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.

December 30, 2008 - Marathon - Marti Brown: Capt Marti Brown's new book, The M802 Radio Manual for "Idi-Yachts" will be released and available January 14, 2009.

The long awaited “Idi-Yacht” manual for the best selling recreational marine SSB/HAM & DSC radio, the Icom M802, has now been released!

December 30, 2008
Cruising Companion Publications announces its latest release: The Icom M802 Radio Manual For “Idi-Yachts.” A guide for installing and using the Icom M802 SSB/HAM DSC radio by Florida Keys local author, Captain Marti Brown. The book will retail for $34.95 and will be available locally at all area bookstores, online or through NavCom Digital as of January 14, 2009. 200 pages, ISBN 978-0-9715640-4-6.

To order call: 800-444-2581 or to order online http://www.idiyachts.com

Summary:
Learn how to set up and use your Icom M802 SSB/HAM & DSC radio the easy way! This book translates the “Greek” of electronics to help you painlessly get up and running on this best selling recreational SSB radio. Capt. Marti’s manual covers the basics on how to install the radio, providing step-by-step instructions so that you can either install the radio yourself or use the textbook to oversee a hired technician’s work. The Icom M802 Radio Manual for “Idi-Yachts” will teach you how to easily navigate the radio such as changing frequencies for voice transmissions, weather broadcasts or radio nets. Sending and receiving all types of Digital Selective Calling transmissions is a breeze as it is described by the author in easy to read “English.”

About the author:
Capt Marti lives aboard and solos her 31’ Allmand sailboat, The Other Woman. She has been sailing the Bahamas and Florida waters since 1990 and has been a HAM radio operator since 1997. She is a member of the Waterway Radio and Cruising Club, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Seven Seas Cruising Association, Boating Writers International, and volunteers as a Net Control Station for the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Net (SATERN). She is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, and a licensed captain with a 100 ton Masters license. She lives aboard her sailboat in Boot Key Harbor, Marathon during the fall and winter, and can often be found cruising The Bahamas during the spring and summer. Capt. Marti has written two widely acclaimed, easy to read books on marine communications; Marine SSB Radio For “Idi-Yachts.” A Guide For Using Marine Single Sideband Radio, Second Edition and HF Radio E-Mail For “Idi-Yachts.” A Guide For Setting Up And Using Wireless E-Mail Through HAM/Marine SSB Radio. Her recently released fiction novel, Murder At Stacy’s Cove Marina, has also received accolades. See her WEB site for more information on her books and for her seminar schedule: http://www.idiyachts.com. 
For more information, contact Capt. Marti at 305-731-7315
captmarti@netzero.com PO 500441 Marathon, Florida 33050

Happy New Year!

http://www.idiyachts.com
Cruising Companion Publications
Creating Books That Cruisers Keep Close At Hand
MMSI#: 366932210

December 31, 2008 - California - Linda Hall: The Vitamin D Newsletter provided by Linda Hall.
December, 2008

This is a periodic newsletter from the Vitamin D Council, a non-profit trying to end the epidemic of vitamin D deficiency. This newsletter is not copyrighted. Please reproduce it and post it on Internet sites. Our webmaster will post this newsletter on the website.

Dear Dr. Cannell:

I am angry that you sent the paper written by sixteen prominent nutrition experts warning about the dangers of cod liver oil and vitamin A without providing a way for me to read the entire paper for free. Medical papers should be open access, not pay-per-view.

Carole, New York

Dear Carole:

What you mean is why didn't the Vitamin D Council pay to publish in an open access journal so you would not have to pay to read it? Because we don't have enough money in our account, that's why.

We published a paper on influenza in an open access journal earlier this year but it cost the Vitamin D Council $1,800.00! Open access is not free; someone pays, if not you, then we do. However, it's nice to be able to read the entire paper for free, the goal many of us have for all scientific papers.

Our second influenza paper is free and is relevant to the coming cold and flu season. It has an unbelievable quote from a 1919 Public Health Service physician who was trying to prove how influenza was transmitted, using volunteers from the Navy. Remember, 300,000 Americans had just died from influenza. Would you volunteer like they did? Why didn't any of the volunteers get sick?

Cannell JJ, Zasloff M, Garland CF, Scragg R, Giovannucci E. On the epidemiology of influenza. Virol J. 2008 Feb 25;5:29.

It is also nice that the Vitamin D Council's second influenza paper is the most downloaded paper the last 12 months in Virology Journal, although it has only been out only 9 months.

Top 20 most accessed articles in Virology Journal for the past year.

It is also the most downloaded paper in the last 30 days, again, in spite of being out for 9 months. Top 20 most accessed articles in Virology Journal for the past 30 days

It seems as if someone, somewhere, is rethinking the idea that vaccinating everyone for everything may not be the best approach. The number of vaccines pointing at our children continue to increase, virtually every year.

Others have written, asking why they can't read the abstract of the vitamin A toxicity paper. Editorials seldom have abstracts. Again, here is the full citation, the names of all sixteen experts, and a link that makes you pay $20.00 to the publisher (not to us) for the full paper. However, before you pay the $20.00, read the extensive quotes below, starting on the next page.

John J. Cannell, MD; Reinhold Vieth, MS, PhD; Walter Willett, MD, DrPH; Michael Zasloff, MD, PhD; John N. Hathcock, MSc, PhD; John H. White, PhD; Sherry A. Tanumihardjo, MSc, PhD; D. Enette Larson-Meyer, PhD; Heike A. Bischoff-Ferrari, MD, MPH; Christel J. Lamberg-Allardt, PhD; Joan M. Lappe, PhD, RN; Anthony W. Norman, PhD; Armin Zittermann, PhD; Susan J. Whiting, MSc, PhD; William B. Grant, PhD; Bruce W. Hollis, PhD; Edward Giovannucci, MD. Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A Toxicity, Frequent Respiratory Infections, and the Vitamin D Deficiency Epidemic. Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology 117(11):864-870.

Dear Dr. Cannell:

Can you quote from the paper, telling us why so many experts condemned cod liver oil?

Robert, California

Dear Robert:

I don't know if copyright laws allow the author to do that, but I will take the chance. The crux of the problem is that a form of vitamin A, retinoic acid, weakly activates the vitamin D response element on the gene and perhaps blocks vitamin D's more robust activation. The first paper below is free to download. As the authors say, "there is a profound inhibition of vitamin D-activated . . . gene expression by retinoic acid."

MacDonald PN, et al. Retinoid X receptors stimulate and 9-cis retinoic acid inhibits 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-activated expression of the rat osteocalcin gene. Mol Cell Biol. 1993 Sep;13(9):5907-17.

Thompson PD, et al. Heterodimeric DNA binding by the vitamin D receptor and retinoid X receptors is enhanced by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and inhibited by 9-cis-retinoic acid. Evidence for allosteric receptor interactions. J Biol Chem. 1998 Apr 3;273(14):8483-91.

The key is having the proper ratio of vitamin D to vitamin A in your body. To obtain this proper D/A ratio, you must make a choice. (1) Either obtain the D/A ratio Nature and God intended, that is, the ratio the human genome evolved on, or (2) think you know everything, intervene in a closed system, bypass the controls in the intestine and inject active A directly into your blood by taking vitamin A or cod liver oil. Vitamin A production is tightly controlled in the body, the source (substrate) being carotenoids from vegetables in your intestine. The body uses these carotenoid substrates to make exactly the right amount of retinol for your body. That is, it is a closed, tightly regulated, system, one designed to perfection by God and Nature. When you take vitamin A as retinol, such as in cod liver oil, you intervene in this closed system and bypass the controls. Proceed at your peril.

Vitamin D is also a closed controlled system and I don't recommend intervening in that system either. Vitamin D is a substrate, like carotenoids, it is not the active substance. Taking vitamin A as retinol is like taking activated vitamin D, calcitriol. Doing so bypasses controls and I have never recommended anyone take activated vitamin D except patients with renal failure under the care of a nephrologists. As long as your vitamin D dose is not excessive, you are not intervening in a closed system, you are simply providing the vitamin D substrate. The body, if and when it has enough vitamin D substrate, will use what it needs and dispose or store the rest.

Thus the goal is to provide all the vitamin A and vitamin D substrate the body would have obtained in a natural state, so the body can regulate both systems naturally. This is best done by eating colorful vegetables and by exposing your naked skin to equatorial sun every day. Since most of us can't do the later, and won't do the former, we have to take the same amount of vitamin D substrate we would have gotten if we lived 100,000 years ago, and may want to take beta-carotene substrate in a multivitamin. As far as I know, low doses of beta-carotene (1,000 to 2,000 IU per day) will not do too much harm. The best way to get vitamin D substrate, as far as I can tell, is to take about 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 per every 25 pounds of body weight in the winter and stop all vitamin D in the summer and sunbathe. Alternatively, use a tanning bed when the sun is to low on the horizon to sunbathe. Remember, when you are outside, if your shadow is longer than you are, you are not making any vitamin D.

Below are passages from our paper, the heart of the reasoning the 16 experts used to issue the warning about vitamin A and cod liver oil, that is, the words in italics below are the advice of the 16 experts listed above, not just me:

"Although activated vitamin D and vitamin A signal through common cofactors, they compete for each other s function. Retinoic acid antagonizes the action of vitamin D and its active metabolite. In humans, even the vitamin A in a single serving of liver impairs vitamin D s rapid intestinal calcium response. In a dietary intake study, Oh et al found that a high retinol intake completely thwarted vitamin D s otherwise protective effect on distal colorectal adenoma, and they found a clear relationship between vitamin D and vitamin A intakes, as the women in the highest quintile of vitamin D intake also ingested around 10,000 IU/d of retinol.

Rohde CM, Deluca HF. All-trans retinoic acid antagonizes the action of calciferol and its active metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, in rats. J Nutr. 2005;135(7):1647-1652.

Johansson S, Melhus H. Vitamin A antagonizes calcium response to vitamin D in man. J Bone Miner Res. 2001;16(10):1899-1905.

Oh K, Willett WC, Wu K, Fuchs CS, Giovannucci EL. Calcium and vitamin D intakes in relation to risk of distal colorectal adenoma in women. Am J Epidemiol. 2007;165(10):1178-1186.

Furthermore, the consumption of preformed retinol even in amounts consumed by many Americans in both multivitamins and cod liver oil may cause bone toxicity in individuals with inadequate vitamin D status. Women in the highest quintile of total vitamin A intake have a 1.5-times elevated risk of hip fracture.

Feskanich D, Singh V, Willett WC, Colditz GA. Vitamin A intake and hip fractures among postmenopausal women. JAMA 2002;287:47-54.

Indeed, a recent Cochrane Review found that vitamin A supplements increased total mortality rate by 16%, perhaps through antagonism of vitamin D.

Bjelakovic G, et al. Antioxidant supplements for prevention of mortality in healthy participants and patients with various diseases. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008 Apr 16;(2):CD007176.

Another recent Cochrane meta-analysis concluded that although vitamin A significantly reduced the incidence of acute lower respiratory tract infections in children with low intake of retinol, as occurs in the Third World, it appears to increase the risk and/or worsen the clinical course in children in developed countries.

Chen H, Zhuo Q, Yuan W, Wang J, Wu T. Vitamin A for preventing acute lower respiratory tract infections in children up to seven years of age. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008

As early as 1933, Alfred Hess, who discovered that sunlight both prevented and cured rickets (this 1921 paper is also free) warned about vitamin A consumption, concluding, ...as to a requirement of thousands of units of vitamin A daily, the unquestionable answer is that this constitutes therapeutic absurdity, which, happily, will prove to be only a passing fad. (p 662)

Hess AF, Lewis JM, Barenberg LH. Does our dietary require vitamin A supplement? JAMA. 1933;101:657-663.

Unfortunately, Hess s prophecy of a passing fad proved premature and Americans continue consuming multivitamins and/or cod liver oil containing small amounts of vitamin D but undesirable quantities of vitamin A. For example, multivitamins, until recently, had small amounts of vitamin D (200 to 400 IU) but high amounts of preformed retinol (5,000 to 10,000 IU). This pales in comparison to a tablespoon of modern cod liver oil, most of which contains sub-physiological amounts of vitamin D (400 to 1200 IU) but supra-physiological amounts of completely preformed retinol (5,000 to 15,000 IU or, in some cases, 30,000 IU).

Penniston KL, Tanumihardjo SA. The acute and chronic toxic effects of vitamin A. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;83(2):191-201.

Clinical lore holds that Vitamin A is an anti-infective. We suggest that lore exists because of old cod liver oil studies. Semba reviewed early literature on vitamin A, usually given as cod or halibut liver oil, as a successful anti-infective. For reasons that are not entirely clear, fish liver oils of the time contained much higher amounts of vitamin D then does modern cod liver oil, perhaps because modern processing removes the vitamin D during distillation and then replace it at lower doses. Furthermore, a meta-analysis concluded that vitamin A, when given alone, increases the incidence of respiratory tract infections. If vitamin A increases the risk of respiratory infections, its high content in modern cod liver oils will only mask the full benefit of adequate vitamin D nutrition.

Semba RD. Vitamin A as "anti-infective" therapy, 1920-1940. J Nutr 1999;129:783-791.

Grotto I, Mimouni M, Gdalevich M, Mimouni D. Vitamin A supplementation and childhood morbidity from diarrhea and respiratory infections: a meta-analysis. J Pediatr 2003;142:297-304.

As the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in the United States is apparently much lower than the prevalence of subclinical vitamin A toxicity, we cannot recommend cod liver oil for either adults or children. (We exclude fish body oil from our warning, as it contains no vitamin A or vitamin D but is a very important source of omega-3 fatty acids.) For example, in a recent assessment of serum retinyl esters in a group of obese individuals, four percent had levels >10% of total retinol which usually indicates hypervitaminosis A. Instead, a diet rich in carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and other orange fruits and vegetables will supply all the carotenoids the body needs to make retinol without the potential for hypervitaminosis A, especially when additional preformed retinol already exists in dairy products, eggs, and fortified cereal. We wish our diet were as rich in vitamin D. With the exception of infants on formula or toddlers drinking large amounts of milk or fortified juice, adequate amounts of vitamin D are virtually impossible to obtain from diet."

Hathcock JN, Hattan DG, Jenkins MY, McDonald JT, Sundaresan PR, Wilkening VL. Evaluation of vitamin A toxicity. Am J Clin Nutr. 1990;52:183-202.

Mills JP, Furr HC, Tanumihardjo SA. Retinol to retinol binding protein (RBP) is low in obese adults due to elevated apo-RBP. Exp Bio Med. In press.

Tanumihardjo SA. Food-based approaches for ensuring adequate vitamin A nutrition. Comp Rev Food Sci Food Safety. In press.

And so ends the excerpt from the 16 experts. Long story short, don't take cod liver oil or vitamin A as a retinol. Below, I add some evidence that I did not include in the paper

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Dr. Cannell:

A friend of mine told me vitamin A hurt his liver. Is that possible?

Jason, New York

Dear Jason:

Not only is it possible, it may be common. When patients present to their doctor with abnormal liver function tests or overt liver disease, and many hundreds of thousands do every year, how many physicians inquire about vitamin A or cod liver oil supplements? The authors below found 41 cases and warned that "chronic vitamin A consumption might represent an appreciable cause of chronic liver disease."

Geubel AP, De Galocsy C, Alves N, Rahier J, Dive C. Liver damage caused by therapeutic vitamin A administration: estimate of dose-related toxicity in 41 cases. Gastroenterology. 1991 Jun;100(6):1701-9.

If you think these 41 cases are the only ones reported, think again. Below is a link to a PubMed search showing dozens of reports that vitamin A supplements cause liver disease.

PubMed search for vitamin A toxicity causing liver disease

If you know anyone taking cod liver oil or vitamin A, advise them to stop it and have a "liver panel" blood test. It may be that abnormal liver function tests are the most sensitive indicator of vitamin A toxicity. I don't know how long it takes for toxic amounts of vitamin A to clear from the liver.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Dr. Cannell:

I took cod liver oil during my pregnancy and everything went fine except a little high blood pressure but that would have been worse except for the omega-3 oils in cod liver oil. Why don't you read about cod liver oil on the Weston Price Foundation's website.

Joanne, Pennsylvania

Dear Joanne:

Women who took cod liver oil during pregnancy were five times more likely to develop hypertension during their pregnancy. The authors attempted to control for intakes of vitamins A and D but the cod liver oil the women took contained about 10,000 IU of vitamin A and only 800 IU of vitamin D. By the way, the paper reports that the vitamin A content of Icelandic cod liver oil was reduced five fold in 2006, from 8,000 to 1,200 IU per 10 cc, mainly due to the literature showing vitamin A causes birth defects.

Olafsdottir AS et al. Relationship between high consumption of marine fatty acids in early pregnancy and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. BJOG. 2006 Mar;113(3):301-9.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Dr. Cannell:

Are you saying no vitamin A at all or just not too much of a good thing?

John, California

Dear John:

No extra vitamin A unless you have a bowel disease that impairs absorption of vegetables and transportation of carotenoids. The paper below discusses how Americans are getting too much of a good thing. Vitamin A is like vitamin D, it has a U shaped curve, too much or too little will harm you. Too much is the rule, not too little, in developed countries. Furthermore, it gives a mechanism by which excessive doses of vitamin A will impair brain development and, although I can't put my finger on the reference right now, at least one author has proposed that excessive vitamin A intake may worsen autism. The vitamin D theory of autism would predict just that.


McCaffery PJ, Adams J, Maden M, Rosa-Molinar E. Too much of a good thing: retinoic acid as an endogenous regulator of neural differentiation and exogenous teratogen. Eur J Neurosci. 2003 Aug;18(3):457-72.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Dr. Cannell:

I am six months pregnant and I took cod liver oil up until now. Will my baby be deformed?

Jill, Oregon

Dear Jill:

While I don't know how much cod liver oil you took, or the brand, the chances are overwhelming that your baby will be just fine. Three well-conducted case controlled trials showed excessive vitamin A leads to birth defects. Below is another article you can download for free thanks to the NEJM and get the other two references from the downloaded paper if you are interested. But don't be alarmed Jill, the vast majority of women taking vitamin A had normal babies.

Rothman KJ, Moore LL, Singer MR, Nguyen US, Mannino S, Milunsky A. Teratogenicity of high vitamin A intake. N Engl J Med. 1995 Nov 23;333(21):1369-73.

Also, when people tell me they take cod liver oil, I have no way of knowing what they actually taking, in terms of vitamin A and vitamin D, as different cod liver oil brands have such widely varying amounts of both vitamins.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Dr. Cannell:

I am a nutritionist and a member of the Weston Price Foundation. You forget that humans no longer consume the liver of all animals and fish as we have throughout history. Second, our ability to convert the beta-carotene from plants into the required animal form of vitamin A has been shown to vary from poor to nonexistent.

Joe, New Mexico

Dear Joe:

The idea that the human genome evolved eating liver is absurd. By the time humans could hunt large mammals, the genome had already evolved. Humans evolved eating a diet not dissimilar to the Great Apes, vegetables, fruit, roots, and some bugs. As far as us eating all kinds of liver, have you tried polar bear liver lately? Or sled dog liver? One serving can be fatal. There is evidence that later humans, when they learned to bring down large mammals, suffered vitamin A toxicity, probably from the liver they began consuming. Chronic consumption of chicken liver caused vitamin A toxicity in twin girls.

Walker A, Zimmerman MR, Leakey REA possible case of hypervitaminosis A in Homo erectus.Nature. 1982 Mar 18;296(5854):248 50.

Mahoney CP, Margolis MT, Knauss TA, Labbe RF. Chronic vitamin A intoxication in infants fed chicken liver.Pediatrics. 1980 May;65(5):893 7.

Secondly, the idea that the natural system God created to regulate vitamin A levels is malfunctioning in almost everyone (our intestinal system that converts carotenoids into vitamin A as we need it) is simply silly. The studies you are referring to are from developing countries where chronic malabsorption and diarrheal diseases are endemic. Just because an autistic child has "bowel problems, it does not mean he is vitamin A deficient. Also, how many case reports of vitamin A deficiency has anyone found in American vegetarians? Plenty of iron and B12 and vitamin D deficiencies in vegans but virtually no vitamin A deficiency although many vegetarians have no preformed vitamin A intake at all, only carotenoids.

I admired everyone I met at the Weston Price Foundation when I spoke there several years ago, mainly because of their commitment to healthy soil. However, when I brought up toxicity of cod liver oil, the atmosphere quickly turned from science to religion. Not only did I warn them about cod liver oil, the vitamin A researcher they flew in, Dr. Noel Solomon, also warned them about cod liver oil. No use. With every word either of us spoke, the flasks flashed as members of the audience took swigs of their cod liver oil .John Cannell, MD

12/21/08
The Vitamin D Council
www.vitamindcouncil.org 

This is a periodic newsletter from the Vitamin D Council, a non-profit trying to end the epidemic of vitamin D deficiency. Please reproduce it and post it on Internet sites. Remember, we are a non-profit and rely on donations to publish our newsletter and maintain our website. Send your tax-deductible contributions to:

The Vitamin D Council
9100 San Gregorio Road
Atascadero, CA 93422

The Vitamin D Newsletter

December 28, 2008

The Vitamin D Council is happy to announce that we have partnered with ZRT Laboratory to provide an inexpensive, $65.00, in-home, accurate, vitamin D [25(OH)D] test. The usual cost for this test is between $100.00 and $200.00.

If you read this newsletter, you know about our interest in accurate vitamin D testing. In the next few weeks, you may read about the Vitamin D Council's quest for accurate vitamin D blood tests in the national media. Before we partnered with ZRT, we verified, repeatedly, that ZRT provides accurate and reliable vitamin D tests and that their method corresponds very well to the gold standard of vitamin D blood tests, the DiaSorin RIA.

Our ZRT service is not just inexpensive, it means no more worrying about your doctor ordering the right test or interpreting it correctly. You buy the test kit on the internet or by phone, a few days later the kit comes in the mail, you or a nurse friend do a finger stick, collect a few drops of blood, and send the blotter paper back to ZRT in the postage paid envelope provided with the kit. A week later you get results back in the mail and know accurate 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels of you and your family.

For every test you order, ZRT will donate $10.00 to the Vitamin D Council. Please read the new page hyperlinked below on our website as it both explains the procedure and how to order the test.

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/health/deficiency/am-i-vitamin-d-deficient.shtml

Executive summary: keep your family's 25-hydroxy-vitamin D blood test above 50 ng/ml, year around. Most adults need at least 5,000 IU per day, especially this time of year. Most children need at least 1,000 IU per day per every 25 pounds of body weight. Bio Tech Pharmacal provides high quality and inexpensive vitamin D. Currently Bio Tech Pharmacal is providing vitamin D for numerous scientific studies. To see their prices and for ordering, click the hyperlink below.

http://www.bio-tech-pharm.com/catalog.aspx?cat_id=2 

As a gift to our readers for the New Year, Thorne publications have provided a free download to a basic paper about vitamin D. I wrote it earlier this year for educated lay people as well as health care practitioners. Please read this paper carefully, your family's well-being, even lives, may depend on you understanding it.

http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/.fulltext/13/1/6.pdf 

Seasons Greetings
John Cannell, MD
www.vitamindcouncil.org

January 2, 2009 - Monroe County - Marti Brown: Open Letter to Monroe County Commissioners. Dear Monroe County Commissioner; 

As you know, Sylvia Murphy has recently suggested that the Monroe County commissioners put out a Request For Proposal (RFP) from other private helicopter companies to bid for the job of covering Monroe County for an emergency helicopter ambulance service.

This is utterly ridiculous. Does she not remember that the registered voters here in Monroe County voted YES to keep Trauma Star? Voted YES to allow the County Commissioners (YOU) to tax homeowners to fund this service?

After the November 4^th election, hundreds of Monroe County residents expressed their joy and relief to me about being able to fund this essential service and ensure that Trauma Star would be there for them if and when they need it.

With all due respect, would you please just get on with the job that the voters have directed you to do?

If memory serves, that would include: Get Trauma Star funding set up. Keep Monroe County residents and tourists safe and covered with this essential service.

Sincerely,

Marti Brown, RN, MSN
Friends of Trauma Star Political Action Committee Chair

http://www.idiyachts.com
Cruising Companion Publications
Creating Books That Cruisers Keep Close At Hand
MMSI#: 366932210

January 5, 2009 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: $99 & Under Store has Something for Everyone! The owners are Teresa and Christina Alo. This fine store is located at 10090 Overseas Highway right here in Marathon. If you know where Office Depot, Bealls, and RadioShack are, then you are in the right parking lot.

Their shop has a beautiful front window display. The telephone number is 305-289-3222. If you prefer email, try them at teresatinaalo@yahoo.com. Why is the store called $99.00 & Under Store? That is because really, truly everything is $99.00 and below. Isn't that great?

What is in the store? How about designer inspired purses, gold, silver, sunglasses, readers, luggage, wallets, high heels, sandals, costume jewelry, and art glass. And they even have layaway available. Well, you can't beat that with a stick.

You can checkout the photos at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/.

January 7, 2009 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: As promised, Ramsay conducts Lateral Summit. The meeting held at the Fire Station saw the council, staff, public, and contractors discuss ways to cut costs by bulk buying, consolidating areas for installations, and making the permit process faster and more streamlined. After Mayor Cinque called the meeting to order, he turned the gavel over to Councilman Ramsay. He worked from his Outline for Lateral Summit that detailed his ideas. Everyone had a copy.

City Finance Director Rosasco reported on a number of ideas to reduce costs and generate money to help residents. Former Mayor Chris Bull from the Florida Keys Wastewater Foundation explained how his organization could centralize monies, ideas, and experts. County Mayor Neugent spoke about efforts to unite all the local government entities in support of pursuing additional funding sources. Dale Baker from Marathon Lumber gave his support in the efforts to stage supplies needed for hookups. A Home Depot representative talked about how they could help as well.

Public input came from a number of directions from home owners, contractors, and concerned residents. Dolly Sadowski engaged in a question and answer session with the council. The meeting wrapped up with several committees identified to turn ideas into action. Councilman "Idear" Ramsay walked around answering questions from each little group remaining to talk to council and staff. Sorry, Dick, but you did overuse the word idear; it just might stick with you now.

January 9, 2009 - Marathon - Jeri Sears: NSWC Notes from January 8, 2009. As usual I make no guarantee as the the correctness of my notes!

The following information is from my notes taken at the Jan. NSWC meeting.

1. Introduction of the newest member (returning) of the NSWC - Donna Van Kirk who is representing Ginger Snead.

2. Hampton Inn Marina discussion - George Garret reported that the phase of construction for the marina is probably 5 - 10 years away. The marina will probably be mostly commercial.

3. Letter to the City Council in regards to the City Marina Expansion - the NSWC unanimously voted to send the letter - see below.

4. Letter of appreciation to Mary Belden - the NSWC signed the letter and will present it to Mary Belden at the Feb. meeting - see below.

5. Report by Willi Guerra - MSCO -
   - Willi reported that inspections of all marinas from Coco Plum to 7 Mile Bridge have been completed for compliance with the cities mandated pump out procedures and all were found to be in compliance. Willi will begin inspections of procedures for compliance at Coco Plum next. Willi also inspected Trailerama and 15Th Street Marina and found them to be in compliance.
   - Willi has identified 13 vessels in the harbor that are in violation of the Wet Storage Ordinance. - see city clerk for copy - More vessels will be tagged.
   - Willi has identified 15 Derelict Vessels for removal and Rich Jones approved the removal by the county.
   - The issues at Fisherman's Point were discussed. The MSCO have been working with the owners to combat this problem.

6. Working Waterfront Discussion -
   - Rich Jones gave a presentation from the county of issues and possible plans of action for preservation of Working Waterfronts. The county conducted a survey on opinions of some of the residents of Monroe County including the cities on the issues of preservation of waterfronts. Rich will present the questionnaire and synopsis of the survey at the next NSWC meeting. Several areas were discussed - zoning - give and take, LDRs, the need to be flexible and innovative, and incentives.
   - Comprehensive Plan - the city refers to protection and preservation of the waterfront in Marathon both commercial and recreational.

7. Water Quality Report on the city web page - the link to DOH will be put on the web page - this will give the report on the water testing at the beaches. The Boot Key Harbor report discussion will be continued at the Feb. meeting.

8. The next NSWC meeting will be held on Feb. 5, 2009 at the Marathon Fire Station. If the Fire Station is available the NSWC will have all of its future meetings there.

Jeri Sears
Chairperson of City of Marathon Near Shore Waters Committee

NSWC Response to Marina Expansion January 8, 2009

Dear City of Marathon Council Members:

The Near-Shores Committee is charged with reviewing all issues dealing with the waters surrounding Marathon. Our task is to communicate with the different interested groups and get their opinions on the various topics of discussion. After careful review the NSWC makes informed suggestions to the City Council.

It has come to the attention of the Near-Shore Waters Committee that the City Council recently approved a motion to move forward with the plan to add an additional 20 slips at the City Marina. The members of the Near Shore Waters Committee would like additional information regarding this decision.

Our meetings are open to the public. Since we get questions about the marina expansion we would like to be prepared to respond regarding this decision. We would like to know what information was presented to the City Council that changed the direction of the Council to go forward with the expansion of the City Marina. What would be the purpose of the additional slips – wet storage (which is currently prohibited at the City of Marathon facilities) – short term visitors – live-aboard vessels – commercial? Is there a demand for more slips? Can the services (parking, showers, laundry and dinghy dockage) at the City Marina handle the increase in density? Where would the new slips be installed? The east spit of the City Marina grounds has been kept clear for FEMA trailers. Would the additional slips interfere with the emergency use of the spit?

A meeting was held at the Marathon Garden Club to discuss the expansion of the City Marina. The meeting was announced well in advance and many residents and business owners attended the meeting. There was much opposition to the expansion of the marina by the community. The concerns were valid – parking, showers, laundry and dinghy dockage. A legitimate complaint from the harbor community is that we keep expanding moorings – dockage before we expand the necessary services. The owners of several privately owned marinas were also opposed to the expansion. Their concerns focused on the City competing with them for local business.

The Near Shore Water Committee respects the decisions of the City Council. Any information that can be shared with this Committee regarding this decision would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Rich Jones Bennett Orr Jane Packard
Jeri Sears Donna Van Kirk

NSWC Thank You to Mary Belden January 7, 2009

Dear Mary Belden:

The City of Marathon Near-Shore Waters Committee would like to thank you for your efforts and support as a member of the Committee.

You were an integral part of moving many of the important issues that were addressed by the NSWC to a positive conclusion.

We value you continued input into the issues effecting the water’s of the City of Marathon.

Sincerely,

Rich Jones Jane Packard
Bennett Orr Jeri Sears
Donna Van Kirk

Editor's Note: Jeri Sears is the consummate volunteer, yes, a regular do-gooder. She is grounded in good old fashioned principles. She had a great run as President of Save-A-Turtle. We don't lose her expertise though. She is still on the board of directors. She also heads up the Marathon Near Shore Waters Advisory Committee. That is a very important committee considering these dire times for our commercial fishing industry. Jeri also graciously contributes to the Marathon Florida Keys Journal. Me, myself, and I are eternally grateful for her contributions. She is a real Marathon peach. Her husband has submitted items as well. These two make up the Marathon dynamic duo. Great job, the both of you! L. E. Shaffer, Editor/Publisher.

January 9, 2009 - Florida - Special Session Update Provided by Councilman Worthington & Jenny Anderson from John Thomas.

TO: Members of the Florida League of Mayors
FROM: John Charles Thomas, Executive Director
DATE: January 9, 2009
RE: Special Session Update January 9, 2009
SPECIAL SESSION UPDATE 1/9/09

The Legislature concluded the first week of a two-week Special Session by proposing to cut nearly $1-billion in spending and raid unspent money in trust fund accounts to address a $2.3 billion budget deficit. In addition to budget cuts, lawmakers are considering an economic stimulus package. The special session is scheduled to end January 16th.

Despite all of the cuts and cost shifts, cities seem to be faring relatively well thus far. Cuts to health care and education remain the primary focus of budget discussions. Some of the proposed cuts and other special session bills of particular interest to cities are summarized below. This information is preliminary and is subject to change. A final vote is not expected until Wednesday, January 14th.

SB 0002A and HB 5101A Special Appropriations Bills

Division of Emergency Management
The Emergency Management Pre-Mitigation Program will be cut by $2.1M. This program is funded by the Emergency Management Preparedness & Assistance Trust Fund and funds local government pre-mitigation planning. An additional $283,562 will be cut from the Emergency Management Planning Grant Program which provides local governments with grants to purchase equipment and training.

Florida Housing Finance Corporation
The Legislature is proposing to sweep the entire trust fund balance of $334M. This includes $32.5M from the local government portion of the Housing Trust Fund -- $22.5M from the State Apartment Incentive Loan Program (SAIL) and $10M from the Local Government Impact Fee Reduction Incentive program.

General Government
Regional Planning Councils. $890,000 will be cut from the $2.5M appropriated this year.

January 12, 2009 - Marathon - Weekly Newspapers Blair Shiver: Sewer Summit - Marathon Makes Preliminary Strides to Reduce Sewer Costs. By Blair Shiver 

With the 2010 deadline for sewer installation looming, the Marathon City Council met on Wednesday to discuss what Councilman Dick Ramsay called “out of the box ideas.”

“Tallahassee has to know what would happen if we (the Keys) don’t get that subsidy money,” said Monroe County Mayor George Neugent. “We need to start coming up with a plan B.”

Neugent proposed a possible $0.01 sales tax to cover cost of lateral hookups. Homeowners, he said, are potentially going to bear the full cost of an Equivalent Dwelling Unit or EDU connection to the main sewer line that could cost as much as $10,000 - $20,000 throughout the Keys.

Marathon Mayor Mike Cinque said preliminary figures put the maximum cost lateral hookup for a single-family home in Marathon at $5,700.

Ramsay clarified any misconceptions about his intentions of bringing local contractors and suppliers to the meeting for open discussion about the council’s efforts to reduce costs to citizens.

“I am not suggesting in any way that the City is going to buy, sell or stockpile materials for this project,” Ramsay stated, much to the relief of Councilman Pete Worthington.

“I’m relieved to hear Councilman Ramsay make this clear,” Worthington said. “We’re not going to be wearing Home Depot aprons and selling pipe.”

Jack Buchannan of Home Depot in Marathon told the council his company would be looking into going directly to its vendors to buy plumbing supplies in bulk and saving money for the people of Marathon.

Dale Baker of Marathon Lumber said his company was also willing to talk to it vendors, but that an extensive amount of coordination is going to be necessary to conduct the business of bulk buying in a cost effective manner.

Charlie Beneway, licensed general contractor and plumber, who subcontracts work with the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, offered suggestions to the council for streamlining the inspection process and saving money.

Ramsay said though they were not present at the summit, he knew of representatives from local pea rock and back fill distributors that were interested in participating in the advisory committees and local bidding.

Following input from the audience, Worthington asked Ramsay and the council what responsibilities would ultimately fall on the city as far as supplying and financing was concerned.

Ramsay said the necessary brainstorming and discussions would be conducted in the sub committees informally appointed during the summit. The committees, two of which were a Finance committee and a Contractors/Suppliers committee, will be formally discussed at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

“We need to deal with these issues on a committee basis and bounce ideas around there to bring back to the council,” Ramsay said.

Chris Bull of the Florida Keys Wastewater Assistance Foundation explained to the council, city officials, local contractors and concerned citizens at the meeting that the only way to get funding promised at the beginning of the sewer project down from Tallahassee is to have a unified voice.

Bull and Susan Hammaker of the Assistance Foundation shared Key Largo’s recent resolution of Board of Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District pledging support to and requesting financial support assistance from congressional leaders and state senators.

January 13, 2009 - Monroe County - Weekly's Jason Koler: There is a new sheriff in town
Monroe County gives Bob Peryam the ultimate promotion. By Jason Koler

More than a quarter century ago, a young cop escaped the harsh winters of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula by landing a boat rental job at Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo.

On Tuesday, January 6, the image of the Florida Keys’ newest Sheriff renting kayaks on the beach brought chuckles to a packed Key West courtroom as Bob Peryam was sworn in as the 28th Sheriff of Monroe County. While the ceremony was historic, the principle players including Capt. Penny Phelps made sure the tone reflected that of the honoree – stoic and respectful, but with a constant humorous undertone.

During the ceremony past sheriffs including Henry Haskins (1963-1965) and J. Allison DeFoor (1989-1990) and Rick Roth (1990-2008)* talked briefly about the history of the department and gave their successor words of advice and encouragement – which Peryam graciously returned.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I stand before you humbled and honored to follow in the footsteps of Sheriff Haskins, Sheriff Freeman, Sheriff DeFoor and Sheriff Roth,” Peryam said, adding that he was hired by Freeman, and promoted by DeFoor.

“And last but not least, Sheriff Roth, the longest reigning Sheriff in the history of Monroe County, has been my mentor and the one to teach me what a Sheriff really is.”

Peryam’s career with the MCSO began during the drug smuggling heyday of early 80s and throughout the years, he has added a Masters of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and completed a number of other law enforcement education courses, but during the ceremony, he said nothing compared to entering the political arena.

“In the end, I learned that this process in democracy is what makes America the greatest country in the Nation,” he stated. “However, the most important lesson learned is that no one can accomplish any great undertaking by himself. If it were not for my wife Cindy, my family, my friends and my supporters that stood by me through the up's and down's of this campaign, I would not be standing here today.”
The inauguration concluded with Peryam dedicating the ceremony to Deputies Robin Tanner and Nick Pham – both of whom made the ultimate sacrifice last year while in the line of duty. He also pledged a tighter bond between the community and Sheriff’s Office “to make Monroe County a safe environment to live in.”

Bob Peryam - the 28th Sheriff of Monroe County last Tuesday when Judge Ruth Becker swore him into office on his father’s bible. Pictured, Peryam’s wife, Cindy & their 2 daughters, Allison & Kelsey.
 

A change of command from Ocean Reef to Key West

As Marathon substation commander and the Police Chief for the City of Marathon, Bob Peryam’s new title created a vacancy in the Middle Keys. After meeting with city officials, Peryam announced that Lower Keys substation commander, Capt. Chad Scibilia will be Marathon’s new Chief of Police. Scibilia graduated from Marathon High School and continues to make his home there. He will also be in charge of the MCSO’s Special Operations Division including vice, SWAT, bomb, dive and marine units.
Peryam’s Lieutenant Lou Caputo, received a promotion to Captain and will be overseeing the Plantation Key Substation in his hometown of Key Largo. He will be replaced in Marathon by Lt. Mitch Snider.

Captain Don Hiller, who makes his home in Marathon, has been tasked with Chief of Security at the Key West Airport.

January 14, 2009 - Marathon - Sherry Popham: Height restrictions. LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Regarding the granting of a height variance to a proposed Marathon hotel, at face value the argument might be made that it is an acceptable deviation and certainly the development is welcomed. EXCEPT that exceeding the height limit is not about a particular project. It’s a subject proven to be of great importance to the preponderance of the Keys Citizens – ensuring that ordinances limiting height do not erode over time.

One good adage deserves another and for those labeling opposition to this variance as the proverbial ‘Looking the gift horse in the mouth’ I offer the following: ‘Repeating the same behavior and expecting different results is the definition of insanity’. In the not too distant past our Keys planning departments were inundated with developers promising answers to our affordable housing crisis in return for major changes in our LDR’s. At the time, the perceived financial benefit seemed sufficient to justify lowering our standards of community redevelopment. Now, rather than affordable housing, much of what we can demonstrate for compromise is a devastating wake of razed trailer parks, boarded up motels and unfinished developments. Fast forward and in the face of a depressed market, some would advocate that we should just be grateful someone wants to contribute to our economy and realize that sacrificing the height restriction is well worth the promised profit. Nevertheless, this project will come and go but the precedent set will endure - a new height standard of 46’.

When will we learn that compromise today bought with a promise for tomorrow rarely yields the intended result? The Citizens of these Islands have drawn a line in the sand (or in the sky as it were). I would ask that our officials stand firm in protecting the interests of those they were elected to serve.

Sherry Popham

Sherry Popham, VP
Marathon Boat Yard Marine Center
2059 Overseas Hwy
Marathon, FL 33050

January 14, 2009 – Marathon – L. E. Shaffer: Marathon City Council held its regular meeting January 13 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 Jodie Devitt’s five years of city employment.

Candidates for the Planning Commission openings were incumbents Claude Haliou and James Tashjian along with non-incumbents William Orth, David Ruthenberg, Marien Aran-Spinrad, and Kevin Woodland. Claude Haliou and Marien Aran-Spinrad were appointed to the Planning Commission. Vice Chair Tashjian requested reappointed, but was denied. He was a very good commissioner and will be sorely missed. Commissioners with real experience with the Comp Plan and the LDRs are hard to come by. The turnover rate is too high. It takes quite a while to come up to speed. I hope the council knows what it is doing.

Candidates for the Code Board openings were Steven Britske, William Orth, Steve Pearson, Mark Pierson, John Repetto, David Ruthenberg, Sherri Van Houten, and Marien Aran-Spinrad. Steve Pearson, Mark Pierson, John Repetto, and Dave Ruthenberg were named to the Code Board. Former Councilman John Repetto gets another chance to serve Marathon’s residents. Steve Pearson has always been ready to serve.

Councilman Ramsay led the discussion on the Neighborhood Improvement Program. He wanted to start the program with $2,500. Neighbors helping their city and themselves would organize and work through the program.

Councilman Worthington requested that the Planning Commission Sundance Height Variance approval appeal fee be waived for applicant Commissioner Shaffer. Attorney Wolf spoke about the Sundance project and its worth. Height variance was withdrawn. Fee structure will come back for discussion. Frank Greenman, Larry Bruno, Larry Shaffer, Morgan Hill, and Hans Stiglitz spoke about the fee for height variance.

Mayor Cinque led the Grassy Key fire-rescue service discussion. Fire Chief Wagner spoke to the issue. Increasing the level of service citywide will decrease insurance for everyone in Marathon.

Councilwoman Snead led the Lobster diving ordinance discussion. She wanted to extend mini lobster season rules to add days before and after. Pete Worthington spoke to this issue.

Special Orders, Awards and Presentations:
City Manager Clyde Burnett addressed several routine and minor items

The manager introduced Marathon’s new cops in charge Captain Chad Scibilia and Lieutenant Mitch Snider. Burnett introduced the new Monroe County Sherriff. Bennett Orr presented an award to Sherriff Peryam. Teresa Conrad presented another award.

Council approved building permit extension request from Servais, Diers/Salty Dog Financial, and Schaumloffel.

The dog park group provided an update. The Dog Park Association has been working with the city to establish a dog park somehow, someway, somewhere. The dog park could be located at the Rotary Park. The group will raise the money themselves. Linda Gottwald, Darlene Campbell, Robert DeField, Donna Fluharty, and Ms. Powell all spoke in favor of a dog park.

City Attorney Jimmy Morales provided the attorney monthly legal report.

Community Services Director Susie Thomas and WEC Ed Castle gave a wastewater update that was included the agenda packet.

Council appointed Councilperson Councilman Worthington to act as the elected official liaison to the International Council Local Environment Initiative [ICLEI].

The Washington DC trip and council meeting change were announced. That will be March 23 - 25. This would require moving the second March council meeting to the 31st.

Council discussed the emergency air transport MSTU boundaries ordinance. Council directed staff to create a resolution in support to be considered at the next council meeting.

Wounded Warriors (Veterans) Cycle event was announced for this Friday at 3:30 PM and stopping at the DAV.

Citizens' comments: Joan Manges spoke about fire coverage and fire hydrants. Dick Conklin spoke about old permits holding up his project. Linda Bonilla spoke about things for kids to do. John Whalton spoke on recycle program or, rather, lack of it.

Ordinances for First Public Hearing:
Ordinance 2009-01 amended city code Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 2 to give local bidders more preference increasing the benefit from 5% to 10%. A cap was proposed. Expanding local to include Key Colony Beach, Duck Key, and nearest portions of Big Pine was proposed, but would get 8% vice 10%. Neither was included in the ordinance at this time. PO Boxes don’t qualify as local. Councilman Ramsay sponsored the ordinance. Frank Greenman and John Bartus spoke on the issue.

Quasi-Judicial Items for First Public Hearing
Council approved the Peter Rosasco, D/B/A Sundance Resort and Marina, LLC Conditional Use Permit, pursuant to LDR Chapter 102, Article 13 entitled “Conditional Use Permits”. Council thus authorized the development of a resort and marina at the properties located at 2146 And 2188 Overseas Highway, Gulf, nearest mile marker 48.

Council approved the Peter Rosasco, D/B/A Sundance Resort and Marina, LLC Development Agreement, pursuant to LDR Chapter 102, Article 8 entitled “Development Agreement”. Council thus authorized the development of a resort and marina at the properties located at 2146 And 2188 Overseas Highway, Gulf, nearest mile marker 48. The Development Agreement further stipulates the conditions and requirements of development, including but not limited to, buffers, building heights, setbacks, and other requirements.

Resolutions for Adoption:
*Resolution 2009-01 approved Florida Department of Environmental Protection Recreational Trails Program (Grant) Project Agreement Number T2840 (Coco Plum Trail Upgrade) for $207,500.

*Resolution 2009-02 approved purchases in excess of $10,000 and less than $25,000. The purchases are hardware and GIS software.

*Resolution 2009-03 amended the city’s Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Budget by appropriating $400,000 of matching funds for the Boot Key Bridge demolition.

Citizens’ Comments:
None.

Council Comments:
Vice Mayor Vasil said it was going to be a challenging year.

Councilman Ramsay reported on airport issues. He talked to Reggie Paros.

Councilman Worthington said it was a good meeting.

Councilwoman Snead had no comment.

Mayor Cinque was pleased with the involvement of residents.

January 17, 2009 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: The Marathon Flat Earth Society influences various important and otherwise silly endeavors. Yet in true Flat Earther style, this august group is incoherent, forgetful, and short on historic perspective. A number of times in newspapers, on radio, and meeting halls the call was made for a celebration. Nearly a decade ago, the City of Marathon was born from the machinations of the Florida legislature. The City Charter specifies November 30, 1999 as the town’s birthday.

Will the celebration cost taxpayer money? No, everyone is Marathon would be happy to participate and most likely volunteer. In these economic times, such a celebration would be a welcome diversion to bring the community together.

Who would organize such a venture? The city staff would be glad to get things starter. There are innumerable Marathoners that would lend a hand, support, and sponsorship. Local businesses would certainly like to engender themselves to all locals far and wide, ocean to gulf, east to west, and Coco Plum Beach to Sombrero Beach.

Why celebrate the tenth birthday of Marathon? Why not? Pride is part of our lives. Celebrations knit us together as a unique group of people, all Marathoners. We need something to bring us together and draw us closer. From Mr. Marathon to Boot Key Bridge operator, we are Marathon. Traditions start with a first somewhere, somehow, someday.

Yet there is only a whisper, a glint of interest, and too much going on in individual lives to consider such a venture. Our eyes are to the ground, shuffling along, worried about jobs, mortgages, and health care. The Flat Earthers are strong, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

How do we grab the attention needed to pull this off? The answer is with scribes such as me, backroom conversations, and residents filling the ears of councilpersons with the desire for celebration. This opportunity cancels the apathy that we are so mired. Let us not be influenced by Marathon’s Flat Earth Society. Marathon is worth celebrating. Who will join in getting the city’s attention?

January 18, 2009 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Wow, only a day goes by before a response to the call for a Marathon tenth anniversary celebration in November 2009. There are people in the preliminary stages of organizing businesses, residents, entertainers, and city staff for a city birthday party. Of course, everyone public, private, or government are invited to contribute and help make this happen. I have forwarded several names, businesses, and officials their way, this preliminary committee so to speak. If you want to be part of this exciting celebration, send us an email with your name, contact information, and what you bring to the party. Click email to join in the upcoming celebratory party. We will ensure that your information gets to the preliminary committee.

January 19, 2009 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Taco Chihuahua, "Permits? We don't need any stinking permits!" Then the tiny little dog with a big heart looks around city hall and says, "We need a bigger, easier permit box!" Why are fees being charged to close out very old building permits? Even city hall thinks this is unfair, but does nothing about it. The city council needs to do the right thing and eliminate obsolete building permits. The city should not be a burden on home owners who have done all the correct things, but are held hostage to extortion fees.

Councilman Don Vasil shares these views. Let us hope he can influence the council to corrective action on the old permit issue. City Manager Clyde Burnett could do something. In this tight budget, he is acting way too conservatively. We need to fund our city, but this is ridiculous. Come on; let us take a couple doses of common sense.

January 20, 2009 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Martin Luther King Jr. to President Barack Obama, the United States of America has come a long way. As a nation, we have come together, all of us, to reach for a new maturity to the rest of the world. On one hand, you can't quite believe it. On the other, it is gratifying that the moment has finally come. The outlook for my grandchildren looks a bit brighter. When we say to our children that you can be anything you desire, it is the truth. We have a ways to go, the nation is evolving, and now we celebrate this stage of history.

What is very gratifying is that the right is carefully questioning this new administration right out of the gate. Why? Black, white, red, yellow, the opposition party should do so. That is what makes democracy so great and flawed at the same time. It works. I, for one, believe the new administration will do a great many good things. We can only hope.

January 25, 2009 - Marathon - Provided by Pete Worthington: Welcome to Marathon Wild Bird Center’s online newsletter!

A Christmas story of our own
The botulism spore is all around us in the environment. Under the right conditions (air and water temperatures), it can blossom and start a deadly chain reaction at many levels. The effects of botulism are most noticeable when it affects a flock of birds. Sometimes thousands of them perish from a single outbreak. On Christmas Day, rangers from Long Key State Park were walking on a stretch of beach adjacent to their grounds when they came across 17 weak little sanderlings. These tiny shorebirds had unknowingly eaten the deadly toxin and were now paying the price. Their bodies were limp as the botulism quickly began to paralyze first their legs, then their wings, and then their necks. Next, if left untreated, would be their respiratory systems. Making two trips into town, the rangers delivered the tiny birds (each weighing about 25 grams) to the Marathon Wild Bird Center (MWBC). Director Kelly Grinter and volunteer Karyn Buckley administered an antitoxin to each bird and began regular doses of fluids to flush the toxin out of their systems. Sadly, eight sanderlings died, but happily, nine of them quickly rebounded and we released them 48 hours later.

Snow causes snowbirds to fly south
Lucky for us it’s that time of year again! After the holidays, we are always eager to see the return of our seasoned “seasonal” volunteers who provide us with lots and lots of help, not to mention smiles. As the northeast was blanketed (again) in snow, we welcomed back Joanie Croton (gofer), Mary and Ralph Slawson (worker bee and cage designer, respectively), and Sharon and Alan Christiansen (gofer and worker bee, respectively). New to the “seasonal” volunteer list this year is Dee O’Shea. And, to prove our luck is good, we warmly welcomed new year-round volunteers Dave Chew, Don Mears, and Colette Hartshorn, all of whom lend a helping hand when and wherever we need them.

It became a “rule” this summer
In the summer of 2008, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued a new rule alerting people not to feed pelicans. Through the new rule, feeding more than one pelican is considered a second degree misdemeanor that’s punishable by a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail. The rule prohibits the intentional feeding, dumping of scraps, or placing of food to attract pelicans. Organized group feeding of pelicans if the feeders are not under direct care (wildlife rehabilitation) also is a violation. The rule is intended to keep pelicans safe from food items that are detrimental to their health--such as oversized filleted fish carcasses, which can cause injury and slow death. The rule is also intended to encourage pelicans to migrate farther south before cold weather can cause problems such as frostbite.

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The Bird Center can always use extra help--in the form of enthusiastic volunteers such as those mentioned above and donations. If you’d like to find out about volunteer opportunities, please contact Kelly Grinter at 305.743.8382 to discuss details. If you’d like to make a donation, please mail a check small or large to Marathon Wild Bird Center, P. O. Box 501328, Marathon, FL 33050, or visit our web site at www.marathonwildbirdcenter.org to donate online. Because we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your donation is tax deductible. 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.

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New intern’s future is shark related
Our intern, Catherine MacDonald, is patiently waiting for March to arrive. That’s when she’ll hear if she will be awarded a fellowship to continue her studies this coming fall. After graduating from college, Catherine traveled the world thanks to the first fellowship she received, supporting her study on people’s reactions to sharks. Catherine has enlightened us about her work by describing how her research showed that 50+ years ago “shark attacks” that made the newspapers revealed little information. For example, if a person were “attacked” the article simply stated “by a shark.” Years later, as people became more educated, articles identified the type of attacking shark. Although she currently spends her days tending to our many sick and injured Florida Keys migratory birds, Catherine’s ears are always on alert for comments about sharks. She is especially interested in the reactions of our volunteers when we go down to the bay to toss the leftover fish to the snappers that congregate around our dock. On occasion, a volunteer will tell a tale about “seeing” large sharks cruising near the shore of Crane Point. But it’s the reaction of the other volunteers that interests Catherine, such as “That’s why I don’t go in the ocean!”

Gone, but not forgotten
When the MWBC originated in 1995, one of our very first volunteers was a wonderful woman named Judi Peters. She was a homemaker who loved every type of animal--feathered or furred. In the beginning, when we used just “the carport” at Crane Point, Judi came in on a daily basis to clean and tend to patients while director Kelly Grinter worked a full-time job in town. She patiently mended tears in the shade cloth that covered the carport and was diligent at washing anything that was dirty. Judi’s husband Bill called just before Christmas to tell us that Judi had lost her short battle with back cancer and that he was donating the pop-up trailer that our current intern is occupying. The trailer is in beautiful condition and will serve to remind us of the genuinely good people we meet such as Judi and Bill Peters.

Key West Wildlife Center--no longer a chapter of the MWBC
On January 6, 2009, the Key West City Commission unanimously voted to change the concessionaire agreement between the City and MWBC to an agreement between the City and the Key West Wildlife Center, Inc. (KWWC). After the departure of the KWWC’s facility director Susan Prince in November, Craig Schaufler, an eight-year resident of Tavernier, announced his plans to incorporate the facility and form an independent not-for-profit. Now that the facility is under new management, MWBC can once again focus on issues at home. MWBC Kelly Grinter is a board member for the new KWWC, Inc. and continues to consult with Michelle Anderson, a vet tech and wildlife rehabilitator, who is overseeing rehabilitation operations in Key West; and with Tracy Walraven, a former MWBC employee, who is now in charge of the City-sponsored chicken relocation program. As part of the new agreement, the Aviary is slated to be completed and ready for wildlife (and chicken) occupancy by early April. This will be the last newsletter update for KWWC, but those interested in donating time, items, or funds can contact the new team at 305.292.1008.

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.

January 27, 2009 - Marathon - Chris Bull: AYSO STATE GAMES 2009: MARATHON’S UNDER-12 GIRLS TEAM REMAIN UNDEFEATED AND UNDER-10 BOYS TEAM IMPROVES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Bull, 731-3082

Marathon’s AYSO program sent two teams to the AYSO State Games held last weekend in Wellington, Florida. Cold weather did not cool down the Under 12 Girls team. Champions of the Area Tournament, the Conch Cup in December, they remained undefeated with two wins and a tie. The Under 10 Boys team, who went 0-3 in the Conch Cup, showed improvement with two wins and three losses.

The Under 12 Girls first played Weston on Saturday. They started out strong with great passing. The teamwork of forwards Savannah Rodamer and Brandi Spalten put constant pressure on Weston’s team. A give-and-go between the forwards resulted in Marathon’s first goal 10 minutes in by Rodamer. Weston scored five minutes later, but Marathon answered three minutes after that with a 30 yard pass from midfielder Regan Durkin to Rodamer. With three minutes left in the game, Rodamer faked out a defender near midfield and ran past a tired Weston defense to score a hat trick and put the game away.

The second game pitted Marathon versus West Palm Beach. Marathon controlled the game in the first half, with Spalten and Rodamer scoring to make it 2-0 at halftime. Two minutes into the second half, everything changed. A mix-up between the defender and keeper resulted in an easy goal for West Palm Beach. Not recovering fully from the incident, the defense gave up a direct free kick right outside the penalty area about 20 yards from goal 90 seconds later. West Palm Beach’s kicker hit a fantastic kick that nicked the underside of the crossbar as it went into the goal untouched. Marathon was back on their heels for the next ten minutes, but did recover. The last 15 minutes were very exciting as both teams pressed for a winning goal. The breakthrough came less than two minutes from the end of the game with Rodamer poking it in during a scramble in front of the goal. It was a well-earned 3-2 victory for the girls.

The last game was against Boynton Beach, last year’s champions. Both teams were 2-0, but Boynton Beach had more shutouts against the other teams. This meant Marathon had to win to advanced to the semi-finals. The game was hard-fought in the middle of the field. Both goalies only made a couple of saves while the defense and midfielders controlled the field for both teams. In the end, it was 0-0 at full time.

“I have no complaints on the effort the girls gave at this tournament,” said Coach Marco Ceja. Assistant Coach and Regional Commissioner Chris Bull added, “we are playing against teams that have been together for several years and come from bigger areas. Even so, we showed we can have great success with dedicated players here in Marathon. The future of girls’ soccer in Marathon in very bright!” Everyone was proud of what the girls had accomplished and they look forward to continuing their undefeated ways at their next tournament in Weston in February.

The Under 10 Boys started the tournament with problems. Two of their best players were unavailable for the tournament and they were reeling from the 0-3 showing at the Conch Cup in December. However, Coach Arno Silva used that adversity to focus the players during practice to improve before the State Games. The results showed as they played to a 1-2 record during the qualifying rounds on Saturday. They beat West Palm Beach 1-0, lost 0-2 to Weston, and then lost to Homestead 1-2. On Sunday, they were placed in what was called the Blue Flight and won 2-1 against Key West (a team they lost to in the Conch Cup), and then lost 1-4 to Flagler Beach.

“The boys have shown tremendous progress in the last month which is seen in our results this weekend,” reflected Coach Arno Silva. “All of our games were close and we showed improvement against a team we have played before. The parents, players and I are excited about their progress and we plan on continuing to play this winter to keep getting better. It has been a fantastic experience!”

More information can be found at the tournament website www.aysosection14.org/stategames09.html.  American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is the largest national youth soccer organization in the United States.

The team photo IDs are:

Bottom Row (l to r): Samantha Bonilla, Brandi Spalten, Savannah Rodamer, Regan Durkin, Alexandra Ramberg, and Jesenia De La Cruz.

Middle Row: Jackie Clairmont, Sacha Olivera, Alexandra Montagne, Savannah Schuhmacher, Gabby Ceja, Sydney Konrath

Top Row: Coach Marco Ceja, Assistant Coach Chris Bull

Team members not pictured: Amanda Bruland, Sammie Egan

January 27, 2009 - 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 Mike Cinque recognized the service of certain planning commissioner and code board members. Claude Halioua was recognized for his Code Board work. Ralph Lucignano was not present to be recognized for his Code Board service. James Tashjian was not present to be recognized for his Planning Commission service.

Councilman Pete Worthington led the discussion on the Quay Boat Ramp T-Dock addition. This dock allows for boaters to get on/off their boats. Staff was directed to come up with a plan to make this happen.

Council granted KAIR Sombrero Beach Run permission to serve alcohol. Fees were waived as well.

Council granted Marathon Seafood Festival permission to serve alcohol. Fees were waived also.

Mayor Mike Cinque proposed a temporary committee to examine architectural design along US1 corridor.

Special Orders, Awards and Presentations:
City Manager Clyde Burnett addressed several routine and minor items. One item of import was the announcement that City Clerk Diane Clavier would take over should the manager not be there.

Peter Chapman provided the Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee Report. They want to address the following: award building permits to those ready to go now, reduce TDR fees, clarify height variance LDR, support TDC fourth penny hotel/motel bed tax, and waive impact fees.

Council discussed the EMS fee charge off policy. Giving the city manager the ability to write off certain unpaid user bills was discussed.

Council heard an update on the Grassy Key Fire Station temporary location. Jolly Roger RV Park could be used for the temporary location.

Council discussed sewer installation impacts to vegetation along Gulfstream Blvd. WEC Engineer Ed Castle presented a report. John Walters, Donald Butler, and Chuck Duderman spoke on this item. The issue was encroachment on the city’s right of way and compensation, if any, for any damage.

Council heard a report on the Marathon Refuse Agreement and Monroe County. The contract comes up for renewal this year. The issue is whether to renew for five more years or go out for RFP. Councilman Worthington supported renewing MGS contract for another five years.

Council discussed locking the Boot Key Bridge lift span in the upright position, letting the bridge tenders go, and security concerns. The city manager sent an RFP to do this, and two companies responded. Both ends of the bridge will also secure the ends. City staff will be able to lower the lift span if winds exceed 39 MPH.

Planning Director George Garrett presented a staff report. Council granted permit extension requests to Salko, Guido, and Ferraro. Each item was voted on separately to avoid setting a precedent of bulk approvals.

Council heard an update on the marina 20 slip expansion. An RFP was sent out. Council set a $30,000 cap on the project.

City Attorney Jimmy Morales requested an executive session for February 10, 2009.

Planning Director George Garrett provided an update on planning and building fees.

Planning Director George Garrett spoke on whether or not to manage the airport zoning issues. Staff was directed to write the letter and bring it back for council approval.

Citizens' comments:
John Stiglitz spoke favorably on the bike path repair near the old seven mile bridge. Former Mayor Chris Bull spoke on unintended consequence of council decisions. He said that we need to advertise the successes of city as well.

Ordinances for Second Public Hearing and Enactment:
Ordinance 2009-01 amended City Code Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 2 pertaining to local purchasing preference. Councilman Pete Worthington said that the ordinance should include areas next to city limits like Duck Key, Key Colony Beach, and Conch Key. Councilman Worthington voted no.

Ordinances for First Public Hearing:
Ordinance 2009-02 amended City Code Section 36-177 to expand the time prohibiting diving and snorkeling in Marathon waterways. One Coco Plum resident was not in favor of this ordinance. Councilman Worthington asked if swimming in a canal is considered diving. City Attorney Jimmy Morales said no if the swimmer is not wearing a mask and snorkel. Mayor Cinque was not comfortable further restricting residents. Councilman Ramsay was worried about legitimate diving to retrieve an object lost in the canal. Councilwoman Snead encouraged support. Vice Mayor Vasil said that he changed his mind after taking public input. Snead was the only yes vote. The ordinance did not pass.

Ordinance 2009-03 approved city boundaries in the Central Southern County Emergency Air Transport Municipal Service Taxing Unit for providing emergency air transport. Councilman Worthington is concerned about the county’s actions in their meeting tomorrow. Former City Manager Mr. Marathon Mike Puto spoke in favor of this ordinance. City Attorney Jimmy Morales reported that there is a cap of what the assessment amount will be.

Quasi-Judicial Items for First Public Hearing
Council approved the Peter Rosasco, D/B/A Sundance Resort and Marina, LLC Development Agreement, pursuant to LDR Chapter 102, Article 8 entitled “Development Agreement”. Council thus authorized the development of a resort and marina at the properties located at 2146 And 2188 Overseas Highway, Gulf, nearest mile marker 48. The Development Agreement further stipulates the conditions and requirements of development, including but not limited to, buffers, building heights, setbacks, and other requirements. Vice Mayor Don Vasil recused himself from this ordinance. Planning Director George Garrett presented the staff report. Donald Craig, owner’s agent, spoke in favor of the ordinance. Morales said that the final approval in Resolution 2009-012 would move this along.

Resolutions for Adoption:
Resolution 2009-04 approved the Peter Rosasco, D/B/A Sundance Resort and Marina, LLC Conditional Use Permit, pursuant to LDR Chapter 102, Article 13 entitled “Conditional Use Permits”. Council thus authorized the development of a resort and marina at the properties located at 2146 And 2188 Overseas Highway, Gulf, nearest mile marker 48.

*Resolution 2009-05 authorized continuing services agreements with the Craig Company of the Florida Keys, Inc., Monroe Concrete Products, Inc., Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc., David Massey Land Surveying, Inc., Mike Haack Excavating, Inc., Pinewood Wastewater Services, Inc., BAT Construction Group, LLC, and Alladin Landscaping & Water Design, Inc.

*Resolution 2009-03 amended the city’s Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Budget by appropriating $400,000 of matching funds for the Boot Key Bridge demolition.

*Resolution 2009-06 amended Resolution 2009-02 to correct a vendor name on a $10,000 to $25,000 purchase.

*Resolution 2009-07 amended the Submerged Lands Lease Agreement with Florida so as to increase the square footage of Boot Key Harbor.

*Resolution 2009-08 approved certain purchases in excess of $10,000 and less than $25,000

Resolution 2009-09 authorized the American Underwater Contractors, Inc. agreement for Boot Key Harbor City Marina mooring field cleaning and inspection for $59,664

* Resolution 2009-10 approved the second amendment to the Phillips and Jordan Inc. contract for debris removal

* Resolution 2009-11 approved the second amendment to the Ashbritt, Inc. contract for debris removal. 

Citizens’ Comments:
None.

Council Comments:
Vice Mayor Vasil spoke about how good a job the council is doing.

Councilman Ramsay spoke about the continuing sewer summit committee meetings.

Councilman Worthington spoke about how well the city is doing.

Councilwoman Snead announced her continuing town hall meetings at the Fire Station at 6 PM each day prior to a city council meeting.

Mayor Cinque spoke about the public input and the process that the council uses.

January 29, 2009 - Marathon - Laura Fowler: A Matter of Balance, Preventing Dangerous Falls for Seniors - Instructors Needed. Falls – A Growing Public Health Concern.

A reported 15,000 American seniors died from falls in 2004; that amounts to one senior every 35 minutes, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control. Responding to this crisis, HELPLINE is bringing A Matter of Balance, an educational and movement-based program to the Florida Keys and is currently looking for individuals interested in learning teach the program.

A Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. The program consists of eight, two-hour sessions that teach the skills necessary to promote self-confidence in one’s abilities to grow older safely by teaching participants to view falls and the fear of falling as controllable and how they can change their living environment to reduce falling risk factors. The ultimate goal is to promote exercise to increase strength and balance.

Lou Hernandez, HELPLINE director, is currently seeking individuals interested in teaching the Matter of Balance program. Hernandez, a certified master trainer, will hold a training class for teachers in February, date and time to be announced. Interested individuals please call HELPLINE at (305) 292-8445 or email: lou@keyshelpline.org for more information.

On January 27th, HELPLINE initiated the first training sessions in the Upper Keys, under the direction of Pam Martin. A Matter of Balance classes will be starting soon in Key Largo, call Pam Martin at 305 853-0907 or e-mail at pmflkeys@aol.com.

HELPLINE is working in collaboration with the Florida Keys Area Health Education Center (AHEC) on the Healthy Aging Initiative which consists of three programs: Healthy Living Workshops, Enhance Fitness and A Matter of Balance. HELPLINE, Inc. is Monroe County's only 24-hour confidential telephone crisis and information hotline, providing crisis intervention, education, information, referral and telephone reassurance services.

Laura Fowler
Operations Coordinator
Area Health Education Center (AHEC)

5800 Overseas Highway, suite 38 MM 50
Phone: 305.743.7111 ext. 206
Web site: www.fkahec.org

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

1. Halloween 2007 goes back to the original movie, which was a classic. So many films fail at modernizing the story that started a series of movies. I was pleasantly surprised. The movie followed closely the original, but was different enough to break new ground. You learn more how Michael became the way he ended up. How could a sweet child become the monster we all know? There is this despair over the victims and the victimized. There were not any excuses, just regrets.

2. Montana Sky is a Nora Roberts classic. I would never have been interested in a romance film or novel. That was not my interest. I read one of my daughter-in-law’s books. I was hooked. Three sisters inherit a big Montana ranch. They have to stay on the ranch for a year. These three were all very different from each other and really did not get along. Complicating things is the danger of terrible killings of animals and humans. The year passes with the sisters sticking together and slowly matching up with their soul mates. The end is quite satisfying. This is a good one. Do not let the word romance keep you from watching this great movie.

3. Underdog the movie is true to the cartoon and then some. The plot is tight. The characters blend well. The camera work is amazing. Normal dog is accidentally given superpowers from a rather short evil genius. Boy meets super dog, and Underdog is here. Underdog foils crime and evil but cannot help chasing cats and Frisbees. The under-cover dog brings together a boy and his father. The cuteness factor is handled just right. Good movie for the whole family.

4. David is one scary movie. Distraught father divorced from mom obsesses over his boy. When he feels that he might not get to see his son, he takes the boy. With police searching for him, he comes to an awful conclusion. He will kill himself and his son. The father couldn't go through with killing himself, but his son barely survives terrible burns all over his body. The boy's recovery through the determination of his mother and his courage is what makes this movie good. The only problem was the subject matter and it was a television movie.

5. Mad Money is madly funny with a little pathos thrown in there for good measure. Married couple with everything loses everything. Neither can get a job even flipping burgers. Somehow, wifey gets job cleaning up a Treasury building dedicated to destroying old money. It does not take long for the scheming and planning. Wifey recruits two others to help in the plan. Stealing the money that would be destroyed takes the plot through some twists and turns, but surprises at the end. This is a good afternoon movie to escape from today’s problems.

6. Children and It is a charming film about magic, wishes, and the paradise of children's imaginations. Dad goes off to war, WW1, and 5 children go to eccentric uncle, cousin, and housekeeper. The only place off limits is exactly where the children end up. They meet a magical sand faerie that they name It. Wishes are granted from sun up to sun down, but be careful what you wish for. Everyone in the family will enjoy this fine movie.

7. Righteous Kill is a stark, gritty drama about two detectives. They are the old men of the force. A serial killer is killing criminals and leaving slips of paper with poetry about the murdered. A couple of young-gun detectives are pursuing the killer, but there is very little to go on. The old cops take over the case and sparks fly. Events race to the dark ending. This one is a good mystery and features some great actors in Pacino and De Niro.

8. The Incredible Hulk is quite good. Experiment linked to the military, of course, somehow goes wrong. The Hulk is born. While dormant, our main character hides and works on a cure. The military want him back for weapon research. Hulk meets old girlfriend. Deranged soldier attacks the Hulk. There is a great fight-chase. The end is satisfying, and a follow-up film is hinted.

9. Kung Fu Panda is a warm, funny, and adventurous animated movie classic. The characters are good, the action is quite special for an animated film, and the story has several interesting messages. You do not have to get those messages though, as the movie stands on its own as family entertainment. This animated feature really surprised me.

10. Hellboy II: The Golden Army is better than the first movie. You have all the familiar characters with a few new ones to round out the cast. The story is fast paced, solid, and fills in some areas like the love interests. The action, of course, is perfect. Hellboy and crew must prevent the Golden Army’s activation to save the human race from the nonhumans. There is a lot here for repeat viewing.

11. Appaloosa is a throwback to the wide-open west. We do not see western films anymore. Ed Harris did about everything in this movie from directing to acting. Two lawmen are hired by little town Appaloosa. The big shot rancher killed the previous marshal and his two deputies. The two clean up the town, and eventually get a witness to testify against the rancher. Meanwhile, recent widow takes after the two lawmen and even with the rancher. Two hired gunmen rescue the rancher from hanging up the railroad. The culmination of these different threads comes to a meaningful conclusion. This western is a classic and makes one think of those times with some trepidation and a bit of admiration.

12. Remember the Wargames movie? A computer called WOPR is in charge of nuclear weapons and whether to launch under given situations. WOPR was also called Joshua after the WOPR creator’s dead son. That computer learned a valuable lesson that saved mankind. Now there is a new computer called Ripley in charge of preventing terrorists attacks. The only problem is Ripley believes it can win the terrorist game. Teenage hacker pursues Ripley through Joshua. Will Joshua save humanity a second time? This was not a bad remake at all. I liked the film a lot.

13. Saw V picks up from the end of Saw IV. The Jigsaw Serial Killer died in Saw IV. How could there be a Saw V? The moviemakers found a way. The movie draws from flashbacks and moves through current time at breakneck speed. There is one horrific scene after another. Human natures being what it is will anyone survive? The continuity of the film wanders a bit. Pay attention though, and this horror flick just about tops Saw IV. Just when you think there cannot be another great Saw movie, this one proved it wrong. Will there be a Saw VI? The ending gives a clue.

14. Amusement is about three girls stalked, terrorized, and all for the amusement of a serial killer. Flashbacks are used to move the story along. At the end, then I saw how it all tied together. Until then, it was a mish mash of bits and pieces with some numbing slow parts. The story could have been told better from a straight timeline. Instead, a good horror movie fails to grab your attention and make you want to scream. Plot? Plot? Where is the damned plot?

15. Death Race is a straightforward story set in the near future. Someone killed Jensen Ames’ wife, but makes it look like he did it. He goes to the prison that runs the Death Race, win five races and you get out. The warden has other ideas. Through the three stages of the race, one after another racer is killed. The last two left pull some surprises of their own, when they learn that the warden has no intention letting anyone out of her prison. This is a good, entertaining move full of action and even a bit of stereotypical acting.

16. Igor is a wonderfully animated film. The story is about a land of darkness and evil. You see, that is there economy so says the king. Once a year there is a festival of evil to see who has the most evil invention. The perennial winner has won in deceptive ways. An Igor gets to live his dream and create life. The only thing is that the evil invention is not quite evil enough. Igor’s friends blow the long darkness and evilness away, and all is right again in the little kingdom among fanciful mountains.

Interesting websites we visited recently:

Poetry Corner
"Order & Chaos"
January 31, 2009

Before creation, before time
Lived one who was both
Order and chaos yet
Existence was without purpose

From the great ether
Came an explosion
Of expanding life
Both dark and light

The great nebula
Gathered in light
Beyond the dark
And there was

Order with the
Percolation of
Thought and
Spirit and soul

Winged creature
Lifted weary head
From lakes of lava
Sucking in first breath

From non-existence
Came troubled
Thoughts and actions
Gathering together

In an existence so very
Counter to before of the
Creation and time with
Winged chaos screaming

© 2009 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 - 2009?

NASCAR Sprint Cup: Daytona 500 is coming this February. I look forward to a whole season of great racing.

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. Shaq also made the NBA All-Star game for the 15th time. So much for over the hill and washed up.

NFL: The Miami Dolphins lost their playoff game against Baltimore Ravens, but the year was still a good one. Let us see how entertaining the Pittsburg Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals will be in this year's Super Bowl.

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 are both doing well. Serena is in the finals at the 2009 Australian Open.

NCAA Football: The BCS crowned the Florida Gators champions. The decision was flawed considering the upsets of the top ten. How can the Utah Utes go undefeated and not be number one? They got cheated at number two.

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: January 28, 2009
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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