Since 2002. Published Weekly
| Submit anything of a positive nature, but no national politics or sewer stuff unless it’s breakthrough stuff to island@bigpinekey.com (Ed: Although all advertisers’ contracts have expired I’m still going to display their ads for free until they get used to the new CT. Hopefully they will all want to keep advertising.) |
 Is this a pinfish or ballyhoo? Or are they one and the same? It was about a foot long. |
| This Week at Springer’s Bar & Grill Wednesday 7pm: Cornhole League starts. Come in and sign up for another season of fun. Thursday 6pm: Bike Night with Live Blues Music by Myles Mancuso Saturday 7pm: Cornhole Tournament. Y’all come down and see us! |
 [Casting Call] My name is Linda Latortue and I work in Casting for Left/Right TV, a television production company based in NYC. We have produced a variety of television programs including the popular HGTV series: Caribbean Life, Hawaii Life, and most recently, Island Life. I am reaching out to you because we are interested finding the next hit series in the Keys and we’d appreciate ‘s help getting the word out to those that might be a good fit.Keeping in the spirit of gorgeous properties and locations, we’re currently searching for energetic, vibrant duos (couples, relatives, best friends) who build, renovate, or design homes, home furnishings or anything in between in gorgeous neighborhoods. We’re looking for hands-on folks – people who are involved in the whole process and love to get their hands dirty. We just don’t want investors, we want people also passionate about doing the work, whether it’s building, remodeling, designing or all of the above! We’re looking for people of all specialties who are obsessed with home design. Whether they’re the local home style gurus, star contracting duos or furniture remodelers. We want to feature neighborhoods with unique quirks and characteristics. Potential candidates can be seasoned or just starting out in the industry but all must must be vivacious, relatable, and comfortable on-camera.I would very much appreciate any help spreading the word among your local network so that we are able to find most talented representatives for the show. I have included our general casting posting below. We would appreciate if your organization can circulate it to the local contacts, businesses or associations that might be able to connect us with the right talent for this project. Please let me know if this is a possibility.Additionally, I’d love to brainstorm about anyone you think might be a great fit for this project. I’d be happy to explain our criteria and the show process. I can be reached at (212) 695-2092. RealEstateTVCasting@gmail.com |
 [Everyone Loves A dictator] Cuban President Batista vacationed in Daytona with his wife and children. The city celebrated him with a parade and declared it Batista Day on March 24, 1956. Batista rode in an open air convertible with Mayor Frank Morrison, waved to crowds lining the street and later spoke at a reception with a U.S. senator. In the same parade, a group of students from the University of Havana held up a banner that said, “Batista — Dictator,” that was later confiscated by a Volusia County Sheriff’s deputy [in the days before freedom of speech].No one wanted him to come back as President of Cuba, but he forced himself back into the country,” Jones said of Batista’s military coup. He overthrew the government; put a lot of thugs in power. Literally, the brutality turned everyone against him. Money and power make people more accepting and Batista had both. The corruption and violence of his government was far away. Batista’s embrace of Daytona Beach made locals feel special about their community. |
| TV88 Today with Josie Koler. Live daily morning show premiers July 1st. Promo |
 Finally a computer setting I understand. |
| [Life is a breeze in the Florida Keys] A pretty wife on the back of the motorcycle a nice breeze, full bellies from a tasty light dinner and a long island road to ride down with no traffic. Damn, life is good |
 This storm shelter pops out of the ground due to heavy rains. (I know, I’m sick, this struck me as so funny!) Video |
| [Big Pile Key] Seeking to contact professor with Nova University known as ‘Doc Research’ who lives in Big Pile Key. ~Dr. Allan Austin, Corona del Mar, California |
 What kind of tweety bird is this? |
| [“Prima Donna Dentist. Don’t you dentist fans out there dare to tell me how good he is. I’m not writing about his skill, just his arrogance, snobbery and conceit.”] I’d like to know the rest of the story! Did this “would be patient” who can afford it demand what and where and how his dental work be performed?This is a vicious attack of our fine dentist. My first experience in making an appointment was a dire emergency a few years ago. When I telephoned, the kind voice on the phone asked which teeth were damaged, and how soon could I arrive at the dental office. Dr. Troxell performed wondrous work on my teeth. Everyone working for Dr. Troxell is part of a well-organized, caring team. I’ve returned for other dental work & cleaning. I’m so grateful that we have such a fine dentist, with a professional, caring dental staff on Big Pine Key. |
 Women of Algiers by Pablo Picasso just sold for $179,000,000! The most ever paid for a work of art. |
| I understand that I missed Mothers Day. That being said, it’s never to late to point out how special Mom’s are and the jobs they so willingly do.When the Good Lord was creating mothers, He was into His sixth day of “overtime” when the angel appeared and said. “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.” And God said, “Have you read the specs on this order?” She has to be completely washable, but not plastic. Have 180 moveable parts…all replaceable. Run on black coffee and leftovers. Have a lap that disappears when she stands up. A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair. And six pairs of hands.” The angel shook her head slowly and said. “Six pairs of hands…. no way.” It’s not the hands that are causing me problems,” God remarked, “it’s the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have.” That’s on the standard model?” asked the angel. God nodded. One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, ‘What are you kids doing in there?’ when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn’t but what she has to know, and of course the ones here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up and say. ‘I understand and I love you’ without so much as uttering a word.” God,” said the angel touching his sleeve gently, “Get some rest tomorrow….” I can’t,” said God, “I’m so close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick…can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger…and can get a nine year old to stand under a shower.” The angel circled the model of a mother very slowly. “It’s too soft,” she sighed. But tough!” said God excitedly. “You can imagine what this mother can do or endure.” Can it think?” Not only can it think, but it can reason and compromise,” said the Creator. Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.” It’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.” What’s it for?” It’s for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness, and pride.” You are a genius, ” said the angel. Somberly, God said, “I didn’t put it there.” |
 220 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine in the last year while President Putin denies Russian troops are in Ukraine. Maybe they were there on vacation? Hmmm? |
| I agree with the poster’s description as a tooth mechanic, although I usually think of them as a skilled carpenter. An overpaid skilled carpenter at 200-300+k per year. The problem is supply and demand. We need more dental schools in America. A president who was fiscally minded would create a plan. Here is mine, create a large and respected dental school in the military. Train the dentist and “Indenture” them to so many years of service. This would benefit our military personnel and eventually the general public. I have an appointment for next week. For 1 hour of work, I will have to give up $2100. Now that is too high a tax to pay for a “tooth mechanic”. |
 Benefit for Mary Ann Rockett at Coconuts, Sunday May 24, 5-9pm |
| [Optimist] Reno woman ready for permanent move to Mars. Video |
 March Against Monsanto – Earth Awareness Day – The Year of the Soil. It’s that time of year again. Link |
| [Como Ter Um Bom Dia – Gratidão] Take time to watch this video. It will lighten your heart & refresh your soul. Video |
 Internet protection. |
| And this weeks Darwin Awards go to… Video |
 I told our Orchid Society president & resident expert about the worm vine vanilla orchid spotted on Big Pine Key. He said it’s very rare to see it bloom & that I should try to get some good pictures. That may be difficult because I read that they open at night & close by noon. I wonder who is standing around waiting to pollinate it? Probably a moth during the night, but I haven’t been able to find anything. Usually night pollinated flowers are white, but since the vanilla isn’t white, it probably has a strong fragrance. Here is the link to your orchid. It’s on Jay Pfahl’s Orchid Species website. Link |
| The Mom Song with lyrics. Video |
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| NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary welcomes Looe Key Reef Resort and Dive Center of Ramrod Key, Fla. as the newest participant in the Sanctuary’s Blue Star education and conservation program.The Blue Star program has grown to include 17 operators since it was first initiated in 2009. The program recognizes charter companies that commit to training snorkelers and divers in low impact practices, or “reef etiquette.” Research has shown that educated snorkelers and divers have less of an impact on marine ecosystems, because they do a better job of avoiding damaging contact with corals and other marine life |
 [Parking Etiquette] Warning to local motorists to watch out for this driver. Donned with Coexist and One Human Family bumper stickers, this lady took getting friendly a bit too far. She must have wanted her red Ford Ranger to mate with my little SUV. In a close-to-empty parking lot, she parked in half of the space I already occupied. I had to climb in through the passenger door over the console and I’m getting far too old to do that easily. And I know it was a “she” as I saw her on the road the next day. Luckily I got by without a scratch. You might not be so lucky so watch out! |
| [Tesla Battery Technology] I say and continue to say, “what’s good for California, should stay in California”. What would one do if you are off the grid and then go, say five days without sun? I f you live in Syracuse NY, you are lucky to get 100 days of full sun. Admit it, there is limited application for the technology. |
 2003 Yamaha Four-Stroke 225 Hp Outboard Motor. Model F225TXRB. Extremely well maintained. Only 454 hours. Perfect working condition. Top performance. Good fuel economy, very quiet, powerful and clean. $8,000. REDUCED $6,950. REDUCED to $6950! Must sell to buy a bigger motor.Extras: Yamaha gauges. Tachometer and multi-function gauge (new in 2012) Helm control (new in 2012) Control cables (new in 2012) Key switch (new in 2012) Wiring harness (new in 2012) Clymer repair manual The motor is on a 21.6′ bayboat and can be tested from the Little Torch Key boat ramp. Link |
| [Parrotfish Key to Reef Survival] Most Caribbean coral reefs will disappear in 20 years if we don’t restore the population of fish that eat seaweed. That’s because Caribbean reefs are gradually getting smothered by algae, according a new report, Status and Trends of Caribbean Coral Reefs: 1970-2012. The report reveals a more than 50 percent decline in living corals throughout the Caribbean over the past half century. Report |
 The Associated Press reported that Google had notified California of three collisions involving its self-driving cars since September, when reporting all accidents became a legal requirement as part of the permits for the tests on public roads. The director of Google’s self-driving car project wrote that all 11 accidents were minor — “light damage, no injuries” — and happened over 1.7 million miles of testing, including nearly 1 million miles in self-driving mode. |
| [The Long Walk Home Veterans Project] May 14th will be Fr Tom Graf speaking about, “Relationships, Healthy and Unhealthy” 6pm at MM 97.671 OS Hwy.The Long Walk Home is a 501 (c) 3 organization devoted to empowering citizens with tools as well as the Veterans assisting in the transition to civilian life as well a building fitness facilities free for Veterans to help heal PTSD and TBI.Fr. Tom Graf is originally from The Bronx, NY. Grew up in the South Bronx, in an apartment building overlooking Yankee Stadium. Fr. Tom is currently the Rector at St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church in Islamorada, Fl. He is married to his beautiful wife Isabel and has three grown daughters, 3 grandchildren and a three year old Terrier Mix puppy. Fr. Tom has background in the following: New York City Cab Driver 5 years, Special Education Teacher: 5 years, Roman Catholic Priest (10 years), Director of Men’s Homeless Shelter 3 years, Director of Independent Living Program in Foster Care: 3 years, Director of Pastoral/Volunteer Services at Palmetto Hospital: 7 years, Chaplain in Hospital and Hospice: 10 years, Episcopal Priest; 3 years and Teacher of World Religion: 22 years. |
 People usually don’t use contractions when they’re lying. “I did not have sex with that woman” comes to mind. They also glance to their left and blink frequently.I wonder what would have happened if President Clinton had answered, “I did not have intercourse with Ms Lewinsky, but I’m obliged to her for the sex she did provide.” |
| A car stopped at a controversial pedestrian crosswalk at Mile Marker 99 on U.S. 1 was rear-ended by another car Friday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. |
 Termites left this pile of shed wings on my floor. I recon the little buggers are in my walls. |
| A woman saying “I’m not mad at you” is like a dentist saying “You won’t feel a thing.” |
 I don’t know if it was the rain early Tuesday morning, but the wild jasmine bloomed this morning. The fragrance is glorious! |
| Has anyone tried the new Cuban cafe that is where Missy & Joe’s/Evy’s used to be? |
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| Water bills in the Keys are between 30 and 40 dollars a month, but those in Detroit pay $150 a month for brown water taken from the Flint River. Yuk! Detroit is managed so poorly it can only be compared to Greece. Link |
 [A Bicycle ‘Trip’] Dr Albert Hofmann. The first LSD Trip — Basel, Switzerland 1943. Video |
| [New Boating Business] Too many locals tell me how long its been since they’ve been on the water. As a new business, I am offering a locals discount of $35 each for two hours, minimum 3 people. Eco tour, snorkel the patch reefs, fish. Just get on the water. I also am offering a great discount for brand new in the box paddle boards. New with paddle, SUP’s normally list for $1300. I am offering them for $925 in orange or blue. An additional $25 off if you buy two. You can try a used one, and get a mini lesson before you buy. Otherwise check out www.keysboattours.com for other outings. |
 [Tracker] Never lose anything or anyone again. You can affix this device to the underside of a car like in the movies to track someone. Link |
| Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to join the free, fun-filled Discovery Saturday at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center (35 East Quay Road, Key West) on Saturday, May 16th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Our special guests the Turtle Hospital will help teach you to become a turtle ambassador! Play a game of Turtle Doctor, and learn about the life of a turtle. Dig in to find sea turtle “food.” For more information contact 305-809-4750. Space is limited, so please call to register. Learn more about the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center here. |
| Submit anything of a positive nature, but no national politics or sewer stuff unless it’s breakthrough stuff to island@bigpinekey.com |