The Constituent

Political Wit - Funny But Sadly Thought Provoking

2012-01-25T12:08:00.000-08:00

Ah, is this the same line of thought as "Promise them everything, but give them nothing"?

!Women Art Revolution! A (Formerly) Secret History

2011-10-01T02:04:00.000-07:00

!Women Art Revolution! A (Formerly) Secret History is a film about women struggle for equity in America.

!Women Art Revolution elaborates the relationship of the Feminist Art Movement to the 1960s anti-war and civil rights movements and explains how historical events, such as the all-male protest exhibition against the invasion of Cambodia, sparked the first of many feminist actions against major cultural institutions. The film details major developments in women’s art of the 1970s, including the first feminist art education programs, political organizations and protests, alternative art spaces such as the A.I.R. Gallery and Franklin Furnace in New York and the Los Angeles Women’s Building, publications such as Chrysalis and Heresies, and landmark exhibitions, performances, and installations of public art that changed the entire direction of art.

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source credits.

Revenge

2011-09-13T13:33:00.001-07:00

Revenge has many faces,
Love has millions.

Breaking News from Politico

2011-07-19T17:56:00.000-07:00

POLITICO Breaking News

POLITICO Breaking News
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On a largely party line vote, the House has passed a conservative deficit reduction plan known as "Cut, Cap and Balance" on a 234-190 vote. The bill includes caps on spending and a balanced budget amendment, but it has little chance of passing the Democratic-controlled Senate and faces a veto threat from President Barack Obama.

For more information... http://www.politico.com

July 13: What's On Today's Show : Blog Of The Nation : NPR#three#three - 'The Memoir Project'

2011-07-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

3 Memoirs That Won't Make You Slit Your Wrists

July 13: What's On Today's Show : Blog Of The Nation : NPR#three#three

Actions to Prevent the Slow Deaths of Medicare and America's Middle Class

2011-07-13T05:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I received a request to sign a petition from Guy Cecil writing on behalf of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. The message is as follows:
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Just when you think Republican priorities can’t possibly get any worse, they do. The latest: Republicans are demanding that we shift even more money to the wealthiest elite through huge tax cuts. They are unwilling to protect Medicare. This shows once and for all whose side they’re on – and it’s certainly not the middle class.

We need a strong show of opposition to their despicable priorities – 100,000 Democrats standing for Medicare and our nation’s middle class. Will you sign our petition, then pass it on to family and friends through Facebook and Twitter?

Republicans need to know that we will NOT stand by as they destroy Medicare and the middle class while coddling huge corporations and billionaires. The GOP End Medicare Plan must be off the table. Add your voice.
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Having read this message will you now join the millions of America's attempting to save Medicare and the middle class way of life. If so, just follow the links in the message.

Evelyn out.

P.S. Don't be fooled; there are just as many Republicans middle class citizens who are in objection to this threat to Medicare as there are Democrats.

Reading The Declaration Of Independence Aloud : NPR

2011-07-04T06:57:00.001-07:00

Reading The Declaration Of Independence Aloud : NPR

Whither The Astronauts Without A Shuttle? : NPR

2011-07-04T06:53:00.001-07:00

Whither The Astronauts Without A Shuttle? : NPR

Sen. Rubio: "Why We Must Save Medicare"

2011-05-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

Airline passenger Stefanie Gordon used an iPhone to snap photo of the space shuttle Endeavour

2011-05-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

Airline passenger Stefanie Gordon used an iPhone to snap this photo of the space shuttle Endeavour streaking toward space on May 16. Gordon was flying from New York to Palm Beach, Fla., aboard a Delta jet.
CREDIT: Stefanie Gordon

When to Tell Our Daughters the Ugly Truth About Beauty - Old Northeast-Downtown St. Pete, FL Patch

2011-05-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

When to Tell Our Daughters the Ugly Truth About Beauty - Old Northeast-Downtown St. Pete, FL Patch

Secretary Seeks Employment

2011-03-11T11:15:00.000-08:00

For those who are interested, I am still taking classes. Hence, the reason why I haven't posted much on any of my sites. In addition, I seeking employment and it is difficult out here, but I am giving up my search.

The Republican Party of Florida Announces New Executive Director

2011-01-25T17:17:00.000-08:00

RPOF Announces New Executive Director

Tallahassee—Republican Party of Florida Chairman David Bitner announced today the selection of Andy Palmer as the Party’s Executive Director. Palmer’s responsibilities begin immediately.
“I am pleased to announce that we have appointed Andy Palmer to serve as the RPOF’s Executive Director,” said Chairman Bitner. “Andy is well qualified for this endeavor, with an outstanding work ethic, commitment to the job, and character. I look forward to having Andy at my side every step of the way.”
An experienced Florida political professional, Palmer brings a proven track record to the job. Having served as Executive Director in 2005 and 2006, Palmer understands the responsibilities of serving as the Party’s Executive Director. During his previous service as Executive Director–-during a poor climate for the GOP nationally—Palmer was instrumental in securing the election of a Republican Governor, Attorney General and Secretary of Agriculture in Florida. Palmer also served as the Party’s “72 Hour Program” director in 2004, during which he ran a program that was recognized at the time as the most successful of its kind, making over three million voter contacts in the 72-hour period prior to the election.
“I applaud the selection of Andy Palmer and my team and I look forward to working with him and Chairman Bitner,” said Governor Rick Scott. “Over the next two years, Republicans across the state will focus on a Presidential Primary and Presidency 5, as well as hosting the Republican National Convention. Andy will be an effective leader and he enjoys my full confidence,” said Governor Rick Scott.
Most recently, Palmer served as the Director of House Campaigns, helping defeat five Democrat incumbents and electing 81 members, securing a supermajority in the Florida House of Representatives.
“Under Andy’s management, House Campaigns saw tremendous successes during the 2010 election cycle,” said House Speaker Dean Cannon. “Andy demonstrated an incredible ability to limit overhead. He ran a productive and lean operation, ensuring that more funding than ever before was spent directly toward our House candidates. I have every confidence that Andy will bring the same successful leadership approach and commitment to fiscal accountability to his new position as Executive Director of the Party. I look forward to working with him in the future.”
“Andy Palmer is a great choice to serve as the RPOF’s Executive Director,” said Senate President Mike Haridopolos. “Andy has an outstanding track record of success in Florida. With Andy running the day to day operations, I am confident that the Republican Party of Florida is in good hands and will be well prepared to ensure Republican success at the ballot box in 2012.”
Palmer is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. He is married to Kristen Palmer and they have three children.

Crazy in St. Petersburg

2011-01-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

I have come to the conclusion that many of the Black residents in this part of town are crazy. Get a grip and enjoy life!

My Christmas Wish for You!

2010-12-22T15:22:00.000-08:00

Yes! I made this! Merry Christmas!

On Vacation! Will Return Soon!

2010-12-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

Story of the Week: Hunting the Deceitful Turkey

2010-11-22T08:13:00.000-08:00

Above is a link to delightful and insightful story by Mark Twain. It is most appropriate for this and every Thanksgiving Day as the central theme is be thankful for what you possess. Enjoy!

Story of the Week: Hunting the Deceitful Turkey

Echoes of the Past: Letter from a Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr.

2010-10-31T17:07:00.000-07:00

Letter from a Birmingham Jail

16 April 1963

My Dear Fellow Clergymen:

While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities "unwise and untimely." Seldom do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would have little time for anything other than such correspondence in the course of the day, and I would have no time for constructive work. But since I feel that you are men of genuine good will and that your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I want to try to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms.

I think I should indicate why I am here in Birmingham, since you have been influenced by the view which argues against "outsiders coming in." I have the honor of serving as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization operating in every southern state, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. We have some eighty five affiliated organizations across the South, and one of them is the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights. Frequently we share staff, educational and financial resources with our affiliates. Several months ago the affiliate here in Birmingham asked us to be on call to engage in a nonviolent direct action program if such were deemed necessary. We readily consented, and when the hour came we lived up to our promise. So I, along with several members of my staff, am here because I was invited here. I am here because I have organizational ties here.

But more basically, I am in Birmingham because injustice is here. Just as the prophets of the eighth century B.C. left their villages and carried their "thus saith the Lord" far beyond the boundaries of their home towns, and just as the Apostle Paul left his village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to the far corners of the Greco Roman world, so am I compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my own home town. Like Paul, I must constantly respond to the Macedonian call for aid.

Moreover, I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial "outside agitator" idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds.

You deplore the demonstrations taking place in Birmingham. But your statement, I am sorry to say, fails to express a similar concern for the conditions that brought about the demonstrations. I am sure that none of you would want to rest content with the superficial kind of social analysis that deals merely with effects and does not grapple with underlying causes. It is unfortunate that demonstrations are taking place in Birmingham, but it is even more unfortunate that the city's white power structure left the Negro community with no alternative.

In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self purification; and direct action. We have gone through all these steps in Birmingham. There can be no gainsaying the fact that racial injustice engulfs this community. Birmingham is probably the most thoroughly segregated city in the United States. Its ugly record of brutality is widely known. Negroes have experienced grossly unjust treatment in the courts. There have been more unsolved bombings of Negro homes and churches in Birmingham than in any other city in the nation. These are the hard, brutal facts of the case. On the basis of these conditions, Negro leaders sought to negotiate with the city fathers. But the latter consistently refused to engage in good faith negotiation.

Then, last September, came the opportunity to talk with leaders of Birmingham's economic community. In the course of the negotiations, certain promises were made by the merchants--for example, to remove the stores' humiliating racial signs. On the basis of these promises, the Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth and the leaders of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights agreed to a moratorium on all demonstrations. As the weeks and months went by, we realized that we were the victims of a broken promise. A few signs, briefly removed, returned; the others remained. As in so many past experiences, our hopes had been blasted, and the shadow of deep disappointment settled upon us. We had no alternative except to prepare for direct action, whereby we would present our very bodies as a means of laying our case before the conscience of the local and the national community. Mindful of the difficulties involved, we decided to undertake a process of self purification. We began a series of workshops on nonviolence, and we repeatedly asked ourselves: "Are you able to accept blows without retaliating?" "Are you able to endure the ordeal of jail?" We decided to schedule our direct action program for the Easter season, realizing that except for Christmas, this is the main shopping period of the year. Knowing that a strong economic-withdrawal program would be the by product of direct action, we felt that this would be the best time to bring pressure to bear on the merchants for the needed change.

Then it occurred to us that Birmingham's mayoral election was coming up in March, and we speedily decided to postpone action until after election day. When we discovered that the Commissioner of Public Safety, Eugene "Bull" Connor, had piled up enough votes to be in the run off, we decided again to postpone action until the day after the run off so that the demonstrations could not be used to cloud the issues. Like many others, we waited to see Mr. Connor defeated, and to this end we endured postponement after postponement. Having aided in this community need, we felt that our direct action program could be delayed no longer.

You may well ask: "Why direct action? Why sit ins, marches and so forth? Isn't negotiation a better path?" You are quite right in calling for negotiation. Indeed, this is the very purpose of direct action. Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue. It seeks so to dramatize the issue that it can no longer be ignored. My citing the creation of tension as part of the work of the nonviolent resister may sound rather shocking. But I must confess that I am not afraid of the word "tension." I have earnestly opposed violent tension, but there is a type of constructive, nonviolent tension which is necessary for growth. Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, so must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood. The purpose of our direct action program is to create a situation so crisis packed that it will inevitably open the door to negotiation. I therefore concur with you in your call for negotiation. Too long has our beloved Southland been bogged down in a tragic effort to live in monologue rather than dialogue.

One of the basic points in your statement is that the action that I and my associates have taken in Birmingham is untimely. Some have asked: "Why didn't you give the new city administration time to act?" The only answer that I can give to this query is that the new Birmingham administration must be prodded about as much as the outgoing one, before it will act. We are sadly mistaken if we feel that the election of Albert Boutwell as mayor will bring the millennium to Birmingham. While Mr. Boutwell is a much more gentle person than Mr. Connor, they are both segregationists, dedicated to maintenance of the status quo. I have hope that Mr. Boutwell will be reasonable enough to see the futility of massive resistance to desegregation. But he will not see this without pressure from devotees of civil rights. My friends, I must say to you that we have not made a single gain in civil rights without determined legal and nonviolent pressure. Lamentably, it is an historical fact that privileged groups seldom give up their privileges voluntarily. Individuals may see the moral light and voluntarily give up their unjust posture; but, as Reinhold Niebuhr has reminded us, groups tend to be more immoral than individuals.

We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was "well timed" in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the word "Wait!" It rings in the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This "Wait" has almost always meant "Never." We must come to see, with one of our distinguished jurists, that "justice too long delayed is justice denied."

We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God given rights. The nations of Asia and Africa are moving with jetlike speed toward gaining political independence, but we still creep at horse and buggy pace toward gaining a cup of coffee at a lunch counter. Perhaps it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging darts of segregation to say, "Wait." But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim; when you have seen hate filled policemen curse, kick and even kill your black brothers and sisters; when you see the vast majority of your twenty million Negro brothers smothering in an airtight cage of poverty in the midst of an affluent society; when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six year old daughter why she can't go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television, and see tears welling up in her eyes when she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children, and see ominous clouds of inferiority beginning to form in her little mental sky, and see her beginning to distort her personality by developing an unconscious bitterness toward white people; when you have to concoct an answer for a five year old son who is asking: "Daddy, why do white people treat colored people so mean?"; when you take a cross county drive and find it necessary to sleep night after night in the uncomfortable corners of your automobile because no motel will accept you; when you are humiliated day in and day out by nagging signs reading "white" and "colored"; when your first name becomes "nigger," your middle name becomes "boy" (however old you are) and your last name becomes "John," and your wife and mother are never given the respected title "Mrs."; when you are harried by day and haunted by night by the fact that you are a Negro, living constantly at tiptoe stance, never quite knowing what to expect next, and are plagued with inner fears and outer resentments; when you are forever fighting a degenerating sense of "nobodiness"--then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait. There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair. I hope, sirs, you can understand our legitimate and unavoidable impatience. You express a great deal of anxiety over our willingness to break laws. This is certainly a legitimate concern. Since we so diligently urge people to obey the Supreme Court's decision of 1954 outlawing segregation in the public schools, at first glance it may seem rather paradoxical for us consciously to break laws. One may well ask: "How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others?" The answer lies in the fact that there are two types of laws: just and unjust. I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that "an unjust law is no law at all."

Now, what is the difference between the two? How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust? A just law is a man made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquinas: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust. All segregation statutes are unjust because segregation distorts the soul and damages the personality. It gives the segregator a false sense of superiority and the segregated a false sense of inferiority. Segregation, to use the terminology of the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber, substitutes an "I it" relationship for an "I thou" relationship and ends up relegating persons to the status of things. Hence segregation is not only politically, economically and sociologically unsound, it is morally wrong and sinful. Paul Tillich has said that sin is separation. Is not segregation an existential expression of man's tragic separation, his awful estrangement, his terrible sinfulness? Thus it is that I can urge men to obey the 1954 decision of the Supreme Court, for it is morally right; and I can urge them to disobey segregation ordinances, for they are morally wrong.

Let us consider a more concrete example of just and unjust laws. An unjust law is a code that a numerical or power majority group compels a minority group to obey but does not make binding on itself. This is difference made legal. By the same token, a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow and that it is willing to follow itself. This is sameness made legal. Let me give another explanation. A law is unjust if it is inflicted on a minority that, as a result of being denied the right to vote, had no part in enacting or devising the law. Who can say that the legislature of Alabama which set up that state's segregation laws was democratically elected? Throughout Alabama all sorts of devious methods are used to prevent Negroes from becoming registered voters, and there are some counties in which, even though Negroes constitute a majority of the population, not a single Negro is registered. Can any law enacted under such circumstances be considered democratically structured?

Sometimes a law is just on its face and unjust in its application. For instance, I have been arrested on a charge of parading without a permit. Now, there is nothing wrong in having an ordinance which requires a permit for a parade. But such an ordinance becomes unjust when it is used to maintain segregation and to deny citizens the First-Amendment privilege of peaceful assembly and protest.

I hope you are able to see the distinction I am trying to point out. In no sense do I advocate evading or defying the law, as would the rabid segregationist. That would lead to anarchy. One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty. I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law.

Of course, there is nothing new about this kind of civil disobedience. It was evidenced sublimely in the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to obey the laws of Nebuchadnezzar, on the ground that a higher moral law was at stake. It was practiced superbly by the early Christians, who were willing to face hungry lions and the excruciating pain of chopping blocks rather than submit to certain unjust laws of the Roman Empire. To a degree, academic freedom is a reality today because Socrates practiced civil disobedience. In our own nation, the Boston Tea Party represented a massive act of civil disobedience.

We should never forget that everything Adolf Hitler did in Germany was "legal" and everything the Hungarian freedom fighters did in Hungary was "illegal." It was "illegal" to aid and comfort a Jew in Hitler's Germany. Even so, I am sure that, had I lived in Germany at the time, I would have aided and comforted my Jewish brothers. If today I lived in a Communist country where certain principles dear to the Christian faith are suppressed, I would openly advocate disobeying that country's antireligious laws.

I must make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers. First, I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action"; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a "more convenient season." Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.

I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and that when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress. I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that the present tension in the South is a necessary phase of the transition from an obnoxious negative peace, in which the Negro passively accepted his unjust plight, to a substantive and positive peace, in which all men will respect the dignity and worth of human personality. Actually, we who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive. We bring it out in the open, where it can be seen and dealt with. Like a boil that can never be cured so long as it is covered up but must be opened with all its ugliness to the natural medicines of air and light, injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates, to the light of human conscience and the air of national opinion before it can be cured.

In your statement you assert that our actions, even though peaceful, must be condemned because they precipitate violence. But is this a logical assertion? Isn't this like condemning a robbed man because his possession of money precipitated the evil act of robbery? Isn't this like condemning Socrates because his unswerving commitment to truth and his philosophical inquiries precipitated the act by the misguided populace in which they made him drink hemlock? Isn't this like condemning Jesus because his unique God consciousness and never ceasing devotion to God's will precipitated the evil act of crucifixion? We must come to see that, as the federal courts have consistently affirmed, it is wrong to urge an individual to cease his efforts to gain his basic constitutional rights because the quest may precipitate violence. Society must protect the robbed and punish the robber. I had also hoped that the white moderate would reject the myth concerning time in relation to the struggle for freedom. I have just received a letter from a white brother in Texas. He writes: "All Christians know that the colored people will receive equal rights eventually, but it is possible that you are in too great a religious hurry. It has taken Christianity almost two thousand years to accomplish what it has. The teachings of Christ take time to come to earth." Such an attitude stems from a tragic misconception of time, from the strangely irrational notion that there is something in the very flow of time that will inevitably cure all ills. Actually, time itself is neutral; it can be used either destructively or constructively. More and more I feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than have the people of good will. We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people. Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be co workers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation. We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right. Now is the time to make real the promise of democracy and transform our pending national elegy into a creative psalm of brotherhood. Now is the time to lift our national policy from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of human dignity.

You speak of our activity in Birmingham as extreme. At first I was rather disappointed that fellow clergymen would see my nonviolent efforts as those of an extremist. I began thinking about the fact that I stand in the middle of two opposing forces in the Negro community. One is a force of complacency, made up in part of Negroes who, as a result of long years of oppression, are so drained of self respect and a sense of "somebodiness" that they have adjusted to segregation; and in part of a few middle-class Negroes who, because of a degree of academic and economic security and because in some ways they profit by segregation, have become insensitive to the problems of the masses. The other force is one of bitterness and hatred, and it comes perilously close to advocating violence. It is expressed in the various black nationalist groups that are springing up across the nation, the largest and best known being Elijah Muhammad's Muslim movement. Nourished by the Negro's frustration over the continued existence of racial discrimination, this movement is made up of people who have lost faith in America, who have absolutely repudiated Christianity, and who have concluded that the white man is an incorrigible "devil."

I have tried to stand between these two forces, saying that we need emulate neither the "do nothingism" of the complacent nor the hatred and despair of the black nationalist. For there is the more excellent way of love and nonviolent protest. I am grateful to God that, through the influence of the Negro church, the way of nonviolence became an integral part of our struggle. If this philosophy had not emerged, by now many streets of the South would, I am convinced, be flowing with blood. And I am further convinced that if our white brothers dismiss as "rabble rousers" and "outside agitators" those of us who employ nonviolent direct action, and if they refuse to support our nonviolent efforts, millions of Negroes will, out of frustration and despair, seek solace and security in black nationalist ideologies--a development that would inevitably lead to a frightening racial nightmare.

Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself, and that is what has happened to the American Negro. Something within has reminded him of his birthright of freedom, and something without has reminded him that it can be gained. Consciously or unconsciously, he has been caught up by the Zeitgeist, and with his black brothers of Africa and his brown and yellow brothers of Asia, South America and the Caribbean, the United States Negro is moving with a sense of great urgency toward the promised land of racial justice. If one recognizes this vital urge that has engulfed the Negro community, one should readily understand why public demonstrations are taking place. The Negro has many pent up resentments and latent frustrations, and he must release them. So let him march; let him make prayer pilgrimages to the city hall; let him go on freedom rides -and try to understand why he must do so. If his repressed emotions are not released in nonviolent ways, they will seek expression through violence; this is not a threat but a fact of history. So I have not said to my people: "Get rid of your discontent." Rather, I have tried to say that this normal and healthy discontent can be channeled into the creative outlet of nonviolent direct action. And now this approach is being termed extremist. But though I was initially disappointed at being categorized as an extremist, as I continued to think about the matter I gradually gained a measure of satisfaction from the label. Was not Jesus an extremist for love: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Was not Amos an extremist for justice: "Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream." Was not Paul an extremist for the Christian gospel: "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." Was not Martin Luther an extremist: "Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise, so help me God." And John Bunyan: "I will stay in jail to the end of my days before I make a butchery of my conscience." And Abraham Lincoln: "This nation cannot survive half slave and half free." And Thomas Jefferson: "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal . . ." So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice? In that dramatic scene on Calvary's hill three men were crucified. We must never forget that all three were crucified for the same crime--the crime of extremism. Two were extremists for immorality, and thus fell below their environment. The other, Jesus Christ, was an extremist for love, truth and goodness, and thereby rose above his environment. Perhaps the South, the nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists.

I had hoped that the white moderate would see this need. Perhaps I was too optimistic; perhaps I expected too much. I suppose I should have realized that few members of the oppressor race can understand the deep groans and passionate yearnings of the oppressed race, and still fewer have the vision to see that injustice must be rooted out by strong, persistent and determined action. I am thankful, however, that some of our white brothers in the South have grasped the meaning of this social revolution and committed themselves to it. They are still all too few in quantity, but they are big in quality. Some -such as Ralph McGill, Lillian Smith, Harry Golden, James McBride Dabbs, Ann Braden and Sarah Patton Boyle--have written about our struggle in eloquent and prophetic terms. Others have marched with us down nameless streets of the South. They have languished in filthy, roach infested jails, suffering the abuse and brutality of policemen who view them as "dirty nigger-lovers." Unlike so many of their moderate brothers and sisters, they have recognized the urgency of the moment and sensed the need for powerful "action" antidotes to combat the disease of segregation. Let me take note of my other major disappointment. I have been so greatly disappointed with the white church and its leadership. Of course, there are some notable exceptions. I am not unmindful of the fact that each of you has taken some significant stands on this issue. I commend you, Reverend Stallings, for your Christian stand on this past Sunday, in welcoming Negroes to your worship service on a nonsegregated basis. I commend the Catholic leaders of this state for integrating Spring Hill College several years ago.

But despite these notable exceptions, I must honestly reiterate that I have been disappointed with the church. I do not say this as one of those negative critics who can always find something wrong with the church. I say this as a minister of the gospel, who loves the church; who was nurtured in its bosom; who has been sustained by its spiritual blessings and who will remain true to it as long as the cord of life shall lengthen.

When I was suddenly catapulted into the leadership of the bus protest in Montgomery, Alabama, a few years ago, I felt we would be supported by the white church. I felt that the white ministers, priests and rabbis of the South would be among our strongest allies. Instead, some have been outright opponents, refusing to understand the freedom movement and misrepresenting its leaders; all too many others have been more cautious than courageous and have remained silent behind the anesthetizing security of stained glass windows.

In spite of my shattered dreams, I came to Birmingham with the hope that the white religious leadership of this community would see the justice of our cause and, with deep moral concern, would serve as the channel through which our just grievances could reach the power structure. I had hoped that each of you would understand. But again I have been disappointed.

I have heard numerous southern religious leaders admonish their worshipers to comply with a desegregation decision because it is the law, but I have longed to hear white ministers declare: "Follow this decree because integration is morally right and because the Negro is your brother." In the midst of blatant injustices inflicted upon the Negro, I have watched white churchmen stand on the sideline and mouth pious irrelevancies and sanctimonious trivialities. In the midst of a mighty struggle to rid our nation of racial and economic injustice, I have heard many ministers say: "Those are social issues, with which the gospel has no real concern." And I have watched many churches commit themselves to a completely other worldly religion which makes a strange, un-Biblical distinction between body and soul, between the sacred and the secular.

I have traveled the length and breadth of Alabama, Mississippi and all the other southern states. On sweltering summer days and crisp autumn mornings I have looked at the South's beautiful churches with their lofty spires pointing heavenward. I have beheld the impressive outlines of her massive religious education buildings. Over and over I have found myself asking: "What kind of people worship here? Who is their God? Where were their voices when the lips of Governor Barnett dripped with words of interposition and nullification? Where were they when Governor Wallace gave a clarion call for defiance and hatred? Where were their voices of support when bruised and weary Negro men and women decided to rise from the dark dungeons of complacency to the bright hills of creative protest?"

Yes, these questions are still in my mind. In deep disappointment I have wept over the laxity of the church. But be assured that my tears have been tears of love. There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love. Yes, I love the church. How could I do otherwise? I am in the rather unique position of being the son, the grandson and the great grandson of preachers. Yes, I see the church as the body of Christ. But, oh! How we have blemished and scarred that body through social neglect and through fear of being nonconformists.

There was a time when the church was very powerful--in the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town, the people in power became disturbed and immediately sought to convict the Christians for being "disturbers of the peace" and "outside agitators."' But the Christians pressed on, in the conviction that they were "a colony of heaven," called to obey God rather than man. Small in number, they were big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be "astronomically intimidated." By their effort and example they brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contests. Things are different now. So often the contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often it is an archdefender of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church's silent--and often even vocal--sanction of things as they are.

But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If today's church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century. Every day I meet young people whose disappointment with the church has turned into outright disgust.

Perhaps I have once again been too optimistic. Is organized religion too inextricably bound to the status quo to save our nation and the world? Perhaps I must turn my faith to the inner spiritual church, the church within the church, as the true ekklesia and the hope of the world. But again I am thankful to God that some noble souls from the ranks of organized religion have broken loose from the paralyzing chains of conformity and joined us as active partners in the struggle for freedom. They have left their secure congregations and walked the streets of Albany, Georgia, with us. They have gone down the highways of the South on tortuous rides for freedom. Yes, they have gone to jail with us. Some have been dismissed from their churches, have lost the support of their bishops and fellow ministers. But they have acted in the faith that right defeated is stronger than evil triumphant. Their witness has been the spiritual salt that has preserved the true meaning of the gospel in these troubled times. They have carved a tunnel of hope through the dark mountain of disappointment. I hope the church as a whole will meet the challenge of this decisive hour. But even if the church does not come to the aid of justice, I have no despair about the future. I have no fear about the outcome of our struggle in Birmingham, even if our motives are at present misunderstood. We will reach the goal of freedom in Birmingham and all over the nation, because the goal of America is freedom. Abused and scorned though we may be, our destiny is tied up with America's destiny. Before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth, we were here. Before the pen of Jefferson etched the majestic words of the Declaration of Independence across the pages of history, we were here. For more than two centuries our forebears labored in this country without wages; they made cotton king; they built the homes of their masters while suffering gross injustice and shameful humiliation -and yet out of a bottomless vitality they continued to thrive and develop. If the inexpressible cruelties of slavery could not stop us, the opposition we now face will surely fail. We will win our freedom because the sacred heritage of our nation and the eternal will of God are embodied in our echoing demands. Before closing I feel impelled to mention one other point in your statement that has troubled me profoundly. You warmly commended the Birmingham police force for keeping "order" and "preventing violence." I doubt that you would have so warmly commended the police force if you had seen its dogs sinking their teeth into unarmed, nonviolent Negroes. I doubt that you would so quickly commend the policemen if you were to observe their ugly and inhumane treatment of Negroes here in the city jail; if you were to watch them push and curse old Negro women and young Negro girls; if you were to see them slap and kick old Negro men and young boys; if you were to observe them, as they did on two occasions, refuse to give us food because we wanted to sing our grace together. I cannot join you in your praise of the Birmingham police department.

It is true that the police have exercised a degree of discipline in handling the demonstrators. In this sense they have conducted themselves rather "nonviolently" in public. But for what purpose? To preserve the evil system of segregation. Over the past few years I have consistently preached that nonviolence demands that the means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek. I have tried to make clear that it is wrong to use immoral means to attain moral ends. But now I must affirm that it is just as wrong, or perhaps even more so, to use moral means to preserve immoral ends. Perhaps Mr. Connor and his policemen have been rather nonviolent in public, as was Chief Pritchett in Albany, Georgia, but they have used the moral means of nonviolence to maintain the immoral end of racial injustice. As T. S. Eliot has said: "The last temptation is the greatest treason: To do the right deed for the wrong reason."

I wish you had commended the Negro sit inners and demonstrators of Birmingham for their sublime courage, their willingness to suffer and their amazing discipline in the midst of great provocation. One day the South will recognize its real heroes. They will be the James Merediths, with the noble sense of purpose that enables them to face jeering and hostile mobs, and with the agonizing loneliness that characterizes the life of the pioneer. They will be old, oppressed, battered Negro women, symbolized in a seventy two year old woman in Montgomery, Alabama, who rose up with a sense of dignity and with her people decided not to ride segregated buses, and who responded with ungrammatical profundity to one who inquired about her weariness: "My feets is tired, but my soul is at rest." They will be the young high school and college students, the young ministers of the gospel and a host of their elders, courageously and nonviolently sitting in at lunch counters and willingly going to jail for conscience' sake. One day the South will know that when these disinherited children of God sat down at lunch counters, they were in reality standing up for what is best in the American dream and for the most sacred values in our Judaeo Christian heritage, thereby bringing our nation back to those great wells of democracy which were dug deep by the founding fathers in their formulation of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Never before have I written so long a letter. I'm afraid it is much too long to take your precious time. I can assure you that it would have been much shorter if I had been writing from a comfortable desk, but what else can one do when he is alone in a narrow jail cell, other than write long letters, think long thoughts and pray long prayers?

If I have said anything in this letter that overstates the truth and indicates an unreasonable impatience, I beg you to forgive me. If I have said anything that understates the truth and indicates my having a patience that allows me to settle for anything less than brotherhood, I beg God to forgive me.

I hope this letter finds you strong in the faith. I also hope that circumstances will soon make it possible for me to meet each of you, not as an integrationist or a civil-rights leader but as a fellow clergyman and a Christian brother. Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear drenched communities, and in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.

Yours for the cause of Peace and Brotherhood, Martin Luther King, Jr.

Published in: 1964

King, Martin Luther Jr.

Improvement in the Budget Deficit

2010-10-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

According to NPR.org, the government reports that the national budget deficit stands at $1.3 trillion, and this is a $122 billion less than a year ago. It looks like a small but good step in the right direction.

For more go to NPR.org at:
http://n.npr.org/NPRI/jN141140962_634856_634855_Z.htm

The Cost of Self-Respect

2010-07-27T03:35:00.000-07:00

Free again, free again! Thank God almighty, free again! What a simple but powerful message, even today.

The cost of one’s integrity, self-respect, and personal freedom
is never too high.

The price of being one's self is measure on how

one values truth and justice.

Attorney General Wins $173 Million Multistate Settlement From Computer Chip Manufacturers

2010-06-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

Bill McCollum
Attorney General
News Release
June 24, 2010

Attorney General Announces $173 Million Multistate Settlement With Computer Chip Manufacturers

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that a
settlement has been reached in a longstanding antitrust case currently
pending in federal and state courts throughout the United States. The
settlement resolves allegations related to a nationwide conspiracy to fix
the price of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips between 1998 and
2002. Florida, with three other states, has led the investigation since
2004 and was one of the lead states in the settlement negotiations.

Defendants involved in the settlement announced today include Infineon
Technologies AG and Infineon Technologies North America Corp.; Elpida
Memory, Inc. and Elpida Memory (USA) Inc.; NEC Electronics America, Inc.,
presently known as Renesas Electronics America Inc.; Mosel Vitelic Corp.
and Mosel Vitelic, Inc.; Micron Technology, Inc. and Micron Semiconductor
Products, Inc.; and Hynix Semiconductor Inc. and Hynix Semiconductor
America Inc. The agreement, which must be approved by the federal district
court in California, calls for the payment of $173 million by the settling
companies over two years. The timing and amounts of any monetary
distribution to the states will be dependent upon the court's findings once
the settlement is filed with the court.

The settlement also provides for injunctive relief similar to previous
settlements reached with Samsung Semiconductor, Inc.; Samsung Electronics
Company, Ltd; Winbond Electronics Corporation and Winbond Electronics
Corporation America. The sum of all multistate settlements reached in this
case now total over $290 million, which may be the largest settlement ever
of an indirect purchaser antitrust case in the United States.

In July 2006, Florida and 33 other states sued several foreign and domestic
firms that manufacture DRAM chips as a result of their roles in the same
price-fixing scheme. The complaint alleged that the companies were able to
charge higher than competitive prices for DRAM chips as a result of the
scheme, artificially restrained supply, allocated the production and
markets for the chips among themselves and rigged bids for DRAM chip
contracts. The lawsuit sought millions of dollars in damages to private
citizens and governmental agencies that purchased DRAM chips and equipment
that contained the chips. Computer manufacturers affected by the DRAM
price-fixing conspiracy include Apple Computer, Inc., Compaq Computer
Corp., Dell, Inc., Gateway, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., and IBM. Florida
consumers and Florida public entities that purchased computers also
absorbed these overcharges.

The multistate lawsuit originated from an investigation that began in 2004,
following a federal criminal probe that exposed a scheme where DRAM
manufacturers profited at the expense of the consumers in the computer and
electronics industry. As part of the federal court case, Samsung, Hynix,
Infineon, Elpida and numerous individual employees pled guilty to federal
criminal price-fixing charges and paid more than $730 million in fines.

Progress Energy Agrees to Freeze Rate Increase For Florida Customers Until 2012

2010-05-19T03:30:00.000-07:00

On May 10, 2010, it was announced by the Office of the Attorney General that Progress Energy of Florida has agreed to freeze rate cost for their Florida Customers.

Read the follow official news release to learn more.

----------------------------------

Bill McCollum
Attorney General

News Release

__________________________________________________________
Date of release: May 10, 2010

Attorney General, Public Counsel Reach Agreement with Progress Energy to
Freeze Rate Increases through 2012

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum and Public Counsel J.R.
Kelly today announced that they have reached a settlement with Progress
Energy Florida on behalf of Florida consumers which will freeze base rates
for Progress customers through 2012.

“As Floridians work to make ends meet in this challenging economy, Progress
customers will know, as a result of our agreement today, that they won’t
have to worry about skyrocketing utility bills,” said Attorney General
McCollum. “Eliminating the concern over rising costs of electricity over
the next few years will certainly be a relief for many.”

The agreement will also cap the repair costs that customers might have to
pay in the event of any catastrophic storms, while allowing Progress
immediate access to the funds necessary to make any emergency repairs.
Under the agreement, each of the settling parties has the right to petition
for interim rate relief if Progress’ profitability falls outside of certain
financial benchmarks.

“We believe this is a great deal for ratepayers because they get the
certainty of knowing their base rates will be frozen for three years in the
midst of tough economic times,” said Public Counsel J.R. Kelly.

The Florida Retail Federation, Florida Industrial Power Users Group, White
Springs Agricultural Chemicals, Inc., and the Department of the Navy on
behalf of the Federal Executive Agencies were also parties to the settlement agreement, which was filed with the Public Service Commission(PSC) today.

The agreement is subject to approval by the PSC. A copy of the agreement is
available online at:

http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/MRAY-85BJ9M/$file/JointMotion.pdf

---------------------------------------

With today's economic difficulties, it is good to be well informed. So, if you have an unexpected increase in the cost of your power, and someone tells you that there been a recent rate increase refer them to this article.

The Eighth Deadly Sin and The Quickest Way to End a Relationship

2010-05-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

Beware of persons who tell creative people that the problems caused by insensitive others are the results of them “imagining it’. Such persons, who say these insulting word, want to hide something and make you a scapegoat for whatever they want to hide.

Trust is not an issue. It simply does not exist. It more of a scheme to save grace amidst disgrace. So beware!

Hot Tip On Spousal Support and Other Divorce Issues

2010-05-10T03:54:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you don't have to be divorce to get spousal support? Or that in a no -fault state like Florida, if you walked away from a bad marriage and your marriage home, that you still own your share of it?

Check out these and other divorce tips at Hot Topics in Divorce Blog

Jealousy At it Worst

2010-05-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

Ever wanted to see jealousy at its worst. Watch a gaggle of women in an office full of them. Its not a becoming sight.

If you have a comment about any of my sites, use the comment box.

Otherwise, get over it.

P.S. Whoever your contacts are on the outside, you need to drop them because they are seeping with more than the disease of jealousy all over you. So leave that US mailbox along.

This stands as written and will remain. So, GET OFF MY SITES!

Houston's City Legal Rule - Noisy Vehicle Ordinance Valid and Enforceable

2010-04-17T05:26:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember that I am a member of the Saint Petersburg branch of Noise Off, a coalition against noise pollution. Back in 2009, Noise Off was able to convince the then Saint Petersburg’s City Council that excessive noise is a public health issue that negatively affects the lives of the citizens of Saint Petersburg, Florida.

Since that time and though there are fewer “Boomcars” rambling loudly up and down the public streets within the city limits, the enforcement of the noise ordinance by the Saint Petersburg Police Department has had it positive affect on the city of Saint Petersburg as a whole. Yet, Noise Off is an international group and proud of the success of all its members.

This stated, below is a message from Officer Rick Holtsclaw of the Houston Police Department on the success in gaining support for the enforcement of Houston's City Ordnance 30-4 "Noisy Vehicles Generally", which has led to a ruling from Houston's City Legal that the enforcement of the ordnance Is valid and enforceable.

----------------

Message date Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Those of you familiar with my ongoing battle with a particular supervisor regarding the validity of Houston's City Ordnance 30-4 "Noisy Vehicles Generally" will be pleased to hear that City Legal has returned a verdict of "enforceable.” I was subsequently called into my Captains office and told that I was permitted to resume enforcing the noise ordinance as it relates to loud exhaust on motorcycles and automobiles. The earlier order to stop enforcement due to perceived subjectivity issues has been overturned. Those members who have an abiding faith in our Lord Jesus Christ pray that I will enforce the current noise ordinance with wisdom and discernment. Thanks to those who took the time to write the letters and make the phone calls.

Sincerely,

Rick Holtsclaw SPO

Houston Police Department

Westside Division

----------------
Congratulation Office Holtsclaw!

Let this message be proof that the fight against excessive noise is still strong and an ever growing task. Meanwhile, the members of Noise Off here in Saint Petersburg, Florida are working toward a reversal of the order that shut down the St. Petersburg Police Department “Tone Down Violation Form" program by Chief Harmon from Mayor Bill Foster.

If you want to help in the effort to reinstate the “Tone Down Violation Form", click to contact Noise Off, and then seek out the members' page for the city's program founder in our area.

St. Petersburg, Florida Police Step-Up Enforcement of Existing Noise Ordinance an article in Noise News for Week of August 22,2010.

Should Spartacus: Blood and Sand Be Banned For Its Amoral Subplots?

2010-03-17T04:37:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Evelyn here,

A few of the gays in my area are upset with my disapproval of gay intercourse on television. Yes, I believe some of the subplots of the show Spartacus: Blood and Sand are amoral, and I would like to see it banned here in America. So remember as you seek me out,or attempt to cause me problems about town, I am a writer, a reviewer, but I am also a Christian, wife and mother and while I have nothing against gays as whole, I neither like nor need troublemakers. I have also informed Starz of the development here.

On that note, I do not need people going about town with the intent of making trouble for me because I rejected the attention of men who I do not want and who do not interest me. I mean, I am a married woman and that means something to me. May my marriage be good or bad, it is mine, and I will always respect it. Also, I feel lucky for not wanting to involve myself with the type of men who attempt to cause or allow others to cause me problems simply I do not want them and for being mature enough to trust my own judgment in such matters. So do me the favor and cut the crap!

Evelyn out.

LA CRÉATION DE MOI!

2010-03-07T05:47:00.000-08:00

Although, and in real life, some people, with questionable morals and motives, thought it would be fun to place some of these people of the above mentioned type in my path, it caused a bit of trouble for me and my family and in turned called for police intervention, it was and is truly a heartless and unwise thing to do and should never be repeated.

An excerpt from LA CRÉATION DE MOI! A Brief Autobiographical Look into the Life of Evelyn F. Altheimer-Fain

In Remembrance of Garion Michael Barber

2010-01-12T19:33:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone,

This weekend I am passing on with permission a special message from Richard Barber, a father whose whole world was turned upside down on the morning of March 29, 2008 when his 8 year old son Garion Michael Barber died from a then unknown cause but some four months later was reported as being Arnold Chiari Malformation Type 1. However, Richard and his family have chosen not to grieve the lost of their son, who would have been ten this January 21, but in loving remembrance celebrate his brief life.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To all Attorney General Staff,

On March 29, 2008, my 8 year old son, Garion Michael Barber, was

found dead in bed at our home from unknown causes. After almost 4 months

of investigation by the Orange County Medical Examiner, Dr. Jan Garavaglia,

known better by her Discovery Health Channel television show "Dr. G.

Medical Examiner", a cause of death was pinpointed. Our son had a rare,

and to us unknown, condition which lead to his death while he slept

peacefully in bed.

This agency, from Attorney General Bill McCollum himself down,

reached out to our family with love and support while we grieved and came

to grips with the sudden loss of our child. To this day I am still in awe

of what a great group of people we work with and each of you are seen as a

gift from God to us at our worst possible moment.

Because of this we wanted to share with you all an upcoming

television documentary about our son and the condition that caused his

death. The program will air on Discovery Health Channel's "Dr. G Medical

Examiner", January 18, 2010 at 9pm EST. We agreed to this filming in hopes

it would bring information to light to help others and possibly save

someone else's life. At the bottom of this email is the information from

the Discovery Health Channel's web page.

January 21, 2010, would have been Garion's 10th birthday and I will

be on leave from 1/15 - 1-25 to go with family and celebrate his life and

remember the amazing boy that touched so many in so few year. It is our

desire that each of you spend a little extra time with family next week

just enjoying them and all they mean to you.

Thank you all so much,

Senior Investigator Richard Barber & Family

Orlando / MFCU

Dr. G: Medical Examiner

http://health.discovery.com/fansites/drg/drg-fansite.html

Bruised and Battered
TV-PG

A mother goes to wake her son and finds him unresponsive. He dies on the way to the hospital. And, a woman hears strange sounds coming from the apartment above her. When the police arrive, they find her neighbor dead and covered in bruises.

Date(s): Next Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday - Jan 18, 9:00 pm, Jan 19, 1:00 am, and Jan 23, 6:00 pm (60 minutes)

http://health.discovery.com/tv-schedules/series.html?paid=62.15860.107413.26750.47&start=10

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Arnold Chiari Malformation Type 1 is the most common disorder that may not cause symptoms and is often found by accident during an examination for another condition. It is clinically stated as being the following and the first of five types of the disorder.

Type I involves the extension of the cerebellar tonsils (the lower part of the cerebellum) into the foramen magnum, without involving the brain stem. Normally, only the spinal cord passes through this opening. Type I — which may not cause symptoms — is the most common form of CM and is usually first noticed in adolescence or adulthood, often by accident during an examination for another condition. Type I is the only type of CM that can be acquired.

And according to the article “Sudden Death Revealing Chiari Type 1 Malformation In Two Children” by A. Martinot¹, V. Hue¹, F. Leclerc^{1, 4}, L. Vallee², M. Closset¹ and J. P. Pruvo³, Arnold-Chiari Malformation Type I that lead to sudden unprovoked cardio respiratory arrest in children is not uncommon; and in the article “Arnold-Chiari Malformation Type I and Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Review of Literature” Apnea, a sleep disorder, is a great cause of concern when it occurs in children because it causes the child’s breathing to be interrupted by pauses between breath and in serious cases stops their breathing altogether.

For more information on neurological disorders or research programs funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, contact the Institute's Brain Resources and Information Network (BRAIN) at:

BRAIN
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda, MD 20824
(800) 352-9424
http://www.ninds.nih.gov

Information also is available from the following organizations:

March of Dimes Foundation 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, NY 10605 askus@marchofdimes.com http://www.marchofdimes.com Tel: 914-997-4488 888-MODIMES (663-4637) Fax: 914-428-8203	National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 1968 (55 Kenosia Avenue) Danbury, CT 06813-1968 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) Fax: 203-798-2291
Spina Bifida Association 4590 MacArthur Blvd. NW Suite 250 Washington, DC 20007-4266 sbaa@sbaa.org http://www.spinabifidaassociation.org Tel: 202-944-3285 800-621-3141 Fax: 202-944-3295	American Syringomyelia Alliance Project (ASAP) P.O. Box 1586 Longview, TX 75606-1586 info@asap.org http://www.asap.org Tel: 903-236-7079 800-ASAP-282 (272-7282) Fax: 903-757-7456

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Obama and Black America

2009-12-31T16:11:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with a NPR's reflective interview on President Obama's first year in office. Dated December 25, 2009 and entitled Obama and Black America. You must have Windows Media Player to listen to Renee Montagne interview of Juan Williams

Listen to the Story

Evelyn out,

A Message from Attorney General Bill McCollum on Protecting Our Constitutional Rights

2009-12-31T12:50:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

Below is a message from Florida's Attorney General Bill McCollum on "Protecting Our Constitutional Rights".

----------

Protecting Our Constitutional Rights
This week, I announced my intent to review whether an individual mandate currently included in the federal health care legislation violates the U.S. Constitution as well as our individual rights and freedom. The mandate levies a tax or a fine on anyone who chooses not to purchase health insurance coverage ? a tax on doing nothing at all.

Congress has defined powers upon which it can act, like the Commerce Clause where the Supreme Court has required some economic activity to be affected by interstate commerce. However, the individual mandate is different than any other requirement the federal government imposes in that it regulates non-activity.

I am very concerned about the implications of this mandate and have called on my fellow Attorneys General to join me in my legal review. As the new year approaches, I look forward to getting answers for our citizens and protecting them from something that may have crossed a Constitutional boundary.

----------
Evelyn out.

SAINT PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS A NEW ONLINE REPORTING SYSTEM

2009-12-17T03:47:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

On December 16, 2009, the Saint Petersburg police department launched its new online reporting page. On this page crimes such as Criminal Mischief, Harassing Phone Calls, Identity Theft, Lost Property, Theft, and Vehicle Burglary can be reported online.

How does it work? The reporters fills out a short questionnaire with the details of the crime and they will receive an email confirmation. They can also print a copy of their reports. A police officer/ report writer will contact the victims at a later date.

This new reporting system is strictly for reporting crimes that are not 911 related. These reports include those crimes involving fire arms or physical assaults.

Persons unable and/or not wanting to use the new system may still make their reports by call the Saint Petersburg Police Department's non-emergency line at 727-893-7780. All persons using the new system must be at least 18 years of age.

SAINT PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT'S ONLINE REPORT

Evelyn out.

Obama Travels to Copenhagen for United Nations' Climate Summit

2009-11-28T10:13:00.000-08:00

POLITICO Breaking News:
-----------------------------------------------------

President Barack Obama will travel to Copenhagen on Dec. 9 for the United Nations summit on climate change, a White House official told POLITICO.

For more information...http://www.politico.com

The Senate Health Reform Bill Shuts Out Illegal Immigrants and Denided The Use of Taxpayers' Funding For Abortion

2009-11-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

POLITICO Breaking News:
-----------------------------------------------------

The Senate health reform bill will not allow illegal immigrants to get benefits and prohibits taxpayer funding of abortion, reports Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad. He said that unlike the House bill, there's no surtax on the wealthy, but there is a Medicare payroll tax of 1.95 percent on couples who earn more than $250,000 annually. The reimbursement rates for the public plan will not be tied to Medicare, and co-ops will still be offered.

For more information...http://www.politico.com

U.S. President Barack Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize

2009-10-10T03:06:00.001-07:00

POLITICO Breaking News:
-----------------------------------------------------

From the AP: The Norwegian Nobel Committee says U.S. President Barack Obama has won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples."

For more information...http://www.politico.com

Buyer Beware: Unbeknown to Online Buyers So Called "Cash Discounts" Companies Can Leech Bank Accounts"

2009-10-03T18:03:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

Beware of online services that offer to give you a percentage of you purchase price back on online orders. What these services do is deduction up to $10 - $13.00 per month from your checking account. Many customers do not understand that when they hit the so-called "cash back" or "special cash back "shopper discount", they have unwittingly given these companies access to their checking account by way of their credit and/or debit cards.

And what to these customers get in return? NOTHING! The so-called discount company will give customers the line that they are receiving huge saving on each online purchase, but the truth is that many online stores will give their customer those saving with their online sales and promotions automatically when offers. In short, customers are better off not clicking away their checking accounts to unscrupulous companies offering further discounts. Victims of such unethical practices can cancel such accounts and request a full refund of deducted funds. However, if the company doesn't want to refund the funds or attempt to lead customers into a further commitment, a complaint can be filed against them with Better Business Bureau with positive results. Usually the customer will find that the company has a long list of complaints.

Two such companies are:
1. Great Fun, a service provided by Trilegiant Corporation at https://www.greatfunsite.com
2. Shopper Discount and Rewards, a Webloyalty.com, Inc. at http://www.webloyalty.com/.

So, what appears to be a great deal at the end of that order transaction really is not, so be satisfied in knowing that you have ready gotten the best deal for your dollars from the company you trust, and don't push that so-called special discount/saving/refund button at the end!

Evelyn out!

Unemployment Up

2009-10-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

NPR BREAKING NEWS:

Unemployment Up To 9.8 Percent; Payrolls Down 263,000

The Labor Department said the unemployment rate was the highest since June 1983 and payrolls had now dropped for 21 consecutive months.

More at NPR.org:
http://n.npr.org/NPRI/jN49606986_178845.htm

--- For NPR on your mobile phone, visit m.npr.org ---

PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION AMENDMENT REJECTED

2009-09-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

The Senate Finance Committee has rejected the public health insurance option amendment on an 8-15 vote.

For more information...http://www.politico.com

Greenpeace Presents The New Docu-Drama-Animated Film 'Age of Stupid'

2009-09-08T03:10:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

The Following is a message from the people of Greenpeace International.

------------------------------

Come to the movies with us!

We've teamed up with the film makers behind the new docu-drama-animation 'Age of Stupid' to deliver the world's biggest film premiere - September 21st (USA) and September 22nd (40+ countries). And we want you to be there.

Synopsis: Age of Stupid stars Oscar-nominated Pete Postlethwaite as a man living alone in the devastated world of 2055, looking back at 'archive' footage from 2007 and asking: why didn't we stop climate change when we had the chance?

The Age of Stupid Global Premiere Trailer from Age of Stupid on Vimeo.

Find a screening near you / Watch the trailer / Learn more


The global premiere will feature a Green Carpet in New York, where actress Gillian Anderson will lead notables including Kofi Annan, Mary Robinson and James Hansen in a discussion about how we can stop catastrophic climate change. Greenpeace will be contributing live feeds from the front lines of climate change, and is backing efforts to get the film seen by as many politicians and diplomats as possible.

So don't be stupid. Mark your calendar, buy your tickets, and invite that friend of yours who doesn't quite get why climate change matters so much. This film will make them an activist.

Tickets are on sale now. Find your nearest screening here. If there isn't a screening in your area you can join us at the premiere online.

See you there!


All of us,

Greenpeace International

http://www.greenpeace.org/ageofstupid

Greenpeace International

Twitter

Facebook
Want to join Greenpeace? Then SIGN UP HERE

----------------
Evelyn out.

Florida Governor Crist Names George LeMieux As GOP United States Senator

2009-08-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

As message from GOP Governor Charlie Crist

______________________________________________________

August 28, 2009

Dear Friends,

The process of selecting a United States Senator has been guided by the
intent to select someone of great honor and integrity, who also has
demonstrated a commitment to serve the people of our state.

I am grateful to the Floridians we considered for this appointment –
for their service in their respective capacities, and for their patience
with this process. They are honorable men and women of great distinction,
and I thank them all for their wisdom and their candor.

I am also grateful to Senator Mel Martinez for his years of service to
our great state. His is a story that illustrates the American Dream for so
many in this country and around the world. I wish him and his family well
as he transitions back into private life.

The guiding principle of my career, my campaigns, and our
administration has been public service. I have had the great honor to work
with so many hard working public servants who choose to put service above
self in ways that inspire and encourage me to continue my commitment to the
people each and every day.

So many of the individuals who serve in our administration sacrifice
time with their families and financial opportunities in the private sector
to give back to the very communities that nurtured their upbringing in our
great state and around the country.

George LeMieux has been a tremendous example of this very type of
commitment. When the private sector first called, George chose the path of
public service – to first serve as Deputy Attorney General, and then as
Chief of Staff in our administration.

I am proud to inform you today that I am appointing former Deputy
Attorney General George LeMieux to the United States Senate where he will
serve the remainder of Senator Mel Martinez’s term.

He has argued before the United States Supreme Court and played an
integral role in the creation of the Florida Cyber Crime Unit. He was
instrumental in developing legislation to provide handheld devices to
protect our children and to improve higher education for our students.

He has built a beautiful family with his wife Meike and their three
wonderful boys – all while fighting for Florida’s families, small business
owners and seniors.

May God bless you and the great state of Florida.

___________________________________

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist Expected Name George LeMieu To Fill GOP Senate Seat

2009-08-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

POLITICO Breaking News:
------------------------------

-----------------------

Florida GOP Gov. Charlie Crist is expected to name former aide George LeMieux to fill the seat of outgoing GOP Sen. Mel Martinez, two Florida sources told POLITICO.

For more information...ht Post Options tp://www.politico.com

Thief, Saboteur, and Creep!

2009-08-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

To my faithful Readers, the following message is only addressed to a thief and saboteur.

If you're reading this, and you know who you are, then you know that I have put my all sites back in the order that I had originally set them up. I have also changed all my passwords. You could have only gotten my information from my home or from my work computer . In any case, you are a super-creep, and you are locked out, and I will not be that careless around you again.

I don't really care who you are, just know that if you try it again or are messing in other people lives as you have mine, you will get caught because there are people searching for you.

Creep!

The 2009 Florida Statutes - Title XXIII Motor Vehicles - Chapter 316 - State Uniform Traffic Control

2009-08-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Florida Statutes

Title XXIII
MOTOR VEHICLES

Chapter 316
STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL

316.3045 Operation of radios or other mechanical soundmaking devices or instruments in vehicles; exemptions.--

(1) It is unlawful for any person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on a street or highway to operate or amplify the sound produced by a radio, tape player, or other mechanical soundmaking device or instrument from within the motor vehicle so that the sound is:

(a) Plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet or more from the motor vehicle; or

(b) Louder than necessary for the convenient hearing by persons inside the vehicle in areas adjoining churches, schools, or hospitals.

(2) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any law enforcement motor vehicle equipped with any communication device necessary in the performance of law enforcement duties or to any emergency vehicle equipped with any communication device necessary in the performance of any emergency procedures.

(3) The provisions of this section do not apply to motor vehicles used for business or political purposes, which in the normal course of conducting such business use soundmaking devices. The provisions of this subsection shall not be deemed to prevent local authorities, with respect to streets and highways under their jurisdiction and within the reasonable exercise of the police power, from regulating the time and manner in which such business may be operated.

(4) The provisions of this section do not apply to the noise made by a horn or other warning device required or permitted by s. 316.271. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall promulgate rules defining "plainly audible" and establish standards regarding how sound should be measured by law enforcement personnel who enforce the provisions of this section.

(5) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Dies At Age 88

2009-08-11T03:35:00.000-07:00

NPR BREAKING NEWS:

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Dies At Age 88

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the younger sister of President John F. Kennedy, has died at the age of 88, according to news reports. Shriver had been hospitalized since last week in Mass.

More at NPR.org:
http://n.npr.org/NPRI/jN40595007_147846.htm

Unemployment Drops To 9.4 Percent

2009-08-09T09:25:00.001-07:00

NPR BREAKING NEWS:

Unemployment Drops To 9.4 Percent

Payrolls drop by just 247,000; jobless rate falls to 9.4 percent, sign recession ending.

GREENPEACE SUMMIT SPEAKER: WHAT IS THE COPENHAGEN SUMMIT? AND WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE?

2009-07-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Climate change video FAQs

2009-07-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with a bit of news from the Saint Petersburg Times. According an in today's newspaper Florida's unemployment rate rose to 10.6 percent in June,which is the since 1975. For more on this article read, Florida unemployment rises to 10.6 percent in June.

More news: it was announced yesterday,July 17, 2009, the CBS News Anchor Walter Cronkite has died at age 92.

Sign-On to Save the Earth - Greenpeace

2009-07-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

Hello

Evelyn here,

with a message about saving the earth and ultimately saving ourselves.

To Our Nation’s Leaders,

I am a daughter of this earth. I am also a member of Greenpeace. Every day I am distressed by the excessive use of our limited nature resources to the point that nations are at war to gain control of them. I am also disturbed with the growing lack of concern about the condition of our atmosphere caused by the amount of carbon dioxide emissions released into the air by aerosols, vehicles, heavy equipment, and factories. The overall affects from this daily release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere reduces the ozone layers, which in turn prevents the production of many dangerous diseases including cancer. With each nation’s pledge to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 50% by the year 2020, you will have set into motion the means to help to restore our vanishing atmosphere and set a positive example for other nations to following and save the earth.

Sign-On with Lucy Lawless, or become an online activist at Greenpeace USA or Greenpeace International.

----------------

Evelyn out.

This message was sent to the White House.

The History Channel's Gangland

2009-06-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

With some breaking some on an interest story.

The History Channel's Gangland series will feature the Attorney General and the Office of Statewide Prosecution this week in an episode about the Top 6 gang, a dangerous gang that operates statewide, on charges of criminal racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering. Over the past few years, South Florida law enforcement has investigated 41 shootings and 14 homicides, including the triple homicide in Lake Worth on March 27, 2007, directly related to this gang. Law enforcement has also attributed over 150 shootings, including the 2006 Christmas Eve shooting at the Boynton Beach Mall, to Top 6 over the same time period. This gang has
been an extremely active and violent criminal enterprise in Palm Beach
County for several years.

The episode will air on the History Channel this Thursday, July 2, at
9pm/8pm Central.
More information is available The History Channel's Gangland.

http://www.history.com/content/gangland

Evelyn out.

School grades plummet statewide and around the bay area

2009-06-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

School grades plummet statewide and around the bay area
Ron Matus, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Friday, June 19, 2009

After years of struggling, Gibbs High in St. Petersburg got an F. Nine other Pinellas high schools dropped a letter grade. High school grades plunged all over Florida on Thursday, the latest sign that progress in the upper grades remains sluggish despite a decade of reforms.

The number of A high schools dropped to 68 — down nearly 50 percent — while the number of D high schools climbed from 70 to 116, according to results released by the Florida Department of Education. The trend looked worse around the Tampa Bay area. Two high schools improved. Nineteen held steady. Thirty-seven fell. Among them: Gibbs High in St. Petersburg, which became Pinellas County's first F high school.

"It made me sick," said Pinellas superintendent Julie Janssen.

Principals scrambled Thursday to pinpoint why they struggled more this year, particularly with their bottom-tier kids in reading. At the same time, an especially bad year for their high schools put a stark frame on a bigger picture.

It wasn't just the usual suspects who got hit. In Hillsborough, Freedom High went from an A to a C. In Hernando, Nature Coast Technical went from a B to a C.

"It's a challenge," said Frances Haithcock, Florida's K-12 chancellor. "We have a long way to go."

Critics of Florida's accountability system, largely shaped by former Gov. Jeb Bush, offered other descriptors.

"Abysmal," said Rep. Marty Kiar, D-Davie, the Democrats' point person on education issues in the state House. The high school results "show the state's accountability system . . . does not work."

School grades can bring joy or shame, rewards or sanctions. They're based on Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test scores in reading, math, writing and science.

Schools that make A grades or improve their grades get bragging rights, plus a modest share of reward money that totaled $147 million last year. Schools that make poor grades get branded with the stigma and are subject to increased oversight.
Not all the news was bad Thursday.

Statewide, 1,822 schools earned A grades, 237 more than last year. Six schools leaped from F's to A's.

"Give me a hug!" principal Christi Buell told her teachers at Sulphur Springs Elementary in Tampa, after learning the school had moved up from an F to a B.
The state also announced how Florida schools fared under federal standards set by the No Child Left Behind Act. The result, again, was not good. Only 23 percent made "adequate yearly progress."

But all of that was overshadowed by the high school grades.
In the short term, the results show more high schools struggled this year with their lowest performing students. Under the state's grading formula, schools that don't make enough progress with those students get docked a full letter grade.
Last year, 78 high schools got whacked. This year, 106 did.

At Central High in Brooksville, principal Dennis McGeehan was at a loss to explain why.
"Something just didn't come across," he said.

There's plenty of speculation. Maybe budget cuts whittled away at programs for struggling students. (Pinellas alone cut 63 reading coaches.) Maybe the lame economy put more strain on at-risk kids. Maybe the scores just reflect the natural ups and downs that come with standardized testing.

Then again, maybe a tweak in the grading formula last year made this year's drop look worse. Sixty-three high schools did not get penalized a grade last year after the state Board of Education eased the requirement on the lowest-performing students.

Regardless, a one-year dip wouldn't attract so much attention if it wasn't for a long-term funk.

In the past decade, Florida's elementary students have made big strides, and middle school students are beginning to perk up. But since 2001, the percentage of high school students reading at grade level has grown more modestly, from 32 percent to 42 percent. This year's scores didn't budge after three years of gains.

Former K-12 chancellor Jim Warford said we shouldn't be surprised.

The state has done a good job beefing up academic standards and increasing expectations, he said. But it hasn't done as well making students realize why their classes matter.

"Kids don't get more stupid or less capable in high school. It's just not relevant (to them)," said Warford, who now heads the Florida Association of School Administrators. "These are iPhone kids. Our schools are still chalkboard worlds."

The state knows it must find ways to get high schools moving, said Haithcock, the current chancellor.
It's pushing more career and technical education. It's pushing Advanced Placement classes. It has come up with more precise ways to get kids reading better.
Haithcock said there's reason for hope, too, in the growing numbers of kids testing better in early grades.

"We're hopeful that in the next two, three, four years we are going to see high schools . . . not stall," she said.

Neither Haithcock nor Warford would rule out an irony at play.

In the past decade, Florida's drop-out rate has fallen substantially, from 5.4 percent to 2.6 percent, according to Department of Education figures. But progress on that front may have left more marginal students to drag down test scores.
Whatever the reasons behind this year's report card, making the grade won't get easier.

Beginning this fall, Florida will evaluate high schools on a slew of factors besides FCAT scores, including graduation rates and AP results.

A computer simulation found a third of them would drop a grade.

Times staff writers Donna Winchester, Jeffrey S. Solochek, Tom Marshall and Tony Marrero contributed to this report. Ron Matus can be reached at matus@sptimes.com.

For full story: School grades plummet statewide and around the bay area http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/article1011593.ece

Breaking News: Obama's Health Reform Get Help From Drug Companies

2009-06-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Evelyn here,

with some breaking news of the Health reform program. Drug companies are offering Congress and the White House a $80 Billion saving, which will span a ten years period. According to POLITICO stated that this saving will help President Obama's reform plan.

For more information... Politico.Com

Attorney General Bill McCollum Recognizes Father's Day

2009-06-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

Attorney General Bill McCollum recognizes Father's Day and the responsibilities of being a father.

----------------------

Recognizing the Importance of Florida's Fathers

This Sunday is Father's Day, a time to recognize the important impact fathers and father figures have on children and who those children will become. The love, support, and wisdom provided by these men set a powerful example and are key factors in raising responsible citizens. I know my dad has been an incredible influence in my life and in the lives of my three sons and two grandsons.

Many fathers will be away from their children this Father's Day, serving in the Armed Forces. These men are making strides to promote freedom and democracy around the globe, ensuring a better future for children all over the world, and for that we owe them our sincere appreciation.

I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the time they?ve shared with fathers and family. Make a phone call, send an email, or write a letter to thank a male role model in your life for the difference he has made. A few words can make all the difference, and these men deserve that and so much more.

----------------------

Evelyn out.

Republicans Herald "Juneteenth" And The End Of Slaver

2009-06-20T10:06:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

The following news release is from RPOF Chairman Jim Greer.

Republicans Herald "Juneteenth" And The End Of Slavery

Tallahassee - Representative Jennifer Carroll, Chairperson of the Republican Party of Florida’s African American Republican Leadership Council, and RPOF Chairman Jim Greer today released the following statement regarding "Juneteenth," a celebration recognizing June 19, 1865, the day the last American slaves learned that they were free:

"'Juneteenth' is a celebration of the day when the last remaining slaves received word that President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, resulting in their freedom. As the Party of Abraham Lincoln, the Republican Party of Florida is built on the foundation of freedom, and this principle is as important to us today it was so many years ago, when President Lincoln helped to found the Republican Party as the anti-slavery party," said Representative Carroll. "Over 140 years, we have championed these convictions. From the Civil Rights laws of the 1860s to the landmark 1954 decision in Brown vs. the Board of Education, which called for the end of segregation in public schools, the Republican Party has always been an advocate for civil rights."

"Republicans are still spearheading reform today, including efforts to increase access to homeownership among African Americans, provide quality education for all children, and ensure strong support for small businesses. We are proud to share the same core beliefs of lower taxes, less government, and more freedom as many African American families, and this is why we will continue to fight for the African American vote," said Chairman Greer.

--------------------------------

Evelyn out.

Bill McCollum Bid for Governor Runs Strong

2009-06-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,
Evelyn here,

According to Blas Padrino, journalist for the Orlando Republican Examiner, Attorney General Bill McCollum 2010 race for the covet position of the office of governor is running strong, while Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink’s democratic bid for the office is still recovering from Sink attempt to block payment of McCollum’s television endorsement of his Child Predator CyberCrime Unit (CPCU).

Although the Florida Professional Firefighters, Inc endorsed Sink in her campaign, a recent poll has McCollum ahead of the Chief Financial Officer in by 8% (41% to 33%) and Floridians pleased with the result the CyberCrime Unit in making the safety of Florida a must.

Evelyn out.

Florida GOP Congressional Delegation Endorses Bill McCollum for Governor

2009-06-18T03:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

The following is from the Florida's RGOP.

-----------

Bill McCollum

Florida GOP Congressional Delegation Endorses Bill McCollum for Governor
Tallahassee – Members of the Florida GOP Congressional Delegation have endorsed Attorney General Bill McCollum to be Florida’s next Governor, the campaign announced today.

McCollum received the endorsement of U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (9th); Ginny Brown-Waite (5th); Vern Buchanan (13th); Ander Crenshaw (4th); Lincoln Diaz-Balart; Mario Diaz-Balart (21st); Connie Mack (14th); John Mica (7th); Jeff Miller (1st); Bill Posey (15th); Tom Rooney (16th); Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (18th); Cliff Stearns (6th), and C. W. Bill Young (10th).

“Bill McCollum has the vision, the experience, and the conviction of his principles necessary to lead our state during these challenging times,” said Congressman Vern Buchanan. “Bill McCollum is the right candidate at the right time, and Florida’s Republican Congressional delegation is committed to ensuring we elect him as our next Governor and move our great state forward.”

“My years in Congress afford me a unique perspective on the importance of working closely with our Governor and Legislature to get the job done,” said McCollum. “Florida has benefited greatly from our delegation’s commitment to bipartisanship and putting Floridians first, and I look forward to continuing in that tradition as our next Governor.”

The McCollum campaign recently announced the endorsement of Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Bronson, more than 60 state legislators and U.S. Senator Mel Martinez. For campaign news and updates, visit www.BillMcCollum.com
###

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Evelyn out.

Pinellas School Board gives early approval to property tax rate increase

2009-06-17T04:05:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

The following article written by Donna Winchester St. Petersburg Times staff writer is of important to every home owner in the county. Personally, this should have been done long ago.

---------------

June 16, 2009

Pinellas School Board gives early approval to property tax rate increase

Pinellas School Board members on Tuesday unanimously gave initial approval to a property tax rate increase to help offset a projected $19 million budget shortfall.

But not without first offering a few choice words to state legislators.

Board member Carol Cook was most outspoken, charging that politicians in Tallahassee have abdicated their responsibility to quality education in Florida.

"I’m supposed to take it on faith that the legislators will turn around (next year) and do the right thing," Cook said. "They have not done that so far. I cannot have faith when time after time it’s been proven to me that I can’t trust that they will do the right thing for our children."

At least one board member applauded Cook’s comments.

Board chairwoman Peggy O’Shea followed Cook, stating that the Legislature had put local school boards in a terrible position.

Without the additional $14 million budget infusion the district will receive with the tax increase, school employees likely will face six to 10 days without pay, O'Shea said. But the additional tax assessment could be a problem for many of them, especially for those who rent their homes, she said.

“This cuts both ways,” O’Shea said. “This will get passed off to them in the form of a rent increase, and they will pay a huge burden.”

The seven-member board must approve the measure again during budget hearings on July 28 and Sept. 15. But it’s not likely that the board can vote no at either of those meetings after the yes vote today, Cook said.

“Each time we vote on it, we’re more and more committed,” she said. “This time we’re saying, ‘Go forward and add this into the budget.’ In July, we’ll be saying, ‘This is the highest amount we can levy.’ But by that time, we’ve already hired people.

"In September, when we take the final vote, school already will have started. To say in September, ‘We’re not going to do this,’ that just won’t work."

- Donna Winchester, Times staff writer

---------------------------------------------

Evelyn out

Unemployment on the Rise!

2009-06-11T10:40:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

Six days ago, NPR reported that the U.S. unemployment Rate jumped to 9.4 Percent, and that employers cut 345,000 nonfarm jobs in May as the national jobless rate rises to 9.4 percent.

This rise in the unemployment is about 0.9% hike from the beginning of the year when it was nearer to 8.5%.

Evelyn Out.

2009-06-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

In honor of World Environment Day, which occurs on the 5th day of June each year, the following video was posted by Pete Cashmore, CEO at Mashable.

Evelyn out.

BAN BOOM CARS

2009-05-17T19:14:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

I am sure that everyone in the city of St. Petersburg has notice to lack of boomer cars on streets and/or parked in private or public drives. However, and in spite of the new noise ordinances and complaint form on the St. Petersburg Police Department website, there still those boomers in my area that tempt the Fates. They come blaring their way up the drive near where I live and occasionally the driveway on which I live.

Those who blaringly drive their way pass my place are mostly targeting either me or some other poor soul who was put upon unmercifully by their booming car stereos, and finally had enough of it to report them. Whatever the case, these resisters to the new "norm" of respecting the rights of others to have and cherish peace of mind, generally work their ill mannered blaring after hours, when managements are closed and on weekends when police service seems all but non-existence.

That they do this when they believe being caught is less likely to happen, tell us that they are intent on blaring their way unwanted through the lives of others, and that their repeated actions is not a simple "Oops; sorry, I forgot", situation.

What gets me is some people have the new resources to stop the boomers, but do not appear to be using them. Perhaps the following video clip remind people of what we are fighting against. My stance - "Ban All Boom Cars!"

Evelyn out.

2009-05-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with some Breaking News. Governor Charlie Crist has announced that he will run for the U.S Senate seat now occupied but soon to be vacated by Senator Mel Martinez.

Florida’s Gang Reduction Strategies Gain Results

2009-05-06T22:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with an advisory message from the Attorney General, Bill MCCullum.

-----

MESSAGE ADVISORY

Attorney General Bill McCollum’s Audio Message - May 6, 2009

I’m Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.

Yesterday, my office and law enforcement in the Central Florida area made
substantial progress in our fight against gangs.18 members and associates
of a dangerous drug-trafficking gang were arrested, including the gang’s
leader.

This case will be the first filed using the gang kingpin statute, a new
crime which allows for a life felony sentence against anyone convicted of
leading or directing organized, criminal gang activities.

Together with my partners in Florida’s gang reduction strategies, we will
keep combating gangs with these new tools and better protecting our
neighborhoods and communities.

I’m Bill McCollum, and this has been a public safety update.

-----

Evelyn out.

HAND WASHING IS THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST SPREADING SWINE FLU

2009-05-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Evryone,

Evelyn here,

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states the first line of defense against spreading Swine Flu is hand washing. Check out this video from the CDC's headquarters.

-------------

Also "What is Swine Flu?"

-----------------

Evelyn out.

St. Petersburg Police Department Shows Support with “Tone Down Violation Form”

2009-03-24T13:53:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

It is truly a glorious day when we can see our government and law enforcement agencies at work. The St. Petersburg Police Department has not only updated their website but has included a noise compliant form. The form called the “Tone Down Violation Form” is the achievement of many dedicated and determines members of Noise Off and other concerned citizens of St. Petersburg.

We, the members of NoiseOff, other concerned groups, as well as the concerned citizens of St. Petersburg want to thank the St. Petersburg Police and the City Council for their support in providing their citizens with an easy and safer method for reporting noise violators.

Tone Down Violation Form

God Bless,

Evelyn

NoiseOff, Noise Free Florida and Contact Compliant Form

2009-02-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

For those of your who campaigned, wrote soft letters, or contacted the officials of the St. Petersburg Police Department, the City of St. Petersburg and other state representatives, you will be glad to know that our efforts have bore fruit and that a noise complaint form for your use will be posted on the St. Petersburg Police Department web site.

When this form will be posted is unknown at this time, but be assured that it will be done, and that it will provide a safer media for citizen of St. Petersburg to lodge their complaints of violators of the noise law.

And although you still being rudely insulted by repeat violators, who do not want to obey the law, have patience, and keep reporting.

God Bless, America!

Evelyn out.

Statewide Gang Strategy comes to South Florida

2009-02-13T18:19:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with a message from Attorney General, Bill McCollum, on the statewide program to fight gang violence in our cities.

--------------

Statewide Gang Strategy comes to South Florida

Thursday marked the final organizational meeting of Florida's regional gang reduction task forces which are developing and implementing a statewide strategy to reduce gangs and gang violence. Together with state agencies, law enforcement, legislators, business and community leaders and youth-oriented organizations, the Attorney General's Office is working to stop the growth of gangs, reduce their numbers, and render any remaining ineffectual.

This strategy is unique in that it will be tailored to fit the specific needs of each of the seven regions. Now that all the organizational meetings have occurred, each region has a blueprint to develop its own strategy, including the structure, priorities and focus. We have already seen our efforts bring about positive change; if we continue working together and pooling not only resources but also initiative and talent, I am confident we can rescue our state from the dangerous threat of criminal gangs.

-----------------

Evelyn out.

WATCH THE INAUGURAL CELERATION TODAY LIVE ON HBO!

2009-01-18T10:54:00.000-08:00

HBO'S WE ARE ONE!

AND THEN WATCH PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA SWEARING-IN CEREMONY ON TUESDAY AT 11:00 AM.

A Temporary Farewell

2009-01-18T07:09:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I must now temporarily stop posting until my semester ends at USF. If you did not know it I am a creative write major and my classes are occupying my time with a great deal of reading and writing. However, I will still be keeps on with the current events.

See you in the spring.

Evelyn

President-elect Obama - Adding A Little Truth to It

2009-01-08T03:44:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

In his address yesterday President-elect Obama added some already well known truths about the path of economy recovery and employment before recovery is seen.

---------------

Politico.com Breaking News:
-----------------------------------------------------

In an address on the economy to be delivered this morning in suburban Virginia, President-elect Obama warns that the economy “could become dramatically worse” and the nation could face unemployment above 10 percent without bipartisan support for his $750-billion stimulus plan. Using his signature word “change” twice in brief excerpts released by his aides, Obama calls for "a new course for this economy" and declares: "Only government can break the vicious cycles that are crippling our economy.”

For more information...http://www.politico.com

---------------

Want more, than read Obama, Dems face hard sell on stimulus.
Evelyn out.

A Special Message from Governor Charlie Crist

2009-01-06T19:28:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

With a message from Governor Crist about the new stimulus package and how the fund will help Florida businesses recover and generate new employment.

----------------------

January 6, 2009

Dear Friend,

Today I had the pleasure of meeting with economic development organization leaders to discuss my Economic Stimulus Plan targeting small businesses, a proposal that will help Florida’s small businesses expand and reach their fullest potential. The result will be new jobs and a stronger economy for current and future generations of Floridians. Now more than ever, our Florida businesses need the resources to grow. By helping them build their futures now with a modest investment of taxpayer dollars, we can plant the seeds that our homegrown businesses need to flourish.

This two-pronged Economic Stimulus Plan would require a state investment of no more than $10 million. A loan program of $8.5 million would support companies with between 10 and 99 employees that demonstrate high potential for growth and expansion. The loans, up to $250,000 per business, would help these companies purchase new capital, train existing employees, and hire new workers. In addition, my plan calls for $1.5 million for economic stimulus. This economic infrastructure will assist small businesses so they can grow and prosper.

Already, we provide support and incentives for new startup businesses and for larger companies in specific sectors that are considering relocation to Florida. We will continue to work to help new businesses form, and to recruit companies here to Florida. But we also have small businesses right here in Florida that are ready to expand and create new jobs. They just need a little push, a little help. I believe government should provide that push so that small businesses can expand now, creating new jobs even during these challenging economic times.

Research and data have proven the wisdom of focusing on the expansion of small, existing businesses. Businesses of this size have the highest potential for growth and new jobs creation. Between 2005 and 2007, just eight percent all Florida establishments were companies with 10 to 99 employees. Yet those companies created nearly 36 percent of the new jobs during that period. These are significant, impressive numbers that illustrate the wisdom in adding this plan to our economic development strategies such as Accelerate Florida.

Florida is feeling the effects of the economic adjustments that are impacting the nation, and we must continue to explore pioneering and smart avenues to strengthen our economy. These challenging economic conditions require us to join together, and with multiple approaches, to aggressively focus available resources on activities that keep Floridians employed and move our economy forward. By making this conservative investment in our small businesses, we can make a dramatic and positive impact on Florida’s economy and your quality of life for decades to come.

May God continue to bless the great state of Florida and her people in the coming year.

Photo Caption: Governor Charlie Crist and Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp discuss the Governor's Economic Stimulus Plan for small businesses with members of the Florida Economic Development Council during a Tallahassee Tuesday visit at the Governor's Mansion.

Receive Regular E-mail Updates from Governor Crist

I would like to keep you informed about actions my administration is taking on a variety of issues, if you are interested. I invite you to click the link below and select the issues you want to learn more about. Feel free to select as many topics as you like.

Thank you and God bless. It is a privilege and honor to serve you as Governor.

http://www.flgov.com/issuesignupform

----------------------

Evelyn out.

And There's More

2009-01-05T20:20:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

As the title of this post implies. There is more news on the plans for the stimulus package of President-elect Obama release by Politico.com Breaking News.

Yesterday:
-----------------------------------------------------

President-elect Obama plans to propose huge tax cuts for businesses and middle-class workers that will total about 40 percent of the package, or up to $310 billion, congressional officials said.

For more information...http://www.politico.com

-----------------------------------------------------

Evelyn out.

FREEING A NATION IN DEBT

2009-01-03T13:17:00.000-08:00

FREEING A NATION IN DEBT

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with a few words on Obama’s weekly president-elect pep talk to the nation.

Obama wants to start this relief stimulus by putting the nation deeper into debt. The current national debt is fast approaching the $11 trillion mark, and this is the downward swing. Now, Obama is asking for an amount of money ranging between $675 billion to $775 billion for next two fiscal years, and some say this amount could rise to $850 billion by legislators adding additional packages to the deal.

No one doubts that America needs change and some immediately relief from the hardships cause by the economy going south last year, but will shelling out billions upon billions to stimulate a failing country the answer. The plan behind this stimulus will supposedly created millions of jobs and gives some “immediate but short term” relief to families hurt by the lost of their employment, and ergo, the necessary income to pay bills and keep up with their monthly mortgages.

Furthermore, this new stimulus is also being granted to outset major companies on the verge of bankruptcy that will then and supposedly lower the cost of goods and adding more relief to the consumers’ wallets. There is also the hope that once relieved that of these companies and others that consumers will then buy more goods, which frankly was a dismal failure early last year. Families were already feeling the affect of last year’s economical failure, cutbacks and lay offs. They used their stimulus funds to help keep their heads above water and their creditors from their front doors. The notion that this new stimulus plan would not have a similar affects at a time when millions upon millions of more people have become jobless since the issuing of the first one and the threat of more jobs being lost during this new year of 2009 would be remiss.

Sure, the country needs to recover and change does take time, and we need the strong beliefs that this country can and will be turned around for the better, but still, let’s hope Obama and the other decision makers up there in Washington are not gambling our nation away and the future of it people along with it.

Here is where we are as a nation at the time you have finished viewing the video and reading this article.

National Debt Clocks and Savings Clocks

Obama Urges Congress to Pass Stimulus

So you know that I am not alone in my thinking that we need to be concern about how our govenment in handle the debt and deficit problems check out "Great News: National debt may jump $2 trillion this year" by Rick Moran.

We want change, but let’s keep it real.

Evelyn out.

Get Thee Behind . . . . An Update

2008-12-29T20:05:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with an uninteresting twist with the problem woman upstairs. She has resorted to lying. This evening, she called the police department with a false complaint on me. I don't know exactly what she said, but I had a visit from two of St. Petersburg finest because of this upstairs neighbor's lie. What had I been doing all evening? Working here at my computer as usual. So, I was very surprises to have those police officers at my door.

Nevertheless, all went well because I could explain fully the incidents that brought this woman to the point of seeking vengeance. I also was able to show the officer proof of my involvement in various civil groups whose only aim is the betterment of the county, the city and the state Florida.

It is clear that this woman did not care or did not know that to make a false complaint is now against the law and that she could be sued for it. There is no guessing or no question about it. Making intentional false reports about someone for the sole purpose of retaliation is without a doubt against the law in Florida and punishable by law.

Bearing all this in mind refer you to a previous entry of mine. "Neighbors Lie . . .", post on Saturday, November 1, 2008. Keep in mind that people like her have no respect for the law and will attempts to twist it and then use it for their own purpose. She and the others know that what I do and that I do it for the right reasons, but their criminal behaviors makes me think that there is some great and illegal secret here that she and the other fear I might stumble upon.

Personally, I, and millions of others, want to come home to a quiet evening and a soundless a sleep without a lot of unnecessary noises.

Evelyn out.

Attorney General McCollum Announces Florida Animal Fighting Tip Line

2008-12-29T19:28:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with today news release from the Office of the Attorney General, Bill McCollum. Today’s news release deals with the crime and cruelty of dog fighting and cockfighting. It tell you how you as Florida citizens can be rewarded for helping to put an end to the suffering of these poor voiceless victims by greedy human beings whose only wish is to profit from these animals through wholesale savagery and slaughter. It is an unspeakable act of cruelty that has perversely been given the name of sport.

--------------

Bill McCollum
Attorney General
News Release
December 29, 2008

Attorney General McCollum Announces Florida Animal Fighting Tip Line

McCollum joins The Humane Society of the United States
and Norred &Associates to combat animal fighting

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that
Floridians can now report animal fighting and be eligible for a reward ofup to $5,000 by calling The Humane Society of the United States’ animalfighting tip line at 877-TIP-HSUS (847-4787). The toll-free tip line was first established in Georgia by The HSUS and Atlanta-based corporate security firm Norred & Associates Inc. Because of its success, and with the support of Florida’s Attorney General, the tip line has been expanded to help combat dogfighting and cockfighting in Florida.

"Animal fighting is a cruel and criminal behavior often associated with
gang activity and other violence," said Attorney General McCollum. "Now
Floridians will have an easy, anonymous way to help make their neighborhoods safer and perhaps receive a substantial reward for their
efforts."

The HSUS’ Florida animal fighting tip line is managed by investigators with Norred & Associates and The HSUS. Once tips are authenticated,
investigators work with law enforcement agencies to inspect, arrest and
prosecute animal fighters. Callers’ identities are protected, and if a
caller’s tip leads to the arrest and prosecution of an animal fighter, the caller becomes eligible for a reward of up to $5,000 from The HSUS.

"Animal fighting is a horribly cruel activity and I am proud to help bring the criminals who engage in these blood sports to justice," said Greg D. Norred, founder and CEO of Norred & Associates. "The HSUS animal fighting tip line has been immensely successful in Georgia and we’re hopeful that we will have similar results in Florida."

The HSUS’ animal fighting tip line was first established in the wake of the Michael Vick case so Georgia residents can easily report illegal animal fighting to authorities. Since its inception in January 2008, the Georgia tip line has received more than 1,000 calls, leading to seven raids and 11 arrests.

"The mix of a dedicated tip line for animal fighting investigations and a reward program is a winning combination," said Laura Bevan, director of The HSUS’ Southeast regional office. "The Humane Society of the United States is thrilled to partner with Attorney General McCollum and Norred & Associates in the effort to stamp out animal fighting in Florida."

Last May, the Attorney General announced The HSUS's $5,000 reward program to combat animal fighting in Florida and strongly supports this latest phase in the efforts to find and prosecute those involved in the crime. The HSUS estimates that Florida is one of the top three states in which major dogfighting operations exist.

The expansion of The HSUS’s animal fighting tip line has been made possible thanks to a grant from the Companions’ Fund of The DuPage Community Foundation. The HSUS’ animal fighting reward program was established through a grant from the Holland M. Ware Foundation.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal
protection organization, backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at
http://humanesociety.org.

--------------
Evelyn out.

St. Petersburg Times: 9 to watch in 2009

2008-12-28T07:24:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with two note worthy excerpts from today online addition of the St. Petersburg Times at Tampabay.com. The two excerpts are from the article 9 to watch in 2009 and are focused on the nine people and/or group of people more likely to be news worthy and/or have predicted events that will have a direct impact of us Floridians.

------------------

MICHELLE OBAMA

Mom-in-Chief

First black first lady? That's just the start.

Speculation has fixated on which of Michelle Obama's predecessors she will emulate. The soigne Mrs. Kennedy? She's certainly got the wardrobe for it. The hard-driving Mrs. Clinton? She certainly has enough Ivy League ed and real world cred to match.

But instead of retreading someone else's style, Mrs. Obama, the mother of daughters 10 and 7, seems determined to define her own role. She calls it "Mom-in-Chief."

The furor that this announcement provoked among working women — "How could you sell us out like that?" — and the smug response of the stay-at-homers — "You bet it's a full-time job" — only shows how crippling partisanship has infected the postpartum arena as well as the political.

Next year we will watch her model a new version of modern American womanhood. Neither trapped at home nor chained to a career, she will show families across America that women can shuttle between these realms on their own terms, without self-recrimination or cultural penalty.

That's worth a fist bump.

FLORIDA WORKER

Underutilized tool

Did you realize when we started 2008 that 4.6 percent of us were out of work? By year's end that number was 7.3 percent — over 10 percent if you live in Hernando County. Ten percent?! When was the last time that happened?

This stinks. We're begging on our knees for jobs at the landfill, giving serious thought to joining the military (sure, there's a couple of wars on, but the health plan is tops) and the only thing to be thankful for is that the gas is cheap while we drive around chasing work.

So is it crazy to predict that you, the Florida Worker, will be busy next year? Yeah, a little, at least for the first half of next year.

But a combination of President Obama's new deal money and the normal cycle of a recession should put many of us back to work before the year's out. (We sooo hope that's true.) You might be wearing a hard hat on a road project rather than a headset in a call center, but it'll be a job.

In the meantime, we'll all get a lesson in pulling together. That's something no government program can do.

9 to watch in 2009

------------------

Evelyn out.

Get Thee Behind . . . .

2008-12-27T16:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

The residents who live above me have made it their pet project to create as much noise as they think they can get away with. During the last week, including Christmas Day, this small group to people and their visitors have been extremely loud. Their noise includes running car engines for long durations of time if there were no mufflers, revving up motorcycles (a trio of women bikers), stomping up and down the staircase like ill-mannered children, stomping around on the floor above me, running water excessively, and urinating and flushing the toilet excessively, with this latter being amplified or recorded and played loudly. These are very old trick and well known by the authorities. It shows me that these people are not very smart if they believe any reasonable person cannot see through their act.

Overall they probably has a terrible week and joyless holiday, one in which I gladly declined to share. And yes, there were the usual boomer car drivers but all this evil have faces and names. Moreover, many have known places of residency, at least for now. As usual, all incidents were reported.

Evelyn out.

A Letter from NoiseOff Founder Richard Tur

2008-12-22T03:26:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with an interesting letter about NoiseOff from its New York founder, Richard Tur.

----------------

Published: December 19, 2008 3:00 a.m.
Letter (Web version): Excessive noise causes health problems; isn't a 'pet
peeve'

Regarding Frank Gray's column "Pet peeves don't make good laws" (Dec. 14): I
founded a group called NoiseOFF, a coalition working to reduce urban noise
pollution. It started four years ago and has grown to 750 members from across
the country. Our members raise public awareness and speak to public officials
for better legislation and enforcement on noise ordinances. Our Web site is
www.noiseoff.org.

I started the group in Queens, N.Y., because my family could not sleep at night
from vehicular noise outside our apartment. For residents, especially those who
live near thoroughfares and intersections, noise is not merely a nuisance - it
is affecting their health.

The noise from boom cars that Gray describes as lasting only 10 seconds is 10
seconds several times an hour, day and night. It is a noise that can be heard
and felt. In cases where people deal with neighbors with boom cars, the problem
is much worse.

I have received thousands of heart-wrenching messages from people across the
country who write to me in desperation because the noise is causing them pain.
Often their complaints to police and legislators are met with indifference.

The adverse health effects of urban noise pollution are recognized by most
governments and NGOs, including World Health Organization, National Institutes
of Health and the United Nations.

Noise pollution, including noise caused by boom cars, is not a pet peeve. For
people who cannot sleep at night and suffer the ill effects of noise, things do
not sort themselves out, as Gray puts it. His column is ignorant, and it's a
shame he apparently didn't research this issue before writing his piece.

RICHARD TUR Queens, N.Y.
-------------

Evelyn out

Twisted Words and Willful Lawlessness

2008-12-21T20:34:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

It would appear that these new neighbors or mine are old hands at trying overrun the lives and wills of new residents, who want just a little peace of mind with a lot of unnecessary noise. There is also a great gulp in the original meaning of the words "to and protect one's family and community".

My understanding of those words have always been to protect one family and community as a whole within the boundaries of the laws of this country; and if a certain law is unjust, then we as Americans have the rights to see that it is either changed or stricken from law. However, it would seems that some of my neighbors believe that they should group together and protect only those they wish to and even when the ones they protect knowingly break the law. Being witnessed to this type of reasoning countless of times, I have reasoned that it would do absolutely no good to ask for any further cooperation from them.

Evelyn out.

2008-12-19T03:33:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

The boomer cars drivers were up to their antics in high form yesterday evening. Those that do it have demonstrated no thoughts of caring for the concerns or welfare of their neighbors and of late have shown open disdain.

The situation is worse in other parts of the country either, and in a report from WKYC-TV for one Cleveland man such disdain cost him life.

--------------

CLEVELAND -- Estevan Argenal was charged with aggravated murder in the stabbing death of a neighbor over the weekend.

The victim was 33. Notification has not been made to his next of kin at this time.

At approximately 9:45 a.m. on Dec. 14, the two neighbors got into an argument over loud music. It had been an on going dispute between the victim and Argenal.

The victim was allegedly yelling and banging on the walls. After approximately 2 hours, Argenal went downstairs and confronted the victim. The argument escalated and Argenal allegedly stabbed the victim.

The victim fled north on W. 87th Street to 8701 Lake Ave., where he received assistance from employees. Police responded and Argenal was arrested.

The victim was taken MetroHealth Medical Center, where he later died.

The incident is under investigation. A coroner's ruling is pending.

-----------------------

We who struggle here in the city of St. Petersburg to stop the excessive loud music and other unhealthy noises can only pray that our struggle does not go this far before it is given the attention it deserves from our officials. To date we are still trying to get a noise complaint form on the police department web site.

Evelyn out.

Consumer Advisory - Attorney General Encourages CyberSafety over the Holidays

2008-12-18T14:40:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with a consumer advisory from the Office of the Attorney General, Bill McCollum on how get children safety during this holiday seasons.

--------

         ATTORNEY GENERAL ENCOURAGES CYBERSAFETY OVER THE HOLIDAYS
     ~ As schools let out, many children will spend more time online ~

 TALLAHASSEE, FL – As Florida schools let out for the holidays, Attorney
 General Bill McCollum today issued an advisory encouraging parents to talk
 to their children about cybersafety. During the holiday break, children
 have more leisure time and often spend more time on the internet. The
 Attorney General emphasized the importance of taking a proactive approach
 to teaching children safe internet use and encouraged parents to become
 familiar with the websites their children visit and programs they use.

 “Parents can make cybersafety a priority in their homes by talking to
 their children about internet safety and how to avoid attacks from
 internet child predators,” said Attorney General McCollum. “Education is
 one of the best tools children have to protect themselves while using the
 internet.”

 Last Christmas Eve, the Attorney General’s CyberCrime Unit arrested a
 Seminole County man who traveled to meet a young girl for a sexual
 encounter. The man had met the teenager in a chatroom and sexually
 solicited her, but her parents alerted the CyberCrime Unit and the man was
 subsequently taken into custody. That man is now serving a 63-month prison
 sentence.

 The Attorney General offered the following list of internet safety tips
 for parents to share with their children:

 -    Children should be discouraged from chatting online with someone they
 do not know in real life;
 -    Never give out or post personal information like last names,
 addresses and dates of birth;
 -    Never post photos or use screen names which may reveal personal
 information such as age or school name, or photos that may be considered
 provocative or seductive;
 -    Children should never make plans to meet someone who they have only
 met online without a parent present; and
 -    Always report any inappropriate chatting or sexual solicitations
 received online.

 Additional tips on safe internet surfing for parents, students and
 educators are on the Attorney General’s cybersafety website at
 http://www.safeflorida.net/safesurf.

 The Attorney General also encouraged Florida’s middle and high school
 principals to set aside time during the spring semester to schedule
 cybersafety presentations for their students. The Attorney General’s
 50-minute interactive CyberSafety Presentation has reached over 85,000
 students this school year with real-life stories and examples about safe
 internet use and the tactics commonly used by internet child predators.

 Principals can go to http://www.safeflorida.net/safeschools to schedule
 cybersafety presentations with a volunteer from the Attorney General’s
 Office or one of several hundred school resource officers specially
 trained in cybersafety.

-------

Evelyn out.

Boom Car Driver Resorts to Threats of Rape

2008-12-13T07:27:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with a very disturbing report. Early this morning a boom car driver and his male companions resorted to playing music filled with bad language, threats of rape, and other violence. The men involved in this incident talked and laughed loudly among themselves while they walked back and fore from to the car that blared the obscenities to an apartment at least four to six doors up from my location.

There was at least four to five black men involved in this incident, and their ages ranged from late thirties to early fifties. They seemed unconcerned about breaking the noise law with such loud and obscene trash. One of the men wore a bright orange shirt, and the others wore darker clothing. At first, there was not enough light to see the car but someone turned on some additional light. The car they stood beside was a long older model (80s), gray in color with a replacement panel of a darker gray on front right fender. The car could be an old Buick, Chevy, or Pontiac. It could belong to the resident responsible for the incident, but most likely, it belongs to one of resident’s visitors.

Nevertheless, one thing is clear, these men were attempting to attract the attention someone and threaten him or her.

There was an incident of loud music and revving up of a car engine late Friday night, but the driver soon left and the incident was left unreported. However, this morning driver was out there at 1:00 AM, he turned the volume of the stereo up and down until he, and his companions finally left the complex. Naturally, they left just prior to the police officers arrival. As for the male resident involved in this incident, and who is responsible for all their actions, he is in an apartment four to six door up, which should make it easy for the authorities to find him. He and his companions have now graduated from a simple breaking of a noise law to issuing threats of rape and other violence. That there was music behind their message makes it no mess the threat.

Evelyn out.

2008-12-11T18:09:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

The conscientious citizens of Pinellas County are scoring victory after victory in their efforts to make Florida a noise free state. The most recent victory has been the "Vehicle Noise Complaint Form" on the Large Police Department official website.

http://www.largo.com/egov/apps/action/center.egov?action=form&item=63

Fantastic job Largo!

Evelyn out.

2008-12-11T16:42:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with as important article by Jane E. Brody about the damage caused to children hearing from excessive sounds.

---------

Personal Health
All That Noise Is Damaging Children's Hearing

By JANE E. BRODY
Published: December 8, 2008

Michael became hooked on headphones in his early teens. He walked the streets of Brooklyn day after day with his favorite music blasting directly into his ears. By his early 20s, the sensory hair cells in his inner ears had been permanently damaged and Michael had lost much of his upper-range hearing.

The Children's Hearing Institute reports that hearing loss among children and young adults is rising in the United States, and that one-third of the damage is caused by noise.

According to the American Academy of Audiology, about one child in eight has noise-induced hearing loss. That means some five million children have an entirely preventable disability that will stay with them for life.

The academy has begun a "turn it to the left" (the volume dial, that is) awareness campaign in hopes of protecting current and future generations of youngsters from unwittingly damaging their hearing. Often, the problem is not detected until children develop persistent ringing in the ears or begin to have learning or behavior problems in school because of trouble understanding speech.

Although newborns are now routinely screened for hearing loss, there is no federal mandate for screening the hearing of school-age children. What testing is done often fails to check hearing at high enough pitches, a federal research team pointed out in the journal Pediatrics.

Surrounded by Noise

We live in a noisy world. Young and old alike are beset by sounds over which we may have little or no control: power mowers, leaf blowers, snow blowers, car and house alarms, sirens, motorcycles, Jet Skis, loudspeakers, even movie previews.

We attend rock concerts, weddings, parties and sports events at which the music is so loud you can hardly hear the person sitting next to you. At home, televisions, stereos and computer games are often turned up so loud that listeners cannot hear a doorbell or a telephone.

Many "modern" restaurants have opted for noise enhancement instead of abatement. And try having a conversation in a school cafeteria at lunchtime.

Any time you need to shout to be heard by someone near you, your hearing is most likely to be in a decibel danger zone.

As if environmental noise were not enough, now we besiege children with noisy toys and personal listening devices that can permanently damage their hearing. Toys that meet the safety standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials can produce sound up to 138 decibels, as loud as a jet taking off. Yet workplace rules require hearing protection for those exposed to noise above 85 decibels.

A series of studies conducted in 2002 among 116 infants by researchers at Johns Hopkins indicated that even moderate background noise can interfere with how they learn language. The effect on babies' hearing in a noisy house is similar to what an older person with age-related hearing loss may encounter at a crowded cocktail party.

A landmark study in 1975 found that children in classrooms on the noisy side of a school had lower reading scores than those whose classes were on the quiet side.

Noise-induced hearing loss can come about in two ways: from a brief exposure to a very loud noise or from consistent exposure to moderate-level noise. Thus, there is much concern about the lasting effects of MP3 players that are turned up loud enough to block out surrounding sound, like street noise. An MP3 player at maximum volume produces about 105 decibels - 100 times as intense as 85 decibels, where hearing damage begins. (For every 10 decibels, sound intensity increases tenfold.)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says 110 decibels can produce hearing damage after just 1 minute, 29 seconds of exposure. The League for the Hard of Hearing cautions that "noise levels above 85 decibels will harm hearing over time" and that levels above 140 decibels - the pain threshold - can damage hearing after just one exposure.

New bone-conduction headphones that hook over the ears and pass sound through the skull to the inner ear may not solve the problem. While they allow listeners to hear an oncoming car or a person speaking, users may turn up the volume to overcome ambient noise, damaging the 15,000 tiny hair cells in the inner ear that transfer sound energy to the brain.

Once damaged, hair cells can neither be repaired nor replaced. The damage makes it difficult to hear high-pitched sounds, including certain speech sounds and the voices of women and children. Tinnitus, a continuous ringing, roaring or clicking in the ears, can also result.

Protecting Young Ears

Before buying noisemaking toys, parents would do well to listen to how loud they are. If the item comes with a volume control, monitor its use to make sure it is kept near the lowest level. Consider returning gifts that make loud noises, or disable the noise-making function. Or restrict the use of noisy toys to outside play areas.

Children who play computer games and stereo equipment should be warned to keep the volume down. Time spent in video arcades, where the noise level can exceed 110 decibels, should be strictly limited. Most iPods have a control that allows parents to set a maximum volume.

Avoid taking children to loud action movies. If you do go and the sound seems deafening, ask the management to turn down the volume or insist on your money back. Children who play in bands and teenagers who use power tools, gardening equipment or guns should be made to wear hearing protection, available at pharmacies and hardware and sporting goods stores.

The League for the Hard of Hearing urges parents to encourage participation in quiet activities, like reading, watching family-oriented films, doing puzzles, making things with construction toys, playing educational computer games, drawing and painting, and visiting libraries and museums.

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Evelyn out.

Clearwater Police Department Launches New Program: “Operation Clamp the Amp”

2008-12-04T17:12:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

The battle to end the terror of excessive noise throughout the state of Florida has a new victory. The city of Clearwater has launched its new program site, "Operation Clamp the Amp." An alert and dedicated NoiseOff member posted the article below.

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Date last updated: 12/3/2008 11:11:23 AM

Clearwater, Florida - It's loud. It's annoying. It's against the law. The
Clearwater Police Department is starting a new program - "Clamp the Amp."

Citizens can now report booming car stereos by going online and entering a
few details.

Citizens who witness amplified car stereo volume should note the date and
location of the incident, the vehicle type, tag number and a brief
description of the driver if possible.

Reporting excessive volume will generate a letter from the Clearwater Police
Department to the vehicle's registered owner. A police officer must observe
the offense to take enforcement action, but the letter will warn the driver
of the violation and make a record of complaints.

Florida Statute 316.3045 prohibits amplified sound from a car that is
audible 25 feet or more. The penalty is a $91 fine.

To report violations go to www.clearwaterpolice.org
<http://www.clearwaterpolice.org/>

Clearwater Police Department

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Will the Saint Petersburg Police Department follow Clearwater’s example anytime soon?

Evelyn out.

Hillary Rodham Clinton to Stand with President-elect Obama

2008-12-01T03:41:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

The is breaking news from Politico.com

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Politico.com Breaking News:
-----------------------------------------------------

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) will stand with President-elect Obama at 10:40 a.m. Eastern time on Monday as he names her secretary of State, Democratic officials said. At the news conference unveiling his national-security team at a Chicago hotel, Obama will also announce he is retaining Defense Secretary Robert Gates at the Pentagon and making retired Marine general James Jones his national security adviser, the officials said.

For more information...http://www.politico.com

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Evelyn out.

An Announcement from President Elect Obama

2008-11-25T17:38:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

With a message from the President Obama on the creation of new jobs and stabilizing the economy.

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Evelyn --

Today and yesterday, President-elect Barack Obama announced key members of an economic team tasked with creating jobs, stabilizing the economy, and getting our country back on track.

Barack is bringing together some of the best minds in the country to make swift progress on the economic challenges we face.

Timothy F. Geithner, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, will serve as Secretary of the Treasury. Lawrence H. Summers, former Secretary of the Treasury under President Clinton, will serve as Director of the National Economic Council.

Christina D. Romer will serve as Director of the Council of Economic Advisers, Melody C. Barnes will serve as Director of the Domestic Policy Council, and Heather A. Higginbottom will serve as Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council.

Peter Orszag, currently Director of the Congressional Budget Office, will serve as Office of Management and Budget Director, and Rob Nabors will serve as Deputy Director.

Watch the video of Barack's announcement yesterday and learn more about the economic team:

Barack's economic team has already begun work on a recovery plan, and he'll provide progress updates in the coming weeks. He'll also provide their initial recommendations to the incoming Congress.

You'll be instrumental in generating support to pass legislation that puts America on the road to recovery.

While we can't underestimate the challenge we face, we also can't underestimate the opportunity we have to bring the change our country needs.

Thanks,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

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Evelyn out.

Obama and Clinton Paired Once More!

2008-11-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

Evelyn here,

with the latest on the Obama administrative team. According to Politico.com, President-elect Barack Obama has plans to select Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton as his secretary of state. This will occur after the Thanksgiving holiday. Clinton is expected to accept.

Evelyn out.

Gregory B. Craig Has Been Selected As Obama's White House counsel

2008-11-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

With a breaking news update from Politico.com
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Gregory B. Craig has been chosen to serve as President-elect Obama's White House counsel, according to Democratic officials.

For more information...http://www.politico.com
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Evelyn out

Greg Craig To Be Named White House counsel

2008-11-15T16:07:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

With some breaking news from Politico.com

Politico.com Breaking News:
-----------------------------------------------------

Exclusive: Greg Craig to be named White House counsel By Mike Allen Gregory B. Craig, a well-known Washington lawyer who quarterbacked President Bill Clinton’s impeachment defense, has been chosen White House counsel by President-elect Obama, according to Democratic officials. Craig is intimately familiar with the president-elect’s record because he played the role of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in debate preparations. The officials said Obama has settled on Craig, but were not sure when it would be announced. The choice gives the president-elect both experience and loyalty. During the primaries, Craig was an early Clinton alumni defector to Obama. Columnist Robert D. Novak reported back in the winter of 2007 that Craig had told him he “was impressed with Obama when he first met him at the home of investment banker Vernon Jordan, an intimate friend and supporter of the Clintons.” Craig was an Obama foreign policy adviser during the campaign. At the start of the Clinton administration, he had been the State Department’s Director of Policy Planning, the head of State’s in-house think tank. He also was senior adviser on defense, foreign policy and national security to Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.). The White House counsel, among the most powerful members of the West Wing inner circle, serves as the president’s lawyer, giving him legal advice and handling pardons and conflict-of-interest issues. Craig, 63, is a protégé of the late Edward Bennett Williams, the legendary Washington power lawyer. Craig is currently a partner at Williams & Connolly. His selection adds to the surprisingly heavy number of Clinton White House veterans who are at the top of the Obama roster. Craig, who had been friends with Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham at Yale Law School, was recruited for the impeachment job by John Podesta, then deputy White House chief of staff and now a leader of Obama’s transition. A Washington Post “Style” section profile in 1998 by Lloyd Grove and John F. Harris reported: “Craig brought along his best bedside manner when Clinton summoned him to the White House residence on the night of Sept. 10 -- the day after independent counsel Kenneth Starr's lurid report to Congress was published on the World Wide Web. On a balcony overlooking the South Lawn, Clinton and Craig sat talking for two hours.” Among Craig’s other high-profile cases: successfully representing Elian Gonzalez's father, a Cuban, in his efforts to regain custody of his son; and representing U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan in connection during the Volcker Commission's investigation of the Oil-for-Food Programme at the U.N. From Craig’s official biography: “In September 1998, President Clinton appointed Mr. Craig to be Assistant to the President and Special Counsel in the White House where Mr. Craig served as quarterback of the President's team that was assembled to defend against impeachment. Mr. Craig was also a member of the President's trial team in the United States Senate and presented the President's defense with respect to Count One during that trial. “In 1997, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright appointed Mr. Craig to be one of her senior advisors, and he served the Secretary as her Director of Policy Planning during the years 1997 to 1998. “For five years (1984-1988), he served as Senator Edward Kennedy's Senior Advisor on Defense, Foreign Policy and National Security issues. “Mr. Craig also has taught trial practice at both Yale Law School (1975-1976) and Harvard Law School (1981-1984).”

For more information...http://www.politico.com

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Evelyn out

Threats Against Obama on the Rise

2008-11-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

In respect to the increasing number of threats directed toward President-Elect Obama, security measures are on the alerts for any overt attempts to harm him.

In other news, the Democrats have moved ahead and selected Ronald A. Klain as chief of staff to Vice President-elect Joe Biden. Klain, the former chief of staff and counselor to Vice President Al Gore, has accepted the offer.

Also, some women groups worry that these early Democratic staff picks and Cabinet nominees will be interpreted as Obama's staff excluding women. See, "Will men dominate Obama administration?"

Evelyn out.

Woman faces the music for noise complaints

2008-11-11T19:52:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

I spent an uneventful day working on my fan page "it's a Woman Thing" and study for my English literature course.

There was just a few interruption from noisy neighbors but nothing unusual their. I guess they did not think I was alive in here.:) Nevertheless,I got my work done and as was reading my email I ran across an based on the arrest of a woman who just doesn't it. It is reproduced here with permission.

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Woman faces the music for noise complaints

By TONY SIMMONS / Online Editor
November 3, 2008 - 2:44PM

CALLAWAY - Loud music brought a deputy to a woman's door three times Halloween night, but either she wouldn't listen or couldn't hear the order to keep it down, and had to face the music.

The visits began when a noise complaint sent a Bay County Sheriff's deputy to an address on Pridgen Street at a couple minutes after midnight on Nov. 1. The deputy could hear the music as soon as he arrived on scene, according to an incident report.

He told the homeowner to turn down the music. It was too loud and constituted a breach of the peace, he said. The owner, Rosario Aguirre, agreed to turn down the music, but it didn't stay low for long.

"As I walked to my vehicle, I was able to hear that the music volume went up to the original level," the deputy wrote in the report. "I then returned to the residence and made contact with the owner and advised her to move the party inside of the house and keep the music level down, and that she could be arrested for disorderly conduct."

About an hour and half later, another noise complaint sent the same deputy back to the residence. He heard the music before exiting his patrol car and thought the music was even louder than before, according to the report.

The deputy advised Aguirre that he was placing her under arrest for disorderly conduct and her guests would have to leave.

As the guests left, Aguirre asked "in a low tone" if there was anything she could do to avoid going to jail, the report said.

"I responded to her statement with, ‘No ma'am, you will go from here to the Bay County Jail," the deputy wrote in the report.
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What a fine piece of police work. For those of you who are unaware of the new law governing loud music whether in a car or playing outside during a home party and/or a driveway, the new law states if a police can hear you at 25 ft of distant you are breaking the law. If this music is coming from inside a home, it should play moderately up to 11 P.M. If it is louder you are in violation of the law and the 25 foot distant applies.

Evelyn out.

2008-11-08T11:52:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with an excerpt from Governor Crist's "Notes from The Capital"

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Dear Friends,

Dear Friends,

This week we witnessed a truly historic election. We can never take for granted that here in America – we experience the peaceful transition from one leader to another.

Now that the people of Florida and our nation have spoken, it is time for our nation to unite and rally behind our leaders – and our new President-elect Obama – with one purpose – to strengthen our economy and increase opportunity for our people. It is time to focus on getting things done – just as we have done in Tallahassee.

I have been very privileged to work together alongside Republicans and Democrats.
Together, we have accomplished much for the people of Florida. It is amazing what we can achieve when we keep our focus on the people who really matter – the people we serve – our boss.

This week I visited a small business here in Florida that is struggling because of the shape our economy is in. I want to continue working with both parties to bring that business and the many others like it relief and prosperity.

We are moving forward in a bipartisan manner – not for the next election – but for the next generation.

God bless you and God bless Florida.

www.FLGov.com

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Evelyn out.

Breaking News from Politico.com

2008-11-06T16:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with breaking news from Politico.com

Politico.com Breaking News:
-----------------------------------------------------

Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) has accepted the position of White House chief of staff for Barack Obama.

For more information...http://www.politico.com

-----------------------------------------------------

Evelyn out.

Battleflag - Barack Obam

2008-11-06T14:50:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

the following is from aoxelfrieda, a Xenite and who like me is an undying fan of the smash hit series Xena Warrior Princess (1995-2001. However, this video is a review of campaign 2008.

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Evelyn out.