Go to Page Two above and select "Email" to contact the Florida Keys Journal.

Keys Grafix & Sign seemingly can do about anything with signs, A-frames, and magnetic signs. You can always tell a business is rock solid and successful, when Stan is doing ten things at once. And he is good at too. They are always busy.

There are more than 160 human autoimmune diseases, everything from type one diabetes to Lou Gehrig’s disease. They arise from an improper immune response to substances and tissues normally present in the body. In other words, the body mistakes itself as foreign and attacks its own self. The common treatment of autoimmune diseases today is to suppress the immune system in general with medications.

Recently a Chinese group led by Dr. C Mok and colleagues from Tuen Mun Hospital in Hong Kong studied 290 lupus patients and confirmed previous findings that the lower your vitamin D level, the worse your lupus. The association (remember association is not causation) was quite strong. Dr. Mok also found an amazing 96% of the lupus patients were vitamin D insufficient.

In an accompanying editorial, Professor Luis Munoz and colleagues from Erlangen University Hospital in Germany supplied a new insight into how vitamin D is involved in autoimmune disorders, and, as far as I am aware, every one of the 160 autoimmune disorders studied so far is somehow involved with vitamin D. What could the connection be, what do 160 autoimmune diseases have in common with vitamin D?

Dr. Munoz points out that vitamin D (the repair and maintenance man of the human body) has a "waste removal" function mediated via the immune system. That’s right, vitamin D is also a garbage man for the human body; it stimulates the immune system to come around and collect the debris and detritus of what is left of cells that have gone through the normal process of apoptosis, or cell death.

Evidence that a similar defect links all 160 autoimmune diseases in this garbage man process is not complete but increasingly likely. To quote Professor Munoz, "Considering these robust epidemiological data, one might believe that vitamin D deficiency plays a pivotal role in the multifaceted (cause) of autoimmunity that deserves further scientific research to pinpoint the mechanisms of action of vitamin D in the phagocytosis (eating) and clearance of dying cells."

Heffernan Law Office is a tradition in Marathon. They are my personal lawyers and the Florida Keys Journal LLC lawyers. They handle a number of cases from criminal to second amendment rights. They are understanding, professional, and extraordinarily competent. And someone in that office wears a bowtie! So retrograde.

May 9, 2012 - Marathon - Marlene Weeks: Don’t forget that the Rockin’ Country Party is coming up next Saturday with proceeds benefiting Plantation Key School.

Get ready for some high-energy live music, line dancing & delicious BBQ from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 at the Elk’s Club, mile marker 92, in Tavernier.

Tom Jackson and his band will be playing their own brand of country music that has been likened to a combination of Jason Aldean and Charlie Daniels. Recently signed to Jeff Foxworthy’s new Iron Site label, Jackson is shooting his first music video, “Angel Loves the Devil Out of Me.” It will debut soon on Country Music Television and Great American Country.

Tickets are $50 per person. Call Marlen Weeks at 305-394-1680 for tickets and information.

UPS Store handles about anything concerning shipping, receiving, mail boxes, copying, and, well, you get the idea. I use the shipping side of the business for returns, exchanges, and environmental returns. This business is run by local for locals and hires and spends money locally. They like other family-owned and operated businesses are the backbone of the local economy.

May 9, 2012 - Marathon - Jessica Mintz: If you have stopped by Forgotten Felines' Purr-Fect Thrift Store located across the Marathon City Park (3580 Overseas Highway) lately you most likely have recognized our life-size wooden kitty promoting the cats and kittens available for adoption through Forgotten Felines. Forgotten Felines is a 501 (c) non-profit cat rescue organization found in 1997 with the mission to provide food and care for felines in need and which introduced and implements the TNR (trap/neuter/release) Program.

Forgotten Felines would like to thank their long-time, Lee Arrowsmith and Fran Newman, for creating this wooden kitty. Lee Arrowsmith has done many handy projects for Forgotten Felines in the past and Fran Newman knows exactly how to add some color and creativity to ways to help Forgotten Felines to get the word out about this wonderful organization and all they do to help the felines of the Florida Keys in need.

Kitten season has begun and Forgotten Felines took in several kittens between the ages of 3-7 weeks, which will be available for adoption after June 1. The first cat adoption event for this year is planned for mid of June at the Purr-fect Thrift Store to give everyone interested in adopting a four-legged family member the opportunity to meet wonderful felines available for adoption as well as Forgotten Felines awesome volunteers. No matter what personality, age or coloring you are looking for, Forgotten Felines has the purr-fect feline companion for you.

Even if you do not plan to adopt at this time, we still would like to encourage you to check out the Purr-fect Thrift Store for great bargains, to meet some of Forgotten Felines' wonderful volunteers and say hello to the four-legged store manager, Miss Purrfect. The store is also always in need of donations in form of small furniture, housewares and home décor items and all proceeds from the store help Forgotten Felines to cover never ending expenses such as food, veterinary care and spay/neuter clinics.

Currently, Forgotten Felines is in desperate need of cat and kitten food. You can drop off a cat food donation at the Forgotten Felines donation bin inside the Marathon Publix or at our Purr-fect Thrift store. Another opportunity to help with the cat food needs is to become a sponsor for one of the feeding colonies. There are also several volunteer opportunities available to fit everyone's schedule and the volunteers are what keeps Forgotten Felines going with their mission to provide food and care for as many felines in need as possible.

If you are interested in finding out more about our volunteer opportunities and/or Forgotten Felines and how you can help, please email keysforgottenfelines@live.com or call 305-743-2520.

Sun Motors - Go Carts Watched go-cart racing between a father and son tourist team today at Sun Motors Marathon Florida Keys. I want to go go-carting myself, but I need an excuse to invite some member of my unsuspecting family to come with me. I wonder how slow one can go before the person you invite to race you goes ballistic? Yes, I know this is a Journal advertiser, but I like go-cart racing.

May 9, 2012 - Marathon - Karen Bowers:  Battle In The Bay Dragon Boat Festival Saturday May 12

(Marathon, FL) The sponsors have been secured since January. Teams began signing up in February.

Local paddlers started their practice sessions this past week. Sombrero Beach is being groomed by the City of Marathon for the Fourth Annual Battle In The Bay Dragon Boat Festival Saturday May 12 during the Chinese Year of the Water Dragon.

The Awakening the Dragon Ceremony kicks off the event, taking place at the launch lagoon at 8:15 AM. The Chinese tradition that dates back thousands of years involves monks dotting the heads of the boats with paint in a sign of good karma for competitors. Dave Condra, 2011 Rainmaker (top individual fundraiser) has the honor of dotting the eye, assisted by his HeronCane teammates and a dragon dance performed by the Puppet Masters from the Boys and Girls Club of Key West. Returning to start the races with a honk of the conch shell is Mike Puto, Governor General of the Middlemost Territories of the Conch Republic followed by a cannon blast from the Caysal Pirates.

The Flower Ceremony returns at 11:30 AM featuring the breast cancer /survivor teams. Around the world, survivor dragon boat teams celebrate with the Flower Ceremony. Spectators are invited to participate with the teams in a floral tribute to all those touched by life threatening disease. Pink blooms graciously provided by Flowers by J&J can be had for a donation amount of your choosing to The Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys.

Race action begins at 9:00 AM with the Qualifying heats. Teams in these first sets of races are grouped by similar industry and are competing for a Challenge Race medal. All times from the first round are arranged fastest to slowest and teams are assigned to Divisions based on those times. Movement from the Semi-final to the Final round in a Division is based on a seeding system. The top 6 finishing teams from A Division qualify for the 2000 meter endurance race scheduled to begin at 4:15 PM. The Military Challenge race returns, pitting the local Conch Republic Navy team against Leathernecks Gold and Black Sheep Marines both from The Villages, FL.

Club crews from Ontario Canada, South Carolina, Central and South Florida are joining local teams for a field of over 500 racers. Teams are made up of 20 paddlers, a steersman and a drummer. “This is a stellar year. We have 100 more paddlers than in 2011 which made it necessary to add a fourth division”, said Karen Bowers, event director.

It’s free to watch the races and there is an abundance of activity on the shore in addition to that out on the water. Conch Country (98.7 FM) is broadcasting by live remote from Noon to 2:00 PM. Fushu Daiko performs the art of Taiko drumming at 11:00 AM and again during the break before the Final Championship races.  Reef Relief, serving up icy cold beer, receives the proceeds from all beverage sales. Food vendors offering a variety of meals – Greek cuisine, pulled pork, conch fritters, fried sweets, frozen custard and other snacks paired with non-food vendors provide spectators plenty for a family friendly day at the beach.

The racing is over at 5 PM but the fun continues, poolside, at the Last Splash party and awards ceremony being held at Sunset Grill and Raw Bar located at the foot of the historic 7 Mile Bridge. Join the paddlers, staff and volunteers while waiting for your name to be called as the winner of the Toby Keith autographed PINK Solo Cup. Entertainment provided by Jessica Lily and Smoky Rhythm with an encore performance by Fushu Daiko.

Visit www.battleinthebay.org for more information about the dragon boat festival.

Gemini Printing has 29 cent color copies. Need I say more?

May 9, 2012 - Miami - Take Stock in Children: OVER 1,400 TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS TO GRADUATE AND RECEIVE FULL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

MIAMI, FL (May 8, 2012) – Take Stock in Children, a statewide non-profit organization with a solid history of breaking the cycle of poverty by providing scholarships, mentors and hope, will celebrate the graduation of more than 1,400 low-income high school seniors from more than 50 of its local programs across Florida. Each of these students will receive full scholarships to attend any state college or university in Florida of their choice upon graduation.

These graduations signify that students have met with their Take Stock in Children mentors once per week, maintained a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and remained drug and crime free. This is the commitment that each Take Stock in Children scholar makes upon joining the program in order to receive a college scholarship.

“This is a milestone achievement for Take Stock in Children as we celebrate breaking the cycle of poverty through education,” says Emilio Alonso-Mendoza, President/CEO of Take Stock in Children. “We are extremely proud to be an education game-changer in Florida that has provided scholarships for over 17,000 students since 1995.”

The formal graduation ceremonies began in Okaloosa County on Wednesday, April 25 and will finish on Thursday, June 7 in Escambia County. The series of graduations across the state, ranging from the Panhandle to the Keys, will gather community leaders, mentors, parents and supporters of Take Stock in Children to recognize the successful seniors.

Along with a scholarship, Take Stock in Children’s graduating scholars will also receive complimentary college survival guides filled with information to help ease their transition to college, such as helpful tips on budgeting expenses, on-site support services and more. Sponsors of this significant effort include The Florida Lottery, Comcast, Florida Crystals, Helios Education Foundation and Berkowitz Pollack Brant.

To learn more about Take Stock in Children or to become a valued mentor or supporter, please call 888-322-4673 or visit www.takestockinchildren.org.

About Take Stock in Children
Take Stock in Children is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization with a solid 16 year history of providing mentors, educational scholarships and hope for Florida’s low-income and at-risk youth. The organization has provided educational support and college scholarships for over 17,000 children in partnership with more than 800 public schools throughout 67 counties in Florida. It is the only scholarship mentoring program with the mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through education, and has attained a high school graduation rate of 92 percent in Florida (as compared to Florida’s average graduation rate of 76%). The program’s multi-year commitment to students and their comprehensive program services begin in middle school and continue through high school graduation and into college.  Special emphasis is placed on student accountability and specific measurable outcomes. Take Stock in Children students pledge to meet with their assigned mentor once a week, maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5, and remain drug and crime free.  Upon successful high school graduation, as a fulfillment of their contractual agreement, students are then awarded a college scholarship to any college, university or vocational school in the state of Florida. To learn more about Take Stock in Children, please call 888-322-4673 or visit www.takestockinchildren.org.

Dailey Property Management, L.L.C. is our newest advertiser in the Charter Advertiser Program. You need someone like Dailey Property Management to take care of things while you are gone whether for a short or long period of time.  

May 6, 2012 - Florida Keys - L. E. Shaffer: Florida Keys Journal Week in Review. Go see the matching * at the end.

April Digest http://marathonjournal.us/journal/2012/040112.htm.

1.      Krazy Larry is closing its doors soon. The store is in Publix Plaza Marathon. They had an unique sense of products known for being in paradise. I’ve noticed that more new businesses were coming online than businesses having to close its doors.

2.      Bees try to take over in Key Largo. I would advise to leave them alone as long as their location is far from human activities.

3.      There was a small fire on Boot Key. I wonder how it was contained. By ferry? Maybe we should put in a bridge.

4.      News-Barometer reports on FEMA vs. everybody. And state insurance puts another roadblock to having any kind of insurance.

5.      Governor Scott is coming down to the Keys. Anyone with a cup full of common sense should hide in any rabbit hole you can find. Kick those rabbits out; you have to hide!

6.      Skeeters are massing for their summer onslaught. Mosquito Control assures everyone their war plan will work wonderfully. Dragonflies eat a lot of skeeters. Leave them dragonflies alone.

7.      The vaunted $50,000 vision plan proved one point. Marathon residents want some form of a swimming pool. That was number one in our vision plan.

8.      State attorney Dennis Ward debated Catherine Vogel. Vogel won the debate by a slim margin.

9.      The Florida Keys Journal office and equipment get a major overhaul. The custom desktop computer will last at least 10 years, as the unit can be updated anytime. The company that customizes my computer is www.MyPlaceOrYours.biz.

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This Campaign 2012 space is open to all candidates.

Marathon Florida Campaign 2012. City Council Larry Shaffer: I got a campaign endorsement from the Rock Coalition.

I will waive my first year salary as a council member. The donation will go to hungry and homeless nonprofits.

Please tell me your top three concerns. Win or lose, I fulfill my campaign promises. That is what I did in the 2010 elections. That is the plan for the 2012 campaign.
Political advertisement for and approved by Larry Shaffer for Marathon City Council.

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Elections 2012 web page is http://marathonjournal.us/journal/elections/12election.htm. If you are a candidate for any elective office within Monroe County including all municipalities, you qualify for the Journal in-kind contribution of services and advertising worth $500. Email Campaign2012@MarathonJournal.US. 

* To be clear: anyone may send in an article to ensure equal time and fairness. The Florida Keys Journal in-kind contribution of $500 gives any Monroe County Florida Keys candidate prime ad space and services. Candidates can provide profiles, photos, and text. Email us as soon as possible to get an ad 7-day contiguous. Email is Campaign2012@MarathonJournal.US.

Of course, the candidate must file this as an in-kind contribution with the local election’s office. The address for the Journal is Florida Keys Journal, POB 501833 Marathon, FL 33050-1833.

My opinion often takes a provocative tone. The Journal-Week-in-Review articles take a position that provokes discussion. Sometimes the opinion I write about does not necessarily reflect my own personal view.

When I mention a source or sources, then the likelihood of truth is good. It does not mean that the subject is true in all regards. Remember, it is my opinion regardless of anything else. Sources = truth; I = opinion.

Interviews are conducted like Larry-King-feel-good articles. Unless you see “quotes”, then everything is paraphrased to the best of my ability.

April 20, 2012 - Florida Keys - Chris Bergh: Review of Sanctuary and Refuge Regulations Review.

Conservation groups host open meetings to promote public input on marine and backcountry island rules.

Big Pine Key, FL — Through June of this year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will gather public input on rules governing the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Key West National Wildlife Refuge and Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge.  The agencies will be conducting a legally-mandated public scoping process to gather ideas about what is working, what’s not, what needs tweaking and what entirely new ideas people have for management and regulations in the sanctuary as a whole and for the refuges’ “Backcountry Management Plan” covering the out islands and waters north and west of the lower Keys. 

The sanctuary’s overall boundary and its zoning plan, which includes Sanctuary Preservation Areas, Ecological Reserves, Wildlife Management Areas associated with the refuges and other types of zones, will be a primary focus, but any and all recommendations about sanctuary and refuge backcountry management and regulation are not only welcomed, but strongly encouraged.  These recommendations will be fed into the process to create a set of draft alternatives for public review and, ultimately, may lead to actual changes in rules and regulations. 

The Nature Conservancy is co-hosting open meetings with Save-A-Turtle in Marathon, Friends and Volunteers of Refuges (FAVOR) on Big Pine Keys and Reef Relief on Key West about the nuts and bolts of this regulatory review process and its importance for sea turtles, seabirds, fish, seagrass meadows, coral reefs, the waters they all depend upon and opportunities for people to sustainably enjoy these things in the Florida Keys for years to come.

Chris Bergh, South Florida Conservation Director for The Nature Conservancy and a member of the Sanctuary Advisory Council, will outline the history and current regulations of the sanctuary and the refuge backcountry as well as the public scoping process, timing and opportunities for input.  A question and answer session and discussion will follow.  These meetings are open to one and all.  

A wealth of information about the sanctuary and its marine zoning and regulatory review process may be found at http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/review/welcome.html and information about the USFWS Backcountry Management Plan may be found at http://www.fws.gov/nationalkeydeer/backcountry.html.  To stay informed of the scoping meetings and other public comment opportunities, anyone may sign up for the sanctuary's marine zoning review email list online at http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/review/email-list.html. 

Meeting dates:

Big Pine Key - May 1, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at St Francis in the Keys Episcopal Church, 1600 Key Deer Boulevard, Big Pine Key.  Co-hosted with FAVOR.

Marathon - May 7, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at the Turtle Hospital, 2396 Overseas Highway, mile marker 48.5 bayside, Marathon.  Co-hosted with Save-A-Turtle.

Key West – May 10, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, 35 East Quay Road, Key West.  Co-hosted with Reef Relief.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.  With funding from the Florida Forever program and our generous donors the Conservancy has helped protect more than 1.2 million acres in Florida since 1961. Visit us on the Web at nature.org/florida.

 Save-A-Turtle, Inc. of the Florida Keys is a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of rare and endangered marine turtles and to the enhancement of their habitats here in the Keys and throughout the world.  Save-a-turtle.org. (305) 743 9629.

 Friends and Volunteers of Refuges.  The Mission of FAVOR – Florida Keys is to support the National Wildlife Refuges of the Florida Keys through education, volunteerism, non-adversarial advocacy and fundraising.  FAVORfloridakeys.com. (305) 872 0774.

 Reef Relief is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to improving and protecting our coral reef ecosystem.  Reefrelief.org. (305) 294 3100.

Sea Wiz Marine is a boater's place for repairs, information, and electronics. I have used the business for some advice on various electronic stuff. Checkout this business at 53rd Street.

May 6, 2012 - California - Linda Hall: Vitamin D linked to autoimmune disorders. I was diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency, which was the reason asking Linda to write a series of articles on the subject. 

There are more than 160 human autoimmune diseases, everything from type one diabetes to Lou Gehrig’s disease. They arise from an improper immune response to substances and tissues normally present in the body. In other words, the body mistakes itself as foreign and attacks its own self. The common treatment of autoimmune diseases today is to suppress the immune system in general with medications.

Recently a Chinese group led by Dr. C Mok and colleagues from Tuen Mun Hospital in Hong Kong studied 290 lupus patients and confirmed previous findings that the lower your vitamin D level, the worse your lupus. The association (remember association is not causation) was quite strong. Dr. Mok also found an amazing 96% of the lupus patients were vitamin D insufficient.

Mok CC, Birmingham DJ, Leung HW, Hebert LA, Song H, Rovin BH. Vitamin D levels in Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: relationship with disease activity, vascular risk factors and atherosclerosis Rheumatology (Oxford). 2012 Apr;51(4):644-52. Epub 2011 Jun 29.

In an accompanying editorial, Professor Luis Munoz and colleagues from Erlangen University Hospital in Germany supplied a new insight into how vitamin D is involved in autoimmune disorders, and, as far as I am aware, every one of the 160 autoimmune disorders studied so far is somehow involved with vitamin D. What could the connection be, what do 160 autoimmune diseases have in common with vitamin D?

Munoz LE, Schiller M, Zhao Y, Voll RE, Schett G, Herrmann M. Do low vitamin D levels cause problems of waste removal in patients with SLE? Rheumatology (Oxford). 2012 Apr;51(4):585-7. Epub 2011 Oct 27.

Dr. Munoz points out that vitamin D (the repair and maintenance man of the human body) has a “waste removal” function mediated via the immune system. That’s right, vitamin D is also a garbage man for the human body; it stimulates the immune system to come around and collect the debris and detritus of what is left of cells that have gone through the normal process of apoptosis, or cell death.

Evidence that a similar defect links all 160 autoimmune diseases in this garbage man process is not complete but increasingly likely. To quote Professor Munoz, “Considering these robust epidemiological data, one might believe that vitamin D deficiency plays a pivotal role in the multifaceted (cause) of autoimmunity that deserves further scientific research to pinpoint the mechanisms of action of vitamin D in the phagocytosis (eating) and clearance of dying cells.”

There are only two ways to receive vitamin D in the amounts necessary for proper health: Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure and vitamin D supplementation. Diet should not be considered a satisfactory source of vitamin D. The few foods which do contain vitamin D, contain too little to be of any noticeable benefit.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure - Sun exposure should be your method of choice for getting vitamin D. Learn about the factors which influence vitamin D production from sunlight and how to make the most of your time in the sun.

Vitamin D supplementation - Information supplementing with vitamin D3. Learn why the amount recommended by the US government is not enough to receive the full health benefits of vitamin D.

References

1. Chan J., Jaceldo-Siegl K., Fraser G.E. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status of vegetarians, partial vegetarians, and nonvegetarians: the Adventist Health Study-2. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 May; 89 (5): 1686S-1692S.
2. Välimäki VV, Löyttyniemi E, Välimäki MJ Vitamin D fortification of milk products does not resolve hypovitaminosis D in young Finnish men. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007 Apr; 61 (4): 493-7.

Marathon Cleaners can clean anything, and do the job well. Personable service and welcoming attitude. They even clean silk shirts. How cool is that?

April 30, 2012 - Florida Keys - L. E. Shaffer: Florida Keys Journal Week in Review. Go see the matching * at the end.

Islamorada adds another chapter to their wastewater and stormwater escapades. Will someone please make a decision.

Islamorada Council stirs up more controversy with commercial space expansion. Do I hear a Walmart coming?

County is changing anchoring rules. There must be a story here somewhere. How about some vessels sinking. All live to walk Duval Street with their story.

Key West is searching for the right city manager to take over Jim Scholl, the current city manager. The commission threw new names on the short list. All the work of the search committee spoiled. Why put together a search committee if commissioners were going to add all their own favorites. Next time skip to the chase and save some time and effort of a search committee.

City of Marathon and towing businesses make for good laughs. Really now, Marathon towing businesses don’t make many friends.

Local historian Dan Gallagher died a few days ago. His legacy got a standing ovation at Marathon City Council meeting. When I needed some historical information, his books came through for me.

Geriatric care is improving for our pets that are living longer. Pet insurance could help.

List of newspapers in and around the Middle Keys are critiqued. The Citizen is okay mostly for Lower Keys. The Free Press lost its Marathon-based office. Middle Keys news takes a hit. The Keynoter is a surprising choice for go to information. The Weekly Newspapers are not just a vehicle to advertise. It covers a modicum of news events. I supposed I shouldn’t critique the Florida Keys Journal. The Coconut Telegraph in Big Pine is the people’s blog. The Reporter covers the Upper Keys. The Barometer covers Big Pine. Miami Herald covers some events in the Florida Keys, but it mostly is a South Florida newspaper.

Plane crash! Keys excited. Ambulance chasers were disappointed.

Time out magazine at www.thekeyshookup.com .

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This Campaign 2012 space is open to all candidates.

Marathon Florida Campaign 2012. Photos 11^th Street walk through by City Council Shaffer campaign.

Notice: The Rock Coalition endorsed Larry Shaffer for Marathon City Council this weekend.

I continue walking the streets and visiting family owned and operated businesses. Make your money here; spend it hear. We all benefit. Please tell me your top three concerns. That is the campaign strategy. The schedule will be posted here. Next up is east side of Marathon, Grassy Key.

I have talked to several groups about their concerns. My top issue is listening to Marathon residents and representing that community. My campaign so-called platform is based on what residents tell me.

Win or lose, I fulfill my campaign promises. That is what I did in the 2010 elections. That is the plan for the 2012 campaign.
Political advertisement for and approved by Larry Shaffer for Marathon City Council.

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Elections 2012 web page is http://marathonjournal.us/journal/elections/12election.htm. If you are a candidate for any elective office within Monroe County including all municipalities, you qualify for the Journal in-kind contribution of services and advertising worth $500. Email Campaign2012@MarathonJournal.US. 

* To be clear: anyone may send in an article to ensure equal time and fairness. The Florida Keys Journal in-kind contribution of $500 gives any Monroe County Florida Keys candidate prime ad space and services. Candidates can provide profiles, photos, and text. Email us as soon as possible to get an ad 7-day contiguous. Email is Campaign2012@MarathonJournal.US.

Of course, the candidate must file this as an in-kind contribution with the local election’s office. The address for the Journal is Florida Keys Journal, POB 501833 Marathon, FL 33050-1833.

My opinion often takes a provocative tone. The Journal-Week-in-Review articles take a position that provokes discussion. Sometimes the opinion I write about does not necessarily reflect my own personal view.

When I mention a source or sources, then the likelihood of truth is good. It does not mean that the subject is true in all regards. Remember, it is my opinion regardless of anything else. Sources = truth; I = opinion.

Interviews are conducted like Larry-King-feel-good articles. Unless you see “quotes”, then everything is paraphrased to the best of my ability.

Bilbos BBQ N Steaks serves all things too good to list here. You got to try this place out. The inside is well placed and attractive. The food comes second after customer service you cannot find any place else.

April 25, 2012 - Islamorada - Barbara Edgar: The Matecumbe Historical Trust will host this month’s lecture on Monday, April 30th at 6:30 PM at Island Community Church, MM 83.

A power point presentation will share the life and accomplishments of Irving R Eyster and his lifetime endeavors to save the history of the Florida Keys. He is a great historian, archeologist, explorer, author, professor, mentor, collector of Keys memorabilia and a major contributor to our Florida Keys. He has collected thousands of artifacts, photos and memorabilia from more than a half a century of living in the Keys.

Mr. Eyster, a founder and President of the Matecumbe Historical Trust has founded or been a founding member of more than 30 organizations in the Florida Keys and throughout the state. He is a member of the San Carlos Institute and was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest honor among the Cuban people. He has written more than 500 articles published in magazines and newspapers. He has lectured on history at almost every organization and homeowners association in the keys. He has shared history on radio and TV programs numerous times. He has been awarded and honor from school children to President Bush, had a street named in his honor in 2008, and awarded by the Alliance of aging for his excellence in contributions to the community in 2010.

Join us in honoring and sharing the history that has lead to the Irving R Eyster Historical Museum of the Florida Keys to open in late summer.

Come for a preview as the dreams of this historian, his family, friends and supporters move closer to the reality of the museum which bears his name and the items and exhibits that will be housed in the museum.

The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information call Barbara Edgar at 305-393-0940.

Flip Flop Candy Shoppe takes us back to the childhood days wanting a variety of candy. Especially, candy you cannot find else where in the entire Florida Keys. Easter is coming up. Go to the Candy Shoppe and find out for yourself. Then tell five other persons. I have 20 $5 gift certificates. Now there is a deal you don't get anywhere else.

April 25, 2012 - California - Linda Hall: Understanding Vitamin 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 deficiency plays 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.

Keys Animal Hospital is our friendliness advertiser and heavily committed to community service. There are special adoptions, a great working relationship with our local animal shelter, and, of course, high quality common sense health care for our furry friends.

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[Flip Flop Candy Shoppe]
[Frank's Grill]
[Gemini Printing]
[Heffernan Law Office]
[Kandios Sweets & Treats]
[Kayaks & Bikes]
[Keys Animal Hospital]
[Keys Grafix & Sign]
[Marathon Cleaners]
[My Place Or Yours?]
[Paradise Recycling]
[Prop Tech]
[R. Hendrick Construction]

[Sea Wiz Marine]
[Sun Motors & Go Carts]
[The UPS Store]
[Time Out Magazine]