Marathon Florida Keys Journal
_{City of Marathon, Florida Keys, Paradise}

Volume 13 † Issue 6 † June 2007
[In The Keys] [Kitty Talk] [Internet Stuff] [Poetry Corner]
[Hockey Puck] [Twins of the Dark Star] [The Dull Stuff] [Advertising]

Marathon Florida Keys Journal proudly presents our 13^th 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. Thanks!

In The Keys {for current news, see our Daily News Queue}

[Roxanne] [Wastewater $$$] [Dogs Attach Gator!] [Veteran's Park] [NSW Committee] 
[DJ Express] [Great Smokey] [Pet Food Recall 6th] [Council 8th] [Code Board] [Parks & Rec] 
[Pet Food Recall 11th] [Hurricane Season] [Boat Races] [Doc's Tattooz] [Key Largo] [Lilly] 
[Airport Task Force] [Council 22nd] [Pet Food Recall 23rd] [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.~

April 28, 2007 - Georgia - B. J. Darnell, VMT, CKO: “ Roxanne…the littlest therapist” Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm. I believe the Fort Oglethorpe Nursing Center has been given a heaven-sent gift in the form of a 10# mixed terrier. She has fast become a devoted bundle of love for the residents and visitors of the nursing home.

This pup just showed up on the front lawn this past summer and has been frolicking, dancing and allowing her small body to be hugged and petted while entertaining those who are ambulatory with her antics. She has learned to walk beside the wheelchairs and to stay out of the way of walkers.

Roxanne is now sporting a new collar and tags. She was taken to visit the veterinarian and received a complete physical and was declared healthy and fit. A collection was taken up by the nursing staff to pay for her visit. On the bulletin board inside has appeared a notice welcoming Roxanne as the newest resident of F.O.N.C., complete with photo placed there by the head of administration. Her prime caretaker is James Hunter who is currently working with her on some obedience training from his wheelchair. James is a stroke patient who has been recovering at the nursing home. She has restored in him a sense of purpose, and something for which to be responsible.

There are daily questions to be answered about how Roxanne is doing from patients, staff, and visitors. She has acquired a doghouse and a bed and several new toys in the past few days. Gifts from her many admirers. Evenings finds James and Roxanne touring the halls looking in to see that everyone is settled in and waiting for that goodnight hug or kiss. Roxanne knows which friends are waiting and whether she can just sit and visit or be invited up on the bed.

Roxanne will be spending a few days with one of her nursing buddies next month as she is scheduled for surgery. Can’t have her producing puppies when we have been working on teaching pet owners to be responsible for their pets. Statistics abound in the medical field and in universal studies on the importance of animals in hospital type settings for both children and adults. This is a wonderful comment on the therapeutic value of our four-footed friends. Animals like Roxanne are rays of sunshine in an otherwise dreary day for many senior citizens who are alone in skilled care facilities.

Animals have long been recognized as being a positive force in the healing process. Dogs have a calming and therapeutic effect. They help people cope with the emotional issues related to their illness. They also offer physical contact with another living creature, something that is often missing in an elder’s life. They always invoke pleasant memories of past pets. Best of all, they divert a person’s attention from the pressing problems of the day. For long-term elders, it is not so much the stress of daily problems, but the boredom, loneliness, and lack of control. Everyone benefits from the mere presence of these canine health care providers – the residents, visitors and staff.

Dogs are an antidote to depression – and an easy pill to take. Life in a long-term care facility can be lonely and boring and quite frustrating. When you consider the numbers of citizens in the overall population who are facing retirement, senior living centers and assisted living, having a cuddly a fuzzy cold nosed friend around is just the ticket to daily peace of mind. It can change outlooks on life and sometimes simply fill hearts and touches senses long thought gone.

Many places have weekly or monthly pet visitors. A long series of pups, dogs, cats and kittens even a few rabbits have graced the doors of F.O.N.C. as part of an ongoing pet therapy program in the community. But F.O.N.C. is the only nursing facility I know of to have a resident four-footed therapist on staff. Roxanne was an honored guest on my local cable TV show and was a very good girl and most photogenic. Six people called and wanted to know if she was up for adoption. Shortly thereafter, a phone call came from the nursing home to reiterate to everyone just where she currently resides. The TV in the general room as well as many in the nursing facility were tuned in to UCTV that night to see their beloved Roxanne.

Need to know more on the subject? Here is a list of current articles/books.

• Voelker,R (1995).
“Puppy love can be therapeutic, too.” The Journal of the American
Medical Association, 274 (24), 1897-1900

• Draper, R.J., Gerber, G.J., & Layng, E.M. (1990)
“Defining the role of animals in psychotherapy.”
Psychotherapy Journal Of the University of Ottawa. 15 (3) 169-172

• Therapy Dogs Today: Their Gifts, Our Obligation. By Kris Butler

• The Healing Power of Pets: Harnessing the Ability of Pets to Make and Keep People Happy and Healthy by Marty Becker.

• Handbook on Animal Assisted Therapy: Theoretical Foundations and Guidelines for Practice by Aubrey H. Fine.

• Pet Assisted Therapy: A Loving Intervention and Emerging Profession – Leading to a Friendlier, Healthier, and More Peaceful World by Pearl Salotto.

• Creature Comfort: Animals That Heal by Bernie Graham.

• Therapy Pets: The Animal-Human Healing Partnership by Jacqueline J. Crawford, Karen A. Pomerinke & Donald W. Smith.

Ms B. J. Darnell, VMT, CKO

May 3, 2007 - Marathon - Wastewater Team Staff: City Staff Explain Wastewater Issues:
It starts with the State of Florida mandate that all wastewater treatment systems in Monroe County be upgraded to meet nutrient removal requirements by July of 2010. The mandate applies to all property owners. If the local governments do not provide compliant wastewater treatment, the individual property owners will be required to upgrade their systems. The challenge facing the City of Marathon is to provide wastewater treatment for the residents that cost less per person than upgrading their individual systems would. Any system that is constructed at an average cost in excess of $20,000 per EDU is a disservice to the residents since they could upgrade their systems for about that price. In the end, the residents will pay for upgraded wastewater treatment one way or another. Those local leaders that insist on affordable wastewater treatment are saving each resident money and they will be thanked for years to come.

Much has been said about the type of system the City has chosen to construct. Weiler Engineering, the engineering firm chosen by Council to design our system, prepared and submitted a Facilities Plan to the State Clearing House from which it was distributed for review by FDEP, Fish and Wildlife and other agencies. All agencies found the plan to be logical and well thought out. In that plan, three different options for collection and two primary different options for treatment were examined. The analysis included both initial construction cost and operating cost project over 20 years and reviewed each system’s ability to serve the needs of the community. Weiler Engineering found that for the larger service areas in Marathon, a vacuum collection system had the most advantageous life cycle cost. It was also found that the operation and maintenance cost of five properly sized and located treatment plants compared favorably to a single central treatment plant. When the savings in capital cost of these plants was included, it was found that this approach had a more favorable life cycle cost than a single treatment plant. It is important to note that life cycle cost includes both capital and operating cost, and is not “doing it on the cheap”. As to the vacuum versus gravity question this was thoroughly studied. A properly designed, constructed and operated vacuum system is very cost effective and can have a lower operation and maintenance cost than a gravity system. Vacuum systems have been in use for many years all across the country and have been proven to be a cost effective and reliable means of wastewater collection. In areas with a flat topography and high groundwater table, gravity systems are general constructed with many smaller pump stations. For example, the proposals received for a gravity collection system for Marathon included in excess of 200 pump stations. By comparison, there will be 6 vacuum pump stations needed to serve the bulk of the City with vacuum. The cost for manpower and materials needed to service and maintain over 200 sewage pumping stations would exceed that needed to service and maintain 6 vacuum pump stations.

Another very important consideration is the provision for emergency power. In the approach taken by the City, every vacuum pump station and treatment plant will have a standby generator with automatic transfer whenever power is lost. It would be impractical to have standby generators for every one of the more than 200 gravity pump stations. In emergency situations, portable generators are typically hauled from one pump station to the next in an attempt to keep sewage flowing. The provision of emergency power was a factor considered by Weiler Engineering in the evaluation of alternatives.

The City Council has directed staff to design a reliable, efficient system as economically as possible.

The first bid for service area 4 collection system came in at $2,767,906 under the engineered estimate. The City is diligently working to get the cost per Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) down to less than half of what the individual homeowner will have to pay in the absence of a City wastewater system.

There will be two upcoming Special Call meetings for wastewater discussions. June 5th, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. on EDU designations and July 12, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. regarding rates. Both meetings will be held at the Sheriff’s Hangar.

The wastewater team staff will be available to answer any and all questions at both meetings.

May 3, 2007 - Florida - provided by B. J. Darnell: Dog Pack Attacks Gator In Florida:
At times, nature can be cruel, but there is also a raw beauty and even a certain justice manifested within that cruelty.

The alligator, one of the oldest and ultimate predators, normally considered the "apex predator", can still fall victim to implemented 'team work' strategy, made possible due to the tight knit social structure and "survival of the pack mentality" bred into canines.

See the remarkable photograph below courtesy of Nature Magazine. Note that the Alpha dog has a muzzle hold on the gator preventing it from breathing, while another dog has a hold on the tail to keep it from thrashing. The third dog attacks the soft underbelly of the gator.

This is so disturbing that we cannot list the photo here, you must click this LINK!

Ms B. J. Darnell, VMT, CKO

May 4, 2007 - Little Duck Key - L. E. Shaffer: Monroe County Veteran's Memorial Park is a great place for some fun in the sun and enjoyment in the shallows. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

We stop at this sunshine haven many occasions. The shallow waters reflect the cool sea grass flats. This is a kind of nursery for baitfish and even some junior barracuda. They still don't look one whit cute though. The most amazing thing about this particular area is the bottom is covered with upside down jellies. No one was stung or bothered by their multitude.

The beach is typical keys sand and cap rock. There are bright green trails of sand going out to the end of the sea grass flats. You can wade clear out and back in the warm, clear waters on the ocean side. While the park has always been an oasis in the middle of the Keys, the recent improvements can't be ignored.

Hurricane Wilma blew away most of the cement pavilions. The new ones are made to resemble palm huts. They add a Caribbean flavor to the park. The breezes cool, the sun warms, and the clear waters beckon. This park is so relaxing that I have to go take a nap and dream of the great snorkeling at Veteran's Memorial Park on Little Duck Key. Hey, you know, at the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge that is where the park is located.

May 4, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Marathon Near Shore Waters Advisory Committee met at the Marathon Public Library to consider a busy agenda. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

The committee approved the April minutes. Then Chris Boyle of Smorgasboat, a water taxi company, made a presentation of the last season's results. He gave each committee member a welcome kit contained in a nice bag provided by the Middle Keys Marine Association. Different entities and agencies in town provide the contents. He also reported on the success of the Cruisers Net that meets every morning starting at 9 AM on Channel 68.

Harbormaster Richard Tanner reported on the completion of the entire 226-buoy mooring field. This mooring field is now the largest on the east coast. Renting of the buoys started yesterday. The price schedule is quite reasonable and ensures that the city marina is self-sustaining and not a burden on taxpayers.

Tanner also reported on the new pumpout boat being purchased for $76,077. The old pumpout boat will be overhauled for $51,077. Grant money from FWCC paid for 75%, and Monroe County for 25%. Monroe County Marine Resources Director George Garrett can be thanked for the progress made in this area. Two pumpout boats are needed to service all the boats that will be on the mooring buoys.

Restructuring the pricing structure to give a break to permanent liveaboards and ensure fair parking distribution was discussed.

The situation at Keys Boat Works is under control and being monitored. The issue was wastewater control.

Deputy City Manager C. J. Geotis reported that the RFP for the 33rd Street Boat Ramp goes to council May 22nd.

The committee discussed the provision for emergency services to the mooring field. Geotis is working with emergency responders on the various issues.

Committee member Bennett Orr requested that working waterfront issues be put on the next agenda. The next meeting is scheduled for June 7th at 6:00 PM in the Marathon Public Library Conference Room.

May 5, 2007 - Key Largo - L. E. Shaffer: DJ Express at the local KMART played some funky music, while advertising their unique services. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Outside of K-Mart in Key Largo, DJ Rey spun some wicked beats on Friday. The scene was happening with K-Mart employees outside dancing along with the customers. I had to show some moves with my camera. This white boy can’t dance.

You can get a hold of DJ Rey for party and Karaoke at 786-487-0519. He samples Salsa, Regeton, Hip-Hop, and Ballenato. That is just a start.

May 5, 2007 - Islamorada - L. E. Shaffer: Days Inn Host, the great Smokey, lounges leisurely on the counter. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

After a long negotiation and a lot of flirting, I finally got it. No, not that, I got Smokey’s portrait. To get the photo, I was required to give patronage to the host through a neck rub. Don’t tell anyone, but when you get that special spot under the neck, he kicks like a puppy. I found him lounging on the Conch Colors still trying to get money. When some customers came in, he stood up ready for action like a good little cat gangster would.

May 6, 2007 - Georgia - B. J. Darnell: You knew it was just a matter of time. from Animal Notes.
This is beginning to look like the plot of a Three Stooges Movie. Picture this: a bunch of three-piece suits milling around pointing fingers. The pet food manufacturers and distributors with the FDA smack in the big middle of this mess with China. This is worse than a bad sitcom.

Someone, several someones, have sold pulled back melamine tainted pet food to both the hog and chicken feed manufacturers, and it is now showing up in people food but not to worry we are told it is not enough to harm humans. According to one source, Americans don’t eat that much pork! I guess all that sausage on biscuits and that bacon on most hamburgers comes from cows? Sheep? Nope I think it comes from pigs!

In the infamous words of Alfred E. Newman “what me worry!” Darn right, I am going to worry. No one knows just how this will affect humans. What are the long-term effects? How will it cause damage to our bodies?

Remember our elected officials are home from their labors. Give them a call and tell them just how you feel about what has been going on. Tell them you want them to contact Washington and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

What are they going to do to the pet food manufacturers who sold this food knowing it would enter the human food chain? Just how far are these American business people going to go to secure a substantial bottom line?

Today the following statement was issued by Menu Foods. Personally, I am asking people to just say NO! to any of the brands on the following lists.

Menu Foods has previously recalled wet cat and dog food produced with adulterated wheat gluten supplied by ChemNutra Inc. Menu Foods is now expanding the recall to include cuts and gravy and select other products which do not include ChemNutra wheat gluten but which were manufactured at any of Menu Foods’ plants during the period that ChemNutra wheat gluten was used at that plant, to the extent they have not already been subject to a recall, due to the possibility of cross-contamination. Menu Foods has received a report from a customer and has received study results, both of which indicate cross-contamination.

The recall dates of those products previously recalled have been modified to include all dates during the period that ChemNutra wheat gluten was used in the applicable Menu plant. All of these products, including the expanded dates, have previously been withdrawn from the market and should already be off the retailer shelves.

Cat Food Brands asterisks reflect additional recalls as of 5/2/07
Americas Choice, Preferred Pet Best Choice *
Cats Choice * Companion
Compliments Co-Op Gold
Demoulas/Market Basket Drs Foster & Smith *
Fame Feline Classic
Feline Cuisine Food Lion
Giant Companion Giant Eagle
Hill Country Fare Hy Vee
La Griffe Laura Lynn
Master Choice Meijer's Main Choice
Natural Ultramix Nu Pet
Nutriplan Nutro
Paws Performatrin Ultra *
Pet Pride Presidents Choice
Price Chopper Priority Canada
Priority US Roche Brothers
Roundy's Schnucks
Sophistacat Special Kitty Canada
Springfield Prize Triumph
Wegmans Western Family Canada
White Rose Winn Dixie
Your Pet

DOG FOOD BRANDS asterisks reflect additional recalls as of 5/2/07
Triumph
Authority Award
Best Choice Compliments
Co-Op Gold Hannaford
Health Diet Gourmet Cuisine Hill Country Fare
Hy Vee La Griffe
Master Choice Natural Life
Nu Pet Ol' Roy Canada
Performatrin Ultra* Pet Pride / Good n Meaty
Presidents Choice Priority US
Schnucks Springfield Prize
Stater Brothers Truly
Western Family Canada Western Family US

Ms B. J. Darnell, VMT, CKO

May 8, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: The Marathon City Council met at the Government Center EOC Room, 2798 Overseas Hwy. Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 5:30 PM. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Citizens' comments: Rural Health Network Services Director John Pascucci refuted hearsay about not providing dental and health care for those in the most need. He requested the reinstatement of the $21,000. Mayor Chris Bull wanted to look at the information and make a decision at the May 22nd council meeting.

Fred Endemann Coco Plum Beach spoke on Avenue I wastewater issues.

Mayor Bull presented the Emergency Medical Services Week Proclamation to Marathon’s finest. Those who serve and save lives accepted praise for their selfless work. This proclamation commended the doctors, nurses, EMS technicians, drivers, pilots, and all those who save lives. Mayor Bull designated the week of May 20 – 26th as Emergency Medical Services Week with the theme Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Service. So hug those EMS personnel, when you see one.

Mayor Bull presented the Peace Officers' Memorial Day and National Police Week Proclamation to Sheriff Rick Roth. The Sheriff spoke about everyone who serves and especially the four who lost their lives over the years in service to their community. The City designated May 15th as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day. The week in which May 15th falls is also designated at Peace Officers’ Week. Please honor the law enforcement personnel who keep us safe and sound.

The Mayor presented the Business & Professional Women [BPW] Proclamation to members of that organization. Marjie Mearns is one member among many. She was there with other members to accept the proclamation. The BPW mission and purpose is to achieve equity for all women in every facet of life from pay to education. We are all humans with opportunities, and those opportunities should apply equally to all of us including women.

Students presented the City and community a Certificate of Appreciation from Switlik School for Career Day. 

Councilmen Cinque and Vasil were not yet ready to make their appointment to the Land Acquisition Board. 

When Jeff Pinkus withdrew his application in favor of Bruce Greenop, the council unanimously elected Greenop to the Unsafe Structure Board. 

City Manager Mike Puto's Report:

1.      RFP storm debris removal and management went out.

2.      Quay property issues being resolved; in 30 days or less, the owner will start demolishing the damaged structures.

3.      Monthly Sewer Status Report and Progress Schedule: Susie Thomas, Peter Rosasco, and Ed Castle handled questions. There will be a May 31^st special call meeting to address many different issues related to moving the project forward.

4.      Monthly Legal Report: Actual billed numbers reflected. With LDRs done the legal bill is back to normal.

Ordinance 2007-09 amended the “Impact Fees” article of the code by creating the “Fair Share Affordable Housing Impact Fee” section. Fred Gross requested to continue this ordinance to its own special call meeting. Tranquility Bay current owner Pritham Singh selling to Cay Clubs, but both parties will honor the affordable housing component. Josh Mothner stated that the MKCLT is a private non-profit organization. The Land Trust has been contracted with the city for less than a year. The Land Trust was never contracted to be the city’s affordable housing watchdog. In fact, the Land Trust brought forward the issue of affordable housing deed restrictions not being recorded. Councilman Cinque said that the city needs to take a closer look at the issues. May 16th 5:30 PM special call meeting was scheduled at the Sheriff’s Aviation Hanger second-floor training room.

Ordinance 2007-10 established a uniform speed zone throughout Marathon. Public Works Manager Walter McDowell stated that the city could save money by removing signs. A standardized speed limit helps law enforcement according to Capt. Bob Peryam. State law designated the speed limit as 30 MPH unless posted. Cinque voted no. Passed 4-1, now 25 MPH unless posted.

Ordinance 2007-11 amended Ordinance No. 02-07-09 by requiring the administrative fee amount to be set by resolution. The fee is for non-compliance hearings on violations and hearings. Other procedural items were added.

Ordinance 2007-12 amended the Marathon Water Conservation Code sections by adding requirements to follow the South Florida Water Management District Water Use Restrictions.

Resolution 2007-66 amended the City’s Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Budget to reduce the Legal Budget for Telecommunications to $3,500 and to increase the budget for Code Enforcement and Unsafe Structures to $34,000.

Resolution 2007-67 directed the Planning Department to stop accepting ROGO allocation applications commencing March 14, 2007. The resolution declared that applications under the new Building Permit Allocation System will be available and accepted commencing July 14, 2007.

Consent item, Resolution 2007-69 exempted alcoholic beverages vendors in Marathon from Monroe County’s code requiring warning signs to pregnant women about the dangers of drinking alcoholic beverages to unborn children.

Consent item, Resolution 2007-70 authorized the City Grants Coordinator to apply for and administer a Florida Boating Improvement Program grant on behalf of the City of Marathon. This grant will improve restroom, shower, and laundry facilities at the Boot Key Harbor City Marina.

Consent item, Resolution 2007-68 supports the South Florida Water Management District’s resolution requesting the US Congress fund the Herbert Hoover Dike to bring it into compliance with current levee safety standards.

Consent item, council approved the 4.10.07 and 4.24.07 minutes.

The council selected Mayor Bull to sit on the Infrastructure Workforce Study Steering Committee. This committee is made up of FKEC, Monroe County, FKAA, Keys Energy, Sheriff’s Office, School Districts, both hospitals, and other agencies.

The council will meet on May 31st to discuss wastewater project budget and schedule.

Councilman Vasil brought up the issue of city cleanup. The discussion centered on enforcing the code. A public service announcement to get the word out is good. The council decided to have code remind people too.

Informational Item on the Fire Station Report was not part of the public agenda packet.

Citizens' comments: Fred Endemann concerned about potential delay in building wastewater system due to lack of state funding. Yes, this same Sewer Fred is the self-appointed watchdog on wastewater issues, especially those involving Avenue I people.

Council comments: Cinque: MKCLT, impact fees, need some entity to oversee affordable housing, need land authority. Vasil: Need input on wastewater issues from the public. Tempest: BPW party Friday night. 1st annual dolphin tournament for Middle Keys Habit for Humanity. Bull: wastewater/stormwater largest project.

The council adjourned at 7:50 PM.

May 9, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: The Code Board met at the Sheriff's Aviation Hanger Second-Floor Training Room. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

The board approved the April minutes. Chairman Chris Gratton swore in all the witnesses.

Case number C2007-0041, Alfredo and Yanet Gonzalez are owners of 255 68^th Street Ocean. Code Compliance cited them with cutting and removal of a large native tree without a permit. Inspector Michael Storm reported that Code Compliance withdrew the case, as the owners were now in compliance.

The rest of the hearings were for non-compliance.

Case number C2006-0468, Wende Dupler is the owner of 349 27^th Street. Code Compliance cited her for an expired permit for the installation of a door, two windows, and a wall. Inspector Cynthia McPherson reported that the owner was still in non-compliance. The board fined the owner $100 per day until she comes into compliance.

Case number C2006-0291, Barbara Cook is the owner of 10980 3^rd Avenue Gulf. Code Compliance cited her for a structure placed on the property without a permit. Inspector Michael Storm reported that the owner was still in non-compliance. Due to extenuating circumstances, the board fined the owner $100 per day for 19 days, but forgave the fine. The $250 administrative fee had been paid previously.

Case number C2006-0421, Harold and Sandra Beerbower and John Ballantyne are owners of 1780 109^th Street Gulf. Code Compliance cited them for an illegal downstairs enclosure. Inspector Michael Storm reported that the owners are still in non-compliance. Board member Kevin Woodland recused himself, because he works for the Beerbowers. The board fined the owners $250, but forgave the $5,100 fine. The initial $250 administrative fee had previously been paid.

Case number C2006-0365, Larry Breedlove is the owner of 11850 7^th Street East. Code Compliance cited him for an unpermitted downstairs enclosure. Inspector Michael Storm reported that the owner was still in non-compliance. The board fined the owner $100 per day until he comes into compliance. The $250 administrative fee has not been paid. Board member Kevin Woodland recused himself, as he is working on a project not related to this case but the project is for Larry Breedlove.

Case number C2006-0325, Kelly Bazart is the owner of 11733 2^nd Avenue Ocean. Code Compliance cited him for not completing permitted sewage connection work. Inspector Michael Storm reported that the owner was still in non-compliance. The board fined the owner $100 per day until he comes into compliance and passes the inspections. The $250 administrative fee has not been paid.

Case number C2006-0307, Jorge and Michelle Tojeiro are the owners of 11745 3^rd Avenue Ocean. Code Compliance cited them for not completing permitted sewage connection work. Inspector Michael Storm reported that the owners were still in non-compliance. The board fined the owners $100 per day until they comes into compliance and passes the inspections. The $250 administrative fee has not been paid.

Case number C2006-0099, John Cassidy is the owner of 215 Guava Avenue. Code Compliance cited him for property and home in disrepair, the yard in need of maintenance, and an abandoned vehicle. Inspector Michael Storm reported that the owner was still in non-compliance. The board fined the owner $100 per day until he comes into compliance and passes the inspections. The $250 administrative fee has not been paid.

Inspectors Storm and McPherson provided informal updates on outstanding cases. Chairman Chris Gratton denied a request for continuance for a case being heard next month. City Manager Mike Puto reported on the progress of the Code Board Ordinance update.

Board member Kevin Woodland voiced several concerns. One was enforcement of unlicensed contractors. Building Official Bob Welch agreed. He said that he would work with his department and the city manager on those issues with unlicensed contractors. Another problem was not having the new LDRs to review. City Manager Mike Puto promised to address this in the near future.

The board adjourned at 7:51 PM.

May 10, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Parks and Recreation Committee met at the Public Library. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

The committee approved the April minutes. Vice Chairman Amedeo D’Ascanio introduced new board member Gioia Perkall. She has been in Marathon for 29 years and lives out on Grassy Key.

The committee elected a new chairperson to replace previous Chairman Sympson. They elected Amedeo D’Ascanio chairman and Kay Gradick as vice chairperson.

Parks and Recreation Supervisor Jimmy Schmidt highlighted necessary repairs and improvement slated for Jessie Hobbs pocket park. The park needs new playground equipment, improved basketball court and equipment, and light system repairs. Residents also requested a water fountain. The committee approved the preliminary plans. Schmidt said that grant funding is available.

The committee usually doesn’t meet in the summer, but will continue meeting to address recent issues and to help new committee members get acclimated. The new starting time of 6 PM starts at the June meeting. The committee discussed facilitating roller-skating somewhere. Another topic was starting up an adult soccer league. Then Jimmy Schmidt introduced new employee George Holzhauer.

The committee moved onto old business. They tried to figure out where to put a dog park. They heard a skate park update. Schmidt informed the committee that the old school-city interlocal agreements needs renegotiated.

The next meeting is scheduled for June 14^th at 6 PM at the Marathon Public Library.

May 11, 2007 - Georgia - B. J. Darnell: Who to Believe? From Animal Notes. According to the FDA on May 10 it had more than 18,000 calls, and of those, about half of the 8,000 entered into the system had been reporting a dead pet. FDA officials stressed the reports were unconfirmed, and said a report on the deaths and illnesses of pets would not be available until fall of 2007.  The wheels turn slow in the halls of bureaucracy.

 The effects of the unprecedented recall of 60 million plus containers from over a 100 brands of whatever got into the pet food are going to be felt for months if not years to come.

 Reputations of some companies may take a long time to recover, if ever, from the badly handled recall and the governments unusual restraint in announcing just who did what to whom. I cite the contamination of hog and chicken feed by recalled pet foods sold by the pet food manufacturers in order to save their bottom line.

  The probability for chronic kidney disease in pets who survived may reduce the quality of life for those animals as well as that of their owners who care for them. Add that to  the increased worry and costs their owners will experience makes for a sad picture.

The final count will never be known. The loss of  their pets will never be forgotten by the people who loved them or by the veterinarians who tried to save them.

  The  big question -- what went wrong? – the answer will be a long time in coming. But looming nearly as large is the question of how the recall was handled. And why it could have been handled better in order to protect the pets.

  It is not a great leap to see that there are important issues of human health and consumer protection here. If you couldn't care less about animals it will still affect your life.

  Business prefers to downplay bad news and the nature of our government is to proceed with bureaucratic caution, the pet food recall was a situation that called for widespread and open communication on everyone’s part.

The country's veterinarians who needed to know the most were caught unaware of the recall and were unprepared for treating the desperately sick animals they were besieged with. Veterinarians had no little or no access to the critical information they needed.

  This information gap points out the dire need for the federal government to set up a system to disseminate and collect urgent information on animal health. The nation's veterinarians play a key role in our national security. The health of animals is often an indicator of a human health crisis in the making. Any of you ever hear of bird flu?

  The recall was a disaster. Pet owners had no idea that so many foods from so many brands were manufactured by the same company. This lack of knowledge is greatly unacceptable. We now realize such information is just as necessary to consumers as is any of the nutritional analysis already required to be on a pet food label.

  That label should add the manufacturers, plus complete contact information for both the brand and the original manufacturer. Specification of the country of origin for the food's ingredients is mandatory. The consumer has a right to know these things when making a decision on which food to buy.

  While we can not be guaranteed that such a travesty will not happen again.  The consumers need to be given the tools they need to make informed decisions. The veterinarian community needs to be respected for the health-care professionals they are and be provided with what they need to protect animals and humans alike.

  This is a wake-up call for the nation. We hope the loss of so many beloved pets serves to change the status quo. We deserve better than what we received both for our pets and for ourselves.

Ms B. J. Darnell, VMT, CKO

May 12, 2007 - Islamorada - L. E. Shaffer: Remember that Labor Day hurricane in 1935. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm. We experienced Subtropical Depression Andrea already. The storm had little effect on the Keys. We supposedly are going to have an active season. Let us hope that prediction is wrong. We based a lot of our information on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day_Hurricane_of_1935.

There is a memorial in Islamorada that reminds us of a number of different things. The 1935 Hurricane memorial on Upper Matecumbe Key, Florida, remembers those lost in that storm. The veterans and others working on a new Upper Keys bridge lost their lives when the evacuation train failed to rescue them. The train was derailed due to the storm surge.

The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 is the strongest hurricane on record to have hit the United States. This hurricane ranks third for the lowest central pressure. At least 423 people lost their lives. Ernest Hemingway blamed the government in the aftermath of blame and guilt. The government, of course, said that this was nothing but an unfortunate act of God.

The railroad was never rebuilt, but US1 was well on its way to completion.

At mile marker 82 stands the memorial. Keys limestone was used in its construction. The project was administered by the Works Progress Administration or the WPA many recognize. Four thousand people saw the memorial unveiled in 1937. A stone crypt contains the victims' ashes from the makeshift funeral pyres. The memorial is on the US National Register of Historic Places.

Let us never forget our brothers and sisters from this tragedy and look ahead with fortitude and eternal hope and optimism.

May 19, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Marathon Super Boat International Grand Prix. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm. There are no concerts at the Amphitheatre or motorcycle events this year. May 17th saw the boats move onto the Events Field between 98th and 99th Streets Gulf. May 18th started the official program. Tommy and I picked up our press passes and media kit. May 19th was the trial runs to get familiar with the racecourse. Thank goodness, the sea state was calm. May 19th is the actual boat race. Somehow, this year doesn't seem as exciting as previous events, but we tried to have fun anyway.

The official website for the Marathon boat races is at http://www.superboat.com/events.cfm?action=details&ID=83.  L. E. Shaffer took all the photos, but wasn't able to attend the racing parties. He had to work and had a touch of flu or something. There is always next year thankfully. Maybe the rock concerts and motorcycle events will come back as well.

Spike TV's Bull Car Rally stopped at the dry pits at the Events Field. The Bull Run is an annual car rally. The cars are glamorous and speak "luxury" with every mile. Now coincidentally a passing MTV event stopped at Tranquility Bay's Butterfly Café. Bikini clad girls lined the turnaround.

The Marathon Super Boat Grand Prix features the only race that goes under not only one bridge but two bridges, the old and new Seven-Mile Bridges. The drivers say they like the course. The fans find the racing exciting and a bit dangerous. The dry pits at the Events Field was for hanging out, eating, and inspections. The wet pits for recovery and launching of the boats was located at the old Faro Blanco Resort.

The Hurricane hosted the racers party. The historic bar and grill also specializes in blues bands. The next day saw the races. Fueling was handled at the Florida Keys Co-Op. The awards presentations closed out the event at the dry pits located on the Events Field. You will notice the race results on the website and the other local media outlets.

May 19, 2007 - Marathon - Larry Shaffer: Doc's Tattooz and Ranee's Body Piercing moved. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm. This happening place has relocated to a nice pink building right across from Office Depot. Their new address is 10935 Overseas Highway Gulf. The mistress of pain is still in charge of all the great tattoo and body art. She also handles piercings from the traditional ears to genital specializations. Artwork lines the walls.

Many interesting people meet and greet at this friendly place. The shop is clean and passes all the inspections. Doc's Tattooz and Ranee's Body Piercing is one of our great advertisers. Please patronize.

Doc's Tattooz and
Ranee's Body Piercing
10935 Overseas Hwy Marathon FL 33050
1-305-289-4651 USA mistres_pain@hotmail.com
In loving memory of D. W. Taylor

May 19, 2007 - Key Largo - Larry Shaffer: The Key Largo Visitor's Center and Chamber of Commerce Offices are quite unique and offer tons of help and assistance. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm. The Legendary Key Largo Chamber of Commerce is the lead line on their business cards. Jackie Harder is the President. The neat and trim facility is located at 106000 Overseas Highway Gulf in Key Largo, of course. Their telephone number is 305-451-1414; fax, 305-451-4726; toll-free, 800-822-1088. Their website is at http://www.keylargchamber.org. Their email addresses are listed on the site.

The visitor's center gets over 75,000 visitors annually. Inside there are a multitude of interesting attractions. The gourmet coffee bar is brand new. The 1700s-era British cannon on display was salvaged near Carysfort Reef. The cannon is on loan from the Marine Sanctuary. The inside features all the normal stuff like brochures, maps, booklets, coupons, etc. for visitors and locals alike. The splendid building is only 10 years old and is a delight to visit just by itself.

May 21, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Marathon Computers official hostess Lilly is pretty, sassy, and quite the professional. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Marathon Computers has great service, but the best part of the store is the hostess. When you walk in, Lilly gets up from whatever she is doing and greets you with a curl of the tail and purr in her throat. Most often she is catnapping on her bed by the front window.

There is another cat in charge of the back of the store, but the two cats stay in their sections. Apparently, there is a lot of serious tension between the two cats. So it is best that Lilly remains in charge of the front, and the "other" cat remains in the back. Of course, this is all according to Lilly. She is quite the talker after a good rubdown by customers. Visit Lilly soon.

May 22, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: The Florida Keys [Marathon] Airport Task Force meeting was held at the Sheriff's Aviation Hangar second-floor training room. Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Monroe County’s talented Peter Horton opened the meeting with a cordial welcome and introductions. There wasn’t any news on the Screening Partnership Program. Around August or September there should be some update on contracted screeners for the Key West and Marathon airports. Horton explained that the clearway/stopway issue wasn’t turned down. Now the issue of phantom obstructions needs addressed. This will need a survey to certify that the phantom obstructions don’t exist. The study will cost $40,000 and six months.

Contractor Mike Mooney provided Delta figures and statistics. So far, the subsidy to keep Delta profitable will last about 3.8 months at the current rate. The task force agreed to eliminate summer-slow Tuesdays and Wednesdays to reduce the subsidy required. Mooney also explained that other airlines are interested in starting up service at the end of summer. Gulfstream/Continental should startup in November.

Peter Horton explained that Delta dropped price fares to be comparable to Key West rates. The ticket price can still vary from day to day depending on how loaded the plane is. The next meeting is scheduled for July 25 at 1:30 PM at the Sheriff’s Aviation Hangar second-floor training room.

May 22, 2007 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: The City Council met at the Government Center EOC Room.  Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

State House Representative Ron Saunders spoke before he had to go to a FIRM meeting. He spoke on tax reform.

Citizens' comments: Scott Janke is against storing hurricane debris on the Events Field. John Whalton wants the Yacht Club to sign the lease and pay their taxes. Tanya Piedre parking on 1509 Harbor Drive is problematic near the public boat ramp on Aviation Boulevard. Danny Piedre spoke on the parking problem as well.

Myra Wittenberg made a report on the Marathon to Key West Bus Service. She stated that the service is working well and within budget. Grants help make this service a success. She believes the service is worthy of continued support.

The council appointed the seven members of the Landscaping Beautification Board by majority vote on each appointee. Judy Boyles, Peter Chapman, Arlene Conklin, Linnea Cunnigham, Franco D’Ascanio, Ganine Derleth, Glenn Faast, Lisa Gordan, Claude Halioua, Jerrilee Michalak, Amy Rosasco, and Kevin Woodland applied for the board. Other agencies named representatives. The City Clerk has the list of appointees.

City Manager Mike Puto's Report:

• Request for approval of 27th Annual 7-Mile Bridge Run

• Statewide burn ban

• Rural Health Network grant

• Bus stop black top down

• 104^th Street RFP might be filled by county’s RFQ

Discussion Items:

1.      Trailer / City Hall Rent Discussion – Pete Worthington is worried about the risk of moving to trailers on the Events Field. Mike Cinque stated that the decision was made and intimated that this issue is done and direction given.

2.      Stay a City or not? A discussion of the dissolution initiative – Marilyn Tempest reviewed the reason to be a city; more friendly, taxes collected here spent here, keep vacation rentals, fairer ROGO system, harbor management. The literature to dissolve the city is an outgrowth of the city getting what it wanted. Cut back on spending, better job contracts and development agreement, enforce codes, enhance customer service, Tempest suggested fixed the roads. Can the county do better for us than we can do for us? County willing – no; city should stay a city. John Bartus agreed with Vice Mayor Tempest. He stated that issues need to be addressed as a city and a community united as one. Joanie Nelson wants to dissolve the city and put it on a referendum vote. John Whalton thinks going back is a mistake. Worthington believes that statements from the anti-incorporation group are not factual. “We are a whole lot better off as a city.” Mike Cinque feels insulted by the misstatements. Chris Bull said, “Throwing grenades and hiding behind the bunkers is not the way to go.”

3.      Karen Farley Wilkinson proposed solutions to the affordable housing crisis. She was an original incorporator. The city would loan 20% down payment on housing. The loan would not be forgiven. Realtors would contribute 10% of their commission to down payment. Max loan amount would $100,000. She thought that the city had to stop spot zoning by deed restrictions. The loan would be paid back when they sell. City’s Housing Task Force meeting is June 12^th vice 7^th. Karen means well, but her experience is selling houses not affordable housing. She thinks workforce families can afford $500,000 mortgages. To save workforce families you need to cater financing in the $250,000 range at the upper income limits based on HUD guidelines.

4.      Mayor Chris Bull gave the Airport Task Force meeting report.

Ordinance 2007-10 established a uniform speed zone throughout Marathon. Joanie Nelson asked some questions to better understand the ordinance.

Ordinance 2007-11 amended Ordinance No. 02-07-09 by requiring the council to set the administrative fee by council resolution. The ordinance authorized the fee for Code Board hearing. The ordinance addressed other procedural matters as well.

Ordinance 2007-12 amended Marathon water conservation code by adding requirements to follow water use restrictions adopted by the South Florida Water Management District during shortages or emergency. The ordinance also created a section establishing enforcement provisions.

Worthington moved to reconsider both 44 and 45; Vasil second. This would send this back to be reheard. Resolution 2007-44 approved modifying the existing Key Colony Bay Development LLC development agreement for the redevelopment of property at 13351 Overseas Highway.

Resolution 2007-45 amended the Key Colony Bay Resort major conditional use permit for the redevelopment of an 80-unit resort. The location of the resort is 13351 Overseas Highway.

Staffed pulled this resolution. Resolution 2007-72 approved a professional services agreement with E & F Contractors for demolition of unsafe structures, the repair of dilapidated and unsafe structures, and general repairs for city owned or leased properties.

Consent item, Resolution 2007-73 approved a professional services agreement with Appraisers of the Keys for professional residential and commercial real estate appraisal services.

Consent item, Resolution 2007-74 authorized the city to accept a Gonzales Landscaping proposal for bus stop landscape beautification for $14,010.                  

Resolution 2007-75 set the administrative fee for Code Board Hearings on violations and hearings on noncompliance at $300.00.

Informational Items: (No Action Required)

• Temporary Trailer Invitation to Bid (under separate cover)

• Biltmore Change Order Vasil asked if cost 50k and Tempest thought get 50k back. Susie Thomas said that it was a wash.

• Landscaping Request for Proposals (under separate cover)

Citizens' comments: Bill Wilkinson questioned some costs on biologist letter for use of a lot. He thinks those costs should be revisited. Joanie Nelson doesn’t want outside studies. The affordable housing study is still useful in case of legal challenges.

Council comments: Vasil – take a look at what affordable should be like. Bull – implored everyone to be prepared for hurricane season.

Adjournment: 2020.

May 23, 2007 - Georgia - B. J. Darnell: We are now shooting the messengers of truth. From Animal Notes. In April, South Africa warned pet owners over the dumping of melamine contaminated pet food because it might cause environmental damage or poison animals and people. The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) urged pet owners to return all possibly contaminated food to their vets so that RC could incinerate it. Because dumping it in the trash bin could expose the environment to the toxin, which could lead to human and or animal exposure.

He said Sava had asked the Pet Food Institute (PFI) to require its members, who may have used the contaminated corn gluten, or other suspect contaminated material, regardless of the presumed level of melamine, to immediately recall the products. These should only be made available for sale once the presence of melamine had been eliminated by independent testing. Sava will make the manufacturer or brand known to its members, so they can advise the public on food that may not be safe if the manufacturers do not comply. Sava has now declared melamine an officially recognized toxin, capable of inducing serious clinical disease, and would insist that all pet food be tested.

For a country that many believe takes a back seat to American technology they certainly are ahead of us on this subject. Have you heard or read that we are to take these precautions with "tainted pet foods"? Did our "watchdogs" drop the ball again. Oh! Yes, it appeared in hog, poultry, fish feed within weeks of the recalls. You might ask where the minds of the FDA & USDA were during this mind numbing debacle. Up the proverbial rectums of the powers that be. This should have proved to the American voters that something is very wrong in Washington. We are going to have to hold someone’s feet to the fire in order for our world as we once knew it to continue.

As of this date, the FDA has not stated whether or not the wheat is GMO [genetically modified]. Legal counsel for ChemNutra, the company that imported the wheat gluten stated that the wheat gluten “was not supposed to be [genetically modified] but that ChemNutra did not specify non-GMO on its order” so in fact it may well have received a genetically engineered product. Thus far, GMO wheat has been frowned upon for human consumption in North America, but the FDA does not regulate its presence in pet food or animal feed. Furthermore, as with human products, genetically engineered foods do not have to declare their “altered” status on North American labels.

Does the government think the American people are stupid? They expect us to believe their explanations and propaganda? They have known the truth from the start, and have taken their time to cover the backsides of those concerned! The truth is out there - and we deserve to know the details! Is it a surprise that most people tend to be very suspicious of our government?

The FDA doesn’t have enough of an incentive to fix this. Pressure the government, pressure the FDA, and most importantly, vote with your wallets, because that’s the language that all of the players in the U.S. and China understand. One thing I wondered -why aren’t the “Brands” suing the plants that added contaminated product under Strict Liability or Product Liability? Do they have some kind of indemnity clause in their contracts with each other?

Product Liability: Under this doctrine, liability is imposed upon the manufacturer or seller of goods for harm caused by a defect in the goods, regardless of whether the defect resulted from negligence on the part of the seller or manufacturer.

Strict Liability: This doctrine holds that a person injured by the activity of someone else may recover damages without having to prove any intentional act or negligence, if the activity that led to the harm was extra hazardous. Remember folks, it is the American way to allow our wallets to do the talking. Both at the pet food counter and in contributions to political candidates. It is getting very important that we think long and strong on the people we send to represent us. They need to represent us not the party. After all that is our right! Maybe our money should say in God We Trust all others need much further scrutiny. Oops! Politically incorrect statement. Sorry, I keep thinking of all the murdered pets in America.

Ms B. J. Darnell, VMT, CKO

May 24, 2007 - Big Pine Key - L. E. Shaffer: Boondocks Grille and Draft House along with the Miniature Golf facility beckons from US1. L. E. Shaffer provided some of the photos.  Photos are at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/index.htm.

Every time we go to pick up our load of Conch Colors, we passed Boondocks. The place just looks like fun. The thatched restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining is more than inviting. Our curiosity peaked every time we went by the place. They also have a putt-putt golf course. Now that is fun.

Since we now deliver Conch Colors from mile-marker 26 all the way up to Key Largo way, we decided to deliver some Conch Colors to Boondocks and enjoy the lunch. We entered the tropical atmosphere and seated ourselves. A very nice waitress brought the cold drinks and took our order. We took a bunch of photographs. There seemed to be a lot going on.

I got the cheeseburger, while my partner got the BBQ pulled pork sandwich. The fries were the big-cut ones that you don't see too often. After finishing up, we said goodbye to the kitchen staff and vowed to come back often.

What's Happening! June and the hurricane season are here. Have your plan and supplies in place. Don't forget your pets. They depend on you. Let us hope and pray that hurricane season will be another bust.

Miscellany: What do you need to save workforce families and keep them in the Keys? You need money, land, and cooperation. The Middle Keys Community Land Trust have saved 31 workforce families so far. 21 workforce families will soon have homes in Islamorada and Marathon. The Land Trust has a lot of talent on its board and staff. The money and the land are the easier components to obtain. There are a number of city, county, and state agencies that assist the Land Trust in these endeavors. The last component cannot be underestimated. Cooperation is essential for saving the workforce. Scapegoating is not conducive to that cooperation. Doing the impossible is certainly not easy and doesn't happen as quickly as all of us would like, but NIMBYism and scapegoating are counterproductive and simply uncalled for. Let us all cooperate to save our valuable workforce. Someday, it might be your job on the line due to the high cost of renting or owning a home in the Florida Keys.

Finally: Did you know that Ohio's state bird is the Cardinal? The flower is the Red Carnation. The tree is the Ohio Buckeye. The capital is Columbus. Statehood was granted March 1, 1803. 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. 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...

Kitty Talk
These journals are dedicated to Kitty GreyCat's spirit. She is at RainBow Bridge now 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. Now, really, 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, & the like will end up in the litter box! >^..^<

Ebony: We have a wonderful month to meow about. I have discovered another hunter ground over that wall outside of our apartment. There be lizards and all sorts of moving things in the high weeds. Human beans don't like me on that wall, but I nose what cats gotta do and that is hunt. >^..^<
Abby: Eb, you maybe gonna hang yourself. Then what I do to have a close friend to paw slap and groom and all that cats stuff. And that Ebony been mean to me. I am the one that meows and meows and meows, until the human beans give us yummie nummies. You have no thankful meows. >^..^<
Ebony: I am not interested in nummies, unless they are in the bowl. I don't beg like a deranged doggie. I think that I have said that before, but you are loopy. Any cat that plays inside plastic grocery bags have to be more than loopy. >^..^<
Abby: Me playing with human beans running inside and outside of them plastic grocery bags is not the point. Fun is just fun. You are just a year older than me and you think you are the bestest cat in the world. I tell you that you are not even close. >^..^<
Ebony: Ab, you are one evil white cat. I not nose why I even like you. We really should be meowing about last month's exciting cat adventures we have been having every day of that last month. You are one exasperating cat. No one reading our kitty talks is gonna believe how awful you are. >^..^<
Abby: Human beans always love me. You is a black cat and I bet you are friends with witches and wizards. You be the evil cat. As far as last month, I have all kinds of adventures. I caught a bug that I played with all night. Now you tell me an adventure that is better than that. >^..^<
Ebony: Abby, being a black cat, I have great adventures. Everyone loves me. I growled at that Sophie dog that came over for a visit. All you do is look at the dog like a playmate. You are an embarrassment to catkind. >^..^<
Abby: Ebony, this is really the last meow. We are supposed to be educating peoples about cats and all that meow stuff, but all you can do is talk about dogs and cats like it is a television story. You need to take a long catnap and get a hold of your furry self, sister. >^..^<
Ebony: What are you meowing about now? I don't believe you, Ab. You are nice to have around sometimes, but most times you are an aggravation that is intolerable. >^..^<
Abby: You're intolerable. At least our old human bean calm down enough a couple times that I could curl up in his lap and dream away all your nastiness. >^..^<
Ebony: Well, human bean let me sleep beside him. You only sleep at his stinky feet. >^..^<
Abby: Ebony, I have you nose that human bean's feet are not stinky but warm and inviting. What be stinky is your cat breath. Sigh. Sorry, all use folks out there, but we forgot all the things we supposed to meow about again this month. So sorry. >^..^<

1. Subscribe to our calendar, go to webcals://calendars.office.microsoft.com/pubcalstorage/tn7rzq5z82741/L._E._Shaffer_Calendar.ics.

2. www.canadavet.com is where we get pet supplies for our precious cats, who most certainly are in charge hereabouts.

3. www.ebay.com is a scary place, but if you shop carefully can replace a cell phone way cheaper than your provider.

4. www.paypal.com provides a secure way to pay for things online.

5. www.keylargochamber.org is all about the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Center.

Poetry Corner
"Darkness"
June 3, 2007

Darkness falls quietly
Clouds building higher
Winds stirring silently
A grayness blackens

Black upon black
A gust of cold air
Sounds creeping
Beyond a starless sky

The air fills with
Moisture and the
Rains come driving
Hard and angry

The windows
Talk and the roof
Groans as the
Door moves alone

There at the door
Pools cold dark
Water building
Ever so slowly

Inching higher
Growing more
Angry filled
With bones

Bleached white
Mindlessly filling
The home and
Darkness sublime

© 2007 L. E. Shaffer

Hockey Puck
NHL: The Ducks beat the Sens 3 – 2 in the first game of the Stanley Cup Finals.

PGA: Tiger Woods won the Wachovia Championship.

NASCAR NEXTEL: In the Richmond NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race, Jeff Gordon finished 4^th to end up still 1^st in points. Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 13^th to move up to 12^th in points. At Darlington, Jeff won the race and increase his points lead. Dale Jr. placed 8^th and is 12^th in points. The Charlotte NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race saw Jeff finish 41^st and stay 1^st in points, while Dale Jr. finished 8^th and is 13^th in points. Bill Elliot finished 38^th. 

NBA: The Miami Heat are thinking of the changes needed to get back to the finals.

NFL: Indy Colts are still the chumps, oops, champs, but football will be gearing up again soon.

MLB: Florida Marlins are struggling, but have kept their record close to 500 ball.

WTA: Venus Williams advanced to the second round of the French Open, but later was felled by a better for. Serena Williams advanced to the French Open’s third round, even though she didn’t think that she played that well.

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 in the outlining phase and will most likely take a while as the complexity of the Ao series increases. 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
Shaffer Internet Publishing Company
Merchant Occupational License #48210-0076151
PO Box 501833
Marathon FL 33050-1833
(305) 743-9648 voice/fax
(305) 289-4180
(305) 289-4167

Internet URLs: www.RunesofAo.com
www.RunesofAo.com/roa/
www.RunesofAo.com/aobp/
www.RunesofAo.com/ebony/
www.RunesofAo.com/abby/
www.RunesofAo.com/LarryShaffer/

Publication date: May 28, 2007
Author: L. E. Shaffer
Company: Shaffer Novels/Poetry Company &
Shaffer Internet Publishing Company
© 1995 - 2009, 2010 L. E. SHAFFER
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WORLDWIDE
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FIRST PRINTING; ELECTRONIC & PRINT MEDIA

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