 Florida Keys Journal City of Marathon, Florida Keys, Paradise
Volume 14 † Issue 1 † January 2008
[In The Keys] [Kitty Talk] [Internet Stuff] [Poetry Corner]
[Hockey Puck] [Twins of the Dark Star] [Subscribe] [The Dull Stuff] [Advertising]
Florida Keys Journal proudly presents our 14th year of quality publishing services. We continue to focus on the Florida Keys. The lead article is the In The Keys section that offers opinions and even some editorializing. There are also articles concerning the local political beat. These articles may be published in other media outlets. They might edit them to suit their needs. We appreciate your visit and patronage. Please enjoy yourself while you are here and come back soon! Please do us a favor and sign up for our monthly reminder of the next upcoming issue of Marathon Florida Keys Journal. Please click on this link marathon_journal-subscribe@topica.com. When you get a return email to confirm your choice, sign up at Topica, but bypass all those solicitations. In The Keys {for current news, see our Daily News Queue} [Santa Was Here] [Banquet Pictures] [MKCLT Meeting] [Sons&Daughters] [NSWC]
[Woods Corner Update] [Fire Station Grand Opening] [Council 11th] [Vitamin D]
[Woods Corner] [Un-incorporation] [Jaci Rae] [What's Happening!] [Miscellany] [Finally]
[ACRONYMS] ~Some articles have photos, go to http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.~
~Events scheduled to be covered, go to http://runesofao.com/schedule/index.htm. Or subscribe by going to~
~webcals://calendars.office.microsoft.com/pubcalstorage/tn7rzq5z82741/L._E._Shaffer_Calendar.ics.~ Or view at
~calendars.office.microsoft.com/en-us/pubcal/viewer.aspx?path=/pubcalstorage/tn7rzq5z82741/L._E._Shaffer_Calendar.ics&tz=-240.~ November 30, 2007 - Marathon - Ali Adams: Santa Visited Marathon Community Park November 25th. Jolly  Ole’ Saint Nick arrived in Community Park on a Marathon Fire Engine at sunset on Sunday Evening, November 25th. Waiting to greet him were over 100 anxious youngsters. They were able to individually tell Santa of their Christmas hopes. Santa had bags of treats for the children as well. A good time was had by all as children-young and-old sipped hot chocolate, ate holiday cookies, and heard great Keys Holiday tunes performed by Island Harmony.
December 4, 2007 - Marathon - Jeri Sears: Save-A-Turtle Banquet Photos. Save-A-Turtle of the Florida  Keys held their yearly awards banquet on Nov. 3rd at Key Colony Inn. 36 members and guests enjoyed an evening of excellent food and entertainment. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm. The pictures were taken by Cindy Myers. Sincerely, Jeri Sears
President of Save-A-Turtle December 5, 2007 - Middle Keys - L. E. Shaffer: Middle Keys Community Land Trust Regular  Meeting. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm. President Josh Mothner started the meeting with some brief remarks.
Larry Shaffer presented the Treasurer’s report. Personnel Committee Chairman Bruce Ferraro reported on progress on the rewrite of several personnel policies. Executive Administrator Rick Casey provided an update on the Islamorada Wood Corner Workforce Project and the Marathon Scattered Five Workforce Project. Casey also reported on possible future workforce projects.
Other items discussed were homeowner associations and board responsibilities. The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter. December 6, 2007 – Marathon – L. E. Shaffer: One of the calls any parent dreads. My son was picked up on minor marijuana and paraphernalia possession late last night. He had moved down here with me as a last resort. He was a recovering alcoholic and drug user. My son was doing very well the last ten months. He had a good, steady job that he liked. My son only had a few tough things to do. One was to stay straight and sober, no small task actually. Last night was a big disappointment for me. Tough love is hard. He has been bailed out so often in his life, given every chance. Now, it is time for him to be the 29-year-old man that he is. While I have the bond money, I can’t bail him out. It isn’t good for me, and, more importantly, it is not good for him. Children no matter what age never stop being your kids. Tonight, say a prayer for my son. Better yet, say a prayer for your son or daughter. December 6, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Near Shore Waters Committee Meeting. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm. The committee approved the November minutes.
Acting Ports Director C. J. Geotis reported that the new Marina Bath Facility had to go to the second bidder, since the first bidder was unable to complete negotiations. The ADA compliance efforts go well with new construction and existing facilities. Grant funding was found for boardwalk and pavilion construction, once WEC engineering is completed. Once marine LDRs are approved by DCA, then marine compliance in the harbor and marina will be easier for the Sheriff’s Office. Wet storage removal enforcement is waiting on final legal opinion.
On the 33rd Street boat ramp, once FEMA fixes the problem with the start date, and it is in writing, the job begins. The Quay boat ramp should start soon with state funding, once the verbal agreement is formalized.
Boot Key Harbor traffic will continue, while vehicular traffic has stopped per state order.
Proposed mission statements and vision statements were discussed. Proposed marina future action lists were studied as well. More study, discussion, and public input is needed, but the process is moving forward.
The next scheduled meeting is January 3, 2008, most likely at 6:00 PM and at the Marathon Public Library. Always check the city website to be sure. That website address is http://www.marathonflorida.org/. December 7, 2007 - Islamorada - L. E. Shaffer: Middle Keys Community Land Trust Woods Corner Update. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm. Construction is in the finishing phase presently. That is all the little details most of us take for granted. Porches, molding, cleaning, landscaping, painting, fixture installation, tiling, doors, and more. More than 40 applicants have been prescreened with many more applications still coming in. December 10, 2007 – Marathon – L. E. Shaffer: Marathon Fire Station #14 Grand Opening. Photos are located at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.
Marathon City Manager Mike Puto opened the ceremonies with a few brief remarks, welcoming, and introduction of guests. The audience contained a who’s who of the Florida Keys. Some of the notables were former Marathon Mayor Jeff Pinkus, former Vice Mayor Marjie Mearns, Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem Mario DiGenarro, Key Colony Beach Mayor Clyde Burnett, Marathon Fire Chief Dale Beaver, former Marathon Fire Chief Hans Wagner, Marathon Mayor Pete Worthington, Marathon Councilman Cinque, Marathon Councilwoman Tempest, Marathon Vice Mayor Chris Bull, Marathon Community Services Director Susie Thomas, former Marathon Councilman Frank Greenman, and Marathon Parks and Recreation Committee Member Kay Gradick.
Marathon Fire Chief Dale Beaver gave the invocation “The Firefighters Prayer.” Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem Mario DiGenarro congratulated Marathon on a job well done. Key Colony Beach Mayor Clyde Burnett spoke on the partnership that provides Fire/Rescue Services to Key Colony Beach. Marathon Mayor Pete Worthington thanked everyone who took part in building the fire station that also provides an emergency operations center for the city.
Construction Manager Bill Sprague presented a flag that flew over the White House to Fire Chief Dale Beaver. The Fire Chief turned the flag over to a flag-raising detail made up of fire/rescue personnel. While Vanessa DiGenarro gave a beautiful rendition of the national anthem, the flag was raised in front of the fire station.
After that, refreshments were served. Tours of the new station were given. This occasion is a testament to everyone involved and especially Marathon City Manager Mike Puto, who really knows how to put together a special event. December 11, 2007 – Marathon – L. E. Shaffer: Marathon City Council Regular Meeting at Marathon Government Center EOC Room. Photos are located at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.
Council approved the agenda and consent agenda. Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk (*).
Mayor Worthington recognized certain student athletes. The Mayor also presented the National Homeless Persons Memorial Day Proclamation.
Council took citizens' comments. None signed up.
City Manager Mike Puto reported on the status of the Boot Key Bridge plan. Deputy City Manager C. J. Geotis reported the need of the Smorgasboat was overestimated. Puto requested that the abuse from the Boot Key people tone down. Council changed the boat service to on demand instead of a schedule. Mark Butler, commercial fisherman, stated his life has changed drastically since the bridge road closed to the island. He stated that he needed help to get bulk delivery and a place of debarkation to the island and back. Peter Jones stated that he now has no way to transport heavy supplies. Frank Guyamier explained the reason the state ordered the bridge closed and the costs involved in removal, repair, or replacement. Council directed Puto to work with the radio station to arrange transportation.
Puto reported on Quay and Long Horn Lodge issues, demolition, cleanup, and fencing. The Quay boat ramp may be funded by a state grant. He announced firefighter training programs taking place at the beginning of the year. The city manager announced the current Parks and Recreation Department programs to engage adults and children in various fun activities. City hall move from 100th Street to the trailers on 98th Street scheduled for December 17th.
City Attorney Jimmy Morales presented the monthly legal report.
The Beautification Advisory Board provided a status report. Chairman Peter Chapman gave the report. Committee recommended that council direct staff to restore the landscaping in front of the airport near US1. City Manager Mike Puto will talk to Reggie Paros at the airport.
Sheriff’s Department Special Unit provided an update. Captain Bob Peryam explained that this year South Florida leads in police officer deaths. Nationwide crime is going up. Monroe County had fifteen straight years of crime reduction; now it is going up. In Marathon, the crime is still slightly down contrary to the rise countywide. Peryam had Office Fricky and his K9 unit, Tracer. Peryam introduced two officers who do a lot of marine work around Marathon.
Council discussed the wastewater fee form. The form is to request for additional engineering and/or equipment. Council approved the use of the form.
Josh Mothner and Bill Daniels Jr. resigned from the city’s Housing Task Force. Council directed the city manager to advertise for replacements.
Council approved the Holiday Diver, Inc request for a conditional use permit, authorizing the redevelopment located at 5271 Overseas Highway, Gulf, near mile marker 50. Owner spoke to the details of the project. Several nearby residents objected to the project. Some of the objections concerned foot traffic behind the building and traffic patterns. Bob Raymond stated that the local dive businesses would be out of business if this project is approved. Wendy Hall stated that the quality of service of Diver’s Direct is suspect. Rich Doogan stated that a fence is necessary to keep his neighborhood secure. Dave Addison is in favor of the project provided the fence is installed.
Resolution 2007-183 approved a ground lease agreement between Palm Village, LLC and the city for the lease of property located at 104th Street for purposes of developing affordable housing.
Ordinance 2007-37 amended city code Section 6-54 allowing the building official to grant a one-time 180 day administrative extension to dwelling unit allocation permit holders.
Ordinance 2007-38 amended Chapter 107 of the LDRs allowing for the deferral of allocations.
Ordinance 2007-35 amended and restated Table 103.15.2 and Chapter 104 of the LDRs. This simplified uses level reviews for group homes and hotels or motels.
Ordinance 2007-36 amended Chapter 6 of the code of ordinances, modifying Section 6-52 so that generally work done under $2,500 will not require a permit.
Resolution 2007-178 established the required fee for cash-in-lieu of land dedication in BPAS. $40,000 equals a 2-point assignment in the Minor Category, while $60,000 yields 5-point assignment in the Moderate Category of BPAS.
Resolution 2007-179 established a municipally owned properties list determined suitable for affordable housing development.
Resolution 2007-180 approved South Florida Water Management District Contract Number 4600001156, authorizing acceptance of $380,100 in grant funding for the Sombrero Beach Road Reclaimed Water Project Phase II (Wastewater Treatment Plant).
Resolution 2007-181 approved South Florida Water Management District Contract Number 4600001155, authorizing acceptance of $108,700 in grant funding for the Sombrero Beach Road Reclaimed Water Project Phase II (Transmission Project).
*Resolution 2007-182 authorized the city to return the declared surplus 2004 Aquascan Rigid Inflatable 24.5 foot boat and Continental Trailer to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.
Resolution 2007-184 accepted the Pedro Falcon Electrical Contractors Inc. bid for construction of a marina bathhouse and authorized City Manager Mike Puto to negotiate with Pedro Falcon Electrical Contractors Inc. to bring the final price within the original engineering estimates.
Council took citizens' comments. No one signed up.
Council provided their final comments. Vice Mayor Bull talked about soccer. Councilman Vasil spoke about his excitement being on the council. Councilman Cinque wished everyone a safe holiday. Councilwoman Tempest echoed everyone’s comments. Mayor Worthington thanked everyone for the grand opening of the new fire station.
Council adjourned at 9:30 PM. December 14, 2007 - California - Linda Hall: Understanding Vitamin D.
 Understanding Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol*) The high rate of natural production of vitamin D3 cholecalciferol in the skin is the single most important fact every person should know about vitamin D because it has such profound implications for the natural human condition. Vitamin D is a steroid hormone precursor that has recently been found to play a role in a wide variety of diseases. Current research indicates vitamin D deficiencyplays a role in causing seventeen varieties of cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, and periodontal disease. This does not mean that vitamin D deficiency is the only cause of these diseases, or that you will not get them if you take vitamin D. What it does mean is that vitamin D, and the many ways in which it affects a person's health, can no longer be overlooked by the health care industry nor by individuals striving to achieve and maintain a greater state of health. Vitamin D, Sunshine, and Your Health If you totally avoid the sun, recent research indicates you need about 4,000 units of vitamin D a day. Which means you can't get enough vitamin D from milk (unless you drink 40 glasses a day) or from a multivitamin (unless you take about 10 tablets a day), neither of which is recommended. Most of us make about 20,000 units of vitamin D after about 20 minutes of summer sun. This is about 100 times more vitamin D than the government says you need every day. The only way to be sure you have adequate levels of vitamin D in your blood is to regularly go into the sun, use a sun bed (avoiding sunburn), or have your physician administer a 25‑hydroxyvitamin D test. Optimal levels are around 50 ng/mL (125 nM/L). If you don't get vitamin D the way Mother Nature intended, from sunshine, you need to take supplemental vitamin D3 cholecalciferol. Since most of us get a lot more vitamin D from sunshine than we realize, most of us need about 2,000 units a day extra.
* Vitamin D Council http://www.vitamindcouncil.com/ More in Next Issue of Florida Keys Journal Daily News! Donate to the Vitamin D Council Your tax‑deductible gift will help us to be more effective in our mission to put an end to the worldwide epidemic of Vitamin D Deficiency. Linda Hall 12-14-07 December 21, 2007 - Islamorada - L. E. Shaffer: Middle Keys Community Land Trust Woods Corner Update. Photos are located at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm. Roofs and porches plus interior work are all ongoing. The Land Trust is screening all the applications. This little community of professionals, managers, and civil servants will soon be established. Islamorada has much to be proud about. With the help and assistance of the Land Trust, they have established 16 homes to save 16 workforce families. One wonders if the county could have accomplished so much so soon. Talk of un-incorporation is a bit discouraging, but just that - talk. Islamorada has a long list of accomplishments, while the county is in disarray and broke. Any rational person would shudder at going back to the county. December 22, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Un-incorporate Marathon? Miss Sally ran for city council in the beginning of Marathon. She lost. Ever since then along with her casual friend Miss Joanie, they have chased after windmills. It is a shame; all that energy could benefit the city and its residents. Florida Keys Journal has periodically run a poll about whether Marathon should un-incorporate. We have run that poll four times over the last two years. The current poll has been running since the beginning of September. The results all four times have been very similar. Eighty percent [80%] do NOT want to un-incorporate. They want to keep their city. Nineteen percent [19%] voted to un-incorporate. Comments are listed for all four polls. The actual numbers are as of noon today are 1,400 voting NO; we should NOT un-incorporate. Three hundred forty-four [344] voted to un-incorporate. The poll is not scientific and not guaranteed to be accurate, but four polls saying the same thing is hard to ignore. If you want to go online to check out the poll for yourself, go to http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/index.htm/#Poll. Corruption, Miss Sally? Please show me the proof. Florida Keys Journal would love to uncover some corruption. Even when you follow the money, the City of Marathon has a balanced budget with cash reserves. They accomplished that even when cutting the budget 10%. That is something no other agency can claim. Yet Marathon has money to continue to provide quality safety, health, and environmental services to all its residents. The infrastructure fund will save all the residents money in sewering the city. Stormwater improvements are covered as well. Coco Plum Beach and Sombrero Beach improvements are directly the result of Marathon being a city. The additions to the Community Park go in the city's column as well. The success of the marina and Boot Key Harbor will pay dividends for decades to come. City staff provides hands-on service to all the residents. The world-class fire station ensures our safety and lower insurance premiums. The fire station serves as Marathon's Emergency Operations Center as well. The city's website provides quality information and service, when city hall is closed. Over the course of almost ten years of cityhood, a number of residents have taken the plunge and run for city council. For a position that pays little and takes an inordinate amount of time, it is a wonder why people put themselves in the limelight. No matter what they do, they are wrong. For those who have served, there is not one who didn't have the interest of Marathon and its residents at heart. While others and I have not cared for some, even they served honorably. The Middle Keys Community Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity have built workforce housing. The job would have been almost impossible under the county. Soon, the Carlisle project of 84 rentals and the Swift project of 40 homeownerships will put 124 additional workforce families in decent housing. I could go on and continue to list Marathon's successes, but this article is long enough already. Miss Sally, please provide proof so that we all can make informed decisions as to your assertions. December 23, 2007 - Nashville - Jaci Rae: Merry Pre-Christmas. Hello everyone! Wishing you the very  Merriest of Christmas's! Bruce and I just celebrated our third anniversary this past week! He's the best man God ever put on this Earth! I re-entered school full-time in August, working towards that PhD! (Awesome! My friends are joking about it, yes ummm Dr. Jaci hahaha! That's still a few years off thank goodness!) Have been back and forth to New York several times in the past year. Flown out to do television. Completed, Shop for a Day with Jaci Rae - How to Get Almost Anything for F.r.e.e. Selling very well and of course doing a ton of radio, trying to help people live without a lot of money so they have hope for the future during their rough times. One woman who called in while I was doing a live show (most are live) and asked if she should dip into her retirement fund so she could offer her kids the best Christmas. I of course told her no and gave her alternatives that didn't include going into debt. I found out later she called in and followed my advice. That is my biggest reward. After all, life is expensive, but living doesn't have to be! Entrepreneur Magazine featured my Granny's Natural Goodness line and Woman's Day and Woman's World featured me as an expert this year and one of them will be featuring me as an expert in an article next year. The Hartford Current did the same as did the AP Wire. I am quite honored and it sells quite a number of books LOL! Will be flown back to New York again (they wanted me in December, but I had to turn them down because of finals and the new line. They said they want me whenever I can come out, so they put me on schedule for next year. It was quite an honor. I guess they saw me on another show.) So they will fly me out to do their show next year, so I just started writing another new book this past week. I must have it finished by the middle of January in order for them to print, get cover finished etc by March. Say a prayer for me. We launched the new line for Luco Sport, Jaci's Gem Collection in September (I didn't want Jaci in front of it LOL! I just invented the Gem Collection, but Bruce said we should put Jaci in front of it, and it turns out to be a real boon! He's such a genius! People call for it at the retailers and Luco Sport directly say, I would like the Jaci's collection!) Started working on the new line for January PGA show in Florida. It's finished as of yesterday with the exception of sewing them up, which is starting today. Just finished finals yesterday and I should have a 4.0. Next semester I am taking 20 units. Thought it was 17, just looked, this semester was 17, next semester is 20. Excelled through math and ended up in Calculus. Can you believe it?! Now I have a double major of math sciences and psychology. Me. Yeah right! It's unbelievable! But I do dream about math now in color. It's still amazing to me that I didn't even know how to do a fraction, let alone how to do a percentage. I was missing that part of my education from third to eighth grade and in one semester, thanks to my incredible teachers, I am now dreaming about math! Worked like crazy this entire past year on everything. Next month Bruce and me are flying in to see my family (sisters, uncles and aunts, I am SO excited!) Last year we were blessed to be able to fly in to see both our families, so that was awesome! Gosh, well there is so much more, but it's really just life eh? Most of all I have had the most wonderful time with Bruce as always and we laugh all the time and he is really the most wonderful man in the world. I hope your year has been filled with fun and laughter. Love and hope. I miss each and every one of you and wish you the most joyous holiday in the entire world. So please take my warmest love and sincere hopes that your year and the coming ones to follow will be better each time and that each day is filled with blessings from family and friends. All my love and hugs. Jaci Rae "I long for the day when we are no longer defined by race, color, or class, but by a world that is undivided and unified by compassion, understanding and love." To a better day in every way! Blessings. Jaci Rae
www.shopforaday.com
www.christmaswithlove.com
www.winningromance.com
www.lucosport.com
www.jacirae.com What's Happening! Un-incorporation? Yes, that subject once again. With the county in disarray and broke, why in the world would Marathon want to go back to that mess? Now, we have self-determination. All of our tax dollars are spent within the city. Miss Sally continues to rant and rave about corruption. My, my, if only I could find some, what a story that would make. The new fire station is something to be proud about. It is the safety of our children. It is lower insurance rates. It is Marathon's own Emergency Operations Center. Another hurricane will surely strike some year. Marathon cut their spending 10% under rollback! No other agency within the county can say that. Poor Miss Sally won't even discuss her baseless allegations with anyone. Let us see what happens next. At least the new year won't start out boring. Miscellany: The store portion of our website has been streamlined. We no longer sell or support franchises now. We added some more artwork. On the subject of writing, I must appologize to the fans. I am making very slow progress on the next novel. Marathon Florida Keys Journal's success has ate up way too much time. I am looking forward to my second retirement at 62. Anyone want to buy a successful, specialized news organization? Of course, last but not least, Florida Keys Journal is now its own domain on the worldwide web. You can now use http://www.MarathonJournal.US to reach the popular online daily news queue and monthly magazine. Finally: Yellow, yellow let it mellow; brown, brown flush it down. Good words to save water. Shower with friends. That can be fun. Use bathwater to keep plants green. Try some cisterns, rainbarrels, and gutter collection devices to save water. Dance with some local natives to entice rain to fall from the skies. Rain, where art thou? Lake Okeechobee is getting lower. We need the rain up that way and how. Dance longer, harder, rain... I expect that we should get used to water shortages; it will only get worse. ACRONYMS:| ACOE | Army Corps of Engineers | | AYSO | American Youth Soccer Organization | | BPAS | Building Permit Allocation System | | CAMP | Creative Arts and Music Program | | CWHIP | Community Workforce Housing Innovation Pilot Program | | DCA | Florida Department of Community Affairs | | ECMC | Educational Coalition for Monroe County | | EMS | Emergency Medical Services | | EOC | Emergency Operations Center | | FAA | Federal Aviation Administrator | | FDEP | Florida Department of Environmental Protection | | FDOH | Florida Department of Health | | FDOT | Florida Department of Transportation | | FEMA | Federal Emergency Management Agency | | FIRM | Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe County | | FKAA | Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority | | FKCC | Florida Keys Community College | | FKEC | Florida Keys Electric Cooperative | | FKSCA | Florida Keys Scenic Corridor Alliance | | FLUM | Future Land Use Map | | FRDAP | Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program | | FWC | Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission | | GIS | Geographic Information System | | GSG | Government Services Group | | H4H | Habitat for Humanity | | HOA | Home Owners Association | | HR | Human Resources | | HUD | US Department of Housing and Urban Development | | IS | Improved Subdivision | | ISD | Improved Subdivision Duplex | | IT | Information Technology | | LDRs | Land Development Regulations required by the Comprehensive Plan | | MCSO | Monroe County Sheriff's Office | | MGS | Marathon Garbage Service | | MHS | Marathon High School | | MKCLT | Middle Keys Community Land Trust | | MSTU | Municipal Service Taxing Unit | | MU | Mixed Use | | MUC | Mixed Use Commercial | | NIMBY | Not In My Back Yard | | NROGO | Non-Residential Permit Allocation System | | NSW | Near Shore Waters Advisory Committee | | PSA | Public Service Announcement | | PIO | Public Information Officer | | OVHOA | Overseas Village Home Owners Association | | RFP | Request for Proposal | | RH | Residential High | | RM-2 | Residential Medium - 2 [applies to Coco Plum community only] | | ROGO | Rate of Growth Ordinance | | ROW | Right of Way | | RV | Recreational Vehicle | | SC | Suburban Commercial | | SHIP | State Housing Initiatives Partnership | | SR | Suburban Residential | | SRF | State Revolving Fund | | TBA | To be Announced | | TBR | Transfer of Building Right | | TDC | Tourist Development Council | | TRIM | Truth in Millage | | TSA | Transportation Security Administration | | UR | Urban Residential | | URS | United Research Services or URS Corporation | | WEC | Weiler Engineering Corporation |
Kitty Talk
These journals are dedicated to Kitty GreyCat's spirit. She is at RainBow Bridge along with her human friends, Leo and Doris. We all loved you, Kitty! Click the cat graphic to visit her Memorial page. Kitty born June 6, 1982. Died July 9, 1997. Please use our email form linked below to make suggestions or offer praise. The cats have thoughts and meows that are badly interpreted by a human for publication here. So believe what you will, but enjoy nonetheless. All complaints, flames, and the like will end up in the litter box! >^..^<  Ebony: Santa Claws brought us some Whisker Lickin' good yummy nummies. I was so excited, but I had to wait for Abby to beg for some. Cause this cat is not ever going to beg for anything. I got my pride, you nose. >^..^<
Abby: Ah, boid feathers! Ebony, that Libby human bean next door put those nummies in a nice pretty Christmas bag on our door knob. You is addlepated. I meow to our human bean to give that nice lady bean a fang you and a present from us. >^..^<
Ebony: What kind of present did we give her? Catnip? No, wait, one of our toys? O, I nose, a recording of our meows? Right? >^..^<
Abby: No, you silly old grandma kitty. I paw pointed to a blue coffee cup that look really good. Human bean put that in the fancy little gift sack, or whatever it is named. And then he hung it on her door. Won't she be surprised? >^..^<
Ebony: I am surprised that he gave up one of his cups. We got outside today, while human bean ran the devil vacuum cleaner. That thing is evil. >^..^<
Abby: Human bean is going to make it up for us. I seed him looking at cat water fountains. I nose Ebony likes running water. That supposed to make us drink more water. I don't mind that at all, I meow. >^..^<
Ebony: You need more water when the lizards come inside the house and offer themselves to you for a snack. Of course, it did run around a little. >^..^<
Abby: We finally caught the lizard. We played with the lizard, but they are not built for play. They fall apart easily. The first thing that came off was the tail. >^..^<
Ebony: That tail wriggled around for a long time. I heard it running around on its little feet or whatever lizards got for paws and such. >^..^<
Abby: I hear it too, but I have to shake my head. I got something in my ears that bother me a lot. >^..^<
Ebony: Me, too, I think we got the same ear stuff. Human bean noticed us shaking our heads and grabbed us unceremoniously. Yes, I nose that word. Cats are smart, you nose. >^..^<
Abby: Yes, that human bean use his whole body to hold me down and squirt stuff in my ears. I not like that at all, I didn't. Well, all use cats and human beans have a happy New Year. Dogs shouldn't be allowed to have any fun, I meow. >^..^<
Internet Stuff
Here are the latest DVD films from http://www.NetFlix.com: “The Namesake” is a family movie following a young Indian couple in the United States. The music caresses every change and emotion. The couple have a child together, a boy. They choose a name that will be the theme throughout the movie. Another child comes, a girl. The family goes through the years, the generations, and a grandparent’s death. Their cultural background is never lost even with growing children. Then the children marry and start their families. Suddenly, the father dies. The son realizes his namesake and the zest for daily life his family enjoyed. “The Namesake” is that uniquely warm and fulfilling film. “Ocean’s Thirteen” returns to the original movies fun, charm, and attitude. There is glitz, revenge, and an overwhelming amount of money. Great actors play their characters straight up and add depth not there in the first two films. This is definitely another entertaining movie that doesn’t let up on any level. Well done. “Hot Rod” is a funny movie, if you can get over the campiness. The film moves excessively slow in between the funny parts. There are some great scenes, but not enough to maintain the momentum. The attempt at some kind of morale to the story was a bit pathetic. I did manage to make it to the end of the movie. I suppose this is a good for one look. “Antonia” is entertaining, and you don’t mind the subtitles. The music is refreshing, real, and intimately part of the story. The problem is you know the script. Four girls try to make it big. They get into trouble, get overwhelmed, get pregnant, and overcome all sorts of real-life crap to make it big in the end. I like the story, but this movie didn’t break any new ground. While the movie was on, I got up to check my mail, get some ice cream, and other assorted side trips. Usually, I hit pause, but I let the movie run. I liked the film, but it is woefully predictable. “Flightplan” starring Jodie Foster has that dark, foreboding Hitchcock feel and look. Her husband dies under mysterious circumstances. She and her daughter escort the husband and father back home on a 747. Her daughter disappears, and the search begins. Then the captain gets a message that her daughter died with her father. She almost believes until she sees her daughters drawing on the fogged window. From there the film devolves into what you would expect, but I won’t spoil it for you. Although I expected more, the movie is more than entertaining and worth a watch. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” is everything a movie in this series should be. The acting is good, special effects too, and the soundtrack not bad. Yes, there is a but. There are slow parts that drag the film. The plot seems overly complicated for no good reason. The base in the score is distracting. Still, the movie was very entertaining and satisfied. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is another superb film. Every scene seamlessly leads to the next until the end. Only in the movie, the end is just two more films away. It is hard to make a series of movies that remain true to the novels and entertains so well. This movie built on all the others reaches new heights, as it should be. “Live Free or Die Hard” is a good movie. Sequels, prequels, and series are so hard to do and get right. Yet the Die Hard series of films deliver from beginning to end. The acting is real. The movie displays the fun that they had making the film. The special effects didn’t even get in the way. This film is all about the bad guys and the good guys. All is as it should be! “The Simpsons Movie” has the incredible Homer along with Bart. All the characters that you know and love make this film so much fun. The plot moves quickly. You get a full-featured film, but it has that television feel. The animation adds to the overall entertainment value. This same old Simpsons have enthralled us for so long. As Maggie’s first word states so elegantly, we hope and can’t wait for the “sequel”! “Stardust” joins two different worlds separated by an ancient stone fence. Wanderlust possesses a young man to cross over from the human side to the enchanted fantasy side. Still, there is good and evil everywhere. The son goes on a quest to become a man in the middle of a fantasy. A star falls and they become one. Good does prevail in the end. What else would you expect? Treat yourself to a marvelous love story that will dazzle the eyes and the imagination. “Balls of Fury” just looked to be bad. Then the zany film captured my interest. The odd characters were funny and believable. The story was a real stretch, but that ended up funny as well. This isn’t a gift to mankind, but the film will make you laugh despite it. “The Kingdom” is a thought-provoking film on revenge that brings together those on both sides. The movie is fast paced, full of action. There is the clash of cultures, and those innate human traits that bring us all together. No matter how unlikely the plot, the story mattered. This film leaves you feeling empty, sad, and hopeless. Yet we must never lose heart. “The Heartbreak Kid” follows the misadventures of a guy who desperately wants the right lady. Then he can have his dream marriage. The only thing is that he jumps too soon. While on his honeymoon, he meets Miss Right. That comedic complication runs through the film like a current. Will everything work out in the end? One can only laugh and hope.
Interesting websites we visited recently: Subscribe to our calendar, go to webcals://calendars.office.microsoft.com/pubcalstorage/tn7rzq5z82741/L._E._Shaffer_Calendar.ics or view at calendars.office.microsoft.com/en-us/pubcal/viewer.aspx?path=/pubcalstorage/tn7rzq5z82741/L._E._Shaffer_Calendar.ics&tz=-240. Pizza, pizza http://www.papajohns.com. Money, money http://www.tibbank.com. Jewelry & more http://www.tribalectic.com. Electric, electric http://www.fkec.com. BellSouth was gobbled up by ATT at http://www.att.net. Comcast Cable sucks, but website is http://www.comcast.com. Insurance & much more at military member owned USAA at http://www.usaa.com. SunPass helps you go fast, fast and uses less money, money at http://www.sunpass.com. What's in your wallet? http://www.capitalone.com. John Bartus, Live in the Florida Keys! http://www.johnbartus.com. Tech Support at XFireWeb is the best. http://www.xfireweb.com. The Temporal Doorway at http://www.temporaldoorway.com (original art, music, fiction, programming advice and more) New England Trail Review at http://www.newenglandtrailreview.com (hiking in New England) Stream of Images at http://www.streamofimages.com (photo blog) Nutrition Data at http://www.nutritiondata.com/ is very useful. Veterans of any war or service earned health care; please sign this petition at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/658899332/insert. E-Cards at http://therainforestsite.com.
Poetry Corner
"That Long Night"
December 30, 2007 A world away
Where the sun
Never rises
Moons never set A fog cools
Low to ground
Lake murmurs
Animals prowl Waiting for
The calling
A run is near
Upon the air Still and fetid
Through the trees
Moving hanging moss
Comes a lone soul A spirit bereft
As the night
Is suffering long
A total loneliness Strong and cultivated
Over centuries
Of ancient darkness
The run is so close For no other
Reason but escape
To run from
That long night © 2008 L. E. Shaffer
Hockey Puck
NHL: NHL Florida Panthers blanked the New York Islanders 3 – 0. The Panthers blanked the Columbus Bluejackets 1 – zip. The Florida Panthers beat the Montreal Canadiens 3 – 2. The NHL Florida Panther won their third game in a row by defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 5 – 4. PGA: Tiger Woods closed out the year winning at the Target World Challenge. NASCAR NEXTEL: Jimmie Johnson has his second cup championship. Daytona is just around the corner. We will see how the Car of Tomorrow works for a full schedule.
NBA: The NBA Miami Heat outscored the Los Angeles Clippers to break out of a five-game losing streak. The Heat beat the Phoenix Suns. The Heat beat the T-Wolves. The NBA Miami Heat won at the buzzer over the Toronto Raptors. NFL: The NFL Miami Dolphins beat the Baltimore Ravens in overtime for their first win of the season. MLB: The Boston Red Soxs swept the Colorado Rockies in the World Series. WTA: Venus and Serena Williams continue to compete successfully. NCAA Football: Bowl games bowl game, o, so many. The only good ones are around the New Year. Can't wait! Book Three Twins of the Dark Star
Book One Tears from Ao, Book Two The Mountains of Ao and four poetry collections, Pages of Life, Visions of Life, Moments of Life, and The Book of Kalian Mysticism are available at http://RunesofAo.com/aobp/. The Runes of Ao project is ongoing. Book Three Twins of the Dark Star novel is a work in progress, but the writing goes very slowly because of the success of Marathon Florida Keys Journal. Falling Star poetry collection is a work in progress. A collaboration with K. Young on a novella called Dragon Embers is now published on the fan site known as Runes of Ao.com. Other dragon artwork is available as well. Finally, in collaboration with K. Young and Linda Hall, a group novel project is in progress and currently titled Starsongs. We currently are at an impasse.
The Dull Stuff
All opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of this magazine, company, or its advertisers. Inputs, email, suggestions, and letters to this journal are subject to approval by the Journal Editor. Submittals may be edited for content and length and become the creative property for the one-time nonexclusive publication of: Shaffer Novels/Poetry Company
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www.RunesofAo.com/LarryShaffer/ Publication date: December 28, 2007
Author: L. E. Shaffer
Company: Shaffer Novels/Poetry Company &
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