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Archives of Old Kudos and Whiners

February 2006

Tuesday February 28, 2006


Sunshine investigations by the attorney general for the gang of three. Justice may be on the way and the wailing you here are the developers crying.
If you're a long tem resident you've seen what happened to Key West and their lost battle to control development. They allowed exceptions to their guidelines and got sued by everybody else and lost. Now there are condos everywhere. McDonalds and Denny's and others are downtown right in the heart of the historic district.
I have to say I'm tickled pink about Publix coming to Big Pine and that sleazy flea market closing. Publix will not impact US1 like on Saturdays with the flea market. Let's redevelop our sore spots with taste. I own a business on the overseas highway and I welcome the competition from Publix selling orchids. Let's smile and get it done.
President Bush is truing hard to be a great president, but I don't think that'll ever happen.
Turning over our ports to anyone in the Mideast is like someone robbing you with help from an accomplice and later that accomplice comes looking to you for a job. Should you hire him? I don't think so. It's the possibility of wrong that I consider.

It looks like the uproar over the spy towers is over even though they're still watching us. I still don't like them. I don't think I'll ever get used to them like most of the other sheep.
[Weather Channel] Why don't you just tune to the weather channel on TV? Why waste Ed's time?



Dennis Weaver is kaput!
FOR SALE: 10 National and 5 International airports, 27 Nuclear Power Facilities. Terms: cash only and you must be from a country the US recognizes as a host to terrorists. Interested parties should call Dick Or George at 1-800-DUMB-ASS.
From reading the comments on this site, I've come to the following conclusions; 1. Explaining how the meat packing industry works is "mean-spirited", but bashing the explainer is not.
2. Having numerous banks, real estate offices, and marine stores makes Big Pine "unique", but adding another grocery store and possibly a fast food restaurant will destroy it's charm.
3. There is no limit to the amount of tourists these islands can support, but a few more homes will ruin the environment for all future generations (and probably cause global warming). If you think math is tough, try to make sense of liberal logic. It just makes my head spin thinking about it.
I am one of the few remaining native Floridians left in this state and have been coming to the Keys since the very early 60's.  My father was stationed at the Key West Naval base every summer for a month for his active duty assignment and I have seen the decline of the water quality and natural surroundings over the years. Notwithstanding,  I have recently been fortunate enough, after working very hard for years, to be able to purchase what will be a vacation home for a few years and ultimately our retirement home. I have a real interest not just as a Floridian but also as a property owner in keeping the island as beautiful and protected as reasonably possible.

 I have my primary residence in central Fl. and we have had a huge growth boom up here much to my dismay. The one thing I have learned from participating in the legal process for growth and development is that there is no way to stop it.  The best and most effective thing we can do is to take control of the growth and development and make sure it results in the least intrusive, most aesthetically pleasing and least environmentally damaging result.

People who simply want to refuse to allow any change will ultimately lose; and what happens is that the people promoting growth or change will just decide that they can never please these people and will do whatever they want and can get away with.  If we can somehow band together to get control on the proposed growth and require that reasonable restrictions be imposed governing appropriate landscaping, set backs from the highway, height restrictions, appropriate types of business' etc. we will be able to keep our island beautiful while at the same time controlling and allowing the inevitable change.  If however, we simply just keep saying no to every proposed change will will lose and Big Pine will not only lose the character it has been able to maintain in the face of aggressive developers and politicians but we will lose every possibility of maintaining some type of control over what  ultimately does become of the island. People, lets be smart.

I can't be down there for most meetings and I guess some will say that since I am not present I should not be heard to comment. I hope that is not the case with the majority of you; and I hope common sense prevails over blind stubbornness when requests for proposals or new proposals are presented for consideration. 
[to design our island to be completely unique and homey] How can an island with McDonalds, etc be homey? Wake up. If you permit one formula chain store the rest will come. It's in the US Constitution. We cannot discriminate. Are you wearing blinders?

Yesterday's writer wants another chain pharmacy. The writer the day before wants a Target Store. It seems everyone wants another chain to suit themselves. And that is exactly what our unique island will be like. Anytown, USA. Look at the big picture not just your own selfish needs.

The person with the family farm (I really believe that). Most likely you eat anything thrown in front of you. If there are mean people writing in, you might be one of them. In your post: "jerks", idiot", ridiculous question", it seems to me when you use abusive language, it's no surprise to get it back, is it? Other than that we're sure you're eligible for sainthood.

So anyway, lets be locally proactive, and expand the animal cruelty laws to include fishing. Good idea. Come on people, what do you say? Isn't it better to be even-handed and consistent across the board? They're sentient beings and we're all from Bethlehem. Great. Yes, we've got the Iguana Police, the Tree Police, the Dog Walking Police, the Trash Police, the Topic Police, the Noise Police, Bike Path Police, Construction and Land Use Police, Internet Police, Pollution Police, Sex Police, Slander Police, Thought Police. "...and thick and fast they came at last, and more, and more, and more..." (all self appointed). But I think we've really identified an opportunity here. A real need we've got to get behind and push this thing through. Who's with me?
I don't know if any of the No Name Key residents are online here but I sure would like to hear what it is like with no paid utilities and how well those solar roof units work.  Are the solar units just for hot water or do some of them generate electricity?  I see some of you have monster generators.  I'm just curious and wonder if one (or more) of you could chat about it for the inquiring mind. Do the people on No Name ever want utilities?
I was just thinking if Osama ever did us any real harm we all could really learn a lesson on living, without the umbilical cords from the utilities from those who do it by choice every day.
People don't, or won't realize why the rain forests are being destroyed. They are cutting them down to raise scrub (fast growing junk meat) cattle to supply the fast fart industries. The burger you eat costs the world an air-making-tree somewhere in the rain forest. Australia is another junk meat provider, but their trees are long gone. Go ahead, build your McDonalds, your Burger Kings and your other garbage outlets. I'll never eat that crap, and I have the sense to keep my kids healthy, not turn them into mutants.

"Mariners Resort, a defunct motel property with 26 development units, could now be worth $6 million to the right buyer." Neugent said on Friday. "Those 26 transient units have increased in value exponentially, so how do we turn that property into $6 million to buy the flea market?" Neugent asked. "The Mariners property would either be a Pritim Singh development or a wastewater plant." 

Does anyone beside myself think that good old George is threatening the people who live around the resort. Talk about the gang of three George is his own gang of one.





I am very happy that country music is back. And they don't sing about trains and drinking and unfaithful women, they sing about American!
[Happy graphic-er] Thanks for the kudos, ed. Glad you liked the "Big Pine Grind". Sometimes I enjoy doing original stuff instead of reprinting others' material for Funny Fridays. I'll send some more every now & then... and I'll still be doing Funny Fridays.
(After all, you did dub me "humor editor" or "ambassador de chuckles" or some such thing...)
Much better than a great story...much much better. This story that ran last week on CBS World News, it is a great story. http://youtube.com/watch?v=UBYPaNc57Ik&search=autism%20basketball
[Peace & Love]  The Editor edited my post and I saved the e-mail on my views on racism.  In fact, I would say that it is very ugly and dim-witted people should keep their hate to themselves.  Peace and Love.  (Meaning that racism is ugly.) 
R Kelly was really creative when he was pissing on that 12 yr old, huh? And How bout all those shootings and drug charges tied to Hip Hop Music? I say help save the arts. Shoot a rapper!
I heard the Cracked Egg closed because they were sick and tired of the snowbirds. They will reopen when they all go home!
To the person that found a creature on their dock. I wouldn't monkey with it if I were you!
[Country Music] If you want to listen to Jazz please go back to New Jersey. You are in the south. We have been listening to country music long before some dam transplant from New Jersey wanted some other kind of music. Nobody likes to listen to jazz, but country music is one of the most popular types of music in the country.



Separated at Birth? Don Knotts and Mick Jagger?  Same lips and cheekbones.  No?
[Those who want the canals unplugged] Come on, be honest. You just want the canals unplugged so the value of your house goes up $100,000. You can talk about nature, but it's really just about money now, isn't it?
The Florida State Pie should be Muffy Pie.


[BPK Monkeys/Apes] I'm not sure what I caught a picture of with the wind blowing badly Sunday  night. I thought I heard something out by the canal. Man, whatever it was smelled and it was pretty fast. I only got one picture of it.
What ever happened to the Moose Club? I used to be able to go to the Bulletin Board to see their upcoming event schedule?
Contact your commissioners and tell them we want a vote on chain stores. This is still a democracy. I've even done all the work for you. (with a little help from this sites' Business Directory>Government) we're going to have to live with whatever decision they make and it is too large a change for them to decide by themselves. Let the people make the decision.
McCoy boccdis3@monroecounty-fl.gov (305)-292-3430
Nelson boccdis5@monroecounty-fl.gov (305)852-7175
Neugent boccdis2@monroecounty-fl.gov  (305)872-1678
Rice boccdis4@monroecounty-fl.gov (305)289-6000
Spehar boccdis1@monroecounty-fl.gov (305)292-3440


Rules for Non-Pet Owners Who Visit and then Complain About Our Pets
1. The pets live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. (That's why it's called

     fur-niture.)    
3. To you, our pets are just animals. To us, they are an adopted son/daughter who happens
    to be hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.

4. Dogs and cats are better than kids because:  a) they don't ask for money all the time 

     b) they are easier to train c) they usually come when called d) they  don't hang out with

     drug-using friends e) they don't need a gazillion dollars for a college education, and  f) if they get pregnant,  you can sell the off-spring.
[Build a place to serve the hungry masses] This propaganda is from the Big Boys trying to sway the opinion to build more fast fart joints on BPK. If you people read the "For Development" pieces stuck into this blog, you can see the hype being shoved up you arses. They want the money, and could care less about the Keys, your way of life and our future!  Money, it's all about money. Never forget that.
I say Kudos to the person lashing back at those who tried to bash them for saying that they eat meat if it is humanely killed.  Good for you.  I agree that there are some people here that are way too judgmental.  I sometimes wonder if our wonderful editor should maybe post all email addresses after each post, so we can see who is writing these nasty posts.  That would stop a lot of this bull, so we can get on to the important stuff.
There have been several postings on this website recently favoring the opening of the plugged canals which I assume are mostly the ones on Big Pine, or Ramrod. Someone mentioned that water quality should not be an issue because the plugged canals are cleaner than the nearby open canals. Believe it or not, this is true. Neighbors groups have hired biologists and water quality specialists to test the water of the plugged canals as part of a number of lawsuits and governmental actions to try and get the canals open. There has never ever been any evidence presented by the Army Corp of Engineers, DEP, Big Pine Civic Association, or anyone, that has definitively refuted what the independent water quality specialists have testified to. Bottom line, there is no reason why the plugged canals should not be open.

But why should they be open? Well, Commissioner George Neugent has recently gone on record as being concerned about a very important issue that is becoming a growing national concern (but even of more concern here in the Keys) which is shrinking water access. That is, public marinas are being sold to private condo developers who will now charge a million and a half even if you just want to look at the water. Then, if you add to the snatching of water access by developers the damage that Wilma did, you have even less access. Since I don't have open canal access, I have to trailer my boat and am dependant on the local public and private boat ramps. Well, thanks to Wilma, one of my favorite ramps on Pirates Road was washed away. This was a great little ramp with access to both the Atlantic and the back country, but now it's gone and by Army Corp of Engineers rules cannot be replaced or repaired. One down, less access.

Many of my neighbors who live on the plugged canals have spent much time and money in an effort to get them open as they were originally intended to be. However, they have only been met with bureaucracy and indifferent and even arrogant government agencies who are supposed to be working "for" the people not against them. So, I am hoping that Commissioner Neugent (who I carbon copied when I sent this e-mail) will read this and take up this cause and help his constituents obtain something that we have not been able to obtain for ourselves. This is an open request to all the Commissioner's, but especially, Commissioner Neugent to help the people who elected you and have confidence in you to represent them and help them in this issue of opening the canals. Thank you for your help on our behalf.
How do you "humanely kill"?  There is no such thing.  Any time you end an animals' life to eat, there is no humane act involved.  Survival, yes.  And every day in Monroe County thousands of people hunt, stalk, lure and then very barbarically kill animals.  It is called fishing.  No felonies are involved.  I have no opinion of these issues but the stuff is knee deep from the Humanity side.  Find another venue to beat your chest and tell me how pure you are.
[You should see what we don't print] Ed, I'd like to. Why don't you just bleep out the swearing and print what everyone sends in? If the thin skinned folks don't like it they can just build a bridge and get over it. (Catchy phrase, huh? I'm pretty sure I read it on this site.)
[The working class is leaving the Keys] Because we can't afford to live here, not because there are no jobs. We get paid in chicken feed. It costs the average person $18.57 an hour to live in the Keys. That's net income. Got kids? Double it. The "Development Formula" is working just the way the banks, the politicos, and the developers designed it to do. To push out the old property owners for the land. Wait until 2010, you won't be allowed on the Keys without a permit. They'll be nothing here but mansions and the disgustingly rich, and the environmentalists will be long gone enjoying their payoffs.




Fat Tuesday! NOLA.com: BourboCAM

Tuesday February 28, 2006

 

Monday February 26, 2006

Congratulations to Dennis and Carmela. Great party!
I love your web site!  But do you think you could ad on the weather channel or another weather web site on here?  Thank you!
(Ed: This is good. Some of you people out there are incredible with graphics [and humor])
I have to go either to Key West or Marathon or Islamorada to get something good to eat. What is wrong with Big Pine Key's eateries?
A school zone is a school zone. Period. And should be respected as so no matter where it is.


I would like to have my motorcycle airbrushed with a design that I have made. Does anyone know of a reputable painter that will airbrush my scooter?
[Chain Stores] Isn't the Post Office a chain?  Sure glad we have one and I hope it's grandfathered in. It'd be a pain to drive to the big city to mail a package.
New Jersey's tourist council had a contest for a new ad slogan. One of the losers was, "New Jersey, it's not as bad as it smells."
Bode Miller, "I Got to Party and Socialize at an Olympic Level". To bad he thinks partying is more important than being a class act.

After years of debate, a ban on all new retail businesses on Big Pine went into effect.  With retirements and closure of long established outlets formerly owned by long time residents. Only so called "Mom and Pop" outlets can be established along the U.S.1 corridor.  The first new outlet to open is a food service business that complies with all of the prevailing ordinances and restrictions.
Can not believe Neugent is suggesting to turn the flea market property into a park used as a staging and distribution area for disaster response much like the Habitat building was after Hurricane Wilma. You have got to be kidding me this is a joke, right?
This guy has got to go!

Unlike a lot of people who live down here, I prefer hip-hop music over that mindless redneck wailing called country. Hip-hop reflects the inner beauty and sensitivity of the artist, while the yahoos sing about trains, trucks, drinking and unfaithful women. None of those country songs approach the creativity and depth of songs by R. Kelly, Usher or Lil' Jon.
About the country music being back on the radio in the lower Keys. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It's one of the best things that's happened around here in a while.
[Unplug the canals] Go look at the pipe at the end of the canal at Looe Key Reef Resort on Ramrod Key, it is the most remote canal from open ocean, and the cleanest. That pipe has been there for many many years and does not clog up and the flushing keeps that water very clean and clear.


It's all about money!
I see that CVS has some new landscaping which does improve the looks of the store and surrounding area. Now if they could just get their prescription refills down to at least a day and a half.

Coco's at W/D plaza has a great breakfast.   Rob, Capt .Dan start serving breakfast because the other two can't get help or they are very difficult to work for.  Who out there knows the real problem? Inquiring  Piner's want to know.
One thing is ever true about Big Pine Key. We will always be divided regarding our island. The problem I see as a long time resident is that many people come from elsewhere and know how we should have things here. I am a firm believer that Big Pine needs to come into the current times. To limit growth to only replacing what is already here is ridiculous. Believe me, I don't want to see Big Pine 4-laned and covered with the giant conglomerate cardboard cutout stores, but we do need another drug store among some other things.

We have grown way beyond the available resources already established here.   We have the ability to design our island to be completely unique and homey with the ability to get our prescriptions in a timely manner and maybe have a bit of a variety of food choices or grocery stores.

Why are we happy to search for a shopping cart or wait in line on the seasonal weekend for 20 minutes to buy a loaf of bread? We have a business area that is in desperate need of improvement. How difficult would it be to compromise between opposing sides. There is a reasonability of both sides to this dispute. Why can't we have some growth that is hidden from view with landscaping as Key Largo did?



Thanks to those of you who inquired about the restaurant not being open last week. I would like to take a moment to apologize to all of our loyal guests for this unfortunate situation. The restaurant is now open again for breakfast, lunch and dinner services. To clarify, we did not close due to lack of employees. Unfortunately I, (John) suffered an injury that prevented my ability to work. The injury was spinal cord related, so it took the better part of the week just for me to be to be able to stand up again. Again, thanks to those who inquired. Our staff sincerely apologizes to all for our interruption in service. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, The entire staff at Big Pine Restaurant.


[Believe it or not!] I'm not sure what kind this is but I found it on my dock. He seems to be doing okay.  What should I do with it? 
Everyone knows Country music belongs in Nashville, Texas, Oklahoma and the Dakotas with the horses and the boots and hats.  The Keys have their own brand of music with tropical flair and a little bit of Jazz thrown in.  We aren't complaining, we just want our station back.  You want to listen to country--we want to listen to Jazz.
Key Lime vs Pecan the Great Florida Pie Fight. The debate over what pie should be the official Florida State pie is on again. You didn't know there is no designation for a State pie? Well your incredible Florida government representatives have not been able to decide what should be the official state pie. It has been debated a number of times beginning in 1988.

Now this isn't about which pie you would prefer to eat. It is about which pie better represents Florida. How could the pecan pie, which is Georgia's state pie, possibly represent Florida .

So let's demand our representatives to do the right thing and finally make the Key Lime Pie the official State of Florida pie.
[You only eat humanely killed animals?]  How dare you accuse me of being one of those "ignorant pussies who are completely removed from the process"?  You don't know me. I hope I don't know you.
 
No, I don't buy meat in a tidy little package!  What meat I do eat comes from my family's farm, where the animals are killed in a very humane manner.  So, no, I don't "patronize the meat industry", and, no, I don't fish either for the same reasons.
 
And, you, the one who is chastising the slaughter houses and such for their cruel treatment of animals, and then you turn around and refer to the people killing the iguanas as "folks who are doing nothing but trying to hold down a locus-like scourge"...wow, now who is the hypocritical jackass?
 
Editor, you really have some mean-spirited people post on this site. (Ed: You should see what we don't print)









There goes the neighborhood!
Anyone know where I can get a Hav-A-Hart trap so I can catch some of these New Jersey breeders and have them neutered?
Ed: If the readers can get past the Kudos and Whiners (which is fantastic), there is a World out there that you have created.  Business, Classified, Etc., Etc. Thanks for the web site.
If you own the land and want to plant any darn tree you wish you should be able to plant the tree.  If you would like to trim, or change, any trees and bushes on your land you should be able to do as you wish. 

This greenie stuff has, as usual, gone way too far.  Just keep on writing your congressmen, senators local leaders and don't give up.  I am seeing chinks in the armor and it is not going to come back to normal overnight.  If you have a pepper tree growing in your yard and you do not want to pull it up you can keep them!  The last time I looked, the good old red, white and blue was still flying over this land.
[Very ugly and dim-witted people] This is your idea of "not hating?" Peace and love to you too, honey
Those who hate the local radio stations and TV.  Does anyone out there still watch analog TV and regular commercial radio?  I sometimes switch on Biz Baz and the 8:00 news cast because it's fun to hear what's for sale, but face it, things are changing. The majority of folks have cable or Direct TV and just pay for the great stations. 

I got tired of being spoon-fed my news by ABC, NBC and CBS.  You might as well be watching Michael Moore and Moveon.org for all the real news you get.  Public TV started off trying, but was soon taken over by the loonies.  Its very cheap to get the special radio and listen to XM or Sirius Satellite. You can get business and stock market channels to keep you up to date with investments.  I don't listen to much music, but there are, I guess, hundreds of music stations of every possible flavor so you can be free at last and listen to what you want.  The comedy channels have me in stitches and the mysteries are fab on a long trip. The little XM radio snaps out of your vehicle and into the house in a sec and is very inexpensive.  So there is another way to get your tunes and of course there is all ways Ipod.
[Statistically Blonde haired people have higher IQ's than people of other hair colors!] I saw those statistics too and almost believed it -- until I found out it was researched by a blonde. In the words of that famous blonde, Barbie, "Math is tough".
[Would you hire me to do a job at $50.00 per hour if you could pay somebody $30.00 per hour] Yeah, if I was being held hostage by a union and had no choice. But only until I could move my factory/business offshore.

What is with the mystery ice cream man of Eden pines? He comes around about every 4 months or so. You can here his jingle and you think he's coming. It could be at whatever time of the night he fells like it. Then he completely skips a couple of streets. One time during a cold front he was ringing his jingle at 9:30 at night. I still tried to get an ice cream but he skipped our street again. Do you only come out when you need money because you have one hell of a wacky setup?
To the persons bashing the person that said they do eat meat, as long as the animal was killed in a humane way. What is your problem?  I have never seen so many judgmental people as come on this website.  I guess if that person had stated that they were a vegetarian you would have been complaining that the plants have feelings too. 
 
The whole point this person was making is pretty plain to me.  If you kill an iguana or any other critter, for that matter, in an inhumane and cruel manner then you have committed a felony.  Period.  If you are going out tracking these animals down and killing them, then you are hunting, which is not allowed in this county.  Period.  End of story.
I love this website.  It always gives me at least one thing to giggle about.  I hate that the Keys are changing, but so is everyplace else. 



[Breakfast Suggestions] Galley Grill is open every morning with happy waitresses at 7 am. You can count on those folks to be open every day with big, tasty, inexpensive eats. It is a family owned place so they don't appear to suffer from lack of help. My wife and I don't bother with the Coffee Shop and Cracked Egg anymore. However, Marathon has two excellent spots for eggs, etc. We like Stout's and The Stuffed Pig.
Joni Mitchell had it right, "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot." (Of course it has nice landscaping.)
(?)Whoa, talk about getting skinned alive, that was a real dressing down. It has put me on a new diet as well. Enjoy your Jimmy Dean's, everyone.

Monday February 26, 2006

 

Sunday February 26, 2006
Big Pine Key is now divided by those who want to preserve the rural flavor and those who want a cleaner modern town. We need the majority to decide such an important issue. We need a vote.


How long does Visa and Mastercard keep credit card receipts? They must have a treasure trove of signatures they could resell to collectors. Is that ethical?
If the formula retail ban does go to a vote; are there enough whackos left down here all year to continue the Greenie trend?  I wonder.  It seems to me that you made it so good to be a Fl citizen that 75% of home owners down here have switched and now can vote.  Now your taxes are going to go up also.  It took the Snowbirds a while to get educated on how they were paying the majority of the taxes; so now who is voting?  It should be a majority of the property owners that vote and I think it will be soon.  Keep in mind the majority of people that vote, now are renters, and since the rents keep on going up they will get a different type of voter down here.  Snowbirds rule?


[Blondes] Statistically Blonde haired people have higher IQ's than people of other hair colors! It's all the dummies that dye their hair blonde that give blondes a bad name.
Tommy's memorial was today at a close friend's home. Family and friends were present to tell Tommy stories. He was brave and lived life his way. He will be missed.
What is a BB web site?
I understand that both BP Coffee Shop and the Cracked Egg are, or were closed because they have absolutely no help. I guess they will have to import people from Miami  like W/D. The working class is leaving and they want to build more and larger stores here what a joke.

[The school zone on US1 in Marathon is a joke] US1 happens to be one of the longest highways in the country, and people build schools on its edge like it was a side street. We have to crawl through that intersection because of idiots!  Why doesn't Marathon stick a toll booth there too?  Stupid politicos and builders are to blame.
[Racism]  Is this learned from ones' parents?  I learned to not hate.  Kind of like Politics and Religion. This is not a nice subject to put out there.  In fact, I would say that it is the very ugly and dim-witted people that should keep their hate to themselves.  Peace and Love.   
(?)To Formula Retail Ordinance. If you didn't vote what should you Care?
[Long Shoreman's Union] Would you hire me to do a job at $50.00 per hour if you could pay somebody $30.00 per hour to do the same exact Job.


Translation of the Quran to English:  http://www.ahadees.com/english-translation.html  And I thought the Bible was BS!
From reading the explanation of the Formula Retail Ban it seems clear that it was written for one purpose: allow any development that benefits tourism (hotels, real estate offices, eco traps) and ban anything that benefits locals (drugstores, grocery stores, evil corporate owned businesses, except Holiday Inn, Century21, etc.). So, I guess it's better that Big Pine looks like a tourist trap than "Anytown USA"?
Everyone knows Country music has its roots in the South, and you don't get any farther South than Key West!  So why don't all you Jazz people who keep complaining about Conch 98.7 go to Saint Louis or New Orleans.



Upon learning that Fish and Wildlife planned to neuter and relocate all feral cats on Big Pine, Snookums the cat went postal. Posing as a tourist from New Jersey, he stormed the refuge visitor center with gun blazing. The volunteers and staff fled the scene, leaving the tourists to fend for themselves. No endangered stuffed animal was left standing. He managed to escape before SWAT arrived (the next day), but several eyewitnesses reported him yelling, "I'm not alone!"
Someone should tell the owners of the Underseas Dive Shop that there is going to be a presentation of some kind, entitled "Evil Trees in the Keys" on  Thurs. March 9 on Big Pine Key near the No Name Pub. I copied the info number down. It is 872-8888.
[Talking to God] He says just do it. You don't need the bells, whistles or falderal. He was intelligent to create this earth and man and women with their amazing physicality, why would he need formality? Just talk to him, like you do your best friend. If you'll do this, you will start feeling his presence. He likes humility. He gets disheartened when we go through pain, yet is still there to help, for now and always. Period.

What a shame. It's not even 10:00 PM on a Saturday night and I'm home going to bed alone. All the guys out tonight were obnoxious drunks in need of a bath. No wonder I utilize my "Hook Up Guy" so much. Damn him for going away this week end. Thank God a girl has a toy to fall back on. Hurry back I need some good loving.
You only eat humanely killed animals? What abattoir have you visited lately? The factory farms and assembly line slaughter houses don't have time for humane euthanasia, and the only way to be sure is to kill your own. But of course, you ingest nothing but kindness. Oh yeah, I'll bet you can just taste all that juicy humanity. I have much more respect and sympathy for those who take on the bloody task themselves than I do for you ignorant pussies who are completely removed from the process; and to whom meat is only some pink matter in a tidy little package.

Pigs are chained to the floor in tiny cells, so as to protect the suckling young, and not allowed to move for weeks on end, while they nearly suffocate on ammonia laden air. Cattle are routinely thrown on to hooks upside down, still writhing, bellowing and screaming because of imperfect kill methods, many are still conscious while they're skinned, and nobody cares because of sheer numbers. Most every animal slaughtered in common practice experiences periods of terror in anticipation of pain and death, while most hunted wild animals at least have a chance, and don't know what is coming when they're hit. I don't eat meat because I can't cut it when it comes to killing my own.

Fishing is anything but humane, but I'll bet you don't have a problem with that. Long periods of terror and death by suffocation isn't my idea of kindness. Why don't you campaign against that? C'mon, get on the horn to the Sheriff's Department, quick! No? Probably because you know you'd be taken out and summarily drowned. If you patronize the meat industry, and then call police on folks who are doing nothing but trying to hold down a locus-like scourge, you are one hypocritical jackass, not the enlightened, sensitive,  humanitarian you think.

Now that the new country station is here, I am looking forward to the stuff that goes with it such as line dancing,  a race track suitable for NASCAR, big haired women, and folks who look like the banjo player from Deliverance. And for you complainers, remember it could have been worse. The station could have switched from jazz to hip-hop.
(?)To Chain store meetings,  Guess this means your still in the Closet.
California couldn't find one doctor to administer a lethal injection to a death row inmate scheduled to be exterminated. The doctors cited the first rule of medicine--Do no harm! It looks like they're going to have to release Dr. Kevorkian if they want to kill anyone that way.
[What happened to PIKn country] They sold out to big brother, so now big brother can beam radio Marti on FM to Cuba.





[Only eat humanely killed animals] What is it with you hypocrites? Out of sight, out of mind? Cows are killed with a pneumatic hammer to the head. Ow, that's got to hurt!
Florida has 16% black population,  Georgia is 28.7% black, Mississippi 37% and South Carolina 30%. Yankees take note, New York State is 17.8% black. Massachusetts 6.7%, Vermont 0.6%, New Hampshire 0.9%, New Jersey 14.5%, Connecticut 10%, Maine 0.6% Pennsylvania 10.3%, Rhode Island 5.9%.

Back to the south. Tennessee 16.7% black, North Carolina 21.9%, Virginia 20%, Alabama 26.4%, Louisiana 32.9%, Texas
11.6%.
 
Midwest, Ohio 11.7%, Illinois 15.2%, Indiana 8.6%, Iowa 2.3%.

Mid-North, Wisconsin 5.9%, Minnesota 3.9%, Michigan 14.4% N. Dakota 0.8%, S. Dakota 0.8%, Montana 0.4%.

Northwest, Idaho 0.6%, Washington 3.5%, Oregon 1.8%.

California is just 6.9% black; Colorado 4.2%.

If you want to find the most lily-white areas, look where the blowhard politicians are pissing and moaning the loudest about racial equality they don't have to deal with in the real world. We southerners should instruct our senators and representatives to start carping at the northern politicians about the problems they have with their snow and ice. It would make about as much sense. 

What's up with breakfast dining in Big Pine Key?  I was down there last week and didn't find either of our usual breakfast cafes open.  Maybe someone should open a place that can stay open to serve the hungry masses.  They would make a killing!

Apparently there is some confusion as to the meaning of being against the Formula Retail Ordinance.  Some people think that being against it means that you are not in favor the retail stores.  I talked to a woman yesterday that said “I’m really against that law.  I don’t want to have a Home Depot here.”  I asked her, “how about a Target store” and she said, “That might not be too bad.”  Just goes to show you that in any group there are a percentage who don’t have a clue and are simply cluttering up the gene pool but still get to vote.



This week marked the tenth anniversary of the Brothers to the Rescue plane being shot down over Cuba in which two men died.
Some brilliant posts yesterday.  Letting the development companies use heavy landscaping, soft colors, and smaller signs would not bother me.  I cannot understand the posts that want no growth, we have been growing since Adam and Eve.  The lots on Big Pine Key that were sold to folks years ago for them to save and build a retirement house should be open to building and they should be able to fulfill their dream.  The overwhelming vote at the meeting was for joining the 21st century!

[Two-to-one against chain stores and for continuing our rural flavor] I don’t know what meeting you attended, but when the vote by a raise of hands was called for by committee chairman Jim Cameron it was overwhelmingly against the restrictive Formula Retail Ordinance by at least 8 to 1.  Lying or wishful thinking won’t make your dreams come true.


I'm still laughing at the sight of the PETA wacko fighting off a Pit Bull with a carrot!
[Advertising on Bigpinekey.com] ...I know of no greater bang for the buck than your web site. Most every one can afford; or I should say most business's can't afford not to be on it. --Coconuts Lounge. (Ed: Thanks Joe.)
[I want to build as many houses as I can before they crowd us out] The key words were "crowd us out", meaning to destroy what's left of the Keys. You must be one of those blood sucking developers from Yankee town, right? We locals don't want another Levittown here, we want the Keys the way they are. I'd love to see a building moratorium for five years. Maybe then you profiteers would find some place else to destroy. Try Mexico or Cuba.


This morning I went out for my weekly breakfast splurge and found both the Cracked Egg and the Coffee Shop closed. I was so hungry even an Egg McMuffin would have tasted good. I settled for a gallon of gas. It didn't taste nearly the same.

Sunday February 26, 2006

 

Saturday February 25, 2006

Everyone who is not happy about rising windstorm insurance, check out this website and print off the letter, sign it and send it to our Senator and Representative. It's a local group from Key West.   www.fairinsuranceratesinmonroe.com  We all need to pay attention to this.
We went out to the reef yesterday. Beautiful conditions and fish life. The only negative is all the cardboard bait boxes in the water.  Thoughtless idiots, use the garbage cans at the dock.
Does anyone know the demographics of The Lower Keys and ratio of Blacks per capita?  I have been trying to find a website that will tell the whitest area in America. Island Information> 55 on Big Pine Key
[Girl willing to experiment with me and my man]  What about a gift certificate for a good shrink?

It seems that only real threat, from an Arab company taking over operations of those 5 seaports, is to the longshoremen's union.
How can you complain about the new format of 98.7 already? It's 8 hrs old and it's the only country station in the Keys. If you don't like country, who cares? Shut up. For the rest of us, it's about time.
If there is going to be a ban on anything in big pine let it be on banks and real estate offices.
[one shot iguana] I think it is much more fun to use bait and treble hooks, a # 6 hook works best, then I don't waste my pellets on them; or just one good swing with my driver and I can send the head a good 75 yards. We should have an iguana and land crab golf driving tournament.
[Re: 2 to 1 against the chain stores?] Where you in the same building? There was a clear majority in favor of commercial development of Big Pine.  If there were a hundred people there 75% where in favor of development.
[Cheney]   It's none of my business how many millionaires he shoots in Texas. I say, the more the merrier.





Conch FM. Don't listen to it any more. That ticking was sickening enough.
[I want to build as many houses as I can before they crowd us out and the prices go down] In my humble opinion the above overheard conversation would not worry me in the least  The market is saturated already with far too many houses for sale (fleeing the hurricanes, taxes and insurance) and the prices are going down as we speak, some instances all ready over 20% less, and it will be much more for the have-to sell-crowd. So you sure can't build before the prices go down. 

"Money is cheap" at what banks?  The fed has and will continue to raise interest rates to curb inflation; which in this booming economy is still trying to rear its ugly head.  In this particular market wait till about May and make some lowball offers and I bet they get accepted.  Oh, "and the builders are eager to get the jobs." The hiring pool is nonexistent and most builders are solidly booked for the next two years.  Wake up folks, those weren't two Snowbirds talking it was two idiots. 
Every time a fast food chain is suggested for Big Pine, why is it always McD's or Burger King? Not to say I want the fast food chains here, but there are better establishments out there.

Most of McD's stuff only seems tasty because of the chemicals, (manufactured in Jersey), that are added to the burgers and fries. You could literally coat cardboard with it and make it palatable. Read Eric Schlosser's 'Fast Food Nation'. Also, see 'Supersize Me'. In the DVD extras, Morgan Spurlock did an experiment where he placed McD's food and food from a diner in glass jars and observed the decomposition rates. The McD's food took a long time to break down. In fact, after a month, the fries looked exactly the same. Not a hint of mold. they looked like they were bought that day. I decided that if their food took that long to break down, no more McD's for me. Dirt has more nutritional substance. There are other food chains that are not quite as chemical-dependent. Too bad most of them are out west. (Although Fatburger is slowly making it's way east. They rock!) McD's and BK are for kids when lazy parents want to shove some food, any food, down their kid's gullet (accompanied with a cheesy toy), just to keep them quiet for a while longer.
BP TV? (Ed: Soon come. I just got notice that the new router is on the way.)
[tea to connect with God] Please...there is only one way to connect with God, and that is to believe in him, and believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sin, and rose again on the third day. We have a relationship with God through prayer and only that. No tea, no magic, nothing will bring you close to God except to accept him into your heart as your Lord and Savior!! Let today be your day of salvation!! If you read the bible you also will see where it says God "hates" religion. What you have if you believe in God, is Faith. It is faith in God that brings answered prayers, not some dumb tea or magic powers!! Who comes up with all this trash? Pick up a King James bible. Go to a bible based church. One that teaches straight from the bible. God's words. Pray, humble yourself and see what happens.

All Christians are not bad as some think. Granted some are, so please don't judge all Christians by the bad ones you have come across. We all are not holy rollers. Thank the Lord for the sense not to be! God bless you and have a wonderful day.
More on the Formula Retail Ordinance. In my book the county planning staff let us down on this one. The meeting was run fairly poorly. Instead of looking for compromise or consensus, the county just seemed to fuel the emotions. A lot of what people were reacting to at the meeting was misinformation about the current ordinance, which is poorly written and probably too restrictive.

County and Jim Cameron also seemed to be injecting their biases into the meeting, which shouldn’t have occurred. If there are to be more workshops, hopefully the county will look for middle ground and someone besides a planning board member will run the meeting.

To the ZZ Top look-a-like in the pick-up truck who pulled right out in front of me: Go back to New Hampshire.  You are one freaky dude!
Thank you for the country music station.  It's about time.
[What's next for this President, sell our airports to the Saudis and our nuclear plants to Iran] Or worse, he could give ballistic-missile technology and U.S. nuclear power plant technology to the Communist Chinese government! Oh wait, Clinton already did that. Never mind.
To the person saying "The operative word in Statue #828.12 is cruel death. That was the whole point of the post, idiot.  Someone had asked why a reward for the iguana killer, who shot the animal many times, and it died a cruel death.  Posting the Statute was an answer to that person's ridiculous question.  Exactly how many people out there can make one good clean shot to the head?  Not many, I imagine.  The other operative word here is hunting season.  You can't hunt in Monroe County!
 
It seems you are the one bending the facts to support your opinion.  If I see someone shooting an iguana, or any other animal for that matter, I will call the sheriff's department, and let them decide if it is construed as cruel.  And, no, I am not a vegetarian.  I do eat meat, and I am not totally against animals being raised and killed for their meat, as long as it is done in a humane way.  That is totally different from you jerks sport hunting these creatures in a county where hunting is not allowed.  I guess if a poor iguana wanders into your yard, he is dead, but to go out and look for them to kill, it's just not right.
[Country Music] There's no conspiracy, no plot to take over the airwaves in the Keys.  It's just a local business doing what they need to do, to pay the bills and get by. Isn't that what we're all trying to do every day? 
 
Simply, if you don't care for country music, God put a dial on your radio--use it.  Had Smooth Jazz been a viable and profitable format, we'd all still be hearing it.  Use your brain before you make stupid, idiotic comments unless you want to be mistaken as a country music listener.
Did they have wanderer on the license plate? Besides, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana are all one place from our perspective. I'll bet no one from Wisconsin ever parked on the bike path.
I saw some idiot "walking" his/her dog while driving their white pickup holding a leash out of the window.  They weren't just idling either. The poor little dog was struggling to keep up.  What if the dog needed to stop?  Would you just drag him?  Whoever you are you don't deserve to have a pet.  If I saw your license plate, I would've called the cops.  If anybody else sees this loser pulling this crap, would you please get the tag number and call the police?





What's up with the Cracked Egg and the Coffee Shop?  Can't I even get an egg around here anymore?
Stay away from the monkeys/apes.  Don't feed or try to pet them.  My nephew learned the hard way. (Ed: a very bloody photo accompanied this message reinforcing his point.)
I say Kudos to the person that wrote in yesterday that said they attended the Formula Retail Ordinance meeting and found it to be a joke.  I totally agree with their comments about the whole scenario with the business owners that got up and made an "ass" of themselves.  I, too, did not vote, so I'm wondering if Jim Cameron had asked the right questions, what the vote percentage might have been?  He is obviously on the side of the business people that were there, since he was the chairman of the group pushing incorporation on us in 2000,  but tries to act like he is totally unbiased...yeah, right.  I agree with another post that said about Jim Cameron running the meeting:  "Should he be running a meeting and expressing opinions on something he may later vote on? Seems like a conflict of interest to me. Shouldn't he stay impartial so as to not taint his vote? Check the code of ethics for planning board members."
 
And you are so right about this looking like the incorporation battle several years back. These people just don't get it.  They can vocalize all they want to, but we'll see if they represent the majority of the voters.  I hope it does go to the people for a vote.
Top 10 wildest, weirdest and wackiest street names. As voted for on the Internet here is the complete top 10 list:
10. Tater Peeler Road in Lebanon, Texas
9. The intersection of Count and Basie in Richmond, Va.
8. Shades of Death Road in Warren County, N.J.
7. Unexpected Road in Buena, N.J.
6. Bucket of Blood Street in Holbrook, Ariz.
5. The intersection of Clinton and Fidelity in Houston
4. The intersection of Lonesome and Hardup in Albany, Ga.
3. Farfrompoopen Road in Tennessee (the only road up to Constipation Ridge)
2. Divorce Court in Heather Highlands, Pa.
1. Psycho Path in Traverse City, Mich.
The Florida Keys have their share of streets named after fish, birds, trees, people and pirates but the oddest thing about our street names are the number of names that are repeated over and over again. There are so many Bay Roads and Bay Drives that you can often find several on the same island. But I haven't seen many weird street names. There is a Transylvania Ave. in Key Largo which is surrounded by streets with fish names.
Do you know of any wacky street names in the Florida Keys?


The Alternative Lifestyle Monkeys have just arrived in Key West!
[Jazz Station] Okay. Well then, just who do I boycott as long as it brings back my jazz station? 
Fascinating comments here about the retail ordinance meeting. One said 80% were in favor of growth and the other said two thirds against. Were there 2 meetings?
Nope. Just two different interpretations.
Has anyone noticed the new sign at a local bait shop? It looks like a small version of blinking Las Vegas. Pretty soon they will be everywhere. Oh, my god, were doomed!


[Country music] Dolly Parton is buying Conch & Steins and True Value. It's going to be a "Dixie Stamped"  Is that anything like a Dixie Stampede?
There has been plenty of recent discussion about something called a Formula Retail Ban. It may help to define what this means.

Generally Formula Retail refers to Retail business (a business that sells a product retail) that conforms to a Formula as to the name, logo, building design and products sold. Most are Franchises but others such as Publix or Walgreens are company owned. Other big name examples are Burger King, 7-11, Office Max or Home Depot.

This type of ban generally does not include business that provide a service such as H & R Block tax service, Holiday Inn hotels, Century 21 Real Estate, U-Haul Rentals or Service Master carpet cleaning.

This type of ban has kept Walgreens from moving into Islamorada even though they tried to get around it by claiming more than half their revenue is from prescriptions which should have their business considered as providing a service.

If a Formula Retail ban is enacted in Big Pine Key it would allow a corporate owned formula business like Bank of America but it would ban a local Big Pine Key couple from opening a Dairy Queen.

You can see all the franchise business types that are and will continue to be allowed to be in Big Pine Key with the ban as it is being discussed. Hotels, Banks, Real Estate, Lawn Service, Accounting and Rental Units. With these business along US 1 it would not make it look different than Anytown USA.

It is possible to enact a ban that is very specific such as only restaurants or banning only corporate owned business or restricting these specific business to one location such as only on US 1. You can read how such bans are handled in other areas here Formula Business Restrictions
They need more police presence at the school zone on U.S 1 in Marathon in the morning and afternoon. People blow through it with no respect for the speed limit and I have never seen a school zone with cars lane-changing as they go through it except for that one. The lady traffic officer that was there up until this year wouldn't stand for it. The new cop just stands by the roadside slapping his hands together. Kind of reminds me of Slappy the clown. 
[Country Music] WPIKn died do to the sale of the radio station.
The meaning of life is truth? You must have gleaned that from reading this web site. It may not be full of love, but most participants seem to spew the truth--whatever it happens to be for them. At least I don't feel like I'm wadding knee deep in BS when reading this page, unlike many other BB sites where the posters think themselves budding authors and bore the bejezus out of you. This site is not only fun, it's enlightening!

I won't go to any of the Chain Store meetings because I don't want the business I frequent to know that I'm against them. Bring all important issues like this to a vote!
Considering the Jews are controlling our government and real estate, the Arabs our ports and shipping, the Orientals our food supplies, tool mfg, auto mfg, etc. and the Mexicans and Cubans our work force, I'd say us Whities and Blackies should get double the Welfare...right?  How hard is it to get to Australia?
Does anyone know anything about what happened to Tommy the masonary/plastering guy? I just heard he passed away and read the obituary. What a shame? What happened? Only 47 years old? Sad. Why isn't his companion and child in the obituary? Please send in any details if a service is planned?









Happy birthday Rob. I love you so much!

Saturday February 25, 2006

 

Friday February 24, 2006
Last night I had a fantastic dream in which I figured out the meaning of life--Truth! Everything boils down to truth.

I'm more grateful that God didn't come into my dream and give me that message or today, I'd become a Christian and start spewing mysticism.


Man, you can just feel the love on this web site.
There was a country station, WPIKN, on Cudjoe for many years.  It died from lack of interest. 
[Reward for the Iguana Shooter]  I hope the guy that shoots the cows for McDonald's never gets caught.  Talk about being in real trouble.  How can you worry about Iguanas and ride by Wendy's, McDonald's and Burger King every day and not whine even a little bit?  You must just eat the fries when you go.
I set my cruise control on 35 going up and down Key Deer Blvd. daily.  I have noticed that about 50% of drivers are idiots who get in my way.  The other 50% are maniacs who run up behind me.




[Arabs running ports] This is such a bad idea, even Ray Charles can see that and he’s blind and dead!

A couple of thoughts about the no chain store argument. Big Pine already looks like Anywhere, USA. Get out of the cities with zoning ordinances that govern how high the weeds get on empty lots before a fine is issued, the subdivisions that say you can't put your garbage cans out before 6:00 pm the night before pickup or after 6:00 pm the night of pickup or get a nasty letter (Key West even has that one) or dictate that you must keep your lot neat and house painted, and oh, yes, dictate the color.

Get out into the rural areas off the interstates, onto the old state highways and you'll see thousands of towns that look like Big Pine. And a lot will look a whole lot better. I say use the developers, control what they build, what it looks like and what kind of landscaping is around it. We've already lost on 4 of the 5 things that were keeping them out and that last one is very shaky and just might not hold up in court. If it goes, any of the chains can come in with no control whatsoever. They don't want to go to court.

If McDonald's wants to come in and clean up the Classic Carpet building I say let them come, but dictate that they put in lots of landscaping so they aren't that visible. Allow a small sign with low lighting, but let them clean up that mess. I said once before that Boca Raton had done that with a McDonald's on Federal Highway and you had a hard time even finding it. Are the rich snobs that live there really smarter than we are (and I did used to live there)?

If everybody just keeps saying, "No, no way" and they want in, sooner or later they will overcome that last point in court and then none of us will have any say over what they do. As for those who keep saying Big Pine is the only unspoiled Key, why don't you buy one of the houses for sale on No Name - no electricity, no water, no telephone, no cable TV? Now, those people really are serious about living in an unspoiled environment.



I have lived in the lower Keys for 30 years.  I think we should allow a couple of big name stores in Big Pine. This might help some of the price gouging going on.
[Country music] Dolly Parton is buying Conch & Steins and True Value. It's going to be a "Dixie Stamped"
[You have a river of iguanas flowing through your yard and flooding your home?] Yes. Uh, oh, start praying and reporting. Decent, determined, clear thinking, resourceful folks who know what needs to be done, are doing it again.
BPK Funny Fridays. Because George Bernard Shaw said, "Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh." This quote was inspired when George witnessed a safe fall on someone's head.


My grandmother spends all of her time out in the garden...
because that's where we buried her.

What happened was she fell down in our driveway and she went to press the button on her LifeCall emergency pendant–
and the garage door came down...

In her will, my grandmother stipulated that she wanted to be buried with all her favorite possessions...
and the cat was not happy about that decision.
~Tom Cotter

President Lincoln wore a stovepipe hat. The guy that sat behind him at Ford's Theater only saw the second half of the show.
~David Letterman

So I live in this apartment that's disgusting; it's really dirty. And the kitchen floor is, like, sticky. I had to do something about it, so finally I went out and bought some slippers.
~Sarah Silverman

I'm thinking a mechanic on a jet plane should be serious business, right? Guy in a clean jumpsuit, military haircut, M.I.T. degrees... Not a mechanic mechanic. Not a guy, when he gets the call, that's doing bong hits in the shop 5 minutes before. That's exactly what they sent out; a white guy with dreadlocks... so you know he makes a lot of bad decisions. This guy's on the plane for two and a half hours, the pilot comes back on, "Good news everybody. They say we're ready to go." Who's they? Is the dreadlock guy they? They don't look that bright. Are they coming with us? No. They're going home by car.
~Tom Papa

I called a discount exterminator. A guy came by with a rolled-up newspaper.
~Wil Shriner

I bought an ant farm. I don't know where I'm gonna find a tractor that small.
~Steven Wright

The insurance man told me that the accident policy covered falling off the roof, but not hitting the ground.
~Tommy Cooper

Who invented the brush they put next to the toilet? That thing hurts !
~Andy Andrews

I'm learning to speak Spanish by calling the bank and pressing the number 2 button.
~Paul Alexander

Some men think that they can convert gay women, make them straight. I couldn't do that. I could make a straight woman gay, though.
~Jeff Stilson

The funny thing about driving off a cliff... I bet you're still hitting those brakes.
~Jack Handey

I remember one day I was at Grandpa's farm and I asked him about sex. He sort of smiled and said, "Maybe instead of telling you what sex is, why don't we go out to the horse pasture and I'll show you." So we did, and there on the ground were my parents having sex.
~Jack Handey

A study claims that the relative lengths of the index and ring fingers indicates whether a woman is a lesbian. If between her thumb and index fingers is another woman's nipple, that's an even better indication.
~Bill Maher

God knows that life sucks. It's right there in the Bible. The Book of Job is all about Job asking God to take away pain and misery. And God says, "I can't take away pain and misery because then no one would talk to me."
~Bill Maher

The older that I get, the simpler the definition of maturity seems; It's the length of time between when I realize someone is a jackass and when I tell them that they're one.
~Brett Butler

My mom was a little weird. When I was little Mom would make chocolate frosting, and she'd let me lick the beaters. And then she'd turn them off.
~Marty Cohen

My parents never felt I was good-looking. When they made home movies, they'd hire an actor to play me.
~Ed Bluestone

I like new bands. I like new music when it comes out. So I want to see those bands play, you know? But, I also don't want to be the creepy old guy. Because I know creepy old guy. I remember he bummed me out. I wouldn't blame you for being bummed out by me. I'm not foolish enough to think that I can transcend time.
Then I came up with a solution... The Adult Rock Show. Hear me out on this. The Adult Rock Show starts at 7pm. Yeah... let's get this motherf*cker going. Kick it in the ass, I've got sh*t to do tomorrow. I've got a J-O-B... that's a job, friend.
7 o'clock show- cost prohibitive. No young punks. I'll pay extra not to hang out with some young punks. I think that's fair. 25 and older. I don't need to be at a show with some sixteen-year-old all f*cked up on gin and guava juice or whatever he stole from his parents liquor cabinet and drank in the back of his brother's truck.
Band plays one hour... one hour. No opening band. I don't need to see you struggle through your career. Come back when you have some hits, bro.
Valet parking, I'm home by 9. Alias is on, dude.
Upgrade your merchandise, too. Maybe at this point, I don't need a Weezer T-shirt. I don't need another rock T-shirt. But, you know what I could buy with great confidence? A Weezer Day-Planner. I like Weezer and I like to know what I'm doing on Wednesday. Take home my Audioslave teakettle and my No Doubt toaster cozy.
~Greg Behrendt

At the Retail Ordinance Meeting Did the Editor pass a hat for the web site maintenance fund?
I also attended the Formula Retail Ordinance meeting the other night.  What a joke.  I am not a "No Growth" person, but I do believe that we need to make sure there are certain regulations that protect us from becoming "Anywhere, USA".  From what I saw of the ordinance as it is written, it is ridiculous.  Some restrictions are way too much, such as a type of business can only be replaced by that same type of business (hardware store must be replaced by another hardware store).  I think there just needs to be a limit on the number of businesses and the size of them.
 
It was obvious that the business owners had rallied at this meeting, so, of course, when Jim Cameron asked for a vote, it looked like two to one against the ordinance.  He should have asked for three choices:  against, for, and for with some tweaking.  I didn't vote because I wasn't "for" it as it is written.  Once they get this thing tweaked, it should go to the voting polls as a referendum, so we see what the majority of the people on Big Pine Key want, not just the small minority of business owners.
 
This reminds me so much of the incorporation battle back in 2000.  Some of the loud mouth business owners made it sound like they had the two to one majority for incorporation, but when the votes were tallied, the silent majority ruled.
[Jazz Station] It is being changed because, just like most everything down here that is changed, a couple of yahoos from Boston and  N.Y. come down here and want to make things better for the people in the Keys. Like the other posting said, "boycott the advertisers and don't buy their products or patronize their business."
[Battle of the Local Bands] Aren't we all a little tired of Mustang Sally?


[Mystery planes] They were flying under radar Wednesday night.  Time to go fishing for the square groupers!
To the person inquiring about the wheelchair lifts. Try ThyssenKrupp Elevator. I have been personally involved with them. Their Miami number is 800-683-8888. Their salesman will be able to answer any of your questions.

[Arabs managing American ports] I thought I’ve heard everything since the Red Chinese took over the port of Los Angles. Do we really believe in no discrimination? As far as I know there are no American companies of consequence running the ports of the world and only five major players. They are mostly oriental and after the sale no more British companies. The only Anglo Saxon company is Merick which mostly handles the Caribbean.




I want to protest the use of "dumb" in all those Dumb Blonde jokes.  Just use "blonde", that's enough!

The community meeting Tuesday night concerning the Formula Retail Ordinance was very well attended with people on both sides of the issue giving their opinions and input.  Mr. Jim Cameron, Chairman of the County Planning Commission and District 2 County Commissioner George Neugent ran a fair and unbiased meeting.  At one point a show of hands was called for and the overwhelming majority voted AGAINST the ordinance.  Most people in favor of the ordinance continued to cite fears that abandoning the ordinance will cause unrestricted growth by big chains.  However, those against presented a very compelling case that, due to other restrictions, codes and requirements that simply can’t happen.   Where this issue goes from here remains to be seen but, it was obvious that the majority were not in favor of continuing with the Formula Retail Ordinance as currently written.

[Iguana killers] The operative word in Statute #828.12 is cruel death. A good clean shot to the head or primary organ is not considered cruel. If it was, there would be no hunting seasons. I can only guess the people against such activity are vegetarians, because the last time I checked, meat didn't grow on trees. The other issue in the same post was the word "construed". People have a funny way of bending facts to support their own opinion. I hope someday all the do-gooders for the animal kingdom have the chance to face down a charging Pit-Bull with nothing but a carrot stick to defend themselves with.
Speaking of toilets. Did you hear 98.7 today? I heard a toilet flushing. They flushed their selves. Good.
[Conch FM]   Well, Ed turned us down for a fund raiser and he's still here. There's help out there for a Jazz station also; or you can be gone and Ed will still be here.
Ya, hoo!  The Retail Ord. Meeting was a stand for property rights and hopefully in the years to come I can be proud of Big Pine Key and not try to come up with excuses why it so resembles a third world country. Keep it up folks, this is America and the majority may rule again in the Keys.



[Some sort of primate (spotted on BPK)] That's no primate, that's Phil. You sometimes see him picking up trash on the side of the road. He looks a little scary at times, but he's really pretty laid back.
[Formula Retail Ordinance] Is Jim Cameron still a member of the Planning Board? Should he be running a meeting and expressing opinions on something he may later vote on? Seems like a conflict of interest to me. Shouldn't he stay impartial so as to not taint his vote? Check the code of ethics for planning board members.
[Country music] Yeeeha! Finally some signs there is hope for the Keys after all. Thank you conch FM. Y'all boycott away and enjoy the ride to Miami to buy most anything you will need when you do.

I normally have nothing to complain about as far as “snowbirds” go, but last night one created an exception to the norm. I was riding my bike on the bike path paralleling Avenue A, when I was forced to stop (again, on the bike path) due to traffic, because some idiot had chosen to park his motor home (with attached trailer and car) on the bike path. There was a completely empty parking lot not thirty feet from where he chose to (illegally) park, but instead he chose to park right in front of the “No Parking On Bike Path” sign. No, he wasn’t from Michigan – He was from Indiana.
Fascinating comments here about the retail ordinance meeting. One said 80% were in favor of growth and the other said two thirds against. Were there 2 meetings?
[some sort of primate] If that primate is a baboon, it can rip you apart, no matter how big and tough you are. Also, they carry lots of bad bugs and germs on those two inch teeth. Call the State Animal Control, it's what you pay them for! Same for Iguanas and Carnivorous Snowbirds too.




[The discarded washing machine] Can't they check for prints?
Am I wrong, but didn't Monroe County or the State offer to lend people  Have-a-Heart traps, so they could capture and transport animal pests to a facility or deport them to some other Keys?
[If all the canals were dug out] That would cost a fortune and the boating traffic would be horrendous. Most roadways are not high enough above the water to allow even large pipes to go under them, let alone boat able passageways.  Small pipes would clog up in no time. Let's face it, who ever designed the Keys had one thing in mind, to sell real estate, not to give people a correct place to live.  Just stop all the building, and things will get to their own level. Go screw up the Texas coast!
Play 100s of games for free. http://games.mail.com/ is the wrong web site address. It should be www.congress.gov


[Iguana shooter] I can hit them in the head just about every time from 25 feet. Fifty feet is too far with a pellet gun. You need a howitzer for that distance.
[what in the world flew over Coral Shores Estates..] It was that UFO (Unwashed Female, Obnoxious) from New Jersey!
What's next for this President, sell our airports to the Saudis and our nuclear plants to Iran?

Friday February 24, 2006

 

Thursday February 23, 2006
What a fine turnout for the Formula Retail ordinance meeting. Most everyone there wanted the best for Big Pine Key. I think the thought was to start fresh and try to find some middle ground. In any case, there was a bunch of folks that wanted  some change on Big Pine key. Publix,  Walgreens and parks all seemed to be on the table. They took a vote. The folks that were there, and there were a bunch of them (well over a hundred voted). My guess was that there was 80% for Growth. I think it took the No Growth folks back a little. I am sure that we all will work together to get the best for all of Big Pine Key.
[Who is worse Nixon or Bush] History's judgment is far from being formulated.  Nixon, if it were not for his Watergate problems, might be considered a very good president.  Bush needs Iraq (not Terror) to play-out before the public and scholars will pass judgment.
 
Of course, as time plays on, circumstances and opinions will change.  Let's say for instance that Iraq becomes a model democracy and a U.S. ally in a few years, and all terrorism stops.  Then Bush will be looked-at as a brilliant president.  But, if in a decade after that, oil becomes so expensive that the economy crumbles, and global warming causes so much ice to melt that the Keys, New Orleans, Cape Cod, and Sacramento all disappear, history will re-evaluate the historical significance of George Bush, and perhaps decide that Nixon was better.
 
Of course many other issues could be the deciding points for these evaluations, such as: supreme court appointments and their impact, spying on citizens, presidential power, torture, another war, and perhaps international opinion as well.
Once again Big Piners start on a fruitless voyage.  I sat through the Big Pine / No Name Name Key meeting last evening and listened to many fine people about their ideas and hopes for a better Big Pine. Certainly many of the speakers had very valid comments and all were very polite indeed.

Jim Cameron and Commissioner Neugent ran a very good and controlled meeting and staff members did an excellent job. Notes were taken and plans will be made for another meeting I’m very sure of that. I waited until the very end just to see if anyone would comment on the very biggest concern that keeps Big Pine different from every other Key in the Florida Keys.

Not a word was said about our biggest controlling factors. Fish & Wildlife and DOT. Believe me, people, when I say, these are the two government agencies that will control the future of Big Pine. We all know the strength of both agencies and the power to control them is certainly not on our island. We must be part of their decision making process and take back at least some control of what they plan for our future. This is the very first step in Commercial Big Pine. Also remember that not one of them is truly vested, money wise, in Big Pine and its future; so why should they control it?
It seems that the Retail Ordinance meeting at the Charter school went off as expected even though someone kept doubting that they would have a key to enter the school.

I don't know what all this fuss over Arabs running our ports is about. It's not the A-rabs we've got to worry about anymore, it's the Ruskies. Just watch this season of 24 if you don't believe me. If they show it on TV, you know it's got to be true.
[Arab control of ports] How come that no matter what Bush does I disagree? Except for the tax cut, of coarse.





Talking Dogs, need I say more?
So, Cheney decided to give his interview on the hunting accident exclusively to FOX News' Brit Hume. Hmmmm. "Yeah Brit, lob me some easy softballs." Geeez.

[Like to hear the Doerfel Family Bluegrass Band] Sure we would. Now go to Washington state and turn your speakers up real loud so we can enjoy your weirdo clan's music. Oh joy! 10 kids. Get sterile, Dude.
Thank you Big Pine people for your turnout at last night's Retail Ordinance Meeting. We were two-to-one against chain stores and for continuing our rural flavor. The best thing to come out of the night was that we were willing to talk to each other and maybe work out something that will benefit all of us.
Bush Quote from 2/21. Re: Hiring Arabs to guard the ports. "I want those who are questioning it to step up and explain why all of a sudden a Middle Eastern company is held to a different standard than a Great British (sic) company.

I saw what looks to be some sort of primate. It scared the crap out of me while I was jogging. I went back with my camera and snagged this shot. Sorry if it's not too clear. This thing is kind of big, actually.
[change on Conch 98.7, boycott advertisers] Where do you think you are in Michigan? These nummies living here in the Keys have an attention span of about three hours. How are they going to remember who's selling what?  Get real.
[Great presidents. Name one that wasn't on the take and didn't kill off your sons. I dare you. Move to a country without them, I Dare You! General Secretary Korean Workers Party:  Kim Jong Il, etc. Some of us are proud of our sons.] Another brilliant reply to a statement trying to tell you to vote wisely and pick Presidents that will not start wars, send innocent kids to die, and will not reap the monetary benefits of playing God in the White House. Read the words, ah!



I'm not much on calling the MCSO (Sherriff) to get even with people, but I would if I knew who dumped a washing machine on the side of Key Deer Blvd just south of the ball field.   A son of a bitch that would dump his personal garbage on the side of the road needs some Sheriff's office and court attention.  I honestly think 10 days in jail and a $1000 fine would stop this kind of crap from happening.
(Ed: There is a woman who writes in almost every day with a different complaint about the Key Deer Bar & Grill. This has been going on for a long time now. She must go there every night and spend a fortune. It baffles the mind why she continues going there. She's like a blog stalker)
[Hallucinogenic tea as part of a ritual intended to connect with God, a unanimous Supreme Court ruled Tuesday] instead of ruling that any person believing in mysticism or unproven mythology should be admitted to a psychiatric clinic for study--and perhaps a lobotomy. The world is going nuts with this religion crap. Grow up, get real, get sane!.
I was sitting having breakfast in BPK, listening to two Snowbirds talk about building homes in the Keys. One said, "I want to build as many as I can before they crowd us out and the prices go down." The other agreed, and said, "Money is cheap at these banks and the local builders are eager to get the jobs. It's a no brainier. These locals are too stupid to care."  It took all I had not to kick their teeth in. This is what we are up against. Greedy people who will roll over us for money. Wake up folks before we lose it.

It's the 21st Century. And yes, they are the worst chain stores in the area, with their "chain" all around the Keys, selling to anyone that wants to build, build, build. Sickening! Save the Keys. Bury a builder. Wreck a realtor. Do a developer. Anything to keep what's left of our home the way it is!
Has anyone been listening to Conch FM 98.7 lately? They are supposed to be promoting their switchover to country music on Thursday at noon. They are doing it by playing a continuous, maddening clock ticking, and it's driving me driving me crazy!  Let's all call them up and tell them what we think of their wacko format:  872-9100.

I stopped at the Summerland Chevron today for a coffee on my way to work. One of the employees was sitting outside in his Chevron Island shirt on a bench about 10 feet from people pumping gas with a lit cigarette in his mouth. Aside from being stupid isn't it illegal? Wouldn't the fire department and the gas station's insurance company love to see that?

If all the canals were dug out to allow flushing of ocean water, they would all be clean. The tree (reef) huggers say it would cause undue pollution into the sea. I say that’s doodly-squat. Open all the canals, let them flush daily and all will be a lot cleaner.


[Get your head out of your ass and keep your mouth shut] I would have to say that it might be wiser to close one's mouth prior to sticking one's head up their ass. After removing said head, it may very well be necessary to open one's mouth to catch a breath.
Why not a Battle of the Keys Bands. With proceeds going towards the upkeep of Ed's site. Then we can see who is a band and who is a glorified karaoke. The venue that holds it would get rich for a day with all the different bands' fans showing up.
FEMA Distaster Preparedness Changes http://www.theonion.com/content/node/45595


I, too, have a photo of the elusive Big Pine Monkey. This little guy was seen swinging in the trees from House of Music to the Key Deer Bar with a Budweiser in his hand. It seemed to be having a good time. I tried to follow him, but the vine broke with my fat ass. Oh well.

George W. Bush strategic thinker: From a February 17th speech in Tampa, Florida: Bush, "I hope that when it's all said and done, people will see me as a strategic thinker and that I'm able to stay focused on, a, uh, a, strategy."
Is anyone else still working on their boats? I just now have repaired, de-rusted and gotten the electric system back up on the trailer. The boat is running and hitting the waves seems inevitable. Some pictures and stories here would be motivating.
[Girl willing to experiment with me and my man] To the bartender: We are not looking to make any money with this experimentation, but if you feel you need to do something nice for us a gift certificate to Fairvilla would be greatly appreciated.

Your Brilliant President is hiring  an Arab company to take over the operation of seaports in Baltimore and five other cities;  and he is threatening a veto if Congress tries to kill a deal his administration has blessed. Talk about having the fox guard the hen house!  Bush either owes them something or they have something on him.  This smells bad.
Play 100s of games for free. http://games.mail.com/
[Phone math] The variables: x = first 3 digits y = last 4 digits z = phone number The equation, simplifying step-by-step: ((80x + 1) * 250) + 2y - 250) / 2 = z ((20000x + 250) + 2y - 250) / 2 = z (10000x + 125 + y - 125) = z 10000x + y = z

Guess my kid's college education paid off.
Breaks are 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the afternoon when working an 8 hour shift. You only get one 15 minute break if you work less than 8 hours. You must be given a lunch break no less than a 1/2 hour. The employer has the option of paid lunch. Some do, some don't,  but they can be fined by the state for not providing you with a lunch break.
It's 10:15 PM what in the world flew over Coral Shores Estates on Little Torch to make me stare at the roof & hold my kids tight & say a prayer that it wasn't coming in the house?  Does anybody know?
[Iguana shooter] True. One shot in the brain will do it. Usually that is only possible if the iguana is confined, as in a Have-a-Heart trap. Usually it is not possible to make such a brain shot from a distance of more than, say, 50 feet. At least not with my pellet gun.

I just saved a bunch of money on my boat insurance!
[Jazz Station] Why are they getting rid of it and who do we boycott?

Thursday February 23, 2006

Wednesday February 22, 2006
The Moondogs would like to do a benefit for the "website". One of my guys is not crazy about other bands playing and wants it to be us, but that is something that can be worked out in the planning. Maybe at Capt. Dan's, maybe Parrotdise, maybe at the flea market, who knows. What do you think? (Ed: Thank you, but I sincerely must refuse all offerings. I emailed you guys thanking you profusely. I hope the rest of the visitors see what quality dudes are in the Moondogs.)
A small branch of a South American religious sect may use DMT (dimethyltryptamine) hallucinogenic tea as part of a ritual intended to "connect with God", a unanimous Supreme Court ruled Tuesday. This is how our government spends their time and our money. They'll probably have stock in "the drug" and make a killing in the name of God. Tell us the name of the stock so we can buy it too.

Supreme Court Justice Roberts, writing his second opinion since joining the court, said that religious freedom cases can be difficult "but Congress has determined that courts should strike sensible balances." Then we b*tch when foreign people from India, China, Pakistan and Japan are brought in with Visas to handle the intelligent technical and medical jobs of our Country. Keep them high, keep them stupid in the name of religious freedom. Lord have mercy! (That was the government's thinking during the dark ages wasn't it?)
Is Century 21 Real Estate considered a chain store?  I have noticed that we have one on
Big Pine, Summerland,  Cudjoe,  Sugarloaf and their newest location on Ramrod. No telling how many in Key West and Marathon.
The "Hit" man you speak of seems like easy going guy. He drinks rum and coke, just one, maybe two, never seen him act up. A day person. I am a bartender and only know him from that point of view. But I can not say that about a bunch of folks I know from that point of view, as a bartender I see people at their best and worst in the same day.
I thought you might be interested in hearing an award-winning family bluegrass band at the Dockside this Thursday (Feb. 23) or next Thursday, March 2. For more information on the Doerfel Family Bluegrass Band (mom, dad and ten kids!). Check out keysy.com/dockside
Re: The people up here (New Jersey) all complain like that]  I have met some locals that were positively the best too (up here and down there).  We all have A-holes you just remember them more when they are from Jersey . You want to talk about rude, ever been to Massachusetts?  That is why they have a name for them up there, Massholes! Ever notice if you are from any of the New states you can't refer to the state with out the New in front except for Jersey, try it (Mexico, York, Hampshire, it just doesn't work). Good ol' Jersey!
To the person that came up with the phone number math trick .Just multiply the first 3 numbers by 10,000 and add the last 4 digits...Or better yet...Just write down your G%# Damn phone number to begin with!
[Snowbirds are] The hand that feeds them? It makes me ashamed to be a snowbird when I read arrogant, condescending remarks like that. We are guests down here. If we act like it and show respect for the residents, we will be treated with respect also. I do and I've never had any problems with anyone.
Ed, who did the "editing" for Tuesday's postings? The majority seemed to written by a few people and was not representative of the usual group we see contributing. What's up? (Ed: I don't know. I only can use what I get. It's cyclical. Stay tuned.)

I finally got a photo of a ape on BPK! I was walking the dog and almost got attacked. It was screaming and trying to bite.
[Great presidents. Name one that wasn't on the take and didn't kill off your sons. I dare you.]
Move to a country without them, I Dare You!
General Secretary Korean Workers Party:  Kim Jong Il
Supreme Leader: Ali Hoseini-Khamenei-Iran
Leader:  Muammar Abu Minyar al-Qadhafi-Libya
King:  Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa-Bahrain
Some of us are proud of our sons.
[Why a reward for the iguana shooter?]  For your information, there is a Florida State Statute, #828.12, which states "A person who intentionally commits an act to any animal which results in the cruel death, or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering, or causes the same to be done, is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s.775.082 or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or both." 

Do you get it now?  If you kill an iguana or any other animal here, you could be committing a felony.  Even if you kill it with one shot, it could still be construed as a cruel death.  This has got to stop folks.  These people that are bragging about killing helpless animals are criminals according to the law.  Just because the iguana is not "protected" doesn't give you the right to kill it.
I hang out in a lousy part of town because sex is cheap and easy to get from starving people!  Ever been to Taiwan?

I’m all for the Girl Scouts of America, but allowing a long line of cars and R/Vs to park on the right of way all night is just not safe. Hiring a deputy sheriff is like a bribe to make it alright. When some one plows into that line of vehicles some night, what is the deputy going to do, grab the wallets and sweep up the pieces? Remember how quick tickets are issued to us when we park for a few hours during the day on a 20 foot shoulder just to go fishing or swimming. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

Re: Allowing one retail chain in will allow others in because of discrimination? Isn’t that the very place that we are in now? There are already chains here so why can’t others that want to come in or sue on the basis of discrimination?

I was born in a small town of 3000 people. That town at that time had two chain super markets and several ma and pa stores and three drug stores that specialized on service such as delivering to elderly people at home. Everything worked fine. If you needed to shop at a large store such as Sears it meant a sixty mile drive but gas was 25 cents a gallon and a new Chevy cost $3000. (About 1/3 a year’s wages) Believe me; it was nice when Sears opened a catalog store in town. Chains coming in didn’t ruin that town and it won’t ruin this island. With the proper landscaping the new stores won’t change the appearance at all.
Of course we who walk up-right won't listen to the new country radio station, but now we have to suffer because there's no real music left in the Keys. Bring back a Jazz station please. How about some Long Hair, Big Band, anything you have to ware shoes to dance to.
There is a "local public corruption unit " in place. You people voted them in years ago. They are sure doing their job too, look at your taxes!
Why is Monroe County government negotiating development in favor of local monopolies?   Isn't this Illegal and unethical?
Thanks for telling me what the meeting is all about, but you still didn’t answer my question.  Who set it up at the charter school?  No one has even called to ask if they can use the building. How will people get in with out a key?
[Arabs running our ports] How's another one of the Bush Governments brilliant moves. Proof We the People are being sold down the toilet! http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,88437,00.html?ESRC=eb.nl  Why don't they just open the doors for the Heroin trafficking, the arms and infiltrators, and the general invasion of Islamic radicals, and let them have the place? We did it for the Cubans, the Mexicans and the Orientals. Who's next? Not to mention our countries loss of income from these ports. I really think it's Tea Time again! Lock and load, bro!
I read yesterday in the big city's (Key West) whine column that they have a bounty for killing iguanas.  Looks like I'm going to get a trailer and haul a bunch of dead iguanas up to Punta Gorda.  Can I get some of you tree huggers to help me load them up?
The usual stuff blaming the American Farmer for the nutrients in the water.  I hate to tell you but a small yard in the surrounding area of any city puts more fertilizer, that washes into the ecosystem, than a small farm.  Farmers start their crops; then fertilize with the smallest of applications because of the costs per acre involved and the fact that they all ready know what they are going to get for the crop.  The corn-wheat-cotton, whatever, sucks up the fertilizer. And now we even have buffer strips of grasses and trees around each spring, creek and river.  It's not coming from the farm. If you want a little proof that the environmentalists are waking up to this issue research the Chesapeake Bay foundation where they have met with many farmers and now agree that those little strips of green around every house are just belching nitrogen into the system. 

Not the farmers,  they finally started testing point of origin in each river and stream and its not the farmers. You only get the extreme levels when you reach the cities!  Again they have to rethink the whole thing and think of all the money paid to put in Riparian Buffers for nothing.  Kind of reminds one of the money spent on the fencing and bridges for the Key Deer.
(?) Take the Fox out of the hen house.
[The Crusades are just the tip of the Christian atrocities] So let me see if I've got this straight. You're saying that the modern day Muslims are as barbaric as the Christians of the Middle Ages? Yeah, I guess that's a pretty fair assessment.
[Mr. penis envy] You mish-informed know-it-all. You think you know somebody by reading a blog on this site. Well guess what? You missed by a mile. First of all it's my wife you're addressing. Not a man; and she and I have worked hard for what we got and we take nothing for granted. We don't have Rolexes and we live here on the island.

Your just the kind of person that she wrote about that give the south a bad name. You sit at your computer all day thinking of ways to attack people on this site that don't have the same narrow minded view as yourself. You should get your head out of your ass and keep your mouth shut.

She was kind enough to take in one of your local kids from here and that was the biggest mistakes we ever made. We gave him a chance to get on his feet and start over. In the three months he lived with us I had to force him to get a job. And do you think he could keep one? Not even. He would work a week and then lose it within a few days. Not only that, he would act like he was going to work for another week until it was time to pay the small rent that we were asking him to pay. Only then would he come up with a lame excuse that the boss didn't like him or the customer that they were working for didn't want him around or any other lie that the fault was anyone but his. This went on through four jobs and these were good jobs with good pay. He would rather sit around taking advantage of us to the point I had to almost physically throw him out. Then he cried about the way we treated him.

So if we were to judge the people that live here by the kids that they raise we would think you're all self-centered narrow-minded lazy non-working cry baby's.

On the contrary, most of the people here are hard working and very nice folks trying to make the most of what they have; and these are the people that we don't hear about or from. So the next time you feel the need to attack some one on this site you should keep your narrow minded self-centered cry-baby-mouth shut! 
I too will miss Conch FM.  It's one of the best jazz stations in the nation, but I guess down here, rednecks rule.  There is an alternative, however.  Satellite radio is very affordable and offers over 100 channels of commercial free music, news, and sports.  And you don't have to listen to the same old tired songs played once an hour that continuously play on some of our local stations. 
The definition of a developer, is someone who wants to build a house in the woods. The definition of an environmentalist, is someone who already has one.
To all the people out there that do not care for the format change on Conch 98.7 One way to express your dislike is when they change on Thursday, boycott all of the advertisers. If enough people do, it will make a statement. Hit them in the pocketbook and maybe we'll get some decent music back.
Do they have a sewer system on Summerland Key? The canals there are filled with some of the prettiest water I have ever seen. I'm thinking it may be more a function of flow-thru canals than sewage control. After all, there are a lot more pounds of fish crapping in the ocean than pounds of people crapping on dry land. Let's do an experiment and dig an ocean access at the end of my canal and see what happens.
[Random thoughts] Those photos of the ice sculptures on Sunday were very cool. No pun intended.
It's good that a Country station is going on the air this week. There is a need for one in the area. It's not something that I would listen to, but to each his own. It's just a shame that 98.7's Jazz format had to be dropped to make room for it. I'll miss the Jazz. How about a Classical station too. With the dropping of Jazz, I'm coming to the conclusion that there is more culture in yogurt than there is here in the Keys.

And please, all you moralists and Bible thumpers, don't get your shorts in a bunch, but kudos to the lady looking for another lady to experiment with her and her man. You must be very special. I wish you were my girlfriend (or wife, whatever the case may be). Your man is very lucky to have you. Ok, that's it. I'm out of here.



Does anyone know who around here installs those lifts I see behind various vehicles to transport an electric wheelchair? How much does it cost to get one installed?
I never liked Conch FM jazz. All they played was elevator music. Seldom did I hear  any actual jazz. I like Country music even less than elevator music.
Hey three way. Check out www.sdc.com  You will find what you are looking for.

I just read in the paper that Conch FM is changing their format. It was a decision by Kevin LeRoux and Ken Barlow. I hope the next time I see their name in print it will be in the obituaries.
Got news for you. The secret of life is a simple one. You cannot get out alive; and he who has the  most toys wins!
I found out yesterday that Cay Club’s main source of funding is out of Las Vegas Nevada.  Now we know what the Keys will be in 5 years--Mini Vegas.  In the meantime I’d like to be able to get to work. Where can I apply for my Cay Club US1 vehicle pass to travel in the Cay Club Keys?
An intellectual Northerner wrote; "Did any of the Big Pine whiners stop to think that maybe it's the way you treat people that come from the north." You know, I think you might be right. Pucker up Piners. We have been doing a lousy job of kissing Yankee butt lately. We are nothing but unworthy bumpkins. We should be thankful that they grace us with their presence. Just think, if we had realized that sooner, we might have won the war!

Wednesday February 22, 2006

 

Tuesday February 21, 2006




[Murder most foul] According to the Citizen's crime report police arrested Piner Marlon Eledge 39 the alleged hit man who was supposedly hired by Stephen Szymski 46 to kill Szymski's Piner neighbor. Does anyone know these two? Who is the unlucky neighbor? Why can't we all just get along?
[Iguana shooter] It does not take more than one shot to kill them. I've never had to fire more than one shot to the head to kill them. They just drop dead and don't even wiggle.
There are a few people who write here frequently ragging on rich people or anyone doing better than their lazy-asses. It's fairly obvious that jealously plays a large part in their insulting remarks about the hand that feeds them (snowbirds).
I don't want to change the rural atmosphere of BPK just so a few landowners can make a bundle and others can have a Publix. I like it like this. We're the last bastion of the rural Keys.

Congratulations to the News~Barometer for five years of much needed reporting on local events. Kudos to Steve Estes for his superb writing and reporting. The Barometer was such a crappy, hate filled rag when Steve bought it. He and Holly Estes have turned that rag into a newspaper we can all be proud of. keep it up folks!
[Girl willing to experiment] Place an ad in the personals along with the other sex weirdoes.
[Formula Retail Ordinance] Sadly, I don't think there is any common ground. Those of us who are from Key West know that exceptions are like rats. Once you allow one, they'll surely be more. If we allow just one large chain, the others can sue us and win because we can't discriminate.
Putting in sewers, widening the 18 mile stretch, changing laws to allow chain stores. Can you see what is happening? The groundwork is being laid for massive development in the Keys. Kiss this place goodby.
[Retail Ordinance] Maybe there is common ground. It boils down to what people really want is another market. If you could only allow one store, that would be all right, but in this country we can't discriminate.
There are so many negative remarks about tourists and snowbirds because they're having a good time and we're not.
Hungry, Belgium, Greece now have Bird Flu.


Bird Flu is now in France and India.
Did anyone see those six or seven red, white and blue helicopters heading east yesterday morning around nine am? I certainly hope that they are not the new fleet for the Sheriff's Dept. We can barely afford one.
Wail 99.5 is a joke. I heard some real classic rock on XM Radio and then had to go back to WAIL. Every day the same few songs. Every hour one Jimi Hendrix. Every morning Bang a gong. Hobie, don't you know that there are other songs on those albums?





You've got to have a lot of extra time to compile something like this. Quotes About Cats
All citizens of the US should be alerted to: Gonorrhea Lectim - The Center for Disease Control has issued a warning about a new virulent strain of Sexually transmitted Disease. The disease is contracted through dangerous and high-risk behavior. The disease is called Gonorrhea Lectim...pronounced (gonna re-elect
him). Many victims contracted it in 2004 after having been screwed for the previous four years.

Cognitive characteristics of individuals infected include: antisocial personality disorders, delusions of grandeur with messianic overtones, extreme cognitive dissonance, inability to incorporate new information, pronounced xenophobia and paranoia, inability to accept responsibility for own actions, cowardice masked by misplaced bravado, uncontrolled facial smirking, ignorance of geography and history,
tendencies towards evangelical theocracy, categorical all-or-nothing behavior.

Naturalists and epidemiologists are amazed at how the destructive disease originated only a few years ago from a bush found in Texas.

Until Islam renounces all forms of violence I will not recognize or respect it as a legitimate religion.
Here is a math trick that will mess with your mind. Personally I would like to know who came up with this. We might want them to take a look at the federal budget Grab a calculator (you won't be able to do this one in your head)
 
Key in the first three digits of your phone number (NOT the area code)
Multiply by 80
Add 1
Multiply by 250
Add the last 4 digits of your phone number
Add the last 4 digits of your phone number, again
Subtract 250
Divide by 2
 
Do you recognize the answer?
[More Math. This one messes with your mind too.] Why we locals can't stay in the Keys. 
Mortgage: $250,000 x 7% = $1663.26  per month payments or $415.82 a week net income.
Mortgage: $1,500,000 x 7% =  $9979.25 per month payments or $2494.80 a week net income
Mortgage: $2,500,000 x 7% =  $16632.56 per month payments or $4158.14 a week net income
...add to these payments amounts, insurance, maintenance, fuel, electric, water, car payments, food, and all the other goodies you need to live, and you wonder how us locals are being pushed out of the Keys. I don't know anyone who isn't a lawyer, bar owner, politician, or gangster, who can afford this, do you? Got kids, double it!

To those that have a problem with the Lower Keys having a country radio station, I have one suggestion:  Don't listen to it.  That's why you have buttons on your radio; feel free to not listen and not bitch because there are lots of us that hate what you like too. 
I have learned one thing you Piners can dish it out, but you can't take it. North Shore Chicago is the suburbs.
Roofers Suck! The roofers in the Keys are the worst. They grab all the jobs and never finish anything right. I'm from Detroit and know roofing. I'd never hire any of you bums down here. Tin roofs cost next to nothing material-wise and they are an easy install. Shingles are lots of work, and materials are also cheap. "Tin is In" but has ten times the profit margin over shingles. You are getting screwed people!


[Penis envy] Boy did you get that wrong. I am a woman. and I have worked very hard for everything I have. No one has given me anything. I do not own a Rolodex. I am an old hippy. I still believe in all the things that we tried to do in the 60's. You better get your facts straight before you open your mouth.
[President's Day... great presidents] Name one that wasn't on the take and didn't kill off your sons. I dare you.
[Jealous guy] That guy yesterday who was jealous of the affluent person who lives in North Shore Chicago. He expects the guy to go hang out in the poor section for some reason that only the jealous guy can understand. Why would anyone want to hang out in a lousy part of town unless they can't afford to hang out anywhere else?
A new bomb robot, helicopter (Trauma Star) and other assorted toys for the Sherriff's Office? Not tools of the trade, but a carefully fulfilled payoff so local law enforcement doesn't keep to close an eye on the local politicians. I would rather see a local public corruption unit put in place instead of waiting for the Feds to constantly come in and clean up our local government.







Why do the Sheriff's allow people to stand in the middle of the road and conduct business. It just doesn't make sense. I've never been able to figure that one out!
[Re: girl willing to experiment with me and my man] I tend bar at a local place and only make a few hundred a night in tips. What kind of money are you talking about?
Ban the ordinance! Ban the chains! We don't want chain stores on Big Pine? Come on, we already have them, now let's see if I can name them all...Beall's,  Winn Dixie, Ace, CVS,  True Value, Tom Thumb, all the banks did I miss any? I sure am glad we have no chain stores here.
[Government selling 6 major seaports to the Arabs] If this doesn't tell you, "We the People" are being sold down the canal, nothing will. We put these bastards into office and they screw us all.  Hey, Conch Republic, where are you when we need you, or are you there for the fun and profit too?
Formula Retail Ordinance is the crest of the "push out" wave! When big business see an area about to turn into something more valuable than it was for years, they jump on the greed wagon to make gobs of money. We locals will be out of here in two to three years, because we are being undersold by our "see the bucks" leaders. They could care less about The Keys, the mangroves, the waters, and all that we used to know. The Keys are going, going, gone, and it's nobody's fault but us locals. Where to next, Cuba, Mexico, the Texas gulf coast, oh that's already bought up too!

Tuesday February 21, 2006

 

Monday February 20, 2006






Happy Presidents Day to all you great presidents of this great nation.
[Penis envy] Mr. North Shore Chicago sure does sound house-proud.  I'll bet he loves showing off his Rolex too.  Wow, how impressive.  You're important.  You're special.  I'm so happy that those types are not down here...yet.  I will take the crusty meanies over the phony whiney bitches who think we're impressed by their material wealth, which, by the way, the things you own, end up owning you.
Granny guard will protect you from just about anything. I know it scares me. http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/8610/mooninggrans1jy.swf
How was a drunk like Bode Miller allowed to get to the Olympics?
Thanks, "Ed" for the photo of the Flagler Railroad mile marker.  When my late husband and I bought Big Pine Liquors 19 years ago, it was completely overgrown with weed/brush and trash.  Bob spent hours cleaning up the grounds (and got into big trouble for doing so), and uncovered this mile marker.  About a year later, we were contacted by some state archeologists who said they'd been looking for this marker for a long time.  They told us it was the last existing Flagler Railroad mile marker in the Florida Keys (still don't know if that's true) -- and shows the mileage to Key West on one side and Jacksonville on the other.  We tried to keep it trimmed over the years (and standing, since cars have knocked into it from time to time)  The new  store owners (Steve Miller and Dan Metcalf) promised to keep it visible.  It's a cool piece of Keys history.
When Radio 98.7 changes formats it might just have to double its fire insurance costs.  Country, hillbilly, and other forms of retarded music should be banned to Texas. The Keys are a hip strip, and are inhabited by humans that walk up right, have teeth, bath, hate Karaoke, and have self-respect, manners and money. Got that?
Rule #1 of the Developers Hand Book says, "Find a place with rednecks, dumb A-holes, religious nuts, and greedy real estates, and you will be able to do anything you want, to make money!" Rule #2 says, "Screw any and all eco systems because they don't mean nothing!"


When does 98.7 start the country music? It's about time we had a decent radio station down here. It's sad when the most popular music in the country hasn't been available here for years.
"Oh, chumboy, yo counter buoy, we are out of yellowtail, Fishfellow."  Just a few of the remarks abounding in the (?)Fantyfish store on the weekends. Seems a great place to work, always a smile and friendly banter from those two fellows. One can not leave there without a smile and maybe a little fun.
You people better wake up to what's really happening with this sewer system BS. It's all about money. It's all about more taxes. It's all about pushing you out and letting the rich take over the Keys. It's all about fixing the problem of no place to dump commercial dodo, and then allowing more resorts and hotels to build all over the place. Wake up and smell the mangroves before it's too late!
I have lived in the Keys more over 40 years. This site has gotten so picky over such trivial garbage. Iguanas, so called monkeys sightings, the kind of cars certain men drive, spy poles and even the ice cream truck. You never see anything discussed that really matters like our government selling 6 major seaports to the Arabs (including the port of Miami) just like letting the fox loose in the henhouse.


The commercials for the Daytona 500 were far better then the one's at the super bowl. It was a good race, but Tony Stewart will have to get his foot out of his own mouth. He should just drive and keep his mouth shut.
ATENCIÓN ¡Todos los cubanos mejoran a americano de discurso del comienzo o consiguen de nuevo a Cuba! ¿Entienda?
Sorry to contradict, but sewering the Keys will not clean up our waters one bit.  The big lie is that our water quality problems are home grown.  In fact the whole country from between the Rockies, to the Appalachians, drain into the Mississippi River basin.  That means all of the fertilizer used in our bread basket farming is washed into the gulf of Mexico. From there it is carried directly through the Keys by the prevailing currents of the Gulf. Include all of this side of Mexico and most of Florida's agriculture, and all sewerage. We are just a drop in the bucket.  The other misconception is that sewage treatment removes the nutrients from the water.  It leaves most of the nutrients in tact to destroy our reefs and near shore waters from over nitrification. 

Happy Presidents' Day to all you great presidents of this great nation.
(Ed: the electricity was off this morning and I was able to publish Kudos and Whiners with the new quiet corporate generator. Whoppie!)
[Re: Reward for iguana shooter] Why a reward? Because it took several shots instead of just one? Agreed, it would be best if just one shot would do it, but in reality it usually takes a few to do them in.
From what I've seen of the landscaping around some Publix markets up the keys, it would be an improvement over some of the businesses on US1.

I was really disappointed with the way the young man who won the speed skating on Saturday acted when he was interviewed.  He was rude and condescending.  It was a slap in the face for our country.
[Boom box cars] The young, deaf-to-be ghetto kids like to have the cars that vibrate the inside of any nearby home when they drive by. They impress no one, and look stupid. You cannot compare this loud ghetto trait with the young men who learned how to take care of a car and rebuild an engine.
Monkey fishing is child's play.  Try going after a mature baboon and use 10 pound test, now that is sport.
[Paranoid artisan] I ran into two different Muslim women in town. One wanted me to make her mom some jewelry, the second wanted me to make a dress for her (they commented on the dress and jewelry I was wearing). Gee, I had to turn them both down. I am Christian and am not quiet up to being beheaded today. Did they really think I would let them know where I live? Really!



Would being a mama's boy be considered a character defect?
[The people up here (New Jersey) all complain like that] Geeze, that's hard to believe. When they're down here, they're just so nice.
Sewers only allow more development.

Good news about the classic car club and upcoming car cruises and events!   I would love to see a classic car cruise somewhere in the Keys. Please keep us informed about any upcoming car shows.  I didn’t know anything about the one at Knuckleheads last Sunday, and I drive by there everyday. Maybe you could let us know by posting the info on this site's Bulletin Board.

Our government is putting control of six of our major ports under the control of a company from The United Arab Emirates. A country with long involvement with terrorism. Is it just me, or is there something wrong with this situation?
That Danish cartoon was not anti-Muslim. That cartoon was the truth. Mohammad was the aggressor in many a war. Also, he was a sick pedophile many times over. Since the Muslim's have no respect for women or female children I'm sure they think that's all right.

And the so-called "torture" photos taken in Iraq. Oh, please! You have to undress those murdering nuts just to see if they have hidden a bomb up their A-holes.
[Where do I go to find out about break times for the state of Florida in the workplace?]  The U. S. Department of Labor:  http://www.dol.gov/elaws/faq/esa/flsa/008.htm
Re: Florida Keys Blogs. All I can say, after perusing through several of the blogs, is Ed, please don't change the format of this site! This is one of the most entertaining and interesting bulletin board/blog sites I've ever read. Those other one-sided, long-winded blog sites just put me to sleep.
Hey, Mr. North shore Chicago, Doh! I guess we blew our cover. Southern hospitality is alive and well if we can make a buck off you. Otherwise, well just read this board. Did you ever think that the feelings expressed towards some of the snowbirds are justified? We use to have nice people here in the winter, but in the last few years... Oh well. Anyway, lets see if we can't put you back in your comfort zone; "Ya'll come on down now, ya hear" (wink, wink). By the way, when was the last time you rubbed elbows with your neighbors to the Southside in Cabrini-Green? I didn't think so.
Did any of the Big Pine whiners stop to think that maybe it's the way to treat people that come from the north. It's been my experience that if you try using manners and are polite you will get the same in kind. I now understand why the south lost the civil war. I don't think any of you do. You are not better than anyone else. You are sad, pathetic people. Build a bridge and get over it.
Possibly, I have found the cure to not being able to plant hibiscus in my yard.  "The new black gold is called Tiger Poo.  In Canberra, Australia they are making a repellant, made of fatty acids and sulphuric compounds extracted from tiger excrement, also works to repel feral pigs, kangaroos and rabbits and might deter deer, horses and cattle too". 

Where can I buy this stuff.  I'm getting in line and placing my order now!  Wow, this stuff will work on the bears at home. I, for one, do not need to wake up again to a big old black bear looking in my glass doors at me snoring away.  "In an average year pest animals cause about $420 million (U.S. $311 million) worth of agricultural damage in Australia."  It would be nice if we could define a small area around our homes for us and not have to look at a big old ugly fence.  Woo, Hoo!
[Who setup the retail formula ban meeting?] First of all, it's not a ban, it's an ordinance which was never adopted by the county commission. It can be changed or modified to meet the needs of the community as they see fit.

It was decided two years ago through a process called the Livable CommuniKeys workshops. Every taxpaying household on Big Pine was mailed information about the meetings as well as returnable surveys if you could not attend. The information gathered gave the county the feeling that Big Pine wanted to keep it's rural appearance and limit large chain stores with a town center and possibly a community building of some sort.

I attended most of these meetings as well as a handful of prominent business owners along US1. We all were in agreement as to limit large chain stores.

About a month ago the Monroe County planning commission was lobbied by some of the same people who attended the workshops two years ago to abolish the ordinance. As a result the commission directed the county planning dept to have workshops. So, once again as time and conditions change, we must revisit this issue that was decided through a fair and well advertised county program that nobody had the time to attend.



The Crusades are just the tip of the Christian atrocities.  Don't forget the Inquisition. The Conquistadors and their missionaries, the Salem witch hunts, and the list goes on and on.  Don't get me wrong, the Muslims are no better and maybe worse, but you should not throw rocks at another religion when yours is made of glass.  
Can someone tell me where I can meet a girl willing to experiment with me and my man? This will be a one time event and discretion is required.
[Regarding the Formula Retail Ordinance] People, please put down your weapons! Is there no middle ground here? Is there no one on Big Pine or with the County who can see a compromise? Seems like there must be some grey area between turning BPK into Marathon and letting buildings remain vacant. Let's try to find that space.

Monday February 20, 2006

 

Sunday February 19, 2006
[Sewers] Five thousand people or ten thousand people; other than the normal laws of this country; Monroe County or Big Pine residents should not take a landowners rights away.  Its not the American Way. You work hard, sweat, save and reap the benefits of your work.  I've talked to everyone I know and so far can't find one who is against a shopping center on the Flea Market site or The hardware site.

In fact most cannot wait for Walgreen's to move into the old Scotty's site because the word is that they have to donate enough land for us to get a sewer system.  Now if you want the water to clear up in all the canals let alone the reef put everyone in the Keys on a sewer system and voila, the waters will be so much clearer and much less algae bloom etc.  You cannot tell me that everyone, trying to save every black snake, bird, key deer and rodent, are against putting in a sewer system.  Did you look in your canal at the nice red water after the hurricane surge?  That is sewage folks and it is much better piped to a nice holding tank, where the authority can decide to treat or truck.  I guess if we built one then all of us holding empty lots could then build and the I got miners Piners would not like that?
These pictures are from the Lake Placid, NY Ice Festival. 
I have a web page listing active Florida Keys Blogs. I am looking for information on any Big Pine Key residents or businesses with blogs, or any others from any of the Florida Keys. You can post the information here on Kudos and Whiners for everyone to enjoy and or go to this page http://floridakeystreasures.com/blogs/ and send the information to me.
I can't believe you folks on BPK are debating development. If you want your "paradise" to look like Anytown, USA, let in the chain stores and unrestricted development, I'm sure you will enjoy the downstream effects that come with it. I am currently living outside the US in an extremely dense, overdeveloped, stressed-out country. I can't even describe what a huge downside there is to no-zoning, unrestricted growth and gross overpopulation in limited space. If I were you, I'd hang on to what you have as long as you can and stop all the friking whining.
I Miss Monkey Fishing At Lois Key!  Maybe It will make a comeback on Big Pine!
First the bait was put on the hook and then the monkey-fisherman cast it onto the island. The monkeys then swarmed round the treat, and when the fisherman felt a strong tug he jerked the pole. I knew he had hooked one by the shriek. It made a primal yowl that set my hair on end. The monkey came flying from the trees, a juicy apple stapled to its palm.
 
Connoisseurs note that monkey brains are best eaten when they are still warm and fresh, well before they get pungent.
When 98.7 starts the country music, it time to find a new radio station. I like some country music, but really; isn't the keys about Jazz?

[Kosher Deli] Now you're talking. Bring on the pastrami! I'm ready.
Here's a link you've all been waiting for: JAMAICA DOGSLED TEAM
Haven't been out on a Saturday morning for some time. After this morning, I don't think I'll be out for another until the birds fly north again. Are they frickin' rude or what?
I want to say a big thank you to my family Bob, Gina,  Ann, Chris and Tina for another great vacation in the Florida Keys.  And to the Galley Grill:  Keep up the good work.  Great food.  To my favorite firefighter, Steven:  Great fishing with you and thanks for helping me catch that 49lb black grouper.


The way everyone cries on this site I think you all are from New Jersey.  The people up here all complain like that. I think this is a great site. I can read more complaints.  Anyway keep the site up whatever you need to do.  Maybe a donation jar at the flea market would work?
As a resident for more that a decade and a frequent visitor since before the new bridges (1980) I am intrigued by the 50 yr. resident writer and would love to hear how BPK has changed; i.e. environment, water and air quality, population, canal construction, smuggling, boating and how the topography of the seabed has changed. (Hurricanes?)  And on and on. Fishing, transportation, tourism, laws and regulations pertaining to building and fishing..  

I think there was a one man police station in front of what is now CVS with a cop that walked a beat. Hell, I even remember when there was a Laundromat somewhere on Cudjoe.  I think it was in the what is now either CoCo's Cantina or what is now the old Pepperoni's.  Fill us in will you please? And yeah, I am writing a book for all the responders who would like to fill me in about recent history. Not!. Come on old timer.  What were the boats like back then? Oars?  And we mustn't ignore the worn out debate of the iguana's and Key Deer.  Ed:  If you are sending this to a long winded tome (how the heck do you pronounce that anyway)?  Please don't bother as you are already overworked.  Couldn't live without you.


So what if the hook-up-guy likes to date fat girls? Some guys think big girls are beautiful. I've got a friend from WV who won't date a girl "unless her arse is wide enough to whip with a car aerial".
I'm really going to miss the jazz station, If I wanted country I'd move to Georgia
Re: I love the Big Pine Coffee Shop. It's not the first time I have heard The Coffee Shop closing because of the help rebelling. The reason why my wife and I will never step foot in the coffee shop is because we got fed up (No pun intended) with Mrs. hissy-fit.
Key West has a laid-back attitude because it has a large population of permanent residents. Most of which, are very laid-back. Big Pine use to be as laid-back, but now it only is off-season. The influx of anal retentive "doesn't anyone care about the laws" city people in season has everyone on edge. What these city types want is the illusion of being laid-back. Hence, no chain stores. Then, when their friends come to visit, they will see how quaint and laid-back their winter home is. These people wouldn't know laid-back if it bit them in the ass. I just love this web site!
After reading this site for a year all I have to say is I'm glad to be from the north (born and raised north shore Chicago). I cant get over how bitter and angry people from the south are; and mean. You seem to hate everyone. That includes race, religion, nationality. Change is a natural part of life. If things don't change they die. I loved the 60's but we will never see anything like that again. Grow up. I don't know how any of you get out of bed in the morning. There seems to be no joy in any of your lives.

[Smile and Wave] I agree with the poster that it's not just the snowbirds who smile and wave. In fact, I consider that to be more of a locals trait. But who really cares where you came from or how long that you've been here? There's no need for anyone to be so uptight that they can't take a second to smile and wave once in awhile. I agree, lighten up and see how much better your life seems. Life's too short to be grumpy all of the time.
[Re: The railroad well] I am very familiar with BP Liquors, but pray tell, where is Sal's furniture? (BPK Historian: The Salvation Army Store)
To the person explaining to the "retarded" person what an A-hole is.  It sounds to me like your response to them was the idiotic one.  You obviously have some major issues you're dealing with.  I agree with them that the person that bragged about swerving to run over an iguana is the A-hole.  Actually that's too good a term to describe this iguana killer.  Anyone with no regard for an animal's life is low life scum.
I've got news for you New Yorkers, we will never have a Jewish deli anywhere in the keys that will compare to a N.Y. Kosher deli.  They had one in the W/D shopping center in K. W. the franks were terrible. I understand they are under new owners and I have not been there yet.
What if there was a page on here where the public could advertise the subdivision, town or state that supports your site without giving our names? That would solve the donation issue. We pay what we want to advertise and you skip the donation issue. (Ed: Thanks for the good idea.)
Re: Looe Key Tiki fight club when after twenty-five years all of a sudden you are having one or two fights a week. Look to the bartenders. It is a clear sign of over serving. Anyone who has taken the class from Responsible Vending or the State can tell you that. Shut them off and ask them if they need a Taxi.


Not everyone that claims homestead exemption down here is doing so legally. You're only suppose to claim it on one home, period. Not the one here and the one up North. So wipe that smile off your face.
It's time to unload on the bunch of you that love to stir the pot! I have been sitting on the side line for a while reading what you think.  Here's my thoughts: I really don't care if they build a new store on BPK. I will most likely use it.

Rob has been both good and bad to me depending on what day you are there. It happens to all of us sometime.

The hook up guy can do what he wants. He is not in bed with me and I really do not care what he does.

I own a home in the Keys. I only can come down from the north six times a year because I want to finish my job as a Firefighter and want the benefit plan. Is that wrong? I have been coming to the Keys for 30 years and want to live here. Is that wrong? I hate the tax system. Is that wrong? The big poles may or may not be helpful. I will wait and see. I hate big brother looking over my shoulder. The bars in the Keys are fun but the cops are a pain in the ass. Could they lightin up a bit? There are about 60 percent of the folks here from somewhere else. Is that wrong? America lets us live where we want. It's the American way. I like that! 

Most folk's that tell me how to act should go! I am here because I really don't want to hear from you. I still smile and say hello to everybody I meet because that is how humans are suppose to act. (Like civilized humans)

Who cares about a cop at Winn Dixie. It gives this guy a living. If you do not steal, who cares! The local government should back off a little. they collect too many taxes and provide too many problems with day to day issues.

Mangrove Mamma's is a great place. The local bands are trying to make a living and I will support them. Mixer and all.

If you want to rag on me please feel free.  I live in Doctors Arm. It is my right to be here and I don't mess with anybody. I just enjoy the folks and the area. Enough said. please lighten up.


Primates roaming around BPK? Actually, those are the offspring of Mangrove people. They've evolved hairy (protection from mosquitoes and no-see-ums) and smaller (do to shortage of consumable habitat). We call them "Key People".
Every now and then we need to check our computer mouse for calibration.  Here is the site to use. It looks easy doesn't it? Turn up the sound for even more fun.
http://www.winterrowd.com/maze.swf
There are a few car clubs in the Keys that are actively involved in Car events. My name is Mike Bell and I am the co-founder of just one of the car clubs here based out of Key West. We just had our first show the past Sunday the 12th at Knuckleheads Bar & Grill on MM15, which will be our official home for the club. We will be hosting a car show on the 3rd Sunday of every month at Knuckleheads. We will also have other events thoughout the year including car cruises and meets with other clubs thoughout the Keys. There is also a show that is hosted at the Arby's in Key Largo which is on the 2nd Sat of every month. We are open to anyone that is into cars and would like to come and share their enthusiasm. We are not biased as to vehicle types and makes. If you are interested you can call me at (305) 360-2960 and I will add you to our mailing list.

Sunday February 19, 2006

 

Saturday February 18, 2006 
[It pays to advertise] Ok, guys and gals. It's time to put your time where your mouth is.  I guess the Editor is as proud and stubborn as I am and won't yet accept our gratitude for such a super site so I'm doing a little advertising. 

We have been to Parrotdise twice recently and when the owner came by to see how we were doing I made sure to mention how lucky we were to see the ad on BigPineKey.com to find such a good restaurant!  Goodness knows it is super service and the food is wonderful.  All we have to do is let people know that so many use this site, especially Kudos and Whiners and maybe the owners will see how profitable and inexpensive it is to place ads on this site.  I am going to all the others that are seen on the site and patronize them because they do adverts here.  Goodness knows the equipment you have to buy to keep all of this going must be costly and I've been racking my pea sized brain on how I can help. 

The offer of real money stands, this site is one of the few things on the Internet that is worth paying for, but until you figure out a way that suits you I will be out there spreading the word in a positive manner.



[Railroad well] I don't know if this one beats that, but how about the original mile marker sign between BP Liquors and Sal's Furniture? That was from the old Overseas Highway.
[Ice Cream Truck was meant to be tongue-in-cheek] It was obvious that it was humor, but I think some people disregard what is written in order to get something off their chest.
There's a new channel, 9410 on Dish Network. It's the English version of Al Jazeera, "LINK". I like to see the Islamic-middle east view of events. It's really captivating. The west and the mid-east are never going to get together if this channel is at all accurate. Another new channel is 9415: GAY USA!
Hearing the ice cream man's little Civil War jingle in the distance gives me the creeps. I think Hollywood has made too many pictures where that sound portends murder and abuse. It's unsettling. I don't mean any bad things about the ice ream man, but I'm a victim of conditioning and just hearing Dixie in the distance on a quiet night awakens feelings of horror.
There is a reward of $25,000 for the death of the Danish cartoonist who drew that offensive anti-Muslim cartoon.
What's wrong with a laid-back attitude.  Key West has one of the best laid back attitudes in the world.  But yet they still have stores and building keeps going on.  I just don't understand what some idiots are talking about.



Thanks to computer enhancement, the truth is out about the Big Pine Key Swamp Ape. It’s the New Jersey Bimbo at it again!

Architectural Digest just did an issue on the homes of the glamorous Hollywood actors of the 40's to 60's, or so. It was so nice to see how they lived and read about growing up or living in those houses by the children of the famous or the decorators of those places. Imagine so many famous people coming by and dropping in at your place in Malibu and hanging out? Or the party's they held at their houses and the interesting soap operas that must have gone on.



I have a homestead exemption but also smile and wave at everybody when I walk my dog. I'm sure I have lived here longer than you have. Not everybody that smiles at people is a snowbird. Maybe you too would feel better if you chose to smile at a stranger once in a while. It isn't necessarily a "cool" or local thing to be nasty to somebody you don't know. Lighten up a bit and see how much better your life seems.
Haven’t we all noticed the iguanas and deer don’t care what we think about them?   The Old Green Keys just ain’t what they used to be, and they never will be again. Convenience, variety, change has been going on for decades. Talk to people born, raised and buried their parents here and you’ll understand that bit**ing about malls or chain stores is just a waste of breath. What will be will be, sooner or later and with or without our consent. Those of us who have Aqueduct water are mighty grateful for modernization. Check that with your friends on cisterns and wells. Don't you just love air conditioning?

When we grow up it shouldn’t matter anymore what we drive as long as it gets us from point A to B.   The Ice cream truck is a nostalgic institution as are ice cream shop trips. The same results could be obtained by emanating a less obnoxious sound than the local vendor produces. My .22 is more accurate than your scatter gun for taking out the speaker on the top. That way no one and nothing else gets damaged. I have some blue grass or blues or Southern rock or opera if Good Humor is willing to change!  
I like BPK just like I left it, just like it was when I got there. I'm so cold right now I wish I could teleport myself to Bahia Honda. I miss all my friends, you know who you are, so here is a big hug from Seattle, Juls (Ed. please leave my name in, love you, I mean it!)
I miss Montego Bay too.  It's was a nice hang out with some decent grub.


I know there are primates roaming around BPK.  I almost hit one with my car a couple nights ago as it bolted across the road near the House Of Music.  Definitely not a deer!
Just a note on deer and hunting.  In Virginia, on a farm where there is very little hunting activity, hundreds of deer are smart enough to hide out on that farm vs the others around it where hunters are blazing away.  Possibly they don't know what is happening, but, they don't like the noise and won't return till its quiet for a while. They congregate where it is quiet.  Because I have had cows and horses shot in the past (just a few dumb hunters giving the whole crowd a bad name. Most hunters are very careful and courteous) I allow a little hunting to a special few (who bag some huge bucks). 

I used to be stupid and not allow any hunting, until I noticed the deer around me getting very sick and looking like the walking dead.  I can assure you that the other posts of properly sizing up the herd to its environment are correct and I just can't believe the environmental and PETA crowd haven't thought of a way to spend another 20 million on way too many Key Deer.  When they all get diseased and you can't save them and they die starving and thirsty in the mangroves then you will see what your meddling has done.  I just shudder to think of the money spent on the deer bridges and road guards when we could use a simple pave job on Key Deer and the rest of the roads on this island. I forgot the deer always come first!  Where are the figures? All that dough and we killed how many last year, more? How can that be, there are so few deer? 

Classic cars always bring a smile to my face. My boyfriend just bought a '57 Chevy last year. Riding around in his car was pure joy. I think it very admirable to be able to build or fix an engine, especially an old classic. That's a sign of a real man. As long as the American classic is a Chevy. I drive a classic 500SEL Mercedes myself and absolutely love it!
While reading letters to the editor in the Barometer today (which, coincidently, are all Pro Formula Retail Ordinance) I noticed the following comment at the end of one; "If we wanted Starbucks and McDonalds and the like, we'd stay up North". Well hot damn! Can you think of a better reason for locals to want a McDonalds and Starbucks on Big Pine?
This sums it up very nicely. http://filmstripinternational.com/



Why exactly is it that you are a snowbird if you smile at people while walking your dog?  I don't quite get that one.  I say hello to people while walking my dog and I do have homestead exemption.
Honestly, why would you have to say stuff about the younger car guys? I bet when you were 17, or around that age the people that were 40+ were looking down on you for what you were doing to your cars. Don't you remember that? Maybe you forgot with time. There is nothing wrong with having your car tinted or having a decent sound system. Times have changed, deal with it.
 
The younger generation knows what they are doing with cars, look at all the advancements they have made over the past 10 years. The "Tuner generation" started out just like the muscle cars; a group of kids taking what they had to work with and finding ways to make more power. Just recently the major car manufactures have picked up on this and started making money off of it. Damn, just like the muscle car days. So basically, your talking badly about kids and the cars. When in all reality your generation did basically the same thing.
 
There is no reason to complain, or even fight about this. If you are a true car lover than you would embrace it all. However, I think I can agree with you on one subject. Those ugly import cars running around with ridiculous body kits, nasty exhaust systems, and ugly colors. I hate that. I like a clean car.
 
I have never owned a car that I could modify just by picking up a magazine, or going online and ordering a part. I've always had to make my own parts or push to have them made. Not all young car guys are the same, and most young car guys would love to sit around and learn and talk about cars with the older guys. Your generation helped create ours, so lets all just find the things we have in common.


[Re: "The same can be said of the Christians over the years] Tell me you're not talking about the crusades that took place in the Middle East in the 10th century AD. That was in response to the Muslims conquering land that had been inhabited by Christians. But so what? That was 1000 years ago. Are you trying to say that the terrorists killing people today are justified in doing so because of something that took place a millennium ago? That's just asinine.
You say rusted out, beat up, pickup truck like it is a bad thing.
[Coffee Shop crime] Monroe County's finest? Now there's an oxymoron. If they have the "Hot" detective on the case it ought to be wrapped up faster than you can glaze a doughnut.
To the people dreaming of a new shopping center. Do some math. With the cost of the land and building the new stores and restaurants, the combined rent will have to be $250,000  per month. Now tell me who can afford that rent? A Publix, an Outback and a few small stores? I don't think the math works in their favor.

Re: The idiotic response to iguana killer: Do I really have to explain what an A-hole is? are you retarded? Well, here goes. An A-hole is a self important, unconscious, tree hugging, booger eating, slow driving, tree hugging, turd burgelering, loud mouthed, northern transplanted, anal retentive, Michael Jackson loving, democrat, snowbird, iguana lover! Any questions?
I love the Big Pine Coffee Shop.  The food is great, the people working there are bending over backwards to help everyone, but I hate it that I can't go early in the morning anymore.  The rumor is someone had a hissy-fit and fired some of the great help and the rest walked out in support of everyone.  My only thought is the owner has a really good thing going and he/she is messing with his public a lot.  You couldn't believe the whining I have heard about this one.
 
I could be completely wrong on this rumor but, I heard it from more than one source (see I'm learning from the New York Times) as it is a rumor; and I do not know any of the owners. I thought the cash register thing sounded a bit much?  I don't know what to believe. Does anyone else know what is really going on?

If you are going to show the New Blimps, show the real thing! It's you tax money at play, you know.
[Spy Poles] They're looking for Cubans walking down the road. Dry feet--send the bus to pick them up.
I would really like to have Ted Kennedy drive Hillary Clinton to meet Dick Cheney so they all could go bird hunting.
[Retail ordinance] Conversely, what right do the five thousand residents have to restrict the right to sell of the ten?


I thought Bob Costas was a little harsh With American Lindsey Jacobellis tonight. Geez, she got silver and she is only 20 yrs old. Give it a rest.
"We need a Montego Bay." I'll second that emotion. There's really nowhere decent and fun to go to around here. I enjoy a dive bar now and again, but there is definitely room for something that serves the regular people around here. Snobs is generally clean at least, but I'd prefer somewhere a little more fun.
[Spy poles] They're not to spy on us, but they said that the tapes would be used in court if necesary.



Hey Piners, did you see where that fancy-smanchy radio station Conch FM 98.7 is switching from playing that uppity smooth jazz music to good ole country and western. Yee-haw! So much for what the politicians call the "gentrification of the Keys". Grandma is pretty excited about it, doncha know.

[You're a snowbird if you don't have a homestead exemption in the lower Keys and if you smile at everyone while walking your dog.] The first thing that comes to mind is, "Nice tooth."
[Spy poles] I hope no one crosses the road  and head-ons one of those poles because they only have protection on one side.

My family and I are from New York, and we are so glad to see the Keys are getting more Jewish people moving here. I hope someone opens a Kosher Restaurant on Big Pine Key soon, we need it badly!
Editor, have you looked into the legalities of excepting donations for your site? You might be stepping into a bucket of iguana poop! Check with your lawyer first, you might have to become a pro site, which is a mofo !

Who is in charge of the formula retail ban meeting on Tuesday at Big Pine Charter School?  Everyone knows about the meeting, but no one will say who set it up. 






What the Real Estaters don't want you to know!    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11385475/  and  http://www.nexialinstitute.com/global_flooding.htm 
A brighter light at the house of music is a bad idea. You don't want to see whos next to you.
Re2: [Spy Poles. What could the signs possibly say that might be useful?]  "Eat at Mc Donald's on BPK",  what else?
What is up with the Looe Key Tiki?  They should forget about comedy night and just have fight club instead.  There have been an unprecedented number of fights there lately and it always involves a tourist (imagine that). I am going to start training for the next time I go there. I wonder if there are some fumes coming off the thatched roof that makes tourists more goofy than they usually are.  It might be Brad's music, there might be some hidden Satanic verses.  If we could get him to play backwards it might be exposed, but first he'll have to learn to play forward.
I'm with the writer that's been here for 50 years. I love Big Pine Key and see our beautiful island turning into an eyesore. A few loudmouths who were born in New Jersey,  Michigan, Ohio or somewhere else have decided what this island should be and we who have been here for years and are complacent  must be too dumb to see what Big Pine has always been about.

Believe me, it isn't about the bars and the drunks passing out in front of the local watering holes. It isn't about the seasonal visitors creating their own memories. And it isn't about seeing buildings vacant or waiting days for a prescription to be filled because the only drugstore on the island has so much business that it can't handle the volume. Big Pine Key was never Key West or Marathon ( thankfully) and never will be. Big Pine has always (in the past been proud of what it is, not sorry for what it is turning into.


The controversial cartoon is Danish not Dutch. two completely different countries with different languages and everything. Just thought I'd set the record straight.

Saturday February 18, 2006

 

Friday February 17, 2006
I guess we do need some help with this Retail Ordinance I have been on Pine Key for close to 50 years, been a business and land owner, tax payer for over 35 years. I think it looks like hell. The No Growth, No Parks, No Schools, Everything is just fine, No nothing Folks feel very strong that Pine key is just great. We are worlds apart. I look forward to see how out of step I am and will accept whatever comes from our Government. I love Pine Key and hope to grow old and die here. With a little luck maybe, just maybe, take my grandkids fishing, my special crawfish holes and show them that very special outback,  Watson's hammock. This is a great place. I think we all want the best. God Bless Joe at Coconuts.

Whoa. Someone wished the "iguana killer" would come back as an iguana in their next life, and that the "iguana killer" calls them an a-hole?  Now, who exactly, is the a-hole?  I vote that the "iguana killer" is the a-hole, and I agree that they should come back as an iguana.  It would serve them right.
[Re: Old guys and their cars. Shabby way to relive their youth.] What exactly would you have us do? The cars are there, and anyone can buy them. You don't see young people driving these classic vehicles, not so much because the "Old Guys" are hoarding them for nostalgia sake, but because the kids these days don't know how to work on them. Two things that have helped ruin the world are fuel-injection, and electronic-ignitions. Kids nowadays have way too much time on their hands because they don't have to maintain a point and condenser distributor or rebuild a carburetor just to go out on a date. A little window tinting or 8 sq. ft. speakers is about all you can expect from a modern youth.

The mechanical aptitude gene is being bred out of our population to the joy of every other country. If you need more proof, ask a 17yr. old to help fix your dryer.

MileMarker 24 Band will be at the Tiki Bar tomorrow. Stop by for some good music and a free Margarita.
[Re: Credit Union opening on Big Pine] The Retail Ordinance, if enacted as is, would make it unlawful. This is no joke. Three or more locations in the Florida Keys would be defined as a franchise and not allowed on Big Pine Key. The Retail Ordinance is very poorly written and should be clarified in this respect.
[Re: can’t figure out how anyone could be against bringing development to BP., Love to keep the down home, laid back Keys atmosphere] If you want to show your guest a community to be proud of go visit them. You don't sound like you are a Piner. You'll only miss it when it's gone. You like the laid back atmosphere, but you want to change it. Go figure. Do you want to change it because you feel that the ten, or so property owners in question have more rights than the five thousand other souls that will have to live with your changes?
The Coffee Shop is open again. The place was closed Tuesday because it was a crime scene. It seems someone broke in Monday night and beat the hell out of the cash registers (they were empty, of course) and the ATM machine. Not to worry though. Monroe County's finest are on the case. And if they can't solve it, this just may be an episode for "America's Most Wanted".
So sorry to offend. The comment about the Ice Cream Truck was meant to be tongue-in-cheek. You were supposed to assume a parallel to the Key Deer feeding issues. You are right though. I was young once. And as I remember it, my parents gave enough of a crap about me to actually take us kids out for ice cream instead of flinging a couple of bucks at the kids to get them out of your hair.

[Break times for Florida] Two 15 minute breaks are mandated for one eight hour shift.
Isn't the Bird Flu a venereal disease like Moby Dick?
Hey, ice cream man. Can you change your mind-altering melody from time to time? I'm getting real sick of that tune and the shot gun in the corner is beginning to look like a remote control for lowering the volume.
[Re: Collector vehicles]  Old cars are cool.  Perhaps you are just jealous because you can't afford a hobby or a second vehicle.  What are you driving?  A rusted-out beater pick up truck or some other dented up piece of crap?  Does anyone know of a car club in the lower Keys or if cruise nights take place anywhere?  Boondock's would be a perfect site for a cruise night.
[bi-sexual lizards] We had just one Madagascar lizard for the longest time and now there is a heard of them.
You're a snowbird if you don't have a homestead exemption in the lower Keys and if you smile at everyone while walking your dog.


The levees are probably going to be a great target for terrorists once they realize how to wipe out a city so easily.
[I thought the credit union was opening on Big Pine Key]  It is!
[Muscle headed contractors! There's a freaking noise ordnance] Is because we here in the Keys ain't that smart and it takes us longer to do something then it does you Yankees!
There's only one way the Key Deer problem will be resolved. They will starve to death. Neither FWC nor U.S. Fish and Wildlife (why do we need both?) will institute any type of population reduction program to spare the deer from a horrible death. Why? Because that would be admitting that there is an over population problem and they would look like idiots for spending millions to construct an overpass to save a handful of deer each year - that don't need saving.
How to impress a woman:
1. compliment her,
2. cuddle her,
3. kiss her,
4. caress her,
5. love her,
6. stroke her,
7. tease her,
8. comfort her,
9. protect her,
10. hug her,
11. hold her,
12. spend money on her,
13. wine & dine her,
14. buy things for her,
15. listen to her,
16. care for her,
17. stand by her,
18. support her,
19. go to the ends of the earth for her
20. keep her water and food bowls filled!

How to impress a man:
show up naked, carrying lots of beer.


[Re: Monkeys or swamp/skunk ape] After doing a little research on the net I'm guessing the Skunk Ape has found a home in the mangroves down here. I mean Big Pine would be perfect hide out in the back roads with the Key Deer and iguana's. Here's a picture of one that was taken up north in the everglades. I say we get our camera's ready, but be prepared, they are tough to get a glimpse of.
[White History Month] I usually go to snopes.com for confirmation on emails, but they got this one wrong.  I saw Andy Rooney make his statement on 60 Minutes.
[Re: Cheney] It looks like the military knew what it was doing giving Dead Eye Dick 5 deferments to avoid Vietnam.
You've got to read this: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11381321/  These detainees are pure mad killers who would kill you, your kids, and anything not Muslim; and the bleeding heart sissies want to release them. I'd like to ship these Puritans to Iraq to see how long they'd remain Righteous! You can release them all after giving them a lobotomy! 
BPK Funny Fridays. Because laughter is a fantastic elixir for the spirit... like booze without the need for a twelve-step program.


When I was a baby, I kept a diary. Recently I was rereading it. It said, "Day One: Still tired from the move.
Day Two: Everybody talks to me like I'm an idiot."
~Steven Wright

I bought a bird feeder. It was expensive, but I figured in the long run it would save me money on cat food.
~Linda Herskovic

Drugs have been around for a long time. I read that the Incas did drugs. I guess that explains why they were building runways for UFOs.
~Tom Rhodes

And on the seventh day, God stepped back and said, "There is my creation, perfect in every way. Oh, damn it. I left pot all over the place. Now they'll think I want them to smoke it. Now I have to create Republicans."
~Bill Hicks

I've been trying to quit smoking pot. It was easier to become a vegetarian, because your friends will never show up at your house with a sack of beef saying, "Star Trek's on, dude... twist up a link!"
~Brian Posehn

Houses make strange noises at night like creak, groan, and "Emo, I'm going to kill you." ...So I remembered what my mother told me, "Whenever you feel afraid, just whistle a happy tune... [whistling] ...then I felt a hand around my throat and a voice said, "Thanks. I thought I'd never find you in the dark."
~Emo Phillips

I can't get past the fact that food is coming out of my wife's breasts. What was once an entertainment center has now become a juice bar.
~Paul Reiser

I went into Gus's Artificial Organ and Taco Stand. I said "Give me a bladder por favor." The guy said "Is that to go?" I said, "Well what else would I want it for?"
~Emo Phillips

I went to the park and saw this kid flying a kite. The kid was really excited. I don't know why, that's what they're supposed to do. Now if he had had a chair on the other end of that string, I would have been impressed. 
~Mitch Hedberg

When you see a dog roaming around, you can call the humane society and they will pick that dog up. But, if you see a homeless person roaming around... there's nobody you can call. We need a humane society for humans. you know? Give them food and shelter. And, if nobody comes to pick them up in six weeks...
~David Feldman

Sometimes when I reflect back on all the beer I drink I feel ashamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, "It is better that I drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver."
~Jack Handey

A woman broke up with me, and sent me pictures of her and her new boyfriend in bed together. Solution? I sent them to her dad.
~Christopher Case

I got some new underwear the other day. Well.... new to me.
~Emo Phillips

I have heard women say they can judge how a guy will be in bed by how he dances. I hope that's not true. Because I come from rednecks, and my people invented square dancing. Which means we're so bad at it, we have to have someone tell us what to do, as we're doing it.
~Steve Neal

You know we armed Iraq. I wondered about that too, you know. During the Persian Gulf war, those intelligence reports would come out: 'Iraq: incredible weapons – incredible weapons.' How do you know that? 'Uh, well ... we looked at the receipts.'
~Bill Hicks

Now don't get me wrong, I love animals, but I like eatin' 'em more... fun to pet, better to chew.
~Jim Gaffigan

When you go to work, if your name is on the building, you're rich. If your name is on your desk, you're middle-class. If your name is on your shirt, you're poor.
~Rich Hall

This one job said they wanted a college degree or equivalent. I said, "Perfect, I have eight years of high school."
~Buzz Nutley

Slip and Slide? Would have been fun if Dad checked for rocks before he laid it down. Slip and Bleed From the Anus they should have called it.
~Dane Cook

I wanna be a fireman! I didn't really wanna be a fireman--I thought I did. I just wanted to spray sh*t with a hose. That's what I really wanted to do. I wanted to be a... like... sprayman, -no! I was f*ckin' good, I'm not laughing! I was really good with a hose. I could make it feel like it was raining- if you closed your eyes you'd think it was raining--That's how good I was.
If I got to a house and it was fully on fire... f*ck that, I quit! I would just stand outside and watch it burn with everybody else- and the woman next to me would be like 'Please! My son! He's screaming in there!!!" and I'd be like "Well he's probably on fire. That's what happens when you're on fire, lady-- What are you doing out here? You f*ckin' think-for-yourselfer! Why didn't you make a map for him or something?"
~Dane Cook

I'm just scared that marriage makes you... deviant. I mean, think about it... when you first start having sex with someone for the first couple of months, you don't have to do anything kinky or weird. You're just happy to see them naked. After five years with the same person you're like, "I don't know... try shoving the phone up my ass. Yeah, that feels good... Now go call me."
~Mitch Fatel
[Re: Nightbirds and Noise Ordinances] I really respect that you are a nurse and help the community, however just like you have to work nights to provide for yourself and family so do others and you should respect that if they want to get up and go to work early and beat the suns rays to provide for their family so be it. For the ones working the night shift to be home with their children in the day I really feel sorry because they are not getting sleep anyway. Close your windows and doors and put a pillow over your head and respect the others that have to make a living as well.
If the media stopped giving press time to the Dutch cartoon  maybe the riot folks would go away.  And why does the media use shots of poor Ronald McDonald?  How did America become part of the cartoon blame?  Oh yeah, we represent normal, intelligent people; therefore, we are the enemy too.  Got it!
I read your page everyday. I live in Orlando and would be happy to pay to keep it up. (Ed: thanks for that nice gesture.)

[Re: I don't know why everyone is getting so uptight about a little surveillance]  I guess you're not old enough to have seen the movie 1984 (1954) or you'd understand the fear we older folks have of these poles!
So when's the fund raiser, Ed?
I am happy to pay for your edits. I think if we have to wade thru the crap your readership will go away. It is not begging. Post the info where folks can donate and they can pay or not. No pressure.
Kudos to whoever wrote the last entry on Classic Carpet. It is the truth and everyone who has ever worked there or knows anyone who has ever worked there knows it. I don't think they have a chance of being in business much longer.   
PS isn't lending money to someone and charging all that interest under the table called loan sharking? And I think it's illegal.


Where can I get my kitchen chef's knives sharpened? After sharpening them on a steel for a long time the edges get concave-shaped and don't chop evenly along the entire edge.
[The Retail Ordinance as written would not allow the Credit union to open] The Retail Ordinance is so poorly written that ANY business with 3 or more outlets or locations in the Florida Keys would be considered a franchise. There will be no franchise stores of any kind, Roto Rooter or FTD Florist or Credit Unions.  am not joking. If you have any doubt about what I am stating read the ordinance or better yet attend the meeting this Tuesday at 6:30 pm Big Pine Charter School.
To the Muslim killing people with whom they disagree: The same can be said of the Christians over the years. 
[Re: Spy Poles] I've spoken with the DOT regarding their monitoring of these cameras. Several interesting facts as related to me:
 According to their PR person, the monitoring of the cameras is only to feed the traffic conditions to *511, the big stupid signs and for notification of authorities in the event of an accident. If you believe what they say, there will be no reporting of unlawful behavior, and there's no recorded record of what the cameras are seeing ( yeah, right...) In residential areas the cameras are to be restricted from looking away from the road and thus unable to peek in your windows.
 
In my view, this is stupid. *511 already gets useful data from the State Patrol and the MCSO, and what could the signs possibly say that might be useful, " traffic ahead, use alternate route"? 

As for accidents, with the proliferation of cell phones I would doubt that accident notification time could possibly be reduced much. With the 911 location ability of modern cell phones, the location of an accident can be accurately determined. Also, if the caller has stopped at the scene you've got a witness on site.


[ice-cream truck]    If you don't like an ice-cream truck nothings going to make you happy.
[Charles River Laboratories]  Why isn't Army Corps. and DEP up these people butts? Do I smell payoff?
[Break Times?] Does anyone around here know what real work is?
I think it's sad that the old guys buy the vehicle that had or wanted when they were young.  Sour Grapes?
[Old guys cars]  Who cares? They could be reliving their youth dating your daughter.
[Big Pine TV] Come on, I need my fix of the keys from up here in Connecticut! (Tech Gal: Soon come! I sent the router back yesterday to D-Link and they are going to send me a new one. The best part is that the router was two years old and out of warranty and they're still not going to charge me!)
[Re: In areas with too many people, firing guns is prohibited. The Deer know this and move into these areas]  You must have some damn smart deer up north. Did they read this information or watch it on TV? Re 2: They read it on the TV because they are tall enough to look through the windows!
Big Pine needs a bar you can go into and have a drink in a relaxed setting. If you go to Rob's you need ear plugs and you don't need Rob (unless your a Boston fan). The house of music need more than a 50 watt bulb so you can see who is next to you. Key Deer needs new chairs, management and employees for starters. Coconuts well it's Coconuts. We need a Montego Bay.


Ok Big Piners here's one that I know very few people know. This is good stuff so pay attention. If you go to the end of Chapman St. go through the woods behind the old Coors Light building. There is a well. It is still there. It was used for water for the Railroad. Beat that one.
I wonder if a lot of the posts against the new shopping center might just be those people that are in the old shopping center.  If they build a new one you can move to it and reap the benefits.  Jump in with both feet, do not just sit there and watch the Dixie Plaza die an even greater death.  Then like all Plazas, whoever owns the one here might just do something about the puddles each time it rains, let alone the leaking roofs in each store...The handrails are loose and look very dangerous, and those people are paying how much rent?  When it sits there empty for a while the owner will:
a. sit on it and make no money
b. sell it to a company that will renew the entire complex
c. renew the shopping center and get great new stores to compete and complement the other shopping center.
 
If we get another shopping center it is a win all around for everyone.  The consumers get better and more stores, the store owners get a decent place to work and will profit even more.  Our tax base is vastly increased and a lot of the burden is taken off the homeowners.  The Winn Dixie store could be segmented into 4-6 smaller stores if you don't want 2 grocery stores on Big Pine.  Winn Dixie is closing stores faster than Publix is opening them so the writing is on the wall!  I, for one, hate to see Big Pine look like it does now when it could be so much better and offer everyone so much more.  There is nothing wrong with change.
[Old guys and their old cars] What a shabby way to relive their youth] I just couldn't let this one go.  My take on it is that the older guys have finally slowed down enough and made enough money to be able to purchase a gem from a by-gone era.  My husband grins all day long when he works hard to fix something on his 1930 Cabriolet Ford. One of the most prized things, about the real classics, is they are not tampered with, but original.   When driving the car, we just have a ball that something so old can do so well, but then again my husband is a year older than the car so I guess that's not too shabby either.  I guess you better quit wondering and start saving because you better hope to take a few trips down memory lane yourself.
[Re: The Keys as a rural area] The keys are designated rural because the land mass to population percentages dictate that it is rural. The catch is that they use the mainland Monroe County to calculate the area.  Yep, that means that they use the Everglades National Park in the calculation.
[Sugarloaf Firehouse fish fry]  im sure there's been more than one cook in 40 years. Im also sure that anyone involved in this activity enjoys it and the people around them or they probably wouldn't be doing it.
Ok. Get off the ice cream truck. Snow Bird.





I personally prefer unedited posts. Look at all the time you would save.
Good Luck. You have firmly established a website habit for the community that is self-sustaining if you can reduce the man hours it takes to support it.  With even more real-time communication, advertisers will even be more willing to spend the dough to get peoples attention on your site.  It's win, win for you.
Repaying the military for lost bullet-proof vests: One way to lose a vest is to be injured in battle, you are unconscious and your buddies pull off your vest to treat your wounds. Duh.
You don't have to know PHP computer language to build a site. Don't reinvent the wheel, there's lots of good free blogging and discussion software out there. You don't even have to stop using FrontPage for the rest of your site, just put Kudos and Whiners in its own directory, or even its own URL (kudosandwhiners.com is available) so you won't have to mix authoring software. You can include the headers from your existing design.
Hola James! How are you feeling this morning?

Friday February 17, 2006

 

Thursday February 16, 2006



Someone burnt nine Baptist churches in Alabama. Ooh, holy smoke!
I think it's sad that the old guys buy the vehicle that had or wanted when they were young. What a shabby way to relive their youth. any time you see a classic vehicle it is driven by an old man. And the year of the vehicle will coincide with the age he was when the vehicle was new.
$200,000,000 a day is how much the Danish butter makers are losing because of those cartoons showing Mohammed with a bomb in his turban. Denmark is the largest butter supplier to the Mideast. I didn't know anyone used two hundred million dollars worth of butter in a day!


I thought the Credit Union was opening a branch on Big Pine.
Ketchup is good for you, wine is good for you, fat isn't bad for you, chocolate is good for you, saw palmetto (prostate) isn't good for you, the food pyramid is incorrect, etc. I figure if I live long enough they'll tell me that french fries are good for me.
Bird Flu is in Nigeria, Africa now which could really be a problem because they don't have the ability to handle anything (but corruption).
Who's the cook that does the Sugarloaf Firehouse fish fry every year? It's been 40 years he must be sick of it by now.


All the developers talk about Big Pine looking lousy. have you ever really looked at Summerland Key. Now that's a lousy stretch of highway. They should build all the chain stores on that Key. No one would notice.
Booze unlocks my reserve.
I have to laugh at places that refer to their cook as a chef when all he can do is deep fry and cook pizza. A chef has to be able to plan menus, produce quantities of food in a consistent perfect manner.
Virginia Hopkins pass away Tuesday night at her home on the north end of No Name Road. She was surrounded by family at the time. Virginia will be missed. She lived in that house for 34 years. Services will be this Saturday at the Methodist Church.

The Mile Marker 24 Band. We are just returning from Nashville and the recording of our new CD is almost finished!! It will be titled  “Meet Me In The Keys” and will be released on Banana Man Records in late March. We will keep you posted on the release party.

 

But we can’t wait that long to get together.  If you are in South Florida, come out and party with us Saturday night (February 18th) at the Looe Key Tiki Bar. The fun starts at 7:00 PM. As always have a free margarita on the band. We look forward to seeing you! Keep livin' on Key West time,






Told You So, now live with it!
Open message to Pizza Works. I had lunch there Tues. with a group. Your pizza was excellent. The crust was perfect--crispy and thin. Try to keep this cook.
Yea! Monkeys and Skunk Apes.

Monkeys on Big Pine Key? Offspring of the Skunk Ape maybe? What/who did it mate with?
Since your readership is so widespread, why not branch out and sell ads to businesses on the other islands?  Most tourists visit several islands when they go to the Keys, surely other businesses can appreciate the audience.  I also think you should have some kind of sign for your advertisers to put up "as seen at BigPineKey.com" so they can refer people to their ad for current info. (Ed: Thanks for the good ideas.)


Where do I go to find out about break times for the state of Florida in the workplace?
As a Local, I will say it again, "It's Ed's web site, If you don't like it--Hike it"


When you find yourself in deep trouble, stay quiet, and look like you know what you are doing. 
Re: "It's good see that so many people think they're owed something." I was standing in the pharmacy line at CVS and a large whining woman says to me, "I don't know why they can't pay for my scripts, I need them." I asked, "Who is they." She says, "The Government." I responded that, "I pay for mine because their for me" That ended the conversation. She paid for her scripts and briskly walked out, got into a newer SUV with out of state tags, parked in Handicapped and left. She must think they is everyone but her and they owe her something.

Re: "If Sheriff is interested." If its not round and sugar coated they're not interested.
Re: Comments about the ice-cream truck.  Please leave it alone.  If you have a problem with his/her stops, stop and let them know if they would please park on the side of the road--if that would make you happy.  Kids and older adults love their ice-cream and don't forget you were a kid once.  It's a good thing that this person is working by selling ice cream to put food on his/her table and to pay their bills.  I don't know this person, but hooray to a working individual that if this person is not a criminal or sex offender.  You have my respect.


Webcams from Torino, Italy. SpazioTorino - spazio virtuale per una città reale
I Hope This Site Stays. Seeing how great this site is (and how popular) everyone would miss this great community resource if it goes away. Your site has tons of daily tasks to deal with. I am a former resident of the Upper Keys and plan to relocate to BPK shortly. If I can help out in any way such as proofreading or image collection and processing to .gif, let me know. I'm not looking for a paycheck, just a chance to contribute. (Ed: Thanks for your generous offer, but I think I found the solution. I'm going to switch the computer language to another format that will allow everyone to publish their own comments. Now, all I have to do is learn how.)
What an awful religion Islam is. They kill and destroy at the slightest provocation. I just cannot respect any Muslim.
Re: Bad neighbors in Wilma. Once again I find it necessary to provide feedback to the writer commenting on the bad neighbors in Wilma.  We live in Eden Pines and find all neighbors willing and asking if there is anything that can be done to assist before, during and especially after the storm hit our community.  This came down to providing shelter, sharing food supplies, providing the use of appliances, or just providing a helping hand in the clean up (as if everyone did not have enough on their own plate).  Perhaps what this writer needs to think about, was were they out there offering assistance to the neighbors that may have needed a hand.  With all that was going on with everyone it was nice to know they cared about you. 
The Big Pine Charter School would like to thank Pizza Works for the delicious pizza they made for us Valentines night. The kids loved it!


Re: Spider. There is a rather flat, very fast-moving spider called a crab spider. It runs sideways. To avoid confusion, the common name of your spider is Spinybacked Orbweaver. You can look it up under that name or by its scientific name Gasteracantha cancriformis. Here is a great site that is sponsored by the Univ. of Florida, I believe: http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu 
In its rush to provide Katrina disaster aid, the Federal Emergency Management Agency wasted millions of dollars and overpaid for hotel rooms, including $438-a-day lodging in New York City, government investigators said Monday.  Two reports released by the Government Accountability Office and the Homeland Security Department's office of inspector general detail a series of accounting flaws, fraud or mismanagement in their initial review of how $85 billion in federal aid is being spent. The two audits found that up to 900,000 of the 2.5 million applicants who received aid under FEMA's emergency cash assistance program which included the $2,000 debit cards given to evacuees were based on duplicate or invalid Social Security numbers, or false addresses and names.

This is the same incompetent government bureaucracy that some people want to manage our Health Care System.  Ya gotta be nuts! 

That's Andre Agassi and Roger Federer playing on a tennis court at a hotel in Dubai over by Saudi Arabia. These pictures are amazing, especially the last one.   There's not even a fence around them!
Where is Ginny from the Coffee Shop? We sure do miss her smile there.
Poncho sez: Has anybody taken one of those spy poles apart to see if there are any usable parts inside? Maybe they could be used to pirate satellite TV.
Someone wanted to know "What gives? Don't you people care (about Monroe County's laws)?" Sounds like someone has a terminal wedgie. Lighten up guy. You're in the Keys. The big crime of the day was stolen dentures. If you miss the real excitement, go back up North.

Re: Chain stores on BPK.  I know we have nearly beat this issue to death, but I can’t figure out how anyone could be against bringing development to BP.  As the “mom and pop” stores fade one by one, there is no choice but to let the bigger nationwide stores in.  With the price of real estate here, there isn’t another mom and pop that could afford to purchase the property and start something new.  I live on BP and I want a community I can be proud of when my friends and family visit.  The run down condition of businesses along US1 (both open and closed) is an eyesore to all, at the very least.  Why would anyone prefer to keep the old Scotty’s building instead of having a smaller, new, decent looking Walgreen’s?  (and CVS sure needs a reason to shape up!)  Same goes for the pool/spa place, the Conch & Stein and many more.  Not only would our Key look better, but there would be jobs, etc.  If the small business really do offer the community something unique, at a decent price, they will be just fine.  Look at Specialty Hardware in Marathon; it survived Home Depot.  Retail competition will lower prices and improve customer service in all the stores on BP.  Even though I would love to keep the down home, laid back Keys atmosphere, I am a realist.  In the long run, I see development is a win / win.


Re: Has anyone else seen monkeys on Big Pine Key? I have always wondered if they really got all those monkeys off of Monkey Key, or Monkey island, or whatever they called those two keys they were on.  I bet there were a few that have washed or swam ashore. They may have evolved. Perhaps that is what you have seen. The answer to the Big Pine Key Swamp Ape!
I have some articles I have printed and I would like to send them to you. I think it would be good reading. (Ed: Thanks for your interest, but we don’t like to print whole articles from out of town media. That’s what other people are thinking. We like to have the articles shortened, paraphrased and capsulated to be specifically tailored for our local thinking. That way the readers can know the local slant on larger topics. And we like to keep them short too.)
Re: "Crab Spiders" Actually, that name is fairly accurate. Their common name is "Crab-like Spiny Orb Weavers", and the scientific name is Gasteracantha cancriformis (And as far as calling it a King Spider because it looks like a crown...well, then this "King" wears his crown on his butt, because his head is on the opposite side of the spines. These spiders sit in their web with their head facing down. They eat smaller insects. And they spin a new web each day.
I haven't posted in a while. I'm having so much fun now that I'm back in the Keys!
Re: Monkeys. You probably weren't hallucinating. http://www.cnn.com/TECH/science/9807/10/monkey.island/
http://www.myfwc.com/critters/exotics/SpeciesNumberResults.asp?SPPNO=51 
Re: Fund Raising for your site. Post your PayPal email address. I'll send you a few bucks for your efforts. I bet others would too. Further, I vote for minimal editing. Let people accept responsibility for the drivel they submit and the manner in which they submit it!
To the person with the Mr. Microphone/Karaoke machine on Ramrod Key. Please sing inside with the windows
closed. You are upsetting my dogs and my husband.
Re: The Coffee Shop. Please open it back up. I don't care for the Cracked Egg.
Now, where's Bo Foder playing this weekend?
Re: Nightbirds and Noise Ordinances: Why is it that so many folks automatically assume that someone who isn't awake at 7am is a vacationer or someone who doesn't work? I'm a registered nurse, and guess what? Many of us work nights and evenings (for those of you who don't know what that means night shift is generally 7pm to 7am, or 11pm to 7am - 12 or 8 hour shifts - and evenings is either 3pm to 11pm, or 11am to 11pm). So when our shift is over, let me tell you, all we want to do is go home and sleep.

Before you say, "then get off the night shift", let me also explain that when a nurse is first hired, she (or he) is generally assigned to nights, and one of the more senior nurses gets to work the day shift. So we don't really get a choice. Some nurses have to work nights because they have to be home during the day because they have children, and the husband works all day. Some are single moms whose kids sleep at grandma's house while she's working.  Anyway, my point is don't be so quick to judge people. Some folks really do have to sleep in the morning.

Can someone please tell me who gave anyone permission to use the Big Pine Charter School for this Retail Ordinance Meeting?  I would really love to know.



When will this insanity stop? That’s what you get for selling a McRib in Pakistan.
Hey, Ed. There's got to be some way we can raise money for this site. I like the calendar idea! And if my new career takes off as I'm hoping it will, I will definitely advertise here. Thanks for all your hard work.
Re: Iguana reincarnation. Next time I hope you come back as something besides an a-hole.
Let me tell you folks, it's not paradise when you bust your butt for twelve hours and get paid peanuts. And very small peanuts, at that. When I moved here I was stunned to see the pay scale here for nurses. Especially in light of the fact that the cost of living here in the Keys is on a par with New York. Trust me, this I know. But the powers that be classify us as a rural (ha!) area, and as such, the pay scale for us is the same as say, bumf*** Idaho. We may have been rural twenty years ago, but certainly not at this point in time. Hell, I pay more for electric here than I ever did in New York. And please don't say "move back to New York" - I'm more of a local here than some locals I know, you know?
Speaking of locals discounts, does anyone know why El Meson de Pepe's restaurant on Mallory Square has stopped its long time 20% locals discount? I asked the waiter and he said he didn't have a clue. Adios, Pepe!

Let's get the retail ordinance on a ballot in the next elections, even if only a non-binding referendum type of question. An extra line on a regularly scheduled ballot couldn't cost that much. Then the overwhelming majority could have something concrete to ram down the losers throats. But then, we would probably have a big outcry about a vote fix.
Where can I send a donation to help keep this site alive? It's truly  a gem! Hey, Capt'n Dan, how about throwing some kind of benefit? It's truly a worthy cause.


Re: Stainless Steel Cleaners. I live on my boat in Charleston, SC and have been using a scouring powder called Barkeepers Friend on all my stainless. It doesn’t scratch but you do have to rinse it very well so it doesn’t leave any residue. It’s very inexpensive and can be purchased at most drugstores or grocery stores.

Ed, do you have a PayPal account? Maybe it would make it easier for your board users (and fans) to help the cause with a donation or two.
It seems that there is two points of view to the deer problem. The democratic point of view would be to try to sterilize the deer herd and have a feeding program. With this solution, one can expect some die-offs because of disease. The cost must be funded by Monroe County, Florida and US taxpayer.

The republican approach would be to have the Florida Fish and Wild life Conservation Commission spend some money to live trap some of the deer and re-locate to other keys.

Secondly, have the biologist and volunteers estimate the number of deer on the island and what the carrying capacity of the island should be. Third, have a limited quota archery deer hunt and require that each hunter hunt over bait. The bait would have to be scattered over at least 5 gallons per 100 sq. ft. of ground. This would provide cleaner kills and added food for the deer. The cost for the hunting license should be set about $10 per Florida resident and $50 per snowbird. Hunting would start on December 1 and continue until enough deer are killed to reduce the population to 80% of its capacity by spring it would be over 100%. When a deer is killed, the hunter would have to report it to the Monroe County sheriff department. The record could be available on this website, a sign at Winn Dixie and at a call-in hot line. Bait used up north could include, pumpkins, apples, carrots, sugar beets and corn. The democratic approach would by typical of all democratic ideas. It would cost a lot of money and would not be effective. The Republican approach would be effective and cost less money.

Thursday February 16, 2006


 

Wednesday February 15, 2006
In answer to the folks chuckling about the Key Deer Bar.  We have lost 8 remote control's for the TV's this year so far. Now I hide them. It's not the cost of them that hurts, it's the fact that people have punched the control buttons on the TV's out so only a remote control will operate the them. Like most restaurants here we also lose silverware, glass's mug's, etc. Anyone who knows me, the Capt., knows I don't swear. So saying that I swore is B.S. If you come here with children, thank you. Because kid's are "it" to me. I cater to the kid's and a child  never gets out of here without me saying, "hi" and if I have time I make them a smoothie drink.

I have 13 grandkids; and kids make my life. Ask anyone who comes here with a child and the comment you wrote about "a high class place".  The Key Deer is a family honky-tonk where you can relax, enjoy the food and drinks in a family atmosphere. And have any of the 8 TV's turned to the program you like. Of course on Greenbay Packer football day's or NASCAR race days--that's what we all watch.

So please find out who said what you said. Maybe it's the same person who was quoted in the Miami Herald  downing the Michigan folks. He told the reporter he was Capt. Dan, buy the way. He was from Michigan and said it as a joke, not thinking it would be printed.  And last, but not least, "Happy Valentine's Day to all.
Thanks, Capt. Dan McLaughlin

Re: "Jealously was behind the Formula Retail Ordinance." Do you really think that jealousy is why so many oppose Chain Stores?
Spy poles and the end of an era. The Keys were always sort of a laid back smuggler-island type of atmosphere. Free to do whatever you wanted. I think, now with the cameras watching our every move that feeling will go away for good. With chain stores coming and now these cameras more of us will be talking about, "The good ol' days." You don't miss a good thing until it's gone.


Noise Ordinance. I think the County time is 7am-10pm and in Key West time is 8am-10pm. It also includes loud music. Does anyone know the for sure times?
Retail Ordinance. We have been electing officials all these years who would prevent this occurring. What has changed that they want to allow development now? The commissioners should remember that we'll keep voting for those against commercial development on BPK.

Has anyone else seen monkeys on Big Pine Key?  I thought I was hallucinating the first time, but yesterday I saw 2 big ratty looking chimp/ape types off of industrial road!  The first time was in the Pine Dr and Hammock Dr area about a week ago, it was smaller (about 2 feet).     
Parking update: Since last Thursday there have been about six construction vehicles at Watson Field working on the few parking slots.
Does anyone know why the Big Pine Coffee Shop has been closed lately? Just when you get used to something good around here, it seems to disappear. 



I don't know about the web, but in the Keys they have all ways been Crab Spiders.
Re: "I thought after four years that I would be able to earn a living from the site." Ed, the solution has been pointed out to you already. Simply change the format so that it is a forum where folks can input their own comments. Your work is done for you, yet you can (and should) still charge advertisers, etc. There are other advantages as well. Folks could have a screen name to identify themselves (while still remaining anonymous if desired) and it could also encourage an on-going "dialog" throughout the day instead of being posted only once daily. This would make the site even more lively and entertaining and "sticky". Everybody wins. Why not try it?
I (Ed: I don't know how to convert the site to PHP. I signed up for the last three semesters at FKCC only to have the class canceled all three times for lack of other students.)
"I would rather hunt with Cheney than ride with Ted Kennedy". Recently spotted bumper sticker.
Saint Valentine worked for Greeting Card Companies. He decided the best way to succeed was to create a holiday. Boom, Valentine's Day! It tortures the couple-less and fattens to pockets of flower peddlers and greeting card companies. Everywhere you look, there's disgusting mixtures of red and pink. It's a shame that people are made to feel bad because they don't have a love in their life, and all because of a fake holiday.

People feel so much pressure that they propose on Valentine's Day, get married on Valentine's Day, etc. I think it's ridiculous. Rent a good "bad" movie. Pick up St. Valentine's Day Massacre or anything that's a little on the wicked/angsty side. If you want a laugh, go to Walgreens or CVS tonight watch freaked out men try to pick out "the" card. Or, visit the nearest grocery store and watch people fight over the shriveled remains of flowers in a last-ditch effort for sex. Too fun! Cupid's aim sucks half the time, look at all the divorces

Finally, for all you happy couples, get fat together with your cheap chocolates only to cheat on each other cause you can't stand to look at each other afterwards.
Whoopsie! The 78-year-old lawyer who was shot by Vice President Dick Cheney in a hunting accident has some birdshot lodged in his heart and he had a "minor heart attack," Tuesday.

What happened to Fat Albert and Alberta?
Top Ten Dick Cheney Excuses
10. "Heart palpitation caused trigger finger to spasm"
9. "Wanted to get the Iraq mess off the front page"
8. "Not enough Jim Beam"
7. "Trying to stop the spread of bird flu"
6. "I love to shoot people"
5. "Guy was making cracks about my lesbian daughter"
4. "I thought the guy was trying to go 'gay cowboy' on me"
3. "Excuse? I hit him, didn't I?"
2. "Until Democrats approve Medicare reform, we have to make some tough choices for the elderly"
1. "Made a bet with Gretzky's wife"
Going out of business?   Lets see how much folks are willing to send you for this daily entertainment/news site. Post a P.O. Box address and we'll send you dough. (Ed: I'd like to, but it's like begging. I'd rather have advertisers.)



Feeding dumb animals close to the road only encourages them to ignore the hazards of automobiles and teaches them to eat foods that are unhealthy at best, instead of practicing good nutrition as nature intended. But enough about the Ice Cream Truck.
Bill me. But keep the site open. (Ed: thanks)
It's good see that so many people think they're owed something; just for taking up space and using up oxygen. I'm glad that I had the foresight to make the right decisions in life so that I am able to support these people. Why if not for you, I would have to spend my hard earned money on myself or my family. And that just wouldn't be fair or right, would it?
Marie Antoinette trivia: Cake was even more of a flippant remark than most realize.  Cake in that context does not refer to a frosted goodie. Cake was the bread leavings that were scraped from the walls of the bread ovens of the period.
Suggestion for raising cash for the web page; a BPK calendar. You could use some of the themes that have been popular on the site, such as; Iguanas, Hook up guy, Snowbirds, DOT poles, etc... Sell it on the web page. I'd buy one!
Solution to the Virginia Whitetail Runt (Key Deer to some) problem. 1. Raise the speed limit on all roads. Let natural selection sort them out. 2. Stop using them as a tourist attraction. 3. Get rid of FWC. (that would also take care of #2). If the above 3 don't do the trick, open new restaurant called Bob's Bambi Burgers or Venison R US. Put in a drive thru, of course.
Kudos for printing my email address. The truth shall set them free. (Ed: That's a first. Usually when I print an address I get threats.)


You can tell all of the people who have never been bird hunting when they talk about Cheney.  It is a rare day when you are not peppered with bird shot while hunting across a dove or quail field and getting a couple of pellets from across the field is only dangerous if you are not wearing eye protection.  Stuff happens, you are still better off than the bird.
Just a note to let everyone know that the "News Barometer" erred regarding the date of the Big Pine workshop about the Formula Retail Ordinance. It isn't tonight, but is next Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6:00 PM at the Big Pine Charter School. All who are interested in the issue should plan to attend.
Dear Ed:  I am sad to read that you are close to shutting down the site. I have lots of laughs thanks to your work on this website, and I'd be happy to contribute to a fundraiser for your efforts.  I actually mean it, can I send a check or money order? Where to?  What's wrong, why isn't it working out self-sufficient, can you boost your advertising rates to also help increase revenue and offset costs?  Thank you for your efforts and work. 

Sory, too, reed, sew, mutch, punktooashun!!!!! ..... and, speling, erurs, ocur, AND THAT PEOPLE SHOUT AT YOU IN CAPITALS SOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!  You deserve better than that.  Thanks again.
I was at the "meeting" for commercial review of Big Pine Key. Where the hell was everyone?
There are lots of accusations being thrown around regarding the character and attitude of people pro-Formula Retail Ordinance. Speaking for myself, regarding supposed "jealousy" of those business owners attempting to sell to chain stores. I have worked since I was 14 and done all of the most menial of labors. Everything I have achieved in life, which includes a home on Big Pine, I have earned through my labor. If all that can be thrown about as character slams to make your point, I wonder how valid a point it really is? Hard data would be more convincing. Having said all that, it seems it would be in the best interest of the community to work together on this issue instead of firing salvos over the deck at each other.
I'm working late and can't be at my favorite bar tonight, so I want to wish all my friends at the Looe Key Tiki a wonderful Valentine's day! Hugs and Kisses.
What was that rule about chain stores on Big Pine? Something about if there was one in Marathon and Key West it couldn't have one on Big Pine?  What about the new Keys Federal Credit Union? Its going in on Big Pine. It's a "chain" by your own rules. Hello? Your killing us here.
(Ed: Please write "Kudos and Whiners" in the subject line of your email or our spam blockers will delete it and we'll be deprived of your thoughts.)
Maybe they can use those stupid camera poles to help out on the reception of our cell phones. A smart person would set up some sort of lease for 99 years. You hear that Cingular? Jump on it--or jump from it.
Re: muscle headed contractors! There's a freaking noise ordnance.
Hey, crybaby. Shut it up. The noise is from 8am to 10pm some of us have to slave around every day to please you lazy, rich, spoiled people. It gets hot out here. If I want to start early to avoid the mid-day sun, or work late, I'm going to do it, and if you talk smack, I'll give you a slap.
Crab Spiders.  We always called them King Spiders because they kind of look like a crown.
Re: "In areas with too many people, firing guns is prohibited. The Deer know this and move into these areas."  You must have some damn smart deer up north. Did they read this information or watch it on TV?
Re: "a small leek somewhere above his shoulders!"  What are you going to do, kill them with an onion?
Re: "Millions in Katrina Aid Wasted.  I wonder how much it cost to find this out?" That's easy, just ask one of the mob bosses in New Orleans, it's their headquarters!
The MIC is the Military Industrial Complex, or better known as the New World Order!
Ed, Have a fund raiser. We'll support you,
Well done to House of Music on their Valentine's Day dinner.  Everything was great.
Family feud over missing teeth. Only on Big pine, (sigh). Big Pine--A dispute over stolen teeth was settled peacefully Monday afternoon, and the missing choppers were returned to their owner. According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the 55-year-old victim accused his ex-roommate of stealing his teeth from his home at Seahorse Campground. The victim, who said that he was just returning home and saw the suspect jump into his car and speed away, later discovered the teeth missing from his trailer.

Deputies located the suspect, who said he and the victim had been in a dispute over money and that he had taken the teeth. The teeth were recovered. The victim declined to press charges.

I was sorry to read your post on the possibility of your having to close down this site.  I can see why, it must take forever; the graphics alone are worth a look and I am learning so much from the neighborhood.  If you didn't do the super graphics then,  could you not just post the Emails directly?  I guess you still would have to read and delete the smut.  I would be happy to contribute to your coffers to help, but I looked and other than advertising I can't see how to help.  Just tell us how and I am sure as much as we all get out of it many would be willing to contribute. (Ed: Thanks. I was distraught yesterday.)

Q. What explicitly does the Bible teach about homosexuality? (Ed: Would the sender please resend the rest of this thought. It was lost in the editing room.)
Re: Unhappy nightbird. The noise ordinance is between the hours of 11:00 pm and 7:00 am, not 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Where do you think you are, in an old aged community? All the contractors here start working between 7:00 am and 8:00 am. Maybe you don't get up before 9:00 am. Everybody that works days does. Obviously you're just here on vacation.  Unlike many of us who have to work days. If you don't like it you can go back to the hills where you can't hear your working class neighbors.
It is an urban myth that Andy Rooney said that crap. Look it up at Snopes.com
To the person that said "Re Iguana: I ran one over with my truck, had to swerve to get him but it was worth it!", and to all the others who are going out and killing these or any other animals here, just because they don't fit in your world, I hope that reincarnation is a reality, and I hope you come back as an iguana.
Re: "muscle headed contractors! There's a freaking noise ordnance." Actually I think the code is 7am to 10pm but I am not sure.
Did you know that February 17, 2009, is the date set by Congress for all TV stations to stop analog broadcasts? After that date, consumers with analog sets will need to obtain a separate converter box to watch over-the-air TV.
Beginning in 2008, consumers with analog TVs receiving over-the-air broadcasts will be able to obtain two coupons worth $40 each towards the purchase of converter boxes from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. They will publish rules on how to obtain and use the coupons sometime in 2006.

For more information on the digital transition, check out our Web site at www.dtv.gov

Forensic Appliance Sleuth. Did everyone notice some scumbag dumped a washer on Key Deer blvd? If the sheriff is interested they could get the model and serial number and track it down to the buyer.
Re: "Administration acknowledges mistakes during Hurricane Katrina and vows anew to re-engineer the nation's homeland security agencies." Shut up with the vows and lets see some action.
I don't know why everyone is getting so uptight about a little surveillance, like it was something new. All you had to do was look up at the ceiling in the Green Parrot Bar and the sign says it all. That sign has been there for many years, long before road cameras or government wiretaps. Did you know there is a secret command center on Boot Key where government security forces monitor every move you make? Yes, that's right. These islands are under surveillance at all times, and we are all better off for it. Big Brother knows best.
I'll bet one thing, if a Cat 5 hits us those surveillance poles will be the only thing left standing.  They may or may not have the cameras and satellite dishes on them, but if that pole goes down I sure hope that everyone evacuates.
I enjoyed the layout Monday, since I prefer to see what and how people submit. If we were voting, I would vote for less editing. (Ed: I wonder if less editing, but with pictures, might be the solution.)




It figures! And, on the phone they introduce themselves as Larry or Frank.

Re: "Monday, Lost the whole mess?" What do you mean Ed? You mean you didn't have a chance to censor it? Lately some people have told me, you have been cutting out what you think is not fit for printing. I thought this was an open forum and people had the right to say what they wanted to. Guess Big Sister is alive and well in BPK!
How dare I look a gift horse in the face. I am sorry but this one tears me up. I am so tore up about this issue, the big $200,000 mobile homes at the church. Are they camping? Last weekend there were five of them.

Two years ago we had winter visitors and they had a camper and three kids. They plugged in and stayed in there home on wheels. That is until code enforcement came and gave me a warning that if you have a camper on your property no one can stay in it unless you are a license campground. So what's up with the church? Then I go to the Flea market and I see about twenty-five mobile homes and trailers with hookups on poles for water and electricity. I saw they were on the habitat property and I asked about it. I was told it is snow birds coming to help with homes that have been destroyed by Wilma. They get to hook up water, sewer and electricity for free and they help out in the office, etc.

What impact can that have on a septic system, of what, 1000 gals? And then I pick up the local paper and read that habitat is looking for donations as they are $50,000 in the hole paying for the utilities and sewer for the volunteers. What the heck is wrong with this picture? Are the Fish and Wildlife people sleeping? How much pooh is got to go in the hole before someone wonders where, oh, where is it all going? The habitat said, in the local paper, they have 50 people and twenty-some mobile homes. I am so happy they have come to help, but yesterday the big add is running for volunteers to help fix homes. So what are all the snow birds doing? Does RV-ing in the Keys at reasonable rates come to mind?

I have read only 1 reply to the message containing the Monroe County's Ordnance link. No one else has made any comments about the laws. What gives? Don't you people care? Don't the laws mean anything to you to protect the Keys?

If you don't believe a local when you are told that a crab spider is a crab spider because a photo of (another) crab spider looks different, than how do you believe a dog is a dog if it doesn't look like the dog in the photo shown in the dictionary or on the internet?  "Crab spider" certainly isn't the scientific name; just as "dog" isn't the scientific name for every species of dog. That doesn't mean the animal isn't a dog or the spider isn't a crab spider. Relax and trust your local spider identifier. Now go look for the giant Orb spider that used to live all over Big Pine Key.
Tommy, you will be missed!

Wednesday February 15, 2006

 

Valentine's Day, 2006


Happy Valentine Day, my love!
Dear Eden Pines Party People:  Fun is the best thing to have.  However, your car disco is disturbing the peace as you drive up the street every single weekend at 4 and 5 o'clock in the morning. This is the third weekend in a row that you have awoken the entire household.  Could you please turn it down at that time of the morning? 

Does a paint-ball gun have sufficient range to hit a DOT camera?

How about a deer hunting mini season? Some people could make more money.

Sorry you lost all of your work today but it was interesting and quite enlightening to see some of the unedited posts.  Some of these folks really, really need to go back to sixth grade and relearn how to write a complete sentence with, at least, something remotely close to proper punctuation.  Now I understand why it takes so much of your time to edit some of this stuff.  (Ed: Believe it or not, but that was not a typical sampling. Yesterday's posts were mostly legible. Usually they're mostly interspersed with numerous............ and tons of!!!!!!!!!!!!............and then the questions???????. with a period after them????????. And of COARSE every OTHER word is SOOOOOOO important they they HAVE to use CAPITALS!!!!!!!!!!...........GET IT!!!!!!!!??.)



Re: bad neighbors in Wilma. Sorry you live on the wrong street. Where I live in Eden Pines we all helped each other out. Some people lost there washer and dryers another neighbor let who ever needed to use her W/D and this went on for several months. Where I live we have great neighbors.
We've crossed an important threshold in America. As of a few years ago there are about as many financially comfortable people as there are working poor. The well-off folks are developing a "Marie Antoinette" attitude toward everyone who makes less money than they do, (Marie Antoinette was a queen of France who, when a servant told her the people had no bread, she exclaimed: "Well, then let them eat cake!")

Just because some people can pay the exorbitant prices for health care and prescriptions doesn't mean the working poor who keep the infrastructure of America going are "bums" because they can't afford it. Some time ago some illustrious leaders in Key West actually proposed making the workers down there live out on barges offshore and commute by rowboat. They couldn't care less about how those workers lived. They wanted them to row in, cook their food and clean their toilets and then get out of sight. These people want to gorge in their hog-heaven without the slightest hint of guilt about their neighbor's circumstances. 

The dangerous part of this kind of attitude is loss of national conscience. It can lead to insanity of every sort, from Oligarchy, (Rule by the few) to Nazi-ism, and we all know what that is. Just pick a color or group and declare them "unclean" or "sub-human". We aren't that extreme yet, but the conscience is what guards our natural selfish thoughts and greedy impulses. If we get to the place where our pride in riches and possessions outstrip our conviction to help all of our neighbors live better then we're done. The rich will jealously guard their little rice-bowls with hired cops behind high walls and the rest of us can go to hell. We've started down that road before, but an Abe Lincoln, William Bryan, Theodore Roosevelt or JFK showed up on the scene to prick our national conscience.

For our entire history until just recently there were vastly more working poor than there were rich folks, so there were enough voices and votes to fight for change. Now the wealthy children of those hard-working poor are starting to forget their roots and their parents' morals. It is a tragedy when people who have never known lack and hard work for small pay begin to believe that everybody can be rich like they are, and the poor are that way because of laziness or bad character.

The real truth is that a large percentage of these spoiled brats are morally bankrupt themselves. If they were to lose their money somehow they would be the ones who whine the loudest for help. And we are seeing that many already believe their wealth means that laws don't apply to them the same as they do to poor people. It's the easiest thing to point a finger and complain, but we help our neighbors and those less fortunate than we are because it's right, remember? 
Re: US military who lose their bullet proof vests in battle are expected to reimburse the government if they lose them?  Duh, first of all, how do you lose a vest on your person? Second of all, if you are stupid enough to leave things laying around, then yes you have to pay for them.  As a military man you are issued equipment from rifles to helmets to vests.

You are expected to maintain and protect this equipment at all times. Particularly in a battle zone. If we did not make our military men responsible for their equipment, they would simply sell it on the black market (which has been happening for many wars). And lastly, there are many thieves in our military waiting for the opportunity for someone to leave equipment laying around so that they can sell it. again on the black market or to an army surplus store, which also happens every day.  (30 year retired Marine)
Someone suggested that all the money we pay into health insurance and don't use, could be used for national healthcare when we become older and sick. Wrong.

All the money you paid in and didn't use was used on someone else (who was probably older and sick). That's how insurance works. Many people pay into it and a few benefit from it. That's how all social programs work and insurance is a social program of sorts. If you really believe that the system you advocate would work, then stop paying insurance premiums, put that money in the bank and you should have plenty of cash to cover any medical situation that arises when you're older and sick.


Hillary Rodham McPhee for President! She'd be everyone's nanny, warts and all.
Re: Classic Carpet drunks and druggies. They have to hire these people or their system wont work. They loan out the money to buy these drugs, at 20.00 more per 100.00 that they loan. Therefore at the end of the week they pay nothing to their ( druggies) and the cycle continues. If they stopped employing these people then there goes their extra, under the table pocket money. Keith and Frank have been doing this for years. They say they can't find good help. I say they don't try.         --Wldfire5@aol.com
W/D get smart and rid yourself of the security guard. His presence is needed on the mainland  not here on BPK.

I think there should be a private lottery that goes towards healthcare only. Lowering everybody's insurance equal. Rich and poor. Only exception is you have to be a citizen of this country.
Retail Ordinance. "NO chain store can ever take the place of our locally owned stores...  Please, be realistic." No, you be realistic. When a large chain comes into an area it kills all smaller competing businesses. People only care about price and selection. Personal care is secondary. Only a large chain store can offer price and selection thus destroying their smaller competitors.
Ok, what is the real reason people are against a Publix or any other retail store going in on Big Pine? I don't buy this, I love the "uniqueness" of BPK, crap. There already are chain stores here and have been for a long time. Would your Yankee neighbors not think you're cool if you spend the winter in a town with 2 grocery stores? Are you afraid that more stores equals more decent jobs for locals? What is it...really? Inquiring minds want to know.

Some nut damaged one of the auto check out machines so W/D hired a security guard for about $25,000 a year to watch for something that will probably never happen again.
Question posed: Why is there no AOL white voices and Caucasian culture community?
Whiner! Maybe you are looking in the wrong place; What you want is the Aryan Nation website.
Hillary Clinton. Glad you like her, it's evident Bill doesn't

I kind of liked the raw data. (Ed: That would be nice if I could just post stuff unedited. That way I could publish this site in about a half hour and then I'd be able to go to work and earn a living. I thought after four years that I would be able to earn a living from the site, but that hasn't happened and it's only a matter of time that I will have to close this site for good. It's ironic because the more popular it gets, the more closer I am to closing it down. Maybe I should have a fund raiser like Public Radio.)
Re: Power Poles and signs. Thanks to Keys Energy we have power.  Go back to the woods.
We're all paying the price for style. For the last decade the kitchen trend was the commercial look. Now we're stuck with noisy Sub-Zero refrigerators, messy stainless steel and commercial ranges with burners larger than the pans we use.

The new trend is the retro look. Appliances are looking like the 1950's with pastel colors.
Are those yellow barrels at the spy poles going to stay there?  Those poles sure are close to the road.  When a car hits that you can color them good-bye and we all know that's going to happen one day.  Maybe they should put bumpers around the bottom about 8 ft tall. (ha-ha)

I watched someone I knew drive down US1 and pull into a sub-division almost hitting each pole; with a child in the back seat jumping around like she was sitting on hot potatoes.  I followed this woman in her car and beeped the horn yelling for her to stop the car but she was oblivious to me.  I followed her all the way home and told her exactly what I thought.  To my knowledge she hasn't been around for years, good thing, we might be replacing those new poles.  No, I didn't have a cell phone back then or better believe I would have called the police.
It didn't take long to figure out that jealously was behind the Formula Retail Ordinance when in the first sentence you take a persons life work, "sell their businesses for an exorbitant amount to chain stores, take the money and leave the Keys." 
Gosh, you just can't stand to see someone getting their due for hard work, sometimes a lifetime.  I bet you believe in the hacking up theory where all of us that have worked, sweated and saved should just hack up with the rest of you that played, drank and doped you way thru life.  Ah, ha! Could it be that you were wrong and we were right and now you want to change the rules to suit your way of life?  All I can say is possibly you've still got time to work and sweat like most of us and save up for your golden years.
Yesterday's retail pro-ordinance writer said, "that a big, ugly corporate building with a huge highway sign will not be allowed to build here." Look around. That is the only kind of building that the large chains build. They first build a concrete box then add a minimum facade that is just enough to quiet the critics. If necessary they will add a small false tower with a peaked roof on one corner. And if that is not enough for the community they will then add a blue or pink round shape to the gable of the tower.

You can't make them spend any money to build what would be pleasing to the community. Look what happened to Key West. They have one of the strongest historical building guidelines in the country and they've been forced to allow many concrete buildings with false facades and other architectural abominations making Duval St. look like many other resort towns' main streets proving you can't legislate taste.

Worst of all is that they're like cockroaches. There's no such thing as one.
Oh Lordy Peaches! None are so empty, as those that are full of themselves.
Does anybody know what ever happened to Hobo Charlie? He was one of the nicest persons I've met on BPK. A joy to be around. Does anyone know his whereabouts?
I see again today someone wrote in suggesting the Hook Up Guy is only dating Fat Girls. Anyone think it as a guy writing these comments and is pissed off because he hit on a fat girl and she turned him down? I am a bit on the chunky side and I have dated the Hook Up Guy. I have one message for the jack ass who is writing in commenting on him dating fat girls. Don't hate me because I'm fat. Hate me because I'm fat and sleeping with him over you. We're both consenting adults. I would suggest all the chunky chicks look him up. He doesn't mind a bigger girl and you'll feel great.



The surveillance poles are not beautiful, but I don't go behind an electric pole to watch the sunrise and sunsets, so the benefits are better than the visual aspect.  We will be able to log on and see how traffic is when we want to go to the mainland shopping. We do not have an alternative route, so we can pick another day, or do some chores at home until the road clears. 

Those of you who are reckless will be sent tickets in the mail which after the first few will end the problem of nuts hurtling down the road killing grandma and grandpa.  If there are any more robberies of any sort the vehicle type,  if reported at the scene, will be stopped down the road and the lawbreakers will be thrown in jail where they will (hopefully) rot.  Amber alert will be alive and well in the Keys and child molestation will be severely cut back.  What is everyone afraid of?  If one obeys the laws we have all supported to be put in place, then, we will only catch the drunks, dope addicts, sex offenders and all the weirdoes will be off the street leaving us a better life. Don't forget that half the world population wants to force us to pray to Allah and I for one love the fact that London caught many of the subway terrorists and their ilk simply by the fact that London is on camera. 

The terrorists are not going away they are just busy being killed in Iraq by our brave men and women in uniform and even though it will take a while for the extremists to regroup they will be here, and I for one would like the security cameras around to catch them. Wow, when they start putting up the windmills (for electricity) Ya'll are really going to have heart attacks.  Then again, I guess you can all sit around in the dark?
I really wonder if those Camera Polls are camera poles. They look awfully heavy duty just to hold two small cameras. Could be BellSouth crap, or Comcast wireless crap, or if they are going up all over the country...Oh, my God, we've had it!

To my friend in the frozen north, I am not in the habit of sending Valentine greetings to women of your position, but what the hell, it must be the bad boy in me.
Roses are red and
Violets are blue,
The Keys are quite beautiful
And so are you!
You people think the road signs are bad now, just you wait until the FCC permits (if they already haven't) Sky Signs,  Email Advertising,  Subliminals and Brain inputs. The whole thing is all about money.
Health care. You asked if I think that I am owed anything by the tax payers of this country. As a mater of fact, yes. I was a member of the armed forces from 1965 to 1975. It was in our contract that we were to have health care for life with the completion of our hitch. But over the years Congress has decided that there were far too many of us and the costs were too high to honor that part of our contract. they have cut funding and services to the point that now we have to buy private insurance to cover what they have reneged on.

As you can tell this is a sore spot with me and a lot of others that served.  Good coverage should be for the men that are serving now (at least when they get home they won't be spit on and called murderers from the very people they served).
 
If we broke the contract we went to jail. So should those in Congress who broke their part of the contract. We all know that will never happen, but I also know we will never have these benefits restored. We can make sure that this never happens to the men that serve for us now. Or is this too much to ask for those we ask to put their lives on the line for us?





Hey, all you muscle headed contractors! There's a freaking noise ordnance here in the Keys. In case you didn't know: No noise before 9AM and after 5PM. That includes all noise, from hand tools to heavy machinery. The next bastard waking me up at 7am will find a small leek somewhere above his shoulders!
Re: Cut foreign aid and the Space Program in half to provide healthcare.
I used to think this way, but realized the government has to spend the money on trivia. You can only build so many schools, so many hospitals, so many roads, so many social programs, etc., before there's nothing else to waste the funds on. There are only two ways to deplete the over filled coffers of government. One is to have wars, which redistribute the funds to the (?)MIC, and to have unlimited space, by throwing into that big void masses of money. But Space is only a depository for materials used in the apparatus. The monies still go to the (?)MIC. The USA is on a "Wood" standard. Want more money? Cut a tree down, make paper, print on it and trade it for gold.



With the Spy Poles going up all over the country, I strongly suggest everybody clean up their old CB Radio's. We just might need them. Smoke signals suck!
The Key Deer Grill chaos and confusion burger, is great, try one today!
Re Iguana: I ran one over with my truck, had to swerve to get him but it was worth it! I would like to start selling my new personalized license plate saying,  "iguana population control device"
Re: paying for insurance for years and getting nothing from it. I couldn't agree more.  I have this stupid Life Insurance policy that I've been paying for for years - what a waste because I never got a dime form it. 

I never seem to be lucky enough to get sick or die. Damn insurance is nothing but a scam to get me to waste my money!
Health Care is none existent. It is a joke on older people to drain their savings and cull them out of the customer base. Once you are over 50 you've had it. No business wants you around because you don't buy at the high end rates. You horde your saving (if you can) so you can live longer. They don't want you.
Thought you might like to see what you are missing in Connecticut. Enjoy, I don't!
 
Hook Up Guy Strikes Again. He is really nice. He took me to dinner, and a show at LaTeDa and we had a wonderful night of love making. Being Bi is no excuse today; have fun and I'll go with him anytime! 


Who can tell me the name of the stealth looking spiders that have invaded my patio.  They hang in a loose web, are about ¾” across and look like a stealth bomber.  I was told that they are Crab Spiders but looking up crab spider on the web came up with an entirely different looking bug.
Re: Some butt-head shot an iguana with a pellet gun and killed it.
I think we also need an open season on these iguana's.  If you need more proof, just watch the Discovery channel.  You will see, that they will someday turn into dinosaurs and roam the earth. They started off harmless enough, some caveman years ago grew them as pets, but hence, could not afford top keep them with the lack of food in his roaming area.  One night, he dumped them and away he went. Millions of years later, they evolved into carnivorous monsters, and later ate the caveman's family. An eye for an eye you may say. The caveman however would get his revenge, a couple of million years later, an advanced caveman shot a less evolved dinosaur (iguana) with an air actuated device (Pellet Gun)--hence history repeats itself. But the wheel may keep turning and the iguana (Dinosaur) once again take over.
 
They will certainly conquer the Key Deer in their trek up to the mainland.  Our only defense, maybe a slingshot and a well placed rock. Or in this case a pellet gun. Next we will be wanting to protect the Sasquatch (Bigfoot), which is also located in the Keys under the name Swamp Ape.
 
Below is the family album for reference.
c2100_iguana.jpg
Audits Show Millions in Katrina Aid Wasted.  Shocking isn't it? I wonder how much it cost to find this out?
I am not glad that anyone got shot but I can't stop laughing about Cheney shooting his friend this weekend. The poor bastard has been in ICU for 2 days! Plus they're blaming it all on the guy that was shot, not Cheney. Priceless.
It is against the law to feed or water the Key Deer. The reason the deer look so poorly now is because they have severely over-browsed their habitat for many, many years. The reason there are so many deer is that as the island got a lot more people during the 90's. The deer got many more landscape plants to browse and of course a lot of people feed the deer and water them. Key Deer only had single births until the late 80's, since then twins have become more common. According to studies on whitetails a land mass the size of Big Pine should have about 150 deer. Current estimates for the Big Pine/No Name population are 600-800. On top of this the deer have stomach worms, spread by deer being in too close proximity with one another. They also have a disease that is becoming more common. Many of the favorite food plants of the deer, like Black torch, Blolly, Joewood, and seven year apple have not been reproducing for the last twenty years (the deer eat all the seedlings). Hurricane Wilma has only increased the problem by killing a lot of native vegetation.

If you feed and water the deer you are only making the problem worse. Since the deer are endangered they will not be hunted. They do desperately need to be reduced in number.

I'm from Pennsylvania where real deer live. We also had an over population problem. We tried a longer hunting season, but in areas with too many people, firing guns is prohibited. The Deer know this and move into these areas. So the State developed a Sterilization Chemical which was put into food pellets the deer eat. This works and is as humane as you can get. Try it in the Keys. Other chemicals can be had for other problem species too, like Snowbirds!
Re: "Heavy influx of Cubans?"  We're being invaded, you putz! Our country is being taken over and us dumb Whities are too lazy to care. The rate of families leaving here for other countries is growing more each year. Why? You figure it out.
Andy Rooney made a good point about the racial unbalance. He pointed out the facts of life, and the point should have been clear to you, that whatever you want in life, work for it, and stop conning others, no matter what race you are.  Sweat is God's Holy Water!


To the the person that wants to shoot the new DOT cameras. Remember while your shooting they will be watching.
Re: "You're local if that raisin in your cereal is a termite." Get it right: You're local if that raisin in your cereal is doing the back stroke!
You're kidding right? You really think that DOT (Department of Trouble) would waste their time (unless a brother-in-law got the contract) putting up those spy poles for your driving pleasure?  Come on people, Big Bush is in control, remember?
Plato had the cure for great health care: Kill all the Lawyers!
Abortion: Isn't the following logical? A mother chooses to abort her child but then changes her mind. Doesn't that child then have the right, much later in life of course, to terminate her elderly mother? Just a reverse thought process there folks.



Cheney cant tell a quail from an six foot tall man who wasn't even flying.

Tuesday February 14, 2006

 

Monday February 13, 2006
(Tech Gal: Two minutes before ten this morning I lost the whole morning's work driving Ed to distraction. So we are printing the raw emails. We are really sorry if you are offended by what is posted today, but it is totally unedited. Ed has to go to the real job so he can eat and doesn't have any more time this morning.)
Having just read an unsigned article "for" the Retail Ordinance, and seeing my husband's name in print in a negative way, I feel compelled to answer.  This whole issue is primarily about "property rights".  We have no intention of "selling out" to leave Big Pine Key.  This is our home and we care very much about what happens here.  We do, however, feel that we should not be "hamstrung" by a LAW that leaves no room for change at all.  You have to know, in your heart, that because of all the already existing rules and regulations, that a big, ugly corporate building with a huge highway sign will NOT be allowed to build here.  There will be no "onslaught of chain stores". You also have to know in your hearts that NO chain store can ever take the place of our locally owned stores with they're special items and the personal care that they gives their customers.  Please, be realistic.  This isn't about "scare tactics" ~ it is merely about property rights.  We look forward to seeing you at the Feb. 21st  meeting ~   And once again, if you need information or have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us at home ...
                                                                                             Meri-Lynn      872-3118
deer hunting season  another pile of intelligence heard from. Now a frequent visitor hunting program sounds interesting though.
I'm one not falling for this hype for a chain store I moved here because there was'nt a McD
and burger king ,I fell for the uniqueness of BPK  they got me once for incorporation
I  stood on US1  with signs  and remember Dixie making promises to us that she would revisit the vacation rental ordinence   that was going to be one of her first issues to bring to
the table if she were elected  well she sold   us  --down the river  I've had it with all these meetings for the people  we get from the BOCC  what the higher bidder wants.
open season  everything that doesn't happen on Big Pine gets blamed on the deer and idiots fall for it. It's not the deer it's crappy uncaring government. Then there's those that want to incorporate which would bring just more local crappy government.
Brazillian peppers disrupt entire ecosystems. Birds and raccoons spread the seeds far and wide. It is illegal to plant them, but as unbelievable as it may seem there are no laws  currently on the books to even make you bend over and pull a sapling out of the ground once it volunteers on your property. People who are so disrespectful of the environment, such as the dive shop, should be fined for spreading these invasives. A couple of years ago someone volunteered to kill the trees for them free of charge, by the dive shop refused the offer. They apparently like the shade they offer. And don't believe the excuse they dreamed up- something about fumes entering the compressors. Years later the trees still stand, and this winter once again will be full of seeds.  I say shame on them and would also never patronize any business that knows what damage the peppers do and what they cost us taxpayers;  the dive shop is well aware of what they are doing.
I thought thoes poles werre cell phone poles?
Feeding Deer: If you are a local you know what to feed them.
If you  are a tourist, don't feed them.
Cleaning stainless steel appliances; For general water or splash stains just wipe with a damp cloth with the grain. Continue this step until you undo all the damage you did with a dry cloth with or without cleaners. For rust, oxidation or other non water stains, try a little "barkeepers friend" on a damp cloth, also with the grain. Follow with a clean damp cloth wipe only with the grain. Barkeepers friend is a powder in a can like Comet not sold at Winn Dixie, (they only have the liquid, which does not work.) You can get it at Albertsons. If you have an extreme rust spot, use a stainless steel pad with the BF to scrub very lightly, then the damp cloth finish. This also works on sinks and 18/10 pots.
AOL Black Voices: African American & Black Culture Community                Why is there no AOL white voices  & caucasion culture  community
I agree that stainless steel is a pain!! I'm assuming

that only people who don't use their kitchens enjoy

it. Try Shiela Shine, it has a strong odor but it

works great!
Classic Carpet Their office is on 2nd Ave still in the street.
Have to say that all this nonsense about Underseas Dive Shop is really sickening. I noticed when I was out at Looe Key recently there were two dive boats out there and one was Underseas. Their crew was really paying attention to their customers, while the other boat's crew (divemaster, I guess)  was more concerned about staying warm or playing with their hair.
Re: camera poles. I couldn't believe the new redwood tree-like poles were

strictly "camera poles" so I decided to do some research myself. Thanks to

the Monroe County website, I learned they are part of the nation's new

Intelligent Transportation System however that's about all Monroe County's

website told me. A quick google led me to: http://www.its.dot.gov/faqs.htm

which did enough to satisfy my curiosity. Interesting stuff for the

nation's metropolitan areas but I saw little use here except for hurricane

evacuation. Now if the county could only get residents to evacuate we can

see how intelligent the new system is!
Jeez, What ailment was pictured in the post rightly directing the person unable to afford her medicine to a manufacturer?  Was this some sort of leech therapy or was it sexual?
So Cheney accidently shot a guy while hunting over the weekend. Sounds like something Bush would do. Ba rum bum.
I am much obliged for the tech support.
to the person who says people will come from other places to shop because of  chain stores. They already come here what do you think people on ram rod the torches summerland , and surgarloaf don't already use BP. oh I guess you think people will come from key west and marathon to shop at stores they have there. oh and I guess when you leave you will sell below market value. get real.
Re:stainless steel cleaners. Powerboat Reports, kind of like the marine Consumer Reports, recently did a test of numerous products. Their top 2 picks were Flitz (a liquid) and no.1 was a moist pad called Miracle Cloth. They gave the nod to the cloth because it was so inexpensive compared to Flitz. It is about $7 or $8 at West Marine.
Nothing is sadder than a 60 year old hippie with a bald head and scruffy beard still trying fruitlessly to grow a pony tail.  Unless it is her husband in a permanent drug induced stupor, shuffling along behind her.
To the writer complaining about his neighbors not helping him after

hurricane Wilma; Congratulations! You must be the only person receiving

that honor. What I remember is how helpful and cooperative everyone was

after the storm. Even those who sustained major damage themselves helped

where they could. Maybe if you helped others occasionally, they might

return the favor when you need it. As for property sales, they're down

almost everywhere. It's mostly due to higher interest rates, not

hurricanes. And they do drill in the Gulf, have for some time. Soooo, see

ya.

Some friends and I are planning a kayak trip to the Luck Lady casino boat just to check it out (and for a little adventure).  I’m not sure exactly where the information came from but we were told that the owners had somehow stripped the interior of the gaming equipment.  How I don’t know.  Part of the fun will be to see exactly what’s left.
i've heard of putting wd-40 on stainless steel appliances. it doesn't smudge with finger prints as easily. i've never tried it and i can't say the finish won't fall in 6 months, so proceed with caution.
The poster who has paid into helthcare insurance for 40 years has a good point. We pay for insurance that we do not need until we are older, and are no longer covered. All those funds could have gone into a national healthcare system that you would have when you become older & sick.
in response to Classic carpet service or lack there of,it has to do mainly with the employess.The majority are drunks and uses cocaine and other illegal drugs.If you don't believe me,monitor the   sheriff arrest record site(keysso.net)You will regularly see  people from classic carpet who have been arrest for possession of cocaine,dui,driving on a suspended license,and numerous other offenses.The owner needs to get rid of these undesirable employees and hire straight honest dependable  people.
To add insult to injury: US militaey who lose their bullet-proof vests in battle are expected to reimburse the US government for the cost of the vest.
Healthcare: would it really kill the administration to cut foreign aid in half to provide healthcare for US citizens? That is just one example of where your tax dollars go. (Also, the space program) To find new cures for diseases, look into the oceans and rain forests, not outer space. What are they thinking?
Healthcare: would it really kill the administration to cut foreign aid in half to provide healthcare for US citizens? That is just one example of where your tax dollars go. (Also, the space program) To find new cures for diseases, look into the oceans and rain forests, not outer space. What are they thinking?
Again I just love this site...Thank you EDITOR for all your hard work and good clean fun.. 
 
 
When I come across one of our kooks down here, I just live and let live and move on, unless it is the same one posting all the environmental wacko stuff...there are more of you than I thought.  Your meddling with the Key Deer has allowed for years severe overpopulation for the water available and now I guess our hard earned tax dollars will have to go to perpetual water troughs for the Virginia Whitetail runts.  I expect if you keep on trying to best mother nature you could have 'em extinct in a few years.  Don't worry there are so many deer up north killing people on the roads they would be glad to ship a bunch down here and in a few generations they would be so starved again that they would stay runts.  To the person who loves those disease ridden iguanas, just google them and see the amount of money some areas are spending to get rid of them and the poop and smell that follows.  And when the bird flu makes its debut; I suspect every free range chicken (or bird) will disappear pretty fast.  Quit trying to be the boss of mother nature----She will do very well on her own and a whole lot better adjusting to change than her human counterpart. 
We need socialized health care? We HAVE socialized health care! It's

called Medicare for those over 65 and Medicaid for those under 65 in low

income brackets. They provide minimal health care, cost the tax payers a

fortune and they both suck. If you think the government can/will manage

ANYTHING, much less health care, better than private industry, you're

dreaming. As for anyone being OWED something by the government (tax payers)

because they worked for 40 years, no you're not. You're suppose to work and

take care of yourself. Be thankful that you're able to retire, live down

here and enjoy this great weather. Ok, weather not so great today, but it's

still better than most other places this time of year. So just be thankful

for what you have, damn it!
Maybe if Bode Miller didn't drink that 5th before competing maybe he wouldn't have come in 5th.
For those that hate the humongazoid sign and camera poles:

With a little sleuthing you should be able to find email addresses at FDOT to complain to. A mass complaint campaign cut the number of signs down.

Complaining here wont help much, but might make you feel better. Complain to FDOT. You could probably find a contact person through any of the county commissioners offices.

I made a trip to the mainland and back yesterday and the camera poles are really ugly.  We already have the high power lines that are ugly enough but necessary, and now with the addition of the camera poles it’s worse.  And there are a lot of them.  Seems like about every 5 miles.  And the HUGE message sign going up in Key Largo and the one already in place in Florida City are monsters that will really spoil the landscape within at least a half mile of each location.   Another idiotic project benefiting no one in the keys brought to you by your Florida Dept. of Transportation and your mis-spent tax dollars.

The self checkout machines at Winn-Dixie are great if you take the time to learn how to use them properly.  I don’t have a problem with them at all.  However if you are not comfortable with technology in general, a computer, and things like touch pads you’re gonna have trouble.  Or, if you can’t read or follow simple instructions or you can’t tell a bell pepper from a banana  you better just wait in line.  The machines are not for every doofus in the store.

Friends and I were chuckling at the most recent blow-up at Key Deer Bar and they said that they, too have been there for the last time.  Seems that they were there for a beer and a burger when a couple with kids also trying to have lunch asked the server if they could change one of the TV’s to a different channel.  The server asked the bartender about the location of the remote and the owner, hearing the request is quoted as saying, “F**k ‘em. Let them go somewhere else.”  Yep, it’s a really high class place! 
Hillary for President??? Why not? Every other President in our history has had a penis and "WE THE PEOPLE" keep getting screwed. 
To the "jerk" that suggested shooting at the DOT cams...well, I agree!

Monday February 13, 2006

 

Sunday February 12, 2006
Re: Healthcare. People have been writing that if we want National Healthcare that we're bums. That's not true. We are not part of the problem either. The problem is that if we have a catastrophic health problem we will lose everything. Those complaining about National Healthcare must have insurance paid by their employer or the military because if you're over 50 healthcare becomes a major factor in you life.

Re: Am I crazy? No. My deer are scrawny too and they all look starved. I heard that cracked corn is good for them. I don't have enough vegetables to feed them, but I can buy cracked corn at the feed store/nursery on US1. The deer police said we should give them fresh water, which I do.
There has been a lot of misinformation perpetuated concerning the Formula Retail Ordinance by people that want to sell their businesses for an exorbitant amount to chain stores, take the money and leave the Keys.

Frankly I can not take Joe and John's accusations against apple pie and motherhood too seriously. They will be gone and not here to witness what the onslaught of chain stores can do to BPK. Big Pine is the only key left that has any semblance to what attracted many of us to the Keys these 30+ years ago.

If you want BPK to look like Marathon, Key West or even Summerland, than allow chain stores in. Once one is in, they all will follow like hyena's to the kill. And keep in mind that BPK alone cant support a chain store. There will have to be customers from other Keys, making traffic worse than it is.

Formula Retail Ordinance will not limit free enterprise or a person selling their business for a reasonable, (within Keys already exorbitant price range), amount. It has worked in various places throughout the country and actually increased business in those areas by offering a unique setting unlike, "Anywhere USA".

It is all scare tactics by those who want to make their bundle and leave. Don’t fall for it.
For all you imported chicken lovers here on Big Pine Key. Do you realize the chickens at Winn Dixie were dropped off here by a resident of Summerland Key  5 years ago because she got tired of hearing the rooster crow at all times of the day and night. They have not been here forever and do not belong here.

Apparently, the roosters have more rights than I do or my pets. We can be chased and pecked by the roosters, but my tiny leashed dog (who is smaller than the roosters) cannot chase (for 5 feet or so), one of the wild crazy roosters without somebody freaking out about it. If these chickens lived anywhere else in this country, this wouldn't be an issue. There used to be a local guy that caught the chickens and took them home and ate them for dinner, keeping the population from growing larger. he's gone and the chickens are getting out of control. What is wrong with this picture? I am an advocate for animal rights and do not believe that a tiny  leashed dog or a child can ever catch or "torture" a chicken.  Hey mothers of small children, watch out before this old crazy couple starts screaming at you for letting your children chase the chickens. I've seen that also and it's just as "torturous"
What's up with Classic Carpet. Are they going out of business or what? They say they are going to show up with carpet, and they don't;  or if they do its 3 days late. They must have a bad case of Keys disease.
I live in Palm Villa and my neighbor and I frequent that little park of often. We have six children between us. I have seen other kids there also, actually I think tonight we may just walk on over there. We love it! Maybe it's the best kept secret on Big Pine. If you say things like that next thing you know they will be removing that little park.
Re: FWC should do a feeding program for the Key Deer? They do. It's called; send the tourist cruising through our neighborhoods to "take pictures" of the Key Deer (and teach them that cars are their friend). I guess FWC thinks that potato chips and donuts are part of the deer's natural habitat. Also, it helps guarantee cushy careers for people whose poor choices in college would have otherwise landed them a job uttering the phrase, "Would you like to super size that?"
As a frequent visitor to the Keys and a conservationist, I wonder why they don't have a deer hunting season on Big Pine to control the growth. Without predation and a limited amount of land, the deer become over populated. It is not the salt water that damages the food the deer eat. It may be over browsing. The ideal situation would be to kill off half the deer every year. The herd doubles every year so this would stabilize the population. December would be a great month to have a Bow and Arrow season. Another possibility would be to import predators such as Florida Panthers. The one killed on Car Sound Road a few weeks ago was probably looking for food. The biggest problem in the everglades is too many cats for the area. The number one killer of Florida Panthers is Florida Panthers. This could also control other problems such as stray chickens, iguanas, vagrants and stray cats and dogs.

The problem with artificial feeding the deer is that it will never end. It is like giving out welfare checks. I understand in Michigan, they are trying to end baiting in deer season for deer because it increases the deer herd. In other states, they don't allow baiting.
We went to Key Deer Bar and Grill Friday night and Capt. Dan did a great job on his hiring of new staff.  The cook is great.  Our pizza was perfect, nice and hot, and the fish fingers were fresh and hot.  We had a waiter (good looking boy) within minutes of us sitting down.  The drinks from the bar came quickly. 
 
Service there was great and the band was great. Thanks Capt. Dan, you did good.

I like Hillary Clinton. I really do. I don't agree with everything she stands for but I still like her. Lately they have come out with a somewhat obscure new movie called "Nanny McPhee." The Nanny McPhee character (Emma Thompson) bears an uncanny resemblance to Hillary without her makeup.
We bitched about the ugly signs and got a few, fewer. But how did they sneak in all those damn camera poles? Those suck big time. Some of them are taller than the electric poles from the mainland. Government sucks. Why, oh, why spend all of our tax dollars on crap like that?  You people let them get away with this too. Your all to blame.

For "Am I Crazy?" It's not only the salt water from the storm that has depleted the food source for the Key Deer. The iguanas are destroying a lot more and it will get worse if we don't do something about it. The iguanas have destroyed most of the plants in my front yard that the deer used to feed on.
Health Care. Who should pay and who should receive?
Over the years I have had good insurance, I have had bad insurance and I have had no insurance. I have paid out tens of thousands of dollars on insurance and what have I received in turn? Nothing.

It seems that when my health was good and I had good insurance good jobs and life seems to be going the way we all would expect then you don't even think about Health Care, but now when it is better for a company to close it's doors before they have to commit to the people that worked for them with retirement and health care they would rather close and take there money and run.

It sounds funny but I have worked for three such companies; staying in business just long enough so as to not let workers become vested with them. Even with the COBRA act that lets you keep your health insurance if you can afford it, but when you have to decide weather to keep paying or eat more times then not-- you decide to eat. This is fine when your health is good but later in life when you no longer can work or the job market dries up then guess what, no insurance. At a time you most need it.

Do you think that all that money spent will help you now?  Not just no, but hell no. All that money went to pay for those high rise buildings you see in every big city around the country and you get nothing not even a kiss. So do I think it's time to rethink our health system? I must say, "yes" it's long over due.


With the taxes my wife and I pay I should get something in return not only for what I pay now but for all I have paid over the last 40 years of work in the private sector and the 4 years I spent in the Marines during the Vietnam war years.

I know that some of you think that you should pay your own way. If that's the case then you pay for the education of your own kids why should I pay for your kids to go to school? I have no kids never had and never will but every year I pay school tax not only to the county but to the state. What do I get for that nothing?

Don't get me wrong, I think that our government should take responsibility for it's people after all our constitution says, "We the people" does it not? I believe that not only should our tax payers get the best health care but we should also get the best education in the world; open to everyone that can make the grade not just the ones the can afford it.
 
This can be done with higher taxes offset by the fact that you would not be paying for the high cost of health insurance and the school tax that we pay anyway. Also by taking away the pockets that remove money before it gets to the place it is needed. 
I can't believe out of town divers can be so disturbed by some Brazilian Pepper trees. Get your air, go rape our reef then go home.
Did I see in the local paper that we get to host a community gathering? To sound off, and tell everyone out loud that we want new commercial building along US1?Did it say this Tuesday, Feb.14 at 6/6:30 at the Big Pine Charter School? I hope all in favor show up and support our rights of free speech. Please show up, lets clean up this Island, redevelop this place proper for the next 50 years.
You must be crazy if you're worried about inbred deer. I say have open season like they do in Georgia and up north.  Get real. We can't even get a park at the old Mariner's place cause the lights at night will freak the deer out.  We can't even get a park period!   
To the person that can't afford her medication. If you can find out what pharmaceutical co. makes it you can go to their website and find out if you qualify for their free programs. It's a little time consuming but worth it. Good Luck.

Re: "Don't ever forget the Weird chick. That narrows it down, there can't be more than one weird chick on the island." Now if she said, "The weird chain smoking chick" they would know who it was.
I need to set up a password on my computer so just anyone can not access it.  How do I go about doing this? (Tech Support: If you use XP go to Start>Control Panel>User accounts>Computer administrator>Create a password>Ok. The next time you start your machine you will be prompted to enter your password. All other users will use the Guest account which doesn't require a password.)
To the person who has such a problem with the pepper trees at Underseas. Those trees were here long before you--at least their ancestors were. You are also an exotic; so do us a favor and leave.
Re: Underseas Dive Shop.  Why does the writer keep harping about the Brazilian pepper trees?  Competition perhaps?   You stated you "fully expected" the problem to have been taken care of by now.  Do it yourself.  How dare you tell someone what they should have their employee's do.  I suspect you are not a pleasant person and have more money than sense.  Go Home.

I am lonely no more. I met two really nice women in the parking lot at the Cow Palace last night. The only problem is that they were a little on the heavy side so they had to ride in the back of my truck. Hook-up dude, eat your heart out!
Ed, are you in need of am employee to go around and take pictures of new stuff for your files. Reference the Ugly Pole post with the picture of the dynamic message board.  Will work for a good cause for gas money. (Ed: We don't have any money, but we do encourage everyone to send in any pictures.)
I would like to say hello to everyone at Parrotdise Bar And Grill. I especially miss one certain young man (you know who you are since I'm in Conn.)

About the camera poles.  I was driving on Summerland one day last week when they were installing the one close to Dion's.  I had an eerie feeling it would topple over on my car.  Just what is the purpose of this project supposed to be?
Big Pine TV:  Is it still inoperable? (Yes. Our tech support dude had a heart attack and we're waiting for him to get better so he can fix our connection.)
Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that all the cold fronts arrive on the weekend?  By my count this will be the 5th weekend in a row that a front arrives. Brrr!
Need tech support.  How do I clear the history of where I've been on the internet.  Is it possible to set it where the history will clear everyday automatically? (Tech support: Open internet Explorer or any browser>Tools>Internet options>General Tab>Clear History>Set the number of days to heep history to 1.)
To all you Winn Dixie haters out there. There is a very simple solution to your problem. Are you smart enough to figure it out, or do I need to do it for you?

Idea for the grounded casino boat.  Make it a tourist attraction as in bar and restaurant.  Use an airboat to transport customers to and fro.
Re: Dive shop landscaping. Why don't you lay off of the Brazilian peppers and Marry Anne one of the finest people in our community. If you feel so strongly about these plants, that are not hurting anyone, why don't you volunteer your time to remove them yourself.
Does any one know what happened to Anna Maria the general merchandise manager at W/D? She worked there about five years ago.




I hope this is not just a female problem.  I am having a hard time cleaning my stainless steel appliances.  Does anyone have a special product that works?  I have tried most everything but am open for suggestions.  I will never purchase stainless again.
Re: Healthcare. I travel to Key West from Big Pine daily, 64 miles round trip to work at a job that has bennies.  I am grossly underpaid.  The medical benefits alone are the only reason I continue to do so.  When I figure in the value of the insurance it makes it a little more worthwhile.  I love my job but would not work there were it not for the medical, dental, prescription, eye care, sick leave and accrued annual leave.  Get a job. Government jobs are available now. Both federal and state.  County too.  The writer, blond with blue eyes needs to check into what is available.  Surely there is help out there for someone in their position. Good luck.
Hillary for President? Why not? Every other President in our history has had a penis and "We the people" keep getting screwed. 

Someone in the Keys won Fantasy Five! 3 16 29 30 32. Was it you?
Look at all the real estate sitting patiently for sale.  Didn’t you folks know this is Hurricane-land-ville; and where’s your sense of adventure?  I, for one, am tired of evacuating and not looking forward to the upcoming season which is predicted to be active again.  We stayed thru Wilma and were generator-less.  Neither neighbors offered us a power cord and another neighbor, we had thought to be friendly, didn’t charge-up our drill so we could open our hurricane shutters.  We saw very little of people helping others. 

All of us who stayed thru Wilma put our lives at risk.  Putting all of our faith in the weatherman could amount to dangerous consequences.  There is still glass all over the roads and people are too lazy to sweep it up. The wooded areas have debris with nails sticking out and the people who live across the streets see the garbage and do nothing. This is dangerous for our Key Deer!  If your home is for sale, perhaps you and your realtor can do some outdoor clean-ups as it may help sell your property.  Why doesn’t anybody care?  Funny, but the gang who probably ruined the subdivision sign, stripped some lots naked, dumped trash and erected blinding, tall security lights are up for sale and have no interested buyers.  When I pass the camera poles, I give them the finger and if they start drilling in the Gulf we’ll be added to the mass exodus.  Flori-duh.


Some butt-head shot an iguana with a pellet gun and killed it.  If this is kids who or what will be next?  If this is adults they should have it done to them (eye for an eye) or they should be brought in front of a judge for punishment.  This is sick.  Since there is a reward ad in the Keynoter maybe someone will come forward and we can catch this animal (and I don't mean the iguana).

Sunday February 12, 2006

 

Saturday February 11, 2006

If the aground casino boat is stripped of all expensive and heavy equipment and the only way you can get to it is by kayak how did they get all that equipment off it?
Formula retail ordinance meeting. Tuesday February 21 at 6:00 pm. It is very important that you attend this meeting. This ordinance, as written, would greatly reduce the resale value or your business and property. The supporters of the ordinance are well organized and will show up in force. Big Pine banks and real estate brokers--this will affect you! If I can be of assistance or if you need some information, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you. Joe at Coconuts on Big Pine Key. Business 872-3795, home 872-3118. Email jcbsr@comcast.net 


Ugly poles. They already have received a lot of letters against them, but Big Brother is insistent that he needs to watch us. What a terrible government we have.

Re: Coke sale gone wrong. I hope you got a rain check for the Sprite.
Re: Underseas Dive Shop Maryanne is a great lady. 
I don't know who  Maryanne is, but she certainly has not been working at all to keep the Brazilian peppers off the property. The owners had this girl working for 30 years and they couldn't assign her one day to clear those invasive exotics?  Disgraceful!  I read something on this site a year ago about those trees and I fully expected them to have taken care of the problem by now, but when I rolled into town to get dive tanks filled, I couldn't believe that they have not lifted a finger to do anything about them. Shop somewhere else.


I think I know why there has been such a heavy influx of Cubans lately. They want to get their job applications in early for the new shopping centers.
You want is the same health care that indigents receive? Simple. Quit your job.
Friday's Miami Herald had a short story about CVS being cited in Massachusetts by state investigators for "dozens" of prescription errors. Another thought, if Publix does come maybe they will have a pharmacy in the store like in Marathon which would provide an alternate source and perhaps some pressure to be more accurate.
Re: Ron the harp player.  Bauman with one "n" is Jewish. With 2 "n's" it is German. His surname is German. Although Ron is probably the best harmonica player down here, and he can certainly play fantastic blues, I don't think he would be interested in a blues band or be willing to commit to a steady playing schedule. But you can ask.
US1 cameras.  It ought to be great sport shooting the cameras off the poles.
Yesterday's photo of those lions lying in the shade of the plane's wing was really something. What would you do? I'd wait until night.
Regarding Healthcare:  It's very, very simple what you want -- something for nothing.  One question to you.  Do you think you are part of the problem or part of the solution at this point?  I really would like to hear your answer.
Re: An irate customer went crazy at the auto check out and smashed the machine at Winn Dixie?
I think somebody needs a hug. In fact, next time you see an angry customer at W/D, go up to them, give 'em a great big hug and say, "You have a nice day now, ya' hear?" I'm sure that will brighten their day and yours too. And if that doesn't work, hey, they'll be gone in a few weeks anyway.
Does anyone know when white history month is? The eleven other months of the year that have more than 28 days for the last 400 years.
Healthcare. To the person who says to work at a job where you receive better health care. If you are too sick to work, what do you suggest?

I have a terminal illness and because I cannot afford the meds necessary it is just a matter of time. I have always worked, beginning at age 15, and I worked myself through college. No, I do not smoke, do drugs, nor am I an alcoholic. My family has been in the US since the 1600's building up this great country.

If I had the free medical that the illegals and new immigrates have, I'd be receiving my meds. But, no! I am a white woman, blonde and blue eyed so I cannot get help. Maybe if I dyed my hair black, browned my skin, wore brown contacts and learned Spanish I could get everything free.
Re: Ron Baumann. I found him. Thanks to all you Piners for finding him for me.
Am I the only one or am I crazy? Ever since the flooding the Key deer have been hanging around my Big Pine neighborhood looking pretty mangy. They are in the trash every day and look like they are starving. They come in small herds 4-5 females and babies and then come the bucks. The bucks are really aggressive. Two of them got under my house and worked the trash cans so they were wedged under the back of our car. We came down thinking we had a burglar--they made so much noise.

What the heck is the FWC doing for them if anything? If their food supply has died due to the salt water maybe they should do a feeding program. Let us know what we can do to help. I know they don't want anyone to feed them but this is crazy. In twenty-five years I never saw such behavior.

Re: "half of those females don't walk up-right!" Where can I go to meet one of these women?

Andy Rooney said on "60 Minutes" a few weeks  back: I don't think being a minority makes you a victim of anything except numbers. The only things I can think of that are truly discriminatory are things like the  United Negro College Fund, Jet Magazine, Black Entertainment Television, and Miss Black America. Try to have things  like the   United Caucasian College Fund, Cloud Magazine, White Entertainment Television, or Miss White America; and see  what happens...Jesse Jackson will be knocking down your door.

“Re: Healthcare.  In any other country (besides perhaps Afghanistan) they have socialized medicine, not to mention some of the top doctors…..”  
Reply:  I don’t know where you get your information but you obviously have no idea what you’re talking about.  Every country with socialized medicine is nearly bankrupt trying to keep the medical system afloat.  Canada is a nearby example where health care is barely adequate and supported by horrendous individual taxes.  Go to Canada and break a leg on Saturday morning and you’ll probably wait until Monday to get an x-ray much less orthopedic care.  I visited Cuba a few years ago and there are lots of clinics and doctors but they have no medicines, equipment or bandages. 

European countries have various forms of “free” medical care paid for by the government (by imposing huge taxes on the working people) and every system is in financial crisis and constantly cuts services to make ends meet.  We have the finest, best trained, best equipped health care system in the world and to socialize medicine would do nothing but cripple it while creating yet another mammoth federal bureaucracy.  Think.  Can you name one, just one, federal program that isn’t plagued by incompetence, graft, corruption and in financial distress due to mis-management?

If you want health care, get a better job, get a second job, get an education and do something for yourself instead of whining about how the government doesn’t take care of you (with my tax money).  Standing around with your hand out and whimpering about what you don’t have but want handed to you is no way to go through life.  (Possibly if you want lots of free handouts, charity, food stamps, and lots of other give-aways considering moving to New Orleans where people have been living on welfare for decades)








Winter Olympics. the stadium holds 35,000 people. I wonder hoe many bathrooms it takes to handle that many people.
To my Fan Club: I Love You guys too.  I miss you already!  Don't ever forget the Weird chick. That narrows it down, there can't be more than one weird chick on the island.

Saturday February 11, 2006

 

Friday February 10, 2006
Re: Healthcare. That's all I want is the same care that indigents receive. That's what I mean by National health care.


Maybe we should communicate with other countries with socialized medicine to find out how they avoid wasting money (which just benefits lawyers) on frivolous malpractice law suits. Then we might be able to reduce the cost of health care, keep the ability to choose and still have excellent health care.
I'm looking for Ron (Bauman, I think) the harp player. I'm looking for a blues harp player. If anyone knows where to find Ron please email isafari@bellsouth.net or post it here.
Re: Terry Cassidy Bash. Who won the raffle? My friend has tickets.
Signs of our times part one:
 

Ray Nagin, the mayor of New Orleans, was asked his views on Roe vs. Wade. He said he didn't care how people got back to their houses.
Re: "Your local if..." Was great and right on except they missed one. You're local if that raisin in your cereal is a termite.

There is going to be another bake sale at the Big Pine Neighborhood Charter School this Saturday, February 11th from 8:00-1:00.  Don't forget to get those goodies for Valentine's Day!  We hope to see you there!
Welcome to Palm Villa Park & Beach!

And the sign says,
“Welcome! To Palm Villa Park”
followed by a lengthy list of rules:
No running! No shoving! No ball playing!
No throwing sand! No use in the rain!
Have fun!!!
No wonder
no one else is there.
I walk or bike this path often
stopping to sit on the bench
facing the channel.
A quiet place to pause
since no one calls from the rubber swings,
no one crawls through
the faded blue and red caterpillar
or climbs atop the plastic alligator.
When I was a kid
we lived at the park
next door to our house,
waiting impatiently for an empty seat
on the spinning orange and green merry-go-round.
We waxed the slide shiny and swift,
made pot holders
our mothers would never use.
Yet Palm Villa is vacant.
I have never seen a child play here,
though someone has sat on this bench
and left a trail of trash and broken bottles.
Today a steady breeze dries the sweat on my face.
I sit alone looking across the water
at obscenely lavish homes
that dot the other side.
A hint of seaweed in the air
and the distant sound of traffic on US 1.
Turning to leave
I notice high-top sneakers
dangling from an electrical wire
and wonder how many times it took
before they went over the line and stayed put.
I imagine some child’s unprotected feet
and how difficult it must have been
walking home
trying to avoid
the shattered glass.
--Elizabeth Thomas



This is how to survive a Hurricane! http://www.hurricraft.com/
Underseas Dive Shop   Maryanne is a great lady that has worked her butt off in that shop as long as I can remember and I have lived on Big Pine 30 years.
Re: "Why do you think so many bachelors here are so lonely?  Because there are 25.5 males for every female, and half of those females don't walk up-right!" Big Kudos to this posting.

The big boat aground at about MM13 was the Lucky Lady casino boat from Key West.  It broke moorings during hurricane Wilma and blew up the Keys during the storm.  Then, when we got the big surge of water from the Gulf the boat was afloat enough to reach its present location.  When the surge waters receded the boat got stuck and is now hard aground. 

No one yet has a realistic plan for its removal except to literally cut it up in pieces.  The  problem is that there is not enough water in there normally to even get a small workboat in.  You can kayak out to it for a closer look.  I think we’ll be seeing it there for some time.  And, by the way, all of the gaming equipment and most stuff of value has been stripped. 

BPK Funny Fridays– Valentine's Day Edition. Because love and laughter go together like George & Gracie, like Bogie & Bacall, like Chuck Norris & roundhouse kicks, like Courtney Love & drug benders, like Britney Spears & child endangerment, like Pabst Blue Ribbon & bowling alleys, like Pauly Shore & obscurity, like... aaahhh, never mind. I've got Valentine's shopping to do...

Women like sno-cone makers, right? Action figures? Novelty mug in the shape of a boobie? Lottery tickets?


Hallmark is coming out with a new card for guys who forget Valentine's Day. The card is small and gold and maxes out at ten grand.
~Craig Kilborn

The difference between love and sex is that sex relieves tension and love causes it.
~Woody Allen

I urge you all to love each other without reservation, and to love each other without restraints. Unless you're into leather. Then, by all means, use restraints.
~Margaret Cho

If you open up your heart and let all the love you have flow out of you, I promise that some highly dysfunctional, emotionally unavailable man will glom himself onto you and never let go.
~Wendy Kamenoff

Don't you hate it when you date someone and they say, "I love you, but I'm not in love with you." You just want to go, "I want you... but not inside me."
~Felicia Michaels

There's a fine line between true love and a stalking conviction.
~Buzz Nutley

Men are married about six months, and they can't even dress themselves anymore... "Honey, does this tie go with my underwear?"
~John Mendoza

I don't see myself as a married guy. I still see myself as a pirate.
~Adam Ferrara

I hate the saying, "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride." I like to put it in perspective by thinking, "Always a pallbearer, never a corpse."
~Laura Kightlinger

It seems like the only times they pronounce you anything in life is when they pronounce you man and wife, or dead on arrival.
~Dennis Miller

My girlfriend just moved in me and she's so cool, but yet I feel like I'm kinda doomed. Because the thing that destroys comedy is when you're f*ckin' happy. And right now, I'm really f*ckin' happy– so like all my new material is about, "Isn't it great how when you and your girlfriend go shopping... and then you have lunch... and it's tasty... and then you kiss? Huh? Hello? Is this on? Hello, is this working? Uh... George Bush is a psychotic murderer, but you know what's great? Snuggling!"
~Patton Oswalt

Many of my friends are getting engaged and are buying diamonds for their fiancées. What better to symbolize marriage than the hardest thing known to man.
~Mike Dugan

When we first met, my wife didn't like me all that much. Luckily, she wanted to stay in this country.
~Brian Kiley

Never tell your wife she's lousy in bed. She'll go out and get a second opinion.
~Rodney Dangerfield

Women are the most powerful magnet in the universe. All men are cheap metal. And we know where north is.
~Larry Miller

Women get their heart broke, they cry. Men don't do that. Men hold it in like it don't hurt. They hold it in and get hit by trucks. "Didn't he see that truck?" "Man, he wouldn't have seen a 747. His heart was broke."
~Richard Pryor

When you're not in love, it's like there's a party going on and everybody was invited except for you. And you just happen to be walking by that house in the rain.... "Oh. I wasn't invited to this party. *sniff* "
That's what that feels like, but then again... once you're in love that's like being inside that party going, "Where's my jacket? I wanna get out of here. Where's my jacket? I've been at this party for six years and I want to see other parties."
~Dane Cook

Share your feelings with your woman... And she'll leave you for a guy who never cries and who spanks her.
~Jim Carrey

Men only have two feelings: We're either hungry or horny. I tell my wife, if I don't have an erection, make me a sandwich.
~Bobby Slayton

I don't have a girlfriend. But I do know a woman who'd be mad at me for saying that.
~Mitch Hedberg

You can't please everybody. Like, I have a girlfriend. My girlfriend to me is the most wonderful, most remarkable person in the world. That's to me. But to my wife…
~Jackie Mason

Valentine's Day. Or, as men like to call it: Extortion Day.
~Jay Leno

I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon.
~Paul McGinty

Sheriff's mug shot site. Yes, but not all us locals are on that web site and its really nothing to be bragging about.
US1 cameras. They are shoving them down our throats even though no one here wants them. They're supposed to inform us of traffic conditions so we can take an alternate route. What alternate route? The most obnoxious pole is on the scenic stretch of road on the Saddlebunch Keys. It's heartbreaking that big brother wants to spy on us so much that'll they're doing this.
Pilot's dilemma.  You are a South African bush pilot. You fly in critical medical supplies and enjoy a quick lunch at the hospital.  It's a stifling 100 degrees in the shade and you're eager to get back up to the cool, high blue yonder. On the way back to your plane, you discover that the only bit of shade, within 10 miles, has become very popular. You start calculating the distance to the plane door, and wonder, "Do I feel lucky today?"          
Trade  with  Cuba is wrong because the country is communist, but trade with China and Vietnam is vital to a spirit of international harmony.

Re: White History Month. Single, White, Anglo-Saxon Males are the most discriminated against segment of our whole population. Illegal Immigrants have access to more benefits than these men. We are taxed more and provide less of a burden on the public than any other segment of the population
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Bush administration officials said they had been caught by surprise when they were told on Tuesday, Aug. 30, that a levee had broken, allowing floodwaters to engulf New Orleans. But Congressional investigators have now learned that an eyewitness account of the flooding from a federal emergency official reached the Homeland Security Department's headquarters starting at 9:27 p.m. the day before, and the White House itself at midnight. Bush and his cronies lied yet once again? Surprise, Surprise.
(Ed: Don't forget to write the department title in your email's subject line or we won't get it and it won't get published.)


There were some good posts yesterday. Ones that made me laugh instead of getting steamed.

Ugly DOT Camera Poles: This extremely bad idea needs to be stopped. Isn’t there a rule somewhere that restricts the placing of huge, non-breakaway metal structures in the median? If these high-tech cameras alert me to an accident up ahead, is Florida DOT going to route me around the accident and provide a ferry service? When these “geniuses” in Tallahassee sat around their conference tables creating useless PowerPoint slides, did anyone notice that it’s mostly a one road option down here? How much are these people getting paid and how soon can we stop the paychecks?

Driving on I-95 is a different matter. If there is a delay up ahead and I have advance warning, I could exit and jump on the Turnpike. The Keys, however, do not need this, and will not benefit from this. Besides, who wants more “sticks” towering over our communities? I hate to think what the real reason for installing these cameras are! Combine the video with some powerful software, and most license plates could be identified. Farfetched…maybe. Easy to do….definitely!

I agree with Commissioner Neugent regarding these eyesores. Hopefully, someone with some legal background could get this camera pole project halted before many more are constructed. A healthy amount of letters and e-mails to our elected officials might turn some heads. If any other readers of this have an opinion about this pro or con, let’s hear what you have to say!
Re: Aground casino boat.  Someone told me that the military can do maneuvers to remove that boat for practice. 
Re: Mandee the 16 year old baby sitter. You shouldn't sit for strangers.  Any kook could call you up.
I see so many postings putting down our Hook Up Friend. I have dated him several times and had a lot of fun. It isn't just the hook up, although that is great, but also the company, the phone calls and the compliments. Why is it that I picture these postings being written by some ugly guy who is pissed off because I went to bed with the Hook Up guy and didn't go with him.
You're not paranoid if they're really watching you - and they are! Have you noticed aesthetically pleasing 70+ foot metal utility poles going in along US 1? Did you notice the cameras at the top of these poles? Seems the DOT can afford $9.5 million for what they call the Intelligent Transportation System (cameras on poles), but can't improve US 1 through Big Pine or elsewhere in the Keys. But wait, this is an improvement. Now when you're stuck in traffic, there will be large electronic signs flashing a message to let you know you're stuck in traffic.

If anyone has a dance class going on or is thinking about starting one, a good place to put a flyer is in the Big Pine Charter School's cafeteria . I'm sure you'll get an overwhelmingly good response. 
About 2 weeks ago an irate customer went crazy at the auto check out and smashed the machine. That is the reason for the security guard. A few months back we also had undercover security at W/D and the theft rate for the store went way down. And if you are over charged W/D always refunds your money (If you can catch them at it)  Publix is not coming no matter what people say.
Re: Internet on my laptop. The more expensive but best method for wireless internet access on your laptop is to sign up for a data plan from Cingular, Verizon, or Sprint, and buy the special PCMCIA card that works with that plan. The Verizon service has blazing speeds approaching that of broadband cable, but it is only available in selected areas that have their advanced data network; in other areas, it does not work at all. The Cingular service is slower than Verizon's, but it works wherever there is a Cingular signal (almost everywhere). The last I heard, Sprint was way behind Cingular and Verizon in wireless internet.
Re: wireless for your cell phone. About $60 a month. It works swell And Cingular offers the same service - I use it all the time!
Kudos to Coke for a half-ass sale. I went over to Winn Dixie first thing this morning to pick up a few items and noticed they supposedly had a Coke Products sale going on 2/24 packs for 11 dollars. I went to the soda/pop isle (don't want to start another debate over that one) and 2 coke employees were there. I started to ask the first one a question and he blew me off with a back hand wave and, "No speekee English." The second employee jumped in and asked if he could help me. I asked him where the 24 packs on sale were located and he said at the front of the store. I finally found them and all that was there was regular and diet Coke and some orange Fanta. I went back and asked the same employee if they had any Diet Sprite and was rudely told whatever was there was all they had  (some sale).   .
I really hope that Publix is coming just due to the fact that Winn Dixie could use the competition. Ultimately its up to them to make sure their vendors produce.
Re: Why do you think so many bachelors here are so lonely? Well I walk with my back straight and both of my feet are in front of me and not sideways, like some of the guys that live here.  I have lived here in the Keys for almost 15 years and have met 3 guys!  I'm attractive, have a decent job, a beautiful house and a lovely daughter and oh yeah, all my teeth am not on drugs or an alkie.  I don't know where you good looking guys are hanging out, but it isn't at Winn Dixie.  I don't go to the bars. I go to functions and volunteer my time doing so.  And still have not met a decent looking guy.  I'm looking for a good looking guy with hair on his head, all of his head and not on his back!
The Key Deer Bar and Grill is once again floundering in chaos and confusion.
The 10 things men want to hear from the little woman:
10. Are you sure you’ve had enough to drink?
9. That was a great fart, can you do it again?
8. I don’t want to go shopping again. How about we check out that new strip joint?
7. No, no. You just stay in bed. I’ll take care of it.
6. You’re so hot when you’re hung over.
5. I make enough money. Quit that old job and work on getting your handicap down to a 6 or 7?
4. I’d rather watch football and drink beer with you instead of that stuffy Sunday brunch.
3. Let’s forget Valentines day. You really need that new set of clubs.
2. You go to the bar with your pals. I’ll take the car for the oil change.
1. What say we get a porn flick, and a twelve pack. I’ll call my fiend Tammy for a three way!
To my Fan Club: I Love You guys too.  I miss you already!  Don't ever forget the Weird chick.

Friday February 10, 2006

 

Thursday February 9, 2006
Re: You're a local if...
a. You regularly drive down Wilder or Key Deer Blvd at 40 mph and never get a ticket.
b. You buy 5 dollars of gas for your car and it lasts a week.
c. Anything you catch in the ocean is game for the table or bait.
d. You don't want a park or a beach or a mall or a drug store - all you need is a good hardware-liquor store.
e. The county should pick up your trash wherever it lands.
f. When you get arrested you know all the cops from high school.
g. You don't need 'no stinking Tow Boat USA'.
h. You need 'Tow Boat USA' every time you use your boat.
i. Cops visit your house every week to check on a disruptive situation.
j. You think GPS is something like gallons per second.
k. Your life has no schedule and no one can make you follow one.
l. You brag about the fresh air in the Keys and smoke cigarettes like a chimney.
m. Your prop looks as good as the day you bought it.
n. Your secret honey hole will go to the grave with you and no one will ever know where it is.
o. If you have termites or palmetto bugs it means your house is still desirable.
p. You have at least one appearance on the Sheriff Arrest Log.
q. You don't fish, swim or eat out...ever.  You work 7 days a week.
r. You run over iguanas on the road because they got in your way.
s. If you've moved away, come back, then moved away and then came back.
t. If you die in the Keys of old age since you don't know any better to go north for medical care.
u. If you can't remember ever living up north.
v. If you can't remember what you were supposed to do yesterday.
Jimmy Carter is a good man.  At the King funeral he brought up the loss of civil liberties/wiretapping that the King's endured and prejudice that is still around today (as seen in the color of faces on most of the Katrina victims).
Re: Mangrove Mamas putting together $3,300 for a very good cause. Many of the businesses here in the lower Keys have put 3, 4,5,6, and yes, 7 times that amount. Big Pine Key is very well know for doing a fine job with that.  The reason we don't put amounts in the paper, web sites or on the radio is the person, Kathleen Yellovich, can be held responsible for paying taxes on that money. We are all happy for a job well done. Keep the numbers to yourself.








Weird Moments in Comics. Egad! That super-villain must hate Spidey's colon.
My name is Mandee. I'm a 16 years old and looking to baby-sit young children ages newborn - 3years old (some exceptions with age). I can baby-sit certain days and certain nights just call me to find out if I am free that day/night. I am CPR certified and also took a babysitting course. I don't have a certain amount to get paid...I'll work with you to figure out a fair pay. You can contact me on my cell at 305-896-7717
Re: Reporting pilot down. Yea! I bet the US Navy is watching you now.
Crack in my windshield. I'm driving along at 65 miles an hour (the speed limit), minding my own business, when out of nowhere there's this big crack in my windshield! I swerved right, and then left, and it was still right there! There just ain't no words for this.
New name for Hook Up Guy--Stinky Face!
That person who thinks "we need to rethink healthcare" and that it is her "right as an American" to have her medical needs taken care of is about as far off base as a person can get.  While they are rethinking healthcare they might try reapplying for a job that has medical benefits.  They also  might try getting a second job and buying some health insurance.  Those are just two of the rights as an American you actually do have. 

Here is some more free advice.  You might try not smoking those filthy cigarettes.  You might try to get your weight under control and exercise some.  You might try not to drink so much and do illegal drugs.  All those things seem to be problems for  people who think they are entitled to have other people pay for their lifestyle.
Re: Healthcare.  In any other country (besides perhaps Afghanistan) they have socialized medicine, not to mention some of the top doctors in the world.  We could learn a lesson from them if only we would quit with the war crap and actually communicate with other countries with socialized medicine.
The main problem is the insurance companies cry poor mouth, and the government is dealing with "other issues" right now.  As long as that goes on, all you will see in the emergency rooms are indigents who cannot be traced, but under law must receive treatment taken ahead of you!


Re: Clean sweep. Is this a house cleaner or a burglar?
Re: Giant boat off flats in Saddlebunch Keys. It's a casino boat put there by Wilma and will probably be there until another hurricane moves it or until hell freezes over.
Coretta King funeral. Clinton sounded like he had one too many at that funeral.  "Let's don't forget there is a woman in that box," now that is intelligent."

Re: King's funeral. It is easy for Ted Kennedy and Bill Clinton to move an audience especially when they are preaching to the choir, and spewing their lies to an audience of lemmings.
It never ceases to amaze my what you do and don't edit, Ed. It must depend on your mood. (Ed: Yes. Especially on PMS days)
Underseas Dive Shop treats everyone well and locals like family. Why not just stop in and register your complaint with Maryanne or Ed any of the 365 days they're open every year.

Back stabbing in the Keys.  Yes, the women here are expert at it.
Re: "...it makes me sick to be an American. Just sometimes." There are plenty of other places to live where you don't have to be sick to be an American and you can pray to Allah.
The Unites States has an advanced health care system. The problem is not health care but who will pay for it. Why do people distinguish between health care and other necessities in life, such as food and lodging? Seems that people purchase homes of different size and design. If there are several individuals with similar means, one may desire an expensive home while another may decide to live in more modest circumstances. One may decide to not avail themselves of all the latest medical technology and treatments available. He may decide to hold on to his assets for another occasion or to leave to his heirs.

If Americans are forced into national health care then the choices are removed and the costs may rise because people have no incentive to restrict costs. There are many people who visit the Doctor's office on a routine basis for every real and imagined illness. There are others that do not visit at all and there are the majority somewhere in between. Those that want constant access to the medical community should pay for that level of care and service. When I hear that insurance companies do not cover this and that treatment, remember that they will cover anything if the premium is high enough.


Shout out to Terry Cassidy. You rock dude.  Another great event was enjoyed by so many because of the seed you planted so many years ago.  Last Sunday I was able to see so many friends that I now only see at Terry Cassidy's annual "pickers party".  Kudos to all the people who have climbed onboard to make this event something I wait all year for.  And it's all for the giving to those who need it. Kudos, Kudos, Kudos.
What's with that overly obvious security guard at Winn Dixie? Isn't it ironic that they hire security to watch over us to keep us from stealing, after all the millions of dollars they have stolen from the good people of this community with their constant overcharges on their receipts. Don't forget that your time is worth money too. (Waiting in line to get your money back from them.)
They done went postal. No, not the employees, the customers. Seems that someone (snowbird?) didn't think they needed to wait in line like everyone else. Someone else in line decided to explain how lines are suppose to work and a skirmish ensued. One of the postal employees broke it up - without firing a shot.

Too bad none of this was caught on film. It would make great viewing for the Big Pine Television network. Oh, and now there are clear markings on the floor of the post office indicating how to form a line. For your own safety, follow the footprints!
Health care would be affordable if more people were responsible enough to buy it, and if all employers were required to offer it.  
Re: Illegal spying.  If someone's spying on me their going to die of boredom.

Re: grounded boat. That is the Lucky Lady casino boat. She wasn't so lucky!
Will TIVO and my video camera work in my closet?    I think you have to come out of the closet for it to work.
Re: No one, not even the president is above the law.  Did you say that when Clinton was president?  And his downfall was not for sex, it was for lying under oath.  He was also disbarred for the same thing!



Howard Livingston & Mile Marker 24 are mixing down their new album at 16 Ton Studios in Nashville this week. A CD release party is in the works also! More photos here:  http://www.myspace.com/milemarker24  

I need help.  I don’t have a phone line or cable but I want the internet on my laptop.  Can someone please tell me my options for wireless internet? 
(Tech Support: Verizon and Sprint have wireless for your cell phone that then connects to your laptop. About $60 a month. It works swell.)

Big Pine Key Beachwear for 2006!
Why is everyone making such a big deal about Coretta Scott King?  It is just another obituary.  She is dead just like her husband.  I hope we get another holiday out of it.  February is black history month and she is history.  Let her rest.  Does anyone know when white history month is?


I went to the Sheriff's mug shot site, and just for fun typed in all my friends names. I was enjoyable to see their happy faces, 12 out our 15! Tells you something about us locals, eh?
Cingular is the best cell phone service here. DirecTV  kicks Comcast's butt and BellSouth DSL rules! What more do you want to know?
"Google earth" is a beautiful tool for the naive, but the Military can read your finger print from way out there. They showed a picture of a little girl holding a red ball, and all you could see was her hand and the ball--from 150 miles up; and that was in 1987. Imagine what they can see now? Nothing's sacred anymore. Have you ever heard of Laser Mics? Get paranoid, it helps!
Re: Why do you think so many bachelors here are so lonely?  Because there are 25.5 males for every female, and half of those females don't walk up-right!

If you like all the staff at the No Name Pub you are clearly not a local. The No Name Pub does not like locals, does not particularly care for locals’ business and has told me as much even though my wife and I order the same amount of food as visitors, drink the same amount of beer on the average and tip a minimum of 20%. Go figure.
Can anyone tell me why all my incoming emails are all of a sudden appearing on my Favorites? And how do I stop it?


Happy Birthday Brad Fresharra. We Love You!

Thursday February 9, 2006

 

Wednesday February 8, 2006

Both Tom and Iris, owners of Mangrove Mama’s, and Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24 are an example of the community feeling that is associated with the Florida Keys.  The two were collectively responsible for the contribution of $3300 to a fund for Kathleen Yellovich.  The money is scheduled to be used toward payment of expenses incurred as a result of Kathleen’s medical problems.


Calling All Dancers!  Do you Dance... Ballroom, 2 Step, Swing, Jazz? Any and all dancers. We want you!  Come show off your moves and raise money for a great cause. For info call Martha from Big Pine Unisex for details. 305-942-9192
Re: "We need to rethink healthcare. It is a right of all Americans!" This is bull crap! Americans only have the right to live here. It's up to you as an individual to save your own butt not to make other hard working people pay for you. I'm sick and tired of you "Gimmie, gimmie, gimmie's" who think the Fed and I owe you something. Get out and work for your supper, your health care, and whatever.
Coconuts Lounge. Brad and Michelle are very good players, they along with Moose, Jason, Sparky, Sister Kate, Rodger "hurricane" Wilson, Refersons Band, Root Band, Mark Wesley, The Internationals, Chris Case, Mark Davis, Tommy Tunes, The Flamingo Kid and Out Of  Control, are some of the other very good players that work the "Nut" then there are the "pick-up Bands", road bands passing thru that we are able to get. There is a great deal of very good entertainment on Big Pine Key. You should have no problem finding Something that meets your taste, but then again, you just can't please everyone.
Re: Is Boondocks across the street form the chamber of commerce?  No, Boondocks is the chamber of commerce!


Think wisely then Vote. It's your future...and butt in 2008!
National health care has nothing whatever to do with rights. If instituted, it would be defined as a privilege. What makes you think you have a right to be taken care of, at someone else's expense? What happened to personal responsibility?
I made a choice to channel whatever pittance I can, instead of a health insurance policy, into all out efforts to get to a place of financial independence. I take no holiday, vacation, or weekend off. I can't afford it because every dime gets dumped into a project that may, or may not pay off. Risk. You cannot get ahead without it.  I have worked as if I lived in a labor camp for the last 35 years. I've never had much, and I've been financially wiped out a couple of times. If this were a socialist country, a person like me wouldn't even have a chance, or hope. Want to know how I feel about being forced to pay for someone's treatments that I don't even know? 

The average American works over 4 to 6 months a year to pay into tax coffers. I will never ask that you be coerced into paying my medical bills, and if I can't afford them, well, I will simply accept the imminent outcome, not climb on your breaking back and sit there the rest of my life. That is part of paying for freedom, get it? I think the problem in Monroe County is that 80 percent of the residents now, are either directly or indirectly tax supported, (police, school employees, county, city, and state "workers", government contractors, etc.), and as a consequence have an entitlement mentality. They are more than happy to vote hard earned moneys from somebody else's pocket to pay for some program.

Come to think of it, if  government jobs were eliminated down here, most of the Keys wouldn't have the population burden they're suffering with.
I asked my neighbor, here for a week recently from Canada, her primary residence, what she pays for socialized healthcare and she said, "About 60% income tax."  I asked, "Do you mean to tell me you pay 60 cents on a dollar to the government from what you earn?"  She said, "Yeah, but we get free medical care."  The next part of our conversation was about how mediocre the medical services are in Canada compared to the US.  Imagine that! 

Take away the competition for consumers in the medical industry by paying all doctors the same wages because they all work for the government and you ensure mediocrity for all.  There is no more incentive for doctors to excel in their profession and no opportunity for them to be paid more for better services.  So it's seems obvious that socialized medicine costs more (I don't know any Americans who pay 60 cents on a dollar for income taxes) and doesn't seem to work as well as free market medicine does in the US.
If the Arabs are offended by cartoons of a towel head with a bomb is his towel maybe those same Arabs should stop blowing things up. 
Will TIVO and my video camera work in my closet? With all you experts out there, I should get lots of answers!
Re: Big Pine did have a public beach of sorts (and many other nice places for locals. It's probably the Environmentalist that insisted that the Government confiscate the land and lock everyone out. But that's ok because they're saving it for your children. Hmmm, maybe they're saving it for your grandkids? Anyway, they're saving it for something and that's much better than letting you use it, right?
People are fools! Illegal spying and wiretapping on Americans has been going on since 1954. It is so sophisticated today, nobody listens except computers, and when they pick out a certain word they notify the Dudes in Black!  Big Bro is alive and well, and he's in the Vhite Houzen!
It makes me sick that so many Americans are gullible enough to believe that Urban legend crap. Don't you think the US Navy has GPS and knows where a freaking light house is? What's even more disturbing is how anyone can be so self-loathing that they hate an entire country. Unfortunately, you're not alone. It seems to be an epidemic in this country. Here's a link to a good article on that subject. http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/dennisprager/2004/07/06/12258.html
While on vacation in Key West for a couple of weeks, we visited the other Keys. I was just blown away when I heard Michelle Dravis singing, she has a fantastic voice. She went from a range of the 1940s songs through to today's music. I heard her open the baseball game for the Tidewater Cardinals with the National Anthem . As I said what a voice this girl has , she can really belt out a song.  I saw her before when she was with Eddie Sal, he is a big name in the Virginia Beach area.
I hope everyone in the Keys will go and see her. I know the next time my husband and I visit down there we will make a point in going to see and hear her.




Re: Clean sweep. I would love to Clean Sweep your home. You can reach me at sittinherestill@yahoo.com
Dear Editor, You rule! You never edit my post and you always post them the next day, and you obviously have a sense of humor most people need. Blessings on you and your household, may you continue to prosper in your endeavor to inform the world just what Big Piners think. I kinda miss being one.
Re: "Please stop complaining about the pepper trees when in bloom they are pretty."    Nice try at baiting people into tirades about the environment.   Nobody could be so ignorant, unless you just arrived in BPK in the last few weeks, as to think that those trees are good for Florida taxpayers.
What's up with everybody ragging on Underseas Dive shop. So the owner got arrested. I also believe the the owner of Strike Zone Charters got arrested  last fall. I don't hear you guys screaming about that!
To the person complaining about the locked areas around the Keys. I've got news for you buddy, your not the only one that's pissed off.
 
I hate the fact that all the places I used to go to and play are now locked up and gated off. It's a shame. I think you are referring to "loop road" on Sugarloaf. That's been locked since I can remember. It's a shame that it's locked up too. I would love to take my car out on that road. Just to think of a place where I could feel the joy of my car pushing through all those corners and flying down those straights. Its the perfect race track, no one around to be bothered. However it is opened up once a year for the purpose of racing; and I do take part in those races that they have every month.
To the person needing to rethink healthcare. What is one to do?  Work hard and obtain a good health policy and you will receive the best healthcare in the world.  America is not a big pig with unlimited teats. We could vote for "free" government healthcare, free housing, free meals etc, etc and end with nothing because no one would work.  No work, no taxes, no money for the freebies.

We all work and pay taxes and within the realm of limited government it works.  Too much government and it cannot work.  Health care would be a shambles if run by the government. Try Canada where the system is laughable and I know Canadians that come here when they are sick. Or better yet, take a look at Great Britain where the tax rates are more than what one takes home in most instances.  Everyone complains, but honestly we have to get out more (visit other countries) and just look around you and question citizens in other places on what they think of their system.  When you come home you will kiss the ground and really know how good we have it here.






Claim: In 1995 an embarrassing conversation between a lighthouse and an aircraft carrier was recorded by the Chief of Naval Operations, the transcript of which leaked out to the general public. Status: False. Urban Legends Reference Pages: Military (The Obstinate Lighthouse) http://www.snopes.com/military/lighthse.htm
Duh! How will you ever know if the plane that went down was the one you were watching?
You sadistic SOB.  "Hope the pilot was ok"
Re: If the dive shop owner referred to happens to be my friend, then it must be something to do with a problem he had with his prescription medications.    

I clicked on  the Arrest Record link on this site, clicked on the "Arrest/Mug shots"  link, typed in your friend's surname and saw 3 troubling things on different dates and years (forget about small-time stuff like  DUI in 1992). Stuff like "Felony Schedule I or II synthNarcsell/Sale/Manuf/Deliv/Poss  with intent. It doesn't sound like prescription medication problems to me.
About being paranoid. I don't think its a joke, go download "Google earth" I have it, and if you give me your address I can show you a aerial shot of your house. Better yet anyone's house on the globe. Now that's a free service with great resolution. Imagine what you can do with government funding.
To the ones wondering why FEMA isn't down here holding your hand. I guess I'm too independent but I didn't even go to them after the hurricane.  I have had a house in a flood zone for 44 years and just take what God sends my way and deal with it.  If the lights go out it makes sense to have a generator and some gas on hand to run it, if my poor old roof blows off (again) I get up there and fix it.  I do not want or expect the government to help me and I would be embarrassed if I ended with such a problem that I could not work and earn and pay my way out of it. 

Its so simple: you work, you earn, you pay taxes, you save and then you can buy what you want and need and not be dependant on anyone or anything.  I guess its my simple approach to life but it works for me.  Poor decision making on ones part to buy a new car, instead of saving and riding in a good old clunker, rent a huge house instead of buying that first starter "fixer upper" and working nights to make it livable.  Poor decision making on your part does not mean, as a taxpayer, I owe it to you to bail you out.
Could I get some feedback on Bellsouth, Direct TV and  Cingular cell phone service?
Did any of you see/hear the webcast of the Coretta Scott King funeral?  Teddy Kennedy and Bill Clinton were both really fantastic.  And there was W sitting behind them looking like he swallowed the canary.  I'll bet he wishes he could move an audience that way.
How to fool a wiretap.  Go here:  http://www.slate.com/id/2135490/
Re: Boondocks Bashing. I've worked at Boondocks for just about two years, and I'm sorry to hear that people have had bad experiences there. I always try to cater towards our locals, (because lord knows that tourists can get tiresome, even though they are an important part of our economy in the Keys) and I think most people that sit at my bar walk away happy; and there's a lot of them that come back everyday.

If you're there and you have a bad experience, let us know. We do care. I'll always greet you with a smile, and try my damdest to serve you as best as I can. (I've traded hats with a customer because he insisted he needed a white one, and I had the last one.) Unfortunately, I can't control and oversee the actions of all my co-workers, but I'll try to lead by example. So give us your feedback. That's the only way we're going to keep improving.



Finally, vitamin beer. http://www.brackenspub.com/beer.swf
This administration reacts to anyone who questions this illegal program by saying that those of us who demand the truth and stand up for our rights and freedoms somehow has a pre-9/11 world view. In fact, the President has a pre-1776 world view. Our government has three branches, not one. And no one, not even the President, is above the law

I would like to give Kudos to Mike, (guitar and vocals) and Charlie AKA Possum (harmonica and vocals). These two have been getting down Friday nights at Mangrove Mammas.  They have a fun act and play great music in a laid back atmosphere.  They are two talented musicians with big hearts. All of the money they earn from their gig goes to the local animal shelter.  If you and your friends are not busy on Fridays around 4:30 pm come in and see these guys and don’t forget to leave a donation for the “critters”. I promise that you will have a good time.
I like seeing all this gossip about the hook up guy. Every time I see someone answers him it shows me there is hope for a single guy looking to meet someone in Big Pine. I also see most of the girls who answer are on the heavy side, I love that too. I prefer to date bigger girls. Any big girls free answer me in the classifieds too. I am the one requesting big girls.
For the person who wanted to know if there any Spin or Aerobic classes in BPK.  Call the Tap Dance Studio  in BPK 304-1456 and she can hook you up with a spinning class, step class or water aerobics. Business Directory>Dance
Re: "I pray for the rest of the world with Bush's finger on the button."  I hope it's not one of those easy buttons.

Re: Super Bowl commercials full of sex and violence. Did you get drunk or stoned before the game? The Budweiser commercial with the young pony trying to pull the wagon was heart warming and in no way could be construed to be violent or sexual unless watching be a complete moron. How about the Budweiser commercial with the disappearing fridge?
Boondocks location. No, Boondocks is down a little and across the street from the Tiki bar on Ramrod. House of Music, Key Deer Bar & Grille, and Robs are across from the Chamber of Commerce.

Back stabbing is a way of life in the Keys. Everyone is out for themselves. Why do you think so many bachelors here are so lonely, yet don't have a clue?
Re: Political landmark naming.  You broke the code.  Jimmy Carter would be worthy of having an airport named after him because the 1978 deregulation act was a good thing for the industry overall.  Perhaps you have friends in the beltway who could push for such an appropriate honor.

“Is Boondocks across the street form the chamber of commerce”?  Ans: You must be from out of town.  House of Misery and Key Deer Bar and Grit are across the street from the Lower Keys Chamber.  Boondocks is on Ramrod Key, Gulf side, just past the Looe Key Tiki Bar and Motel.  Look for the nicest landscaped business in the area and the giant cave man!

In the good old days kids went to the movie on Saturday and saw westerns with good guys in white hats chase down stage coach robbers, romance the gal at the saloon and shoot it out with bad guys in black hats.  Today kids get to see two rump riders in tight chaps humping their way through the old west and groping each other in a bed roll.  Hopefully we won’t be treated by the movie makers to a romantic tale of a lonely sheep herder who only has eyes for ewe.  Our culture is not changing for the better.
Just curious if anyone knows the story on the huge boat off of US1 that looks as if it ran aground during Wilma. It is a little south of Baby's Coffee closer to mm 13 on the other side of the road. It'll be interesting see how they are going to get it out of there.

Wednesday February 8, 2006

 

Tuesday February 7, 2006
Barbara Allsop, a 30 year resident of Big Pine Key passed away last week.  A service celebrating her life will be held at the Methodist Church on the Big Pine Key at 11 a.m. on Thursday February 9, 2006. 

She is survived by husband David Allsop, son David (Tim) Allsop, daughter Allison Prosser, grandsons Ryan Allsop, Logan Allsop, Damien Prosser, and Colvin Prosser.
We need to rethink healthcare. It is a right of all Americans. National healthcare is necessary. All I want is the same minimum health care that illegal aliens get. If I want better coverage I should have to pay for it. Minimum is good. We all know that a catastrophic illness will break most people's retirement account. I can afford to pay for a broken leg, but not cancer treatment. What are we supposed to do?
Looking to stay on Big Pine Key for one night.   References and deposit okay with us.  02/09/06 Thursday night. eren@massnet1.net  Elizabeth R. Ren
Re: Pilot for a major airline. What exactly did Reagan and Bush do to wreak havoc on commercial aviation? If you're referring to The United States Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, guess what? It wasn't Reagan or Bush. It was the great one himself - Jimmy Carter with the help of a Democratic majority in congress. Now if you're talking about Reagan busting the Air Traffic Controller's union, I fail to see how that affected pilots or the airline industry.
Is Boondocks across the street form the chamber of commerce?
Re: "Unbridled capitalism is as bad as complete socialism?" I'm not sure what "unbridled" capitalism is. As long as there is competition, supply and demand works. If you think socialism is the answer to health care, spend some time (when you're sick) in Canada. Or better yet, next time you need an operation, go to a VA hospital. In fact, show me one thing the government does better than private industry. Oh wait, I forgot. FEMA. Yeah that