 The Marathon Florida Keys Journal
City of Marathon, Florida Keys, Paradise
Volume 11 † Issue 11 † November 2005
[In The Keys] [Kitty Talk] [Guest Articles] [Internet Stuff]
[Poetry Corner] [Hockey Puck] [Twins of the Dark Star] [The Dull Stuff]
The Marathon Florida Keys Journal focuses on the Florida Keys. The most popular part of the magazine is Kitty Talk. The lead article is the In The Keys section that offers opinions and even some editorializing. There are also articles concerning the local political beat. These articles were provided to The Marathon Weekly, The Marathon Free Press, and The Key West Citizen for possible publication. They might edit them to suit their needs. We appreciate your visit and patronage. Please enjoy and come back soon! In The Keys
~some articles have photos, go to http://MarathonJournal.US/press/index.htm~ Hurricane Wilma caused many to run up north right into its jaws. Those who stayed have stories that will last a lifetime. All of us have so much to be thankful for, because Hurricane Wilma could have been much worse. There are pictures at http://MarathonJournal.US/press/index.htm. This November 2005 edition will tell our own observations of this hurricane, including photos from Toni Lee Shaffer when developed. This article is under the "What's Happening!" subheading below. Marathon’s Housing Committee met at the City Hall’s conference room October 6th. Committee members Frank Greenman, Bill Daniels, and Lynda Berrigan attended. Supporting city staff members were C. J. Geotis, Katye Parker, and Gail Covington. The agenda items were examining the city’s affordable housing eligibility criteria for owners and renters. Discussion included what situations that a minor child’s income should not count against a family’s income used to qualify for city affordable housing. While a child filing a separate tax return could be counted, income to be used for future education and not used for housing should be exempted somehow. The next topic explored what criteria should be used for renters or owners. The idea was introduced to have rentals capped at 120% of median income, which is about $57,000 for Monroe County. Home ownership could be capped at 160% of median income. That could possibly direct rentals to lower income producing families, while home ownership would be at higher incomes. The committee again urged the city to hire a housing officer dedicated to putting affordable housing on the ground to save the workforce required for Marathon’s economy. The discussion seemed to bog down into these details, but Deputy City Manager C. J. Geotis offered an idea to move the discussion along. He thought that approaching the problem from an existing number of available housing units would focus the discussion and produce more timely ideas for possible solutions. OPINION: First, the city needs to hire a housing officer. The contribution in lieu of developers building affordable housing units needs to be $250,000 per unit not the current $100,000. Last, the ultimate goal is to save the targeted workforce necessary to keep the City of Marathon viable. Therefore, the city probably needs to get into the workforce housing business. Otherwise, workforce housing will always just be talk. ~some articles have photos, go to http://MarathonJournal.US/press/index.htm~ Marathon’s Near Shore Waters Committee met at the public library October 6th. All committee members were present except for Mr. Bennett. C. J. Geotis and Richard Tanner were part of the city staff attending. City Council Member Bob Miller was present as well as a number of citizens. Dock Master Richard Tanner reported on the status of various projects. The marina floating docks project is waiting on the bonding issuance for Marathon Seawalls and Docks. The docks were ordered from EZ Dock and should arrive within 30 days. The informal bid to install the docks was advertised. The bid deadline is October 17th. There were no bidders for the 33rd Street Boat Ramp Improvements project. One of the improvements is to pave the parking lot. City staff is figuring out the next logical step to get this accomplished. A notice of the mooring field expansion project was mailed to all those required on September 28th. Comments on the project are due to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection by October 31st. This project is about a year away from completion. The Marina Siting Plan was forwarded to the Florida Department of Community Affairs [DCA] by the City Council. The DCA found the submittal package complete. The plan is currently within the DCA 60 day review period. The next agenda item was on Fisherman’s Point near the Boot Key Bridge. An initial depth survey was conducted, but another one is planed for mean low tide during a certain lunar cycle. While the first test showed no problems, the committee is interested in the results of the future test. Boot Key Harbor hurricane preparedness was discussed. While most take proper precautions in securing their vessels, others do not. That puts many in the harbor at peril. The point was made that people should not stay on the anchored vessels when storms exceed tropical storm strength. A number of ways were talked about to solve hurricane preparedness issues. The best solutions will happen when the mooring field expansion is completed. Also, the new Sheriff Marine Unity Deputy Willy Guerra is making progress in this area. Education and signage were ideas presented as well. A discussion on the pros and cons of leasing the marina out for operations and infrastructure improvement ensued. Most of the harbor residents think this is a bad idea. Yet the city still subsidizes the marina, which has never had a profit since incorporation. There were those who think that the marina needs to be given a chance at profitability. They think that when the new mooring field is completed, that the marina will then break even at least. The committee wanted more discussion to explore the issues of leasing the marina. The last item for discussion was trap removal issues due to several recent hurricanes. The sheer numbers of traps involved concerned everyone. Commercial fishermen are in dire straits. There is a possible solution in a FEMA funded plan to pay commercial fishermen to remove traps. OPINION: Leasing the marina to cover operations and infrastructure issues would work. The city would then make money instead of losing tax dollars. I, for one, always faulted the marina for not being able to reduce the city subsidy and eventually making a small profit. Now that the new mooring field is coming soon, I think the marina needs a chance to see if they can make a profit with the entire mooring field in place. If the small profit doesn’t show up, then explore leasing options. The Middle Keys Community Land Trust board of directors held their regular meeting at Marathon City Hall Conference Room on October 10th.
President Debbie Love presented several opportunities to the all-volunteer board. The Land Trust considers a number of building and rental opportunities regularly. One such opportunity could result in workforce affordable housing in Marathon, if everything falls into place. This is just the beginning of a long, tedious process of due diligence, but the Land Trust continues to be successful in keeping existing rentals and building new home ownership workforce housing.
Administrator Rick Casey presented his report. He updated the board on the progress of helping the city of Islamorada build workforce affordable housing. Islamorada is very close to contracting the Land Trust to assist in its workforce efforts. Also presented to the board was an update on the 23rd Street property in Marathon. That opportunity seems to be on track with only a few necessary action items needing to be addressed. Rick Casey discussed a number of other items such as his successful presentation to the Marathon City Council, land acquisition funds, and Seacrest property taxes and insurance hikes.
The board approved funding the Information Technology upgrade to accommodate a new hire. Then the board discussed hiring an administrative assistant to help the administrator devote more time to finding workforce-housing opportunities.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.
OPINION: The Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity have consistently put housing in the hands of the workforce. They get results with less talk. Unless other agencies are willing to put up that kind of effort, they should provide all the assistance possible in helping these two agencies. Frankly, it is time for everyone else to lead, follow, or get out of the way. The Marathon Fire Rescue Pension Board met at the airport fire station training room on October 11th. Chairman Dale Beaver, also Deputy Fire Chief, Captain Mike Card, Frank Green, and Chris James attended the meeting as board members. Board attorney Alicia Bealer, Deputy City Manager C. J. Geotis, Finance Director Peter Rosasco, and Florida Municipal Trust Fund Pension Service Manager Paul Shamoun also attended the meeting.
Boggs and Associates conducted a study to compare the Florida Retirement System, the chapter plan, and the local law plan. The plan that was being used was the chapter plan. The results of the study showed that a local law plan would garner the greatest benefits to the firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
Paul Shamoun said that the Florida Municipal Trust Fund would manage the new plan. 15/100th of 1% of the pension fund would be used to cover administrative costs to manage the plan.
The board voted to recommend Ordinance 2005-21 to Marathon City Council. This ordinance would repeal Ordinance 2003-27, which was the old plan, and establish the new local law plan.
Before adjournment, the board discussed how volunteer firefighters could be covered under a separate arrangement yet to be determined. Former Fire Chief Tony Messina’s pending disability retirement request was discussed as to the procedures to be followed.
OPINION: Everyone connected with this process worked hard and cooperatively to get the most bang for the buck. The firefighters and emergency medical personnel now have the best retirement plan available to them. Kudos to everyone for all their hard work. The Marathon City Council met at the government center October 11th.
Ordinance 2005-21 repealed 2003-27 and established a local law plan, which is superior to Florida Retirement System or the chapter plan. The chapter plan was the firefighter’s pension plan. Deputy Chief Dale Beaver is the chair of the Firefighter Pension Board. The Florida Municipal Trust Fund will manage the new plan.
Mayor John Bartus read two proclamations. Physicians Assistants Week October 6-12 and United Way month were designated by these two proclamations.
City Manager’s report included a wastewater update by Wieler Engineering Corporation’s Project Manager Ed Castle. One of the hurdles was tying into the Key Colony Beach wastewater system using its extra capacity, which their utility board initially turned down 3-2. An attempt to provide hard data to convince the board of the advantages is in progress. Council didn’t feel comfortable with the way the Key Colony Beach responded to the proposal. Jeff Pinkus made a motion to direct service area 6 to service area 7 and not use the Key Colony Beach option. Overall, progress is being made in all areas.
City Manager’s vacation needed council permission, because he missed his vacation due to several hurricane storms.
The 2005 Tige U.S. Pro-Am Wakeboard Championship will be held in Marathon October 21-23, 8 AM to 5 PM. Randy Mearns, who represents the Middle Keys Events Council, made the event presentation. The event will be televised nationally. Vending will be provided by local non-profits. Pat Weld, a local turtle-nesting representative, said that the event shouldn’t be a problem. Parking should be sufficient with approximately 350 daily at a maximum. Deputies will be on duty. Council approved the event.
MHS Leadership Class wanted to adopt a mile of highway. They want to adopt Sombrero Beach Road. City Council gave their support to that effort.
Final seaweed pickups from marina property to Rockland Key will take place October 12-14.
Several resolutions were considered. 2005-143 approving the third amendment to the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority Memorandum of Agreement to ensure the Municipal Service Taxing Unit covers the costs and expenses of outside consultants. 2005-144 authorized and accepted $150,000 State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant for beach restoration due to hurricane damage. 2005-149 adopted the Florida Department of Environmental Protection [DEP] wastewater facility plan for the implementation of wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal improvements. 2005-150 requested funding for fiscal year 2006-2007 from Florida DEP protection beach erosion control program. 2005-151 authorized City Manager to amend the Marathon Seawalls and Docks Inc. city marina dock access ramps project be completed without the previously required performance bonding.
The last significant council action was to schedule a special call meeting tentatively for October 18th at 6:30 PM for non-profit presentation and council allocation of grant money. A Land Development Regulation special call meeting was scheduled for November 1st at 6:30 PM. Both meetings will be held at the Marathon Government Center or the training room at the Sheriff’s Aviation Hangar. See http://www.marathonflorida.org for more detailed information. Ray and May Chote are leaving Marathon. Ray said that May has had medical
issues. May is receiving nursing home care up north outside the Florida
Keys. Ray said that he has to move to be close to his wife.
Ray and May Chote live at Galway Bay R. V. and Mobile Home Park at the
western end of Marathon. These activists in their late eighties ran for Marathon
City Council in 2003. While having a tendency to go on and on about minutiae,
they were still well versed in the issues.
They used the petition method to qualify for office whenever possible. They
seemed to have spent their lives advocating different things, but their
advocacy for anyone to qualify for elective office serves us all well even
today.
Ray and May ran for several elective offices throughout their years,
including the US House of Representatives, 18th District, US President, and
even Monroe County Clerk of the Courts.
Ray Chote with $0 garnered nearly 30% of the vote in the 2002 election that
saw Ileana Ros-Lehtinen win the 18th District US House seat. Ros-Lehtinen
spent nearly a half million dollars in her campaign. Somehow that seems
amazing that Ray got that many votes without spending a dime.
Ray and May have always been active over the elective process, especially in
the courts. Ray wrote, "In the U.S. Supreme Court I won a unanimous
decision, BROWN v CHOTE 1973, that enables Citizens to run for office
without paying a "FILING FEE"." May has been in several courts herself over
this same principle.
The ability of anyone running for elective office, using the petition
process without a filing fee, is because of Ray and May's activism.
Ray also educated us on our rights to get petitions signed, hand out
campaign literature, and hold campaign signs at public places like the
various shopping centers around town. For example, Gulfside Village Shopping
Center, the KMart complex, the Publix complex, and even the shopping center
containing the mid-town post office, all have to allow such activities as
determined by the Supreme Court.
So let us then fondly remember Ray and May Chote, as they leave us, for the
advocates that they were for all of us. Fair winds and following seas, Ray
and May. The above story was posted 10.12.05 1920. Marathon Parks and Recreation Committee met at the public library on October 13th. Tom Wright chaired the committee, while Project Manager Susie Thomas and Parks & Recreation Supervisor Jimmy Schmidt provided staff support. There were about 15 citizens from the community including some young teens. Bettye Chaplin also was in the audience.
While the status of Community Park Phase II is right there off of US1 for all to see, Susie Thomas provided status and answered questions.
The amphitheatre, skate park, concession stand, and fields are nearing completion. Sod can’t be laid, until after the fumigation process. Even then the sod will need to “rest” for several weeks before athletic use. Thomas estimated that the overall park project could be completed in early December.
The amphitheatre scheduling process was discussed. Schmidt said that he would be coordinating this. Thomas also said that she was researching what other communities have done for scheduling of events.
The process was started for grand opening ceremonies. Suggestions included having one of the boy’s high school soccer games, putting on an exhibition at the skate park, and then having a concert at the amphitheatre. The concession stand could provide drinks and food. The date will probably be in January sometime. Stay tuned.
The committee requested that staff research putting vending machines in the park. This would keep the children from crossing US1.
Recreational Design and Construction Inc will be asked back to the November committee meeting to present the latest swimming pool design options. The design presented to city council wasn’t exactly what the committee expected. Thomas reported that the City Council expected the committee to help get money from the community. This information led to discussions on a benefactor and possibly offering up naming rights.
Coco Plum Beach improvements were discussed. Sand re-nourishment is ongoing. Parking lot improvements, some kind of boardwalk structure, and compositing waste system were all considered in the improvement plans being discussed.
Thomas also reported that signage needs to be replaced and other hurricane damage needs addressed. Grants could cover some or all of this expense.
The committee still would like to explore uniting all the parcels to create on contiguous beach. The beach would remain passive and probably serve eco-tourism along with the residents.
Susie Thomas reported that there are grants that can help with any number of items. First, she needs to get a survey done to create a beach management program, which will then allow for a number of other options.
A Mr. Lumbke from Coco Plum Beach Home Owners Association requested that he be included in any planning issues for the Coco Plum Beach improvement program that seemed to be forming.
OPINION: The Community Park Phase II grand opening ceremonies seemed to generate a level of excitement from the citizens attending the meeting. This same excitement extended to the discussions on Coco Plum Beach. Any improvements to this beach will only improve tourism and provide additional recreational options for residents. The committee needs to recommend that the city buy Boot Key and provide recreational uses out there as well. Appropriate property for such purposes is fast disappearing. Marathon’s Planning Commission met in front of a full house October 17th at the Sheriff’s Aviation Hangar training room.
While the night’s long agenda was routine, the Faro Blanco Development Agreement and the Florida Keys Animal Encounter Center Major Conditional Use items generated some interesting discussion.
SH3 LTD is redeveloping Faro Blanco Resort. Currently, the site contains 32 units, wet slips on the gulf side; and 72 units, wet slips, and boat ramps on the ocean side. The proposal would include 84 units and 125 wet slips on the gulf side; and 20 units, 125 wet slips, and two boat ramps. The entire project is based on the ability to transfer transient units and recovering units from the houseboats.
Staff recommended conditional approval for the gulf side only. The ocean side had problems with transferring units and using floating structures as units on site. Commissioner Don Vasil moved to recommend approval based on the staff report. That motion didn’t receive a second. Tracy Holder then moved to recommend approval of the development agreement as presented by the applicant. That motion was passed 3 – 2 with Mike Cinque and Don Vasil voting no.
The Florida Keys Animal Encounter Center required a Major Conditional Use. This proposed complex would be on a lot bordered by US1 and 117th Street.
Currently, the lot is vacant with some natural habitat. The proposal would include an amusement sea life park and onsite employee housing. There would be an animal encounter center, encounter tank, Dynasty Marine offices, walking paths, and information kiosks. The native area would remain undeveloped.
Staff recommended conditional approval, addressing issues of handicap parking, drainage, fire safety, five affordable units requiring allocations, and additional square footage requested under NROGO. Barbara Mitchell of the Craig Company requested a year to address permitting and was granted that request.
The commission recommended approval based on the staff report.
Other agenda items were addressed with the commission recommending approval of the following: The Key Colony Bay Resort Development Agreement and Major Conditional Use. Rescinding the Seaview Commons Development Agreement and Minor Conditional Use. The Seaward Motel Development Agreement. Brian Schmitt’s 4800 Overseas Highway Development Agreement. Grassy Key Marina Major Conditional Use.
OPINION: The Planning Commission did well tonight. The public was allowed to ask questions and make comments. Applicant’s agents addressed most concerns. Developers had, for the most part, satisfied, or tried to, most neighborhood complaints. Every development contained an affordable workforce housing component. This is the kind of give and take and a spirit of cooperation that makes Marathon and its citizen look really good. Marathon City Council met for a work session at the Sheriff’s Aviation Hangar training room on October 18th. The meeting was called to award grants to the non-profits that applied. The city has $80,400 to award. Total funds requested were $172,500. Eleven non-profit organizations applied. The formal decision to finalize who gets the grant and for how much will be made at the October 25th council meeting.
Habitat for Humanity requested $10,000 to build a sixth house in Marathon on 66th Street. United States Fellowship of Florida requested $3,000 for Heron House on Coco Plum Drive for materials to improve external appearances. Grace Jones Community Center requested $5,000 for landscaping, playground, and fencing materials. Caring Friends for Seniors requested $3,000 for comfort items like lamps, blankets, and small appliances. Marathon Wild Bird Center requested $14,000 for operations and education. Higher Love Mission Outreach requested $50,000 for salary and operational costs in providing services for Marathon’s homeless population. Education Coalition for Monroe County requested $20,000 for educational, recreational, and creative arts program in its youth advocacy group. Rural Health Network of Monroe County requested $30,000 for primary medical and dental services and distribution of prescription medication. Domestic Abuse Shelter requested $25,000 to go toward a cash grant match from Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, as well as operational expenses. KAIR requested $7,500 for emergency services and a food pantry. Marathon Community Theatre requested $5,000 for materials to rehab the building exterior and install hurricane shutters, but the organization withdrew its application in consideration of the other requests.
Council members then told everyone that they wished they could fund everyone’s request, but that they were constrained in the amounts and the governing city rules. They then set about to fixing the amounts to those organizations most closely matching the city’s requirements. City Council proposed the following grants to be decided upon at its next meeting: Rural Health Network $25,000 Higher Love Mission Outreach $30,000 Domestic Abuse Shelter $10,000 Education Coalition $8,000 Caring Friends for Seniors $3,000 KAIR $4,400
OPINION: The city sets aside money each year out of its overall budget to provide grants to the most deserving non-profit organizations that provide the greatest services for the most citizens. This provides an orderly process that creates a lot of good will in the city. What's Happening! Hurricane Wilma put a crimp in everyone's style. Those few of us who evacuated had to deal with traffic, wind, rain, and gas problems. Fortunately, we made reservations up in the Melbourne area. The Day's Inn looked good on the outside, but on the inside the smell of mold overwhelmed you. Two days later we moved to a Holiday Inn that was way better. While http://www.hotels.com helped a lot, it was not adequate to ensure a quality facility. We used http://www.holiday-inn.com and received complete satisfaction. We were so impressed that we joined http://www.priorityclub.com. Every time we make reservations at a participating hotel or motel, we receive points. We stay several nights in a couple of rooms will also earn points. The points don't expire. Eventually, you will build up free stays at these places, which will come in quite handy next hurricane season. When we came home, we were most fortunate. The water didn't damage anything. We have five trees come down. That put a 4" hole in the back of our place that is temporarily patched now. Cleanup is ongoing. Our phone line was down. We got online at http://www.bellsouth.com to schedule a repair. We were told that our line would be fixed by November 22nd, but they came out days later and performed a miracle repair. The boat got swamped by a tree. We replaced both batteries and all the cables. Surprisingly, the motor turned over. Thank God that we didn't lose anything substantial. And, most importantly, no one in our family was hurt.
Miscellany: The magazine fell victim to hurricane cleanup and repairs. We are sorry that the magazine didn't get published until November 2nd. Hopefully, the hurricane season is all bellowed out. The Middle Keys Community Land Trust has been upgrading their computer systems. Thanks to Bruce Knevitt at Marathon Computers for all his assistance. Robin Boyle, ostensibly the Marathon Free Press managing editor, made some outlandish and ridiculous claims in a recent editorial about Jeff Pinkus, John Bartus, and Cay Clubs. When you don't check your facts, that is when you look the most stupid. There is a lesson in there somewhere. Finally: Did you know that New Mexico's state bird is the Roadrunner? The flower is the Yucca. The tree is the Piñon Pine. The capital is Santa Fe. Statehood was granted January 6, 1912.
Kitty Talk
These journals are dedicated to Kitty GreyCat's spirit. She is at RainBow Bridge now along with her human friends, Leo and Doris. We all loved you, Kitty! Click the cat graphic to visit her Memorial page. Kitty born June 6, 1982. Died July 9, 1997. Please use our email form linked below to make suggestions or offer praise. Now, really, the cats have thoughts and meows that are badly interpreted by a human for publication here. So believe what you will, but enjoy nonetheless. All complaints, flames, and such like will end up in the litter box! >^..^<  Ebony: Abby and I are catnapping on folded towels that human bean put on the bed. Us cats love to be comfortable and pampered. We certainly deserve this special treatment. Catnapping always has its basis in some form of catnip activity. It's a proven meow. >^..^<
Abby: Ebony got the catnip ball open with my help. I then jumped on Ebony for no reason. I always have to prove how unpredictable I am. Catnip helps me do that. Catnapping too. >^..^<
Ebony: I and Abby have been sleeping on towels on my bed. Meow, sorry, I meowed about that already. I've got to get back to that catnip bowl. Then I might like being brushed by the human bean some. >^..^<
Abby: Ebony doesn’t like being brushed for too long. I threw up all over the bed, sodas, and the floor. I'm still unpredictable, I am. Ebony thinks that I am abnormal, whatever that might be. >^..^<
Ebony: Abby has been acting stranger than normal. I checked on Sophie. She had slipped her collar and hurt herself but not badly. I was deep into the catnip bowls and playing with her toys nearby like a kitten. I need more catnapping and less dog stuff. >^..^<
Abby: I and Ebony are catnapping peacefully on a big towel at the end of the bed. This keeps the fur down on the bed and satisfies our need to lie on something. O, we meowed about that already. We love catnip! >^..^<
Ebony: Abby and I at odds with that little dog named Sophie. We get along most of the time. Both I and Abby have been playing in the catnip bowls. A Colorado fan sends us fresh catnip all the time. Time for more catnapping. >^..^<
Abby: Ebony and I were outside with Sophie the dog for a while. I have to watch that dumb dog all the time. She wants to play with me. I don't play with dogs, I meow. O, more catnip is in the catnip bowls! >^..^<
Ebony: I lay in the catnip bowls. Abby got under the sheets and the towel on the bed, while I was catnipping. She also love bite me. She likes to nibble on me, all in love, of course. I don't like it none though. Meow, there goes that dumb dog again. >^..^<
Abby: Ebony and I accompanied the dog whose name is Sophie, I think, outside for a little while. Eventually, I and Sophie came back inside the air-conditioned living room, while Ebony stayed outside looking for lizards. I needed some more catnip and definitely more catnapping. >^..^<
Ebony: I touched noses with Abby in what looked to be a display of affection. Then, just for good measure, I reached over and paw-slapped Abby right on top of the head. Abby took this is stride, because she usually is the one to get rough. I still think we care for one another though. Well, time for more catnapping on a towel. >^..^<
Abby: I have been trying to get under the covers lately. I don't know why. Ebony ran off a short distance and rolled on the driveway for a while. I think that it was more a statement of temporary freedom. Hurricane Wilma got all the human beans excited. We all piled into the truck. Initially, I thought we were going to the vet, but that turned out to be a false rumor. The trip, hotel stay, and return home was a lot of cat fun. I missed the catnip though. We still didn't catch up on all our catnapping requirements. Let me try to do that now. Bye. >^..^<
Internet Stuff
Here are the latest DVD films from http://www.NetFlix.com: The Pacifier is predictable but fun nonetheless. Vin Diesel’s performance was good and even a bit heartwarming. It is all good family fun, although a bit formulaic. Million Dollar Baby surprised me. I thought that the film was too hyped and artificial. Yet Clint Eastwood quietly builds an understated movie with charm, wit, heart, and love. The film is gritty, real, and full of life. Two old timers take a girl to the pinnacle of boxing. The sacrifice they make beyond the boxing is extraordinary. They honor this girls dream to the end. Some movies just have that unmistakable effect of leaving its mark on you. This one did. The Notebook is set in the 1940s in the south. Two young lovers start out life with a summer love. After the war, they come back together against all the odds. Later, an older man reads a story to an older lady about the lifelong love. At the end you realize the story is about them in an attempt to help the lady remember that love. She has Alzheimer. The film makes you laugh and cry. The music is stunning along with the idyllic scenes of grandeur. Sahara combined adventure, action, and treasure into a fast-paced movie. A doctor searches for an unexplainable disease, while treasure hunters look for old Civil War gold coins. Somehow they come together to fight for the same cause and thus save the world. At the same time, they get the treasure and the boy gets the girl. What could be better than that? The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a wacky, zany, and definitely fun movie with a little love story thrown in for good measure. This film makes you happy and laugh. Red Green: Stuffed and Mounted 6 is a continuation of the Canadian comedy series that is unique and quite funny. This series has quickly become a favorite classic. Batman Begins is a fine movie about how Batman is born. The Chicago White Sox won the World Series 4 games to none over the Houston Astros. NEXTEL NASCAR race at Atlanta was good, with Dale Jr. finishing 4th, Jeff 2nd, and Carl Edwards winning. Tony Stewart has a narrow lead in the points race. The story is done well, and the special effects are quite good. Frankly, the movie was a surprisingly good film. Interesting websites we visited recently: http://www.networksolutions.com is one place to manage domains like http://www.mkclt.org. Recently, we had to change the telephone number of the registrant like the Middle Keys Community Land Trust. After searching high and low, we couldn't figure out how to do that. We sent an email and received instructions to change the number. The service was timely and much appreciated. During these difficult times recovering from the effects of Hurricane Wilma, the city's website http://www.marathonflorida.org/ offers a lot of very important, timely, and effective information to aid in recovery efforts citywide.
Poetry Corner
"Free"
October 18, 2005
Free, free
Roaming plains
Sky blue above
Mountains beyond
On horizon
Stands the memory
Free from bonds
Let loose
Across wide
River calm
Air still
And heart
Pounding free
Home over
Next ridge
Grass waving
In the breeze
Warm and free
A journey
Just there
Out of reach
Tears free
From depths
But a memory
And now
On plains
Free and majestic
Home at last
© 2005 L. E. Shaffer
Guest Articles
Stuff not written by us. As always everything is copyright of the author. Jaci Rae Hi everyone, so much has been happening, it's been hard to keep up with it! The last time I wrote a few weeks ago, I had hit what I thought was #2, but many of you called or sent email saying, look again! You're #1!
I was stunned! From there on, things just skyrocketed! It's been an amazing ride and a total gift from God!
Here's the general scoop and I can't give all the details yet, but it'll be released fully when they send out the press release to announce it.
Okay, after that moment, the buyer for all the major wholesale chains, Sams Club, Costco, BJ something or other, etc. called and wanted to set up an account and get rolling to get them into those outlets.
The senior buyer for all the B&N's, Borders, Walden's etc called and the same. Meanwhile, B&N and ordered cash on.
Then I began to get email and calls for foreign rights for China, Japan, Brazil, etc.
By this time it was too overwhelming and I had no clue how to respond for foreign rights so I thought okay, what next. Well next was signing with a major literary agent who within a week has gotten a bidding war going for my book with all the major publishing houses.
This week the "auction" is being held for my book. Meanwhile, the senior editor for one of the major publishing houses wanted a conference call with me so my agent put it through.
After some conversations, she said a bunch of the publishers and editors were standing around during lunch at a coffee house discussing me and my book in New York.
She said that many of them had said they had been watching it climb to the top.
Then yesterday, my book went up on B&N for the first time and went straight to #2 and I am out of books Amazon and B&N and others have them all!
Once I sign with the publishing house we choose this week, the book will be put "out of print" and will never again be available as it is now, because they want to put it out next year under their publishing house.
I have already begun to add additions to it. It will be everything it has now, plus a lot more.
But I was told that the book will be valuable because it's a first edition and will never be available or printed again, which blew my mind! Me…a first edition? Stunning!
Then today, as I was searching under health products for something I had heard of, I found my name, Jaci Rae. I thought HUH? So I clicked - link below and it said, "Winning Points With The Woman In Your Life One Touchdown at a Time" as the top selling health product on the net. And it was under Alexa.
Then my boyfriend came over and woke me up saying that he had been looking on Amazon Top Sellers as he often does and I was up there above Cinderella in the top spot!
As I said, it's a stunning gift from God and there is so much more but I can't go over it right now. Blessings to all! Me. :-)
Here is the Amazon top seller thing:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/new-for-you/top-sellers/-/main/ref=gw_subnav_ts/104-5418906-3433514
This is the Alexa thing:
http://www.alexa.com/browse/general/?&CategoryID=6&mode=general&R=True&Start=1&SortBy=Popularity
Hi [again] everyone! I have been signed and it's incredible. Thanks for everyone's prayers and thought and kind words. It went incredible! I have incredible representation and I am with an incredible publishing house, the top actually and I will be working with the senior editor.
It's an amazing time, think they are announcing on the AP Wire soon within this week.
The Winning Points With The Woman In Your Life One Touchdown at a Time and The Playbook have sold out of all the venues except Amazon because they just ordered a truck load more before this went down, but they are being pulled off this week.
So the first edition will be no more yippee! They have already been notified to take it down, but they haven't taken the buy it buttons off yet, but all promotion has stopped and I think they have been asked to destroy any remaining copies. So it's an incredible thing.
More later, but swarmed right now. Love and hugs. Jaci
© 2005 Jaci Rae
Group Novel
As an experiment for fun, we are writing a group novel at the world famous and so very special Area 52B forum. © 2005 L. E. Shaffer, Kim Young, Linda Hall
Hockey Puck
The NHL is going strong with new rules. The shootout after an overtime should there be a tie in regulation play has proven quite popular. So far offense predominates. Let's see how the rest of the season goes. The Panthers beat the Islanders to go 3 – 1 so far in the young NHL season. The Florida Panthers started strong, but now are playing off and on, not quite putting together a sustainable streak. The NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Talladega race saw Dale Jarrett win after a series of crashes. Dale Jr. and Jeff crashed out and finished 40th and 37th respectively. The Dolphins are in a bye week. The rest of the divisional teams lost, and the Miami club is in first place all by itself. This might be the only time this season though. I saw Mark Martin win the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race at the Kansas Speedway. Jeff was 10th and Dale Jr. 34th. The Dolphins lost. I watched Tiger Woods and John Daly duke it out on the golf course in San Francisco. Notre Dame almost beat number one USC, but in the last seconds lost 34-31. The NASCAR NEXTEL race in Charlotte saw Dale Jr. finished 42nd, Jeff 38th, and the winner was Jimmy Johnson. The chase-points race tightened up. The Florida Panthers beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-2. Miami Dolphins lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The White Sox beat the Angels 4 games to 1 to advance to the World Series, while the Astros are 3 games up on the Cardinals, who won one game so far. NASCAR NEXTEL race at Martinsville saw Jeff win the race, Dale Jr. finish 18th, and Tony Stewart pull into a small points lead with five races to go. The Miami Heat are poised to win an NBA championship, that is the expectation at least.
Twins of the Dark Star
Book One Tears from Ao and four poetry collections, Pages of Life, Visions of Life, Moments of Life, and The Book of Kalian Mysticism are available electronically at http://RunesofAo.com/aobp/. The Runes of Ao project, Book Two The Mountains of Ao novel is currently in final edit. Book Three Twins of the Dark Star novel in early stages and Falling Star poetry collection are works in progress. A collaboration with K. Young on a novella called Dragon Embers is now published on the fan site known as Runes of Ao.com. Finally, in collaboration with K. Young and Linda Hall, a group novel project is in progress and currently titled Starsongs.
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/LarryShaffer/ Publication date: October 28, 2005
Author: L. E. Shaffer
Company: Shaffer Novels/Poetry Company &
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© 1995 - 2008, 2009 L. E. SHAFFER
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FIRST PRINTING; ELECTRONIC & PRINT MEDIA
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