The non-profit un-social media since 2002. 60,000 followers.
Published on Big Pine Key’s garbage pick-up days:
Tuesdays and Fridays.
                                              |
| Submit a post Contact Us |
|
|
| [Super Divers] I have so had it with scuba divers that have multiple certifications, ie rescue diver, cave diver, master diver, dive instructor, and the list goes on. I try to tell them a few things on a dive, (tap your tank with a piece of metal to get attention of others since sound travels faster under the water, get in the habit of ascending with a colored glove so the glove breaks the surface before your head, and numerous items that helped me stay alive with PADI basic certification which I got in 1978 (They stopped issuing that, the basic course is now PADI Open Water) |
 [The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson] Aired its final episode on May 22, 1992, bringing to an end one of the most iconic late night television shows in American history. Carson had no guests on his final show but instead looked back at notable highlights. Jay Leno took over as host of “The Tonight Show” after Carson’s departure. |
| [Stadiums: Taxpayers Pay, Sports Teams Profit] Like any taxpayer-related issue, subsidizing public funds for sports stadiums remains controversial. This is because these stadiums are largely a boondoggle for taxpayers, who have spent nearly $30 billion on stadiums over the past 34 years, not counting property-tax exemptions or federal revenues lost to tax-exempt municipal bonds. To an extent people may not realize, stadiums are not automatic cash grabs. Sporting venues do not come close to generating enough economic activity to pay back the public investment involved in building them. Link |
 Water temps soar in Florida Keys. Can coral reefs stand another bout of extreme heat? Link |
| Heavy police presence expected on South Florida’s waterways over Memorial Day weekend. Link |
 [Statistic of the Day] 30: The number of times Nepali sherpa Kami Rita has climbed Mount Everest, breaking the record for the most trips to the summit of the world’s tallest mountain. Rita made his record-breaking climb on May 22, his second ascent to Everest’s summit in 10 days. The Sherpa has climbed Everest almost every year since 1994. |
| [Friday Joke] 89-year-old Ron Chester was stopped by the police around 2 a.m. and was asked where he was going at that time of night. Ron replied, “I’m on my way to a lecture about alcohol abuse and the effects it has on the human body, as well as smoking and staying out late.” The officer asked, “Really? Who’s giving that lecture at this time of night?” Ron replied, “That would be my wife. |
 [Sjambok] A traditional leather whip wielded by volunteers who patrol communities in South Africa in an attempt to combat one of the highest murder rates in the world. The volunteers work closely with municipal police in an unofficial arrangement because some of what they do is not legally sanctioned. |
| [China—Keep Out] Florida is attempting to block Chinese citizens from purchasing homes in the state, citing national security concerns. This block comes courtesy of a law signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in 2023. The law stated that allowing Chinese citizens to continue purchasing properties in Florida was creating a threat to national security. Link |
 [Plastic Balls] Every human testicle contained microplastics in a new study. The toxic pollution really is that pervasive—and invasive. Link |
| Can dogs be introverts? A shy pup isn’t necessarily introverted, and vice versa. Here’s the difference between the two social personalities. Link |
 Cannabis tops alcohol in daily US consumption. People who say they use cannabis daily outpaced the number who say they drink alcohol daily for the first time in U.S. history. While alcohol is still more widely used, the study of data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 2022 marked the first time intensive level of marijuana use overtook daily and near-daily drinking. Nearly two-fifths of cannabis consumers reported daily or almost every day use, a pattern more associated with tobacco use than typical alcohol use.During the nadir of modern marijuana use, in 1992, just 0.9 million Americans reported using marijuana daily or near daily. That number has grown 20-fold to 17.7 million. And marijuana’s potency has increased. The Biden administration is working to reclassify cannabis as a less-dangerous drug on the federal level, opening the door for further federal studies and less onerous restrictions on the marijuana industry. |
 [Memorial Day Ceremony] Veterans Affairs County Director Cathy Crane and our VFW Post 10211 Commander Dennis Ward are again sponsoring this year’s Upper Keys Memorial Day Ceremony. It will be held in the auditorium at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo at MM 102 Bayside. This Memorial Day Remembrance will begin at 11am on Monday, May 27th. A United States Coast Guard Honor Guard will start these proceedings. Scouts from the Florida Keys will join in the opening ceremony. Our prestigious Community Band will provide a moving rendition of patriotic themes. An Eagle Scout, Combat Wounded Veteran and Gold Star Mother will share their perspectives on Memorial Day.A stirring and inspirational video honoring those Veterans Killed in Action will be presented to the audience. The playing of Taps will conclude the ceremony. If possible, please attempt to schedule some tine to Honor and Remember these Purple Heart Veterans who gave their last full measure of devotion. |
 George Mallory‘s tragic quest to conquer Everest. Members of the 1921 Everest expedition. George Mallory is pictured in the back row, far right. Link |
| [Rest Rooms] Men. Woman. Not sure. |
 [Lauryn Hill] The musician had much to celebrate after Apple Music named her 1998 debut “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” as the best album of all time. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” claimed the second and third spots on the Greatest Albums list, chosen by Apple Music’s experts alongside a panel of artists, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals. |
 [Drug Costs] Too often the prices charged by Big Pharma do not reflect scientific advancement, but are rather the work of skilled lawyers manipulating the patent system. |
| Now they are talking about 4-laning the 7 Mile Bridge. Contrary to their stated reason, the real reason is to expand development and you can’t do that unless we hasten the evacuation time. |
  What a pregnant DeLorean looks like. |
| [Surveillance] Law enforcement collected over 1.5 million people’s DNA since 2020. The government’s DNA collection program represents a massive expansion of genetic surveillance. Link |
 [Big Pine Computer Club] Saturday, May 25, 10:30a.m. at the Community Center, Winn Dixie Plaza. Our numbers are down now since some of our snow-bird regulars have already fled north for the summer. Please try to come if you’re in town. We welcome people with problems — and problem solvers, especially those who know how to use Apple products. Full Menu > Ongoing Events > Computer Club |
| Submit a post Contact Us |
 |
| [Security] Starting May 7, 2025, US travelers must present a “Real ID” to travel within the territory and enter certain federal facilities. These IDs have more security features than those that have been traditionally issued in US states. Link |
 [Electric Salt Spoon] Japanese beverage maker Kirin Holdings is selling an electrified spoon that researchers say enhances salty tastes without added sodium. The Electric Salt Spoon, co-developed with Meiji University, uses a weak electric field to concentrate sodium ions on the tongue, increasing perceived saltiness. This could be helpful for people who love salty foods, as elevated sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure and strokes. Kirin plans to expand sales globally, targeting 1 million users within five years. |
| [Broken Links] Almost one quarter of news webpages contain at least one broken link. At least 21% of government websites similarly contain broken links. This is part of a continued internet degradation, as a quarter of all webpages that existed between 2013 and 2023 are no longer available. |
 [Camping] Basecamp Cards help the conversation flow around the campfire or on the trail. The set contains 54 cards, each one with a question meant to spark discussion — you might just learn something new about your friends and family. Appropriate for all ages (no wild cards here!), this is a fun way to pass a few hours. Bonus: With every deck sold, Basecamp Cards plants a tree. |
| Submit a post Contact Us |
 [Wetstock 19] See you at Picnic Island this Sunday around noon, or whenever Flip Flop Bob gets up, for the 19th running of Wetstock. A day of peace and live music. |
| The current Coconut Telegraph was published on 5/24/24 at 8:14 am. |