Categories
2014 March

Monday, March 10, 2014

CT-Banner7.3.13Published by Noon–No Saturday Edition

Classified Ads     Events     Business Directory      Contact Us      Menu    

[Earthquake Sunday morning] Yeah, it slammed my house hard. Everybody probably knows the story by now, but it was a 4.7 earthquake this side of Cuba. 

A lot of people don’t know that there is a fault line down the Gulf coast of Florida with thermal vents underwater that one researcher proved was a major source of one of the mineral nutrients in the Keys waters. Septic tanks are responsible for almost nothing, and even the huge nutrient load from South Florida run-off cannot be blamed for all of it. Link

springers-ad12.30.12
[Dump the Pumps meeting] It was a good meeting, heavily attended, mostly by Big Piners who received intimidating letters from FKAA demanding an easement. The truth of the matter is that the connection point and position of the grinder pit (if FKAA wins) can wait until the contractor is laying pipe near your house. Field changes are common with gravity and LPS. Vacuum changes are more difficult. The easement can realistically wait until the contractor is almost ready to move out of town because grinder installation is lucrative and he will not be put out that much by not installing at the most convenient time. One might return the location sheet (with or without a grinder pit location), but withhold the easement so that you are not agreeing with the design nor agreeing to allow entry onto your property. Even the beginning of the letter starts with an FKAA lie– Big Pine is not “entering the design phase”. The plans for LPS were finished some time ago and at least north of Watson is already under review by DEP. The location sheet is just to expedite field changes- they already guessed where you might want the connection and pit. I know where I think they should stick their pit.

an_clock-ahead

We set our clocks ahead — not back like the first thing on the C.T. said. I’m sure you knew that. ~A long time reader from Washington State. (Ed: Oops! No wonder I was so screwed up yesterday.) 

[“Code enforcement for tree trimming for over hanging trees in the canals”] What about all the County owned lots that have trees overhanging the canals? Before the County goes around citing citizens, perhaps they should clean up their own mess.
johnsons-ad-7.25.13
[Shake,Rattle & Roll] My house shook again this morning just before dawn. 

grant president

 

Ulysses S. Grant talking about the 1847 US-Mexican war after the fact. At the time of the Mexican-American War, Grant was just a junior officer. Years later, he reflected back on the war as “one of the most unjust…ever waged by a stronger nation against a weaker nation,” an act more reminiscent of “European monarchies” than a democratic republic.

Contact Us. Send us your comments and attach any stuff you want published to this email.
At my age “getting lucky” means walking into a room and remembering what I came in for.

snake10.14

 

[Snake eats croc] Great pictures. Link

advert-accurate-home-insp8.14.13
[Niles Channel Directional Boring] How they do it? Link

Roy-'70s

 

[Roy Boy] “An early birthday wish tonight for our racemaster Roy Strawn he will be 71 years young just after midnight. Actually, already happened. 10 Mar 43. (Posted by some old friends from my Bike Drag Racing Days, on Facebook) 

[Protect your privacy] Most internet search engines are recording your IP address and search terms. Not Ixquick, and the results are just as good as Google’s and they adhere to the higher level of European standards of privacy. Under Tools > Add to Browser you can find out how to add IxQuick to your browsers and make it your default search selection. Link
chamber-ad10.17.13
[“Trees over canals”] As for Jolly Roger Estate and their trees, I got one of of the letters from code enforcement and went and talked to them and was told they got an anonymous complaint and were given lot numberss and used an aerial photo to issue the letters. However they did not send them to all whose trees are not in compliance. I guess whoever said that isn’t the way it happened is wrong.

skunk10

 

Jeanne Selander sends regards to all and reminds us that the Animal Farm/Petting Zoo is open every 2nd and 4th. Sunday 1-3p 5501 College Rd. 305-293-7300 Link

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

[Sewers] I’ve been reading and soaking in all the recent correspondence Banks has passed along to the Dump the Pumps camp.

What it looks like to me is once again I am seeing, when it comes to protecting the fragile Florida Keys environment, talk is cheap, action speaks louder.

More specifically, once again I am seeing the State of Florida and its various agencies charged with protecting the Florida Keys fragile environment, the US Government and its parallel respective environmental agencies, the Monroe County Government, Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and Last Stand speak with forked tongues.

On Dump the Pumps side, you folks waited far too long to get riled up about what the aforesaids (forget Last Stand) not protecting the fragile Florida Keys environment. Even now, you are still trying to get the aforesaids (forget Last Stand) to discharge their duty to protect the fragile Florida Keys environment, which trying by Dump the Pumps can be likened to pissing up a river, a big river, the Amazon River.

Your first and perhaps most effect course of action was not to sign FKAA’s [Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority] easement conveyance agreement, for without that FKAA could not enter private properties and install grinder pumps. People in the Cudjoe Regional system, who oppose grinder pumps and have not yet signed FKAA’s easement conveyance agreement, should not sign it. They should get lawyered up. They should be prepared to defensively fight DEP [Florida Department of Environmental Protection], FKAA and Monroe County in court to the end of time, or until they run up a white flag.

Something that only came to me in the past few days is far more drastic, far more unpopular, but it goes right to the core of their money-grubbing hearts. Start now a grassroots campaign to defeat the next 1/2 percent infrastructure sales tax referendum. You have ammo. That money was used by Monroe County to repair Old Seven Mile Bridge and to buy Rowell’s Marina on Key Largo. That money was used to buy cheaper, environmentally dangerous grinder pumps, instead of environmentally friendly gravity sewer systems in Cudjoe Regional.

The mere thought of losing the 1/2 percent infrastructure sales tax revenue will put all five county commissioners into cardiac arrest. There is nothing they can do about your camp campaigning to defeat the referendum to extend that tax, other than to campaign for the tax to be passed so they can buy more trinkets at the expense of the fragile Florida Keys environment. It just might become the hottest issue ever in this county – if your camp goes for it.

To people living on Big Pine Key where no sewer work as really been done yet, you have a better chance to prevail in a court of law, because you won’t have to put up an indemnity bond to protect FKAA, DEP and Monroe County if you lose the lawsuit asking for an injunction. If the court route appeals to you, form your own association and bring the lawsuit separate and apart from Dump the Pumps, which is trying to represent your island as well as the islands below you, where a great deal of work already has been done by FKAA.

However, that is not your strongest line of defense on Big Pine. Your strongest line of defense is do not sign the FKAA easement conveyance agreement, and have a lawyer ready to defend anything FKAA and Monroe County do to try to force you to sign that agreement. And campaign hard for defeat of the renewal of the county’s 1/2 percent infrastructure sales tax.

If you think Monroe County and your five elected commissioners, FKAA, DEP and/or any of the federal agencies are going to side with you just because it’s the right thing to do, you are mistaken, you are dreaming, you are wasting time.

nira tocco realtor 9.12
2002 Yamaha 150 2 stroke, 314 hours for parts. Threw a rod. Good heads, lower unit, SS prop, carbs, starter, alternator etc. Good cowling. $1500. Call 812-701-1844 Classified Ads > Boats 

eagle10

 

[Eagle] When Freedom came in she could not stand. Both wings were broken, her left wing in 4 places. She was emaciated and covered in lice. We made the decision to give her a chance at life, so I took her to the vet’s office. From then on, I was always around her. We had her in a huge dog carrier with the top off, and it was loaded up with shredded newspaper for her to lay in. I used to sit and talk to her, urging her to live, to fight; and she would lay there looking at me with those big brown eyes. We also had to tube feed her for weeks. Link 

[Sewers] I just heard HRS is requiring your bore hole for your septic to be filled with cement. I can’t believe a cap on the pipe isn’t sufficient. It doesn’t hurt a thing unless they were not necessary in the first place. The cost to have it filled would be at least $500. I think it’s time to take action with the governor advising him of the cost to get rid of your old septic system. HRS never gave a damn about the cesspits which have slid by all this time.
isaksen-flood-roof 4.23.13 
Bicycle 16″ for young girl. Pink/Purple. Almost like new. No trainer wheels. $35. Located on Big Pine Key. Call: 305.728.9540 Classified Ads > Miscellaneous
Contact Us. Send us your comments and attach any stuff you want published to this email.

scuba sargent majors

 

Scuba gear. 3 regulators, 3 shorty wetsuits, 1 air tank $300 for all of it. OBO. Will split it up. 812-701-1844. Classified Ads > Boats

I can’t believe we let Commissioner Nugent off the hook about Shark Key getting sewers. His comment fell through the cracks also giving our lower Keys sewer money to Duck Key for sewer. What a sham. 
fanci-11-2-13
[Boat] 1993 Key West WA, 20 foot.  Clean boat, live wells, 2 batteries, 541 Garmin chart plotter, 6 HP Evinrude kicker, down rigger. No motor $5500.  812 701 1844. Classified Ads > Boats

Mexican_Cession_in_Mexican_View

 

Questioning how Russia grabbed Crimea?  Think how we grabbed what is now the American southwest from Mexico in 1847.

[Army Life] Fifty-one years ago, Herman James, a North Carolina mountain man, was drafted by the Army. On his first day in basic training, the Army issued him a comb. That afternoon the Army barber sheared off all his hair. On his second day, the Army issued Herman a toothbrush. That afternoon the Army dentist yanked seven of his teeth. On the third day, the Army issued him a jock strap. The Army has been looking for Herman for 51 years.

Flea-Market-ad10.9.13
[New Disease] Dermatomyositis  is a connective-tissue disease related to polymyositis that is characterized by inflammation of the muscles and the skin. While DM most frequently affects the skin and muscles, it is a systemic disorder that may also affect the joints, the esophagus, the lungs, and, less commonly, the heart.

temp10

 

It’s been cold here this winter too and here’s proof from the Walgreens on BPK. This must be how cold it is when hell freezes over?

Contact Us. Send us your comments and attach any stuff you want published to this email.
Did any one notice our outspoken former sheriff candidate on the Keysso web site?
ad-manley-deboer6.27.13
I’ve been doing some research on these EOne Grinder Pumps slated to be installed within our sewer project. It is disgusting and irresponsible that 3 of our County Commissioners (Neugent, Murphy & Rice) voted to save dollars, put the public and our environment at risk, and allow these disasters waiting to happen installed in densely populated neighborhoods. I’m slated for gravity, but every lower Keys property owner will ultimately suffer from their decision.

beatle10[Beatles Tribute Concert] Opening act: Chelsie & Jackii March 22, 2014, 6 – 9 PM, Coral Shores HS PAC (mm 89.9) TheLongWalkHome.org Contact: Ron 305-453-6789 $20 advance / $25 at the door, 50/50, Live & Silent auctions, Free T-shirts for First 50 People to Arrive, Food, & much more!

Tickets available at Betty’s Health Foods (mm 103.3, B/S), Mr C’s Ice Cream (mm 102.7 B/S), Upper Keys Humane Society (mm 101.2 O/S), Postnet (mm 88, O/S), Shear Paradise (mm 99.4 O/S), Mrs Mac’s Kitchen (mm 99.3 B/S), Old Tavernier Restaurant (mm 90.3 B/S)

Proceeds to build our community fitness facility free for Veterans. Volunteers needed for planning & operational. Contact Events

[Wisdom] Good, bad or indifferent. Things do not pass for what they are, but for what they seem. Most things are judged by their jackets.
advert-dennis-ward8.16.13
I also felt the earth move Sunday morning. I was sitting on the couch and it felt like a giant snake was underneath moving.
Contact Us. Send us your comments and attach any stuff you want published to this email.

rent10.14

 

Cudjoe Key. 1/1 available on 4/1 for quiet & responsible. Walk-in closet, tile floors and appx 800 sq ft. 1-2 adults and pets considered with pet deposit. Dock space avail for small boat. Easy access to ocean and backcountry. Patio area. Separate entrance with a shared yard. It has everything but laundry. It could come with a comfy Queen pillow top bed if needed. F/L/Pet deposit. $1200 includes utilities, DirectTV & WiFi. coronagirl23@att.net Classified Ads > For Rent

[Lucky’s Landing] At the crammed-together housing project on Barry Avenue, Little Torch, we saw signs up today: Rent Little Torch Cottages 872-3700.
Coconuts-ad-new-sign
Contact Us. Send us your comments and attach any stuff you want published to this email.

tv fishing show

 

TVs. 13″, 19″ and 20″ CRT TVs for sale, reasonable, working, used. Remote controlled and not. No remotes (can’t find them).  These are not flat panels. Good for security monitors or cable hook-ups. Priced right. Must make room. Call 305.728.9540, located on Big Pine. Classified Ads > Television

Eden Pines canal system has been selected as a possible candidate for the county’s canal restoration project. If you are not familiar with the program, acquaint yourself with it by going to the county’s main webpage:  http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov Click the programs tab in the upper right hand corner, select canal restoration.  The photos featured on the main page are our canal system and reflect the serious need for action. Link

current10

 

So is this what they mean by electrical “current”?

politics-zone2
from the right

Yesterday a poster recited a number of aggressive acts by Russia and the now defunct USSR. The poster suggested that the handling of those aggressive acts by several Presidents was “weak”. The poster suggested that if previous Presidents acted in a “weak” fashion, then Obama should be shielded from criticism for also acting in a “weak” manner.

weak10Frankly, Obama has convinced the world that he, and the US by extension, lack resolve.  Probably the best evidence of that was Obama’s drawing of a “Red Line” in Syria’s sand that if Syria even moved gas weapons, he would take decisive action. The weapons were moved and Obama did nothing. Incredibly Putin came to Obama’s rescue by intervening and beginning the dismantling of the gas weapons. Obama puffed out his chest and declared that Assad “must go”. Assad is still there. Then there is Iran and their pell mell rush to acquire a nuke. In a 2011 speech to the UN Obama threatened Iran by saying the US “will do what we must to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.”  Today, Iran continues to thumb its nose at us and continues to enrich uranium and has recently acquired even more centrifuges.

Gallup’s latest world affairs poll reveals that a majority of Americans – 53% – don’t believe world leaders have much respect for President Obama.

Are world leaders seeing Obama as a true world leader or do they see him as a manipulatable clown that is always ready to be the first to compromise as he did with the recent lifting of some sanctions on Cuba when there are no guarantees of reciprocal action such as releasing political prisoners. At a recent G20 summit Obama where had gone seeking two things, combat support from NATO in Afghanistan and a European government spending spree mirroring that of his administration, neither of which was accomplished.

Mr. Obama was orgasmic with joy at the rising of the Arab Spring. Now, AQI, the Muslim Brotherhood et al are on the verge of having complete control of the mid east.

Obama has become infamous for leading from behind.

Mr. Obama gave away significant nuclear advantages to Putin in the New START treaty. He failed to respond when China invaded  a portion of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, and threatened Japan as well. He prematurely withdrew American troops from Iraq and didn’t act when the Iranians took advantage of that move. He is now quietly negotiating with the Taliban after announcing America’s withdrawal schedule from Afghanistan.  He has not responded in any way to the attack on our facility in Benghazi. He drew a red line in Syria, and meekly failed to respond when it was ignored. He has moved to soften sanctions on Iran, despite their lack of full cooperation on nuclear arms.

He has totally ignored the increased presence of Russian, Chinese and Iranian military interests off our own shores on the Caribbean, as well as in other portions of Latin America.  Indeed, he has, at times, seemed to tilt in the direction of those regional governments that have been most harshly anti-American, symbolized by his handshake with Raul Castro.

The President has advocated unilateral cuts in our nuclear deterrent, and has already commenced a unilateral defunding of our conventional forces.  He has further weakened national security by acts which have alienated and infuriated America’s allies such as the United Kingdom, Poland, and Israel.

The Ukraine incursion by Russia was inevitable because Putin, like most of the world, now neither fears nor respects our current President.

There is no historical equal to the dangerous record of total failure in foreign affairs Mr. Obama, Mrs. Clinton, and Mr. Kerry have amassed. The disaster in the Ukraine is only  the latest.

Please send me your comments at 1776ftr@gmail.com