Letters to the editor with pictures since 0202. Published on Big Pine Key’s garbage days, Tuesdays and Fridays.
[Price Gauging] “Gouging” by Lower Keys gas stations hurts other businesses. If we drive to Marathon to fill up on $2.15 gasoline, rather than $2.69 (or higher) at Big Pine, Ramrod, or Summerland Keys, we’ll likely shop in Marathon, too. Home Depot reaps the extra cash, rather than our own lumber yard or hardware stores. Publix gets grocery dollars that otherwise might go to Winn Dixie. The K-Mart and Dollar Tree have offerings that compete with our local gift shops. It goes on and on. Maybe the local businesses or the Chamber of Commerce should ‘splain it to the gouging gas stations. |
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| [Crappy Contractor] Who was responsible for hiring C & R Milling & Paving? FDOT must really hate the Florida Keys. We get the worst possible road crews in the nation. Night work for repairing US1 on Summerland Key is 1/3 finished. They think they’re done, as the white and yellow lines are already painted. Rather than resurface the road, they only paint a little black asphalt over the top of all the broken, bumpy roadway that we’ve dealt with for years. The only smooth area is the North lane directly off the bridge between Ramrod and Summerland. Inexcusable. |
 [Modern Education] I got an uninvited email from the “Manward Digest” today entitled “The Inmates are Running the Asylum”. Manward usually has some interesting information, so I have not blocked it… yet. Today’s edition gripes about a new Gillette razor ad that basically suggests that all men are jerks and should be. More inaccurate stereotyping is no surprise, but what I found interesting was some of the college classes now offered. To quote the Andy Manward blog: “The ad agency probably tapped the brain of a young and eager kid fresh out of our nation’s oh-so-skewed system of higher education. He likely just wrapped up his studies in classes like these (all are real courses):Science After Feminism (Princeton) We’re All A Little Crazy: Gender, Madness, & Popular Culture (Indiana University) Rednecks, Queers, and Country Music (University of Michigan) Medieval Sexuality (Northwestern University). After four years of that sort of indoctrination, the poor boy doesn’t know any better. Manward has a point. I wonder if these courses count towards your engineering degree? |
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 [Government Shutdown Help] United Way of the Florida Keys and the network of local nonprofits they support throughout Monroe County are once again responding to the community’s needs and have begun assisting furloughed federal workers and others impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. “We want everyone to know that local resources are available to assist individuals and families during this uncertain time,” said Leah Stockton, President/CEO of United Way of the Florida Keys. “For some people, this may be the first time they have ever needed to ask for assistance, but please know that we are here, willing to help, and are honored to serve those who serve our country.” Link |
| [“Crow cross”] They are cows forming a cross for Heaven’s sake. Not crows! |
 [USPS Informed Delivery] This is awesome! It shows your mail enroute. We have another awful letter carrier. For two years she would prop our mail inside the lip on the Fort Knox security mailbox. After complaining loudly and threatening a lawsuit, this angry black woman, with her hair pulled back too tight, now inserts the mail completely. And if she misses a piece, simply click on the box that says it did not arrive. It is amazing how much a mean letter carrier can mess with you. They can “lose” an important bill and unless you have them written down, (I do) you can miss paying a timely invoice. This tool watches their ass. When you sign up for this, make sure that you go in to the settings and turn on the e-mail and text notifications. Link |
| Christmas Ice Carousel. Video |
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| I’m at the age where an “all-nighter” just means I didn’t have to get up to pee |
 [Inconsiderate Moose] I am a Moose. I enjoy the native people as well as the amazing variety of other Americans who frequent the club. Last Saturday I was enjoying the hamburger and beer social event with friends sitting under the new Moose tiki hut. Some inconsiderate goon showed up with his slobbering boxer who barked about half the time he was there; and slobbered the whole time. The barking was so constant it overruled a lot of conversation. Does a person who pulls this kind of crap not realize that he is imposing and inconsiderate or does he just not care? Could he really not go to lunch without taking his damn dog? I guess I’m missing a gene. |
| [Shut Down] Approximately, 150,000 government employed veterans are affected by shutdown. Six of the largest veterans groups call for an end to the stalemate that has led to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Support our troops not politics! Link |
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 The Florida Keys Southernmost Car Club holds its first 2019 monthly SHOW & SHINE Sunday, January 20th, Noon to 3pm. This event is for the lovers of classic, custom, and street rod automobiles of all years and makes. Fords, Chevys, trucks, ratrods, lowriders, and chrome loaded motorcycles. If it’s cool and on wheels it will be here!
This fun afternoon event is free to all, and continues at the Sugarloaf Lodge, on Sugarloaf Key MM17. Prizes, good food and cold beverages are available. The Club’s sound system will provide 50’s and 60’s music. Bring the kids to enjoy these beautiful relics of the auto world. Club members are seeking new members for a full schedule of shows & events. Join Sunday and get the Club Shirt and sticker. For more information contact Dick Moody 305-942-1758 |
| [KOA Rebuilding] I hear they are rebuilding but it’s a hotel with 145 rooms and some high-end camping like Blue Water Resort. Did I miss this news in the paper? How does this get approved? Just because they have the ROGO points doesn’t mean they can change usage |
 The Oxford Dictionary defines Liberty as: “The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views.”Do you believe you have true liberty in today’s America or today’s world? If so, maybe you are just not paying attention. As just one example: Did you want to repair your home damaged by Irma, but Monroe County told you the repair bill exceeded 50% of the building’s assessed value, so you would have to destroy your home and become homeless while continuing to pay off a $200,000 mortgage? Thomas Paine, who emigrated to “The Colonies” with the help of Benjamin Franklin in 1774, wrote that he “found the disposition of the people such, that they might have been led by a thread and governed by a reed.” Not much has changed. Maybe it’s the fluoride FKAA adds to the water. Nazi’s added it to concentration camp water as a pacification med and the new Nazis, possibly with the help of fluoride, have successfully been FKAAing us since. |
| [Laser Bad] Man pointed a laser at a Coast Guard helicopter, feds say. That’s a federal crime. Link |
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| [The Wall] $5.7 billion to build a roughly 230-mile long segment of a U.S.-Mexico border wall. That’s roughly $24 million per mile, and roughly $4,500 per foot! There’s a real price and then there’s the government price. That’s the same government that gave us a $900 toilet seat and the $400 hammer. |
 Saturday, January 26 / Sunday, January 27 “Saving Sea Turtles” A Turtle Hospital presentation. Join us for a film narrated by Dr. Sylvia Earle about heroism and the circle of life. This feature-length independent documentary tells the larger natural history story of the world’s rarest sea turtle. Proceeds to benefit the Turtle Hospital. Advance tickets available at Link |
| [Foster Care Classes] Begin in Marathon January 30th. Every day in Florida children are removed from their homes because their parents are not able to provide the love and care they need – sometimes because they didn’t learn good parenting skills; sometimes because of substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence; sometimes because of all of the above. As a foster parent, you can give a child the love and security they need. You can play a significant role in helping families heal and reunite and, when that is not possible, you can help children transition to a new home and a new family. Wesley House Family Services is seeking nurturing families interested in providing a loving home to children who are in the foster care system. Classes begin January 30th in Marathon and are held each Wednesday night for six weeks.
To register or for more information call Megan Burgess at 305-809-5020 or e-mail at megan.burgess@wesleyhouse.org |
[Good Legal Advice] ‘Shut the f**k up Friday’. Never answer questions the cops ask. Video |
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| [Developers] Old Baltuff Dump, Middle Torch Key. Habitat for Humanity of Key West and the Lower Keys (HFH) will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at 3 pm at the Big Pine Key Library, 213 Key Deer Boulevard, Big Pine Key, FL 33043. The purpose of the meeting is to obtain public comment on HFH’s intent to submit an application for a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Cleanup Grant for the property known as the Old Baltuff Dump, Middle Torch Key Road, Middle Torch Key. Interested parties are encouraged to attend this meeting to provide comment. The initial draft of the proposed grant application, including a draft Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives, will be available for review and comment starting on January 16, 2019, by contacting Gregory Brown, HFH Executive Director, at the HFH Key West office, telephone (305) 294-9006, or email execdirector@habitatlowerkeys.org. Copies of the initial draft of the proposed grant application and the draft Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives will be available at the public meeting. |
[Blood Pressure] Almost everyone I know is on blood pressure pills. This is so sad & scary. Blood pressure drug recall: FDA investigates foreign plants that made drugs with cancer-causing impurities. The FDA increased inspections of foreign drug makers. Problems remain at Chinese and Indian plants that made blood pressure meds recalled for cancer risk. Link |
| You change the world, by being yourself. ~Yoko Ono |
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| [Mini Sense of Humor] No, it is not OK to shoot Ospreys. It is illegal whatever their status. Why write that? |
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| [“Marijuana monopoly”] In Florida this just verifies who has been selling the dope for years. Want a permit to sell? Forgetaboutit. |
 [Boating Safety Class] The US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 13-03, Big Pine Key, is offering a Boating Skills and Seamanship course February 19 thru March 7, 2019. It is a three week program Tue & Thu from 7:00 to 9:30 P.M. It will be held at the Big Pine Key United Methodist Church (Fellowship Hall), 280 Key Deer Blvd, Big Pine Key.
The cost of the program is $55 per person (materials included) or $80 for two people with shared materials. Scholarships are available to a high school student and parent. Topics include: Which Boat is for You, Required Boat Equipment, Operator Responsibilities, Rules of the Road, Handling Your Boat, Highway Signs, Introduction to Navigation, Navigation Exercise, A Look at the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Trailering, Boating Safety, Florida Law, Hands on Knot Tying, and a guest speaker from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. For more information, visit Our Web Site a0701303.wow.uscgaux.info and select “Boating Safety Classes” To sign up, contact Diane Adam 305-872-4071 auxclassreg@yahoo.com |
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[Winn Dixie] Weekly ad. Link |
| [Friday Joke] A little old lady, well into her eighties, slowly enters the front door of a sex shop. Very unstable on her feet, she wobbles the few feet across the store to the counter. Arriving at the counter and grabbing it for support, stuttering she asks the sales clerk, “Dddooo youuuu hhhave dddddiilllldosss?” The clerk, trying not to burst out laughing, replies, “Yes we do have dildos. Actually, we carry many different models.” The old lady then asks: “Dddddoooo yyyouuuu ccaarrryy aaa pppinkk onnee, tttenn inchessss lllong aaandd aabboutt ttwoo inchesss ththiickk… aaand rrunns by bbaatteries?” The clerk responds, “Yes we do.” She then asks, “Ddddooo yyoooouuuu kknnnoooww hhhowww tttooo tturrrnnn ttthe ssunoooffabbitch offffff?” |
[Manatees] Heads up and slow down in the Eden Pines canals. I have seen manatees swimming by several times in the last ten days or so |
| Socialism is when the State orders you to allow access to your extra bedroom to people that smell bad! |
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We need secure borders. We keep better track of our dairy cows than we do folks coming across our border. Stop the madness, secure our borders now! This is coming to a town or city near you. ~Coconuts Bar & Liquor Store, down town Big Pine Key. |
| [ByeBye] After having worked for The Johnsons Insurance Agency/Insurance Office of America for almost forty wonderful years, I am retiring from my insurance career. My last day of work will be Friday, February 1, 2019. Our Big Pine Key office will continue to serve any and all of your insurance needs. Debbie Friis-Pettitt and her team will provide the same excellent level of service for our clientele. It has truly been my joy and privilege to have worked with our wonderful clients throughout these many years. As I begin a new, exciting chapter in my life, I would like to say thank you to all of you for the kindness and respect you have shown me. Warm regards, ~Susan J Cherrybon |
How the Coriolis Effect works on water (not the magnetic field as the video says). Here’s a very interesting experiment performed for tourists in Tanzania. See how precisely the earth’s magnetic force works just few feet apart from the equator and on the equator. Video |
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