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Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. Merry and a very Blessed Christmas to all. 

Dear Sewer People, I have an idea for you. Since I will not give you an eternal easement on my property why don’t you just place them in the street? You can dig up the roads, already owned by the county and repair them all that you want. Than you can connect them to your power source. That way you can pay for the engineering, upkeep and all associated costs. This would make it cheaper for you to replace them when they break down and it would mean that you would not have to enter my property. Just imagine, your equipment, your permits, your access to the pumps, all without intrusion to private property.

It is too bad that what you fail to understand is why people are so adamant against your proposals. I mean who wouldn’t like to be told that we (the sewer control board) are going to drop your large machine in the front yard of a house and that from then on the property owner is responsible for everything. Engineering of placement, labor for the placement and hook-up of the home waste water to the grinder pump. The property owner is also responsible for hooking up the 220V power to his electrical service, and paying for it. As an added benefit the sewer board now has eternal rights to enter your property for whatever reason they want. How could property owners not like a scheme such as that?

I also realize that as a taxpayer the monies will, in the long run, come from me. I also know that as a taxpayer and citizen I not only have the right to complain but a duty to do so if I feel that an injustice is being done.

Thank you and remember gravity will never be repealed or run out of power. 

[Spies like US] NSA pays security company RSA $10 million to use backdoored encryption standard used in many software products. No wonder hackers get in so easily. Link 

Southernmost Coconut Castaways Christmas Jump Up photos. Crowd showing up, Howard Livingston and Rusty Hodgdon, Rich and Eileen Dugan, Wendy and Kevin Piper

The event was held at Pincher’s Crabshack, the official Friend Club of Howard Livingston & the MM24 Band, annual Holiday Jump Up celebration and Gift Drive for Wesley House Family Services.

[Missing Post] Composting toilet/FKAA comment posted on Friday. We sent a comment in about our experiences here in the Lower Keys with water flush composting toilets and some other information based upon our own experiences dealing with the County of Monroe, and the Department of Health. Didn’t see it published today (Sunday). We sent it to this address. Do you recall seeing it? Where did it go? 

[Aerial Saw Trimming] Just what we need to trim trees on our canals. Video 

Those County masters know that you relatively few voting citizens who are protesting being stuck with grinder pumps are inevitably going to run out of steam and fade away, and that nobody else really cares what happens to you.  They have forgotten that one of the precepts of our style of government in this country is that they are bound to protect the innocent  minority from the majority when it becomes necessary.  You have my sympathy.

[Big Pine Post Office]  I have never had anything but excellent and courteous service from the staff at our Big Pine Post Office.  On more than one occasion they have assisted me with packaging and advice about the most economical and fastest way to send a certified letter or an insured package.  My letter carrier has never failed to deliver my mail or pick-up outgoing mail when I have the flag up on my mail box.  I’ve never had a letter or package lost or delayed for delivery. Yes, sometimes they are very busy; especially this time of year. But, given the volume of mail they deal with and, perhaps some normally cranky people, (probably snowbirds from New York or Jersey), they do a great job. Keep in mind that once your letter or package is accepted at the counter it is, at that point, out of their control and in the “system.”  Still, I have no problem with the USPS.  They have always done a great job for me.

[“Are there really that many poverty stricken kids down here”] Yes and they live with poverty everyday in their lives. I know for a fact, because I’ve delivered them, the Toys for Tots collected by the Marines, firefighters, realtors, etc go to needy families in the Keys and they are greatly appreciated. I’ve seen their smiles.

I also would urge folks to donate to the local food banks as they are usually in need every week. The SNAP program just went through major funding cuts which resulted in a greater strain on the supply in the food banks, so there’s always room for a donation.

 Contact Us. Send us your comments and attach any stuff you want published to this email.    

Thanks for your concern regarding the 30 day rental issue, but what I had stated is: “Had we had something with teeth in it (a noise ordinance) on the books we might not of had to cut our nose off to spite our face, with the rental issue of the 30 day rental ordinance, that has killed the income of the lower Keys. When I call the sheriffs office and animal control and I get no satisfaction …” The people have spoken and I respect that, but I also understood the multiplier effect that their money brought. You have to admit we have very few reasons if any to have people stop in the Cudjoe Waste area and spend their money to support those of us that work here. We are self sustaining and that is not always a bad thing.

What I was referring to was a noise ordinance that has teeth, as I really needed one this weekend and yet no real help from the Sheriffs office or animal control. So I will be following up on that with both agencies as what I really received was a pass the buck type of situation. 

Phil and his ignorant family from Duck Dynasty get destroyed and exposed for the fakes they are. How gullible are you people to fall for this crap? This video has pictures of the real duck dynasty family. Called out as fakes. Since I first viewed this on Friday it has grown from 400,000 views to over 932,000. Video

Grinder pump options during power failures, day or night.
1. Immediately take maximum dose of Kaopectate or Immodium or insert large cork
2. Place cotton in both nostrils and put a clothespin over your nose
3. Dig a hole in the cap rock and cover with a toilet seat
4. Call your representative who strongly “stands by the system” and ask to temporarily swap houses
5. Quickly drive to nearest open business serviced by a gravity sewer before a long line forms at the restroom. Shameless investors who arrived early will “scalp” (sell])their place in line at an inflated price to the most desperate.

I would love to hear other viable options from CT readers. 

Capt Steve Lamp you are a wise man. I hate Christmas. The fake people the charities that give 10 cents on the dollar of what they take in. The mass commercialism and all the other BS that goes into this holiday.

I recently hired a really great kid and his girl friend who came to the Keys on a hope and a prayer. The kid is the best hardest worker I have ever employed. He already has 2 jobs his girlfriend has 2 jobs also. Plus she offers to help out whenever she is available. My wife and I have been helping them and are letting them stay with us until they are on their feet. Steve mentioned what a great Christmas story that was. I never even thought about it until he mentioned it. That’s the stuff Christmas is about. Not new toys we cant afford. Steve and Dreamcatcher, you guys rock! Merry Christmas.

Far be it for us to judge who is needy and who is not. For those of us who have been there and risen from the ashes, we know the importance of giving, especially at this time of year. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

On the first day of Christmas, Mother Nature sent to me
A Peacock in a Pine Tree
On the second day of Christmas, Mother Nature sent to me
2 Gators at the Blue Hole
and a Peacock in a Pine Tree
On the third day of Christmas, Mother Nature sent to me
3 elusive Marsh Rabbits
2 Gators at the Blue Hole
and a Peacock in a Pine Tree
On the fourth day of Christmas, Mother Nature sent to me
4 Swallowtail Butterflies
3 elusive Marsh Rabbits
2 Gators at the Blue Hole
and a Peacock in a Pine Tree
On the fifth day of Christmas, Mother Nature sent to me
5 Silver Rice Rats
4 Swallowtail Butterflies
3 elusive Marsh Rabbits
2 Gators at the Blue Hole
and a Peacock in a Pine Tree
On the sixth day of Christmas, Mother Nature sent to me
6 Osprey and Harriets
5 Silver Rice Rats
4 Swallowtail Butterflies
3 elusive Marsh Rabbits
2 Gators at the Blue Hole
and a Peacock in a Pine Tree
On the seventh day of Christmas, Mother Nature sent to me
7 Dolphins diving
6 Osprey and Harriets
5 Silver Rice Rats
4 Swallowtail Butterflies
3 elusive Marsh Rabbits
2 Gators at the Blue Hole
and a Peacock in a Pine Tree
On the eighth day of Christmas, Mother Nature sent to me
8 Manatees swimming
7 Dolphins diving
6 Osprey and Harriets
5 Silver Rice Rats
4 Swallowtail Butterflies
3 elusive Marsh Rabbits
2 Gators at the Blue Hole
and a Peacock in a Pine Tree
On the ninth day of Christmas, Mother Nature sent to me
9 Does a Dancing
8 Manatees mooning
7 Dolphins diving
6 Osprey and Harriets
5 Silver Rice Rats
4 Swallowtail Butterflies
3 elusive Marsh Rabbits
2 Gators at the Blue Hole
and a Peacock in a Pine Tree
On the tenth day of Christmas, Mother Nature sent to me
10 Crabby Stone Crabs
9 Does a Dancing
8 Manatees mooning
7 Dolphins diving
6 Osprey and Harriets
5 Silver Rice Rats
4 Swallowtail Butterflies
3 elusive Marsh Rabbits
2 Gators at the Blue Hole

and a Peacock in a Pine Tree 

Adoption of the Justice Safety Valve Act of 2013 is a modest and feasible alternative that would prevent mandatory minimum sentences from being imposed in cases in which they overstate the offender’s culpability and are not necessary to protect the public.

Some of the crap that Keys’ locals are busted on are non violent and the public doesn’t need to be protected so keep them out of prison. Give them a work detail.

Santa would need 12 million people working for him to make sure all of his presents are delivered on Christmas without using magic.

[“Why is the USPS losing money”] The short answer here is our do nothing Congress. They have controlling oversight of USPS but refuse (pick a congressman’s reason) to allow the USPS to streamline, cut costs, eliminate delivery days and control retirement, pension and future medical costs.

Here is a post from Postmaster General Donohue testifying before Congress in April of this year: You still want mail? better write your Congressman sooner than later. The alternative is a $4 first class stamp to fund the required retirement and healthcare funds 75 years in the future as dictated by your Congress. Our financial problems are due to the restrictive laws that prevent us from fully responding to changes in consumer behavior. The USPS is operating with a broken business model. Despite a growing customer base, the Postal Service lost $1.3 billion in the last three months of 2012 alone. The USPS has made attempts to revise its business model. In February, the government agency announced it would cut mail delivery on Saturdays to cut losses. Our financial condition is urgent, Donahoe said at the time. The idea, however, was abandoned earlier this month after it failed to garner congressional approval. If you don’t believe this horror story Google it and read the results – it’s another sad day for our Republic and another as expected day for our useless Congress.

Monroe County Sanitary Wastewater Master Plan Page 3-28. Vacuum sewers are the best method and the least expensive too for lower Keys and definitely best ecological plan, so why grinders? Monroe County Sanitary Wastewater Master Plan page 3-28,3.8.1 Collection System Construction, Cost Estimates

Total annual collection system costs per EDU within the study areas ranged from $154 on Windley Key (Study Area 18) to $1,595 for Ocean Reef Club (Study Area27), where houses are relatively far apart. Densely populated areas typically cost less per EDU to sewer than less densely populated areas, but costs were highly site specific. As shown in Exhibits 3-37 and 3-38, vacuum collection was typically the most cost-effective collection alternative when the number of EDUs being collected was more than about 350. In 22 of the 27 study areas, vacuum collection was the lowest cost alternative for serving the entire study area.

Technical Memorandum No. 6 in Volume 4, Supporting Documents of this Master Plan, provides a detailed discussion, evaluation, and cost estimates for the collection system alternatives Besides being the most cost-effective collection system alternative, vacuum sewer systems offer the following additional benefits:
• No electrical power is required at each home or vacuum valve
• Wastewater collection service is maintained during short-term or long term utility power outages. A Monroe County Sanitary Wastewater Master Plan standby generator that will automatically generate power if there is a loss of utility power will be provided at each vacuum station.
• Air drawn into the vacuum system with the sewage will help to keep the sewage fresh, and thus will help to eliminate odors.

Remember when the pipe leaks and according to the Monroe County Master Plan all pipes leak, the pressure grinders will force raw sewage into our water table. Worse scenario than septic tanks and more expensive too. Could the grinders be a way to save FKAA money keep the new sewage plant operation costs down, while increasing costs for homeowners and dumping raw sewage into our keys water table?

Monroe County Sanitary Wastewater Master Plan,Page 3-30.For various reasons, such as age and weather, older sewer systems are never completely watertight. Ground and surface waters can enter the sewer system, and create operating challenges for a wastewater treatment system. Inflow is the term used to describe water that enters a sewer system from above ground or storm drains. Infiltration is the term used to describe water that enters the sewer system from below ground. The amount of infiltration and inflow (I/I) depends on Planning for a Better Environment the amount of rain and the number and size of cracks, holes, and leaky joints in the piping system. When it rains, large volumes of I/I can enter the sewer system and can disrupt normal plant operations, and lower operating treatment efficiency. Treating the extra water is expensive, because more capacity is needed at the plant to handle the additional flows to the plant. Exhibit 3-39 illustrates the I/I phenomenon. Read it and weep. Link 

Earlier this month Gallup reported that seventy-two percent of Americans say big government is a greater threat to the U.S. in the future than is big business or big labor. That’s a record high in the nearly 50-year history of this question. It must be especially worrisome for our Democrat friends to learn that a majority of Democrats also hold that view. Even more worrisome must be the fact that 71% of Independents also see big government as a huge threat to our nation. Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans can win elections without the support of Independents. Can anyone argue that big government is at the very heart of Democrat philosophy?

If you worry about the track that our government is on, you are not alone, you are in good company.

Certainly there can be no surprise at Gallup’s findings. We’ve endured Democrat governance since 2007. It’s incredible but there are more than a million and a half fewer people with jobs now than there were the Dems took over Congress in January of 2007. That is particularly troubling when you realize that there are now more than two and half million more people in our work force than there were then.

There can be no doubt but that the recession  was the direct result of Democrat/Progressive/Liberal legislation and governance. But the recession  has now been officially over since June of 2009, and still there are a million eight hundred thousand fewer of us with jobs then there were at the beginning of the recession. I urge you to look it up for yourself at Team Obama’s Bureau of Labor Statistics: Link

We are still in this mess  in spite of the massive spending of the Democrats and their various failed stimulus schemes. This recovery is the longest and hardest since FDR, a Democrat, was president.

Just last week we learned that new unemployment claims had again risen. The Democrats bragged that we had created a wonderful number of new jobs in November.  But the fact is that if we continue to add jobs at the rate that we did in November, it will take us more than 5 years to bring us back to the number of employed persons at the beginning of the recession.

Since we’ve endured Democrat big government governance, the rich have gotten richer, the poor poorer, and the middle class has shrunk dramatically. It is tragic that the hardest hit Americans are the core constituency of Obama.   Black unemployment and underemployment is off the charts.  The unemployment rate for women has jumped from 3.9% at the beginning of the recession to 5.3% now.

It’s time for a change. Please send me your comments at 1776ftr@gmail.com