November 25th, 2008 – Marathon – L. E. Shaffer: Marathon City Council held its regular meeting at Marathon Government Center EOC Room. Photos are located at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/.

The council approved the agenda. The consent agenda is marked by an asterisk [*]. All such items are approved as routine items requiring no public input.

City Council Items:
*Council approved the minutes.

Council approved the Buttonwood Enterprise’s request for a residential building permit extension for project at Lot #10 80^th Street Ocean.

Councilman Pete Worthington led the discussion of council meeting times. Really now, is this the most important item the city has to face? Is this going to be like the city hall location? Will it be 5:30 or 6:00 PM? Vasil, Ramsay, Snead, and Cinque want to hear more input from the residents. The time remains as is, unless resident input requires this to be discussed.

Former Mayor John Bartus announced Save Grace Jones benefit and the End of Hurricane Season Party.

Council approved alcohol sell for Marathon Rotary End of Hurricane Season Party at Community Park.

Special Orders, Awards and Presentations:
City Manager Clyde Burnett addressed several routine and minor items. He reported on an emergency purchase to start off. The charges are tipping charges for debris cleanup from hurricanes this season.

Community Services Director Susie Thomas and staffer Ann Hogan presented the wastewater update.

Burnett presented the vehicle use report requested the last city council meeting. This one has history on its side. Early in the city’s history a wise decision was made to save for vehicle replacements. That way the money would be there when needed. This is one of those pay now or pay more later. This involves long-term planning that is questioned from time to time by short-term-thinking councilpersons. It is the vicious cycle of experience and inexperience. How I hope that the newbies get some salt under their fingernails. It can’t happen too soon for me. You have to build on each council’s work not backtrack and do it all over again. Lord, give me patience. In any case, City Manager Clyde Burnett is extending the vehicle replacement term from five years to seven year giving next two budget cycles some relief.

Burnett announced the December 5^th Boot Key tour concerning the possible purchase of the island using state funds/grants.

City Attorney Jimmy Morales presented the monthly legal report. Morales reported on the conversation with the Switliks. They thanked the city for advanced notice and trust the city in its stewards of Sombrero Beach. The city can now grant exceptions to the no commercial business on the beach area.

Citizens' comments: Michael Welber spoke about the city’s green team of which he is the chair. He pointed out that the city recently rejected the hybrid vehicles in favor of two used Sheriff’s Crown Victoria. Karen Farley Wilkinson spoke in favor of Welber’s assessment outlined above.

Ordinances for Second Public Hearing and Enactment:
Ordinance 2008-25 created City Code Section 32-33 prohibiting parking in designated fire lanes.

Ordinance 2008-27 amended Chapter 36, Waterways. This amendment provided for wet storage definition, modified anchoring area definition, prohibition of wet storage within city owned or leased submerged lands used as an anchorage field, and prohibition of liveaboard rental within city owned or leased submerged lands used as an anchorage field.

Ordinance 2008-29 amended City Code Chapter 16 Sections 107.05 and 107.08 allowing for the transfer of a BPAS allocation to another property owned by the same owner. Planning Director George Garrett gave the staff report. Morgan Hill spoke in favor offering some clarification of terms. Vasil voted no.

Ordinances for First Public Hearing:
Continued to next meeting, because Table 6-1 was not attached. Ordinance 2008-31 repealed Ordinance 2007-034. The new ordinance amended City’s Comprehensive Plan Table 6-1 adjusting the details of the Capital Infrastructure Program.

See Marathon Florida Keys Journal article for details on the following two very bad ordinances. Ordinance 2008-32 amended the Land Development Regulation Chapter 101 regarding the appointment of Planning Commission members. Mayor Mike Cinque modified both ordinances today to allow for the members of both the Planning Commission and the Code Board to serve out their current terms. City Attorney Jimmy Morales explained the law concerning dual membership on the Planning Commission and the Code Board. You can’t do that. Mayor Mike Cinque explained his reasoning for both ordinances. Former Mayor John Bartus spoke against the article based on his six years on the previous city councils. Karen Farley Wilkinson spoke in favor. Ordinance dies for lack of second.

Ordinance 2008-33 amended City Code Section 10-5 establishing the procedure to appoint Code Compliance Board members by city council and setting the term of service for each member. Mayor Mike Cinque spoke in favor of his ordinance. Ordinance dies for lack of second.

Resolutions for Adoption:
Resolution 2008-173 authorized various equipment and vehicles for city use acquisition for $185,106.20. City Manager Clyde Burnett explained that the beautification effort envisioned by city council needs equipment and workers. He further explained that costs now enhance long-term dollars favorably. He recommended that beautification efforts conducted in house and not contracted out is a better long-term choice. Finance Director Peter Rosasco confirmed that long-term savings that will accrue in about a year or year and a half, about $50,000. Joel Walker spoke as an expert on the subject. Snead no, Vasil no. 3 – 2 motion carried.

Resolution 2008-175 approved South Florida Water Management District Grant Agreement Contract #4600001591 for service area 5 and 6 stormwater projects for $1,400,000. This one was moved up to allow the state official to give a presentation.

Resolution 2008-176 supported the South Florida Water Management District’s proposed amendments to mandatory year-round landscape irrigation conservation measures. This one was also moved up to allow the state official to give a presentation.

*Resolution 2008-177 authorized eSilo, LLC for offsite data storage in an annual amount of $9,600.

* Resolution 2008-178 approved Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Bureau of Water Facilities Funding Amendment #3– Florida Water Pollution Control, Financing Corporation Loan WW63702P for additional financing of $2,562,000.

Councilman Vasil requested continuance. Resolution 2008-179 created an Economic Development Board. This is Councilman Ramsay’s idea. The only thing that I can say is why is the city duplication efforts by the Marathon Chamber of Commerce?

*Resolution 2008-180 approved Sweetwater Corporation for wastewater haul out services and disposal for $115,260.

Resolution 2008-181 amended the City’s Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Budget. This is the third amendment to the budget. This amendment funds the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report completion.

Council Comments: Happy Thanksgiving. Councilman Dick Ramsay reported on the status of Marathon Airport. Vice Mayor Don Vasil promoted a city event, something about dancing with the stars. See our notices section for more details. Mayor Mike Cinque thanked the council for being anti-gang.

December 1, 2008 - Marathon - Max Sears: Boot Key Bridge Sunset Cut.

On the last sunset in November 2008 looking west over Boot Key Bridge, it appeared that the sky had been cut in a perfectly straight line. Click the thumbnail at right to see full photo. >>>>

Max Sears

December 5, 2008 - Marathon - Jeri Sears: Near Shore Waters Committee [NSWC] Unofficial Meeting Notes. The following are from my notes taken at the Dec. 4Th NSWC meeting.  I make no promises as to the correctness of the content.  

1.  Inspection of Pump Out procedures - moved to Jan. 8, 2009.  Willy Guerra was not able to attend.

2. Working Waterfronts - after much discussion it was decided that George Garrett - City of Marathon Planning Director - will send each of the members sections of the Comp. Plan that refer to land acquisition and Working Waterfronts.  Rich Jones will present a PPT on WW at the Jan. meeting.  The committee will each bring an idea from the Comp. Plan as to what they feel is needed to assist the WW.

3.  City's Plan for the Marina - the NSWC will be drafting a response to the planned 20 slip addition to the marina.  After the response is reviewed and accepted by the committee it will be sent to the Marathon City Council.

4.  Anchorage West of Boot Key Bridge - at this time one vessel has been identified as a possible abandoned derelict.  A request will be made to FWC to inspect and remove the vessel.

5.  Wet Storage Ordinance - the Wet Storage Ordinance will be enforced the beginning of next week.  A report on the status of the wet storage boats located on the state leased submerged lands and the City submerged lands will be presented at the Jan. 9Th meeting.

6.  Water Quality Report - CJ will send NSWC the latest report for review as to what should be placed on the city web page.

7. The Updates ( This information is taken from The Updates Lists for the Dec. 4Th Meeting):

     A.  Additional dingy docks - The paperwork to modify the submerged bay bottom lease is still waiting for approval in Tallahassee.

     B.  Marina Bath House - building is almost done.  The connection to the waste water should be started soon.

     C.  Boat Ramps 33rd St. and Knight's Key - 33rd street has permits and construction should start soon.  No talks with Knight's Key at this time.

     D.  Marker in Boot Key - the 10 markers have been installed.   

8.  The next meeting of NSWC will be held on the second Thursday of Jan. because of New Years.  If available the meeting will take place at the Firehouse at 6:00 on Jan. 8, 2009.

Sincerely,

Jeri Sears

Chairperson of Near Shore Waters Committee

December 9th, 2008 – Marathon – L. E. Shaffer: Marathon City Council held its regular meeting at Marathon Government Center EOC Room. Photos are located at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/.

The council approved the agenda. The consent agenda is marked by an asterisk [*]. All such items are approved as routine items requiring no public input.

City Council Items:

*Council approved the minutes.

Mayor Cinque recognized city employees Jamie Faircloth and Jodie Devitt for five years of quality service.

Councilmembers Snead and Ramsay reported their respective board appointments for Parks & Recreation, Near Shore Waters, and Land Acquisition Committees.

Vice-Mayor Vasil reopened discussion on an Economic Task Force. The Marathon Chamber of Commerce made a case that such an entity should fall under their purview. A number of residents agreed that there is a need and that the Chamber should do it. Council tended to agree as well provided that the council is kept informed.

Council approved a $1,000 grant to Literacy Volunteers of America. This is part of the money that is allocated each year for a number of non-profits. Marie Casanova made a presentation for her organization.

Council waived the Sombrero Beach fee to the Love KAIR Fundraiser.

Council granted another extension request regarding Permit P2003-1275 for Gene Culmer’s Five C’s Fuel Dock, Inc., to start construction on lot 14, Ocean East, Marathon.

Council reappointed Councilman Worthington to the Marine Sanctuary Council.

Councilman Pete Worthington talked about adding more fire hydrants to use the remaining money allocated.

Special Orders, Awards and Presentations:

City Manager Clyde Burnett addressed several routine and minor items. He reported on an emergency purchase to start off.

Federal Lobbyist Rick Marks gave a status report to the council.

Community Services Director Susie Thomas gave a wastewater update in the agenda packet. Councilman Ramsay talked up his lateral summit to determine ways to reduce costs of sewer hookups.

City Manager Clyde Burnett gave the Boot Key update. There was a tour for a number of notables to help purchase the island.

He also provided the marina-20-slip expansion update.

Burnett announced that the end of hurricane season party planned for November 30^th moved to December 14^th at 2 PM located at the Community Park.

Citizens' comments: Dave Scholper spoke on meeting times and other similar items. Joan Nelson requested the lobbyist think of the “little people”.

Ordinances for First Public Hearing:

Ordinance 2008-31 repealed Ordinance 2007-034. The new ordinance amended City’s Comprehensive Plan Table 6-1 adjusting the details of the Capital Infrastructure Program. Funding is in place for all the items listed.
 

Resolutions Requiring Public Hearing:

Resolution 2008-182 approved the assessment money for the start of Avenue K road project. Joan Nelson spoke on Coco Plum issues.

Resolution 2008-183 specified the collection method for non-ad valorem special assessments levied within the city. The uniform method was specified.

Resolutions for Adoption:

*Resolution 2008-184 approved the Government Services Group, Inc. (GSG) And Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A. (NG&N) agreement for development and implementation of a city-wide non-ad valorem assessment program regarding wastewater improvements for areas 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 and maintenance of Areas 4, 6, and Little Venice for $74,000. This does not include the costs first class mailing and travel.

*Resolution 2008-185 approved the Economic Development Initiative Special Project #B-08-SP-FL-0124 for marina dinghy dockage expansion.

Resolution 2008-186 authorized the Beachcomber, LLC agreement for beach cleaning services for $60,000.

Resolution 2008-187 ratified Mayor Cinque’s request that the FDOT move existing Section 117 Federal Earmark Funds to FY2010 considering the demolition of Book Key Bridge. The council intends to come up with matching funds of $400,000.

Citizens’ Comments: Joan Nelson spoke yet again in a drunken stupor about I don’t know what.

Council Comments: Vice Mayor Vasil spoke about the last year and how hard it was. Councilman Ramsay said, “Merry Christmas, everyone.” Councilman Worthington wished everyone a happy holiday season. Councilwoman Snead expressed similar sentiments. Mayor Cinque closed out with his holiday message of encouragement.

December 15, 2008 - Marathon - Provided by Pete Worthington: Marathon Wild Bird Center's Monthly Newsletter. Welcome to Marathon Wild Bird Center’s online newsletter!

“Buddy” makes first public appearance
This past summer, a well-meaning good Samaritan found Buddy, a female Antillean Nighthawk. The “rescuer” had thought that the baby bird was an orphan. Nighthawks lay an egg or two on the ground where they incubate them, often on the side of roads. After they hatch, the baby’s camouflaged feathers hide it from danger. Sometimes, though, a human may find a baby bird waiting for its parent to return with food and think it is an orphan. In Buddy’s case, the rescuer took it upon herself to raise the baby. Because the rescuer did not properly raise or release the bird, the wee one now associates food with humans. Left to nature, a baby nighthawk is on its own in the world as soon as it learns to fly. A nocturnal hunter, nighthawks catch bugs by instinct--especially mosquitoes--while flying. Buddy, now imprinted by humans, is the latest non-releasable bird to join our collection of educational ambassadors. Buddy made her debut at the Hawk’s Cay Resort on Thanksgiving weekend with volunteers Karyn Buckley and Shannon Aument.

3rd Annual Non-Event features a barn swallow
The invitations to our 3rd Annual Non-Event went out in the mail this week! This “non-event” is our major fundraiser for the year! A unique idea--volunteers handcraft 200 invitations that we send via snail mail to our supporters for an event that they “pay not to attend.” As the invitation explains, a person can stay cozy at home and still support a worthy organization--the Marathon Wild Bird Center--by sending a contribution with their “RSVP.” This year’s glittery illustration, drawn by executive director Kelly Grinter, features a barn swallow we nicknamed Barnie during his stay with us. Many thanks to volunteers Karyn Buckley, Cathy Close, and DD Holland for their help in assembling and mailing the invitations! If you did not receive an invitation and would like one (it includes a recap of our 2008 activities), give us a call at 305.743.8382 and we’ll put one in the mail to you.

Gift the gift of hope!
This year, surprise a fellow bird lover with a special gift! On our web site you will find donation and email buttons. When you make a donation by credit card and email us the pertinent information this holiday season we will send the recipient of your gift a card acknowledging your generosity, along with a 4x6” color photograph and a brief history of one of our patients! Show friends and family members that you care about the world we all live in. Visit our web site at www.marathonwildbirdcenter.org.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

January 19, 2009 is going to be a national day of community service in which volunteers throughout the country will be engaged in local projects. If you can volunteer at the Bird Center that day--or any day--please contact Kelly Grinter at 305.743.8382 to discuss details. And if you can’t volunteer in person, you can still support the idea of community service by making a donation in honor of this national event. Because we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your donation is tax deductible. Please mail a check small or large to Marathon Wild Bird Center, P. O. Box 501328, Marathon, FL 33050 or donate online at www.marathonwildbirdcenter.org. We will use the money to support our work in Marathon or in Key West, if you so specify. Remember: if you ever find a sick or injured bird, please give us a call at 305.743.8382. We answer this line 24 hours a day.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

New intern arrives
Finally(!) we have an intern to use not only our donated pop-up camper, but also the generous site at Knight’s Key Campground that the Earthmark Company has contributed to the program! Catherine McDonald of New Jersey has arrived and will be assisting Executive Director Kelly Grinter with many, many tasks. The first: to learn all there is to know about birds so that Catherine can, pardon the pun, wing it for a day enabling Kelly to have a day off (she hasn’t had a day off since the Bird Center had to lay off our part-time employees in July because of finances). In addition, Catherine will be working on a community fundraiser for this winter’s season with Cudjoe Key volunteer Jen Allen and helping Kelly to give her office and the surgical hospital a good, deep cleaning! You’ll learn more about Catherine in future issues of this newsletter.

New Year’s green resolution.
The Bird Center is going to try to go a little greener in 2009 by finding a way to use pelican poop . . . that's right, pelican poop! Every morning, staff and/or volunteers clean up the bird pens using a kitty litter scoop to pick up the piles. We then place the piles in a plastic shopping bag and dispose of the bags in the dumpster. Our intern will be researching the chemical content of the waste to see on what types of plants it may be beneficial to use as a fertilizer. The biggest obstacle is how to store and use the salvaged material. We collect an average of four bags of material a day, which includes some sand, so every bag weighs about 20 pounds, which means we would have to store and distribute a minimum of 80 pounds of the mixture each day--a trying task for overworked volunteers! However, it is an issue we have been aware of for some time and would like to make right.

Key West Wildlife Center “Inc.”
On January 6, 2009, the City Commission of Key West is expected to review the new concessionaire agreement between the City and the newly incorporated Key West Wildlife Center (KWWC). Barring questions that can’t be addressed at the meeting, we expect the City Commissioners to enter into an agreement with Craig Schaufler, president, KWWC, Inc. to take over complete operations of our “chapter” facility at the McCoy-Indigenous Park. Tracy Walraven, chicken keeper, and Michelle Anderson, wildlife rehabber, were assisted by many volunteers recently when they crated almost 200 chickens, five ducks, and two guinea fowl for relocation to our safe haven farm in upstate Florida. The “newbie” chicken wranglers said it was quite the experience and easier than they thought it would be!

Spread the word
Enjoyed this newsletter? Please forward it to a friend! And don’t forget to visit our web site at www.marathonwildbirdcenter.org for lots more information and photos.

Marathon Wild Bird Center P.O. Box 501328 Marathon, FL 33050 MM 50 at Crane Point Hammock Phone: (305) 743-8382 Fax: (305) 743-8172 Website: www.marathonwildbirdcenter.org.

December 18, 2008 - Nashville - Jaci Rae: Merry Christmas. Phew! It’s been a year. Amazing, wonderful and sad at all the same time.

I’m sorry I have not had a chance at all to write most of you, but school has taken most of my time and of course work.

Bruce is amazing, we celebrated our 4th “together” anniversary December 17th. I of course was sicker than a dog (where the heck does that phrase come from anyway? What does it mean really? Who are you really? Hahaha….it’s all the Psychology stuff!

We plan to be married next year, don’t worry!

I lost my dear Uncle Ronnie this past summer and a friend a few weeks ago. I also realized for the first time that perhaps I will never be able to play my instruments again because my hands can’t function properly anymore even after four surgeries.

At any rate, I have achieved a 4.0 at Hartnell and I am in Phi Theta Kappa. I was nominated and won the nomination for the All USA Academic Team for Hartnell along with my schoolmate Justin. I was shocked and so happy too.

We just finished working with some wonderful children who needed a Christmas. People all throughout Hartnell and other places pitched in to help Notre Dame and Cris Serrano provide presents and an evening. It was an amazing experience.

I will graduate this June with my first degree in Psychology and then I will transfer for a higher degree. The education my professor have provided me with has been top notch and allowed me to excel.

Just finished (well almost, one more tomorrow) finals week. I have been studying for my one final tomorrow now that I am feeling a bit better today (probably picked up the bug from someone in the throng of children and families). But I was sad I really did not get the chance to study for any of the others I already took.

I hope you are all doing well and I wish I could spend more time with each of you. Know that you are thought of. Enjoy my poem for the holidays, some of you know it, others will read it for the first time.

Blessings and hugs. Me

WHO NEEDS A FRIEND
BY JACI RAE

The hustle and bustle was all around;
All the creatures were stirring with deafening sound.
With years of Cyberspace at the touch of their fingers;
No one could foresee the dangers that lingered.

Faster and faster each year they would go;
‘Till the fastest connection seemed way too slow.
No longer did anyone need company around;
Who needs a friend when there's so much to be found?

With the children all snug away alone in their beds;
Happily playing with visions of death scenes filling their heads.
Laptops, television and computer game boxes at hand;
Parents don't need a babysitter, there is no demand.

No longer are they children, but miniature adults;
Being thrust into a world filled with lust and cults.
The family table holds nothing but dust;
And the living room center is no longer a must.

In a house that no longer holds family traditions.
Sharing family stories isn't an appealing addition;
A night with a storybook, who needs to read out loud;
With books that read for you, two is a crowd.

Social skills are lacking in a solitary world of confinement;
Manners aren't necessary, no need to refine them.
Then suddenly one year Cyberspace disappeared;
And the roar from the crowd could be heard far and near.

Suddenly people didn't know what to do;
And sitting alone, they each cried boo hoo.
As each day passed the crowd thought the end was here;
But Cyberspace was lost, and didn't reappear.

Slowly the isolated crowd came together;
To share their thoughts, not talk of the weather.
Having not seen a human in quite a long time;
They struggled to find at least a few ties that bind.

The elders came out of their bedrooms with care;
To share how it used to be and to compare.
How the family unit was today versus then;
And what fun they would have with just paper and pen.

A time when the family played games on a board;
And the family table held more than power chords.
When camping meant fires, guitars and no phones;
And being on vacation didn't mean faxes and ring tones.

When family and friends were cherished, not a commodity;
And talking with your neighbor was more than an oddity.
With Cyberspace gone everyone decided to give it a try;
This old-fashioned way, when the Internet didn't apply.

At first it was hard, no one knew what to say;
But soon it caught on and for more than a day!
Suddenly the violence so often on the street;
Calmed down to a hush and thuggery saw defeat.

No longer was it necessary to lock all your doors;
Visiting with family was no longer a chore.
Family and friends now gathered all the time;
To share special moments without any crime.

When Cyberspace was restored and crept back inside;
The parents cried no, you could hear it worldwide!
So with careful discretion they allowed its use;
But with strict supervision and no way to abuse.

And so without all the clamor or deafening cries;
The world became better, no one could deny.
Cyberspace is an asset to that I confess;
But without limitations, it leads to a mess.

Peace on Earth -- Good Will To Men
Copyright 2008 Jaci Rae and North Shore Records, Inc.

December 21, 2008 – Marathon – L. E. Shaffer: Marathon Flat Earth Society [MFES] strikes again. The Flat Earthers are the ones who keep saying, “What global warming?” They say this standing in three feet of seawater in front the Marathon Shores TIB Bank of the Keys. I hope they don’t get electrocuted.

These same Flat Earthers have infected the Marathon City Council with false support of the city’s commitment to “going green, saving green”. The Marathon Free Press in its recent December 17th editorial has it spot on. The council is only interested in pinching pennies these days. You know the kind of pennies needed for required services like Fire/EMS. They pay lip service to green initiatives, but won’t walk the talk. There’s a little cliché with your coffee.

The council voted instead for two used Sheriff’s Crown Victorias in lieu of brand new hybrids. It wasn’t even the pennies it involved. You see, previous councils had the initiative and foresight to setup a vehicle replacement fund. That puts money aside for the time a vehicle needs replaced. That way the costs are spread over years and not due all at once. This is the wisdom of previous councils. This council doesn’t care about previous wisdom and well-earned experiences. You see they apparently think they know best right out of the box. These newbies seem to lead the way. I really thought they might be different.

There are only a few Flat Earthers though. That is slightly encouraging. The discouraging part is that the city’s Green Team did all that work to see one of its biggest action items ignored. Why did we have a Green Team to begin with, if the city is not interested in going green? Going green is not necessarily about money, but saving our futures. Sometimes the council can’t see past a few pennies and one council meeting. Hate to say it, but it is plainly the truth.

Flat Earthers are not interested in what serves all residents. They are very self involved and deep into their own self interests. Like those who believe that in this economy workforce housing crisis has lost its emergency status. Flat Earthers can’t see all the long-time workforce residents leaving for greener pastures. Flat Earthers don’t care if the city’s budget is already lean and mean. They could care less if the city goes broke and staff is laid off.

So this little thing about going green with new hybrid vehicles doesn’t even register. They are good at short-term thinking, but lack the courage of long-term solutions. The Flat Earth religion has only blind zealots. Well, there is my rant and raves. I will have more soon. Flat Earthers will certainly see to that.

Internet Stuff
Here are the latest DVD films from http://www.NetFlix.com:

1. “Fred Claus” starts a bit slowly. You see, Fred Claus is the big brother of Nickolas Claus. O, yeah, that is the future Santa Claus. Fred stands in the shadow of his younger brother, until one Christmas centuries from their childhood. When Santa is about to lose everything, big brother not only screws things up, but also teaches a valuable lesson to Santa himself. Every child deserves a present regardless of the naughty and the nice lists. This is a nice, warm seasonal movie worth viewing with the whole family.

2. "The X-Files: I Want to Believe" is not your typical X-Files story. I was a bit disappointed, but nonetheless the movie was well done. Mulder and Scully unravel the mystery. The subplot was more interesting. Scully tries to save a terminally ill child. I think the message was that each was trying to come to grips in what they really believed. And would they both continue into the darkness of the past? This was not the best X-Files movie, but maybe I expected too much.

3. “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins” is a family comedy. Martin Lawrence does his usual good job. The other players are well known with a few new actors. Overall, the film is warm, funny, and a good story. The comedy at times is a bit overdrawn with a few periods of time lag. The film moves a bit haphazardly going from gut-busting funny to an attempt at a moral. There is nothing new to this story, but I enjoyed the movie.

4. “Lower Learning” is all wrong. Teachers do not give a crap. Elementary school children go beyond the bad boy/girl genre. Then you have the principal who is taking money from the school and trying to shut the school down to hide his trail. The principal is a caricature, but he makes you grit your teeth sometimes. The film is funny in spots, cute in less places, and mostly just plain awful. Of course, if you liked the jackass film genre, this might be to your liking. Do not count on it though. I cannot believe I watched the whole train wreck of the movie to the bitter end. If the movie was bad on purpose, then awful does not describe this atrocity.

5. “Dr. Seus’ Horton Hears a Who!” is an instant hit. You know, anything associated with Dr. Seus has to be wonderful. Of course, the movie with the elephants saving the Whos on a speck of dust is priceless. The film is naturally funny for everyone. This one you will enjoy repeatedly.

6. “Meet Dave” by all counts was supposed to be a big disappointment. I didn’t expect much. That probably set me up for actually enjoying this puff piece. Eddie Murphy was quite funny playing the spacecraft that is created to be him so that he is the same size as humans. Actually, the character is very small. He and his crew have come to earth to take all the salt to save their planet. While trying to find the device that is supposed to do this, he and his crew fall in love with earth and its creatures. That was a poor attempt at a moral, but the movie was funny enough to make up for that. This isn’t Oscar material, but it was entertaining. You can’t ask for more than that.

7. "Space Chimps" is a nice animated film just a bit better than Saturday cartoons. The kids love the movie, the story, and the comic antics of the circus chimp now in space to rescue something important. There is just enough subtle adult comedy to ensure that you enjoy this with the kids. We need more films like this so that I can enjoy watching more movies with my 12 grandchildren.

8. I initially thought that “The Dark Knight” was over hyped, and I expected a dud. Movies in a series are hard to keep the quality up, difficult to break new ground. I was quite surprised at the acting, the unique storyline, and the cinematography. The film is gritty, blurring the line between good and evil, right and wrong. Bale did an extraordinary job in portraying the conflicted Batman. Ledger’s life was short and such a sad tale, but his last acting job was, indeed, beyond anything one would expect. Batman has come out of the comic book movie and into a dark, edgy film.

9. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is a new twist to the series. The storyline is interesting in that China's emperor is involved along with an explanation for the terra cotta army. The actors are the same zany adventurists with their quirky ways both funny and endearing. The battle between the good and the bad is just as good as the previous two films. The movie is quite entertaining. The one fault is that the storyline was way too close to the other two. I expected more.

10. The Skelton Story is a horror story with a real plot full of mystery and twists of fate. A young hospice worker burned out at the institution she works for looks for work at someone's home. She gets a job offer that fits her desire. Everything is strange right off the bat. The old man drugged and apparently suffering from a recent stroke is asking for help. The old woman wife to the old man is very secretive and controlling. The mystery unravels slowly. The story rushes to an ending that is the key to the whole movie. This is the kind of horror movie that I like. Real monsters often look like regular people.

11. Mrs. Brown is an extraordinarily good movie with great acting. Judi Dench and Billy Connolly give stellar performances. Queen Victoria mourns her husband's death for years, until a Scottish friend of her husband arrives. Slowly, she comes out of her mourning, but she loathes a return to her duties. The authorities try to get rid of the Scott. There lies the storyline.

12. Burn After Reading is funny and charming, until someone gets killed. Everyone concerned is paranoid from the Russians to the CIA. All the wrong conclusions lead to a marvelous misadventure. Unfortunately, I almost believe this is how things really work.

13. Lucky Number Slevin is an intense movie about revenge and consequences. Two mafia bosses hire the same hit man to kill each other’s sons. Things quickly get out of control. The real reason for all this is buried in the long past. This is an unusual tour de force wrapping up in a whirlwind surprise ending. I can usually figure such mysteries, but this one took clear to the end. The clues are there. Let us see if you can figure it out faster than me. Enjoy.

14. Traitor shows a man embracing his religion and struggling with the more controversial groups. He sells arms to all side terrorist and friend. In one incident, he is jailed with a high member of a prominent terrorist group. US intelligence begins an interest. The traitor's new friend breaks them out of jail and planning for a spectacular terrorist attack across the US starts in earnest. The traitor's specialty is explosives. The only problem is that things are not always as they appear. This film keeps you glued to your screen, good film.

15. The Women is a charming film about women banding together for self-support. Relationships come and go, but these women try to help one another through various problems. Friendships are tested though. The comedic moments get the story moving to a warm conclusion. This should be an excellent movie, but the concept has been worn out.

16. Eagle Eye is an excellent Steven Spielberg film, not the usual Indy flick, but a taut thriller set a bit in the future. The actors are brilliant. The action never lets up. A secret super computer assesses terrorist threats and notifies authorities to intercept and prevent such threats. The Secretary of Defense is ordered by the President to take out supposed terrorists against the advice of the super computer. That is when things get weird. Fortunately, our heroes find a way to solve the riddle and save our country from ourselves.

Interesting websites we visited recently:

Poetry Corner
"No Pain"
December 30, 2008

Grief is for the living
The dead feel no pain
Overwhelming heartache
Soon spirit takes flight

Traveling to the other side
We are left behind
A poor excuse for the dead
No comfort still and

Grief filling every pore
Is there nothing more
Sad than cold, dead eyes
Tears filling our soul

Spirit gone and
Memories are all
That we are left
An empty, ashen

Soulless shell in
Another container
Small and silent
Soon to be lost

In the warm ground
Dust to dust and
Dirt covers the grief
Never reducing pain

The dead have no
Use for living in
The here and now
That is for the living

© 2008 L. E. Shaffer

Hockey Puck
NHL: The Florida Panthers are coming on strong now and might just be a playoff contender. We have been here before. I still hold out hope.

PGA: Tiger Woods had season-ending surgery in 2008. He said that he will be ready for the first Masters. His new knee is better than ever. What is going to happen this year?

NASCAR Sprint Cup: Well, now, it is the long winter wait for the Daytona 500.

IRL: Danica Patrick was bumped out of the race late, while Dixon won the 92^nd Indianapolis 500. That was the only exciting thing happening in the IRL series. Boring...

NBA: The Miami Heat are moving up the ranks with some good defense and the league leading scorer Dwayne Wade. The big Shaq is doing well in Phoenix. Not bad, all things considered.

NFL: The Miami Dolphins are one game from the division championship. Wow, I cannot believe that. O, yeah, they beat the Jets to win the AFC East division title.

LLWS/MLB: The Little League World Series is over. Only one team wins the championship. For the second time in four years, Hawaii wins the championship. This is probably the best baseball that you will see, because the youngsters are so passionate about the game.

WTA: Venus and Serena Williams have done relatively well this year. Let us hope that they stay healthy for a good run this year.

NCAA Football: The big bowl games are coming up the next couple of weeks. Let us see what happens. Go Buckeyes!

Book Three Twins of the Dark Star
Book One Tears from Ao, Book Two The Mountains of Ao and four poetry collections, Pages of Life, Visions of Life, Moments of Life, and The Book of Kalian Mysticism are available at http://RunesofAo.com/aobp/. The Runes of Ao project is ongoing. Book Three Twins of the Dark Star novel is a work in progress, but the writing goes slowly because of the success of Marathon Florida Keys Journal. Book Three is taking shape now. Falling Star poetry collection is a work in progress as well. 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 too. 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.

Internet URLs: www.MarathonJournal.US
 http://www.keysweekly.com/
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: December 28, 2008
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

Advertising

		Easy Does It Hair Shop Across from Home Depot at mile marker 49.5 @ 1-305-743-3934 USA
http://www.temporaldoorway.com
Doc's Tattooz 10935 Overseas Hwy Marathon FL 33050 1-305-289-4651 USA In loving memory of D. W. Taylor		Web Hosting with world-class support http://xfireweb.com
http://www.keysweekly.com The Marathon Weekly http://www.conchcolor.com Conch Color http://newsbarometer.com News - Barometer http://keysnews.com KeyWestCitizen & Marathon/BigPine Free Press http://keynoter.com Florida Keys Keynoter		Marathon Computers 5160 Overseas Highway Marathon FL 33050 @ 1-305-289-0472 USA
		Place your ad here!
		Plaza Hotel and Casino One Main Street Las Vegas, NV 89101 @ 1-800-634-6575 USA http://www.plazahotelcasino.com
$99.00 & Under Something for Everyone 10090 Overseas Highway Marathon Florida 33050  @ 1-305-289-3222 USA		Tyrone's Mobile Car Wash & Detail ☼☺☻☺☼ @1-305-731-4301 USA
		Sam Kennedy, Photographer 1-305-393-3939, 699 116th Street Ocean, Key Vaca, FL USA 33050
		CONCH COLOR ◊ Florida Keys Photographic Chronicle Conch Color - Sales 1-305-797-5088, 292-5771; Office 1-305-294-7566
Place your ad here!		Total Repair Services Tony Ray Shaffer Computer Setup to Security krash@runesofao.com
		KeysgrafixSigns 1417 Overseas Hwy Marathon FL 33050 @ 1-305-743-7724 USA  PAT & ERIC & DICK KEYSGRAFIX@BELLSOUTH.NET