 The Shaffer Journal
Volume 10 † Issue 2 † February 2004
[Internet Stuff] [Hockey Puck] [The Mountains of Ao]
[Poetry Corner] [The Dull Stuff] [Guest Articles] [In The Keys]
Kitty Talk
These journals are dedicated to Kitty GreyCat's spirit. She is at RainBow Bridge now along with her human friends, Leo and Doris. We all loved you, Kitty! Click the cat graphic to visit her Memorial page. Kitty born June 6, 1982. Died July 9, 1997. Please use our email form linked below to make suggestions or offer praise. >^..^<  Ebony: We cats have loads of meows to impart to all the other cats and them human beans what we own. We have a lot of interesting stuff this edition and some sad news too. The sad mews is about Starcat Draggie going to Rainbow Bridge. The article is listed below. Abby was chasing paper wads all over the place though and made me mad how much fun she has. I slept with my own human bean for once and even liked it. Usually, Abby hogs the human. >^..^<
Abby: I have more exciting meows. I finally pawed open the shower door. I got really close to that bird, but the cage prevented me for doing my normal cat stuff. I noticed that Ebony likes that Tony human bean leather chair. She sleeps in it all the time. I try to scratch it, but the beans holler at me. They even holler at me when I knocked the bird cage over spilling seed, water, and feathers everywhere. >^..^<
Ebony: When we moved to the new place, we all were really upset. Us cats like things to stay just the same forever. Abby explored everywhere. I did too. I wasn't upset but a little, but Abby upset a lot. She got two hot spots on her neck. Human bean made her wear an old sock to keep her from scratching those hot spots. >^..^<
Abby: I didn't like that sock. I did like Tony and Rhonda human bean's new, big bed. But we can't go into their bedroom anytime we want. We can't even go into their bathroom. We can't get on the table or counters. >^..^<
Ebony: Well, them new human beans are fussy, aren't they? Toni Lee human bean has a comfy bed that both of us just love. She not fussy at all. All the human beans let me out more. I was enjoying the outside when all of the sudden a big skeeter flew up and landed right on my nose. I was crossed eyed too. Then the nasty insect thing bit my nose. I waved my paw and made that skeeter go somewhere else really quickly. I hate them skeeters. >^..^<
Abby: Meow, I go right to the refrigerator so I can get some holiday ham. We had some holiday turkey too, but the holiday chicken is super meow. After filling up on holiday treats, I go sleep it off on that red wool blanket on the bean child bed. I like that blanket because all my white fur shows up really well on that red thing. >^..^<
Ebony: I know what Abby likes that red, wool blanket. She gets under the covers to hide from people or big noises. We have had lots of new people over along with all kinds of big noises all over the place. >^..^<
Abby: Ice hide when I have to. I should of hid from that Tony bean one morning. He bonked me on the hard head for no good reason. Then he laughed at me for the perplexed look on my face. I don't like being bonked. >^..^<
Ebony: Use were vexed for a silly reason really. I was vexed because all the human beans spritzed me for no good reason. I just want to eat the bird and jump up on to everything. Why should I get spritzed anymeow? >^..^<
Abby: Yes, but I don't like all the p-rock in our tiny yard. What were the human beans thinking? >^..^<
Ebony: I like the p-rock. It makes chasing lizards and catching them so much easier. The p-rock is better than hearing you scratch and wine at the doors wanting in or out as the case may be. You is a big pest. You run, chase, and meow at me once too often. And you love nibbling on beans is worst than the bad weather, it is. >^..^<
Abby: I remember when you were soaking wet when the human beans forgot you were outside in the rain. I stay inside and am impervious to rain, cold, and even your wicked meow complaints. That's it for this month. >^..^<
Internet Stuff
The DVD films from http://www.NetFlix.com are packed with extras and full of good entertainment. Radio was an especially inspirational movie and a true story as well. Freaky Friday was not unique, but loads of fun anyway. X2: X-Men United sequel was a good science fantasy film. League of Extraordinary of Gentlemen is all about the old-time heroes. Out of Time was an excellent movie about how a police chief gets scammed. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is an excellent adventure and fantasy story. Secret of Roan Inish is an Irish fable with a happy ending. Santa Clause 2 is a Tim Allen sequel both funny and quite entertaining. Several websites were useful this month. Although this website is not quite ready, it will serve a very useful purpose in helping people get into affordable housing. The new website will be known as http://www.MKCLT.org for the Middle Keys Community Land Trust. My Hewlitt Packard laser printer stopped working after years of good service. I went to http://www.HP.com for help, but the printer is dead, dead, dead. I had to order a new printer at http://www.OfficeDepot.com. Since I was unable to continue my Digital Sail wireless Internet service, I opted for DirecWay, which is an outstanding satellite Internet service. I used the http://www.DirecWay.com site. I compared services at http://www.BWISK.com and http://www.TerraNova.net. Black Widow Internet Services of the Keys seems to have better services, more features, and the right price. TerraNova.net is just way too costly. In The Keys
Vote Larry Shaffer for Marathon City Council
The struggle to preserve and protect workforce housing goes on. Among the many things that one can do is to support Larry Shaffer in his run for Marathon City Council. We need volunteers and contributions. The campaign takes only checks made out to the "Campaign Account of Larry Shaffer." Any amount over $100 up to $500 will require listing your occupation to satisfy state law. We are not accepting checks from developers, redevelopers, contractors, or real estate agencies involved in displacing people from their homes. Send your checks to Larry Shaffer City Council Campaign, PO Box 501833, Marathon, FL, 33050-1833. Call 305-743-9648 for details.
Paid Political Advertisement Paid For In-Kind By
Shaffer Novels/Poetry Company, Approved by Larry Shaffer This month has been very busy with the campaign and all the normal stuff as well. I got to visit the Heron House that helps qualified residents with housing and special services. The Middle Keys Community Land Trust continues the hard work of putting workforce people into affordable homes. I enjoyed my first holidays and birthday with immediate family. That was especially nice. We hit some great spots this month like the New China Garden, the American Legion, and the Overseas Lounge. Dockside was cool too. The city council campaign has gone quite well. No matter how it all ends up, the issues have been highlighted. I look forward to the elections. Miscellany: Did you know that Connecticut's state bird is the Robin? The flower is the Mountain Laurel. The tree is the White Oak. The capital is Hartford. Statehood was granted January 9, 1788. Lastly, the Wave Gallery features exhibitions from local artists. This Key West store is open from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM, also open Sundays in season. They are located at 1100 White Street. Their telephone number is 305-293-9428. Their Internet address is http://www.thewavegallery.com. Call the gallery for details. That's all there is for this month! Poetry Corner
“In The Fields” 06.06.97
by L. E. Shaffer © 2004 L. E. Shaffer Early morning cool
As smoke rolls in
Above the din and rumble
Somewhere a bird sings
In the fields does
The battle sing
And fear grips
Blood dripping
The sun rises hot
The sounds quicken
Even as quiet
Dulls the brain
Inches gained perilously
Lost again in tears
And now no pain
Lost in the memories
Senses sharpened suddenly
Detect running water nearby
But so far and death so near
Noon darkens the eyes
When was it
That the child
Laughed in the games
And life wasn’t so cruel
Where to go
In these fields
When afternoon cools
Slowly life slips away... © 2004 L. E. Shaffer Hockey Puck
The NHL Florida Panthers are still in the playoff hunt at the all-star break, but they had better start winning more in the second half. The NFL Super Bowl had super commercials and a great game, which the New England Patriots just barely won in the last seconds over the disappointed Carolina Panthers. The NBA Los Angeles Lakers are still winning but not as much, while some of their starters heal from injuries. The NCAA BCS system produced two champions, USC and OK. I can't wait for the Daytona 500 and the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. This spring will blossom with major league baseball soon. Tiger is gearing up for another PGA tour and maybe even a masters or two. And what might happen in the WTA and the two Williams sisters if they are healthy? I look forward to Lance Armstrong's attempt at a sixth Tour de France. This year looks to be very exciting. Guest Articles
We have various guests this journal. As always everything is copyright of the author. Brandon
Marathon High School
Mrs. Loggie’s American Gov’t Class
What can the city do for the students and the community?
The City of Marathon is growing rapidly. There are going to be many changes that will benefit the locals as well as the tourists. One of the important things the city has to benefit from is the students of Marathon. One thing that the city can do for the students and the community is to add more on to the community park. They should add a multi-purpose field, concession stand, and some more basketball courts.
At the park now all they have for a field is the baseball fields. It’s not even big enough for a soccer field or a football field. If they put a multi-purpose field there then there would be more space to spread everything out so they can play better. The field can be used to play football, soccer, baseball, or any other sport that you need a big field for. Most of the time the community sports programs, like the Marathon Youth Club, go to Stanley Switlik school and play their games, but now they can go to the park if we get the field in. When they go to the schools to play they have to have permission to be on the field and there would be too many responsibilities for them. That’s why I think putting a multi-purpose field would be an excellent idea.
We should put in a concession stand because there is nothing to eat or drink there except for a water fountain. The fountain there is not cold and refreshing. Most of the people just go across the street and get drinks from the gas station or some bring their own drinks to the park. Since the park has many events that go on there then a concession stand would be a great idea. All the people will buy food and drinks and the money could go to the city or to the park. At the little league baseball games that are held there, they bring their own concession stand and some of the time they run out of stuff, but they make a lot of money. That’s why I think a concession stand will be a great idea.
The last thing that I suggest that the city should build for the students and the community is some more basketball courts. We don’t need a lot; we only need like three more courts. One reason we need more courts is because some of the nights is that arena soccer league and they are rude and won’t let the basketball players to finish up their game or anything. They just kick us out. Also they play at night when the sun is down and the basketball players have to play in the sun. So if we build more courts when it is time for the soccer players to come in the basketball players can go to the other courts and finish their game. Also the park has a hockey team that goes there and plays. They also play at night and out of the sun, so the additional courts would help out a lot there. So if we build additional basketball courts everybody will be satisfied.
The city is doing a lot for the community and is doing a great job too. The community park is a big facility in Marathon. It is also like one of the only things for students to do and hang out at. It keeps the students out of trouble and safe. If you add more on to the community park more people will go there. To pay for all this we can have a benefit party at the park one afternoon. Also we can have several raffles and more benefit events. It will just take time and patience to get it done. There are other things you can add on to the park, but I think the multi-purpose field, concession stand, and the additional basketball courts it the best suggestion to build there.
© 2004 Brandon [last doc used: cityproject.doc] Will Smith
Marathon High School
Mrs. Loggie’s American Gov’t Class
A New Auditorium
As we all know, the city’s council is trying to think of things to do with the land over on 98th and 99th streets. They have a little less than ten acres to work with on building. They are already proposing right now, another park, pool or both. We already have too many parks in this town. We also have plenty of pools for everyone to go to. I propose that we use the land for an indoor recreation hall. This can be used for many purposes by older and younger people of this town. During the day, if nothing is going on they could have video games and pool tables or something. Maybe they could even hold like a teen night sort of thing for kids to stay out of trouble at night. This would bring in extra money for the city to use. Then it can also be held for plays, or meetings for other groups in our city. Another reason this could be used for is for the school’s dances. The school has no place to hold their dances anymore. The airport barely let us hold our homecoming there this year.
One problem concerning the building for this would be its going to cost a lot of money. We could raise money by doing fundraisers. Another possibility is that we could make a number to call to send in donations if anyone would want to participate in this project. Another idea is that we could ask store owners to put little change jars in their restaurant or gas station for people that might want to help the cause or just because they have extra change they don’t need. Student would use this building a lot as well, so the school could get some type of fundraiser together also. The churches in our town might want to get involved too. They could also have a change bin for people who would like to help.
This building would have a lot of benefits for our town. The kids in Marathon High School have no place to hold their school dances. We have to borrow the airport or other places that don’t even want to let us use their facilities. So if this building were made we wouldn’t have to bother the airport with our problems, we would already have a place to go. This building could also be used by the city council for meetings, or any other club meetings in our town. If there are any other clubs in our town they could rent the building out for the night. This would also bring money into the town for other positive uses. Another way this building could bring in money is by having weekly or monthly dances for the kids at the elementary school or for the kids at the high school. This would raise money for the city as well as keep kids out of trouble and walking around the streets. Another positive reason for this is a place for people to go during the day. They could make a little lounge or something with a snack bar. They could maybe even have video game machines and some pool tables. One last reason we could use this building for good use is if our auditorium is already booked we could have a play there. Another use for this building is private parties. People could pay to rent the building out for weddings or other personal occasions. Non-profit organizations could also use this building for use. They could meet there to talk about future ideas.
In my opinion this would be the best use for this open land. We don’t need another pool or park; we need a place for everyone to go. This building would be useful for the young and the old, and would also bring in extra money for the city.
© 2004 Will Smith [last doc used: discuss use of property.doc] Maria Quintana
Marathon High School
Mrs. Loggie’s American Gov’t Class
What can the city do for the community?
The city should open up a safe place where teenagers can go hang out with their friends without getting into trouble. By safe I mean having someone watching everything that’s going on throughout the time that it is open. Even if it only gets open on the weekends it still would give us something else to do.
Inside there could be music so that if we wanted to dance we could and maybe even have a game room that the teens can go play different games with their other friends. It would keep us teens off the streets and out of trouble instead of going to Key West to have a little fun.
The community would be a lot cleaner because there wouldn’t be a lot of teens going out and throwing their trash where they please. They would have a place to throw their trash and still be able to have a little fun.
We could probably even use the community park one night on the weekend to have our own little hang out place to go. There could be music and different little vendors that are able to sell us some snacks. We could go out and do some fundraisers to help buy the things we need to be able to ensure that people won’t get board and that they won’t be out getting into trouble.
For it being a small town it starts to get boring when there is nothing to do or when you have to drive to Key West or Miami just to go out and have a little fun. If there were more things for us teens to do then I think most of the teens would most likely stay out of trouble. Most of us try to go out and get jobs because we have nothing better to do. Once you reach the age of 14 then there’s not much that we can do, but go out and work, but still go to school. I’m not saying that working is a bad thing because its not and it shows us responsibility. I would like to see some other things for us teens to go hang out and just be ourselves, but in a controlled environment that way we would have any trouble.
I know that it’s a small town and there’s not much for us to do and that’s how it will remain for very long time. Maybe, one day it will change and more teens will like living in the Florida Keys. Mean while, I guess that we will have to go out and have fun inn our own different ways whether it be to go to Miami every weekend our even Key West.
In order to have this happen we would need a place. It doesn’t have to be big, but what I was thinking that we could put up a tent to place in the back of the Community Park. The tent we could purchase by either getting some sponsors or doing some kind of fundraiser in order to get this started. Most of the things that we would use could get either donated to us or we could continue to do different fundraisers to continue to support this. The person who watches what’s going on could be a police officer that stops on in every hour or half an hour.
There are many different ways that we as students could help you guys, but we would also need your help. I would just like to see a place get opened where teens can go out to have a little fun. That way they could go and keep out of trouble that most teens get into without even thinking about it. It would be nice to have something like that.
© 2004 Maria Quintana [last doc used: essay.doc] Draggie Goes to Rainbow Bridge Subject: Sad News About Draggie
Dear Friends,
Starcat Draggie crossed the great water today, February 5, 2004, between 12:42 and 12:50 pm.
His passing was assisted by Dr. Roger Valentine, DVM one of his assistants. Draggie's passing was very gentle and very easy. He was ready. There was nothing that could be done to save him. Draggie passed right here at home on my bed with his favorite toys and favorite blanket around him. We had a long, long time together last night to talk and share and love. I know Draggie is at peace and it was the right thing to do. Draggie will be cremated and his ashes will be spread across a vineyard located in Pasa Robles, California. This is being arranged as a special favor to me courtesy of Dr. Valentine. It is wonder knowing that Draggie will join with the good earth and the fruit of the vine.
Thank you for being there for us. I thank you, and both Starcats Buggie and Jiqqi Jaqqi thank you, too.
Love, Claudia
Claudia D. Dikinis
http://starcats.com
Political & Personal Astrology for a New Millennium
"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light." - Plato
If voting could really change things, it would be illegal. -- Revolution Books, New York, New York.
Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And when you look into an abyss, the abyss also looks into you. -- Friedrich Nietzche
© 2004 Claudia D. Dikinis Cat Bathing as a Martial Art
(written by Bud Herron)
Some people say cats never have to be bathed. They say cats lick themselves clean. They say cats have a special enzyme of some sort in their saliva that works like new, improved Wisk dislodging the dirt where it hides and whisking it away. I've spent most of my life believing this folklore. Like most blind believers, I've been able to discount all the facts to the contrary, the kitty odors that lurk in the corners of the garage and dirt smudges that cling to the throw rug by the fireplace.
The time comes, however, when a man must face reality: when he must look squarely in the face of massive public sentiment to the contrary and announce: "This cat smells like a port-a-potty on a hot day in Juarez." When that day arrives at your house, as it has in mine, I have some advise you might consider as you place your feline friend under your arm and head for the bathtub:
Know that although the cat has the advantage of quickness and lack of concern for human life, you have the advantage of strength. Capitalize on that advantage by selecting the battlefield. Don't try to bathe him in an open area where he can force you to chase him. Pick a very small bathroom. If your bathroom is more than four feet square, I recommend that you get in the tub with the cat and close the sliding-glass doors as if you were about to take a shower. (A simple shower curtain will not do. A berserk cat can shred a three-ply rubber shower curtain quicker than a politician can shift positions.)
Know that a cat has claws and will not hesitate to remove all the skin from your body. Your advantage here is that you are smart and know how to dress to protect yourself. I recommend canvas overalls tucked into high-top construction boots, a pair of steel-mesh gloves, an army helmet, a hockey face mask, and a long-sleeved flak jacket.
Prepare everything in advance. There is no time to go out for a towel when you have a cat digging a hole in your flak jacket. Draw the water. Make sure the bottle of kitty shampoo is inside the glass enclosure. Make sure the towel can be reached, even if you are lying on your back in the water.
Use the element of surprise. Pick up your cat nonchalantly, as if to simply carry him to his supper dish. (Cats will not usually notice your strange attire. They have little or no interest in fashion as a rule. If he does notice your garb, calmly explain that you are taking part in a product testing experiment for J.C. Penney.)
Once you are inside the bathroom, speed is essential to survival. In a single liquid motion, shut the bathroom door, step into the tub enclosure, slide the glass door shut, dip the cat in the water and squirt him with shampoo. You have begun one of the wildest 45 seconds of your life.
Cats have no handles. Add the fact that he now has soapy fur, and the problem is radically compounded. Do not expect to hold on to him for more than two or three seconds at a time. When you have him, however, you must remember to give him another squirt of shampoo and rub like crazy. He'll then spring free and fall back into the water, thereby rinsing himself off. (The national record for cats is three latherings, so don't expect too much.)
Next, the cat must be dried. Novice cat bathers always assume this part will be the most difficult, for humans generally are worn out at this point and the cat is just getting really determined. In fact, the drying is simple compared to what you have just been through. That's because by now the cat is semi-permanently affixed to your right leg. You simply pop the drain plug with your foot, reach for your towel and wait. (Occasionally, however, the cat will end up clinging to the top of your army helmet. If this happens, the best thing you can do is to shake him loose and to encourage him toward your leg.) After all the water is drained from the tub, it is a simple matter to just reach down and dry the cat.
In a few days the cat will relax enough to be removed from your leg. He will usually have nothing to say for about three weeks and will spend a lot of time sitting with his back to you. He might even become psychoceramic and develop the fixed stare of a plaster figurine.
You will be tempted to assume he is angry. This isn't usually the case. As a rule he is simply plotting ways to get through your defenses and injure you for life the next time you decide to give him a bath.
But at least now he smells a lot better.
© 2004 Bud Herron The Mountains of Ao
Book One Tears from Ao and three poetry collections, Pages of Life, Visions of Life, and Moments of Life are available electronically at http://RunesofAo.com/aobp/. The Runes of Ao project, Book Two The Mountains of Ao novel currently in final edit, Book Three Twins of the Dark Star novel in early stages, and The Book of Kalian Mysticism poetry collection are works in progress. Also a collaboration with K. Young on a novella called Dragon Embers is now published on the fan site known as Runes of Ao.com. The Dull Stuff
All opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of this magazine, company, or its advertisers. Inputs, email, suggestions, and letters to this journal are subject to approval by Ebony and Abby. Submittals may be edited for content and length and become the creative property for the one-time nonexclusive publication of: Shaffer Novels/Poetry Company
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www.RunesofAo.com/abby/ Publication date: January 28, 2004
Author: L. E. Shaffer
Company: Shaffer Novels/Poetry Company &
Shaffer Internet Publishing Company
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