so they can track your every movement, but that is sure to prevent the so called terrorist threats I’m sure you’re so scared of. This is the problem with America nowadays, too many sheeeple. Wake up people! Also isn’t it strange that Americans are 75% against the war in Iraq, but the 2 front runners are both pro war? There’s lots of money to be made in Iraq and Iran. For who? You guessed it, the Federal Reserve.

Two words on a Yankee Super Bowl: Who cares!

I went to the library to get a book on dyslexia. The librarian said there wasn't one. I said, “That’s okay, I couldn’t read it anyway.”

It is your policy to print the email address of anyone who attacks an individual personally on your pages.  I got to thinking that there are so many people that I would love to tell off, a bar manager; a restaurant owner, a local musician and a couple “everyday” people. I figure just publish my email address and let them guess who I am!  Submission Guide

Does anyone believe that Commissioner Spehar will own up and take the blame for her part of the County’s spending spree along with the other members of the "Gang of Three"?  She voted yes on Sinking of the Vandenberg, she voted yes on purchasing the Hickory House Restaurant (which the county still has not sold).  That amounts to $5.2 Million.  Employees of Monroe County, do you think you would be worried to death about keeping your job now, had Spehar voted no just on these two items?

In case anyone missed it, in Sunday's Citizen, Dixie Spehar is blaming all of the County's financial problems on the State's mandated cut in property taxes. It's never her fault.

Woman reunited with ring lost 67 years ago - Telegraph

I love when republicans like the Bush supporter yesterday whined about people seeing "evil behind every tree" yet they won’t mention that it was the republicans that "saw evil and WMDs in Iraq" when they didn’t exist. I guess to be a Republican you have to revise history to survive. I guess when they see evil it’s different.

[Key West Animal Shelter kills healthy animals]  Furthermore, if you look at their tax return (form 990/2006 latest I found), you'll see that they don't have any cremation fees, only “waste” fees.  If they euthanize by drugs, they cannot dispose of the bodies in trash, so what are they doing--freezing them? 

[Budget cuts]  According to Debbie Frederick, Acting County Administrator, each division in county government was requested to cut expenses by 19.5%.  So my question is, why doesn't the County Administrator, and the 6 county department heads, take a 19.5% cut in their salaries?  They sit back, fat and happy, and rich, and slash away at everyone else's jobs but not their own.  I say, get rid of the bums!

Doctors are calling for NHS treatment to be withheld from patients who are too old or who lead unhealthy lives. Smokers, heavy drinkers, the obese and the elderly should be barred from receiving some operations, according to doctors, with most saying the health service cannot afford to provide free care to everyone.

Pakistan - land of opportunity and cheap hard hats.

[Those of us who buy things, anything, pay taxes, not the rich] In reality this is not quite true. The rich who own any business, in fact anyone who owns any business should never pay any tax if they run that business correctly! Any capital in a business should be invested in that business and not left dormant. Buying supplies, maintenance, payroll, enlarging, etc are deductions. Any business must “zero” out at the end of the year or it is not run right. Only the employees do not have this advantage.

Do I have a dumb phone if the new cell phones are smart?

[Realtor tells you to lower the price of the house so it will sell but doesn't lower the commission]  Yes they do lower the commission.  It is 6% of the sale price.  If the price is lowered they get 6% of the lowered price.  If the house is over priced the seller or the realtor gets 0% because it won't sell.

[Wine and the economy]  This Big Pine booster has got to question the judgment and taste of anyone who thinks that Ft. Lauderdale, even with its “expansive wine market”, is “a city where taste for the finer things in life are quite obvious.”  WOW!  I must assume that this poster identifies fine wines and brie as being bedrock “finer things in life”.  I was born in Ft. Laud and spent the first 65 years of my life there.  Trust me, neither Ft Lauderdale nor its life style is worthy of emulation.

The very low-pitched humming sound you hear at night may be coming from the "poop plant", (sewer treatment unit)  over in Breezy Pines trailer park. I used to live there, and it makes a noise like that and turns on at intervals as you say.  It's directly across the road from Paradise Petroleum, and the sound carries at night.

All 3 democrat candidates will raise your taxes. Here’s the attribution.

John Edwards: 2/4/7 "Yes, we'll have to raise taxes," the former one-term senator from North Carolina and 2004 vice-presidential candidate said during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" yesterday”. 

Hillary Clinton: "I want to restore the tax rates that we had in the '90s," said the New York Democrat and former first lady” 12/13/07, Myrtle Beach S.C.

Barak Obama: Democrat Barack Obama said Sunday, 11/11/07, (on Meet the Press) that if elected he will push to increase the amount of income that currently is taxed to provide monthly Social Security benefits.”

There are plenty more to list but, c’mon folks; everybody is absolutely certain that if a Dem candidate is elected your taxes will get higher than Ross, the Intern’s, giggle.  Not just the “rich bastards”, but you and me.  Our poster pal fails to see the obvious, he acknowledges that the tax rebate proposal is sound fiscal policy, yet he endorses higher taxes.  That's a head scratcher.  Our poster pal says “Don’t get worked up into a tizzy”, he suggests that whoever gets elected will not materially change our world.  Horse shit!  If a democrat President is elected, take off your pink glasses, lick the brie from your fingers, put down your crystal stem ware, and get ready for nitty-gritty change. 

First: confiscatory higher taxes throughout the income spectrum. You probably won't be able to afford Chateau LaFleur Petrus any longer.  Second: Socialized medicine.  Third:  Because of continued inaction on Social Security reform, SS will collapse.  Fourth:  Lack of tort reform and increased governmental intervention will lead to even higher taxes to pay for stratospheric true health care costs.  Fifth:  Lack of American resolve and action will further empower Muslim fundamentalism.  Pakistan, and probably, Afghanistan will revert to Taliban rule.  European governments will falter into Muslim caused chaos.  Sixth:  Lack of resolve and action to secure our borders will create increasing disharmony in the American workplace as American citizens lose jobs to illegals, and the attendant costs further raise taxes.  Seventh:  Ah, that’s enough for now, but you get the picture!  No, my friends, I don’t believe that the sky is falling, we will endure.  Nonetheless, all of the foregoing are probable consequences of a Democrat President operating in conjunction with a Democrat controlled Congress.  That sad prospect rates a tizzy.

[County Attorney Suzanne Hutton requested the BOCC ask Rep. Saunders to put in the legislation that a “Plan for Dissolution” be furnished. This request fell on deft ears]  Deft (adjective) 1. quick and skillful; 2. clever.  Truer words were never written. Although I'm sure that's not what the poster intended to say. Ron Saunders's ears really are deft, consummate politician that he is.

The Kennedy’s have endorsed Barack Obama. Ted Kennedy said he is convinced that Obama will get universal healthcare for all. That’s something Ted has been working for most of his career.

New Arkansas state quarter.

My wife told me she wanted a divorce because she'd lost the tingle. I don't know what a tingle is, but it's equivalent to one house.

Only three more days to support Florida Keys Wildlife Rescue in their work to help wildlife of the Keys.  We can't win the contest, but your contribution will nevertheless help us help them.  Go to https://www.networkforgood.org/pca/MyPcas.aspx to donate.  Our wildlife thanks you.

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[French vintages which cannot be found in the keys]  The same wine distributors that are found in Ft Lauderdale also service the Keys. You can pretty much get everything found up there from them.  The exception would be if the store up there bought vintages and stored them and they are currently sold out through the distributor. 

Northern lights over Yellowknife Park and living in teepees at 37 below zero.

Is it true that people that get really big dogs do so because of some male, physical inadequacy?    Is it possible for a twenty year old to know everything? I am fifty something and I don't know everything. I must have missed a phase of my life.  I used to care but I have to admit, I cannot waste my time on morons anymore. Just stay the hell away from me and wander through the rest of your life and learn the hard way, just like the rest of us did.

Crane Point’s monthly Evening with the Stars program will be held Thursday, January 31th at 7:15 p.m. All attendees will meet at the main museum entrance and can either take a trolley ride to the observation point or walk with a guide. Evening with the Stars is facilitated by Dr. David Heeschen who holds a PhD in Astronomy from Harvard University.

Depending on the time of year observations may include double stars, galaxies, moon, planets and more. In case of overcast skies, Crane Point will place a notice on the Web site, www.cranepoint.net by 6 p.m. on the day of observation. Please call the office number below if you are concerned about the weather conditions for viewing.

Crane Point is located at MM 50, bayside across from the Kmart plaza. Please call (305) 743-3900 for more information. Price is $5 for nonmembers and free for members of Crane Point. Bulletin Board

[The term euthanasia] If the animal shelter was trying to hide the fact that they kill animals, why would they use a term that means the act of putting to death, painlessly, a person or animal suffering from an incurable disease or condition? If they were really trying to hide this wouldn't they use a word that doesn't mean death? What we can assume from your posting is that you do not know the meaning of the word and it confused you. The rest of the country that managed to pass a third grade level of English are quite aware what the shelter means.

[Anthrax scare] Who is this Chaney you are referring to?

Boy, is this cool! The screen saver shark (or any critter on the left you select) follows your mouse over any seascape (selected from the right) you like. http://www.sharkbreak.com/  

The worst part of the state of the union speech last night was having to watch that fat-assed Chicken Hawk Cheney sitting on his throne above the Congress while Bush droned on about nothing.  It's no wonder no republican candidate has sought their endorsement in the upcoming election.  Can you envision this?  “Mr. President, I do not seek, nor will I accept your endorsement for the office of president of the United States.”  These guys would be the kiss of death to any aspiring presidential candidate. 

[Where there's smoke there's fire] You are so right. With the new (fuse) running for Sheriff and Spehar (the match). Now that's a nuclear bomb.

After doing the math we've wondered for several years how any new business could make a go of it in the Keys.  The established businesses that had their property paid for before the speculation boom started could keep up because their overhead was low enough.  But how could anyone pay over a million dollars for a small business property  and then get any kind of return out of bar patrons and beachcombers?  A few we knew had "something going on the side", (use your imagination) that allowed them to stay afloat awhile, but the deck is stacked from the beginning.  "Do you know now how to leave the Keys with a small fortune? Arrive there with a big one." is really true.  Hopefully this recession and housing bust will end up making things a bit easier for new business people later on. Only time will tell.

Windows Vista modifications and how-toos! I suggest keeping this link for reference even if you don't own Vista because--you will!  http://www.howtogeek.com/tag/windows-vista/

Marine Mammal Conservancy, a non-profit all volunteer organization that rescues stranded and injured dolphins and whales in the Florida Keys, is having a fund-raising yard sale February 9 at 7:00 am at MM102 (behind the Bellsouth tower). If anyone is interested in donating items, please contact me at 305-304-5530 or email me at islandmermaid1@bellsouth.net for pickup or drop off instructions.  Classified Ads > Yard Sales

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Tuesday January 29, 2008

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Monday January 28, 2008

When the anthrax scare hit Washington, Chaney wanted all Americans vaccinated, but after health officials convinced him how many how many people would die and how many debilitating infirmities inoculation would cause he reduced his demand to 500,000 military and healthcare workers. By the time the vaccine was ready the anthrax threat had passed. Note: Chaney refused to have him or his family vaccinated.

[Amendment 1] What happens if we all get homestead exemptions like I think this amendment proposes? What’s the point of the exemption if it’s not really an exemption and actually a giant tax reduction for all home owners? Can the State afford to give every Floridian this reduction of taxes? Who will make up the difference? Will it be the poorer among us? There are so many questions I have about this amendment, but I can’t find an unbiased answer.

The free Health Fair is worth the price and little more. It is run by young, unlicensed students and your diagnosis is hit or miss. We went two years ago and it took five hours to get processed. My wife was told that her heart was a problem so she had to pay for a whole battery of tests with a real heart specialist in KW which costs her a small fortune. The results were negative. The doctor said she was misdiagnosed at the Fair. I was told my blood pressure was too high so I paid another KW doctor to tell me that it was fine. All, in all, it was not worth the time and trouble unless you don’t have any means to get regular professional care. You get what you pay for. You do indirectly pay for socialized medicine and that's fine with me.

Just a thought on how things have changed on Big Pine Key. The Sharecropper has done well over many years; The Glass Tiki burnt down and has never been replaced. It seems there is not enough business. The Baltimore Oyster House has been closed from a long time and looks like it has gone to seed. It has not been replaced, not enough business. Judd’s has had many owners and remains closed. The owner knows there is not enough business to warrant the investment in such an Iffy deal.

Then there's the old Dive-shop/laundry/Gangplank; it has remained closed and had more owners and or renters than I can remember. I must say that Walgreens and Publix's and the new Subway and Quiznos along with Winn Dixie's new drugstore should finish off the Mom & Pop stores for good.

This is not a very good report. Big Business and Government are the ones that seem to do best. As I recall Fish and Wildlife just had Jack Watson. That was it! I would like to know if any one has a real number or percentage of folks that are employed by state, local and Federal Government.

Well, enough of my dribble. Enjoy your day, it’s the only one you have.

The Seventh Annual No Name Race, 5K Run/Walk from the Old Wooden Bridge Fishing Camp on Big Pine Key takes place Saturday morning, Feb. 23. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit Monroe County Domestic Abuse Shelter, which serves clients from Key West to Key Largo. It is one of the most needed services in Monroe County, as domestic and emotional violence know no bounds -- gender, ethnic, economic or otherwise. Please support your local shelter of last resort.

To get a race brochure or registration form, go to www.domesticabuseshelter.org and click on Happenings.

According to Commissioner Dixie Spehar, Jerry Coleman is no longer going to be working for the County as a hired outside attorney for the Workforce Housing Task Force. Do we believe this?  Commissioner Dixie Spehar, where was your vote to can him back in February 07, when Commissioner Murphy tried to get rid of him and save taxpayers money?  Are you trying to now make amends for your re-election?  Voters will remember come election time on which side of the fence you were sitting.

Commissioner Spehar, talk to the employees who may lose their jobs, talk to the children who will lose a day at the library, talk to the people who depend on bus service to get to Doctor’s appointments, talk to the elderly who depend on Community services, they are voters too. Trying to blame the state for the cuts is not putting the blame where the blame belongs for our financial woes. The blame squarely belongs on former County Administrator, Tom Willi, and hearing him say countless times at BOCC meetings that he "can only do what 3 Commissioners allow me to do", spending money like water pouring out of a boot.   

Commissioner Spehar, you’re a day late and a dollar short.

How times have changed] Have you noticed that many new car commercials are focusing on what hi tech electronic devices their vehicles have instead of how good the vehicle is? Mp3 players, GPS, handless cell phones, rear view backup cameras, etc.

The level of paranoia is astounding around here.  This whole hacking issue is very comical to me because if this was an actual hacking, it was the most ineffective and innocent hacking I've ever seen.  And as for you Mrs. Downs, you can threaten lawsuits all you want. You do not scare me. I am a person who tells it like it is and does not fall for BS.

I'm sure some people are ignorant enough to fall for your lame excuses of how your family is so innocent, but I'm able to do the math.  And much of what you say does not calculate.  You see, I too know the law.  And I guarantee that I know it much better than you.

Perhaps you should read up on the First Amendment a little.  And as for slander, it's only slander if there's no truth in it.  You and I both know you are a liar. ~govwatch2007@yahoo.com

The Freaking Brothers. Look ma, no hands! Video

[Plan for dissolution of the Village of Islamorada, by Robert Page] At the Monroe BOCC meeting on January 25, 2008, the commissioners were spending the day, discussing the budget crisis, and how to cut back expenses to solve the shortfall in revenue.  Representative Ron Saunders put on the agenda, the issue of Unincorporation of the Village of Islamorada and City of Marathon. Rep. Saunders wanted to hear from the elected officials, that they could absorb the two municipalities, if the taxpayers voted to abolish the local governments.  All five elected officials said that was up to the voters to resolve that issue and if it happened, they would deal with the issue then.  After the vote to stay mum on the issue, county attorney Suzanne Hutton requested the BOCC ask Rep. Saunders to put in the legislation that a “Plan for Dissolution” be furnished.  This request fell on deft ears.  This was a most important issue and not something to be left for a last minute plan to be developed.  This plan for Dissolution is something the county should be responsible for and not the Legislature or the Village which is the target