OLD Comments Gallery - January 18 thru June 30, 2010 - closed to new comments - click on image to view Photo Gallery by Don Boyd at pbase.com

OLD Comments Gallery - January 18 thru June 30, 2010 - closed to new comments - click on image to view

These are the comments received during the period of January 18th thru June 30th, 2010. Please do not post comments here after June 30th because they will be deleted. New comments should be posted in the current Comments gallery.

Please don't inquire about photo prints - these images are all at 72dpi, far less than the desired 300dpi for printing, and if you can get a decent print out of the non-copyrighted images on this site then go for it. Thanks for your cooperation.

NEW: a Rogues Gallery of frequent posters with 31 photos is now up at
< https://pbase.com/donboyd/memories_rogues_gallery

OLD Comments 1/18/10 thru 6/30/10 - click on image to enter

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Dale McEwen		05-Oct-2022 21:31
I’ve been playing the lottery since I was 18, the highest amount I've ever won is $500 and I decided to get help online on how to win the lottery massively. I met Dr Amber who gives out numbers to win the lottery with his spells. I communicated with him and he told me what I needed to know about how the spell will be done for me and I accepted. After 72 hours, he gave me the numbers and instructed me on how to play the lottery. I was shocked when I was notified that I had won $70,000,000 in the lottery and I couldn't believe my eyes thinking I was dreaming but it was all real and happening. Getting rich is never by luck, it's something we all have to work for, people have been playing the lottery for years and have never won. If you want to win big, I advise you to talk to Dr Amber and let him guide you on what to do. Here are his contact information's Phone Number: +18084815132, Email: amberlottotemple@yahoo.com or check his website for his WhatsApp Number.... amberlottotemple.com

Dale McEwen		05-Oct-2022 21:31
I’ve been playing the lottery since I was 18, the highest amount I've ever won is $500 and I decided to get help online on how to win the lottery massively. I met Dr Amber who gives out numbers to win the lottery with his spells. I communicated with him and he told me what I needed to know about how the spell will be done for me and I accepted. After 72 hours, he gave me the numbers and instructed me on how to play the lottery. I was shocked when I was notified that I had won $70,000,000 in the lottery and I couldn't believe my eyes thinking I was dreaming but it was all real and happening. Getting rich is never by luck, it's something we all have to work for, people have been playing the lottery for years and have never won. If you want to win big, I advise you to talk to Dr Amber and let him guide you on what to do. Here are his contact information's Phone Number: +18084815132, Email: amberlottotemple@yahoo.com or check his website for his WhatsApp Number.... amberlottotemple.com

Don Boyd		01-Jul-2010 01:59
. Sorry to interrupt all the raw passions going on here but y'all picked a bad day to do it. This comments gallery is about at its limit for comments and before it crashes and we lose everything I decided to start a new comments gallery for comments starting on July 1st. Please go to the new current comments gallery to add any new comments. Don .

Nike		01-Jul-2010 00:43
O.K., it's getting too hot and sweaty. Time to get a room.

whitebelt		01-Jul-2010 00:29
OK, Charlis. When it comes to women, candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker.

charlis		30-Jun-2010 21:52
White... keep a supply of my favorite Vodka, KettleOne, on hand and I will agree to anything ;-)

whitebelt		30-Jun-2010 12:35
Charlis, darling, there will be no fighting in my hot tub. It is a place to relax and enjoy. No strife. Room will always be found. You can always sit on my lap.

charlis		29-Jun-2010 23:00
White... I'll fight you for the use of the hot tub... I miss mine!

whitebelt		29-Jun-2010 14:47
Thank you, Miami girl. I have endeavored most of my life to please women. Gives me a warm fuzzy feeling when they smile.

miami girl		29-Jun-2010 00:51
Whitebelt, I loved your humorous comeback to Fran's painted rug. I needed a good laugh!

whitebelt		29-Jun-2010 00:38
Charlis, I was referring to old dried paint. Dried acrylic ain't so easy to remove with soap and water after it dries. Rubbing alcohol softens it. From past posts it appears I would not be able to keep you or Fran off the riding mower, leaving me with the drudgery of the housework. You two would then likely run off for a few beers afterwards, leaving me all alone in that big old hot tub.

whitebelt		28-Jun-2010 23:08
Charlis, I was referring to old dried paint. Dried acrylic ain't so easy to remove with soap and water after it dries. Rubbing alcohol softens it. From past posts it appears I would not be able to keep you or Fran off the riding mower, leaving me with the drudgery of the housework. You two would then likely run off for a few beers afterwards, leaving me all alone in that big old hot tub.

Fran		28-Jun-2010 21:10
Charlis, Now that's a thought, but I like both, indoors and outdoors. However, I am willing to share. :) Oh, gracious you made me laugh. Thanks, I needed that.:) It could happen to you and then it happened... MRR, TCU lost to UCLA, bummer!

charlis		28-Jun-2010 20:19
"The Happening"... Evie and I had been asked by our old Nautilus Jr Hi teacher to help with the dance class's special "End of Year" production. We chose "The Happening" as the song... Evie and I danced down the aisles and joind the rest of the dance class on stage. It was a lot of fun! Thanks for the memory.

charlis		28-Jun-2010 20:14
Lloyd... will send Don a pic of Rodney from 5th grade this weekend... trying to find a pic of Lloyd at the same age but you will see the resemblance... looks more like Lloyd than his own sons!

charlis		28-Jun-2010 20:11
White... thanks for the tip on paint. I usually take a wet rag and place it on the "stain" since the paint is water based. You can also take an iron to it to melt it, then the wet rag to soak up the paint. Or a wet rag and a steam iron. Used the methods for years. What are you trying to do... be the next L Ron Hubbard? Me for exterior work and Fran for interior? ;-)

Fran		28-Jun-2010 19:13
Whitebelt, Thanks, so much for your kind words. Gee who knew? Parks, Haven't seen the movie but love the song. Just makes you happy thinking about the music.:) Happy thoughts!

Parks		28-Jun-2010 14:06
Hi LARGO, I read your Dad's bio on the IMDb web site. He worked with a lot of famous folks . You should post his photo with his bio. I remember the movie Around the World Underwater but it would be hard to get a copy. NetFlix and Block Buster don't have it. On the subject of Florida movies, does anyone remember the made in Miami movie "The Happening"? It had Anthony Quinn and Fay Dunnaway in it. Everyone remembers the theme song but it seems few knew there was a movie to go with the music.

whitebelt		28-Jun-2010 13:51
Fran, that was remarkably resourceful. Evidently his reaction was less than appreciative of your talent. If I was your ex we would have had an exciting reunion, a second honeymoon, a recapturing of the passion we had once experienced. Then one day while you were gone for a while I would carefully remove and roll up the carpet to preserve that work of art in the garage, possibly even to sell it to the first appreciator of fine art at the next garage sale. Then i would hug and kiss you and extol your talents when you returned home, sending the kids off to the movies. Later, after selling that treasure I would get on my hands and knees and install the laminate flooring purchased with the profits.

Fran		28-Jun-2010 04:22
Whitebelt, Thanks, for the info. I had paint spots all over my carpet in the den. I decided to paint the carpet instead of cleaning the spots. All along the edge of the carpet, about 10 inches wide. I incorporated the spots with a pond theme painting. When I was finished it looked like a wonderful garden with a pond. The kids loved it! The room became the reading room. My ex returned that night and I saved the carpet. I do not have a fond affection for yelling. I love it when you can save or recycle anything. Couldn't recycle the marriage though.:)

whitebelt		28-Jun-2010 03:59
Something less glamorous. Removing paint from carpet. Bubba and a couple of cases of beer did the remodeling on this house before I got it, as evinced by multiple white paint smears on the blue carpet. Read where rubbing alcohol softens acrylic paint. Have used that on hard surfaces with success, so tried it on the carpet. Yippee!!! It works. Pour it on and let it set for a few moments to longer, depending on how much is there. Got to let it soften the paint a bit. You can put a piece of plastic over it so it doesn't evaporate so fast. Then pour some on a terrycloth rag and rub it out. Not hard to do. Happiness is a solid blue rug. :-)

LARGO		28-Jun-2010 02:40
THANKS, CHARLIS & FRAN...HE WAS AMAZING.....LARGO

Fran		27-Jun-2010 21:09
Don, Thanks, for the memories! The slide show is awesome! I do remember him as a young man, middle-aged and great looking senior. Congrats, Bob!

Don Boyd		27-Jun-2010 20:07
Bob Mayer was hired as an intern at Wometco's WTVJ Channel 4 (now NBC and on Channel 6) by the late great Ralph Renick after Bob graduated from the University of Florida in 1969. Prior to college he worked at WFUN 790AM in Miami while in high school. Anyone who works for the same TV station for 40 years deserves to be recognized, especially when he's a nice guy and a car nut like he is. I briefly talked with him at Rick Shaw's retirement party on May 11, 2007. I'll miss watching Bob during the week on the morning news and on the Today in South Florida show from 11am to noon. Best wishes for a long, healthy and happy retirement to Bob and his wife Bonnie! A nice slide show of Bob's last day and retirement party is available for viewing at: http://cmd.shutterfly.com/commands/pictures/slideshow?site=bobmayersignoff&page=bobmayersignoff&album=22 . I also added a few photos of him on the front page of the oldies site at: http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/memories Don .

Fran		27-Jun-2010 18:28
Charlis, PIA, does that translates to? Suzi, carton or drink mix? LARGO, I'M GLAD THAT I TOOK THE TIME TO GOOGLE, CLIFFORD H POLAND. HE WAS WELL LOVED AND AMAZING AT WHAT HE DID FOR A LIVING. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WERE BLESSED TO HAVE HIM WITH YOU AS LONG AS YOU DID.

charlis		27-Jun-2010 17:38
LARGO... Lloyd Bridges!!! My idol! I loved "Sea Hunt" and never missed an episode. I went to elementary school in OH with his nephew. The kid was a PIA. Called me Suzi Strawberry because of my freckles.

LARGO		27-Jun-2010 17:13
PARKS...WAS JUST CHECKING IN AND SAW YOUR MENTION OF FLORIDA FILM NITE...AND THOUGHT YOU MIGHT LIKE A CLASSIC (FOR ME ANYHOW...AS I WAS A YOUNG GOPHER FOR SCRIPT/MAKEUP/CREW/MZ. STEP AND FETCH IT GAL.)..NO CREDITS THEN...THE FLICK WAS: "AROUND THE WORLD UNDERSEA"...WITH SOME VERY HANDSOME YOUNG STARS OF THE DAY..AND A 'BOND GIRL' THROWN IN FOR GOOD MEASURE...IT WAS SUCH A FUN EXPERIENCE!! SOMEWHERE IN MY ARCHIVES I HAVE A PHOTO OF MY DAD HOLDING A LIGHT METER UP TO LLOYD BRIDGES AND KEENEN WYNNE..HE WAS WITH LOCAL MIAMI FILM CREW ON THE SHOOT.....FYI..GOOGLE..... CLIFFORD H. POLAND FILM CREW.......STILL VERY PROUD AND MISSING HIM........ S. POLAND/LARGO

Parks		26-Jun-2010 02:37
Hi CK, It hasn't been shown at Florida Movie Night yet but I'll put it on the list. I did show Beneath the Twelve Mile Reef.

Charles Knight		26-Jun-2010 01:55
WOW!!! The old footage of Miami, Hialeah, and the Glades in the beginning of Flipper is fantastic! Has it been used for Florida movie night?

Charles Knight		26-Jun-2010 01:51
Just finished watching 'Beneath the twelve mile Reef". Flipper (the film) is about to start...Good stuff! Oh, and had a few rums...All the while sitting out here at the Tacky TIKI ( my bar at home), the breeze is good...Life is as well. The best to all of you, CK.

Fran		25-Jun-2010 19:52
Nike, Didn't ask but sounds like a lovely outing.:) My brother-in-law lives near Patrick Air Force base and is working for a private firm. This firm is in charge of shooting down wayward rockets. This includes the booster rockets on the space shuttle. He doesn't mention more than that and I don't want to die anytime soon.:) When my son was a young teen he would request permits to launch 30' rockets within the city limits. All of his launches were successful. However one wayward capsule landed across town in someone's yard. They having a BBQ. Nice ending, his guests thought that he had planned the landing. All's well that ends well.

Nike		25-Jun-2010 17:43
The 7' tall rocket is a Saturn V

Nike		25-Jun-2010 17:41
Since you asked what I'm doing this weekend, I'm going to Montezuma, Georgia to launch a 4' tall Nike Hercules (real size 41' tall) and a 7' tall (real size 360' I think) Saturday morning. I am staying on an old southern plantation house named "House on Literary Hill." Google it, it is a beautiful place. You didi ask, didn't you?

whitebelt		24-Jun-2010 22:40
I lived on that canal once across from Biscayne Park, Don. Bet it hasn't been smelling like a rosebud.

charlis		24-Jun-2010 21:26
Thanks for reminding me about Viscaya. I promised Don a while back that I would send him some pics and the brochure from the late 60's but I got involved in other things. I'm putting together a bio for my daughter so I have all the photo albums out... cluttering my couch and coffee table! I loved the indoor-outdoor pool there. My mother loved the garden as it reminder her of the Palace at Verseille in France where she grew up... not at the Palace, but close by.

Nike		24-Jun-2010 21:00
Parks: Chihuly did something similar here at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens about five years ago. His beautiful works were intwined into many of the indoor and outdoor displays. In addition, in The Pinnacle Office Tower, across the street from my cindo at Lenox and Peachtree Streets, there are seven pieces of Chihuly on display including a massive chandilier.

Fran		24-Jun-2010 14:54
Jackie, Thanks, for the information. If you ever travel that way again, make sure to go to Allen's studio in Monroe. His work is displayed there. Rose his wife, not sure if they are still married, is an artist too. They have shown their work at the Daisy Festival in Stone Mountain.

Jackie		24-Jun-2010 14:05
Fran- I took my first trip to Stone Mountain this week with the grandkids, and was impressed with Allen Bush's blown glass. He did the demonstration while we were there, and the grandchildren ages 6 - 14 were fascinated. Also, if you are ever in Branson,Mo, and in a shopping mood, go to Helwigs Glass Shop in the Grand Village Center for some beautiful glass pieces, including some inexpensive but beautiful pieces of jewelry.

Don Boyd		24-Jun-2010 13:45
Here's a nauseating story to contemplate. http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local-beat/Authorities-forced-to-re-open-flood-gates-allowing-sewage-to-resume-flowing-into-Biscayne-Bay-97035239.html All these years of technological improvements in everything we use and this still happens? Don .

Parks		24-Jun-2010 03:35
Fran, Next time I get up to the Atlanta area I'll visit his shop.

Parks		24-Jun-2010 03:32
The story of Don Aronow and Ben Kramer gets even stranger. Ben Kramer tried to escape jail in a helicopter but it crashed when a bunch of other prisoners tried to get on as well. If I remember correctly it was the prison you drive past on your way to Everglades National Park.

Fran		24-Jun-2010 03:31
Parks, If you are a collector of blown glass? Check out Allen Bush's shop in Stone Mountain. GA. His studio is located in Monroe, GA. He is a Master Glassblower, he shows his work in over 175 shops from Canada and through out the United States. He did my stain glass work at my home in Lawrenceville, GA. Nike, You and Nancy, might like ti visit his shop in Stone Mountain or his studio in Monroe.

Google		24-Jun-2010 02:14
On February 3, 1987 Aronow was murdered in his car at the end of 188th Street in Miami (the famous Thunderboat Row) where his boat companies operated. Aronow had just left from a meeting with Bob Saccenti who was part owner of Apache Power Boats together with partner Ben Kramer. Witnesses said that a powder blue Lincoln pulled next to Mr Aronow's car from the opposite direction and when Aronow rolled down his window the driver opened fire. Another witness tried to follow the Lincoln as it fled but could not catch the killer(s). The Lincoln drove over the grass to get away. Two men — Ben Kramer, a suspected drug runner who bought Aronow's USA Racing Team and was forced to sell it back to Aronow after the Customs Service refused to do business with him, and Bobby Young — eventually pleaded no contest to manslaughter related to Aronow's murder. Kramer was already in prison at the time of his plea in 1996 and is now serving a life sentence with no possibility of parole.

Charles Knight		24-Jun-2010 01:55
Donzi's are the children of famed racer and Miami boat/designer/ builder Don Arnow. A story in itself. If I remember correctely Don was gunned down by a smuggler outside of his factory on the river. The boat in Miami Vice was a Scarab, actually owned one for a while in the eighties.

Parks		24-Jun-2010 01:52
Fairchild Tropical Garden has started asking artist to do installations of their art in the garden. A couple of years ago glass artist Dale Chihuly did a spectacular installation of glass art. It was designed specifically for the garden. Susan and I went to see it at night under a full moon. WOW! http://www.fairchildgarden.org/art-at-fairchild/chihuly/ There are a lot of small lakes on the garden property. Fairchild has hired my friend Bill to clear them of exotic fish and introduce native species. He's having a lot of fun with this job.

Fran		24-Jun-2010 00:25
Miami Girl, Glad you asked, Donzi makes speed boats. They are fast and the designs are awesome. I think they used a Donzi in the into to Miami Vice. I love them and was surprised when the guy across the street had one. Not cheap and boy they have a nice ride. Former boy friend that kind of thing.:) We, our Sixth Grade Class toured the gardens and had a sack lunch after the tour. It was a beautiful day, calm and one that I'll never forget.

miami girl		23-Jun-2010 22:59
Love palm trees, Vizcaya, The Biltmore (funny, I'm wearing a t-shirt from there right now), flamingo's and I don't think I've ever been to Fairchild Gardens. If I did go I was too young to remember but I'm sure I'd love it now. Fran, call me ignorant but what's a Donzi? I'm almost embarrassed to say everybody here probably knows (without having to Google it) except me.

charlis		23-Jun-2010 21:25
Personally, I hate palm trees. Has to do with moving from OH to Miami Beach and being "beaned" by the seeds while walking to and from the bus stop to go to school, or bike riding around the neighborhood. One time the windshield on the family car was broken when a coconut fell from a tree in the neighorhood!

Fran		23-Jun-2010 21:24
Charlis, They grow in Houston, however they don't like the cold. How cold not sure?

charlis		23-Jun-2010 21:19
Buccaneer Palms... being from Tampa I have to ask this question... do they make it through the fall and winter season? ;-)

Nike		23-Jun-2010 18:21
Whitebelt: You would have loved living in my old family place neas Ashville, The Biltimore.

Fran		23-Jun-2010 18:00
Nike, Fairchild gardens one of my all time favorite gardens. I do love Flamingo Gardens in Davie. The kids and I have spent many hours enjoying the tropical plants and citrus trees. Whitebelt, Collecting seeds, usually after consuming the fruit or vegetable. I now have purple tomatoes and yellow bell tomatoes. All were collected from seeds. You actually get a bonus by saving the seeds. Pomegranite(sp) trees can be grown in large containers. I have one tree with fruit this year. I have several seedlings that are12 and14 inches in height.

Miami River Rat		23-Jun-2010 16:45
Concerning the Buccaneer palm, there used to be hundreds of them lining the coast of Key Largo, Eliott Key and so forth. In the early 1900's the City of Miami, thinking they were young Royal Palms, sent crews to dig up the Buccaneer palms and re-plant them along Miami's streets. When they didn't grow very fast, someone pointed out the city's mistake. They dug up the Buccaneer palms, piled them up at the city dump and burned them. Thus the endangered species status of those things. The city did re-plant with Royal Palms along Biscayne Blvd. and other spots and they are nice, but the ashes of the native Florida Buccaneer palm population are buried at what used to be the Miami city dump.

whitebelt		23-Jun-2010 16:04
I have been there, Nike. That place turns otherwise honest people into seed and cutting thieves. I love the house at Vizcaya. I could get into living in a place like that. That was the acme of 1930's living. The 30's were the last of when houses were built without mass production and air conditioning. Green living. I would have loved to have lived in the 30's.

Nike		23-Jun-2010 15:45
MRR & Fran: I always thought the Buccaneer Palm was the Christmas Tree Palm because of the red berries on the Christmas Tree Palm. They look and behave the same otherwise. However, after a session with Google, I hvae dicscovered there are similar but seperate. Whitebelt: I agree on Viscaya but have you ever visited Farichild Gardens?

Fran		23-Jun-2010 13:58
Miami River Rat, I do remember reading that some of the seeds were gathered in Costa Rica. I think that it's good to note that even though they can be found several places. They are rare! You know how the Royal palm is regal. The Buccaneer palm dresses the landscape with a unique look. The shape of the trunk gives way to clean lines and a shapely asset to any yard.

whitebelt		23-Jun-2010 13:43
There was a small botanical park on S. Miami Ave just below the river called Simpson Park that had some interesting flora. They had one of the few Black Ironwood trees left. It's wood was so dense it sank in water. The place was a hidden treasure for botanical types. I think my most favorite place of all in Miami was Vizcaya. I am still in awe of that place. Would have loved to have seen it during its heyday. Would have loved to live there.

Miami River Rat		23-Jun-2010 12:56
Fran: The Buccaneer Palm is certainly one of my favorites. There was a time that the 8 or ten on Elliot key, three at our place on Old Cutler and four at Fairchild were the only known specimens in the US. They do also live in Costa Rica and the Bahamas. I expect that the nursery stock that is currently available is from seeds gathered at those places. Most nurseries don't want to grow them because they are so slow. Whitebelt, when this get-together comes to pass, remind me about lamas. I've got a neat story involving lamas and a cocktail party but I'll save it for some real time, as opposed to internet time. After all, this is a family friendly site...

Fran		23-Jun-2010 06:32
Whitebelt, Thanks, you made me laugh! :) Miami River Rat, The Buccaneer Palm is sold at: D'Asign Source Botanicals. Tejas Tropicals LLC (Cleveland, TX). Both vendors have a web site to order the palms. I have seen the palm in Houston, TX. Was told by owner that they are slow growing but worth the hard work they require. The palm appreciates shade and doesn't do well in cold weather. The Buccaneer palm brings a tropical look to your landscape, love the palm.

whitebelt		23-Jun-2010 04:50
Guest, I take it that was a request for more info on llamas, no? "Behavior Llamas which are well-socialized and trained to halter and lead after weaning are very friendly and pleasant to be around. They are extremely curious and most will approach people easily. However, llamas that are bottle-fed or over-socialised and over-handled as youngsters will become extremely difficult to handle when mature, when they will begin to treat humans as they treat each other, which is characterized by bouts of spitting, kicking and neck wrestling. Anyone having to bottle-feed a cria should keep contact to a minimum and stop as soon as possible. When correctly reared spitting at a human is a rare thing. Llamas are very social herd animals, however, and do sometimes spit at each other as a way of disciplining lower-ranked llamas in the herd. A llama's social rank in a herd is never static. They can always move up or down in the social ladder by picking small fights. This is usually done between males to see who will become alpha. Their fights are visually dramatic with spitting, ramming each other with their chests, neck wrestling and kicking, mainly to knock the other off balance. The females are usually only seen spitting as a means of controlling other herd members. While the social structure might always be changing, they live as a family and they do take care of each other. If one notices a strange noise or feels threatened, a warning bray is sent out and all others come to alert. They will often hum to each other as a form of communication. The sound of the llama making groaning noises or going "mwa" is often a sign of fear or anger. If a llama is agitated, it will lay its ears back. One may determine how agitated the llama is by the materials in the spit. The more irritated the llama is, the further back into each of the three stomach compartments it will try to draw materials from for its spit. An "orgle" is the mating sound of a llama or alpaca, made by the sexually aroused male. The sound is reminiscent of gargling, but with a more forceful, buzzing edge. Males begin the sound when they become aroused and continue throughout the act of procreation—from 15 minutes to more than an hour.[13][14]" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llama I wonder how good they are at guarding chickens.

Guest		23-Jun-2010 04:17
WTF

whitebelt		23-Jun-2010 03:41
Gardens are nice. Farms are serious work. When you ride the train from New Orleans to Chicago there is a very long stretch in Illinois where all you can see to the horizon is soybeans in any direction. Low growing soybeans. Like a huge overgrown lawn. Mucho, mucho, mucho square miles of soybeans. I think they are soybeans, that is what they told me. Have met ranchers, farmers, and dairymen on the train. Talked to one couple that had a dairy in Wisconsin for 38 years. The woman said that every single day for 38 years she had to get up and milk the cows without fail. They had just sold the dairy and were moving to New Mexico to be close to their children. She was very emphatic about not ever wanting to have another dairy. Have run across a few that had kind of retired and got into ranching longhorn cattle. Took a run down south of here a couple of weeks ago and discovered a big llama ranch. Those suckers are a lot bigger than I thought. Big enough to stomp you. Very alert critters, too. I will do my garden next year. Okra, chile, and squash. No tomatoes.

Fran		23-Jun-2010 02:56
MRR, Your story about Lychee nuts brings to mind Cooper City. We had a neighbor who had a huge Lychee nut tree down the block. Publix sent day workers to pick the nuts. The harvest was enormous, they were able to fill the truck and then some. Two weeks later the owner of the Lychee tree brought home a new Donzi. Gee, must be a lot of money in Lychee nuts. Three days later my 4 and 3 year old was screaming for me to come see the police with guns. Yes, they were in our yard and the yard across the street. It seems that the drugs bought the Donzi. The owner bailed out a few days later. He was spotted digging up several bags of money. The agents picked him up as he was getting into his car. He should be getting out of prison soon. I'm glad to read that they're others who collect seeds. I really think that it's important to continue growing seedlings. I know it's that farm thing in me.:)

LARGO		23-Jun-2010 00:02
WOW!...SO THERE IS A POSSIBLE TRIP TO ENP TO SEE THE MISSLE BASE?...CHARLIS I WAS JUST KIDDING 'BOUT THE SEGWAYS...BUT THEY ARE FUN TO RIDE..........

charlis		22-Jun-2010 22:17
love the "honorary"/"ornary" booboo... we are "rogues" so both fit!

charlis		22-Jun-2010 22:13
Give me plenty of warning if any of the tours include the Segways. We got new security at the County Cneter and they have a Segway that I keep trying to "borrow"... The guards told me that they will give me lessons but my sinuses and arthritus make for a "balance" problem. I'm even thinking of buying one if I can figure out a way to attached a cart/wagon so I can run errands to the grocery store a block away.

Miami River Rat		22-Jun-2010 21:22
Parks, concerning Lychee, when I was attending MDJC in '64 and '65 I lives near the intersection of Ludlum and Miller roads. The house I was renting had a huge lychee tree in the backyard. At that time they were very scarce and the Chinese restaurants were paying some obscene price for them. The owner let me pick them, he hauled them to a market somewhere and we split the money. That helped a lot for a broke college student. I understand that the bulldozers were stopped on Elliot key about 100 yards from the last native stand of Pseudophenix sargentii (Bucaneer palms) left in the United States. I'd been over there to see them a few years earlier, gathering seeds before the squirrels that someone put there could eat them all. That all that development got stopped was amazing!

Nike		22-Jun-2010 13:21
Fran, Thank you ma'm. By the way, there were two Nike Hercules sites near College Station during the Cold War. One was in Elroy, southeast of Austin and the other slightly northwest of Austin. I look forward to conducting a tour of the Nike site in Everglades National Park where I was stationed 1962-1965.

Fran		22-Jun-2010 13:10
Nike, Wasn't trying to be difficult, just wondering? I did take a moment and Goggled the Sahara. You are sooo right about the camels still being there. Read too that there are 23 old school motels in that area. Nice to know that some of that era is still alive and well. I think that you are doing an awesome job! Only 16 months and counting.:)

Nike		22-Jun-2010 10:28
Fran, I forgot to insert my name before sending the message. Nike

Fran		22-Jun-2010 03:10
Hide behind the mask of Guest, really?

Guest		22-Jun-2010 01:14
Isn't being "ornary" one of the criteria for becoming a Miami Rogue?

miami girl		22-Jun-2010 00:02
Nike: She's the sister I fought with all the time and pretty ornery in those days, but has a love/hate relationship with the Miami of today.

Nike		21-Jun-2010 22:05
I meant honorary. Stupid keybored

Nike		21-Jun-2010 22:04
Miami Girl, We can make her an ornary Miami Rogue

Fran		21-Jun-2010 21:49
Miami Girl, Thanks, for the info and thank your sister too. This is such a great idea and can't wait for the reunion.

miami girl		21-Jun-2010 20:42
Okay all, I've copied and pasted my sister's comments on the area (she only lives about 3 miles from the hotel and I can't believe she didn't even know it was still there). Waiting to hear about the looks of the building, but based on what she said it's probably been kept up pretty good considering the neighborhood - and other than crossing Collins Ave. it'll be a safe one for the single females. Boy, I had to go on the internet to find out that the Thunderbird is still there! If you remember Sunny Isles as a long strip of beachfront hotels, with the Thunderbird being the most luxurious, please do not be disappointed when you see it crammed between multistory highrises extending as far as you can see! I will take a ride over there soon and eyeball it for you. The area has turned into quite the place to live, with the highrises along the ocean and small islands with homes on the bay. It was the first place that the Epicure Market (high end grocery store on Miami Beach) expanded to. It also has some good restaurants, including Tony Romas very near. It is a nice area but very difficult to walk as they put up a fence barricade between the N and S lanes of the street because too many people were getting killed trying to cross the street. I will get back to you when I see it.

Nike		21-Jun-2010 11:41
Looks like the Matheson family was quite generous - History of Matheson Hammock Matheson Hammock opened in 1930 and was the first park in Dade County Florida. The land was a gift from William John Matheson. Where was the dairy?

Parks		21-Jun-2010 03:18
Hi Guys, Remember how people would sell mangos and avocados on the side of the road? A new fruit has been added to the mix. Now you can buy Lychee on Old Cutler Road and other places. Susan and I drove down to Redland today for the Summer Fruit Festival at the Fruit and Spice Park. We tasted Lychee, picked out a new mango variety to plant in the yard and brought home three Everglades tomatoes to get seeds from. If you’re not familiar with the Everglades Tomato, it is a low growing bush that makes tiny tomatoes about the size of marbles. They are delicious! It is the only tomato that will grow through our summer. Despite Whitebelt’s opinion to the contrary, I think Miami is a great place to live. Rat, you mentioned going in front of County Commissioner Matheson. That would have been Hardy Matheson. He is bit of a hero to me. He was instrumental in preventing the development of Islandia. Instead of high rise buildings on Elliot Key we now have a National Park that covers all of South Biscayne Bay. I think it was his brother Finley Matheson who built the Silver Sands Motel. His other brother Hugh Matheson built the Jamaica Inn restaurant on Key Biscayne.

Jeff		21-Jun-2010 02:31
Don - thanks for the corrections... 've been a bit under the weather today, and not concentrating when I typed that. Nike... Hot Shoppes has been gone for DECADES... so is every other drive-in restaurant and drive-in theater of yesteryear, 99% of the classic movie theaters, all of the 5 & 10's, most of the classic stores in downtown Miami and the shopping centers. Speaking fo which - the Flamingo Shopping Center in Hialeah is basically thrift-store city. 163rd Street first became a covered mall, then was partly demolished to be rebuilt with a Ross, Walmart and othe current favorites. Zayre is history, so is Jefferson/Ward. It's a shame, but the odds are pretty much against you kind folks finding ANYTHING classic still around... however, I do believe that there's some stuff in Don's neck of the woods like Holloman's and Stadnick's that manages to hang in there...

Hostess Nike		21-Jun-2010 01:06
Hey, hey, hey...Whadda ya mean, "No one's in control." I thought I was. Jeeeezz. Seriously, I think it will be a fun time, regardless of the location (as long it is where I say). We have over a year to finalize so, keep those cards and letters coming. By the way, is Hot Shoppes still open at US1 and LeJune? It was a great place to cruise for chicks and "suck face." (1) (1) On Golden Pond

Don Boyd		21-Jun-2010 00:55
Wrong Injun tribe and city there, Kimosabe Jeff. The Seminoles own the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel and it's in Hollywood, not Dania. In fact their casinos make so much money that they bought the entire Hard Rock chain for close to a billion bucks a couple of years ago except for the Hard Rock in Las Vegas. Their poor cousins, the Miccosukees, have the casino at Tamiami Trail and Krome Avenue, out in the sticks and I wasn't impressed at all when I went there. Speaking of gambling, for those who might be interested, we now have casinos at Gulfstream, the old Hollywood Dog Track (now the Mardi Gras Casino), Pompano Park, Flagler Dog Track, and poker only at Miami Jai-Alai and Dania Jai-Alai, etc. Don .

Jeff		20-Jun-2010 22:34
Gang: By no means am I trying to coerce ANYONE into taking my idea as absolute, but I disagree with Don about TY Park. Yes, you [obviously] can stay wherever you like, go wherever you like, eat and drink wherever you like, etc. No one's "in control". My suggestions were simply based on locality and ease of commute. So you don't go there. No biggie. However, I needed to offer a dose of reality about the changes in our area. pid transit... we're STILL waiting after decades. Metrorail goes nowhere most tourists want to go. New "premium" lanes on I-95 (where you pay for the privilege of bypassing others) is a joke... the Palmetto is STILL under some sort of construction (since the 70's)... and Tri-Rail is barely hanging on. Now, we DO have some NEW attractions... the Adrian Arsch Center (a performing arts center) located on the old Sears Downtown site, MoCA - The Musieum of Contemporary Art in North Miami... Cocowalk, The Shops at Sunset Place (as Don Mentioned)... and Gulfstream Race Track just opened (along with its casino) their Shops at Gulfstream. The Hard Rock Cafe and Casino at the Miccosukkee Indian Reservation in Dania... The rrstaurants and clubs on Hollywood Circle... and the ever-phony, always-changing, priced-to-the-stratosphere South Beach night life... There's PLENTY of ways to take the dollars away from tourists. Just don't look for Funland Park, The Castaways, The Roney Plaza, Stan the Magic Man, The Sunset Theater or the bulk of your childhood memories. Like all of you, I miss what's gone... and sadly, much is.

Nike		20-Jun-2010 21:18
Ifyou don't have Google Earth, you should consider downloading it free. You can fly over and zoom in any neighborhood, anywhere. You can see the "T" on the front of the Thunderbird Hotel and in their pool on the bottom is another you can see from above. You can see the camels in the front of the Sahara on A1A. Check out your old neighborhood, school, etc.

Fran		20-Jun-2010 20:42
Nike, DITTO! Isn't that what this reunion thing is about? Don, Thanks so much for the info! Miami is still there only changed a wee bit. It's a good thing to share memories with those who have been there and done that.:)

Nike		20-Jun-2010 20:32
I can't believe I am sitting in my car reading the Internet and responding on my cell phone. It doesn't seem too long ago we bought our first black and white television at Sears at Douglas Rd and Coral Way. Fran, that would be Woodlawn Cemetary. Iwas at Auburndale Elementary 55 & 56 before going to Shenandoah 56-59. Then to Miami High and into the Army in 62. I can still visualize the Christmas lights at the Holsum Bakery and Anthoney Abraham Chevrolet. Next door to the Thunderbird was the Sahara. I googled it and it is still there, camels and all.0

Don Boyd		20-Jun-2010 19:18
Nike, you are correct, a lot of things still exist, it all hasn't been destroyed or replaced and there are still plenty of fun things to do and see down here. Jeff, I hate to disagree with you but if I were coming back to Miami after being gone for years the LAST place I would want to stay is a cookie cutter Days Inn next to I-95 with a crappy view of surroundings in Hollywood or having a get together with everyone at TY Park. You might as well be in Ocala, Tifton, Murfreesboro or Hoboken so why make the trip at all to Miami? On the ocean is what people seem to prefer and the Thunderbird is just fine for that. Fran: John U. Lloyd State Park is quite different now because the state and counties down here are destroying all the tall shady Australian Pines because they are "non-native" to the area. Meanwhile all the "non-native" condos, strip shopping centers and ugly billboards continue to thrive but I digress. Here's a recent aerial photo that I took of the south end of the park: http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/image/120598973 Fran: the name of the ice cream parlor is Jaxson's on US 1 in Dania Beach and they are still thriving with long lines in the parking lot every night of the week. http://www.jaxsonsicecream.com/ Shorty's is still excellent with several locations in South Florida and they do a good business most days of the week. We ate at the one in Doral west of the airport last weekend and it was outstanding. http://www.shortys.com/ The Holsum bakery turned into the Bakery Centre for a number of years and was then rebuilt into The Shops at Sunset Place, which has turned most of downtown South Miami into a thriving pedestrian friendly hot spot for locals at night with plenty of bars, cafes, clubs, shops, etc. http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?id=143 Don .

miami girl		20-Jun-2010 19:17
Nike, I also went to Auburndale Elem - I attended it the first half of third grade ('54). We lived in an apartment right on 8th Street, I remember on the walk to school we passed a cemetery that was surrounded by a high wrought iron fence - I sure wouldn't let a 3rd grader walk that route today! Then transferred to Perrine Elem when we moved to Cutler Ridge.

Nike		20-Jun-2010 17:58
No doubt, many of the structures are gone but many still stand, Miami High, Shenandoah Jr. High, Auburndale elementary, my neighborhood (now Little Havana), the ride through the grove on Old Cutler Road to Alapattah Drive in Goulds, MacAuther Causway (move over CSI Hummer), Miracle Mile, and a zillion memories of what was there. I can still smell the Holsum Bakery on US 1 in South Miami. Just being there once in a while does it for me. Being there with you crazies will be enjoyable while spinning a few discs (CDs) while sharing a brew and eating B-B-Q.

Fran		20-Jun-2010 17:51
MRR, Alabama's Jack to die for. Miami Springs you already know how I feel about that town. Your post made me hungry just thinking about favorite places to eat. Jeff, I moved to Broward/Cooper City in '73. Love Broward, John Loyd (sp?) State Park. Dania beach pier fishing. Jackson's Ice Cream/cafe. Hollywood beach and surrounding areas. I have visited family,my ex's in Dade. I truly don't want to take a drive searching out old haunts. I did that a while back and kinda sad. To each his own... However, while there I will visit my friends in the Springs.:) Good times... What ever all of you decide, make the most of this get together. Fun, baby, fun!

whitebelt		20-Jun-2010 14:01
Among the changes in Miami is the Metrorail and People Mover. Plus Tri-Rail up the coast. There was talk of extending Metrorail down the old tracks further south. Andrew blew one of the rails off the Metrorail from SW 62 ave to south of Kendall. Hung down and blocked the roads until they cut them loose. I haven't been there since 1995, Jeff, can you give us an update on the rapid transit system there now?

Miami River Rat		20-Jun-2010 13:50
There's a Shorty's in Broward County. I ate there on my visit in May. Air conditioned but the same menu and the food was good, as always. The best restaurant meal I had on that trip was the dolphin sandwich at the Kozy Korner place in Miami Springs. Followed closely by lunch at Country Crossroads just outside of Okeechobee City. Best overall eating was the two Hayden mangoes I bought at Robert is Here and cut and ate at Royal Palm Hammock in the National Park. Whitebelt and Jeff are right, a lot of the Miami we knew is gone. However, mangoes, good avocado pears, Royal Palms and the conch fritters and bean soup at Alabama Jack's are still there for all to enjoy.

charlis		20-Jun-2010 13:45
Jeff... my trip down there a few years ago (the year that Charley hit) proves your point about seeing all the old places we loved. I drove by where we both used to work and did not even recognize that end of Lincoln Rd. Arthur Godrey Rd. was practically deserted and it was lunch time. From the beach at the 'Bleau you could see this wooden boardwalk from miles in both directions. Hugh condos were built on the beach that was part of the smaller hotels' beach front. The hotels were still there... they were no longer on the beach! The t-bird is a good idea... it's closer to Hollywood...for the "night life". When I first moved to Fl, before moving to the Beach, we went to the Hollywood beaches. And, there is nothing better for a good night's sleep... or a bad hangover.. than the sound of the ocean.

miami girl		20-Jun-2010 13:33
I'M DEVASTATED, HOLSUM BAKERY IS GONE??? That was the only positive thing I remember in that section of US1. How am I going to make it? Shorty's better stay for awhile longer, although I'm sure it's air conditioned now so won't be the same.......sadly.

Jeff		20-Jun-2010 08:13
USED to say, that is...

Jeff		20-Jun-2010 08:10
Nike... Dare I tell you that Ralph Renick passed away a number of years ago? Channel 4 (the old CBS) moved to Channel 6 and is now NBC. Channel 7 lost NBC and is now independent. The current Channel 4 is CBS, but has nothing to do with the old station or Wometco, which also no longer exists. Fran... I've been pushing the TY Park thing because I thought it more serene and less crowded that a public beach... and the Days Inn off of I-95 was only meant as a convenient locale near the park should my idea fall into favor. Obviously, the majority prefer the T-bird and the beach - so who am I to argue? In reality, all of South Florida is "old news" to me, because I've been here steadily since October of 1963 and have grown and changed with the area. I understand that many of you want to reclaim your lost youth or memories - but even Whitebelt understands my perspective. Hollywood Beach is more like the "old Miami Beach". Downtown Hollywood has an active nightlife that's much more affordable (and less phony) than South Beach. Yes, the Castaways is gone. So is the Rascal House, Wolfie's, Pumpernik's, the Crandon Park Zoo, the "old" 163rd Street Shopping Center, Jefferson's, Mangurian's, Lindsley Lumber, Royal Castle (except for ONE location), Lums, Modernage, Jackson's/Byron's, Gold Triangle, Woolworth's, Neisner's, all of the classic movie houses (except for a handful), Holsum Bakery on US1... dare I go on? If you're coming here to see the familiar sights - you might as well stay home... but if it's for a short vacation to meet, greet and share memories with fellow expatriates of the area, then (as they sued to say) "Come on down to Florida"...

Fran		20-Jun-2010 07:20
To all of our DADS who post here, Happy Father's Day! Celebrate and remember to dance as if no one is watching.

miami girl		20-Jun-2010 00:36
Parks, the Miami History Tours sound interesting. Nike, hope it doesn't have mirrors on the ceiling too. We stayed in a motel years and years and years ago that had one of those vibrating beds - it made my nose itch.

Nike		19-Jun-2010 22:40
Miami Girl, We expect a full report on the Thunderbird. The off-season rate in October is $79. That includes air conditioning, color TV and a bed that vibrates for a quarter.

Parks		19-Jun-2010 21:55
Dr. Paul George of the Historical Museum of South Florida gives great Miami history tours. I've been on his walking tour of downtown Miami and his Miami River boat tour. I enjoyed both.http://www.hmsf.org/programs-adult.htm#reserv

Nike		19-Jun-2010 21:47
The primary purpose of the reunion is to have a get-together of all the Miami Rogues and crazies that visit this site. It will be fun to stay at the same place an plan one a casual time where we can greet, meet, and eat. Everyone can go ot their own neighborhoods and schools for a ride down Miami Memory Lane, what remains of it. I will arrange a tour of the Nike base in Everglades National Park and individuals can group in cars for area memory lane drives. Piece of cake.

miami girl		19-Jun-2010 20:50
I checked out The Thunderbird and realized it's only about 3 miles from my sisters condo. We're looking for a place for one night this January before our cruise that's close to her place so we can visit. The total price including taxes is 131.17 - for January on the beach in an ocean view room - that ain't bad! So I've emailed her to see what her impression is of the area. I'll let you all know. Thanks to whoever suggested it!!!

whitebelt		19-Jun-2010 20:41
Charlis, after a hard day pushing a mower a girl just has to have her moments. That sun, dust, and sweat just isn't good for her skin.

charlis		19-Jun-2010 19:28
I vote for the T-Bird in Sunny Isles. Lot's of great amenities. Cheap.

charlis		19-Jun-2010 19:23
white... glad you are back here... as to the location for the reuinion... I agree... it has to have a spa so we ladies can pamper ourselves... after putting up with you men. '-)

Fran		19-Jun-2010 19:20
Jeff, You might want to ask if any one would like off of 95 and the park. Compared to the ocean, the beach? You do realize that the Thunderbird is not a long distance from where you live. :) It would be an easy ride for you, if you decided not to stay at the Thunderbird. MRR, Even though the Sewell Park is tempting,I'll pass.

charlis		19-Jun-2010 19:20
Crandon Park Zoo no longer exists?!?!? I loved that zoo! Only reason I went to Crandon Park... forget the "picnic" there... any other ideas?

whitebelt		19-Jun-2010 19:18
Listen to Jeff. If you just have to go back to Miami you will find Broward closer to it than Dade. Especially those privileged white kids from the southern suburbs of yesteryear. The amount of concrete in Miami has probably increased a thousandfold since the 60's. So has the slime. Miami has been a large place for a long time. You grow up in a section of it and you carve out your little town out of that section. You leave it and it will be nothing but a memory after that. Having a rendezvous there would be an expensive exercise in frustration if you are trying to bring back memories of your youth. Miami Springs may be the only place that hasn't changed too much beyond recognition. You would be better served staying up the coast and making a day trip tour of it if you just have to see it. Rendezvous or individual wise. To tell the truth, just driving down to it will exhaust you from the traffic and non-stop development from north of Ocala south. You will lose your desire to go into the city. I use to drive to NOLA and back from Miami often in the 90's. Invariably as soon as I got back to Miami you would encounter the finger wave and road rage. You now encounter that in Orlando. The population of Florida has increased 6 times since we were in school. People looking for the semi-paradise we thought we lived in, only to be disillusioned and trapped in that huge Monopoly Board, and copping attitudes. There are still some nice places up the coast. North of Palm Beach County. But south of there just ain't worth spending your time and money on. However, it may be worth the expense to appreciate your escape from it and where you live now a bit more.

charlis		19-Jun-2010 19:13
This reunion is looking to be a lot of fun. As to the DJ's... if I recall, Robie Young passed a way a few years ago. The Segways? the sheriff's guys that guard our building have one... I keep joking about borrowing theirs. They keep offering to give me lessons... bad sinuses and arthritus make for bad balance. But, they do look like a lot of fun!

Nike		19-Jun-2010 19:00
I can't believe it, the Castaways was demolished, the Raschal House was closed. I suppose you want me to believe Ralph Renick no longer reads the news. That would really be hard to believe.

Jeff		19-Jun-2010 18:24
Oh, and if no one wanted to cook, one could take the easy route and pick up some broiled chickens and ribs , potato salad, cole slaw, etc. from Publix...

Jeff		19-Jun-2010 18:21
Nike: The Rascal House closed last year. You'll all eventually learn the sad truth is just what Whitebelt said: The modern Miami sucks if you want to relive your past. After you've endured the traffic and hassle of getting to-and-from Key Biscayne... spent a small fortune ordering prepared food made by people who have no clue to the way it was done years ago... and experiencing the "culture shock" of a changed city, you'll then realzie that thr scenario I'd offered up - much closer the to Thunderbird than Crandon was more pastoral, uncluttered and reminiscent of yesteryear. Of course, majority rules - but think of this: 1. Sheridan street is just a few miles North on A1A from the Thunderbird and the park is a couple miles West (just past I-95). 2. No tolls, as opposed to the Rickenbacker causeway. 3. Less traffic in your commute. 4. TY Park is a GIANT park in the City of Hollywood, with just a mere dollar or two per carload entrance fee. A rentable covered kiosk can well accomodate everyone. 5. Fresh, grill cooked chicken, ribs, burgers taste better than prepared foods. 6. If people were tto stay at the Days in Just West of I-95, they'd be less than a half mile from the park. To go from the T-Bird to Crandon, it's about a good 20 miles in each direction... having to go from A1A West to I-95, South to downtown, then to the exit off Brickell, and then over the Rickenbacker...

NIke		19-Jun-2010 16:04
LARGO, SORRY IF I MISSPOKE. THE T-BIRD IS $50 LESS PER NIGHT THAT THE SILVER SANDS, NOT $50 PER NIGHT. SILVER SANDS - $129 T-BIRD - $79

LARGO		19-Jun-2010 15:55
I LIKE THE WHOLE $50.00 A NITE THING...AND THE IGUANA SITTING...HOWEVER AT $50 A NITE IT SPEAKS OF A "DO DROP IN" LOCAL SWINGERS HOOKUP SITE...LOL...SAFETY IS A GOOD IDEA AS WELL..BEING A SINGLE GAL....WHAT PART OF MIAMI IS THE 'THUNDERBIRD' ??...OK..I'LL LOOK IT UP.......LARGO

Miami River Rat		19-Jun-2010 15:46
Nothing against Al and Whitebelt, but if you see me rooming with them you will know that I've fallen into reduced circumstances. Thunderbird, Silver Sands, camp on the roadside beach beside Rickenbacker, it's all fine with me. My cousin James says a bunch of homeless people have taken up at Sewell Park, on the river next to our ancestral home. Worse comes to worse we can crash with them. Whatever y'all decide is fine with me.

Fran		19-Jun-2010 15:31
Nike, Not to cause any fuss, it's seems to be a better fit. The Tunderbird still retains parts of that era that we loved as kids. True it's part of Charlis's youth as well as mine. Stayed there as a young girl with the family. You don't know how much you will appreciate the shuttle until you have to drive in that traffic.

whitebelt		19-Jun-2010 15:25
Women are like flowers, they need their moisture. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQpjTRGopc4 Nike, I am just looking out for the ladies best interests. The truth is Miami sucks. It was once a great place to live, but now it isn't worth visiting. Its the memories that count. Seeing what is is now would be a bummer. Especially after paying a fortune to see it.

Hostess Nike		19-Jun-2010 15:13
People, people, this is your hostess. Whitebelt, you settle down before I have to, well... Considering the Thunderbird is about $50/night less expensive and has all the amenities brought to our attention by Miss Fran and a few blocks from The Raschal House, it might be a better option. Whitebelt, AL and Miami River Rat can get a room together to plan their shenanigans. Here are the amenities: - Ocean Front Resort Hotel - Rooms With Partial Ocean View - Rooms With Balconies - Olympic Size Swimming Pool - Iguana Sitting Service - High Speed Wireless Internet - Conveniently Located In Business District - FREE Continental Breakfast for 2 - FREE scheduled shuttle from hotel to Southbeach and Aventura Mall - 2 Bars on site. - 2 Restaurants on site - Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

whitebelt		19-Jun-2010 15:00
Nike, the most important thing, even more than location, is insuring the facilities are suitable for the ladies to luxuriate in hot bubble baths. None of those places with glorified shower stalls. Perhaps spa treatments being available, etc in addition.

whitebelt		19-Jun-2010 14:17
Forgot to mention you can drive, fly, or take a train to NOLA. The City of New Orleans comes into it from Chicago, the Crescent from DC via Atlanta, and if they still have it by then the Sunset Limited from CA and FL. The train is the best way to travel. The station is just a few blocks from the Quarter. Have seen lots of people arrive there drunk and leave there drunk. You don't have to worry about parking and they do have a good public transportation system there. Plus it is a small area geographically. I used to put on about 50K miles a year driving around South Florida working. You don't do anything there unless you do drive a lot.

whitebelt		19-Jun-2010 14:03
New Orleans may be a better location for a meet up, especially for those who are driving. More central to everyone. Always hated that day's drive between Miami and the United States. Much easier to get around without a car there, too. The Quarter has really been cleaned up since Katrina. The Inn on Bourbon Street is a good location if you get rooms overlooking the courtyard, not overlooking Bourbon Street. It gets godawful noisy there on that side. There are some good package deals to be had off season in the Quarter.

LARGO		19-Jun-2010 13:07
FRAN...WHAT IS A 'SUFFER DUDE'??.....IGUANAS...NO PROBLEMO...THEY HAVE LEGS...CAN BE ATTRACTIVE..DO NOT HABITUALLY SLITHER..MORE OF A SCURRY.....EAT BUGS AND LOVE HIBISCUS FLOWERS...HAD THEM AS A KID...MY KIDS AND GRANDS HAD/HAVE THEM..THEY ARE USUALLY SHY. STILL LOVE THE 'SILVER SANDS '...LIKE I SAY A GROUP RATE MAY KNOCK DOWN THE PRICE A BIT IF THEY OFFER IT. LOVE THE SHORTY'S BBQ TAKE OUT FOR A PICNIC AT CRANDON IDEA AS WELL...AHHHH MEMORIES OF THOSE DANG 'SAND SPUR" PATCHES. I WOULD SAY THAT ONE COULD GOOGLE KEY BISCAYNE...AND THERE IS PROBABLY A PUBLIX THERE..WITH A DELI IN IT??....AND OTHER STUFF. THE MISSLE TOUR SOUNDS INTERESTING...ESPECIALLY WITH OUR 'HOST NIKE' LEADING IT. I WOULD BE DRIVING DOWN. THIS WOULD BE A WEEKEND THING...RIGHT?...HOPEFULLY. SURE WOULD BE FUN TO SEE SOME OF YOU THAT I HAVE CHATTED WITH OVER THE YEARS.............LARGO

Miami River Rat		19-Jun-2010 12:36
Silver Sands suits me. Nike, I enjoyed your report on Crandon Park. The coconut plantation was a joke, a ruse used by the Matheson family to pay agricultural taxes instead of fair market value on their holdings on Key Biscayne. I once went to a County Commissioner's meeting with my grandpa, some question had come up about our agricultural exemption on the land where the nursery business was located so we went there to straighten it out One of the Matheson guys was on the Commission. When our turn before the Commission came he and my grandpa first visited about old times in Miami while the whole courtroom waited and listened. When they got down to business my grandpa was asked how many dollars worth of agricultural products he had sold in the past ten years. He answered "Many times more than any coconuts the Matheson family sold from Key Biscayne". We got to keep our exemption.

Fran		19-Jun-2010 11:21
Nike, Thoughts about the Silver Sands: 1.Do you have to go out to get food? 2. How close are the markets? 3. Is there a Deli close by? 4. Easy access for those who have disabilities? 5. Might want to contact Gables High. They celebrated their class reunion this month there. Outcome, they loved it 6. Will you have to have a car for all of the transportation? 7. Ice and drinks can be brought in from where? 8. Shuttle to and from the airport? I thought about these questions, due to the fact that singles will face a different set of problems then couples. Just something to consider when planning.

Nike		19-Jun-2010 10:27
I googled Crandon Park Beach and it does list B-B-Q Grills among many other amenities. How about we order take-out from Shivers or Shortys B-B-Q and enjoy the music without the fuss of cooking and cleaning up? I even learned some new information about Crandon Park. I copied this from Wikipedia: Crandon Park is a park owned and operated by Miami-Dade County, Florida. It occupies the northern part of the island of Key Biscayne, lying between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. It is connected to the mainland in Miami via the Rickenbacker Causeway. The park is more than 800 acres (325 hectares) in size, and has two miles (3.2 kilometers) of beach on the Atlantic Ocean side. Crandon Boulevard extends from the end of the Rickenbacker Causeway through the length of the park, providing access to the Village of Key Biscayne and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. The park has a variety of facilities, including a marina, a golf course, a tennis center, a family amusement center, picnic shelters and a nature center. There is parking for more than 3,000 vehicles in the park. Part of the park is set aside as the Bear Cut Preserve, a designated natural Environment Study Area. Guided tours through the preserve are available. The land Crandon Park occupies was once part of the largest coconut plantation in the United States, operated by William John Matheson and his heirs. In 1940 the Matheson family donated 808.8 acres (327.3 hectares) of their land to Dade County (now Miami-Dade County) for a public park. In return, county commissioner Charles H. Crandon promised that the county would build a causeway to Key Biscayne. World War II delayed construction, but the causeway opened in 1947. At one time Crandon Park also included a zoo, occupying 48 acres (19.4 hectares) of the park. The first animals in the zoo, including some lions, an elephant and a rhinoceros, had been stranded when a circus went out of business in Miami. Some Galapagos tortoises, monkeys and pheasants were added from the Matheson plantation. Other animals were added, including a white Bengal tiger. In 1981 the Crandon Park Zoo was moved from the park to a location south of Miami, and became the Miami Metrozoo.

Nike		19-Jun-2010 10:19
I visited their website and the the current rate for the fall season at the Silver Sands is $129.00 for a standard with increases for cottages, etc. There are excellent photos and Don has a great photo of the property in the 60s. Anyone opposed to The Silver Sands in Key Biscayne? Maybe BeBe Rebozo will stop by for a Sloe Gin Fizz or Lancer's Vin Rose. In the fifties and sixties there were pavillions on Crandon Park Beach that could be used for B-B-Qs. Anyone know if they are still available? Any other nearby B-B-Q facilities?

Fran		19-Jun-2010 05:42
Miami Girl, I did Google the Tuckaway Shores. Wow! What a great place to stay. I'm sure that you and your hubby will enjoy the beach and the room.:) Parks, You have nothing to fear from me. I do love your suggestion concerning the Nike Base tour. I'm game, would make for a nice change of view. AL, Up front. honest that's a good thing. I am lost for words right now. So I'll have to get back to you.:) Parks, Big lizards? Can you eat them? You know a lizard roast? Looks like I'm going to need that bodyguard after all. Whitebelt, Isn't that the place where porn is shown and the beds are covered in red satin? I read something about a raid there once. I'm going to have to pass on that one. I don't like red satin.:)

Jeff		19-Jun-2010 04:16
Miami Girl: Charlie Murdock is a big-time radio executive who's not available for parties and reunions - Rick Shaw is (for the most part) retired, but WILL come out to play for big bucks... and sadly, Roby Yonge passed away a few years back. I knew Roby back in my days of hanging around WMYQ in 1972... he was a great guy, but a bit on the self-destructive side. He had one sexy kid sister whom I visited whilst once passing through the Ocala area with a friend. That was 38 years ago when I met Bebe... and the last I'd heard, she was "married with children"... Nike: Glad you liked my suggestion, but the BBQ would be better at TY park... with a covered kiosk and electric outlet for music. Perhaps an old buddy of mine (Larry Stang) might be available for a booking. In the late 60's and early 70's he had a band called Larry Stang's Method a/k/a Broadway Park. They had a moderate local hit on the Kangi label with a Gary Puckett-ish "A Woman's Got to Show Her Love"...

Nike		19-Jun-2010 03:31
It sounds as if more of you are leaning towards ythe Silver Sands. I'll do a bit of research and get back. Parks, even though the Nike base is closed for tours other than January - March, I will not only arrange a tour, I'll conduct the tour.

Parks		19-Jun-2010 03:23
I go away for two days, you plan a reunion and Rat gets me in trouble with the Ladies. Rat, Fran and LARGO scare me, let’s be careful with our pranks. As I was reading the plans I kept thinking that the Silver Sands would be a good place to stay. Then Don suggested it. A couple of months ago Susan and I were driving around on Key Biscayne and stumbled upon the Silver Sands. What a blast from the past! We stopped and picked up a brochure but didn’t go into any of the rooms. It looked clean and recently renovated from the outside. If it wasn’t for all the iguanas running around I would have thought I’d gone back in time. Rat! Iguanas! Fran and LARGO, how do you feel about big lizards? I’m game to do this any time but November might be better if we want to go to Robert is Here. Nike, can we work in a missile base tour? Of course I may be the only one in the group nuts enough about rockets to enjoy that. A day trip through Redlands, Homestead and into the park might be fun.

Arizona AL		19-Jun-2010 02:22
Fran: at 64 years old my aspirations far surpass my abilities! Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

whitebelt		19-Jun-2010 00:22
You have to watch this. http://www.wimp.com/oneball/ So much for animals being creatures of just instinct. My suggestion for a rendezvous would be one of those cheap motels on the Trail with the Roman rooms, hot tubs, etc. I'm not married. :-)

Hostess with the Mostess, Nike		18-Jun-2010 22:06
Piece of cake. Regarding the Fall 2011 Miami Rogues Reunion, I'll take all suggestions and during the next few months formulate a list of choices. We can go wih a majority vot of the attendees for location and agenda. We have plenty of time so get the juices flowing. Jeff, maybe you can put a Fall 2010 reunion together for a practice run for those that can be there. I would but, Water Island calls.

miami girl		18-Jun-2010 21:56
Sorry 'bout that Fran - your tour idea is a good one, but I think I'm too clumsy to stay up on a Segway. Hostess Nike you better start keeping a notebook. Those ideas are coming fast and furious and it's hard to keep everything organized (I'm on the dining committee for a family reunion in Gatlinburg next month and know from which I speak). Wouldn't it be fun if we could get one of the DJ's we all know and love to join us, Charlie Murdock or Rick Shaw? I forget the other main one (Robie???). It wouldn't be a DJ gig - just to socialize at dinner with us. Those among us (not me) that are involved with the music and film world might be able to swing something. Please we beg you, no mankini's , snakes, bugs or water guns. WE WILL GET YA BACK BOYS. The Key Biscayne place is nice and a good location - but there are many. As long as it existed in our childhood. White, thanks for the info on Indialantic, our motel is to the right when 192 joins A1A - go to www.TuckawayShores.com and you'll all see its a perfect Old Florida motel.

Fran		18-Jun-2010 21:56
Charlis, The Thunderbird is now the Days Inn-Thunderbird. Al, Only four or five? Another one wouldn't hurt.:) LARGO, HOW ABOUT A SUFFER DUDE, BOARD SHORT BATHING SUIT CONTEST? Nike, Now, I will have to find a soul mate? Won't a bodyguard do? Although I do have...well that's another story.:)

LARGO		18-Jun-2010 21:29
LOVE DONS IDEA OF THE OLD "SILVER SANDS" ON THE KEY...NIKE...WHAT ABOUT GROUP RATES? TOUR BUS...STILL NOT MY IDEA??? THE CONCEPT OF TOURING MY HOME TOWN IN A BUS SEEMS WEIRD....THO I GET THE WHOLE TOGETHER IDEA ...WHAT ABOUT ELEPHANTS...CAMELS?....OH MY!.....HUMMMM....SNAKES ON THE BUS???....I JUST DON'T KNOW, CONFINED A...REA WITH PRANKSTERS ABOUT..... >:( ......LARGO

charlis		18-Jun-2010 18:31
The T-Bird is gone? Please tell me it is not true! On our trip down to our new home we stayed at the T-bird in Jacksonville, then the one in Sunny Isles. I have great pics from the 1962 stay there. Even funnier is that in the mid 60' my family took a trip to St. Pete and stayed at the t-bird and in the mid 80's my new family (hubby, daughter) stayed there. Sorry to hear about the Castaways. I agree that South Beach is not the place for our "reunion"... The Bleau has some great deals (but Uncle Morris, the uncle of Evie who rolling over in his grave and the guy who built it) is not the great place it used to be.

Arizona Al		18-Jun-2010 18:04
Hostess Nike: I am definately not the man for the job. Too much Merry Pranskter Proclivities and Predilections run through my veins:):). MRR: Second Honeymoon? My wife and I have allready been on 4 and 5:):) Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Nike		18-Jun-2010 16:07
Fran, Actually, I was speaking of a new dress for Nancy but I'll accept the compliment. I do expect everyone to have their soulmates with them. It's a family affair.

Fran		18-Jun-2010 15:47
Hostess Nike, you were not kidding about a new dress? You seem to have everything under control. :) Which is a good thing Miami River Rat, Test your imagination? You do know that women are very skilled at getting even. Using our imagination, just a girl thing that works.:) Besides your wife may have something to say about your playing pranks. You too Al, it's really better to play nice.:) Nope, I'm not starting anything. Letting both of you know that pool toys are for the pool. Just think of the possibilities, a second honeymoon for the both of you and your wives.:) I guess I'll have to start interviewing for a bodyguard. Now that's a plan!

Hostess Nike		18-Jun-2010 15:37
Dr. AL, I expect you to be the principle and keep order and issue hall passes. Don - Good idea on the location and I'll check out the rates. I can visualize Jeff and Parks in the DillYea (green or yellow). By the way, where did you learn to speak southern (y'all)? Jeff - I like your idea of a B-B-Q and oldies music on the beach. I picked the fall of 2011 because I'm not in the country from August 2010 until August 2011. Remember, I'm the hostess and get to pick the date. LARGO - I'LL SET ARRANGE FOR A TOUR BUS TO TAKE US BY ALL THE OLD SCHOOLS, THEATRES, DRIVE-INS, ETC. Any other suggestions?

Jeff		18-Jun-2010 14:52
My apologies - I misunderstood. I thought you were asking about room rates and I thought the talk was still about upstate. Regarding South Florida: South Beach is NOT what anyone remembers. The room rates are in the high numbers, parking for a rental car is next to impossible, and the tourist climate has gone from genteel to [at times] anarchic. You'd get better rates (and scenery) on Hollywood Beach. I still maintain the suggestion of the Days Inn on Sheridan by I-95 and renting a kiosk at TY Park. We could do an old-fashioned barbecue, play some music from that era and enjoy the Florida outdoors. For that matter, why wait until November of 2011? The so far away and noboy knws what will transpire by then. Why not shoot for November of this year? I know I'm the odd-man-out, but there's no time like the present, as each day is a gift.

Don Boyd		18-Jun-2010 14:47
Hostess Nike, just for accuracy purposes, the Thunderbird/Days Inn is not on Miami Beach but in/on Sunny Isles Beach several miles north. Another option y'all might want to consider is Key Biscayne and maybe the famous old Silver Sands which is in between Crandon Park and Cape Florida State Park. http://www.silversandsbeachresort.net/ And if y'all decide on an oceanfront location y'all might want to impose a prohibition on Jeff and Parks from wearing these to the pool and beach and out to pick up pizzas late at night: http://dillyeo.com/borat-mankini-free-mustache Charlis: yes, the Jackie Gleason Theatre was used by a good number of high schools over the years for their graduation ceremonies including mine from HHS '65 which had over 1100 graduates in their senior year. There is a group on Facebook called "Save the Fillmore" that I'll be joining to be kept abreast of what's going on. Don .

Ariziona Al		18-Jun-2010 14:18
Reserving a seat at the Principal's Office 10/22/2011. Can share space with Parks and MRR.Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Miami River Rat		18-Jun-2010 12:59
No snakes? I suppose that means no snapping turtles in the bathtub, armadillos released into someone's room or stuff like that either? You guys are trying to test my imagination aren't you?

Hostess Nike		18-Jun-2010 08:50
Done. Fran I like your idea about something like the Majestic Hotel, Carlton Hotel, Avalon Hotel all located on Oceanside, two mentioned are low-rises. A tribute to the Art Deco era. Days Inn-Thunderbird, Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach. I just visited the website for the Thunderbird which is now a Wyndham / Days Inn property. Rates are from $79 - $109 and only a mile from the Aventura Mall for the shop-a-holics. I check the others before making any final suggestions. So, here is where we are: DATE: Saturday October 22, 2011 LOCATION: A hotel or motel on Miami Beach remembered by all. NOTE: Practical jokers will be sent to the principle's office for inappropriate behavior.

Fran		18-Jun-2010 05:47
Miami Girl, The bus tour, mine.:) LOOKS LIKE LARGO, CAN TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS.:) LARGO, MIAMI RIVER RAT, IS NOT JOKING. From what I heard he loves to pull pranks. I think he may want to rethink that snake thing.;) Jeff, I wasn't thinking of costs, just the general areas of the hotels. Art Deco, low-rise, high-rise modern, that kind of thought.

Jeff		18-Jun-2010 03:51
I'm afraid I can't be much help on room rates - I haven't traveled in years... and I probably wouldn't be able to make it upstate either... The Castaways was torn down YEARS AGO for a complex of 30 story towers. In fact, from Government Cut to North Lauderdale, there's probably less than 5% of the land mass that's NOT a high rise. Now, if everyone decided to fly or drive into South Florida and stay at the Days Inn on Sheridan Street near I-95, they'd be a short distance away from Topekeegee Yugni (TY) park - a lovely complex with retable picnic gazebos for a fun day.

LARGO		18-Jun-2010 03:37
MIAMI GIRL...CANNOT TAKE CREDIT FOR THE TOUR BUS IDEA.....GOLF CARTS WOULD BE A BLAST...SEGOS???..SWEGOS???..AWAYWEGOS??..SEGWAYS..THAT'S IT.. EH?...AWWWW....YA KNOW THOSE 2 WHEELED LITTLE RUN AROUND BALANCING ACT AROUND ZOO THINGYS???...THINK I'LL CAMP OUT IN MY CAR TIL SOMEONE FIGURES OUT A GROUP RATE.."MRR" & PARKS (WHO DID NOT ACTUALLY POST THIS "FUN IDEA" OF MRR'S)....I WILL REMARK ABOUT THIS ONE THING...IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT WIGGLES...HISSES..OR HAS FANGS...AND NO LEGS...THEY WILL BE IMMEDIATELY DELT WITH...ALONG WITH THEIR PUPPET MASTERS....NO S**T!!!.....THIS ISN'T WHAT I WOULD THINK AS A 'FUN' TIME...CASUALLY ROTFL...BUT...AND TRUST ME...I SO HOPE YOU'RE JIVING..... ;~/ ......LARGO

Fran		18-Jun-2010 02:49
Nike, Check out these: Majestic Hotel, Carlton Hotel, Avalon Hotel all located on Oceanside, two mentioned are low-rises. A tribute to the Art Deco era. Days Inn-Thunderbird, Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach. I really think that Jeff, would make a good resource for locating a place to stay. I'm sure that Jeff would have a good idea as to what kind of place would make all of us happy. Now, as for MRR and Parks, I do hope that the both of you get that joke thing out of your systems. Although, I do love a good joke, I just think that I don't want to be snaked or short sheeted. However, boys will be boys but remember this, we are ladies. Ladies have a way of taking care of business.:)

whitebelt		18-Jun-2010 01:23
Miami Girl, they ocean will be outside your door. Closer than anyplace in Daytona Beach. The wind can get pretty strong coming off of it. You will be dealing with beach sand. Some places you have to rinse your feet off before reentering the motel area. If you have Google Earth zero in on Indiatlantic. Where highway 192 runs into the ocean is where the Starbucks and various shops are. The shops carry some good beachwear. There is a little park just north of it. The motel on the north end of the park is where i stayed. You can see just how close to the Atlantic you will be. About 30 to 70 yards depending on the tide. Great night time walking there. Take a flashlight if no moon. Don't forget to carry a towel to put over the steering wheel and plenty of change for the meters.

Nike		18-Jun-2010 00:23
Humble pie still tastes like crap. I think I remember Don telling me a few months ago something about the Castaways being renovated or torn down. Any other suggestions? Somthing from the past..a Miami Memory.

miami girl		17-Jun-2010 23:14
Thank you everybody for the suggestions. We booked three nights in Indialantic right on the ocean in a small "old Florida" motel - I hate those high rises! I liked Capt Hiram's but it's on the river & I NEED THE OCEAN outside my door. White, please don't remind me of bed bugs, I hear they're everywhere and I've learned how to detect the evidence. CK, I did find a perfect place in Big Pine Key - but was over $300 a night so forgot it right away. Wink wink back at ya -- but my husband's gonna be with me sweetie. LARGO the tour bus idea is a good one - we can send in a list of our favorite places. Castaways is good with me. Sorry but I don't remember Allison Weber, probably because I was actually in the class of '65 because I totally hated 7th grade, flunked it with flying colors and was proud of it - what a nut case!

charlis		17-Jun-2010 23:00
Do... the Jackie Gleason thing was posted on the Miami Beach High web site. We are all disgusted with what is happening. We used to have our school xmas "gala" there where we would all walk over to the "theater" for the event as our school's auditorium was not big enought for the whole school to fit it.

charlis		17-Jun-2010 22:54
Largo... I like the Castaways for the reunion... being a semi pro photographer on and off for the past 40 years, I'll even spring for a new camera out of my tax return that year... Still have my old Brownie and a few older camera, as well as 2 old 35 MM from the 80's. Digital took the fun out of having a dark room.

charlis		17-Jun-2010 22:47
white... rider mower... now that is lazy. When I was a kid I helped my dad with the mowing... BIG yard. I had a 19 inch gas mower and he had a bigger one... no rider mowers.

Nike		17-Jun-2010 21:59
How about having the reunion at someplace familiar for everyone like the Castaways on Miami Beach?

Nike		17-Jun-2010 21:10
LARGO, Thank you ma'm. I like a lady with good perception.

Miami River Rat		17-Jun-2010 21:00
2011 it is then. Fair Warning!!! I'll be back down there this fall and meeting with Parks. We'll set up some really childish practical jokes to pull on the rest of you. Bring clothes that can get sprayed, snake detectors, all that kind'a stuff. Remember, you are dealing with a guy that once turned a whole pillow case full of water snakes loose in the classroom at Gables High. Hey! Summer school was supposed to be fun, right? Besides, if they wanted us to learn something they shouldn't have sent every outlaw that lived south of Flagler Street to Gables that summer...

LARGO		17-Jun-2010 16:53
AWWWWW RIIIITY THEN NIKE !!!.............LIKE A TAKE CHARGE PERSON!...RAIN DATE?...DON'T WANT TO SAY THE "H" WORD :>\ ........LARGO

Nike		17-Jun-2010 15:24
OK, done deal. If no one is opposed, I'll be the social director. Guess this means I need to shop for a new dress.... Official date: Saturday October 22, 2011 -- Be there or be square. More to follow......

Fran		17-Jun-2010 14:27
Don, Working with Firefox and love it! It seems that I was clicking too quickly not allowing the browser to process. I hope this correction works! Nike, I like the date and it's good for me. However, if you decide to meet earlier, please share the pictures.:)

LARGO		17-Jun-2010 13:54
WELL...2011 FOR ME TOO...I AM FILLED UP ALREADY THIS YEAR...BUT THAT SHOULD NOT KEEP YOU ALL FROM AN EARLY TRIP....MIAMI GIRL...YOU GRADUATED PALMETTO H.S. IN '64?...I WAS IN THE '63 CLASS.........DID YOU KNOW ALLISON WEBBER?...SHE WAS MY BEST FRIEND AND A '64 GRAD ALSO.............

Don Boyd		17-Jun-2010 13:25
Nike, that date is fine by me because that's really long-term planning in my world. Just remember that it's still hurricane season and the date is subject to being blown apart. Fran, I'm not familiar at all with Apple and their browser Safari so I can't say whether that's causing the multiple postings. Sorry. I use Firefox all the time and it works for me. Don

Nike		17-Jun-2010 08:46
I'll propose a date of Saturday, October 22, 2011 with the location and agenda to be determined.

Guest		17-Jun-2010 04:16
Don. Using Safari because I have a Mac, would that cause the duplicate posting? If so, I can switch to Firefox or AOL.

Fran		17-Jun-2010 04:08
Whitebelt, True that could happen. However, just think about two gals on a riding mower?:) MRR, You are right about the reunion term. So, my suggestion would be: "The Happening". Happy memories of the year 1967 and the Supremes.:)

whitebelt		17-Jun-2010 03:55
Jeez, Fran!! You two would be fighting over the mower and not my lap.

Fran		17-Jun-2010 03:41
MRR, The reunion does sound daring for 2010, would love to be there. However, this fall and winter I have two or three lazier surgeries scheduled. Now, for me and I'm just speaking for me, fall of 2011 would be great! If you all decide to meet this November, take pictures and be sure to share. Yup, White a riding mower sounds about right. I do know how to operate one. A present from my former husband one year. Miami Girl, Charles, is right about Cocoa Beach. You can score a great room there most of the time. LARGO, LOVE YOUR IDEAS! A TOUR BUS RIDE WOULD MAKE A NICE HAPPENING FOR ALL TO SHARE.

Don Boyd		17-Jun-2010 03:41
Nike: sure, I'll take plenty of photos if the event ever takes place. Here's an interesting article that should bring back some memories: Future of the former Jackie Gleason Theatre uncertain http://www.pbpulse.com/music/2010/06/16/future-of-former-jackie-gleason-theater-uncertain/ Don .

whitebelt		17-Jun-2010 02:44
MRR, that is a long drive from Phoenix to Miami. About 34 hours of straight driving time, no stops, etc. Remember when we were younger and would take off on long road trips and drive straight through? I bet all of us pace ourselves a bit more nowadays. The most grueling trip I ever took was after working all day and leaving Fort Gordon around Augusta and driving straight through to Ft, Huachuca, AZ. About 1900 miles. Left and 7 pm on Friday and pulled in around 10 am Sunday. Lost a couple of hours in Montgomery, AL trying to get something to eat. That town did not make a good impression on me. Really started to fade after Big Springs, TX. Late at night. Had to pull over several times and rest until I got outside El Paso and got something to eat as the sun came up. Woke right up and breezed into home. But, God, that was a rough Saturday night. CK, I loved Indiatlantic. We drove down from somewhere below Atlanta, got a little lost in Orlando, and after surviving that pulled off of 95 to cruise the ocean. Was getting late and I saw a funky little motel just before the park on the ocean. Owned by Indians or Pakistanis. Definitely funky old Florida. The woman hated it, but I kinda liked it. 2 story right on the beach, with wind and sand and humidity. Went walking north on the beach after dark. Was nice. Did have an anxious moment, though. Up ahead we saw something big that had washed ashore. Were afraid it was a body. Turned out to be a loggerhead coming in to lay eggs. Saw a few more on the walk. The moon was shining over the ocean. Really kind of neat. Enjoyed the little shops around the park. Didn't get bit by any bed bugs. Was really a trip back in time there. That is a place I would love to have an apartment. I did like Capt Hiram's in Sebastian. Was pleasantly surprised.

Charles Knight		17-Jun-2010 01:44
Sorry about that...I meant, Whitebelt was correct...

Charles Knight		17-Jun-2010 01:42
Miami Girl, Rat is correct about Indiatlantic, I work in a bistro there called City Tropics. Cool little town although Melbourne Beach a few minutes south is even more laid back. Still...It's nothing like the old Keys.

Miami River Rat		17-Jun-2010 01:25
Reunion for a bunch of folks that never were united to begin with sounds great to me. Why not be daring and shoot for 2010? November or so sounds good. Arizona Al can ride that big bike and stop by here. I'll put him up for a night.

whitebelt		17-Jun-2010 01:00
Miami girl, you probably noted the changes in Key Largo. Key West is not worth the motel rate. It ain't what it was. Vero Beach and north is much more like the old days. You might try Capt Hiram's in Sebastian for a stay. A nice place. Indiatlantic to the north of there is nice. That is on the beach east of Melbourne. Kind of funky place. Still laid back and relatively uncrowded in that neighborhood of Florida if you like the ocean. Of course there is always Daytona Beach. New Smyrna Beach is looking real good and artsy fartsy now. Just hard to beat that area from Vero Beach up to Ormond Beach. There is a style that might suit you in that stretch. Some old Florida and more civilized places. Avoid Orlando, even to drive through. I-95 all the way. I lived near DeLand for a couple of years. There are some nice places around there inland. Lake Wales is also nice. But I would take the time to explore Sebastian and Indiatlantic. Some good deals on houses can be found around there. Nice mix of well traveled people in that area. Augusta, GA can get GODAWFUL HOT AND HUMID during the summer. Stay near the coast.

Charles Knight		17-Jun-2010 00:58
Miami Girl, Key West is not all it's cracked up to be...Maybe 30 years ago. Certainly not now, way too tourist oriented. Try Islamorada or Big Pine, visit the no name bar. Hang with the locals...That's the true essence of the Keys. Cocoa Beach eh???Just five minutes north of me (wink wink)! Just kidding sugar. CK

miami girl		17-Jun-2010 00:39
LARGO, I LOVE ALL YOUR IDEAS! White, I grew up in Cutler Ridge and made it to Key West one time - about 45 years ago, Bahia Honda in '65 and went on a quick drive to Key Largo in '95 - that's it. I know, I'm probably going to be highly disappointed - huh? We've almost decided not to do it. Maybe Robert is Here is as far south as we'll get.

LARGO		16-Jun-2010 23:35
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION...LETS DREAM PEOPLE..WHAT HAVE WE ALL BEEN OBCESSING ABOUT OVER THE YEARS??? THE PARK THAT USE TO BE THE PARROT JUNGLE?...DRIVE IN MOVIES? FLAMINGOS AT THE RACE TRACKS??...FAIRCHILD GARDENS?...VISCAYA?...VENETIAN POOL...YEARS AGO THERE WAS A TGI FRIDAYS ON KEY BISCAYNE..IN THE 80'S...I WAS THERE ONE EVENING AND JIMMY BUFFET PULLED IN WITH HIS SAILBOAT AND DID THE CONGO ALL THRU THE PLACE?..CRANDON PARK?...METRO ZOO?....MATHESON HAMMOCK?...DONS PLACE or JEFFS?..HAH!!.... (just kiddin)... ;~/...SOUTH BEACH?...WE NEED A PLAN...A MUSTER PLACE...AN ITENARARY...COMEON...THERE HAS TO BE A ORGANIZER IN THE BUNCH???...I JUST THROW OUT RANDOM IDEAS...LETS BUILD SOMETHING REALLY SPECIAL...WE ARE ALL WORTH IT...BETTER THAN MY HS REUNION A BIT AGO...YOU ALL ARE SO NEAT....WOULD BE FUN TO HANG WIT CHA FOR A BIT..................LARGO

whitebelt		16-Jun-2010 23:28
Miami girl,how long has it been since you have been to the keys?

miami girl		16-Jun-2010 23:16
Nike, great idea on the reunion! We might be able to make it. Right now I'm trying to find a decent place in Key West for a couple nights in January for less than 250.00 a night (actually would prefer less than 150.00). Cocoa Beach is mucho cheaper so we may just skip the keys and stay longer there. My problem is I like the finer things in life and am a little spoiled, but in retirement we have to start being frugal. I too was at Camp Owaissa Bauer for Girl Scout and Church camp - around '59 or '60 I loved hearing the birds at daybreak (NOT) and remember that huge round sink in the girls bathroom?

whitebelt		16-Jun-2010 22:28
Maybe not, Fran. I will park a rider mower by the door. :-)

Nike		16-Jun-2010 21:44
Don, Can we count on you as the Official Team Photographer for the ROGUES REUNION 2011? Does anyone want to make a suggestion for a reunion location place that would be appropriate for this group?

Fran		16-Jun-2010 21:29
Whitebelt, See I told you I would have to fight Charlis, for that lap thing.:) Nike, Fall of 2011 sounds like a plan.:) I attended a camp stay at Camp Owaissa Bauer. My Fifth Grade class was treated to a two day stay. The year 1960, the same year MRR graduated from high school.:)

whitebelt		16-Jun-2010 21:05
Charlis, where were you all of those years of my life? Nothing like watching a woman that just loves to do yard work.

charlis		16-Jun-2010 20:57
Roberta... great news about Lewis. Sounds like a fun weekend ahead. As Lewis "beat the odds", so will you. Thanks for my morning Boops.

charlis		16-Jun-2010 20:55
white... can't wait to go to the site! Will spend some time there on Friday since I am off for the day. I've told you before that I used to love doing yard work... ex even bouth me a fancy lawn mower one year for my b-day, and a leaf blower for xmas! With the severe heat here in Tampa, I'm glad that I no longer have a yard!

Nike		16-Jun-2010 18:58
LARGO, Thanks for mentioning camps. I have great memories of Camp Owaissa Bauer near SW 170th Ave 264th Street just north of Homestead. One year, Jerry Lewis was there during my chruch camp week. That was here we learned of the "Chicken-footed Lady." Quite startling and believable for a 6-year old.

LARGO		16-Jun-2010 15:27
NIKE.....SOUNDS LIKE FUN!...SOMETHING TO RUMINATE ON ANYWAY..."ROGUES REUNION 2011" .....DON OF COURSE WOULD BE THE CAMP COUNSELOR .....HUMMMMMMM.......LARGO

whitebelt		16-Jun-2010 15:24
Things learned in life. Grass or weeds for a lawn both require the same cutting and trimming. The grass may look better to your neighbors, but they aren't the ones maintaining it. Weeds grow by themselves. They are adapted to the environment. They get so high and you trim them. Just like grass. MUCH cheaper and labor intensive to maintain. Plus you sometimes get little flower blooms. A lot to be said for weeds. There is a profundity in that as applied to life in general. Guys our age must have cut tons and tons of grass and shrubbery and days and days at the least in doing so, in our lifetimes. Just to keep up appearances.

whitebelt		16-Jun-2010 14:20
Roberta, it is so good to hear Lewis is bouncing back. Like I posted before once your cowboy figured out what was happening he would get control of it. We tend to heal ourselves.

Nike		16-Jun-2010 12:47
Has anyone ever brought up the subject of the possibility of a Miami Rogues reunion in Miami? That is, a coming together of all of us. I propose we set a date in the fall of 2011 when the weather and tourists have cooled down. The only purpose to to have a get-together for dinner and drinks. If anyone wants to visit some of the places we discuss on this site, they can do so as individuals or groups. As always, there is absolutely no way we can set a date convenient to everyone. We just need to set a date and those who can come, do so. What are your thoughts?

Parks		16-Jun-2010 12:31
LARGO, Poland Yacht Basin was in business for many years but has been sold in the past few years. It's been hot in Miami but not as hot as everyone else is describing. I'll be away from my computer for a few days so everybody play nice while I'm gone.

Fran		16-Jun-2010 08:53
Sorry, Don, I don't hit the reset button. I have a Mac mouse that clicks at odd times. Working on the why it happens.

Don Boyd		16-Jun-2010 06:27
We interrupt this program to go back to dairies for a minute. I just added three photos of a 1948 article about Dr. John G. DuPuis, his son John G. DuPuis Jr. and their White Belt dairy in the 1940's gallery - scroll down to the 1948 time frame. The article was about the dairy's 50th anniversary in 1948. http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/memories_1940to1949 There are also new photos in the 1920's gallery contributed by Alvin Lederer and a photo of the 163rd Street Shopping Center at night in the Shopping Centers gallery. Roberta, thank you for the update on Lewis and that's really great news about his turnaround. Wow. I hope you improve health-wise too. Fran, you can avoid the duplicate and triplicate posting by not hitting the refresh button in your browser. We now return to regular programming about horses and oarlocks................ Don .

Roberta Perry Hughes		16-Jun-2010 05:40
Ain't never heard of oarlocks on a hossy..... However, lemme tell y'all about our Ford: -He's a freeze-branded Wild West Mustang, flame red, in color. -He is a convertible model, and sports a bucket seat, complete with an attached horn. -His gears are standard four-ON-the-floor. -His one-horse-power engine runs on occasional oats, sweet feed, grass, and plenty of water. ; ) We had a HHI today of 109 degrees. Pop-up T-storms gave up less than a half inch of rainfall, and kept me off of the computer all day, up until after 11 p.m. tonight. Lewis drove himself to Swainsboro, this morning, for his appointment with the Neurologist. The report was most glowing, in that they are thrilled with Lewis's progress. The vast improvement in his condition, which includes his cognitive awareness, ambulatory status, and reflexes, is nothing short of miraculous....! Had you observed him before, at the onset of this Lewy Body Disease, with borderline Parkinson's Disease, you would not believe it.....! The difference is like daylight and dark, thanks to an excellent doctor, and to the two Rx drugs that he prescribed for Lewis. We are truly thankful, for this 180 degree turnaround, believe me. In the beginning, his prognosis was not good, and our futures looked very grim. We feared that we would not be able to remain together, or to live at home. Saturday, we are having a sort of party....a covered dish dinner....to celebrate Lewis's 70th birthday, early, and my daughter-in-law's belated birthday, and Father's Day, as well. My son will bring dvd's that he has been wanting Lewis to see, and we will eat in the living room. Lewis and I will also be celebrating his "resurrection," of sorts, his freedom, from the grasp this disease process once had on him. Now, if only my own health would improve..... (sigh). All my best, to all of you, dear ones..... ==================================================================

LARGO		16-Jun-2010 05:00
NIKE...THANKS EVER SO MUCH FOR ADDING ME TO YOUR LIST....PARKS...NO RELATION TO POLANDS YACHT BASIN (HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN THERE?)...LOVE THE CAT NAME.."PO"...I MYSELF AM 1 CAT AWAY FROM BEING THE CRAZY CAT LADY!!...MY DAD WAS ONE OF THE FIRST CINEMATOGRAPHERS IN S. FLORIDA...CLIFFORD H. POLAND,ASC.....HE WORKED ON ALMOST EVERY FILM SHOT IN THE AREA...MANY COMMERCIALS, FLIPPER/ GENTLE BEN/ SALTY...SURFSIDE 6..(& thanks to DON there's a photo of moi @ 16 & Troy Donahue in 'The Rogues Gallery')...SADLY, BACK IN THE EARLY DAYS OF HIS FEATURE FILM CAREER, THEY DID NOT GIVE CREDIT TO THE 'LOCAL' FILM CREWS..UNLESS THEY WERE LOCALLY PRODUCED INDEPENDANTS..ONLY NEW YORK OR CA. CREWS RECEIVED CREDITS....NOW 'EVERYONE' GETS CREDIT...DAD WAS HAPPY THAT TRANSPIRED. HE WORKED WITH ED GIBSON, HARRY & BILLY WALSH, THE MAKEUP ARTISTS FAMILY...GUY & MARIA DEL RUSSO...MAKEUP ARTIST 'DOC LISTZ'..RICOU BROWNING, IVAN TORS, JAMES PERGOLA WAS HIS YOUNG CAMERA ASSISTANT..AND ON MY DADS ADVICE IN LATER YEARS.. WENT TO CALIFORNIA ..WHERE THE MONEY WAS & WENT ON TO PRODUCE THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED SERIES..AH HEM!...'BAYWATCH' OUT OF CALIFORNIA...AND RETIRED VERY COMFORTABLY IN NAPLES, FLORIDA......ROBERTA....AS A VERY YOUNG CHILD IN NORTH MIAMI, I REMEMBER OUR POSTMAN RODE A FAT, SHINY, NAVY BLUE BIKE WITH BACK SADDLEBAGS AND A HUGE FRONT BASKET..AND A 3 SIDED KICKSTAND...HA!! NOT SO MUCH JUNK MAIL IN THOSE DAYS....AND NO FAT CARRIERS EITHER.....BROKE A 10 YR. RECORD IN JAXVEGAS @ 102 TODAY (TUES.)....AS I TYPE, THE SOUND OF THUNDER IS ROLLING ACROSS THE MATANZAS RIVER...SOUNDS LIKE THE CANNONS AT THE FORT....HOPE RAIN IS NOT FAR BEHIND...I LOVE MY LITTLE TOWN...HOT OR COLD...BE WELL ALL......AS EVER........LARGO

whitebelt		16-Jun-2010 04:11
Thank, MRR. That is my personal collection. I love Poor Boy and Honkytonk. Among a few dozen others.

Miami River Rat		16-Jun-2010 03:42
Whitebelt: Cool music site! First time I've ever heard "In the Still of the Night" done by the Dell Vikings. Different from The Five Satins version but good. You've got several there by The Fireballs. They played Miami once, I caught them at a teenage dance. They put on a great live show. I wish I'd had this list five years ago when I was still putting oldies to CD. Chris Kenner's "I Like it Like That" is a hard one to find, as is "Cindy Oh Cindy". Did y'all know that Robin Luke wrote "Susie Darlin'" to his little sister Susie because his parents split and Susie went with the mom while Robin stayed with Dad? I always thought it was to a girlfriend! When I learned the real story I'd have cried if I were a girl, but since guys don't cry... Later, and thanks again for the link and password!

Fran		16-Jun-2010 02:47
Parks, I too enjoyed Whitebelts post. I know where to put the oarlocks. You put them near the seat belt and the direction signals. Works every time! Now, if you are talking about the oars on a boat. Aren't they the clips you use to keep your oars in the holder. So that you don't lose them? We didn't have oars. We had a Merc engine that hauled butt. Fast, truly fast...

whitebelt		16-Jun-2010 02:43
http://byinvite.awehican.org/Oldies/ Songs up until 1964 you might remember. This list of songs is only for the use of the regulars on this site. Username of miami and password of memories. You are on the honor system when it comes to listening and/or downloading them. Many of them you will not find in stores.

Parks		16-Jun-2010 01:32
Whitebelt, I got a kick out of your road, rowed, rode sentence. It would fool a spill checker. I didn’t get the joke right off and briefly wondered where you put the oarlocks on a horse.

Don Boyd		15-Jun-2010 22:49
The Graham family has owned huge land parcels in Northwest Dade from Pennsuco (PENNsylvania SUgar COmpany) east to Red Road since the late 1920's/early 1930's. A portion of their land holdings was developed into Miami Lakes which opened in 1962. I grew a mile or two south in Hialeah and we used to venture into the cattle operation to look around and talk to the cowboys on the ranch by riding our bikes up a dirt road that eventually became Ludlam Road (NW 67 Avenue). Graham Dairy Road (NW 138th Street) borders the south side of Miami Lakes. The Grahams also own large land parcels up around Lake Okeechobee and in Albany, Georgia where the annual cattle auctions are held. They kept cows on portions of Miami Lakes up until recently because land with cows on it is taxed at a much lower rate than vacant land. The "Barn" where cows were milked was at the northwest corner of Miami Lakes Drive (NW 154th Street) and Ludlam and it lasted until the late 70's/early 80's when they demolished it and built the New Barn apartments on the land. I don't remember a Graham Dairy milk brand being sold so they must have sold the milk to other dairies for sale under their name. The town's official mascot is the cow and several wildly painted life size cows are on display in different locations in town. Besides owning countless industrial and commercial properties that are leased out and residential apartment buildings, the Grahams are partners with famous football coach Don Shula in operating the Shula's Steak Houses and Shula's 2, etc. where the fine steaks come exclusively from the Graham's purebred registered Angus herd in Albany. Don

Fran		15-Jun-2010 16:07
Whitebelt, I love riding horses and have all of my life. Beef cattle, chickens and pigs are my favorite farm animals. The dairy cattle are the sweetest of them all.:) Okay, I am a secret farm girl from way back. The aroma of fresh cut grass brings to mind so many happy memories. It's in the 90's this week,scattered showers and some flash flooding. May take a few weeks for the temp to reach 100, but I'm sure we are in for a HOT summer.

Nike		15-Jun-2010 15:54
Whitebelt, Citing Wikipedia, "The Graham (Former Florida Governor and US Senator Bob Graham) dairy farm was redeveloped into Miami Lakes, a residential and commercial community, in 1963 under the leadership of Bob Graham's brother, William."

Jackie		15-Jun-2010 15:04
Roberta: In Canton yesterday we hit 94. Today will be a little cooler - around 92 or so, and a low of 71 or 2. The great thing , after living in South Florida for most of my life, is that the humidity hovers around 50%, and usually there is a nice breeze. I had my breakfast on the back deck this am looking out into the woods... a piece of heaven!

whitebelt		15-Jun-2010 14:58
115 with no humidity is not hot, Al, it is pleasantly warm. Just step into the shade. 105 with 98% humidity in New Orleans is hot. Shade or not. I love it out West in the dry. It has been cool the last couple of days here in CO. Clouds and rain really cool things down. Cool enough that I wish I had not started disassembling the furnace for cleaning. Glad the hot tub is working. Roberta, I grew up about 60 yards away from the Whitebelt dairy pasture. The barn and store was about 2 blocks away. It closed down in the 60's. It used to go from 54th st to 62nd st on NW 32nd ave. Parts of the Dupuis property was to the north and NE of it, which included working orange groves for a long time after. The south end of where MLK Park is now was where the barn and store was. There is a road in north Dade called Ives Dairy Road, but I have no idea what dairy used to be up there. I know they had cows in Miami Lakes up into the 90's. Maybe Don knows what dairies they had there. I understand they used to have buffalo, or beefalo, up in the NW part of the county around Pennsuco. Maybe Don knows about them. Fran, I road those ponies when i was a kid once. Only horses I ever rowed. I could never be a cowboy. Cows and horses scared me because they were so big. I have to be content to view them from the rode. :-)

Ariziona Al		15-Jun-2010 13:24
Roberta: Has "hit" 110 a couple of times sunce 6/1. Will average around 105 with occasional rise to the 110 plus for the rest of the summer. A truly hot day is 115 which we will see at least once or twice prior to the end of summer. Hot back East...No Way!!! Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well packing a full supply of sun block lotion in Phoenix, Arizona.

Nike		15-Jun-2010 12:01
Roberta, Rember when the Florida Power & Light (Florida Flicker & Flash) meter readers rode the Cushmans to read the meters? Yesterday, it was 103 in Atlanta with no breeze but only 89 in the Virgin Islands with a great breeze. Guess where I'd rather be? Actually, were going back around August 1st for a year. Retirement is everything I hoped it would be.

Roberta Perry Hughes		15-Jun-2010 09:05
I never went out to Milam Road, and Dressel's Dairy, but my second grade class, at Olympia Heights Elementary on Bird Road, went on a field trip one day, and we toured MacArthur's Dairy. We were given half pint bottles of milk, with the cardboard stoppers, to go with our sack lunches that we brought from home. Plus, they gave us some handouts, with their logo on them: new pencils, and a ruler. Our transportation for that trip was private cars, of the "room mothers" of our class. I remember two other dairies in Miami: Foremost, and Land O' Sun, which I think was in Miami Springs....? I have only heard of Dressel's Dairy through this site, oddly enough, and I have never seen anyone mention the other three dairies, that I have named above, that are outstanding in my childhood memories. For at home delivery of dairy products, you had your choice, in my neighborhood, of either MacArthur's, or Foremost, and they billed you either weekly, or monthly. MacArthur's also delivered Orange Blossom orange juice, which was the best orange juice I have ever tasted. I can still see the carton, with the half orange, dripping some juice, so invitingly, on the front of it. A couple of years ago, my sister was able to contact MacArthur's Dairy, and she ordered replicas of the quart size milk bottle, for herself, my brother, and me. What memories.....! My cousin recently did a search for me, on postal delivery vehicles, and on the site for the U.S. Postal Service Museum, is a color photo of one of the Cushman three-wheeled vehicles on display, that once was used to deliver the mail in my neighborhood. Do y'all remember those....? I sent the enlarged photo, and the link to the Museum site, to my neighbor, who was our mail carrier, 'til she took early retirement. She collects miniature mail vehicles...the jeeps and trucks, etc. When I told her about the little enclosed Cushman 3-wheelers, she did not believe me. So, I had to find a photo of it, to send her way. I have yet to talk to her, to learn her reaction to having seen it. : ) Anyway....! It has been suffocatingly hot and beyond humid, here in the CSRA. Even with the window a.c.'s running, plus, a stand fan, and a floor fan, in the heat of the day, it is barely tolerable, in the house. We have had temps with the HHI making it feel like it is 105 + degrees. How hot has it been where you folks live....? =================================================================

Nike		15-Jun-2010 09:01
Don, I stand corrected. I had completely forgotton the name of the dairy was different. MRR- I was never at that drag race but did catch a few at Masters Field. I heard that Bid Daddy Don Garlits stroked a few there but didn't actually see him. The only time I have actually seen him was at his place off I-75 in Ocala. Interesting bio on him at Wikipedia.

Miami River Rat		15-Jun-2010 02:59
Milam Dairy Road: Fine memories from a mis-spent youth. We had our midnight drag races out Milam Dairy Road. Straight as a string and flat, cutting across the 'glades out there. You could see a cop car coming all the way from Medly on one end and West Miami on the other. One pair of cars would roll up, get flagged to start and go while the next pair would be pulling up to the start line. After 20 minutes the smell of burned rubber was everywhere. You should have been there the night that black '57 Corvette and the '56 T-Bird with portholes squared off.....

Parks		15-Jun-2010 02:54
Hi Guys, I had a nice chat with Jeff today. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of Miami restaurants and night clubs. He even offered to buy me lunch which Don has never done. LARGO, did I ever tell you I have a cat named Poland, Po for short? I had my boat hauled out at Poland’s Yacht Basin on the Miami River. A little kitten came to visit with me every day. She now lives in my office. Are you related to the folks who owned the boat yard? Should we have an all caps day to drive the internet etiquette police nuts?

Don Boyd		15-Jun-2010 02:21
Nike: when you say "Milam Dairy" are you referring to an establishment by that name or are you referring to Dressel's Dairy on Milam Dairy Road west of the airport. I've never heard of "Milam Dairy" except for the dairy itself, the road that is named for it which is NW 72nd Avenue in parts and Milam Elementary in Hialeah. If you're referring to Dressel's Dairy there are aerial photos of it in the 1960's gallery and it's mentioned in the narrative at http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/image/64505500 . Don

Nike		14-Jun-2010 22:06
Jeff, Thanks for the update. LARGO - ST. AUGUSTINE, FL Jeff - North Miami, FL Jackie - Canton, GA Charlis - Tampa, FL Fran - College Station, TX Miami Girl - Rome, NY Nike - Atlanta, GA / Water Island, US Virgin Islands Charles Knight - Satellite Beach, FL Whitebelt - Las Animas, CO Parks - Miami, FL Arizona Al - Phoenix, AZ Miami River Rat - East-Central, AL Don - Miami Lakes, FL Roberta Perry Hughes - Wadley, GA Mike Tripp - Wrens, Georgia Leighton - ?? Anyone else?

Charles Knight		14-Jun-2010 20:54
Largo, I agree with Charlis. Type away anyway you want.

Fran		14-Jun-2010 20:12
Nike, Stayed at the Ponce de Leon Hotel before it became Flagler College. We even visited the" Fountain of Youth" and the oldest school house. That was many summers ago. I was really a young kid when we road out there to buy ice cream cones. We were small enough to ride that cute little train. Yup, remember the ponies and having to be strapped in the saddle and I remember the pony smell too. Good times...

charlis		14-Jun-2010 20:11
LARGO...THOSE WERE THE DAYS. TYPING IN CAPS IS ERGO FRIENDLY!

Jeff		14-Jun-2010 20:10
Roberta: A conversation with Parks noted I had been inquired about. I'm fine, thank you and hope you and Lewis are doing well. Nike - I'm in North Miami, FL

Nike		14-Jun-2010 19:16
Sorry, I meant Milam Dairy -- stupid keyboard.

Nike		14-Jun-2010 19:15
LARGO - SORRY FOR THE OVERSIGHT. By the way, I love staying at the Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine. Does anyone remember the Mialm Dairy where you could visit and get ice cream and ride a train and pony rides. Update Revision 3 LARGO - ST. AUGUSTINE, FL Jeff - ?? Jackie - Canton, GA Charlis - Tampa, FL Fran - College Station, TX Miami Girl - Rome, NY Nike - Atlanta, GA / Water Island, US Virgin Islands Charles Knight - Satellite Beach, FL Whitebelt - Las Animas, CO Parks - Miami, FL Arizona Al - Phoenix, AZ Miami River Rat - East-Central, AL Don - Miami Lakes, FL Roberta Perry Hughes - Wadley, GA Mike Tripp - Wrens, Georgia Leighton - ?? Anyone else?

LARGO		14-Jun-2010 18:34
CHARLIS...YEAAAA...SPEAKING OF 'COCKTAIL HOURS'....REMEMBER A FEW YEARS BACK WHEN DON STARTED THIS SITE...AND THE 'REGULARS' FROM THE BEGINNING USED TO ACTUALLY GET ON THIS SITE AND IT WAS LIKE A LITTLE ONLINE PUB........ANYWHERE FROM 6 TO MIDNIGHT...WE'D ALL BANTER OUR MIAMI MEMORIES BACK AND FORTH..THINK 'SOME OF US' EVEN HAD A LIBATION AT HAND... OR ARMS LENGTH ANYHOO..;~).......WAY BEFORE THE 'JUMP INS' WOULD ADMONISH US FOR OUR STYLE OF CHATTING EACH OTHER UP...OR GETTING SIDE TRACKED ON A NON FLORIDA SUBJECT...GOD FORBID!!!....AND OF COURSE MY UNFORGIVABLE SIN OF ALL "SCREAMING MIMI" CAPS....SIIIGH...WELL...HEY SUMMER IS UPON US....BRING YOUR... ICE TEA/MARGARITAS/BEERS/VT OR G&T'S..TRANSISTOR RADIOS...SPREAD OUT YOUR CYBER PICNIC BLANKETS OR LAWN CHAIRS....AND LETS CHAT...SAY WHAT YA'LL??..PS ..HEAR ME ROBERTA...TEA FOR YOU?.....LUV YA'LL.........LARGO

charlis		14-Jun-2010 17:34
Largo... we have not had our usual afternoon "cocktail hour" showers this year in Tampa. In the 70's and 80's you could set your clock by them starting in late April. We've broken records everyday for the past several with temps near 100. Between the excessive heat, the high prediction of storms, and the oil spill... this state is going to suffer this summer.

LARGO		14-Jun-2010 14:45
NIKE...OOPS!...AND I PRESENTLY RESIDE IN BEAUTIFUL 'UPSTATE FLORIDA'...ST. AUGUSTINE, FL.....SINCE 'O3...WAS IN JONESBOROUGH, TN FOR 20 YRS OR SO....TOOK ME THAT LONG TO GET BACK TO FLORIDA....PRESENTLY PREPING TO DO MY YOGA AND 'ANTI' HURRICANE COMBO DANCE...JUNE TO NOVEMBER RITUAL......ALL IT TAKES IS ONE PERSON TO ASK 'WHERE I BE'...AND..WELL...HERE I BE...MAYBE NOT A GOOD IDEA FOR SOME???...OH WELL....BUSY TIME..HELPING MY DAUGHTER MOVE THIS WEEK....JUST UP THE ROAD......BOOOOO YA!!.....LARGO

LARGO		14-Jun-2010 14:30
NIKE...YA LEFT ME OFF YOUR 'LIST'....;(......ROTFL.....CHECK IT TWICE!!!...ITS 'SHEILA POLAND LARGO'...LIKE ON FACEBOOK....FRIEND MOI.....SMILES ALL AROUND........LARGO

LARGO		14-Jun-2010 14:25
MZ ROBERTA...ON JUNE 5...12:32ish ... I SENT A NOTE...JUST 4 U BABY!!!.....WARM HERE IN THE UPEND OF OUR BEAUTIFUL SUNSHINE STATE...NEEDING RAIN...HOPE THIS FINDS YOU AND LEWIS STILL IMPROVING AND MOVING FORWARD...AND "ALL" OF YOU OUT THERE...PRAY FOR OUR PLANET...BE WELL ALL......LARGO

Fran		14-Jun-2010 13:48
Nike, No butts about it, James W Hall is a character.:) I think that his books are like candy. Once you have read one. You will crave more.

Nike		14-Jun-2010 13:42
CK, That's impressive that young men and women in high school are patriotic in these times.

Charles Knight		14-Jun-2010 12:46
On Friday the Satellite Beach High School swim team placed American flags in the front lawns of every home in our community. There are literally thousands of them here, makes me quite proud.

Nike		14-Jun-2010 11:57
Roberta, Let me be the first to thank you for pointing out that today is Flag Day. I encourage everyone to Google "United States Flag Code" and see what our flag is really about and how to properly display and show respect in its presence. Wikipedia has done an excellent job with a comprehensive explanation. I hope you will pass this on to your grandchildren, regardless of whether or not you are a veteran. We are all Americans. Kindest regards, Charles D. Carter (Nike) U.S.Army Veteran

Roberta Perry Hughes		14-Jun-2010 10:04
Today is Flag Day. Honor our Stars and Stripes. Let her proudly wave in the breezes, wherever you may be. Jeff.....Where have you been hiding....? I hope that you are well, and feeling good, and that your absence on this Board only means that you have been busily engaged in other pursuits..... LARGO.....How be ya, Miss 'Tine.....? Hugs to all of y'all..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nike		14-Jun-2010 09:51
AZ AL, That means her parents would have been wrong about both of us and proves the adage, "Don't judge a punk by his cover."

Arizona Al		14-Jun-2010 02:28
Nike: I can assure you that when I was in high school (PHS 64) the absolute last thing that Trula York's parents or the parents of any young lady at the time would want them to do was "take up with me" I was the archtypical juvenile delinquent. Always in trouble with both the school and the law. I rode a 1942 Indian Chief to school in my senior year and was a charter member of the Tyrants (a non-school sanctioned social club if you catch my drift). Fortunately some people change!!! Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Nike		14-Jun-2010 00:50
Sorry for the mistakes. I think the problem is my kybored

Nike		13-Jun-2010 23:28
Update Revision 2 Jackie - Canton, GA Charlis - Tampa, FL Fran - College Station, TX Miami Girl - Rome, NY Nike - Atlanta, GA / Water Island, US Virgin Islands Charles Knight - Satellite Beach, FL Whitebelt - Las Animas, CO Parks - Miami, FL Arizona Al - Phoenix, AZ Miami River Rat - East-Central, AL Don - Miami Lakes, FL Roberta Perry Hughes - Wadley, GA Mike Tripp - Wrens, Georgia Leighton - Anyone else? P.S. Check out jameswhall dot com (wink,wink). Select "Biography" then "Interviews" for an insightfuk look into James W. Hall. Interesting fact, he licves i south Florida and Boone, North Carolina. This is getting wierd.

Martha Pierson		13-Jun-2010 23:12
Hi Roberta, You asked about memories of the beach. How about stepping on tar balls at Crandon, pre BP oil, and the lifeguards that had kerosene at their stations to get the goo off your feet? AHHH memories of Crandon. LOL

Guest		13-Jun-2010 19:26
Nike: Jackie, Canton, GA, just up the road from Atlanta, and out of the congestion of big city life.

charlis		13-Jun-2010 17:03
Nike... Charlis... Tampa(Miami Beach)

Roberta Perry Hughes		13-Jun-2010 10:37
Re: Yesterday's World Cup soccer match, the United States vs. the United Kingdom.... With a score of 1 to 1, the way I see it..... The United States didn't lose..... and the United Kingdom didn't win. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nike		12-Jun-2010 22:12
Update Revision 1 Fran - College Station, TX Miami Girl - Rome, NY Nike - Atlanta, GA / Water Island, US Virgin Islands Charles Knight - Satellite Beach, FL Whitebelt - Las Animas, CO Parks - Miami, FL Arizona Al - Phoenix, AZ Miami River Rat - East-Central, AL Don - Miami Lakes, FL Charlis - Roberta Perry Hughes - Wadley, GA Mike Tripp - Wrens, Georgia Leighton - Anyone else? Roberta, Wadley sounds like Water Island excpet we don't have many of your modern conveniences. For example, there are no stores, doctors or anything esle unles you are willing to cross the bay to St Thomas. Everyone (about 200 residents) must catch their water in a cistern. However, I am certainly not complaining, it is paradise. Although we have airconditioning, we don't use it. The house is on a bluff at 300 feetb and gets a great tropical breeze year round. It reminds me a bit of the summers in Miami, clear one minute, pouring the next, then clear with steam. The breeze clears it out within 30 minutes. Atlanta is the total opposite--5.5 million people competing for the same lane in traffic and at the cash register. Fortunately, most are quite courteous. We are between both half the time.

miamigrl		12-Jun-2010 22:08
Guest, as most on here already know I live in Rome, NY and complaining about the weather all winter. It's 62 degrees today and raining, BUT it's Spring and the flowers are beautiful : ) Nike - great story! I just finished another James W. Hall book. We're going cruisin' out of Ft. Liquordale in January and we want to drive down so plan to include a trip down through the keys since I'm figuring Homestead and points south are mostly the last of "old Florida" still in existence and I want to see it all again before it totally disappears! Have to make a stop at Robert is Here and a bunch of the other sites mentioned by all you wonderful folks. I'll have to start making a list so keep those memories coming!

Roberta Perry Hughes		12-Jun-2010 21:55
I get my mail from a little fart-of-a-town called Wadley, located on U.S. 1, just 16 miles south of Louisville, Ga., which was THE first capital of the State (Louisville was, not Wadley). I live 3 miles from town, out in the countryside, on River Road....what river...? The Ogeechee, which is a mere mile-and-a-half from me. It crested, then flooded its banks, in 1990, the year before we moved to this area. Wadley was a railroad town, in its heyday, for both passengers, as well as freight. The old buildings associated with those days are mostly gone, and the ones that remain are shuttered down and covered with moss, and/or kudzu. The "Nancy Hanks" used to come through, and pick up passengers. Now, its the Norfolk Southern RR line, which is freight. Sound carries far and wide, in the country, and we can hear the clickety-clickety, of the train on the tracks, at various hours, and of course, everyone can hear the whistle blow, as it is headed toward town. Do a search, by typing in Wadley, Georgia, and you will see a collection of old black and white photos of the town, as it appeared in 1948, as well as the old train depot, with the "Nancy Hanks' pulled up to the station, and passengers, awaiting to board. The town looks pretty much the same, today, except the existing buildings are falling down, from the inside, with their ceilings caving in from the upstairs floors. The cafe was closed about 2 years ago, for that reason, and no one stays in the once-rented rooms of the old hotel. There is no historical preservation society in place, so these old buildings are doomed. I hope that you will do a search of my current hometown, just to see one of many such towns of yore, that are rapidly disappearing from the landscape. They are all over the state. Soon, it will be like they were never there. It's a shame, really. Everything we would want, or need, is right there, in Wadley. Our Internal Medicine doctor; Gunn Drug Company; IGA grocery; USPS; Queensborough National Bank and Trust; 2 dollar stores; a Jet Store; Flash Foods; Shake Rag Truck Stop, with a Waffle King; laudromat; Chinese take-away; Mexican restaurant; movie rental; Tax Service; Baptist Church; Methodist Church; Hardware and Feed Store; Police Department; etc. I live in a very caring, closely-knit community, where everyone gives a hand, where needed, and the mail carrier knows where everyone lives. I had my formative years, growing up in 1950's Miami, and spent junior high and high school, back in rural Georgia, having graduated in the town where I was born, Edison. We are comfortable, living in the country, and having the closest town to be of the "one-horse" status. I do not think that I could tolerate living in the city again, at my age. I like being "laid back." Even so, I do love all of the memories, of Miami, and the surrounding communities, as described on these pages, and I haunt this site, at various hours of the day, and night. I feel I belong here, and that I have made a lot of friends, in cyberspace, on these wonderful pages. P.S., Mike Tripp lives in Wrens, Georgia, between Louisville and Augusta. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

whitebelt		12-Jun-2010 21:49
Miamigirl, Homestead and south to the keys are not old Florida. You will not recognize them. Up the coast is the closest you will get to that.

Nike		12-Jun-2010 21:07
CK - How are you doing with the JW Hall books? s you finish them, why not make them available to other Miami Rogues? US Mail Book Rate is pretty cheap (and slow).

Nike		12-Jun-2010 20:52
Update: Fran - College Station, TX Miami Girl - Rome, NY Nike - Atlanta, GA / Water Island, US Virgin Islands Charles Knight - Satellite Beach, FL Whitebelt - Las Animas, CO Parks - Miami, FL Arizona Al - Phoenix, AZ Miami River Rat - East-Central, AL Don - Miami Lakes, FL Charlis - Roberta Perry Hughes - Leighton - Anyone else?

charlis		12-Jun-2010 20:47
miamigirl... send the cool weather down here to Tampa. I worked our household chemical collection and the temp was close to 100!

Fran		12-Jun-2010 20:45
Nike, I live in College Station and College Station is located in the Brazos Valley. MRR, thanks for the 411 concerning James W. Hall. I can't wait to read all of his books. Favorite moment in the keys, sunset...

charlis		12-Jun-2010 20:41
Parks and MRR... CSI Miami... I'll never forget the episode about some Internet games where kids were being killed... They went to the hockey rink???? at UM. The signs said "Miami University"... that's in OH! Another episode showed a skyline from a helicopter rushing to a crime scene... it was Tampa!

miamigrl		12-Jun-2010 19:48
Guest, as most on here already know I live in Rome, NY and complaining about the weather all winter. It's 62 degrees today and raining, BUT it's Spring and the flowers are beautiful : ) Nike - great story! I just finished another James W. Hall book. We're going cruisin' out of Ft. Liquordale in January and we want to drive down so plan to include a trip down through the keys since I'm figuring Homestead and points south are mostly the last of "old Florida" still in existence and I want to see it all again before it totally disappears! Have to make a stop at Robert is Here and a bunch of the other sites mentioned by all you wonderful folks. I'll have to start making a list so keep those memories coming!

Nike		12-Jun-2010 19:39
Thanks for your comments on the "Trula Saga." By the way, I have once again poo-pooed. I am Guest. I just forgot to sign in when I asked for a locations where all the Miami Rogues live. Nike - Atlanta, GA / Water Island, US Virgin Islands Charles Knight - Satellite Beach, FL Whitebelt - Las Animas, CO Fran - Brazos Valley, TX Parks - Miami, FL Arizona Al - Phoenix, AZ Miami River Rat - East-Central, AL Don - Miami Lakes, FL How about the rest?

whitebelt		12-Jun-2010 17:11
Guest, I live in Las Animas, Co. To reach it drive west and go 50 miles past where the sun sets.

Charles Knight		12-Jun-2010 15:11
I still have an Aunt and several cousins in Islamorada. Wonder if they know your friend. Carl Hiaassen is a neighbor as well...Small town Islamorada...

Fran		12-Jun-2010 15:10
MRR, I could live in the world of "Hate". What good would that do? Hate is a destructive vice, besides God will take care of him later.:) I don't know about a special place but I do know that you of all people should not sell yourself short. As for hiding out, must have sold that guy a tough cow.:) Lookin' for some action in a windowless van? Hummmmmm Nike, I too have enjoyed reading your cool story. It's nice to know that there is hope in finding the right individual who will make each day a happy day.:) Alive and taking a nap in the Brazos Valley,Texas.

Parks		12-Jun-2010 14:21
Wow Nike, what a great story! She works in a tackle store, what more could a man want? Parks, Reporting from Miami

Miami River Rat		12-Jun-2010 13:54
Nike~~~Very cool story about Trula and so forth. Now I know somebody that knows somebody whose name is famous! Concerning the Ford Econoline, I suppose the windowless van could lead to worlds of speculation. I just really wanted to see some ACTION! Fran, you're a better person than I am. I don't see myself caring for the ex the way you have been doing. Probably there's a special place in heaven for folks like you and a special place in hell for those like me. MRR, alive and well and hiding in East-Central Alabama.

Guest		12-Jun-2010 13:11
I'm having trouble remembering where all the Miami Rogues live. Unless you are in a government witness protection program, can we start a list? Nike - Atlanta, GA Next -

Nike		12-Jun-2010 12:35
MRR, Well...., the truth must come out sooner or later. When in the 7th grade at Shenandoah Junior High School in 1958, I met and fell head over heels in love with Trula. We "went steady" for a couple of years when I left Miami to live with my grandparents in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She met someone else in my absence as i did the same. In 1962, I joined the Army and was assigned to the Nike site in south Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Yes, I looked up Trula who was at Palmetto High School and we re-established a relationship. This time, I proposed to her. Her parents didn't like me in school and they didn't like me as a soldier. They wanted her to marry someone like Arizona Al who could make her rich and famous. So, the engagement didn't last as they sent her to that school in Gainesville, Florida. You know the one. By the time I got out of the Army in 1965, I had met and married a local girl in Homestead, yada, yada, yada.... In 1986, I was driving to Key West alone and stopped at a bait and tackle shop in Key Largo for something cold to drink. Lo and behold, Trula was behind the counter. Neither of us could believe our eyes. After the sparks stopped flying we hugged and stammered over what each others lives were like. We agreed to stay in touch. During the months that followed, one of the things she told me was about a relatively new writer she met that was writing about the Keys, James W. Hall. He was in an out of the bait shop frequently and they talked a lot about life in the Keys, ect. I purchased his first book, "Under Cover of Darkness" and became a fan. As time went on and he wrote more, she told me that Hall was going to use her name for a character in an upcoming book. So, Trula was Trula Montoya. Like many others, I have always wondered how life would have worked out if we had married in the early sixties. However, I could never be happier than I am with Nancy. We married seven years ago for better or worse. Because of her, life is always better and never worse. Now you know the rest of the story.

Roberta Perry Hughes		12-Jun-2010 08:06
Fran.....Perhaps that van contained a cache of potted hibiscus plants, bouganvillia, coleas, ficus trees, and other foliage, confiscated from a nursery that was also selling potted cannabas, to examine each for possible seedlings of same, or the seeds themselves, embedded within the soil of the "innocent" plants.....? The owners of the nursery, as well as their employees, were being processed as "persons of interest," in an attempt to bust a drug ring of pot growers, in the city.....? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roberta Perry Hughes		12-Jun-2010 07:57
Parks.....I looked up "Keaton's Cop" on IMDb, and it states that the film locations was...Galveston, TX. My bad. :( However, I know I did not dream the beginning of the film, where it gave the location, something like, "Miami, Florida," and the year, nor the scenery, as Lee Majors and Don Rickles were driving to a retirement home, to see Abe Vigoda. I typed in, "Movies filmed in Florida," and did a search, and there were several places to click, that listed both films and TV series, plus, there was one that listed the same, filmed specifically in Miami. "Keaton's Cop," of course, was not among those listed. Oh, well. I thought it merited mention, due to its opening scenes. (sigh). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fran		12-Jun-2010 04:55
Mr. Rat, That el-cheapo Ford Econoline van probably had a body inside. Perhaps a drug bust or a donut run? Most likely they were on their way to pick up globs of tar on South Beach. Now, don't get your whites in an uproar.:) Just think about the possibilities concerning the van. It's like the game we played as children. Try and guess what the people are saying in the car next to us. No, I'm not making fun of the oil situation. Making light hearted banter after a difficult day/week taking care of a former husband. Looks like six more weeks... "Canes down one game tonight...

Miami River Rat		12-Jun-2010 03:44
You guys carrying on about the Trula chick from Palmetto HS that lives at Key Largo now: The only other time I've heard that weird name is in the James Hall novel, "Bones of Coral". He places Trula Montoya at Key West. Think maybe Hall ran into y'all's Trula somewhere and wrote her in? Speaking of CSI Miami, on my recent trip down there I'm crusin' down the turnpike headed to Homestead when I run up behind a vehicle with "Miami-Dade Crime Scene Investigation" painted on the back. What a disappointment! Is it a fancy Hummer like Horatio drives? No, it's an el-cheapo Ford Econoline van. Bummer...

Parks		12-Jun-2010 01:23
Roberta, We've noticed that in all true Miami movies there is always a scene of someone driving across a causeway. It is usually the McArthur Causeway. In the TV show CSI Miami they can't drive anywhere with out crossing the McArthur Causeway. Of course that's not really filmed here, the trees are wrong. I think they have this one short clip of a Hummer driving across the causeway and they for some reason they have to use it in every episode. I'll check Net Flix for Keaton's Cop. Thanks

Roberta Perry Hughes		11-Jun-2010 23:43
Parks..... "Keaton's Cop," from what I could tell, was far from being comedic. Abe Vigoda's character was a former mobster....or at least, an aged one, and infirm....and was in a nursing facility. Don Rickles played the law enforcement partner of Lee Majors, and they went to that facility, where Vigoda was, to investigate a "hit," where a fellow patient had been snuffed out, via a silencer....the same patient, who, earlier, had been playing cards, with Vigoda's character. Vigoda and Rickles, it turned out, knew each other, and must have been friends, once-upon-a-time, given their greetings to one another, on sight. I watched the very beginning, plus, the scenery going by, as Majors and Rickles drove to the nursing facility, as they passed the Bleau, and a few other familiar Miami/Miami Beach edifices. By the time they got to the nursing facility, however, and Vigoda copped an attitude, toward Majors, when he espied him in the room, I lost interest in the film. At the beginning, words on the screen stated, "Miami," and gave the date, to denote the setting and year that the film takes place, and the opening scenes were of the nursing facility, and centered on Vigoda and the man in the wheelchair, playing cards. That perked my interest, right there, that setting and date did, but I saw enough, to be able to tell you, that, no, I do not believe it was a comedy. I had never heard of this film, so I figure it did not have a large exposure, in theaters. I just wanted to throw it out there, should you be interested in trying to locate a copy, for your Florida Movie Night events. I will continue to keep an eye out for you, for films made in Florida....most especially, if they are set in Miami. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Parks		11-Jun-2010 14:24
Roberta, thanks for the movie tip. Was Keaton’s Cop a comedy? Rat, thanks for the link to the Channel 2 web site. I see there are a couple of video clips with my long time customers, Hempstead Towing. The Hempstead family has operated tug boats on the river for more than fifty years. They’re training the fourth generation now.

Miami River Rat		11-Jun-2010 13:09
Charles: Cool about your friend jumping on something there. I've seen manatees as far up the river as Hialeah, back before the salt water intrusion dam was built about 32nd ave. Could have been one of them or a big gator come to town for Saturday shopping.

Nike		11-Jun-2010 13:08
AZAL, My statement that I taught there was actually a bit of an embellishment on my part. I conducted seminars at the ASU conference center from 1987-1993 but was never a professor. I have learned that Trula lives in Key Largo and is married to the radio host, Rick Berry who is an authority on fishing. She owns a botique across the street from the Cheeca Lodge in Islamarada. Speaking of Islamarada, the Green Turtle Inn has the best food in the Keys. Of course the place in Goulds just north of Homestead that sold Key Lime Pies and Guava Jelly were my favorites for desert and jelly. By the way, the last few times I was in Miami, I don't remember seeing the guava groves in the back yards like from years past. Where are all the guava trees?

Charles Knight		11-Jun-2010 12:03
Hello all, especially you Rat. I've been on daily to read the posts, didn't have anything to add though. I recall however, when the city was building the bridge across the river at 37th ave. We were swimming there one evening and my friend Gary Roselle jumped from a large black pipe onto a water creature of unknown origin and substantial size. I've never seen anyone swim as fast as Gary did that night to get the heck out of the water...He hit the bank running. We all laughed until there were tears coming out of our eyes. And yes Rat...There was doobage involved! I Read on the internet this morning where the experts believe that the oil is actually being released into the Gulf at twice the amount (or more) than previously estimated. In China the BP exec's. would have already been dealt with via firing squad, we already import everything in Walmart and other retailers from there...Why not a squad? I'm just venting here... As are all of you, I am a proud supporter of our great state. This is a horrific situation. I am more than a little apprehensive for the future of our sea flora and fauna. What we've seen in photos and video is merely the beginning, we should all be concerned, even the folks in the middle of the country.

Roberta Perry Hughes		11-Jun-2010 11:54
Parks.....Another Florida movie for you that I saw on TV recently: "Keaton's Cop," starring Lee Majors, with Don Rickles, and Abe Vigoda. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roberta Perry Hughes		11-Jun-2010 04:51
Whitebelt.....WELCOME BACK.....!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arizona Al		11-Jun-2010 03:49
Nike: I attended Appalachian State University 1972-1974 (M.A. 1974). What years did you teach there? As for Crossnore, N.C., one of my best friends from college days still lives in Crossnore. His name is Colbert (Bert) Palmer and he owns a plumbing business. It seems we have more in common than Trula York (1964). Whitebelt: Welcome Back. I have truly missed your ascerbic wit abd wisdom! Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Fran		11-Jun-2010 02:42
Miami Girl, The Miami River remains a special place in my heart. During the 30's my dad learned to swim in the river. I wish that I had paid more attention to the stories he told about himself, his friends and their adventures on the river. The Miami River continues to provide a lifeline for the cities that border the river. A place where pirate boys fought to capture the bounty and little girls dream of sailing away. Yup, South Beach is my all time favorite. Although Cocoa Beach is almost at the top of my list. Ron Jon Surf Shop, Bitchin...:)

miamigrl		11-Jun-2010 00:54
Thanks MRR for those Reflections on the River. Aren't those pictures just gorgeous! That beautiful, unpolluted sky is one thing that always stood out for me when returning to Miami from somewhere up north (actually mainly East Tennessee) back in the 60's. Those factory smells could knock you over. Now, not as bad. I loved riding down Collins Ave. in a convertible at night, seeing all the lights reflecting off the water. And of course we had our own special place off Old Cutler to park next to the water with the wind blowing through the pines, I wanted it to last forever. Very most favorite beach --- SOUTH BEACH of course, also a lot different than now. Those days we had to be careful not to run over some old coot walking across the street to their winter home at one of the hotels, or worse yet riding a bike!

whitebelt		11-Jun-2010 00:38
Thank you for the kind words, Fran. There really is no use in fighting. That uses energy that could be channelled in better ways. At our age we should value the virtues of patience and savor the good things as long as possible. Take turns. :-) Speaking of cow dung as I did earlier, lo and behold I just ran across this article. A very good read. http://www.michaelyon-online.com/gobar-gas.htm I have two 6x6x6 cisterns that are not used. Jeez, I could pack a lot of sh** in them and save some money. The problem is getting the resources. There is a horse pasture less than a block away where I may gain donations. But I will have to get a wagon to haul it. I started taking apart the filthy nasty furnace today. It works, but I kinda don't think I want to go through the cleaning or replacing of ducts. Gas fireplaces come to mind. Especially since you still get heat without electricity with them. Have to check this Gobar gas out further. Would be nice if it burned the same as natural gas. Roberta and MRR, you may have sources for your own gas factories.

Miami River Rat		11-Jun-2010 00:31
Reflections on the River: link http://www.channel2.org/miamiriver/about.html Click on the site, then "about the program", then on the little green box on the right side for transcripts. Lots of cool stuff about early Miami and the Miami River in those transcripts and other areas of the site as well. Thanks to my cousin James Coppinger for finding this one.

Fran		10-Jun-2010 23:52
Whitebelt! Sounds like you are enjoying the new homestead. You know that lap thing. I would probably have to fight Charlis, for that space. :) I was thinking of you the just other day. Again, glad to hear that all is well.

whitebelt		10-Jun-2010 22:18
My favorite memories of the beach? As an adult, smoking doobies and lazing around Matheson Hammock. The only beach, though it isn't really a beach, that I really liked until I went to Daytona. Daytona is a beach. Finally warmed up in southeastern Colorado. Two one hundred degree days so far, though it still goes down to the 70's on cloudy days. Nights in the 50's and 60's. Low humidity. I have been running around in my cutoffs for the last month mostly. I like it warm. Been through two tornado warnings, but they seem to never have hit the town though history. The hot tub has been up and running. Waiting on my check to remodel the room. But I can do it at my leisure now. It ain't pretty yet, but it works. About 7 foot square inside with all sorts of combos of air and water jets. Have room for at least 6 or 7 women in it, though one may have to sit on my lap. Got water pressure now. The main tap had clogged down to the size of a small screwdriver blade from the water system of previous years. Takes longer to drain the hot tub than filling it. Almost zero hardness to the water. Reverse osmosis system now. The crop dusters were busy a few weeks ago. Reminded me of Homestead. The occasional smell of cow excretement wafting through reminds me an awful lot of Miami. Though it wasn't the cows in Miami. :-)

Fran		10-Jun-2010 20:04
Leighton, My nephew suffered as you have. Never fitting in here and there. I will tell you what I told him. It takes all kinds to make this world. YOU have a place! Best to you...

Fran		10-Jun-2010 16:20
Miami River Rat. Your thoughts and opinions are well noted.

Miami River Rat		10-Jun-2010 13:57
Concerning what the government CAN do about the oil spill: Think back to the days of hurricane Andrew and those hurricanes that criss-crossed Florida. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) was an effective and resourceful agency that solved a lot of problems for people in distress. Starting with the Clinton administration and accelerated by Bush, the Fed slowly stripped FEMA in order to save a few dollars. After 9-11 FEMA was reduced further and put under Homeland Security. FEMA's best people were transferred to other agencies and others were given pink slips, but WE'RE SAVING MONEY! When hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit, FEMA was a shell of its former self and no longer had the resources to be effective. Of course, Bush fired "Brownie" instead of saying: "Me and Ol' Bill Clinton screwed up and dismantled our emergency system to save a few bucks so now we can't help you". So today, there is no arm of the government that can do what FEMA did in earlier disasters. We are saving a few bucks, but the people and infrastructure to help in this oil spill crisis are long gone And no, I was never a FEMA employee. I did work with them a good bit through my job with the Dept. of Agriculture. I watched first-hand as an effective arm of the government was rendered impotent by foolish decisions. Today we can't do anything in the Gulf, but rest easy my fellow citizens, we are saving a few bucks.

Nike		10-Jun-2010 10:33
Leighton, You mentioned you had spent time around Boone, Blowing Rock, and surrounding area. I taught some courses at Appalachian State University in Boone. Not only was it beautiful but I was surprised at how many retirees there were from Miami. In fact, my parents retired to Crossnore in Avery County from Miami. I would have to say my favorite season there is when the rhododendrums are in bloom. It is like the hydrangea season in Atlanta or the Blue Bonnets in Texas.

Fran		10-Jun-2010 08:32
Since you do not know what I am talking about then there is NO need to explain. You are who you are nothing more , nothing less. I'm glad that you didn't take your marbles and run home.:) Your opinion makes for an interesting read. It's not important if I agree with your comments. The truth is that you had already stated that you were making a quiet exit. Peace to you and your friend according to you unwisely peeks here. ;-)

Leighton		10-Jun-2010 07:49
Fran, A friend who unwisely peaks in here sporadically, recommended that I jump back in, and respond to you. I have NO idea what your comment was about. I am returning to TN to visit family, and have some dental work done. My life wasn't what I wanted? Huh? I don't know that my family loves me? WHAT are you talking about? I was commenting on a culture, not my life. No need to diffuse anything. Opinions are discussed, one hopes. I just don't fit into the nook, either in here, or up there. And by the way, fffffolks, there are FAR too many assumptions made in here. Sheesh. Will be back in TX next month. For a few months of 100+ heat and no rain. Now, back to flowers, birds and oil......

Fran		10-Jun-2010 04:36
Roberta, so many fond memories. Staying at the Pink Flamingo on Estero Beach and collecting shells with my young children. Let's see, meeting the officers on leave at the Ft. Walton Beach Ski Club. My dad was a lover of the ocean and we went to the beach all summer long. In fact we would have breakfast, swim, take a nap and be home for a late lunch. Some of my favorite times of my life were spent at the beach. I could tell you about making out at the "Causeway" beach. It was a star lit night, the tide was rolling in and the breeze was filled with warm salted air. A perfect end to a wonderful date. No, not telling,secrets are to be kept and not shared. I'm not that kiss and tell kind of gal.:) P.S. However, I will tell you this much. He was a good kisser.:)

Roberta Perry Hughes		10-Jun-2010 02:10
I would like for y'all to share with me your fondest memories of going to the beach, in Miami, Miami Beach, or where you now live, to help me to erase the images that I see on the TV screen, if only for a little while. I loved Crandon Park, Matheson Hump beach, aka Matheson Hammack, and Tahiti Beach. Daddy took us down to the Keys, on vacations, and to St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Tampa, and other towns, along the Gulf Coast, sometimes, on a weekend trip, that had us packed and ready to go when he got home from work on a Friday. We even went to Pensacola, with a pull behind homemade trailer, and the menfolk fished. Thanks, for your memories....! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

charlis		09-Jun-2010 21:47
gang... I mentioned the BP mess a while ago... talking about finding the oil on the beaches of Miami Beach in the early 60's... It is very tragic with what has happened now. Cities all along the west coast of FL are "recieving" the rescued wild life. They are asking for help in getting the oil off of the wild life, even showing people how to do same. I "have a way with animals" and would love to volunteer but physical problems will not allow me to. WE need to drill for oil anywhere we can. I say WE... the US... not foreign oil companies. The BP CEO should be stuffed into the leak. BP has been feeding the US a bunch of BS.

miamigrl		09-Jun-2010 20:58
Roberta thanks for breaking the ice on the BP mess, if I was retired now as my husband is we'd be headed down there to save at least one bird and shovel up those tar balls. It's heartbreaking.

Fran		09-Jun-2010 15:29
Miami River Rat, I would like the federal government to provide more assistance to local and state government affected by the spill. The clock is ticking, this is a crisis! Too much time has passed with no solution in sight. A more proactive approach would have been nice. A "I feel your pain" . You matter. your families, homes and business's matter. Just not give lip service but instead listen. I would continue to encourage those affected, never give up! I really don't want to lecture or stand on my soap box. This teacher celebrated Earth Day with her students. Recycle was the motto of the day. I don't feel that you are quarreling at all. I think if I understand your asking, if you have a thought? How did you form that train of thought? More like an upper level critical thought process. A foundation for your opinion not just a thought without substance.

Miami River Rat		09-Jun-2010 13:42
Now that Auburn is out of the tournament, go 'Canes! That oil spill is tragic and i don't even like to think about it. BP's profit in the first quarter of this year was $3 billion. They should have to put everything back the way it was if it takes that and every dollar they make for the next ten years. Fran: Not quarreling by any means, but what would you have the federal government do? They aren't in the oil business and don't have the machinery or know-how to just step in and fix the leak. What's your thought?

Fran		09-Jun-2010 13:33
Roberta, I too share much of what you have expressed in your post. It's so frustrating following the updates of the spill, knowing how the federal government has handled this crisis. I have been reluctant to mention this situation considering so much of our beaches/lives have been destroyed. I would like to encourage those who can be a part of the clean up to do so. Talks with the fishermen, ass kicking, who is he kidding?

Roberta Perry Hughes		09-Jun-2010 08:40
Just checking in to say "Hello," and to relate that we both are doing fine, so far, of which I am most thankful. My heart is breaking, over the catastrophic oil spill, courtesy of BP. I have wept buckets, over the destruction of beaches, and the death of wildlife and marine animals, as well as in the marshlands. I cannot begin to imagine the stench, nor the work it is going to take, to dispose of all that have perished, and washed ashore. We need our National Guard to come home, and help our own, who are in dire straits. I pray to God, for that leak to be capped off, soon, and for it to cease gushing more and more oil, that is such a killer, to all that we love, about coastal lands and vacation spots, costing livelihoods, and habitats, and neighborhoods. The loss of these jobs will cause an astronomical rise in the unemployed. BP should be made to pay the unemployment, for all of those affected by this horrible event. It has far-reaching effects. Seafood restaurants, in Augusta, Georgia, and most every place, get their shrimp and fish from the Gulf of Mexico. Blue Fin tuna live in the Gulf, and so many other species, as you all are aware, I am sure. Sea turtles, and porpoises, are washing up on the beaches. I am sure that soon, the whales will follow. This is such a nightmare, and a cause for grief. I have been yearning, for so long, to visit the beach, just one more time, and relish the sugar-white sands, and the hard packed strand, at the water's edge, and to hear the cry of the gulls overhead, and the sounds of the surf, rolling to shore, from the wide expanse of the sea. If you live near a beach, and it is still pristine, go there, every chance you get, with your cameras, and your camcorders, and capture it, for all time, on film....every time you visit. Gather sea shells, if they are there, and sand dollars, too. Cherish those treasures, for all time, for they may soon be lost to us. I hate to be a doom and gloomer, but no one has mentioned this catastrophe, nor expressed their feelings about it, nor related all that the ocean, and the Gulf means to you. To me, they are a large part of my childhood. Sure, we visited the Venetian Pool, and West End Pool, too, but the beach is where we always went, on weekends, during school, and every chance we got, in Summer. We picnicked there, and held family reunions, at Crandon Park. Y'all, please, go there, for me. Savor it, every sight and sound, the scent of the salt air, the warmth of the sun, just everything about the wonderful Florida beaches, and think of me, while you are there.....and count your blessings, that there is still time, to enjoy what may be lost to us, for a long long time to come. Thanks, in advance, my Friends. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fran		09-Jun-2010 04:06
Miami River Rat, I am sorry for your loss. I know that a lot of hard work has come to an end for the Auburn baseball season. I was sadden by the Aggie loss. However, I tend to look on the bright side, Canes won! I will admit that I am a closet Cane fan. I like the way Morris coaches and relates to his players. So it's Gator Land and the Canes, may the Canes win!

miamigrl		09-Jun-2010 00:12
Thanks Fran and MRR's plant wisdom - since I have none I need all the help I can get.

Fran		08-Jun-2010 20:27
Dear Uncle Frank, You seem to be mistaken, trouble no. However, you have found nothing of interest that would lead you to that conclusion UM and my beloved Aggies are playing in a rain delayed game. Miami Girl, MRR does have a world of knowledge concerning the care of plants both tropical and native. He would make a great resource for the information you will need when you move to Augusta.

Uncle Frank		08-Jun-2010 19:45
People Of Pleasantville, Is there trouble in paradise? Oh dear. God Forbid.

Nike		07-Jun-2010 21:31
Leighten, Lighten up. I was just having fun. If you go away, we'll all come and find you. Then, we'll do what my brother and sister did to me when I got mad after they made fun of me. One held me down while the other tickled me until I pee'd my pants. Welcome back.

Fran		07-Jun-2010 20:44
Leighton, The post was meant to defuse a storm that was brewing. You however will be returning to the very place you distain so much. Obviously you have failed to discern acceptable and rude comments. Remember that when you return to the family that feeds you, shelters you and yes, loves you. When you don't learn from your mistakes. You WILL continue to repeat them. The past builds the foundation for the future. I'm sorry that your life was not what you wanted. Best of luck!

Leighton		07-Jun-2010 15:35
I think it was obvious, that I wasn't discussing "manners" of small towns, OR progress being the same as overdevelopment. Come on, folks. I am talking attitudes about the arts/architecture, race, education, health, etc. Good grief. I do NOT want to live in the past, although I have fond memories of it. I'll make a quiet exit at this time. I find it quite ironic, Nike, that I AM the one labeled as "sensitive," after some of the tirades witnessed in here. Adios, and best regards ex and current Miamians......

Fran		07-Jun-2010 15:04
MRR, Speaking of progress, that's one of the reasons I enjoy College station so much. True, it's a college town with young adults who are respectful and kind. It's not unusual for the door to be held open for a female or a senior citizen. Yes, sir and no sir seems to be the rule of the day. Backwards no way, just a howdy way of life. We, including ranchers and farmers work very hard as a community to better our schools, protect our land and provide a safe place to live. I think you all ready know this, nice to remind all who have never been to my neck of the woods. Parks, The "Causeway" is a special place for me. I went with a cow boy there 43 years ago. I was just a 17 year old with dreams of a nice sweet boy. Odd even though we haven't seen each other in 43 years that time of life has remained special. We do communicate, lives in the Gables. Yup, and we have shared pictures too. He never married...

Parks		07-Jun-2010 14:26
Hi Rat, Yes you probably caught mangrove snapper and grunt there. I didn't jump off the Bear Cut Bridge but as a small child I had a re-occurring dream of jumping off the first bridge on the Rickenbacker. I always woke up just as I hit the water. When I was eight or nine I actually did jump off the bridge and I've never had the dream since. Very strange.

Miami River Rat		07-Jun-2010 13:07
Parks, interesting information. I seem to remember fishing in that spot years ago, but that was a long time and I'm no longer certain. Would that have been a place to fish from a small boat? Speaking of Bear Cut, did anyone else like diving off of the Bear Cut bridge? That was a KICK! Be sure to count five pilings out, fewer than that and the water's too shallow and you'll bottom out. Speaking of progress, I hope it stays away from my backwoods area here in East Alabama. I left Miami because of progress. I've seen enough pollution, pavement and ignorant laws passed in the name of progress to last several lifetimes.

Nike		07-Jun-2010 12:29
Leighton, SInce you always seem sensitive to various remarks (even when said in fun), I respectfully ask you to explain your remark, "If one is a member of the Tea Party, he/she might love it there, I dunno. The middle class that I grew up with, has moved away." I was under the impression we left our politics and religion at the door when we entered the forum. Best regards, Nike

Parks		07-Jun-2010 02:35
Hi Guys, I had a Miami history adventure today. I dove on the wreck of the Half Moon. The Half Moon was built in 1908 and sank just out side of Bear Cut in the early thirties. You can learn more if you're interested here:http://www.flheritage.com/archaeology/underwater/preserves/halfmoon.cfm For even more information follow the link on the above site to the proposal to make it a State Preserve. It's in only about ten feet of water so it was a nice free dive.

Leighton		07-Jun-2010 02:35
Most of the change is progress, for the NC side of the mountains. But East TN - no. The "outsiders" who do move to the Tri-Cities (the ones with money), tend to stay in their McMansion neighborhoods, and don't give a damn about developing the downtowns, advancing the arts, etc. etc. That includes the old-family upper-class, who have always isolated themselves. If one is a member of the Tea Party, he/she might love it there, I dunno. The middle class that I grew up with, has moved away. In its place are the above-mentioned wealthy people, and a large group of individuals who have migrated down from the mountains, bringing a frightening attitude on just about every imaginable subject. "We don't want to change." is a popular phrase. I heard the most horrible grammar on a daily basis - and some ideas right out of a stereotypical Hollywood movie portraying "The South." OF COURSE, there are exceptions, but overall, I felt that I was in some kind of Twilight Zone episode. Whenever I'd mention "Asheville", in East TN, it inevitably resulted in the words "weirdos," "freaks," and others I won't type. I'm headed back for a few weeks. Love the mountains, and the rolling hills, though. All three of the Tri-Cities have such potential, but I predict it will NEVER be realized....

Guest		06-Jun-2010 23:36
Leighton: Obvious changes in lattitudes and changes in attitudes in the Applachians ovefr the last 35-40 years it appears. Progress??? Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Leighton		06-Jun-2010 16:30
It's not the 70s. There has been a mass migration of Northern folks to Western NC, with money to spend. Eastern TN has also seen a major growth, but of a different type. Asheville has ALWAYS been a hotbed of liberalism, going back 100 years, and thus the area has developed differently. Sure, there are hillbillies everywhere, but Western NC now has a huge base of transplants who are used to the vibrant life of the small towns (and large cities) of the NE. The cost of living has skyrocketed in Western NC, around Asheville. Small towns are benefiting in some ways (development and infusion of cash), and suffering in other (locals cannot afford the cost of living). Believe me, there is a MAJOR difference in attitudes between Eastern TN and Western NC these days. I lived it for eight months - spending equal time in each area, and was amazed. Boone is a different place, these days, as is Blowing Rock. And Hendersonville - good grief - it is now one of the major retirement destinations in the state.

Arizona Al		06-Jun-2010 14:01
Leighton: I lived in Boone, N.C. 1972-1974 and made several visits to the Tri-Cities during that time period. In the early 70s I found not a dimes worth of difference between the cultures and social mores of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. I thouroughly enjoyed the Appalachian Mountains from a geographical frame of reference but found the local inhabitants to be somewhat living in 1870s antiquated customs and outlooks. No derision intended just a simple point of view. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in 112 degree Phoenix, Arizona outlook.

Miami Girl		05-Jun-2010 19:53
Leighton you're right on about the classic cars and funnel cakes. My husbands family lives in/around Kingsport. It's better than it used to be (in the 60's) but certainly has a long way to go. I love the mountains, but not as much as the ocean. Can't take Miami out of me! Hey that sounds like a song somebody should write.

Fran		05-Jun-2010 14:44
MRR, Somethin', somethin' is right! My beloved Aggies and the Canes meet today in the regional finials. I have a place in my heart for both teams. May the best team win! Can't get enough of the "ping", it's like music to my ears. Sworn or not, I have ways, Dr. Grow. The name is rather befitting a guy who has the knowledge that you have concerning growing plants, trees and most anything. :) After all it is a well known fact that trees communicate with each other. So take warning when traveling through the wooded areas of your property. :) Charlis, told you, really, no really?

Leighton		05-Jun-2010 14:20
Success is successfully successful. Me type good.

Leighton		05-Jun-2010 14:17
To clarify, my grandparents moved to East TN in the 20s, and I have spent a LOT of time in the area. (We'd stay in a family cabin on Ripshin Lake every summer in the 60s/70s, for a month, traveling from Miami). My parents moved to the area almost 27 years ago, and I have had two long stays, during that time. There is so much potential. I applied, last year, to be director of a local festival, but during the course of the interview, I realized that if my ideas moved beyond classic cars and funnel cakes, it just wasn't going to fly.

Leighton		05-Jun-2010 14:04
MG, that would be I. I've been back down in TX for a few months, but headed back to East TN next week. Family is actually 15 miles up the road from Jonesborough, in Johnson City. The area is nice, in some ways, but I found it to be unbearably "backward" in its attitudes about many, many things. The area really is in its own little bubble, and stagnant. The downtowns of the Tri-Cities (JC, Bristol, Kingsport) are ghost towns, and any attempt to rejuvenate them is met with derision, or wrecked by poor planning. Just across the line, in NC, small town after small town is successfully rejuvenating their original business district with success. Jonesborough is an exception, due to its history. However, it needs more successful cafes/restaurants to flourish, and the recession killed a few.

Miami River Rat		05-Jun-2010 13:49
Fran: "Dr. Grow" is sorta' in the ballpark. I did grow up in the nursery/tropical garden business in South Florida. Others have called me "the plant whisperer" but that's taking it a bit too far. College baseball! Auburn is hosting the NCAA regionals, playing Clemson tonight. Two great games yesterday and two more today. Can't get enough of that wonderful stuff, or somethin'. Speaking of stuff, Charlis told me where the tattoo is but I've been sworn to secrecy.

Miami Girl		05-Jun-2010 12:41
Isn't there somebody in our group here that moved to Jonesborough from Texas? That's where we had planned to go after retirement until our son and family moved to Augusta. It's a beautiful area.

Miami Girl		05-Jun-2010 12:34
MRR, a second big THANK YOU! I'll check it out.

LARGO		05-Jun-2010 12:32
HI ROBERTA...AND ALL...I HAVE BEEN UP IN E. TN. (JONESBOROUGH) WHERE I USE TO LIVE. IT WAS MY NEICE'S WEDDING. IT WAS A GREAT TRIP...I DROVE UP (ONLY 550 MI. ONE WAY) FROM ST. AUGUSTINE... AND WAS BLESSED WITH AN EXTENDED SPRING..AS OUR N. FLORIDA AZELEAS WERE WANING....THERE THEY WERE BURSTING FORTH. EVEN THE BRIDAL VEIL SPIREA WAS STILL LOVELY...THE BEGINNING OF MAY....BEARDED IRIS...THAT I HAD HELPED MY SISTER PLANT DECADES EARLIER. GOOD TO SEE EVERYONE FRIENDS AND FAMILY FROM MY LIFE THERE....GREAT EXTENDED VISIT....... LARGO

Fran		05-Jun-2010 05:42
MRR, thank you Dr. Grow. I thought at first you knew where the tattoo was located. Then realized that it was the palm you were writing about. Oh, well... my bad.

Miami River Rat		05-Jun-2010 03:43
There's a good starter list of cold hardy palms at this site:http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep359 It says "For North Florida" but still works for Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia and all the way across to Texas. Palms can't tell when they cross a state line. They are reading impaired or some-such. Scroll down to the chart and read the particulars. Identify the palms that might suit your region and then type the name into "Google". That should result in a list of sites with pictures and more information. Perhaps the best source is, when you get to your new home look around and see what's growing there. Also, if you can find a REPUTABLE nurseryman rather than somebody trying to make a quick sale they could be the best help.

charlis		04-Jun-2010 23:12
Fran and MG... I am not telling ;-)

Fran		04-Jun-2010 22:06
Okay, me too, where?

Miami Girl		04-Jun-2010 21:18
Charlis I have to ask, where was the tattoo?

charlis		04-Jun-2010 20:42
Pokey, I've told this story before you started posting... My art teacher had strict rules... we were not allowed to include pink flamingos (the plastic ones) and "sleeping mexican" statues in any art project that involved landscapes. In my second yer at MDJC I walked into an evening class to find that he was my teacher. He looked up and told me to give the speech that he always gave to th hi-school classes. Of course I gave the speech... "If doing FL landscape pictures, please make sure to include Pink Flamingo and Sleeping Mexican statues in your art work." I did pass the class and always included one of them in my projects. One time we had a "nude" model... I put a Flamingo tattoo on him in my sketch!

Nike		04-Jun-2010 19:56
Fran, Speaking of south Florida birds, how about the Great American Snowbird that migrates to south FLorida each Devember. I used to complain about them and now I are one.

Fran		04-Jun-2010 16:06
Nike, We lived in the Flowers Crossing area. The Dogwood blossoms looked like snow flakes in the spring. We were a corporate tranny from 1988-1996. We then moved to Texas via a corporate relocation deal. I still have friends there and talk often. My brother and his family live in the Atlanta area. Bill is an operations officer for 11 privately owned eating establishments. "The Lake" spent many Christmas light shows there along with being on the lake during the Fourth of July. Pokey, love the flamingos, nice way to honor your mother's memory. Roberta, our classroom ceremonies started each morning in the classroom. Each child was given the opportunity to hold the flag for the pledge and morning happy song. I can close my eyes and see that classroom filled with happy faces, singing as if there was no better place to be. Oh yes, Nike don't give up the condo. "The Fox" is not far. Where dreams of wonderful times fill memories of long ago.

Nike		04-Jun-2010 12:01
Fran, What years did you live in Lawrenceville and where? I lived there from 1972 - 1995 when I moved to Lake Lanier in 1995 and down to Atlanta in 2005. We live in a highrise across the street from Phipps Plaza and also have a home in the Virgin Islands. We're moving there in August but will keep our condo in Atlanta.

Pokey		04-Jun-2010 11:48
Plastic Flamingos are still in,,,,I still put out two every summer in my yard,,,they are not really pink anymore because they are over 50 years old and were my mothers back in Fla. they are more white then pink now because of the fading and are held together with duck-tape,,,but they still look good in northern Indiana,,,at least in my opinion,,,,,ha ha take care Pokey

Roberta Perry Hughes		04-Jun-2010 08:23
Morning assemblies, at Olympia Heights Elementary, Bird Road, ca. 1953, began with the music teacher playing the piano, and singing... Welcome, sweet Springtime We greet thee in song--- Murmurs of gladness Fall on the ear--- Voices, long hushed Now hear full notes prolong, Echoing far and near Lyrics were by Anton Grigor'yevich Rubenstein, and the music was "Melody in F," which has been credited to composer Robert Schuman. There are more verses, plus a chorus, that can be found, if you do a search. All of these songs, from elementary school years, bring back such fond memories, when the music teacher made the rounds, daily, from class-to-class, carrying a case that contained his autoharp, and a large drawstring bag, that was filled with song books that were passed out to the students. I lucked-up on two such vintage song books in an antique shop, a few years ago, exactly like the ones from school, and in them were songs like, "The Animal Fair," "Little Red Caboose," "I Want to Be A Pirate," "Polly Wolly Doodle," "Tom, He Was A Piper's Son," "The Blue Bells of Scotland," " 'Way Down Yonder in the Paw-Paw Patch," etc. My sister and I sat on the floor, in that otherwise empty antique shop in Harlem, Georgia, singing song after song, until the shop owner came to investigate. I bought those two music books, and a vintage Home Economics text book, ca. 1957, and Audrey bought a vintage "Gregg's Shorthand" text book, exactly like the one she had at Southwest High, ca. 1959-1960. It was a fun day, filled with our collective memories of long ago, when we lived in Our Town, on S.W. 55th Street and 99th Place, and where Music and Art were part of the curriculum in elementary schools, and Home Economics and Gregg Shorthand were electives in the high schools. Re: birds.....in S.W. Georgia, I loved the trill of the Meadow Larks, and the call of the Bob White Quails. Up here, the blue heron is a native, as well as the white egret, and the Inhinga, a wild water turkey, that was sacred to the Creek Indians that used to inhabit the state. I like the long-legged birds that inhabit the swampy marshlands and ponds in the area. Miami Girl, Augusta is just up-the-road from where I live, down U.S. 1. Maybe all of the road construction on that busy thoroughfare will have been completed, by the time y'all make your move to our State. LAR-GOOOOO....?? WHERE ARE YOU....?? I MISS YOU, WHOLE BUNCHES.....!! My love to all, and big hugs, too.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fran		04-Jun-2010 06:12
Al, doesn't that song make you feel happy all over? That song was a special part of the start of each day. Good times...

Arizona Al		04-Jun-2010 03:46
Fran: Sang this song at the start of every day in the 3rd grade (1955) at Redlands Elementary: "Gonna wake up in the morning where the orange blossoms grow. Where the sun comes creeping into where I'm sleeping and the song bird says hello. Gonna wake up in the sunshine it is good for us I know. So gonna wake up in Florida where the orange blossoms grow. Author Unknown. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Fran		04-Jun-2010 01:46
Miami Girl, Augusta is one of my old stomping grounds, along with Athens and Washington, GA. Wilks County is one of my favorites, the landscape is to die for. Favorite bird from Georgia, the Blue Bird. One spring we built several bird houses. Yup, my kids were given projects every time they had time off from school. All of this bird talk reminds me of a great song I loved as a child. I'm going to wake in the mornin' where the orange blossoms grow...and the song bird says hello.:) Good news, the tubes are out. So all's well that ends well.

charlis		03-Jun-2010 23:06
Miami Girl... the herons and egrets are beautiful birds to watch. We had them in our neighborhood in the Tampa area... every spring they would walk around the neighborhood as if they owned it! Go out the front door to get the paper? They would not even "run" away.

Miami Girl		03-Jun-2010 20:41
MRR and Fran, we'll be moving to the Augusta area. Not near the coast but I've seen some palm trees in a few yards in the houses for sale pictures. I'll just have to find the kind that lives there. They told us we'd never grow a dogwood tree in upstate NY - but after a few struggling years it's finally taking off! Another beautiful Florida bird is the Egret (hope I spelled that right).

Fran		03-Jun-2010 05:27
Miami Girl, when we were living in Lawrenceville,GA. We celebrated the big 40 with plastic flamingos stationed in the front yard. You should be able to grow palm trees in south Georgia near the coast. I know that you and your husband will enjoy retiring there.

Parks		03-Jun-2010 03:25
The women in our group seem to favor the Flamingo. The men don’t have a consensus. Rat I have seen a Red Wing Black Bird just as you describe, pretty nice. CK I had a pair of Bald Eagles fly over me while I was fishing in Charlotte Harbor a few months ago. Magnificent is the word. Thank goodness their numbers are growing. Is anyone familiar with the Scrub Jay? I think it should be the state bird. It is only found in Florida, it’s very pretty, and has a great personality.

Miami River Rat		03-Jun-2010 03:14
Miami Girl: To where in Georgia are you moving? You may or may not have a palm tree in your yard, depending. I've got several growing out here in central Alabama but one must carefully choose the type of palm and location if the palm tree is to survive the winter outside. South Georgia and near the coast you have a number of choices available. Around Atlanta and north of there it's slim.

Charles Knight		02-Jun-2010 23:06
Bald Eagle...Magnificent animal.

Miami Girl		02-Jun-2010 22:34
Flamingo's are it for me, pink is my color! Wanted to get some tacky plastic ones for the BACK yard but my husband nixed that idea - grumpy old man! Can't wait to move to GA, I'm gonna have a beloved palm tree in my yard come hell or high water.

charlis		02-Jun-2010 22:29
The Birds... sorry Alfred... Living in OH I saw all sorts of birds. When I moved to Miami Beach in '62 all I saw was the occasional sparrow, robin, etc. When I moved up to Tampa in '74 I saw the same but in abundance, plus Blue Jays, Herons, Peacocks, flamingos... even lightning bugs! Sadly they all disappeared over the years as the town grew.

Fran		02-Jun-2010 17:05
Just my opinion, the "Flamingo" seems to be the bird. Although I love the Cardinal uniform. Oh, yeah that's another game.:) It's just that time of year, college baseball, world series, hot dogs and apple pie. Oh, to remember the boys of summer...

Jeff		02-Jun-2010 15:16
Back in the 70's, I was strolling along the ocean promenade of Lummus Park (South Beach) and was shocked to see a flamingo at the water's edge! This wayward bird may have been an escapee from Hialeah Race Track... Funny, I've seen a single cardinal at times here in North Miami...

Ariziona Al		02-Jun-2010 14:32
The Desert Road Runner!

Miami River Rat		02-Jun-2010 13:48
Well, I have seen flamingos in the wild. I think it was my last trip out with my grandpa before he passed. 1975 or thereabouts. We were out off Card Sound road, maybe a mile east in the mangrove maze when a small flock, about five, flew over us heading north. Beautiful! I like a Rosette Spoonbill as well, but: My favorite is a red-wing blackbird. I can close my eyes and see one swaying on the top of a reed and sharing his unique "tweet" with the 'gators, snakes and turtles of his world.

Parks		02-Jun-2010 13:30
Wow, the Flamingo. I've never seen one in the wild but I understand there are some in the Everglades National Park. Spoonbills have similar coloring. I do enjoy watching Cardinals on the feeder. Guest is right, you always seem to see pairs of Cardinals.

Guest		02-Jun-2010 11:58
The Cardinal. You always see them in pair, the male is always easily identified by its mohawk, and their chirp is very distinct, a sort of whistle.

Fran		02-Jun-2010 06:11
Sorry Parks, the Flamingo is my favorite. I just love how they flock together. Their different shades of coral pink gives new meaning to the color pink. Now, if I only had a key lime shake or a mango smoothie. Even better, sipping a cold cherry lime icee while sunning on Honeymoon Beach, Water Island. Can't get better than that!

Roberta Perry Hughes		02-Jun-2010 04:38
F L A M I N G O ........!!!!!!!!

Parks		02-Jun-2010 04:34
Hi Guys, I saw two Swallow Tail Kites on my way to work this morning. I think they are about the prettiest birds in Florida. They were circling near the intersection of Bird Road and Granada in Coral Gables. Anybody else got a favorite Florida bird?

Leighton		01-Jun-2010 08:05
Have the GREAT Bernard Herrmann soundtrack for "Beneath the 12-Mile Reef". My favorite film composer..... Combine him with Hitchcock, and Saul Bass credits, and I'm in heaven....

Leighton		01-Jun-2010 07:46
What are "flys"? Apparently, not knowing a line from a Marx Bros. film, negates 25 years of involvement in the film industry. Wait, it's 3A, and I've been doing four hours of film research. D'OH! Oh....and don't purchase "public domain" versions of any film - they are crap, and worth less than the dollar that you paid. I popped in a DVD of one such film, at a friend's house the other day, and was horrified. Usually, they are a butchered version of the film. Seriously. It's sad. Working on a concert video this week - one of those stadium intro films, tailored to each city. Should be fun, but boring....country singer...

Nike		31-May-2010 21:12
Let me know how the home made Key Lime shake comes out. There is a place on St John called "IScream" that has Key Lime shakes. Not as good as RIH but better than nothing. If the RIS receipe is good, it will save me a 20-minute ferry ride.

Parks		31-May-2010 05:09
Rat, You're right, Mark Twain did not like flys! I think he admired their tenacity though. After you mentioned Mark Twain and flys I had to Google it. It looks like he wrote of flys several times. Fran, thanks for the kind words about the boat. I think they are actually filming "The Glades" in Florida. "Burn Notice" is filmed in Miami. They are renting the old convention center at Dinner Key to use as a studio.

Fran		31-May-2010 04:38
Parks, nice boat! She looks like she's easy to handle. MRR, hey man, thanks for the vibes. Both tubes were removed today and looks like all will be well soon. Does anyone know anything about the new series,"The Glades" on A&E?

Miami River Rat		31-May-2010 03:30
Parks, Mark Twain wrote a particularly scathing piece about Musca domestica. I believe it's in a collection called "Letters from the Earth". Glad the boat launching went well. As for movies, I had my hands on Wind Across the Everglades in DVD form, watched it and "loaned" it to one of my cousins back in February. If I ever get it back I'll send it to you. Fran: Here's sending some Positive Vibes +++ for your family and the health issues.

Parks		31-May-2010 02:11
The movie list didn't post as well as I had hoped but you can figure it out, if you care. Snapper and I launched our latest little boat today. We took it over to The Fruit and Spice Park for the launching. The darn thing floats! It is even pretty easy to paddle and it tracks well. The name of the boat is Musca Domestica. There is one embeded in the epoxy. Pictures available at the following address: http://jmlynn.smugmug.com/Boats/Musca-domestica-Housefly/

Parks		31-May-2010 01:57
Roberta and Jeff, I have already shown Beneath the Twelve Mile Reef, but thanks for the suggestion. Following is a list of what we have shown. The first name on a line is the short that was shown and the second the main feature. I hope this posts in a reasonable manor. Bill is hosting movie night next Friday. Short Feature Movie Ochopee Skunk Ape Swamp Thing Nude on the Moon Miami Blues Vernon, Florida Blood and Wine Everglades! episode: Blackbeard Only the Strong Sea Hunt episode: Astronauts The Mean Season Aero Jet General Beneath The 12 Mile Reef Blaze Stare Goes Nudist Fair Game Sea Hunt – Sponge Diver Let it Ride Homestead History Big Trouble Old woman makes strange clothes Island Claws Shad Fishing on St. Johns Absence of Malice

Don Boyd		31-May-2010 01:04
Nike, thank you for posting the recipe. With all that sugar in it and the ice cream I should only gain 50 pounds if I have one a week. : ) But at least I won't have to drive 35 to 40 miles one way to accomplish that fate. For those of you who have been gone for decades, the statistics I posted about public high schools in Miami-Dade and Broward counties at http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/memories_highschools should be amazing to you. Hialeah High is now 2% white non-Hispanic, Edison 0%, Miami High 2%, Beach 18%, Jackson 1%, Southwest 8%, North Miami 1%, Coral Gables 9%, etc. Check out the full list at the above link. Don

Jeff		31-May-2010 00:51
Parks - check out some of the dollar stores for budget DVD's... "Beneath the Twelve Mile Reef" is in public domain, and you can find it on one of those dollar DVD's!

Miami Girl		30-May-2010 22:58
Nike, thanks so much for that recipe. I just today saw key limes at our local Wal Mart - never would have thought they'd be all the way up here in upstate NY where they still think key lime pie is green! So, I'm gonna have to try that shake.

Roberta Perry Hughes		30-May-2010 21:46
Nike....Thanks so much, for the Robert Is Here recipe for the Key Lime Milk Shake....! Now.....where to find me some key lime juice....?? Parks.....I felt like a child again, today, at Tropicaire Drive-In.....watching the film, "Beneath the Twelve Mile Reef," starring a very young Robert Wagner, and a very manly Peter Graves. I believe the film was shot in the Keys, around Matecumbe.....? Have you shown this one, on Florida Movie Night....? With Nike's recipe, and this film, you'll be all set, for the next showing..... We had lots and lots of rain, today....the yard is saturated. Had a little thunder, too, and some lightning as well. It has passed over, now, and I am online for the first time today. Hope the weather was kind, where all of our Posters are, and that you enjoy the rest of this long weekend. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nike		30-May-2010 17:45
I just came across this recipe compliments of "Robert Is Here." Robert's Key Lime Milkshake - 2 ounces key lime juice - 1/4 - 1/3 cup sugar - 16 ounces soft vanilla ice cream Blend the sugar and key lime juice very well, then add the ice cream. Blend well and pour into a tall glass and ENJOY!

Parks		30-May-2010 04:01
Thanks for the tip Roberta. I'll look for the movie. Tomorrow Snapper and I are going to finish the current boat project and try to launch it at the new lake in the Fruit and Spice Park.

Roberta Perry Hughes		30-May-2010 03:56
Just a quick popcorn visit, here.... Fran, so sorry to read about the father of your children. In times like those, there are no words. Parks....I saw an old movie on TV, today, called "Miami Cops." Old enough to where the airplanes had propellers, and you deplaned onto the portable stairs; the skyline of Miami was not marred by all of those sea breeze blocking unsightly condos, and you could even spot the court house, if you knew where to look. I have no clue who the actors were, and we never watched it all the way through. Just thought you might like to do a search on it, and see what you come up with, for a future Miami Movie Night, perhaps....? Have a safe weekend, everyone.....

Fran		29-May-2010 21:00
MRR, I did check, Susan and my sister Carol were classmates too. They graduated in 1974. If you go to the goldenhawks,net site both siblings are listed in their own class list. My brother graduated class of '72 and Carol graduated in 1974. Small world... I've spent the last several days at the hospital supporting my children. Their dad is on a ventilator and feeding tube. Out look,it's a wait and see. My wish for all,take each moment as if it were your last. Dance as if no one is looking, sing songs of hope and remember to love. Peace to all...

Fran		29-May-2010 17:12
MRR, your secret is safe. Chris, will never know.:) A moment in Georgia History: My dad's cousin has that 500 acres not far from UGA. She was the postmistress of Union Point. She knows everyone. When we visit we take the royal tour of the city and county. At one time she and her girlfriend would ride a wagon to teach school in a small school down the road. They would treat themselves to a $2.00 perm twice a year. Good times, in deed. Don, I remember Leas. Attended the Chamber Brother's concert at Pirate's World. Love, Peace and Happiness:)

Don Boyd		29-May-2010 15:37
For anyone who ever attended a rock concert in the Miami area in the 1960's and 70's, rock promoter Leas (pronounced Les) Campbell passed away on May 25th of pneumonia. He presented concerts at the Miami Jai-Alai Fronton, Sportatorium and Pirates World among other places in the area in addition to concerts across the USA. His obituary is at: http://www.legacy.com/enhancedobit/enhancedobit.aspx?personid=143188265 I remember a great Halloween costume party that he threw at the Eden Roc in the late 70's that was beyond belief when it came to erotic exotic costumes worn by attendees. RIP Leas, thanks for the great entertainment over the years! Don

Miami River Rat		29-May-2010 13:45
Fran: Chris is a real gladesman. I thought I was good at spotting an orchid or everglades snail, but I do believe Chris has me beat. (Never tell him I said that.) Their great grandfather was Captain Jaudon, who engineered the surveying for the Tamiami Trail and finagled the building of the Loop Road where Charles Knight grew up. The Loop Road was something of a scam, as Jaudon and Collier Enterprises expected to start a real estate development out there but the idea never took hold. Captain Jaudon also founded Ochopee and was the first postmaster at "The World's Smallest Post Office". (End of today's history lesson.)

Fran		29-May-2010 08:06
MRR, no need to post their last name. Yes, I do know the family. In fact Steve and my brother were in the same class. My brother spoke of Steve often. They are a nice family. Chris, is known to be a great outdoors kind of guy.

Fran		29-May-2010 06:23
CK. I went to the Red Mango today for the first time. Great stuff, I will think of you, the ocean and a happy family who lives near Cocoa Beach.:)

Fran		29-May-2010 05:23
MRR, good rule for releasing names. Everyone these days must take steps to protect when needed. I have six tomatoes now. I know not much to brag about but it's the growing that's the most fun. Yup, I do have an idea about what family we are discussing. No problem... To all who post here, have a safe weekend.

Miami River Rat		29-May-2010 04:12
If you get to Robert Is Here this time of year what you want is a mango slurpee. I got one on the way to Flamingo a couple of weeks ago and stopped for another on the way back! Fran, I'm a little reluctant to mention someone else's name on the 'net. My wife and I don't mind but some do. Anyway, those cousins went boy-girl-boy-girl about two years apart. Their dad and my mom were first cousins so I guess that makes them my second cousins. First names are (in order) Chris, Lynne, Steve and Suzie. Both girls were uncommonly pretty. They all went to Miami Springs HS so you or your siblings almost certainly know one or more of them. Charles: Glad to see you back. I've been lazy this year and haven't done much with the garden. In fact, I've done nothing. Yesterday was the first day the water in the pond was warm enough for me to swim, so the garden may now have to wait a bit longer!

Charles Knight		29-May-2010 01:59
300 yards or so from the ocean, that is...

Charles Knight		29-May-2010 01:58
We live in Satellite Beach...Five minutes south of Cocoa Beach. The Mango tree is producing a LOT of fruit, I had built a veggie planter for the lettuce...Did I mention the tomatoes??? Got lots of them ripening as well. It's in the sand, we're beachside, about 300 yards or so. We have quite a bit of flora.

Don Boyd		28-May-2010 22:08
Nike, that Key Lime concoction sounds delicious. The Key Lime shake at Robert Is Here is delicious, and worthy of a 35 to 40 mile trip down there, but in my opinion, still not as good as that Key Lime dessert in an ice cream sundae glass at the old Tyler's Restaurants or Jon's Steak House in Hialeah which was identical to Tyler's. The Virgins are pretty neat but some things are different there even though they're a US territory. Try buying a PC from Dell and having it shipped there by Dell - it's not an option. Plus having to clear Customs to come back stateside. I have a long-time lady friend who has lived on St. Croix for years but she's now back and living in North Port, FL. She loved it down there and returns twice a year on vacations. The duplicate/triplicate posting is caused by your clicking the refresh icon instead of going to another place on the site and then back to the comments. Don

Nike		28-May-2010 17:15
Fran, Thanks. I'll definately go to Sebastions. We drove by Blue Beard's Castle but didn't go in. I'm sure we'll have dinner there sometime. Actually, Water Island, and all the VIrgin Islands, reminds me of Miami. It has the same tropical plants and chamelians everywhere. However, there are none of the great things and places we discuss here on Miami Memories. Oh well, Miami is just an hour or so away. Sorry about the triplicate posting earlier. I don't know how I did that but sorry.

Fran		28-May-2010 11:57
Nike, The chicken livers wrapped in bacon can be found on St. Thomas. The Sebastian's Open Air bar can be found over looking the bay. A great place to visit after shopping at the local mall. I must tell you that you won't need a night or two at Blue Beard's Castle. The villa is awesome! Gee, I don't think that you and Nancy will be returning soon. Just think, to be able to enjoy a frozen yogurt on Honeymoon Beach with Nancy. Happy thoughts! :)

Nike		28-May-2010 10:06
Fran, I can't remember where I saw the ad for the bacon-wrapped chicken livers but I do recall seeing it somewhere on St. Thomas. Nancy and I are returning to Water Island in July for a year just to see if we like "island life" full time. We think so. Actually, that's how we came to live in a highrise intowm Atlanta. We took a 1-year lease to see if we liked intown living and that was 5 years ago. We sold the lake house where we lived previously after the first year. Actually, you can see the villa where we are staying at www.vrbo.com/277514 The good news is that the Virgin Islands are a US territory, they take US dollars, speak English, no passport required, a non-stop 3 1/2 hour flight for about $375.00 round trip. Plus, I am getting paid for my work there. CK, the veggies sound and congratulations on your new job. Don, They don't have a Robert is Here on Water Island but you can puree Key Lime yougert with graham crackers and let it chill. Drinking that on Honeymoon Beach makes me think I there. I'm still looking for the strawberries and sticky buns.

Parks		28-May-2010 02:57
CK, congrats on the job. You've heard people say "write if you get work"? It's usually a bad idea. Now dead beat friends and relatives will start showing up! Where are you that you can grow lettuce and mangos this time of year? Susan's lettuce has all gone to seed. All she has left are some banana peppers. She did harvest some wonderful black berrys today but they will be done in a week or so. I had lunch at Cozy Corner today. It was great. I had a Texas Grilled Cheese with bacon and tomatos on it, a side of fries and half and half ice tea to wash it down. I drove west on Westward Drive and spotted the Treats Cafe. I'll try that next week.

charlis		27-May-2010 21:22
CK... great news on the job.

Charles Knight		27-May-2010 11:59
Radishes...I'm growing some in the garden as you read this. Got lettuce, cucumber, green onion, and more for the summer harvest. My neighbors Mango tree is weighted down with fruit, and I'll get a lot of that too. Don't remember if I mentioned that I have finally secured employment and am beginning to see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

Fran		26-May-2010 23:52
Don, I checked with Kathy a childhood friend of mine. It's called the Treats Cafe, located on Westward Drive. At one time many years ago, they would brag about serving tasty treats. Okay the menu changed for the better. I guess it's just the mention of home that makes me a little homesick. Springs is a small town with a small town feeling. Parks, enjoy your lunch! Charlis, I only ate them one time. Never again unless...:)

Fran		26-May-2010 23:39
Don, I don't know, when I visited in 2003 it was named Tasty Treats. They might have changed the name. At that time they were serving steak. When you would drive into the Springs it was on the first street to the right. However, I will check with my local friends and find out if the name changed. I'll Google it too and find out, will let you know. Yes, it is a gathering place, good food, and mostly locals eating there. In fact I do miss that type of gathering with friends.

Parks		26-May-2010 23:28
I used to be a regular for lunch at Cozy Corner until Susan retired and started making my lunch. I think I'll give Susan a break tomorrow and go to Miami Springs for lunch. I love that she makes my lunch, but I do get tired of eating at my desk.

Don Boyd		26-May-2010 22:14
MRR: I wonder if he's going to Bryson's Irish Pub on Curtiss Parkway in Virginia Gardens just north of 36th Street? I go there once or twice a month - the food is good and the draft Heinekens are delicious. It's been there since 1947 which is as old as me. Fran: are we talking about the same place? You've used two slightly different names (Club and Tasty) other than Treats Cafe which is the name. I ate there today and verified it on the front window and on their menu. I've never seen steak on the menu there or as a special. However, it is full of older gringos like us and some young ones too, plus some high ranking Miami-Dade Police officers in civilian clothes and usually some Hialeah Fire Department training personnel. If you see cops and firefighters in the same restaurant repeatedly you know that the food is good or they're giving one hell of a discount to them which I doubt Treats is doing. Don

charlis		26-May-2010 21:47
Fran... great news. As to the livers... you can't get me drunk enough to eat them unless Jewish style... chopped and disguised with eggs, onions, and horse redish!

Fran		26-May-2010 13:54
CK, glad to hear that all is well. MRR, Okay, so you do know about those sayings. Range of ages for myself and siblings, oldest to youngest : 61 to 54. That most likely means that the 59 year old was a classmate. However, I don't recall you mentioning the name? You know, something is odd in Dadeville. I wonder? :) Don, the Tasty Treats Club serves a great steak sandwich. A very popular meeting place with the "Meaning of Life" crowd. The older male crowd who BS to the tune of several cups of coffee.:)

Charles Knight		26-May-2010 13:01
Hi Gang, I went to Everglades High school for a year but transferred back to Miami High when I realized that they were just pushing kids through because the majority of them were set to inherit the family's fishing/crabbing biz. Living on the Loop road in the Glades I was fortunate to have had a choice...Most of those kids in E.C. didn't.

Miami River Rat		26-May-2010 12:50
Fran: Big hat, big talk is ok. I'm allowed 'cause I've got cattle! My cousin's four kids all went to Miami Springs HS. The oldest is now about 59? and the youngest would be around 49. They packed 'em in pretty close together. Don: Next time down I'll ask my cousin about Treats Cafe. He pointed out some place he goes to about once a week to get a few beers and something to eat. He's 81 years old and rides his Harley Fat Boy around. He rode it up to Broward while I was there.

Fran		26-May-2010 07:35
Don, the Kozy Korner is where my dad, my kids and myself had breakfast when we were in town. Good times:) The Treats Club is where I took my youngest daughter to have lunch. We were visiting after my dad died,and took a trip down memory lane. If I were ever to move back, the Springs would be my first choice.

Fran		26-May-2010 04:40
MRR, your cousin still lives there,really. My step mother lives on Huntinglodge. She's on the board at the Baptist church. In fact all for of us( brother and sisters) graduated from Springs. Odd that you mentioned the Springs. I have many friends from there. I may know your cousin or someone that does Small world, don't yah think? Yup, I have been to Everglades City many times. One time my uncle and aunt took me there to see the Small's trading store. My uncle made the trip to buy fish heads for his soup. You know your last posts reminds of Big Hat, Big Talk. :)

Don Boyd		26-May-2010 04:00
Roberta, sorry for the delay but congrats on the new prescription and Lewis' dramatic improvement. Good luck on your lengthy trek to Augusta to see the ophthalmologist. MRR: I've been to your Kozy Korner for breakfast and lunch and it was good. Like you say the Springs is virtually unchanged and I enjoy going there once a week for lunch at Treats Cafe a block or two to the west of the Kozy and on the other side of Westward Drive. I've been taking my daughter there for lunch every Wednesday for months now and every lunch has been great. I've been going there on and off since the mid-90's when I took lady lunch buddies there and one still goes with me occasionally. Don

Miami River Rat		26-May-2010 03:12
I like a chicken liver lunch from KFC ever so often. It's good with their cole slaw and corn on the cob. On my trip to Miami last week the best meal I got was a dolphin sandwich at the Kozy Korner in Miami Springs. That's the place to eat if you're in The Springs around lunch time. My cousin still lives in Miami Springs. Once you get there it hasn't changed much in 40 or so years. Getting to The Springs, however, you go through some sho-nuff changed territory. If I ever move back to South Florida it will be to the Everglade City/ Chokoloskee area. The 'skeeters and sand flies are still bad enough over there to discourage tourists from liking it and staying. Later, dudes and dudettes!

Leighton		26-May-2010 01:51
Apparently, that new KFC "sandwich" might be popular in here.

Fran		25-May-2010 23:11
Charlis, me too. I must have been drunk.:) They were good, could have been the cool breeze, good company and happy thoughts ;) THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST DAYS EVER. Eye appointment went well. Tonight dreams filled with sounds of the ocean.:)

charlis		25-May-2010 21:55
Fran... funny timing... I am eating filet mingon bites wrapped in chicken bacon as I type this... the only way I eat chicken liver is the Jewish Chopped Chicken Liver style.

Fran		25-May-2010 14:07
Nike, thanks for the memories! I spent part of my honey moon on St. Thomas. I remember a bar that served chicken livers wrapped in bacon Well, as the story goes after five drinks they didn't taste like liver anymore. I did Google Water Island and loved the island at first sight. Now, let's see you , Nancy and Honey Moon Beach sounds like the perfect place to retire.:)

Guest		25-May-2010 13:06
Parks, I just returned from six weeks in the Virgin Islands (all work, of course) and saw your post from May 17. Thanks for the question. Sorry to say I won't be there but am quite honored at the mention of my involvement. I get to Miami about once a year and will make sure my next trip includes "Florida Movies at the Park." Actually, I was living on Water Island just an 8-minute ferry ride across the bay from St. Thomas. There are a few vehicles on the island usually with no doors on windows. Most everyone walks of has a golf cart. Water Island is only 2 miles long by 3/4 mile wide. Monday nights are Drive-in Movie Night. Most everyone on the island shows up on their golf cart. It looks like the old drive-in movie days with golf carts rather than cars. I didn't see anyone making out (except me and Nancy). I guess they forgot how. A sheet is tied between two palm trees on the beach and a projector sends the DVD image to the screen. The hot dogs and hamburgers sizzle on the grill and a popcorn machine sends the aroma through the crowd. This sure brings back the memories of the Dixie Drive-in in Miami in the fifties. I may be going back in July for another couple of months. I will retire at the end of this year and may have found a retirement home. You can Google Water Island and see what a nice an unique place it is. The triopical vegitation, humidity and temperature are very similar to Miami. However, the breezes are so strong on the hilltop where I lived, we didn't need an air conditioner the entire six weeks.

charlis		22-May-2010 19:47
Roberta... glad to hear that Lewis is doing better. A coworker just went through what you are going through about your vision. She got good news. Hope you get the same. My thoughts and love are with you both. thanks for the daily "smiles".

Fran		22-May-2010 17:53
This is about that grandma said kind of thing.:) Miami Girl, my grandma always said,"Beware of wolves dressed in cowhide."

Leighton		22-May-2010 06:20
Can't agree with that.

Jeff		22-May-2010 04:16
Jackie - glad to help... as best as I could... Charlis - thanks for the good thoughts... Miami Girl - it always proves that we THOUGHT we were smarter than our elders, but they DID know best in the long run...

Parks		22-May-2010 02:24
Roberta, That's good news about Lewis. If your eye problem needs treatment, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami is probably the best in the country. Might be a good reason to visit.

Jackie		22-May-2010 01:02
Jeff, thanks for answereing my question. I hadn't thought about the location possibly moving. When I was a kid in Miami, there definitely were a lot of really touristy attractions. We had a lot of visitors from the north, and showed them most of them. Roberta.. I'm so happy about Lewis's improvement. It's truly a reason to celebrate. As for your eye problem, my grandmother always advised us never to borrow trouble, so I agree that you should put it out of your mind for now. God bless you both.

charlis		21-May-2010 22:02
Jeff... had plans last week to get down your way but they fell through. Had hoped to meet up with you, Evie, and a few other people from our years at Beach.

charlis		21-May-2010 22:01
Jeff... glad to hear that things are going good for you.

charlis		21-May-2010 22:00
Roberta... love you both.

Miami Girl		21-May-2010 20:55
Roberta, that's wonderful about Lewis' improvement, I can well understand how good you feel about it. Our prayers are with you regarding the vision problem. Keep thinking those good thoughts, I'm a firm believer in the power of positive thinking. Jeff, my grandma also always said "if you don't have your health you have nothing" and at that ripe old age of 16 I figured she was just so out of touch! Now, it sure comes home to roost! Wish I could tell her she was so very right.

Jeff		21-May-2010 18:43
Roberta... My sincere best wishes to you and Lewis...

Fran		21-May-2010 10:09
I will keep you and Lewis in my prayers. Glad to hear that Lewis, is improving. Now as for you girl, hang in there.

Roberta Perry Hughes		21-May-2010 05:29
So very good to see you back posting again, Miami Girl. You have been missed. I wish LARGO would drop in, if for no other reason but to say "Hello." Has anyone heard from her, lately....? Hallelujah! My sweet cowboy drove us into Swainsboro, today, for my eye doctor appoint, which was the first time he has driven there since just before the onset of this disease....! Many months ago....!! It is a 22-mile trip, one way. We went to 4 places, while in town, and I am just on Cloud Nine, let me tell you, and am sooooo very proud of him, and just ecstatic, at the wonderful improvement in him, since the new medication was added to his regime. It is amazing, how different he is now, and how far he has come, in his ability to ambulate without faltering, and in his cognitive awareness as well....!! PARTY TIME.....!! For my next appt., however, with an ophthalmologist, I will have to enlist our neighbor to take us, as it is in Augusta, which is over 90 miles one way, and US 1 is even more busy, on that leg of the highway. Add to it, widespread road construction, to 4-lane the highway. (sigh). It seems that I have a growth of some sort, in the back of my left eyeball in the macular area, that is obscuring my vision. Dr. said it is not macular degeneration, but that I need to have it seen by a specialist, who has a OCT machine, that will show it up a lot better. An OCT does tomographic images, in "slices," sort of like a CAT scan does. Do remember me in your prayers, as this is very unsettling news for me. I lost a very dear friend, last year, to melanoma of the eyeball, and it is on the rise, due to the damaging effects of bad UV rays from the sun. I am trying not to give it a thought, and to distance myself from this scenario. Even so, I am shaking in my shoes, and will, until I know exactly what is in there, that has affected my vision. Thanks, in advance, for your thoughts and well wishes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leighton		21-May-2010 02:55
Have to learn more about this Pelican Island stuff.... Obviously, Jeff, I know who's saying what...I believe that person distinguishes himself. No, Parks, I never missed a day of class - ever. But, the Marx Brothers were/are not a favorite - I've missed a few of theirs. I realize that in this day and age of DVDs and Internet downloads, that film history knowledge seems very "easy" and readily available. However, I'll stand by my three decades of avid film-watching, and say that film is my chosen career, and I'm damn proud of my knowledge in the industry. Jeff, yes I WILL admit to constantly utilizing Google, and a dozen film web sites. I'd never claim to hold a million details in my accessible memory. To "Too" - one can be criticized for not knowing details on a subject, but when that same person clarifies that it is actually his career (an educated one), then it turns into criticism of another sort. Can't win that one. I live, eat, breathe the details of movies, but do have other things to do in life, so I'll admit to some "misses."

Jeff		21-May-2010 00:37
Jackie... I can't say for sure that the same area off of Riverland Road (which IS connected to the mainland) was used way back when... but the Jungle Queen is by far a tourist hype. In the 50's they had a better grade of entertainment (as shown on an old brochure)... and [to me] it's NOT worth the price they currently get for the ticket... unless you want just the cruise down the Intracoastal... Charlis... glad to fill you in on the "Pelican Island" story... Miami Girl... thanks! I'm glad folks realize there are now TWO Jeff's on here. Lord knows I don't need to be fighting battles over things I DIDN'T say... LOL! I'm happy say that I've been feeling pretty darned good since my pacemaker implant back in February... and I've been cranking out computer fonts like crazy. I currently have 408 for sale through MyFonts.com and there's more ready to be released shortly. When it comes right down to it... If you don't have your health, then you certainly have nothing... this is why I prefer to keep things peacful in my life...

Miami Girl		20-May-2010 22:32
I'm just lovin' catching up on all the postings - my computer just came back from the tech Dr. Considering joining my husband in retirement in 6 months and a car trip back through as many "old Florida" towns as we can find down to Miami and points south is going to be the first post retirement trip we take! Jeff, don't worry we know who you are. Everybody, please keep all this "area knowledge" coming!

charlis		20-May-2010 21:26
Jeff, thanks for the info on Pelican Island. I remember my first site of the "place"... February 1962 when I, my mother, and sister flew down to visit my mother's uncle. The "Jetons" was a popular show at the time and my mind thought that driving over the Julia Tuttle was from the Jetsons... so bright! I, in my mind, called I95-I195/Julia Tuttle the "highway of tomorrow today". Seeing all the birds on the pilings was amazing. I did not know what a pelican was... I was from OH!

Jackie		20-May-2010 17:03
It must have been in the late 40's or early 50's when I went on the Jungle Queen cruise. To a kid, it was something kind of fun to do, not as much fun as a day at the beach, but a good way to spend some time with the family. I remember cruising to the "island" (fun to be on the boat, and not just watching it pass by) and the chicken and ribs (good, but not as great as my mom's). I don't really remember the entertainment. Jeff, do you know if the dinner destination was ever really an island, or was it always connected?

Jeff		20-May-2010 03:51
Glad you asked, Parks... I happened to read up about this. Prior to the 1926 Hurricane, the Venetian Islands were planned to be both East-to-West, and jutting Northward into the bay. This group of islands was to be called the Garibaldi Islands. The pilings were sunk for the one nearest to what is now the Juila Tuttle Causeway - which wasn't built until the 1950's. As the '26 'cane wiped out the plans of many developers, the island chain was never completes Northward. However, in the mid-1940's, developer Milton Steinhardt and his partners received permits to dredge, fill and develop what would have been the most Northern island of the Garibaldi chain. It was then named "THe North Bay Island Development" - and is now North Bay Village. One of it's first homeowners was Jake LaMotta! The Causeway running through it has been known by a number of names over the years: North Bay Causeway, 79th Street Causeway, Kennedy Causeway... As for the name "Pelican Island" - my dear friend Aristotle Ares - a retired civil engineer with the City of Miami Beach, "officially" named it as such years ago, although that nickname is somewhat self-evident from the occasional pelican that roosts on its pilings. I believe it was [in part] for ecological reasons that no further development was allowed in Biscayne Bay.

Parks		20-May-2010 03:14
Charlis, The pilings are still there. I went fishing near them last summer. I think they date all the way back to the twenties. Jeff, a little help here. What's the story on the pilings?

charlis		19-May-2010 22:22
Anyone remember all those pilings to the south of Julia Tuttle? Something to do with trying to build an "island" that never "went through". the only things you could see were birds "roosting" on the poles. I think the area was called Pelican Isle.

Fran		19-May-2010 21:54
Jeff, you are probably correct. My last cruise on the riverboat, 1985. So more than likely changes have taken place. True your opinion is your own and your welcome to it. No harm done.:)

Jeff		19-May-2010 21:32
Fran, I hate to be a myth-buster, but I went on the Jungle Queen cruise with a young lady a few years ago. Although the boat ride was nice, the "island" they claim to own is just some canal-fronted property off of Riverland Road in Fort Lauderdale. They tout "all you can eat chicken and ribs", but they actually give you the "bum's rush" after a set time at the LONG picnic tables set up in a hall. The food is just so-so. Perhaps in their early days it was run differently - but this so-called "cruise package" has become just another money-making venture. I'm sure that this blog will not become rife with everyone telling me how wrong I am and how little I know; how "wonderful" the Jungle Queen is", and that I'm a ne'er do well... C'est la vie! I'm calling it as I see it. My suggestion for anyone wanting to go on the Jungle Queen: Take your money and spend it on a nice dinner at a decent restaurant.

Fran		19-May-2010 10:09
Roberta, remember Cowboy? Well he took me to my first triple A ball game at the Miami Stadium,'67. The Miami Marlins were playing that night. What a thrill! Let's see, 6 ft 2 inches, eyes of blue. The sweetest words of summer. Play ball!

Fran		19-May-2010 04:48
Parks, I did look up the Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise. This 65 year old cruise is known around the world. The riverboat departs the Bahia Mar docks at 5 p.m. each evening for a cruise, rib and chicken dinner on their own island with live entertainment. They cruise on the New River. I think you and the gang would love spending an evening together on the Jungle Queen Riverboat.

Fran		19-May-2010 04:26
Parks, you could be right. I guess I'll have to plan a trip back home.:) MRR, gee I thought 15 was old enough to be smitten with Consuella. I'm glad that you had good time. I am a firm believer of being able to go home again. People and places change but memories are forever.

Parks		19-May-2010 03:57
Hi Fran, It was probably the Island Queen that sails out of Bayside. The Jungle Queen doesn't usually come to Miami. I think there have been sight seeing boats in Miami named Island Queen as long as I can remember. Back in the fifties the Island Queen sailed from Pier 5, I think.

Miami River Rat		19-May-2010 03:46
I was "too young" too, Fran. Some things are just gonna' happen ready or not, ya' know? It was a very fine trip, but as my grandma used to say "All's well that ends". It's just that some things end way too soon!

Fran		18-May-2010 04:16
Parks, Yes, it's true that the tour boats point out his home. I have taken that tour several times and I must admit that I was one of the passengers who waved.:) I think it's the Jungle Queen Cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale. However, I never saw MRR's Consuella's fine smile on the Pinar del Rio. Must have been too young. :)

Parks		18-May-2010 03:50
Hi Rat, I was wondering what happened to you. Maybe next time. Jeff, The Miami Story sounds interesting but it may not be available on DVD or VHS. Net Flix doesn't have it. I'll look further. I did find some information about it on the Turner Classic Movie site. It turns out that Senator Smathers played himself in it. Speaking of gangsters in Miami, I spoke to the guy who lives in Al Capone's Miami Beach house. He said the tour boats always point it out to their passengers.

Fran		18-May-2010 03:26
Jeff, what a relief! I didn't think you were that kind of guy. :)

Jeff		18-May-2010 02:51
Parks: I'm afraid that I saw "The Cocoanuts" so manybyears ago, that all I remember is the famous "elephant in my pajamas" bit and the Captain Spaulding song. Speaking of Florida Film Night... there was a movie made around 1950-51 (around the time of the Kefauver hearings) on gambling in Miami. I think it was called "The Miami Story"... and it featured some GREAT location footage (including the Flamingo Hotel in the background of one rear-screen projection shot)...

Jeff		18-May-2010 02:48
Jeff Too: Oh, how I wish you had another screen name - I have the forboding feeling that anything you might write might be interpreted as coming from me. While I'm definitely not afraid to speak my mind [and have done so many times in the past] I hope that people WILL realize the obvious difference that you are another Jeff, too... but time will tell. I hope

Miami River Rat		18-May-2010 01:30
Parks: Sorry I didn't get by your shop this past weekend, I had the best of intentions. This trip to Miami went spinning out of control, tossed by the whims of cousins, nephews and a sister. Then gone in a flash. Gone faster than pretty Consuella's smile at Pinar del Rio back in '58. Now I'm back home, little the worse for the wear, though kinda' tired. They say you can't go home again, but you can. The problem is that when you get there the Miami you knew has been replaced by something very different and not all that pleasant. Y'all hang in there!

charlis		17-May-2010 21:30
Bad news for S FL and a repeat of history... looks like the oil from the BP disaster may be headed that way... only this time it looks to be worse that what we all remember from walking the beaches in the 60's. For all of you who still live there, volunteer to help out with any organization! If you are afraid of the birds and animals, donate Dawn detergent. If not afraid, volunteer your services. The birds and animals will be very subdued and need your help.

Jeff Too		17-May-2010 19:20
Leighton....You are a Sniveling Snot!!

Parks		17-May-2010 14:42
Jeff, It was obvious that you had seen the movie. You're right about it being good for Florida Movie Night. I wish I could remember the other line from the movie that cracked me up. Grocho was selling houses in the swamp to northern suckers. The line went something like For a little extra you'll get stucco, oh how you'll get stucco.

Jeff		17-May-2010 05:25
Parks, as you probably know by our phone chat - I KNOW that movie quite well... I didn't Google it... didn't need to. Especially since the film had a "Florida" theme to it... it's great for a Florida movie night...

Parks		17-May-2010 04:21
There was an article in the Miami Herald today that mentioned Nike. Allen Scott of Everglades National Park is going to be giving a talk on the missiles in the park. The article also says the following: "Former U.S. Army sargent Charles D. Carter preserved much of the history of the deployment of the Army missile units to South Florida.He also led the effort to make the preservation and sharing of the Nike Missile site a part of the Park's plans for the future." Nike, any chance you will be here for the talk?

Parks		17-May-2010 04:12
Leighton, Sorry to upset you. I'll just assume you were absent the day they taught the Marx Brothers.

Leighton		17-May-2010 04:02
Parks, I'll assume that my two degrees in film history are not enough? Do I recognize that line? Nope. But I can Google as well as Jeff - anyone can. My response, Parks, was OBVIOUSLY sarcastic, anyway. Good Grief. I think you well know, from my previous posts, that I have been involved in the industry for about 25 years (not long with this group, I realize). My favorite two years were in LA, mid 80s, when I had the chance to meet, and watch movies with, a series of incredible guests to our graduate film classes, including: Jimmy Stewart, Lucille Ball, Robert Wise, Terry Gilliam, George Lucas, Spielberg, Fred MacMurray, Celeste Holm, Bette Davis, blah, blah, blah. It was fantastic. And our access to film history items was incredible, considering that the industry, at that time, was not too keen on preservation.

Roberta Perry Hughes		16-May-2010 10:18
Have a lovely Sunday, everyone....! LARGO....Miami Girl....I miss seeing y'all on here....hope you're well. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roberta Perry Hughes		14-May-2010 11:34
Thanks for letting me know, Fran. I am so relieved....! Take care. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fran		14-May-2010 04:11
Roberta, I have had an appointment another due in two weeks. Yes, they don't go away and two surgeries are scheduled for the right eye. Later the left eye will be treated too, My dad and grandmother had this problem and now me. I'm not worried, I know that it can be fixed. Thanks so much for your caring advice. I'm very careful and now it's a wait and recovery thing. I will say that not being able to drive is DRIVING me nuts. :) My first tomato of the season is the size of a golf ball now. Good eats... Peace to you and Lewis.

Fran		14-May-2010 04:04
Roberta, I have had an appointment another due in two weeks. Yes, they don't go away and two surgeries are scheduled for the right eye. Later the left eye will be treated too, My dad and grandmother had this problem and now me. I'm not worried, I know that it can be fixed. Thanks so much for your caring advice. I'm very careful and now it's a wait and recovery thing. I will say that not being able to drive is DRIVING me nuts. :) My first tomato of the season is the size of a golf ball now. Good eats... Peace to you and Lewis.

Arizona Al		14-May-2010 02:44
Charlis: I know that I went to MDJC 1967-1969 because I have A.A. Degree Honors Diploma dated May 1969 but other than this document I really do not recall much detail of the 2 years that I attended. I was 22-24 years old during the 67-69 time frame and had allready served 3 years in the Army and was very angry and kept myself anesthesized with both legal and not so legal substances. How I managed to matriculate escapes me to this day. Glad to hear that we were fellow academics. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Roberta Perry Hughes		14-May-2010 01:31
Fran...Get thee to an Ophthalmologist, for a complete ocular work-up and dilated eye exam, as "floaters" that appear in one's field of vision is symptomatic of an underlying problem or condition. They could be what is known as plaque, or could be something more serious, such as tiny hemorrhagic areas in the retina. An Opththalmologist will be able to determine exactly what they are, and can then know how to treat it. Believe me when I tell you, that they are not going to "clear up," by themselves. At our age, a dilated eye exam should be done annually, unless problems, such as complications from diabetes, warrants a more frequent watch. With acute melanoma of the eye on the rise, every man, woman, and child, should don a pair of UV protection sunglasses, before they open their front door. Think of them as sunscreen for the eyes. Due to the adverse reactions of the harmful UV rays on the eyeball, the presence of cataracts are being diagnosed in younger people, every year. Please make an appointment, with an Ophthalmologist, soon. Or at least, have a dilated eye exam done by your Optometrist, who can test you for glaucoma, and can refer you to an Ophthalmologist, if you need to see an eye doctor. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

charlis		13-May-2010 19:48
Fran... thanks for the b-day wishes.

Fran		13-May-2010 19:14
Sorry about bay, should have been bag. Floaters have not gone away...

Fran		13-May-2010 19:12
My vote is for "Lady in Cement" and a cold beer or glass of wine. Yesterday was an eventful day, first "Tall Boy" in a brown bay in many, many years. Most important, Happy belated Birthday, Charlis!

charlis		13-May-2010 18:58
Parks... I'd go with Lady in Cement. the filming of that movie is the one that caused so many problems for me and Evie. It was a good movie, though.

charlis		13-May-2010 18:57
Al... I was at MDJC the same years as you. I have many fond memories. My favorite memories include taking computer training... the computer took up a lot of room! Finding that my counselor one year was a Mr. Nichols... he had been my science teacher at Nautilus in '64. Then, walking into an evening art class to find my old beach hi teacher teaching the class! My best memory is of another art teacher, whose name escapes me at the moment (old fart moment as I turned 61 yesterday)... the teacher became famous for his life like statues of people. He even used a casting of my hands in one of them.

Parks		13-May-2010 14:01
Hi Roberta, I've seen Hoot and enjoyed it but I don't have a copy. Maybe I'll get one for next time.

Arizona Al		13-May-2010 11:52
College Banter...I attended Miami Dade Jr. College (AA) 1967-69 then N.C. State University in Raleigh, N.C. 69-72 (BA), 72-74 (MA) and 74-77 (Ph.D.). Never partook in any of the college hijinks or attended athletic events. Went to school and lived and partied off campus. I have no strong alumnus affiliation and after final graduation in 1977 never returned to campus. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Roberta Perry Hughes		13-May-2010 08:54
Parks....there is a movie of the Hiassen book, "Hoot." Do you have it....? That would be a good one, if you haven't already shown it, that is.

Parks		13-May-2010 05:04
Thank you Jeff, I knew I could count on you to know the movie. Tomorrow is Florida Movie Night at my house. I can't decide which movie to show. I have Lady in Cement and Absence of Malice. Any opinions?

Jeff		13-May-2010 04:55
Erf! This late-night typing... the corrected second verse singers... Chorus: He went into the jungle where all the monkeys throw nuts Spaulding: "If I stay here I'll go nuts" Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!

Jeff		13-May-2010 04:50
Erf! This late-night typing... the corrected second verse singers... Chorus: He went into the jungle where all the monkeys throw nuts Spaulding: "If I stay here I'll go nuts" Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!

Jeff		13-May-2010 04:48
That bit fo dialogue was from "The Cocoanuts" - 1930 - the FOUR Marx Brothers... Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo. Another bit from that film... Chorus: Hooray for Capt. Spaulding, the African Explorer Spaulding: "Did someone call me 'Schnorrer'?" Chorus: Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! Chorus: He went into the jungle Spaulding: Where all the monkeys throw nuts Chorus: "If I stay here I'll go nuts" Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! (A schnorrer [in Yiddish] is someone who always wants something for nothing]

Jeff		13-May-2010 04:43
Because in Alabama the Tuscaloosa... (Happened to stop by and couldn't resist answerinfg you, Parks!)

Parks		13-May-2010 04:32
Leighton, I thought you were in the film industry. You need to take a film history course. Here's another one from the same film: "One morning, I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got into my pajamas, I don't know." Somebody must know why Captain Spaulding hunted elephants in Alabama.

Roberta Perry Hughes		13-May-2010 03:42
Good heavens.....! I am sure that Parks was in reference to the Crimson Tide symbol of the elephant, for the University of Alabama.....and he did not say "kill" elephants; he said "hunt." I have often said that Athens was a great place for alligators to feed on English bull dogs.....it is all in collegiate rivalry, the jabs and digs, from one college to the next. No vicious harm is intended, to the alumni, or to the fans, whose kids attend a particular alma mater. Or at least, it should come to no harm, no foul, anyway. I began college, but I "quit-u-ated," due to the costs, and the commute, and the inconvenience to my mother, whose car I drove. I had already completed a course in vocational nursing, and opted to go for the state boards, and become a Licensed Practical Nurse, and go to work. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leighton		13-May-2010 03:00
How witty. Killing elephants is quite humorous.

Parks		13-May-2010 02:43
Hi Don, Where did you find the Hopkins-Carter ad? I understand that Alabama is a great place to hunt elephants.

Leighton		12-May-2010 23:11
Again, whatever, MRR. I have zero interest in defending a college to you - it served my sister well, and my mother is from Alabama, with close ties. The is the @##@&# Internet, so it's a free-for-all, anyway. Blog on.... Also, my only point about Charlis's post, was the "Miami University" VS "UM" issue, and that my initial response is now meaningless. Overkill, now. I had guessed that the show purposely changed the name of the university, AND probably filmed it elsewhere. But I don't watch the show, and was merely making a supposition....as a location manager, in the business.

charlis		12-May-2010 19:37
gang... due to a glitch in my computer and this site the post was duplicated... Don did right. Ironically, several people made comments about the issue at the time... both from Miami FL and Miami OH.

Don Boyd		12-May-2010 14:28
Leighton, I don't change anyone's comments. I can't change anyone's comments without copying them and then reposting them again under my name. What happened was that Charlis apologized for the double posts and I thought both posts were identical which is usually the case and I deleted the top one which is what I normally do. Apparently she changed the name of the university to "Miami University" from U of M and that post got deleted inadvertently. Sorry! Parks: http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/image/124439166 in the Local Ads gallery Don

Fran		12-May-2010 12:47
Miami River Rat, great guess on my part. I will tell you that living in a college town provides you with the local ends and outs. UT is always posted as t u. You have cattle and horses, large animals. Auburn has one of the top ten Vet schools in the country. So after reading what you wrote, just a lucky guess. It would be remiss of me not to extend happy trails to you and your wife concerning the trip to the Sunshine State. I truly hope that you all will be able to visit Parks. Time is a priceless jewel in the game of life. Spend it well and enjoy every moment. Cheers!

Miami River Rat		12-May-2010 10:55
Leighton, the comment was definitely Tuskaloser, no "whatever" about it. Fran, I'm proud to be a graduate of Auburn University, how did you ever guess? I got up on the right side of the bed, my opinion of the school in West Vance never changes, no matter what side of the bed.

Leighton		12-May-2010 06:04
The majority of "CSI: Miami" has been shot in LA - they only did a few weeks of establishing shots in Miami each season. I have worked on several projects here in SA, that were set in other cities. A big hot spot for filming the past five years, Shreveport, LA, has stood in for a dozen different cities.

Leighton		12-May-2010 05:52
Um, WHAT? Charlis, your post changed. You said that the CSI episode said "Miami University" - ironically. Did Don mistakenly change it, thinking that you were incorrect? I assume that you were commenting on the name change, and I responded that it was likely intentional. Now I'm confused.....

Leighton		11-May-2010 21:56
By the early 80s, newly appointed UM President Foote did a lot to make the university a really good school. My problem wasn't with academics (I was into my film major by then), but with the student body in general. It just never really clicked, though I still keep in touch with one good friend. We did win the National Title in 1984, but I wasn't into football, and turned down great seats for that game, believe it or not. I imagine that the CSI episode intentionally changed the name, for any number of reasons.

charlis		11-May-2010 21:34
gang... sorry about the double post...

charlis		11-May-2010 21:29
I seem to remember that UM was referred to as "Basketweave U" back in the 60's. Even though a lot of my family were MU grads, Miami, OH) I took offense. Here is a bit of fun... a few years ago the CIS:Miami show had something to do with some murders on campus... the story led to the ice hockey coach.... Imagine my surprise to see the signs and banners say "University of Miami"!

Fran		11-May-2010 16:39
Martha, class of '67. If you haven't been to goldenhawks.net do. You will be able to reconnect at that site. Good Luck!

Fran		11-May-2010 15:04
Leighton, do attend your 25th reunion. Enjoy the university and Miami. Before my dad died he was an active member of the Touchdown Club. We spent many weekends attending UM games. Now as for you, MRR. It does sound as if you have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed. Why, shyster and Tuskalooser shame on you. You sound like an Auburn alumni? I love both schools, after all I am in the education business. I will however tell my girl. I mean my daughter that you MRR, have a tainted view of UA. Now, Papa, you be good today,you hear.:)

Martha		11-May-2010 14:55
Hi Charlis, I went to Miami Springs Sr High Class of 69. We had our graduation ceremony there, it was the Miami Beach Auditorium at that time

Leighton		11-May-2010 14:38
That being, again, the university itself...NOT Miami, which I DO remember fondly.

Leighton		11-May-2010 14:37
Yes, I am referring to Tuscaloosa. However, I have no desire to get into a debate about any of this, as I can tell by your "Tuskaloser" (or whatever) comment, that it would be quite pointless. My sister graduated from UA, and received a great education. Obviously, time to jettison this talk, and get back to Miami. My 25th UM reunion is this year/fall, but I could NOT care less. Again, I have no strong feelings for the place...

Miami River Rat		11-May-2010 13:47
To which of the UA's are y'all referring? UAB has a history of producing some excellent doctors and nurses. UAH, with its proximity to the Redstone Arsenal has very good technical programs and UAT is most noted for training shyster lawyers and the sort of politicians that are a state and national embarrassment. If Leighton's relatives are near the Tuskaloser school I'm surprised that he admitted it.

Leighton		11-May-2010 01:58
My nephew chose UGA over UA, last year. Visited him at Athens - certainly is a major college town, but it would have been too big a university for me personally. UM was about 16,000 back in the mid-80s, and THAT seemed too large. Tulane was 9,000 in 1980.

Fran		10-May-2010 05:06
Leighton, yes, UA holds fond memories,for me and friends. My youngest is considering UM and UGA. Her choice, I too miss Miami even though it has changed. :) I will say I loved Tulane and the football games. Especially the Citadel vs Tulane games. My brother played football for The Citadel, Good times...:) MRR, what kind of cattle? Any Angus or Nolan Ryan beef?

Leighton		10-May-2010 03:50
UA is great! Have a family history there. Booooooooooo Auburn. Hate to say it, as a UM grad, but I don't harbor much love for that place (UM). It cost WAY too much, and I lost my great scholarship at Tulane when I left - dumb, on my part. BUT, I wanted to live in Miami again, and I DON'T regret that. Whatever Miami has become, it still holds an important place in my heart, and I do want to visit again. Sorry to hear about the Filmore - we went to see the JG Show there. Good times.

charlis		09-May-2010 20:44
Martha...sorry.. DID you go to Beach?

charlis		09-May-2010 20:43
martha... fi you go to Beach? What year, if you did?

charlis		09-May-2010 20:41
Martha... I posted on the facebook site. No response. I have so many great memories of the auditorium... including being in the lighting booth!

Miami River Rat		09-May-2010 13:50
Happy Mother's Day to all of our moms and grandmas. Y'all make the world go 'round! Fran: Two boys, plus two step sons and a step daughter. Even though they are all allegedly grown now, they still keep one busy! Send that girl of yours to Auburn! The students and faculty at Auburn and TAMU are very similar. She should feel right at home. The main difference is that right now Auburn has a better football team. The last time the two played A&M won but that was somewhere around 1986. I really do think she'll like it at Auburn.

Martha		09-May-2010 04:57
Charlis, yes it was the Miami Beach Auditorium then it became the Jackie Gleason and now it's the Filmore at the Jackie Gleason.

Fran		08-May-2010 21:04
To all Moms who visit/post here, Happy Mother's Day!

Fran		08-May-2010 05:05
MMR, that 500 acres, 300 in timber. They planted the trees and never sold the timber. My aunt did not want the loggers on her land. She does however open several areas up to hunters twice a year. Kids meaning more than one? I'm sure that they have provided wonderful help for their dad. My youngest daughter is considering UA for graduate school. She is an Agriculture Business Major at A&M. She has a thing for good sod, She wears her jeans and boots with pride.:)

Miami River Rat		08-May-2010 03:20
Fran: The farm has been beef cattle, horses and timber for all the time I've owned it. (37 years now) Though I've made a nice supplemental income from farming over the years it's never been the breadwinner. I worked for the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture for 31 years and that job put the kiddies through school and so forth.

charlis		07-May-2010 18:04
Martha... wasn't that the Beach Auditorium? I went to several things there, including the annual Beach Hi Holiday event. During this event the whole school walked to the auditorium. All the classes donated money to buy gifts and the seniors got to create "floats" and walk down the aisles to put the stuff on stage. June Taylor often co-hosted the event. I remember going back stage and playing piano with Peter Nero and Ferrante & Teischer!

Martha Pierson		07-May-2010 17:19
oops I ment Facebook has a group "Save the Filmore".

Martha Pierson		07-May-2010 17:18
Hi All, The City of Miami Beach is proposing to tear down the Jackie Gleason Theater, now the Filmore to build a hotel for the Convention center. Facebook a group Save the Filmore. If you are a memeber of Facebook, please join and show the city not everything has to be torn down for progress.

Parks		07-May-2010 03:22
Leighton, A Flash of Green would be perfect for Florida Movie Night. I'll have to re-read the book. It's been a long time since I read MacDonald's books. Nike, Florida Movie Night was the idea of my friend Bill. One day about a year ago Snapper invited Bill, Darrell, Chris and me over to his house for a guy's movie night. We watched The Big Lebowski. We had such a good time that Bill came up with the idea of Florida Movie Night so we could involve our wives. We take turns hosting about once a month. If you are in town when Susan and I host, you would certainly be welcome. Chris runs a Dade County park in Redland. We're trying to talk him into hosting it at the park so we could have more people involved. Unfortunately he doesn't have the equipment he needs to project the movie.

Nike		06-May-2010 22:19
Parks, I have read your references to Florida Movie Night. When and where is it? If I'm in Miami sometiime in the future, is it open to anyone? My favorite Marjorie Rawlings movie is Cross Creek with Mary Ann Steenbergin (Ms. Ted Danson), Peter Coyote, and Rip Torn.

Nike		06-May-2010 22:15
CK, Just wondering how you are doing with the James Hall books. Although I haven't been posting, I've been keeping up with all the Miami Rogues from here in the Virgin Islands where I've been since early April. Fortunately, the internet keep my Miami Memories just a few keystrokes away. I'm looking forward to a trip home to Atlanta in a couple of weeks. No matter how beautiful you find paradise, it is always great to be home.

Leighton		06-May-2010 04:17
Nunez's "A Flash of Green" (84) is a great film - I think a perfect translation of a John D. MacDonald novel. Love mango flavor, but deadly allergic to tree and skin - worse than poison ivy. I have a great recipe for a mango cream cheese mold - I use the mangoes in a jar, but fresh would be best - just can't handle them.

Parks		06-May-2010 03:39
Hi Roberta, I'm glad to hear from you. I think all of the regulars here think of you and Lewis often. Your suggestions for Florida Movie Night are wonderful. I built a model of the canoe that Snapper and I are working on. It will make a good flower holder for the center piece. Thanks for the idea. We host Florida Movie night next Thursday. I'm planning to show either Lady in Cement or Absence of Malice. The Yearling is certainly n my list but there is another Marjorie Kinnan Rollins movie that I want to show but I can't find it. It's called Gal Young Un'. It was done by Victor Nunez who did Ulee's Gold and Ruby in Paradise. We would love it if you could make it to movie night. Susan made two batches of jam, one has a lot of spices in it. Both are good. We still have a lot of fruit on the tree which is starting to go bad. I think Susan is planning to try to freeze it. Despite the freeze, or maybe because of it, it's been a good growing season. I'm now looking forward to the mangos of summer.

Fran		05-May-2010 23:57
MRR, the trees were like giants to a young child. I love my family very much and the mere mention of the gardens brought to mind happy memories. I did not know that box turtles had to be forced to swim. Nice to know...:) Now as far as those young boys and their antics. When credit is due, credit is freely given. I'm sure you realize that your childhood was charmed in many ways. Your grandfather was a unique character, a rather handsome gentleman.:) Your family was part of what made Miami great. Tell me about your farm. What do you grow or raise? Is it a working farm? My family farms in Georgia. The smallest farm is 500 acres and the largest is a dairy farm over 6,000 acres. At one time my cousin farmed the sea off the coast of Savannah for Continental Can. He had shrimp farms in Florida at one time. Farming, yup it's in the blood.:)

Miami River Rat		05-May-2010 22:40
Roberta: Glad the storms missed you. We only had a normal good rain here, no damage. Fran: It's great that you got to tour those gardens before it all dissolved. That place was something to see in it's heyday. As far as being kind hearted, never attribute virtue to boys when laziness will answer. Those turtles were pretty much hemmed up in about five acres of woods and abandoned cane fields. The river was on one side and box turtles don't swim unless forced. It seems like maybe most of the other side had some chain link fence. It was easier to hold turtle races, put them back and get 'em again the next time than keeping them would have been, what with feeding and all that. Still, I'll be glad to take credit if you want to hand it out!

Roberta Perry Hughes		05-May-2010 10:54
Dear Don, Lewis and I are doing as well as can be expected. His doctor added another drug, recently, and we are carefully watching for any signs of adverse reactions, versus improvement, in his physicality. The jury is still out, on this one.... With all of the bad weather that came through our area, it went around us, either to the north or to the south, but not direct hits, where we live. So far, we have been lucky, and the area where we live is a good one, for averting the storms, head on. I hope that this trend will continue.... It was scorching hot, this past Sunday, and we hit 91'. That was a.c. and fans, a-runnin' up the light bill, both all day and all night, but, just too miserable, without it. The heat can be so suffocating. Hope this finds you all well, and feeling good, and finding many reasons, even in the little things, to make you smile, and to count your many blessings, each and every day. We so take our gifts for granted, and you never really realize what a blessing it is, until you lose one of those gifts, or they are impaired, or severely compromised, our five senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound. Add to those: the ability to speak clearly, and to get about on your own two feet, which are the vital gifts that allow one to be independent, and to be able to communicate with others. Embrace these blessings and gifts, and rejoice in them...! LARGO.....Whitebelt......I miss your postings, and I wish you well. Let us hear from you, if only just to say "hello," once-in-a-while, o.k.....? All y'all, who are still in the area, think of me, when you are enjoying a key lime shake, or a slice of key lime pie, or a cold, ripe juicy mango, or buttery avocado "conch salad," diced, and with minced onion in it, a squeeze of the juice of a key lime, and tossed, to coat the avocado pieces, and to enjoy with your wonderful battered and fried to perfection red snapper, grouper, or sea bass. Have some deviled crab, too, and some tasty hush puppies, and gallons of sweetened iced tea....or some Bud Ice. Oh, man....! That would be just heaven on earth....! Parks, what about a fish fry, on Florida movie night, while y'all watch The Yearling, starring Gregory Peck....? Have a lovely centerpiece of gorgeous hibiscus, in the center of the table, with maybe some lovely sea shells, at each place setting. Just combine every nuance you can, that defines "Florida," and colors your home, with all of those lovely images that I so miss seeing. Perhaps you could luck-up on a boat planter, on eBay, to hold an arrangement of lovely Florida foliage and flowers. How I wish I could attend a Movie Night at your home....! That is such a terrific idea....! Let me know how Susan is coming along, with the Loquat Preserves. Yummy....! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Don Boyd		05-May-2010 05:41
MRR: sorry for the delay but thank you for the information and for the e-mail with the great photos which I'll get to soon. I'll let everyone know when they're up on the site. Roberta, howz things going for y'all? Don

Fran		03-May-2010 15:14
CK, my uncle's family had property out there. They have three properties near the race track. They sold their property on Red Road to a developer. They have property west of Flamingo Road. Where their nursery/landscaping business is located. CK, I wasn't checking out hooves.:) More like the stance of the gentleman. Now, as to the horse, for me it was more like the horse may not be sure of it's footing. MRR, I do think that the turtle story was endearing. Putting the turtles back, proves to be an act of a caring soul.

Miami River Rat		03-May-2010 13:57
Good eye, Charles! What you see there is an example of a well mannered, calm horse. Right when we were "posing" for that picture a kid's kite with long string attached got away from the kid, blew past us and the kite string wrapped around her right rear foot. The kite is just behind us, but out of the picture. Most horses would have freaked out, but lady stood there, watched the kite blow by and stood still while I unwrapped the mess.

Charles Knight		03-May-2010 11:07
Ok...I concede!

Leighton		03-May-2010 05:16
ANYWAY, glad the commercial is over. TOUGH. But the 1st AD (assistant director) grew up in Miami, so we had some good conversations.

Leighton		03-May-2010 05:04
"Thank goodness"????

Charles Knight		03-May-2010 03:17
MRR, was just looking at the rogues gallery after Fran's latest compliment about you being handsome and all...I can't comment being a man and not really knowing how to gauge a man's looks (thank goodness!) but I did notice something...After years of large animal husbandry, I thought I saw something that may or may not be of significance,Lady looked as though there may have been a bit of a problem with her right rear hoof. Was she exhibiting signs of lameness at the time the picture was taken?

Charles Knight		03-May-2010 03:08
Fran, I remember a stand of royal palms on NW 7th St and about 67th Ave. Very regal but impacted me as "lonely". It seemed as though they were just "there". No rhyme or reason but dozens of them in the middle of a field by themselves on the north side of 7th...Your family's?

Fran		02-May-2010 16:18
MRR, wonderful read, rich in character. As a young child I visited the gardens with my dad, uncle and his dad. My uncle loved the Royal Palms and wanted his dad to see how great they were. In fact he planted a Royal Palm tree lined drive on one of his properties. He later started a nursery full of palms. He loved them so much he never sold any of them. He just collected them. It seems that wrestling is in your blood. Humm... Now, I know how you came by your good looks.:)

Miami River Rat		02-May-2010 13:50
Don: Henry Coppinger Sr. was James' grandfather, my great-grandfather. My grandfather was Henry Coppinger jr., the "Original Alligator Boy". I'll check out the gallery. James and I have swapped a number of photos over the years. If I have any really good ones that aren't there I'll send then to you. Charles: I know exactly where you are talking about, but I can't remember the name of that area. At one time there were about a hundred box turtles in several acres of woods there. Somebody had painted numbers on their backs and from time to time we'd go catch a few, have turtle races and then put them back.

Charles Knight		02-May-2010 11:55
Don and MRR, there is a park where Coppingers was and a home for the mentally challenged where the Indian village was. As kids we'd play in the caves on the south side near the water. The neighborhood I was thinking of is near 22nd Ave. and 11th St. northwest, the Miami river was on the north side of it. There was (or is) only one road in and out , if memory serves me right.

Don Boyd		02-May-2010 06:09
MRR, you mentioned Pirate's Cove as being your family's place. I just added a new sub-gallery in the Attractions gallery featuring photos from Coppinger's Pirate's Cove, Coppinger's Tropical Gardens, Alligator Farm and Indian Village, with photos contributed by Jim Coppinger, grandson of Henry Coppinger who opened it in 1914. The hot link to the gallery so far, with some more yet to add, is at: http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/memories_attractions_coppingers This is your family too? Don

Roberta Perry Hughes		02-May-2010 04:56
Parks....Wish I could help you, re: my mother's recipe for Loquat Preserves. If I had it, I would take mischievous delight, in posting it here, as there are some members who cannot handle such posts, as us ladies sharing our recipes on here....LOL I typed in Loquat Preserves, and did a search. There were several choices on which to click, for the information you desire. Hope one of them will be just right....! Good luck with it, Susan....! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Miami River Rat		02-May-2010 03:18
Ok Parks, if this all works out I'll give you a call the 13th or 14th. I remember that swinging bridge very well. We used to ride our bikes over it frequently. We called it "The swivel bridge". One of the bridge tenders there was a cool guy and would give us a ride by opening and closing the bridge with us riding on it when traffic wasn't bad. Charles, Little River was farther North, around North Miami. 79th street? Maybe 135th? The Indian villages at Musa Isle, Hobbyland and Pirate's Cove (my family's place) were all near where I lived.

Parks		02-May-2010 01:39
Hi Rat, just call the store and ask for Parks. I know it's a weird name. I also get all the calls where people ask for parts. I must drive past your old house several times a week. Do you remember the swinging bridge on South River Drive? I've been told that it was the original 27th avenue bridge but I can't confirm it. Jeff where are you when we need you? Roberta, the jam came out both too tart and too sweet! Susan used a recipe that came out of the Rare Fruit Council cook book. I think we'll try it again with less sugar and maybe no lemon juice. Susan used Meyer Lemon juice from our tree. Roberta, do you have your mothers recipe? Progress was made on both the canoe and the second pole boat. We took the pole boat plywood out of the hot tub and formed the bow today. That's the hardest part of building the pole boat.

Roberta Perry Hughes		02-May-2010 01:13
I finally got around to calling Michael Tripp, who lives up the road from me, in the town of Wrens, and we had a very enjoyable chat, re: what else....? Old Miami Memories....! Turns out his wife used to raise horses....Arabians, to be exact....so we have tentative future plans for them to come for lunch, and Lewis and Mrs. Tripp can confab about horses, and they can all drive over to where we now have our 3 pastured. Of course, in saying our good-byes, I could not resist telling him that it had been a real "trip," talking to him.....LOL. We dodged the bad weather, yet again.....! Hooray.....! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roberta Perry Hughes		02-May-2010 01:06
Parks....Jelly is made from the juice, and it is transparent....think apple jelly, e.g. Jam is jelly that is cooked longer, and is a bit on the tart side....think grape jam....as compared to grape jelly. Preserves, however, includes the fruit itself, within the jelly....think peach preserves, e.g. Loquat preserves, sans the peeling, of course, is mighty delicious. We had a tree in our yard, and my mother made it every time it bore fruit.

Fran		01-May-2010 23:27
CK, was the Paul Parrot shoe store located in "Little River>? I remember that store well. A Paul Parrot egg with a surprise inside.:)

Charles Knight		01-May-2010 20:56
Evidently a lot of us missed that stuff Rat. There's a neighborhood around your old stomping grounds that I had a lot of friends in. I don't remember what it was called but for some reason "Little River" keeps coming to mind. The Nuda's had a home there as well as a lot of river folk. Any ideas? CK

Miami River Rat		01-May-2010 13:55
Gee, that'll teach me to skip a night's reading here. I got cussed and didn't even know it? Day late and a dollar short, as usual. Thanks for the support, Fran. I'll be saving a mushy slow dance for you. Parks, your store is right in my old stomping grounds! From birth through the ninth grade I lived at N.W. 28th ave. and 17th street, just across the Miami River from your location. Do I just call the store and ask for Parks? I expect to be there either the 13th or 14th.

Fran		01-May-2010 10:08
Sorry about the missing section. Not to belabor the issue but I did leave out part of my post. I couldn't believe that the person that Don, described was MMR The post had to be a mistake. Glad to hear that it was. BTW,MMR, I would have gone to bat for you, really.

Fran		01-May-2010 09:09
Don, thanks for the info. I will admit that the post made me feel kinda icky. Rat, not making fun, have a safe trip! Roberta, is right about the preserves. They are great with homemade biscuits in the morning. Don't forget that key limes make an excellent jelly.

Don Boyd		01-May-2010 05:55
Parks, Fran, and others, especially Miami River Rat: please excuse my previous comment which I deleted as soon as I realized that I had three guys mixed up, two from here and one from Facebook. I had Miami River Rat confused with Whitebelt who I had confused with the guy from Facebook who was the guy sending me the Canadian pharmacy stuff daily to two of my e-mail addresses. I was dead serious about it because it was ticking me off as I was getting the e-mails daily for weeks until he quit about a week ago. Parks: you're the one still working and making all the moolah so you should be springing for lunch? I learned that in Retirement 101: make the still employed folks buy your lunches and beers so you can buy more beer. I never let a retiree buy a lunch and beers when I was still working unless they were quite well off compared to me, haha. Don

Parks		01-May-2010 04:42
Roberta, I have been corrected. Susan is making Jam not jelly. This is too complicated for me.

Parks		01-May-2010 04:16
Hi Roberta, What is the difference?

Roberta Perry Hughes		01-May-2010 03:43
Parks, tell Susan to make loquat preserves.....not jelly.

Parks		01-May-2010 03:04
Fran, that's what passes for humor from our host Don. I mentioned that he might pick up a lunch check and he's doing everything he can to avoid it. I'm headed down to Homestead tomorrow. It will be the last trip of the agriculture season. Burr's Berry Farm, the Amish bakery, the road side stands, and the you pick fields will be closing for the summer. Susan went to the Amish bakery yesterday and our freezer is stocked with pecan rolls and pies to get us through the summer. We have an abundant crop of loquats on our tree this year and she is trying to figure out what to do with them. She is trying to make jelly. Any other suggestions?

Fran		01-May-2010 02:31
What????

Parks		30-Apr-2010 14:10
Hi Rat, I'd love to meet you. The address is 3300 NW 21 Street. My web site is www.hopkins-carter.com . Give me a call before you come. I'll call Don, maybe we can get him to buy us lunch. My partner in boat building and I have got a good start on a Cajun Piriou and a second Simmons skiff. Don, I see the ramp now. I think this one is better at showing where it is. http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/image/80442338

Miami River Rat		30-Apr-2010 13:18
Parks: I take it you've got a bait & tackle shop? I plan to be in South Florida around May 15th. If you feel ok about putting the name/address of your shop here I'd like to stop by and meet the guy that built a Glen Simmons skiff.

Don Boyd		30-Apr-2010 06:35
Parks, they used a ramp on the south side of Pan Am's building (now city hall). Perhaps the best shot of it in my Pan Am gallery at http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/memories_aviation_paa is at: http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/image/80216421 Don

Parks		30-Apr-2010 03:42
I was looking at a post card image of the Pan Am airbase at Dinner Key today. Does anyone know how they got the seaplanes into the water? There doesn't appear to be a ramp. The ramp in front of the Coast Guard hanger was clearly visible in the picture but no Pan Am ramp. There didn't appear to be a way to get the Pan Am planes to the Coast Guard ramp. Don and Jeff, one of you should know the answer to this.

Miami River Rat		30-Apr-2010 03:34
"Guest 29-Apr-2010 19:33 What happened to Miami Memories?" Post some Miami Memories for us, Guest!

charlis		29-Apr-2010 21:40
jeff too and guest... I hate talking "politics"... but the memories posted of Nam got me thinking... a bad thing to do... ;-)

charlis		29-Apr-2010 21:39
Leigh... even though exhausting, I would love to do what you are doing...

Jeff Too		29-Apr-2010 19:43
Charlis.....Didn't your mom, with all her infinite wisdom teach you that you don't talk politics on miamimemories.com??

Guest		29-Apr-2010 19:33
What happened to Miami Memories?

Leighton		28-Apr-2010 06:00
Yes, Parks - that's all very familiar. I'm paying the filming location's neighbors for catering and parking, tomorrow. Have to be up in three hours - ugh. Crazy for a 30 sec spot. I'm exhausted, right now. Averaging three hours a night sleep, and we don't start filming till tomorrow. Homeowners have a lot of fun, though. Average $100 - $150 to use yard - homeowners get around $1,000/day for filming interiors. It's fun, but crazy - changing the schedule every day. I have a caterer arriving on location (a university) at 3:30 AM (soon), but I told him I'd be there at 5:00. That's when my security arrives. He's on his own till then. The hardest part is "loading in" - getting trucks and crew parked, and scene set up. Then, as they say, it's "hurry up, and wait." Spent the evening "layout boarding" one of our locations - putting down cardboard on floors/walls of rooms not used, but exposed to crew. This house will be seen for five seconds, but it's six hours of shooting.

charlis		27-Apr-2010 21:38
It is so sad to know that our current young people will have the same memories due to the Bushes. We had/have no reason to be in either place except to line some pockets. And the people who served are having trouble getting help.

Ariziona Al		27-Apr-2010 14:51
Other than a 1 year deployment in country (Nam) 1966-1967 I must admit that what I recall from the 1960s engenders pleasant emotions. Could have something to do with discovering the joys of alcohol and other substances during the referenced time period:). Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona despite the plethora of abusive practices undertaken in the 1960s.

Fran		27-Apr-2010 04:46
I know what you mean. I have a want to block out those memories. I have flashbacks of war scenes during the dinner hour news. That's why they say that war is hell. For some of us it never ends... Gee,it sounds like no love in for you, MMR. As for myself, I rather have happy thoughts.:) Cool breeze, warm sunshine and a mushy slow dance.:)

Miami River Rat		27-Apr-2010 04:07
I won't be be heading to Greynolds for that one. I don't think I want to re-live that time period from 1963 to 1975. Some of you may have fond memories. My sister (younger) says she THINKS she would have fond memories if she could remember anything from then. The first thing that comes to my mind when somebody mentions the '60's is hearing body counts on the car radio news on the way to college classes every morning and knowing damn well they were lying. I know too many names on the wall, I'm not going to any love in.

Fran		27-Apr-2010 02:14
Be sure to wear a flower in your hair...

Don Boyd		26-Apr-2010 01:41
Greynolds Park Love-In coming up on May 16th: http://www.miamidade.gov/greynoldslovein/general.asp Don

Fran		25-Apr-2010 17:32
Leigh..., next month in Waco filming starts for a John Wayne remake. Local Newscaster will have a small part in the movie, if it's not cut. Continued success filming next week!

Parks		25-Apr-2010 14:36
Hi Leighton, Susan and I had the film location experience from the property owners perspective. A few years ago a film crew showed up to film a commercial at the house next door to us. The location person approached us about parking the catering / craft services truck on our property. As I recall she offered us $100 a day and free food! We said sure, it was found money. Then she threw in an extra $100 for us to let them plug into our power. It was fun to have them in the neighborhood and they went out of their way not to annoy the neighbors. Where ever there was a problem, they threw cash at it. I have a large wooden shed in my back yard that looks like an old cracker house complete with front porch. I've often thought it would be a good location for a movie, commercial or photo shoot but I don't know how to get the word to the right people that it is there. Any tips?

Leighton		25-Apr-2010 04:58
This commercial is posing quite a challenge - I'll be a zombie by week's end. I should be asleep. Tomorrow will be crazy - Sunday, no less. Nothing like convincing property owners that bringing a film crew on the premises is a "good" thing. We are getting ready to invade a house, a restaurant and a university, Wish me luck. We don't start filming till Wed., and I have a ton of things to do.

Parks		25-Apr-2010 03:21
Hi Guys, I went down to Homestead today to work on my next boat project with Snapper. We're building a Cajun Pirogue and another Everglades pole boat. After we finished for the day, I went over to Homestead General Airport and watched the sky divers and sail planes for a while. Then I headed to Robert is Here and he wasn't! The place was closed! It's not bad news, he was getting married today. Since I had some time I decided to drive north on Krome Avenue to the trail. There are still a lot of row crops growing even this late in the season. I even saw some very young corn. Seems pretty late to be planting corn. On the Tamiami Trail I stopped at the Trail Glades Shooting Range to look around. I hadn't done any shooting in nearly thirty years. I watched the trap shooters for a while and got the bug. I rented a shot gun and had a go at it. Unfortunately the only gun they had available was a .410 (a very small shotgun). I asked the range master if I could stand on the trap house and swat them as they came out. He said that was about the only way I'd hit them. I hit 8 out of 25 clay pigeons, not enough for a good meal. It was a good day. Susan just handed me a small bowl of Mulberrys she harvested today. Life is good in South Florida.

Fran		24-Apr-2010 16:52
Charles, couldn't help myself, it must have been the mention of the beach.:) MRR, it's true that I love to dance. I know that area very well. My brother graduated from the Citadel. I have family in the area. Gotta love the Shag...

charlis		24-Apr-2010 16:47
Leigh... I do envy you though. I always wanted to work behind the scenes. The closest I ever got was part of a college project where I did the set design at Beach Hi for "George Washington Slept Here", and years later for the local children's troupe.

Miami River Rat		24-Apr-2010 14:14
Charles, the most frequently used on-line term that I've seen is "get a room". Fran likes to dance, maybe we can meet up in Myrtle Beach South Carolina sometime. There's a place there called "Boardwalk by the Beach". They've got maybe 10 lounges with bands, each lounge with a different theme. There's country, blues, rock, disco, on and on. By the time you make it around getting a drink and a dance or two in each place you be thinkin' all those happy thoughts!

Charles Knight		24-Apr-2010 12:15
Fran, not offended at all. I'm enjoying your little game! Don't forget about people with glass houses, and the online flirting that I initiated with Miami Girl! I think highly of MRR and yourself...Have fun with it! CK

Fran		24-Apr-2010 06:13
Charles, sorry if I have offended you and the others. The posts were meant in good spirited fun.

Charles Knight		24-Apr-2010 01:39
Alright you two...Get together already...This long distance s6tuff just isn't gonna cut it!!!

Fran		23-Apr-2010 23:16
Miami River Rat, the thought of Panama City has brought to mind happy memories of South Beach. Yup, single and all those guys, sounds about right.:)

Fran		23-Apr-2010 14:58
Charles, I have a sister and family who live in that area. Beautiful place! My brother-in-law and sister were stationed at Patrick. They decided to make that area their home. Yes, I love that area. :) Miami River Rat, good guess, okay.:) My brother-in-law was stationed at Eglin. I visited more times than I would like to admit. Panama City Spring Break and getting caught in the traffic on the bridge. My first attempt at water skiing was at Destin Beach. Oh, jelly fish and sand dunes, fun! My youngest daughter spent three days there during her break this year with family and friends. The circle continues...

Miami River Rat		23-Apr-2010 13:48
Another good guess, Fran. I suffered through three years at Tyndall AFB in Panama City, Fla. Imagine! 17 years old when I got there, single, all that beach and all those girls. Some guys wanted to get sent overseas. Me, I lived in terror that they'd ship me away from there. The "Redneck Riviera" ain't a bad spot for a young single guy.

Charles Knight		23-Apr-2010 11:01
I live two miles south of Patrick...

Fran		23-Apr-2010 03:30
MMR, Were you stationed at Patrick or the panhandle?

Frank Lizano		23-Apr-2010 02:53
Fran, How do you do ?

Leighton		23-Apr-2010 02:21
Somebody's been overindulging in something.

Miami Girl		22-Apr-2010 21:11
Henry00: HUH?? What exactly are you trying to say??

Charles Knight		22-Apr-2010 20:02
Whaaat???

henry00		22-Apr-2010 16:25
ohh nop nothing is wrong here dear its just a way to express you as a freelance designer so you can use these images in your project and espress that this site helps you to maintain your project as well as work also.

Leighton		22-Apr-2010 06:59
The average 30 sec commercial spot requires three days of filming, with a crew of forty people. For a feature film, we shoot for two months, with an average of two minutes on-screen footage per day. Of course, it all varies, depending on location. Films crews number above 100 people.

Leighton		22-Apr-2010 06:31
Unfortunately, it's a Wal-mart commercial. National spot. Filming here in SA. Still scrambling to find locations less than a week out. It's incredible what goes into a 30 second spot. For each location filmed, we have to find at least ten options. The project that I'm the most proud of? "The Newton Boys" film - 1997 release. Rent it. I could tell you horror stories. It was the dawn of CGI, which was used sparingly. Back then, for a "period" film (1927), contemporary items had to be removed physically. A two second "pan" of a street required the removal of hundreds of items - today, they'd just digitally "erase" them. One building seen for a few seconds, had about fifty air-conditioning units in windows - I had to have them all physically removed - crazy. For the two weeks filmed in SA, I worked FOUR months. But God Bless the producers on that one - they gave us "high" billing in the closing credits. Other projects - I get no credit AT ALL. I worked four months on the second unit of "American Outlaws" - a LAME Jesse James re-telling. It was insane. They held a "special" screening for the crew, and we were horrified, to see that the entire second unit was left out of the credits. We wanted to kill them. I worked four months on "Selena" - no credit. And I found about 30% of those locations. BUT, I worked a mere two weeks as a lowly production assistant on "Delta Force 2" in the late 80s, and have a credit. Weird.

Fran		22-Apr-2010 06:10
Roberta, Lewis and Largo, all are not forgotten. Peace be with you and yours. Now, as to that can of littering worms, might not seem fair. However, it seems to work for that county.

Fran		22-Apr-2010 06:10
Roberta, Lewis and Largo, all are not forgotten. Peace be with you and yours. Now, as to that can of littering worms, might not seem fair. However, it seems to work for that county.

Miami River Rat		22-Apr-2010 04:29
Charlis, here's the problem if the police don't see it first hand: What's to keep me from getting mad at you, ditching a McDonald's bag on the roadside, calling in and saying I saw you do it? I don't understand how that "informer" system could work.

Charles Knight		21-Apr-2010 23:53
My brother in law was a major pot smuggler at the time, millions of pounds over the years. He also owned a car lot almost directly across from the Collection on US1, all very pricey . He rented a LOT of the exotic cars to the Miami Vice production. Al's passed on now...Ironic that a major outlaw supplied a great deal of the cars to a cop show that focused mainly on guys just like himself.

charlis		21-Apr-2010 22:51
Leigh... Miami Vice... Did you know that the house they used for a lot of scenes/interiors was on Normandy Isle across from the golf course... 800 block. It belonged to the founder of LUMS and was across the street from my great uncle's house. The owner tore down one of the houses and put in a tennis court.

charlis		21-Apr-2010 22:48
leigh... where is the commerial being filmed?

charlis		21-Apr-2010 22:47
littering... Hillsborough County is vey strict on littering... if a deputy goes by the site and sees what was described to him... what more proof do you need. ie: "I saw a blue Ford Focus, plate number 12g-sg4 toss a BK bag at 1234 CR at 5:30 PM." The deputy will dive by the site, see the bag... what more proof does he need? Especially if the person charged the meal to his credit card and the receipt is attached to the bag!

Fran		21-Apr-2010 22:05
Leighton, sounds like a great job. I'll sit back and enjoy memories of cheesecake, butter cream and lemon filling. We would drive 27 miles just to buy a birthday cake. :) Yup, those were the days.

Miami Girl		21-Apr-2010 21:09
Leighton, let us know which commercial to look for so we can say we know somebody behind the scenes.

Dave		21-Apr-2010 19:42
Leighton, You are correct. It is that way, most everywhere. The Police will not issue a citation, or arrest unless they saw the infraction actually take place. Heresay, will not do . Dave.

Leighton		21-Apr-2010 04:51
Well, folks, I'll be absent for a while. Ready to location manage a TV commercial - CRAZY. The locations are decided at the last minute, and the details are insane. So, every time you fast forward through one of those things, just remember all of the people involved. And to toss in a Miami memory.....back in 1984, as a UM film student, I was hired to be Don Johnson's second assistant on "Miami Vice." The day before filming the "pilot," Universal "canceled" the position....I was so bummed. And, by the way, the original title was "Gold Coast."

Leighton		21-Apr-2010 04:40
In SA, a police officer must witness any type of violation, in order to issue a ticket, as it should be.....otherwise, anybody could say anything, about anybody. It would be a free-for-all.

charlis		20-Apr-2010 21:54
Sorry Charlie ;-)

Charles Knight		19-Apr-2010 23:06
Charlis...That's "Charlie". I have to correct folks often. My sisters name is Bonnie. She was born before me as Bonnie came before Charlie.

charlis		19-Apr-2010 22:20
back to memories of S FL... and having to do with littering... remember driving through the 'glades and seeing all the beauty... gators on the edge of the road, panthers in the distance? No littering.

charlis		19-Apr-2010 22:10
The littering/dumping problem... I know for a fact that in the Tampa area as long as you have the tag number, the time, and the place... the sheriff will show up at the door of the litterer. Why do I know this? ... because I work for the county and the department that handles the complaints. Our deputies and inspectors are busier than ever due to the economy. People loosing their homes and hiring people to take stuff to the dump and paying for the disposal fees, only to find the stuff on the side of the road or on abandoned properties... To make things worse, I was stopped at a light. Next to a car in front of me was one of our signs... "Think Before You Throw"... The driver of the car "flicked a butt" and a passenger threw a bag from BK out the window. Yes, I got the tag number and will report it in the AM.

charlis		19-Apr-2010 21:55
Leighton... I know you are venting. I got a cell phone just after Charley hit because an old classmate knew I was traveling to Miami for a HazMat conference. When the contract ran out, I did not renew it and the phone is somewhere around here. There is this one woman at work who comes out at lunch and always sits near me. She immediately gets on the cell phone... and talks loud. Within 10 minutes I am surrounded by people talking on their phones! And I hear car horns blare as people make turns on to the one way streets... going the wrong way... look at them and they are on cell phones!

Fran		19-Apr-2010 20:30
Do you fish?

Leighton		19-Apr-2010 04:03
Sorry - back to Miami stuff............let's see, ummmmmmm, I'd kill for one of the old Andalusia Bakery cheesecakes. When I was a college kid, with great metabolism, I'd down one of those for dinner. Then go eat a Whopper - the Burger King marketing campaign in the 80s, was if you said, "the Whopper beats the Big Mac," you'd get an extra, free Whopper. YUM. Now I gain five pounds, just driving by a Burger King. Argh.

Leighton		19-Apr-2010 03:56
To clarify, Charlis, I am not arguing with you, just VENTING. WHAT ON EARTH are people thinking??!! It just seems that everybody has lost their minds. AGAIN, today, I had listen to some guy carry on the most personal discussion on his cell phone, in Target. I turned around, and said, "DO YOU REALIZE, THAT I CAN HEAR YOU?????????" He was offended, but I DON'T CARE.

Leighton		19-Apr-2010 03:45
In regards to cell phones - it is the users who are abusing them. Lawsuits against the companies would not be my choice. If the public demands change, it WILL happen. Unfortunately, too many idiots out there prefer blabbing on their phones.

Leighton		19-Apr-2010 03:41
If a law enforcement official is not directly involved, one cannot be arrested or ticketed. If it IS happening, then it is legally questionable. I can complain about my neighbor making noise, a dozen times, but until the noise it witnessed by an "official" employee, nothing can be done, and shouldn't. The officer can knock on their door, and discuss the complaint. But that's it.

charlis		18-Apr-2010 18:53
Tim Dorsey fans.... just finished reading "Hurricane Punch" and started "Nuclear Jellyfish"... love that Serge character... Next up is catching up on the Haisson books.

charlis		18-Apr-2010 18:46
leighton... cell phones and driving.... and walking... at the collection people would pull up to the "greeter" station and did not even notice us. We take certain info for stats. Some people did not see the signs pointing to the entrance and went into the exit lane... we could see them talking on cell phone. Some people had the "head sets" and were talking while we were trying to get their attention. On my way home from the collection I had to slam on the bakes several times as people changed lanes without looking... and all were talking on phones! I think we need to start suing the cell phone companies if we are in an accident. If enough people sue them, maybe they will start backing a state's ban instead of paying someone to block the bills.

charlis		18-Apr-2010 18:37
License/tag info... I do not know if the rules have changed, but when I worked for a Reunion planning company, that is how the company found alum. I often went to the local tag agency. Using the info to report littering? In the Tampa area you can report the tag number and the location, time, etc. and the cops will cite the offenders. The county even has "special squads" that work with the Solid Waste department. Two recent incidents show the justification... I worked our residential chemicals and electronics collection yesterday. One guy showed up with a trailer full of 10 gallon containers of printer's ink. Our deputy asked where all the containers came from and the guy said they were from his old business. We do not take commercial waste, but have people contact our contactor to pay for the disposal. This guy got irate. The deputy got the tag number as the guy sped out. The deputy, me, and another coworker took different routes home to check if the guy dumped the stuff. I didn't see anything on my route but the others might have. The other incident involved a guy who was beat up by teenagers. He saw them throw stuff out of the car window. At the next traffic light he got out of his car and said something to them. Yes, he was stupid for getting out of the car but his wife had already called the cops to report the littering. The guy was taken to the hospital and the car was traced... the teens, and an older adult were all arrested for the littering and the beating.

Parks		18-Apr-2010 17:42
Friday was Florida movie night. Darrell hosted this time. The short was Queen of Lincoln Road. It was about an old woman who made her own, very outlandish cloths. She made her living typing term papers and such on an old type writer. According to her, the type was much larger and easier to read than you could get from a computer. We all got a laugh when she whipped out the White Out. The women loved it, the men not so much. The feature was "Island Claws" which was filmed on Virgina Key. Darrell had seen a good deal of it being filmed as they used the marine lab where he worked as a set. They built a bunch of small buildings and shacks at Jimbo's place to make a little town that was attacked by the giant crab. Many of the shacks are still there having survived several hurricanes. I don't know how much longer they'll be there, the city is trying to run Jimbo out. He's in his eighties now so he can't fight them much longer any way. To be a true Miami movie it must have a shot of a causeway. It is usually the McArthur Causeway. This time it was the Rickenbacher.

Parks		18-Apr-2010 17:26
Frank and Leighton I believe there is a profit motive involved in getting access to license data bases. The State sells it! To be fair, I'm guessing it's also a public access issue that some Judge has ruled on. When I wanted to do a mailing to boat owners near my store I looked ito it. I could have bought the list from the State of Florida but it was in a format that I couldn't use. There are businesses that buy the list, make it easily searchable and then sell the results. In the case of boats, you can specify size, power or sail, zip code, hull material, and several other criteria. You can then down load the results and print labels. I think there are also web sites where you can look up individual boat owners for free, but you can't down load a bunch and print labels.

Leighton		18-Apr-2010 10:54
It's absolutely insane what people will post on Facebook. Idiotic. I was conducting a local search for a business, and inadvertently came across a business acquaintance's Facebook page. I was somehow able to click on the page without "signing in" (guess he allowed such ease), and was shocked to see hundreds of pictures of his family - including those moronic child-in-the-bathtub shots that people unimaginably think are "cute" - pictures of the front of his house, AND a GPS "grab" of his home address!!!! DUH - he had easily made his young kids the bait for predators. I immediately notified him, as awkward as it was, and told him he might want to reconsider the options. GOOD GRIEF. Have people just gotten so enamored with themselves, that they have given their brains a permanent vacation????? So, are driver's license AND license plate numbers all now "available" for a price?? I'm not sure how "public" the info is supposed to be, as a local police friend said it was illegal for him to run personal searches on police equipment, and it varies between states and counties just how "free" the information should be. The abuses are countless. Anti-@#*#@-littering!!!!!!!!!???????????????? First of all, police will not charge anybody if THEY THEMSELVES don't witness it. And, plus, anybody could make up anything they wanted, then "report it." And don't get me started on cell phones in public places. One STUPID person was screeching into her's at the grocery store check-out, the other day. I was able to clearly find out: her address, that she was going on vacation, that her dog was being put in the kennel AND she had no alarm. Honestly, modern technology is making everybody "cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs."

Frank		18-Apr-2010 07:46
MR. Boyd, You are absolutely correct. Other than law enforcement, no private citizens should be able to run a tag. And even P I firms and other agencies having tags run, is improper, and should be illegal. I wonder why this practice goes on ? Could money be the incentive ? Frank.

Don Boyd		18-Apr-2010 06:00
Charlis, regarding license plate information, why would one go to the trouble of looking up someone's name and address to report them as a litterer, or whatever they did wrong, when all you have to do is give the law enforcement agency the tag number and they can look it up if so inclined? That doesn't even make sense. If private companies make money off providing such information then the state should allow everyone to access their license plate databases instead of creating a profit motivated system that is anti-consumer. I'm opposed to any non-law enforcement agency being able to look up tag numbers and all LEO inquiries should be tracked in case the car's owner is murdered for cutting someone off in traffic, raped because some perv saw a good looking lady driving next to him, etc. Don

Fran		18-Apr-2010 03:26
Miami River Rat, that's what they tell me. Two of my former students played Major League ball. Fact, they played on the Marlins team and helped to win the first World Series in 1993, for the Marlins. Horses are a love of mine too. When my uncle died, his wife returned their horses to the King Ranch in Texas. That's some ranch!

Miami River Rat		18-Apr-2010 02:49
Fran: Baseball...I played it through my Air Force time. Coached it for 16 years, though never above the high school level. So yeah, I've tossed a few sliders, low and away. You've got some kind of good eye there, Girl! Charlis: There is something special about the bond between a horse and his/her human. They can be weird at times, but once they learn to trust you, they are very cool.

charlis		17-Apr-2010 21:10
I always wanted a horse! The closest I got was having "sole rights" to the pony I told you about... and being the onky one the one horse allowed anyone to ride except the owner.

charlis		17-Apr-2010 21:04
Driver's license info is Public info... there are websites that have access to it if you have the ability to pay the varous companies. I can not remember the name of the company that I used to use. due to many new things, such as anti-littering, you can write down a license number and look up the license and find the address and report the littering to local authorities.

Fran		17-Apr-2010 20:35
Sorry guys, this is a mess, won't happen again.

Fran		17-Apr-2010 20:33
MRR, asked if you spoke baseball. Why? The way in which you were standing with Lady. The stance looked like you have pitched a few. Truth is, I love baseball! Must have baseball on the brain. Mushy slow dance sounds like fun.:) However, baseball has a certain ping and crack to it. :)

Fran		17-Apr-2010 20:33
MRR, asked if you spoke baseball. Why? The way in which you were standing with Lady. The stance looked like you have pitched a few. Truth is, I love baseball! Must have baseball on the brain. Mushy slow dance sounds like fun.:) However, baseball has a certain ping and crack to it. :)

Fran		17-Apr-2010 20:17
MRR, asked if you spoke baseball. Why? The way in which you were standing with Lady. The stance looked like you have pitched a few. Truth is, I love baseball! Must have baseball on the brain. Mushy slow dance sounds like fun.:) However, baseball has a certain ping and crack to it. :)

Kenneth B.		17-Apr-2010 18:54
I'm with Leighton on this one. It is disturbing to know that anyone with friends in government offices can unilaterally acquire information about someone on a whim as a favor to other friends. On the facebook issue, I have learned that kidnappers in Mexico use facebook as a source for learning whether someone is on vacation, or who they socialize with and what they look like in order to fascilitate their agenda. Facebook is also just another tool for big brother to know the private goings on in people's lives.

Billy		17-Apr-2010 18:46
I found a neat website called historicaerials.com that you can see aerial views of the past and present. Maybe many of you already know of this?

Leighton		17-Apr-2010 04:22
In regards to: "I am going to have a friend that works with the Tax Collector and have him check the driver license database" I found this: 2007 Florida Legislature OFFICE OF PROGRAM POLICY ANALYSIS AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY "Driver licensing services have a high potential for fraudulent activity, which would require strong state oversight. Private entities could create a risk of personal identity data breaches and identity theft if they do not develop and enforce rigorous internal accountability systems. Non-compliance with accountability standards also could threaten integrity of the driver’s license or ID card as federally accepted identification, as will be required by the federal Real ID Act. The state would need to strengthen contract management and increase external auditing to maintain accountability." I think the "tax collector" could get into some hot water, what with the "sharing" going on - especially with "PI" firms.

Fran		17-Apr-2010 03:50
Miami River Rat, do you speak baseball? If so, be still my heart. :)

Miami River Rat		17-Apr-2010 03:50
Sure. I dance some two-step, dance some shag, a little bop and I like to mix a mushy slow one in there every now and then. Just kinda' adjust for whatever the band is doing. There's a honky-tonk out in Oklahoma City called Graham's. They've got a huge building with country bands on one side, rock 'n' roll on the other side and an arcade in between with hot dog stands, pool tables and the like. I might have stayed in there for weeks if they had had a laundry to wash clothes.

Fran		17-Apr-2010 03:26
Do you Two Step?

Fran		17-Apr-2010 03:16
Do you Two Step?

Miami River Rat		17-Apr-2010 01:39
Fran: Oh no, not an only horse. I have three of them: Lady, Allie and Cisco. Lady is the smoothest ride, a Missouri Foxtrotter. The other two are Quarterhorses. Our mailbox is two miles up a dirt road from the house and most days I take a horse to get the mail. That keeps it interesting. Also, horse riding is a great way to stay in good physical shape. A guy has to be ready to hit the dance floor on a Saturday night when the need arises!

Fran		16-Apr-2010 13:25
MRR, Lady is beautiful. Is she the only horse?

Frank		16-Apr-2010 10:50
Leighton, Amen. You are most certainly correct. Internet Indexing, is an invasion of privacy, and should be punishable by law. Thank you for shedding light on that. Frank Talson.

Leighton		16-Apr-2010 04:05
I also hope, that at some point, some of this Internet "indexing" and research becomes illegal, or limited. Definitely a violation of privacy at some point. How strange that some people want their personal details displayed so thoroughly on the Internet. Granted, it's fun to find old friends, but there should be limitations.

Leighton		16-Apr-2010 03:57
The "scariness" I refer to, is the incessant blabbering of the Facebookers. It is one of the most self-indulgent Internet tools that exists. Wait, that would be Twitter.

charlis		15-Apr-2010 22:00
Fran... you just tweeked my memory... I am going to have a friend that works with the Tax Collector and have him check the driver license database... I used to have access to that in 1996 and that was how I found him back then...

charlis		15-Apr-2010 21:57
Fran... I used to have access to a lot of search engines when I worked for the PI firm... his name is Ronald Marks and he was born in May 1949... I think it was the 19th. He was still in FL the last time I did my research but the info was not up to date at the time... 1996.

charlis		15-Apr-2010 21:53
leigh and CK... I am not a big fan of Facebook either, except for looking up old friends... a lot of users do not keep a thread going but post new comments in answer to something they got in response to something they posted.

Ted Crownover		15-Apr-2010 18:54
Roberta and others that lived in the Bird Road section of Miami there is a page on Facebook called Bird Road Baby Boomershttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Bird-Road-Baby-Boomers/352881460399. Don Boyd and I belong to it. They post a lot of memories of the Southwest section of Miami.

Ted Crownover		15-Apr-2010 18:08
Facebook is safe as long as you do not use any apps, play any games, click on links, and don't accept any friends you do not know. If you want to keep your profile as private as possible, avoid joining a regional network, which is open to anyone. Also, edit your privacy settings as soon as you sign up and don't display your birthday, etc.

Charles Knight		15-Apr-2010 11:19
Leighton, I rarely use face book, mainly for finding old friends, relatives, etc. I find it scary as well. I still use myspace often though. I find it's format much more user friendly.

Fran		15-Apr-2010 05:47
Charlis, Ronnie is not on the Social Security Death Index List. If you could give me more info. I will try and help you find him. I did help Pokey, find a girl he wanted to contact. I will warn you, I did find a lost first love. He was doing time in IN for selling drugs and living where drugs were being sold. The news broke my heart. I really wanted to find him healthy and happy. However, I never bothered to contact him. His life was a mess and hearing from me might not be the news he was looking for. I think it's worth the effort to locate him. Who knows? Just think of the possibilities.:)

Leighton		15-Apr-2010 04:42
Just temporarily activated my Facebook account (hate it), and there you were, CK, on my "recommended" list. Sorry I didn't "friend" you, but I find the site scary. I just jump in, every once in a while, to see why I despise it. Nice family pic, though.

Leighton		15-Apr-2010 04:07
Good grief, our "Health" class film, in 1978 no less, was "Birth in a Bomb Shelter." But it WAS TN, after all. They thought that they were being "advanced" by having "Most Beautiful White" and "Most Beautiful Black." HOWEVER, the education was intense, and quite thorough. Tulane was actually a breeze after HS. Then came UM, even easier. (It wasn't quite the "advanced" university it is today.)

charlis		14-Apr-2010 21:26
CK... that is so sweet about her marying her highschool sweet heart. Wish I could find mine... Ronnie Marks. We were always good friends but never dated. When he was home on leave from the Army, when I had gotten engaged to my ex, Ronnie confessed that he always loved me but could not offer me a good life. I've tried Facebook to locate him... born in May 1949. Not having much luck. Best wishes to your Aunt.

Charles Knight		14-Apr-2010 11:36
My Aunt Jean allegedly got it from the oral vaccine as a child while attending grade school in Miami. She's alive and happy today. As a matter of fact, she recently re married her High school sweet heart.

Parks		14-Apr-2010 03:06
Hi Guys, All this talk about polio got me to do a little research, I goggled it. Turns out the Salk vaccine (injection) was made from dead virus and could not cause the disease. The oral vaccine was made with a weak virus and sometimes could cause the disease, but very rarely. Only about one out of 750,000 who received the vaccine developed the disease from the vaccine. It prevented far more cases than it caused. Today we are close to eliminating polio from the world. I remember being afraid of getting polio and was glad to get the vaccine. I think I actually got both the injections and the oral vaccine. The oral was more effective and longer lasting. What other diseases have been eliminated in our lifetime? Pokey, welcome and tell us your Miami stories.

Miami Girl		13-Apr-2010 22:35
I was in the test group in 1953 for the Salk vaccine before moving to Miami, my parents later got a letter (I still have it) telling them I wasn't one of those who got the vaccine - so I had to get another darn shot! Those needles hurt because they were used over and over unlike today's disposables. Those telethon's, Miss America, Miss USA, etc were the highpoint of the week on TV in those days. My brother used to terrorize me about living in an iron lung if I didn't stand still and get my shot. Even today the thought of an iron lung gives me the willies. Does anybody remember the "training film" they showed at school with 3 or 4 kids walking along a country road and get hit by a car? I think it was pretty graphic and yet another traumatic event in my young life!

Fran		13-Apr-2010 20:56
Hey, gals, Pokey is a good guy and he's single. :)

Pokey		13-Apr-2010 19:57
Fran I just sent you two e-mails, trying to explain my wording, but since it was on this site, I feel in is only right that I apologize to you on the site. It was a bad choice of words, and I meant no disrespect to you, I only meant that I wasn't posting, I was just asking some info. take care Pokey

Fran		13-Apr-2010 15:18
Pokey, I never said anything about you invading this site. I typed, welcome. You and I have exchanged e-mail for quite some time now. How odd that you would think that? Sorry, Harry. Roberta, thanks for the information. I understand the difference and glad to know. Carla, a friend of mine. Her daughter was injured at birth. The doctor failed to deliver and he did arrange for and paid for her daughter's care for life. He then elected not to deliver other babies. He's dead now but his wife is a friend too. She told me that he would not go to court. He would do the right thing.

Pokey		13-Apr-2010 11:55
Charlis I didn't know a Robert Lovelace. I didn't attend the MMA, I went to Miami Central, I just had a good friend that went to MMA and am trying to locate him, a group of us from the old Bell Haven park are trying to get a reunion (45+) years together, while we are still around. Fran I wasn't trying to invade the site, I was just trying to locate a friend and Arizona Al had attended the MMA, so I thought I would take a chance on along shot. He did give me some good info to follow up with. take care Pokey

Roberta Perry Hughes		13-Apr-2010 07:56
Fran....Polio, or infantile paralysis, is an acute viral highly infectious disease that attacks the central nervous system, and weakens the muscles, including the diaphragm, that acts as a sort of bellows, to inflate and deflate the lungs, for respiration. Do you remember the iron lungs...? Those who were paralyzed from the neck down, had to be in them in order to breathe. Cerebral Palsy is a brain injury, that can occur in utero, or during the birthing process, and on up to around age 2, or later, in rare cases. There are different classifications of the condition, depending upon which area of the brain was damaged. Today, there are class action lawsuits, against medical staff and hospitals, in cases that can be proven if the baby (or adult) was injured during the birthing process, causing brain trauma, even if the cause was having given the baby too much O2 (hypoxia) or had a lack of O2 (anoxia), which, in either case would constitute negligence and malpractice. Premature infants are susceptible to anoxia, and it has to be detected, upon delivery, and "O2 STAT!" is the order immediately given, and carried out, to prevent brain cell death. It is an unfortunate tragedy, that a fully-formed baby, otherwise healthy, can suffer a brain injury to cause cerebral palsy. In these aforementioned cases, it can be preventable. Jeff.....The C. P. Telethon's theme song went: Look at us, we're walking! Look at us we're talking! Those of us who've never walked before! Look at us, we're laughing! We're happy, and we're laughing! Imagine! Walking to the candy store! But, our fight has just begun! Get behind us, everyone! Your dollars make our dreams come true! Thanks to you! Thanks to you! We sang it right along with them, and even sang it on the way to school, for a day or two, after the Telethon had come and gone. I see nothing wrong with the song, myself. It is a song of jubilation, triumph, and hope. Some people would find fault with anything, that is intended to be of help, or that is good. I am reminded of a line the late Molly Pican (Picon?) said, as the Yenta, in Fiddler on the Roof: "If God lived here on earth, people would break his windows." Does anyone know what became of Marvin Fields, the Poster Child from 1960....? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fran		13-Apr-2010 06:58
Pokey, welcome! Roberta, I talked my mother out of signing the form for the vaccine. I had read something in the news paper and no way was I taking the vaccine. I just felt that if I took it, I too would get sick. My cousin, was one of those who had CP. She was able to walk with the help of braces. Later she was able to walk with crutches. Today, she is a healthy senior citizen.

Jeff		13-Apr-2010 04:56
Roberta... They haven't had CP telethons locally in years, but there may be ones in other areas of the country. I attended one of those telecasts in the 60's, and I remember that some time later there was an outcry about the CP "theme song". Part of it went "Look at us, we're walking...look at us, we're talking..." The song was supposed to be an exclamation of pride as to individual achievements by the CP victims, but most saw it as a put-down to their condition. By the way, the late Dennis James was the telethon host.

Roberta Perry Hughes		13-Apr-2010 02:39
Do y'all remember the Telethons they held to raise funds for Cerebral Palsy, held at the Miami Beach Auditorium....? Do they still hold them, annually....? We met up with actor John Payne, of The Restless Gun TV series, in the parking lot, one year. He was so handsome, and we were fans of that show. They always had a Poster Child, for those telethons, and one year, it was a precious little blond-haired boy named Marvin Fields, who was the son of the band teacher from Southwest High School. Marvin's sister, Diane, was a grade ahead of me, at Riviera Junior High. Does anyone remember Marvin, or know how he is, today....? I have thought about him, over-the-years, and remember what a little doll he was, as a child. They re-ran the American Experience broadcast on PBS about the Polio epidemic, and it triggered the memory of Marvin Fields, though he did not have polio. The program brought back memories of lining up for the Salk vaccine shots, in 1952, and how they hurt, and the constant cacophony of a mass wailing, that could be heard on-the-wind, from the elementary students from Olympia Heights....most especially from the younger children....like myself....as it all took place outside, with tables set up by the Dade County Health Department's nurses, and assistants, who helped hold the screeching, squirming children. Our school was the often-used mobile little village of portables, then, with ashphalt "streets," in-between the buildings, so there was no cafetorium, for such a large gathering. We were lucky it didn't rain....or unlucky, as the case may be....! Until I had seen that particular PBS program, I had no clue....none of us did....that those shots we received were comprised of live viruses. It made my hair stand on end, knowing that we could have come down with the disease....many kids did, become infected. Jonas Salk even took that virus home with him, to his own children, after having worked on its development for a long time. I remember my first grade classroom. Every seat was filled. Whenever someone was out sick, it was very noticeable, and as that school year drug on, there were more empty desks....throughout the school. Children usually shrug such things off, and don't give it a second thought, and the absentees were soon a dim memory. For 4th and 5th grades, I had to attend Tropical Elementary, with the 4th grade being in the portables, again, but by mid-term, we moved into the new building. Fifth grade saw a new wing added to the school, a so-called Special Ed. wing. There were kids who were blind since birth, or deaf; kids with C.P., and....kids who had survived polio. Among them, were a few of the kids who were in the first grade with me, kids who, like myself, had taken the Salk vaccine shot. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roberta Perry Hughes		13-Apr-2010 01:56
Charlis....The time I spent in N.W. Miami was post-high school. I went down there, to live with my aunt, and to get a job. Things didn't work out, as planned, and I returned to Georgia. Thanks, for the humorous emails you send to me, occasionally. I look forward to them. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

charlis		12-Apr-2010 21:15
Pokey... do you remember a guy by the name of Robert Lovelace? He was there at the time you mention.

Ariziona Al		12-Apr-2010 16:29
Pokey: A bit after my time. Here are 2 email addresses to Willis Baker: spearheadg2@tampabay.rr.com eagle_1905@yahoo.com who serves as the unofficial MMA Historian. Hope this helps. Alan Ogus. Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Pokey		11-Apr-2010 23:27
Arizona Al I am looking for an old friend, a MMA alumi, his name is David Hill, and was at the MMA in 64/65 and graduated in 66/67 time frame. Do you know him, or do you know of a way to get incontact with the Alumi through reunions, etc. Any info would be a help, thanks pokehull@comcast.net take care Pokey

charlis		10-Apr-2010 19:26
Roberta... sorry to hear about your back. Hope the stuff I sent you brought a few laughs. You said you lived in N Miami in the 60's... what school did you go to?

charlis		10-Apr-2010 19:24
gang... sorry to harp on the education system but with the current goings on in the capital, I got upset. Giving teachers merit increases based on FCAT scores is ridiculous since teachers are spending too much time reteaching things that other teachers obviously did not do good jobs at. Did you know that kids are promoted even if they fail courses? When we were in school you had to go to summer school if you failed a course. You were not allowed to graduate if you did not pass all required courses. Not so nowadays. I've had long time teacher friends quit because they were not allowed to teach... they were just supposed to be baby sitters! Parents objected to many of the assignments! Okay, I'm done.

Parks		10-Apr-2010 14:18
Hi Roberta, I was wondering where you had gone off too. Sorry to hear about your back. There is nothing more debilitating.

Melvin Miles		10-Apr-2010 11:08
Miami used to be much better in the old days, but it's still a unique place with lots of natural beauty. And many of us got a good education in Miami, but these days, our school systems are financially strapped, and students suffer because of budget cuts, and such bad news. Ignorance is a sad alternative. I vote for Education. Melvin Miles.

Roberta Perry Hughes		10-Apr-2010 09:34
Arizona Al..... I second that emotion. I was in my childhood Miami from 1952 to 1961, Back down there, as a resident in N. W. Miami, in 1966 to 1967. Sometimes, I long to return, for a visit; at other times, I know that if I did so, it would break my heart. Back to the recliner, for me. Take care...

Arizona Al		10-Apr-2010 09:05
Charles Knight: I left my beloved Miami, Florida in 1969 never to return. Hence, my memories and recollections are congruent with the Miami that you so adroitly describe from decades past. The Miami I so fondly remember was during the 1950s and 1960s prior to its referenced degradation. For this I consider myself fortunate. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Roberta Perry Hughes		10-Apr-2010 08:26
Haven't been on in a while, now. I have pulled a muscle in my back. It is better, now, though not completely well. Took me a while to read all of the posts, since I posted last. Good heavens. We are a diverse group, to put it mildly.....! Parks, I am so glad you liked the limericks I wrote in your honor, re: your Pole Boat. Just did it in fun, and it was fun doing it, too. At least, I made you smile.....! I will type you a list of my family in Cocoplum Cemetery on another post, I promise. Lewis sends his best wishes, to everyone. He now sleeps in his recliner. He can get in and out of it easier than the bed. Hallelujah...!! He tended to me, for 4 nights, when I could not even stand up, without excruciating pain. Percocet and Flexeril were my best friends, and still are, though I have really slacked off on them. They will knock you out, cold, the two together. Zzzzzzzzzz-zzzzzz-zzz....!! LOL Hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter holiday, and Passover season, too, with good food, and goodies of all sorts to munch, like a good Virginia salt-cured ham, sweet potato souffle, and all the the other luscious foods....I also love Jewish foods as well, especially knishes, latkes, mozza, and gviltefish. (spell?) I spent a holiday or two, with a Jewish friend, in Atlanta, when I was single, and the food was heaven....! LARGO.....! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN HIDING....? LARRRRRR-GOOO......!! Hello, dear Don. How be ya....? Hope you and yours are well, and feeling good, too. I will talk to y'all, later.....My back is killing me, something fierce....! Gotta go get in my recliner, and call it a night....

guest		10-Apr-2010 05:03
Did you know that that Disney was considering building around Biloxi? Florida got it because Biloxi wanted more buck for the bang.

Charles Knight		10-Apr-2010 04:37
Wow...I guess I just had to get that off my chest! Don, if you want me to disappear, I'd understand.CK

Charles Knight		10-Apr-2010 04:27
Arizona Al, I would agree, your contributions here have shown insight and wisdom. To be perfectly honest with you, I thought that the mysterious Mr. Bodine might be you in an attempt at placating some of us, anonymously. I don't claim to be "advanced", because I'm not. I am however, ok with what, and who I've become. I wasn't Shanghaid, but I had no choice in the matter of where I was to be born either. I am not disappointed. I LOVE FLORIDA! I love it's sandy beaches, palm trees, balmy summers, and all things Florida. I am not enamored of condos, parking lots, and the overcrowding in general caused by the hundreds of thousands of people that come here seeking Paradise and destroying it in the process. Heavens doorstep...I've heard this beautiful place referred to as such on many occasions. Just where do all of these octogenarians and above hail from? I challenge anyone to ask. If native Floridians are as rare as many would say, then it only makes sense that the majority of these older folks migrated here from someplace up north or the likes. Sure...Come down on vacation in your prime, bask in the sun, drink up the ambiance, enjoy paradise. Go home to the endless winters and wistfully sigh as you recall the sandy beaches and Pina Coladas, work hard, save your money...Then retire. Now move to Florida, with relatives in tow. Oh heck!!! Where are we going to put you? Guess we'll have to pour more concrete and bulldoze the mangroves, maybe eradicate the last of an endangered species while we're at it. OK, now you can piss and moan about what a miserable place it is, how everybody's "backwards". And the traffic...Those idiots in Florida don't know how to drive dammit! The thing that your cosmopolitan ass doesn't realize is that we natives KNOW the real truth!!! Prior to the mass migration from the great white north, there were no traffic problems, Manatees, snail darters, and numerous other endangered and (now) extinct species thrived in their natural habitat. The water was crystal clear on the beaches AND rivers! Disney IS NOT Florida! It was the dream of an individual from another ruined state where resources were no longer aplenty. May as well have been a Yankee! Oh sorry...Do I seem a little bitter here? How about me coming to your home and ruining it without a second thought, I might even poison your pets while there...All the while bitching and complaining what a backwards host and idiot you are. GRRRRRRRRR!!!

Cousin Jethro		10-Apr-2010 03:34
CK, it has been discovered that Neanderthals had the know how to produce a super glue like substance for use in their tool making. A process that required considerable knowledge and technology. Stripping a certain type of bark and a few chemical processes. Much more involved than just chewing something. Compare that to a damned "educated" Yankee that moves to Florida and buys a condo.

Arizona Al		10-Apr-2010 02:50
I attended Miami's public schools from 1st grade through 8th grade. Miami Military Academy 9th and 10th grade and public school 11th-12th grade. I seem to have turned out academically all right:):). Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Charles Knight		10-Apr-2010 02:26
Jethro, I agree. It is a nation wide problem. AND I feel I must apologize for my temper to many of my friends out there. But not for defending the place where most of the people that I love and respect were born and educated. Having interacted with many folks that believe Florida natives are but one step up the evolutionary ladder from the Neanderthal, perhaps I am a bit overzealous. I have spent time with many intelligent people that were born right here in good old backwards Florida. One of them once told me that a person that feels it necessary to constantly remind others of his own wonderful qualities is in actuality, insecure and needy. That man was my father...A native Floridian. He was quiet spoken, much more so than myself, preferred to watch and observe from the sidelines as it were. I also picked up another little tidbit from him ..."An open mind along with a closed mouth, is a powerful tool."

Parks		10-Apr-2010 02:10
The subject of teachers pay has come up in this discussion, go here to see what teachers are paid in Dade County:http://salary.dadeschools.net/Schd_Teachers/ Here is the benefit information:http://riskmanagement.dadeschools.net/benefits/2010/enroll.asp

Cousin Jethro		10-Apr-2010 01:31
Anything beyond training to recognize symbols as means of communicating, such as the alphabet and numerals, or sounds, and how to put them together is not really education, but indoctrination. You go from the mechanics of communication to the indoctrination of how you SHOULD perceive combinations of those symbols. A cultural thing. Oftentimes considered enlightenment by those doing the indoctrination. Which in this society can be very lucrative for adminstrators of the system, those who determine just what will be taught, and those who build the buildings and supply the system. Learning is the discovery by those that scratching each other's backs can be very rewarding. After all, they have a huge trough to feed from. Everyone must sacrifice at the feet of that sacred cow. A lot. Human beings are pretty good about learning the mechanics of communicating. Lots of confusion can result when BS is taught. What type of personality wants to be a teacher? One that thinks they have the answers and have the ability to impart their wisdom to others. Even if their wisdom and experience is limited to a few years in college at an early age. Just a real wealth of wisdom and life experience there. I say that facetiously. What you have are legions of the inexperienced ready to pass on the indoctrination of those higher on the educational food chain. Education is a lucrative business first and foremost in today's world. It is how lots of people make their money. It developed into that from the Sputnik days. It isn't the teachers that make the money, it is those higher up. They will not revamp the system to be more relevant or realistic. That is up to the wiser heads in the public. The present powers to be have learned it is easier to baffle with bullshit than dazzle with brilliance. Keeps that money coming in. This is a nationwide problem.

Charles Knight		09-Apr-2010 23:18
Charlis, the continued bashing of my home state and it's educational system is really beginning to get old. I can take some criticism but PLEASE,. There are many other states out there that would benefit from your superior intellect and it's accompanying opinions. I am normally a nice guy but for goodness sake. Show a little tact. Aggravatingly yours CK

charlis		09-Apr-2010 22:38
sol... as I said... it was a rough week at work... According to a new study, "definitely" is the most misspelled word in English. (This might be the Queen's English, and not American English ...)

Sol Edwards		09-Apr-2010 22:05
We certainly have dumbed down when we started hiring teachers who spell definitely "definately." Grab a dictionary, madam, before you continue blowing your own horn.

charlis		09-Apr-2010 21:56
Rat... the Public... sorry for the typo... rough day at work...

charlis		09-Apr-2010 21:55
Rat... the oublic school system in Fl has definately "dumbed down"... And to make things worse... teachers telling students to stay home on Good Friday! And teachers taking the day off! FYI... I know a few teachers who are not religious convicted... they just wanted the day off!

charlis		09-Apr-2010 21:51
Home schooling... the odd thing is that it was also part of our normal life... we went to school to learn some stuff, but learned a lot at home as well... depending on our parents. I learned most of my history from my mother... as to WWII and the US involvement and ancient history. I learned a lot about math... the differencce between the way the US did it and the way the Euopeans did it. I am faster at doing math manually than my coworkers who use calculators!

Miami Girl		09-Apr-2010 21:38
Rat, glad to hear that positive comment about home schooling. My grandkids (13 and 6) will be starting that in 4 months. Their parents aren't impressed with the teachers in GA where they just moved last year, after being in a DODDS school for the past five years. The DODDS schools probably have a better chance of doing it right due to the military mindset of the parents. I believe the highest paid positions in local and state Goverments should be Police, Firemen and Teachers.

Fran		09-Apr-2010 18:50
Mike, good to know that you are alive and well. :)

Miami River Rat		09-Apr-2010 14:46
Although I'm philosophically opposed to home schooling, I must say that the three most college-ready, best educated teenagers I've encountered in the past two years have been the product of home schooling. Home schooling may not be for everybody, but it appears that our public school systems have "dumbed down" for the slow learners to the point that the better students are being hindered.

Leighton		09-Apr-2010 01:22
I'm of a different generation, but I have NEVER seen Jewish students not feel welcome to take their holidays - in Miami or Tennessee (or Texas). There are TONS of retirees in the Tampa area. Good grief. FUNDING is NOT based on the decisions of parents and teachers. It varies from county to county, but taxes and such are based on the voting block. I'm not sure how many secondary offenses we want to start handing out - that could get pretty scary, quite fast.

Fran		08-Apr-2010 23:08
One winter vacation traveling in Florida. We drove bye a man who had a sign that stated he would work for food. My oldest daughter told me that she knew what his problem is.He didn't have a resume. It was that very moment I realized that we lived in a gated community. The kids had never seen the homeless. people in line for meals and those who ate out of the trash. When we returned from our trip we signed up for working at our local mission. I started to fine them for using bad words and collected the money . Each Christmas Eve they, all three went to the doors of the mission and gave them their money. My son told me from the very first time they gave up their money. They became givers. It starts at home, good examples enables them to experience seeds of good deeds

charlis		08-Apr-2010 22:33
To change the subject... it was announced today that some local high school students are being lauded for having a bill going before the FL state legislature that will make smoking in your car, with children as passengers, a secondary offense. But nothing is being done about proposed bills to make cell phone use and texting while driving an offense. Proposals have been shot down. Look at the stats about accidents, some deadly, caused by people, mostly teens, that are talking or texting while driving!

charlis		08-Apr-2010 22:25
Lori... what you say makes sense... Passing or failing a class is not always the teacher's fault, it is the student's and the parent's fault. Yes, there are a lot of teachers who should not be teaching. Merit raises should not be based on things like the FCATs...

charlis		08-Apr-2010 22:14
Leighton... older folks... Not true in the Tampa area... yes, we have Sun City Center, but I got a response from the School Board today... they base their decisons on the input of parents and teachers.

charlis		08-Apr-2010 22:11
CK... good for you. Seeing all the homeless on the streets here in Tampa is depessing. I drive by one of the "donators" every day and seeing the children standing out there is a horrible site. For years we have put up with crazy people foraging through the trash cans and ashtrays at work... they were older people who staggered and talked to themselves. Now we are seeing younger people!

charlis		08-Apr-2010 22:04
Leighton... The thing that got me so riled up was that teachers were telling students to take the day off to prove a point... they wanted the day off. My "thing" is that schools make Christian holidays a part of their schedule but not other religions. As a child in Miami Beach I could not understand why everyone got certain christian holiday days off but on Jewish holidays I still had to go to school and many times being the only person in a class!

Lori		08-Apr-2010 20:08
People, The bottom line is that quality education benefits everyone, and that costs money, and as A teacher, I vote for quality education, but not for merit raises. Raises for all teachers, across the board is the fair and proper way. Ignorance, is very costly, Knowledge thru education, is much cheaper and better in the long run. Lori.

Julie		08-Apr-2010 18:50
The lyrics to the song Cats in the Cradle pretty much sums up the situation.

Charles Knight		08-Apr-2010 12:29
I agree with Leighton. That "I've paid my dues" BS is just that...BS! Think about it, the mindset of...OK, all of my life I've paid taxes and worked hard so now I should be able to "opt out". Nonsense! We all owe something to the future of our planet and it's inhabitants. The "I don't really care about what happens after I'm gone" attitude, isn't going to cut anymore folks! It's precisely why our environment is in the state of disrepair that it is! Hey, what is it with these rocket surgeons and brain scientists??? Are they in denial? YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU! Educate the children, teach them to thrive, teach them to care, and teach them to pass it along! It's not about what you've got. It's about what you GIVE! OK now I'll step down from the soap box and hear your thoughts...Best to all of you CK. PS... Been donating my time for the last week to the local soup kitchen (since I have the time lol!), a real eye opener! I can handle the men and women living in their tent cities, it's the whole families that tear me up! Small children should NOT have to live like this in this country!!! I'm beginning to come around to the "let's fix ourselves first attitude" . See! I can change ha ha.

Leighton		08-Apr-2010 05:25
And today's parents are the children of a previous generation. Does that implicate them, as well? I would imagine that in MANY Florida counties, the funding of the educational system is determined by the predominant voting block...of senior citizens. In North Carolina, another sister works in the school system, where any attempt to upgrade and improve the system is hindered by the senior population, who state that they have "paid their dues." Schools cannot afford to pay "good" teachers - blah, blah, blah.

Leighton		08-Apr-2010 05:09
Charlis, Explain to me how you are comparing religious holidays and the quality of the educational system????????? Both religions tend to take their holidays "off." I guess it depends on the city/county/ In SA, Good Friday is NOT a holiday for all schools, and this city is predominantly Catholic. I attended Tulane and UM in the 80s, and the classes were empty on Jewish holidays, but not on Christian. The concept of holidays merged into the quality of education in one post - made me curious. I had a GREAT education in Miami, as a kid, and in public TN schools in the 70s, if we're talking about quality. Many great schools out there, today. I have a sister who teaches, and she's damn good. Let's not jump on this "Only Yesterday was Golden" bandwagon. But I guess everyone was intent on the Florida schools, of which I know nothing. 5,4,3,2,......1

Fran		07-Apr-2010 20:33
Charlis, you are right! Parents must take responsibility for their children not allowing the system to take care of everything. It's true many educators feel like baby sitters and are not doing what they trained for. It sounds like your were trapped in Florida against your will. You know retiring to Ohio may not be a bad idea. I know how you fee;. .I felt that way about Texas. It's a far cry from home but I have made peace with the living here.

charlis		07-Apr-2010 17:14
Tom... I was a student and a sub-teacher in the Dade county school system in the 60's, and a sub-teacher in the Hillsborough County (Tampa) school system in the 80's with a child in the school system.

charlis		07-Apr-2010 17:07
Fran... in your case it is not the school systems' problems... it is the parents. What ever happened to the "facts of ife" discussion between parents and children? Oh, I know... parents are too busy on the internet. Six year old... "Daddy, where do babies come from?" Daddy...."I can't talk right now... have to get this email out." My parents, and when I was a parent, had a rule... if a child walked in to a room and asked a question... the question was answered.

charlis		07-Apr-2010 16:55
CK... I agree with you... each county has its own "agenda". The first part of my first school year in FL was in Broward County. I loved it! My problem was when I moved to Dade County. Now we have the teachers objecting to a proposed state mandated "grading". If you do not have enough students passing tests, you get "demoted". Duh! And, today I read something in the paper about Civics classes. It seems that, although the classes are part of the Social Studies curriculum (sic), you are still promoted even if you fail the test!

charlis		07-Apr-2010 16:40
Tom... I was shangheid to FL when I was 13!

tom		07-Apr-2010 15:29
Charlis: We all know that everything is better up north. You sound like the typical annoying northerner that transplants here.

Arizona Al		07-Apr-2010 12:44
Nike: I can speak for the profession of Psychology. Each state has Psychology Licensing Board requirements for continuing education. For example, in Arizona to keep my license active I must attend and participate in 60 hours of psychology related (practice domains, ethics, cultural competency and domestic violence or child abuse) continuing education every two years. 40 of these hours must be from American Psychological Association Approved Training Providers. Almost all of the APA approved trainings cost an average of $150.00 for a 3 hour instructional period. By simple mathematics one can deduce that there is a significant financial burden for a psychologist in Arizona to keep their license current and active. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Charles Knight		07-Apr-2010 01:02
It just makes me so angry that I could spit fire!!! Fortunately the Brevard County school district holds the standards above the state par. I had a place in Dixie County for awhile and that certainly wasn't the case. Illiteracy is rampant in that area. It's a rural area with a limited employment base. You can either work in agriculture or the State corrections Dept. I feel so sorry for the poor kids that are stuck there. No real future to speak of. You wouldn't see any teachers here turning away kids for Good Friday. It's not a county sanctioned holiday. I am proud of our little county and school system, we're not perfect, but we ARE above the norm. I have no doubt that the rest of the state could learn from the examples set here, especially our beach side schools where we are regularly given A ratings by the National board of Education. After having said all of that, I still believe it MUST begin at home. Diligence, creating good habits, and sometimes just plain old tough love. I've never cared for politicians, but the lady was correct...It DOES take a village.

Fran		06-Apr-2010 23:35
Charlis, I can't speak to the quality of the Florida exams. Texas, is much different. You test in your area, grade content and knowledge of subject matter. Each county in Florida dictates the criteria for hiring. Texas hires according to their Independent School Districts, each city has their own school district. It does make me sad that Florida has not improved their standards. We don't have teacher unions protecting those who are not qualified to do the job. We do have a problem with our middle schoolers and high schoolers getting pregnant. Thus causing the drop out rate to soar. Too many baby daddies and baby mommies running the street getting into trouble, using drug, and not caring for their children. That's just my opinion.

charlis		06-Apr-2010 22:41
nike... teachers... supposedly they do take tests... the problem lies with the various counties in FL and their criteria... each county has its own... supposedly based on the state's. FL is so far below the norm that it is ridiculous....

charlis		06-Apr-2010 22:33
CK... you child has a great teacher... a teacher like my past teachers... teachers that inspired me to go into Education. My "problem" is that many teachers actually told their students to stay home on Good Friday! It has been reported that students who showed up for classes were either the only one in a class, were shown Disney movies, or given work that had nothing to do with the class they were in...

Nike		06-Apr-2010 20:55
Fran, I'm always glad to hear of states with a recertification requirment for continuing education and testing. Unfortunately, in states without these standards, you have some who are unquailifed to teach and no one knows. I hope the states with strict recertification examinations don't lower their standards just so they don't lose those who aren't qualified. Unfortunately, many educators have lowered their personal standards just as the schools have to meet federal, state and local mandates. Consider the dress code (or lack of) for teachers today compaered to when we attended school. Even though the schools have lowered their dress standards dosen't meam the individual does. Where is the personal pride? And the way students are allowed ot dress, and speak to teachers....don't get me started.

Charles Knight		06-Apr-2010 20:53
Oh and Fran...Thank you as well!

Charles Knight		06-Apr-2010 20:51
Apathy is frightening! No disrespect intended Charlis, but if all educators refused to teach because of a system. We would be in an even bigger mess. I have spoken to many educators over the years and am extremely thankful that the majority teach out of a passion to do so. Considering what the average pay rate is, I believe it. Those that do are Angels in my book. My child's teacher sends me emails updating me on Olivia's progress, social skills, and class participation weekly. They're often sent late in the evening, which tells me that she is going the extra mile for her students...Kudos Mrs. Erinstoft, and all of those like yourself! CK.

Fran		06-Apr-2010 19:10
I can speak for Florida and Texas concerning any type of additional training and education. Both states require teacher certification exams. You are required to take additional classes and attend several training seminars during the school year. You are required depending on your district school system to attend classes during the summer. Don't be fooled by the teacher's school day. The day doesn't end at the last school bell. Reports, section meetings with your peer teachers, after school duty, grading papers. My school day ended at 7 or 8 at night. Your teachers are as good as the system that observes them. You are required depending on your district to be evaluated twice a year. If you want to change the system, make your administration more accountable. Find out how your teachers are hired, work to change the method. Look at how the school is working with the students who are acting out.. How disruptive are they? What are they doing to correct the problem? I hope that I have helped with some of your questions. If not contact your local school board. The first step, pick up the phone and make that call.

Nike		06-Apr-2010 15:52
On a different issue of educators, I'm curious about the opinion of others on whether educators should demonstrate profeciency from time-to-time just as other professions do. This is considering that no other person (other then the parents and the preacher) have such an influence on our children during their formative years. I know the unions are opposed and I know why. I'm curiou as to what the parents and educatiors feel.

Charles Knight		06-Apr-2010 12:09
Thank you Fran, I know that our state is behind the curve. But as you stated...It's all about community support. I am a firm believer in improving our schools and it must start with family, and teachers. Teachers are underpaid and without a doubt, under appreciated! I am against the idea of upgraded compensation for teachers that have a higher success rate, it unfairly penalizes teachers working in schools where there may be no "village" attitude. These dedicated folks have (in my opinion) one of the most difficult professions of all. Let's face it. Children are among the most ornery beings around! I say we should hold the parents accountable. As as to unfounded accusations against teachers. There should be a system in place where educators, and accusers could have an opportunity to state their case in the presence a non biased tribunal of sorts.

Fran		06-Apr-2010 02:35
I have a BS in education, true. Taught middle schoolers for many years in Florida and Texas.CK. you are right about the system. Your schools are only as good as those who support the school. Depending on the neighborhood dictates the quality of the neighborhood school. I've taught students from poor homes and those who were driven to school in a Limo. Teach a child to read and that child will earn the money to buy that fish. I'm sure that my children had an advantage. Their mom taught the very subjects they were studying. I brought their work to life I didn't wait for the system. When the system failed my son. I home schooled him. One of the best years of my life. He told me one day that I gave him more work than he actually had in his classes. Oh, well, long story short. I have a son who is pre-med, a daughter who is an Economics major and a special needs daughter who loves her job. I won't praise the system . I won't defend a system that doesn't meet the needs of the child. What I am saying is, become a Reading Buddy. Our prisons and jails are filled with those who can't read. Enough said...

Charles Knight		06-Apr-2010 01:26
I agree about the FCAT, I still don't believe generalizations are the measure. I've met my share of folks from Ohio and all over this country that have made me wonder about their level of education. I'm reasonably sure the statistics your talking about encompass a wide spectrum of districts, both good and bad. Florida is a large state, with a lot of people (most of them are from other states). In the years 2004 through 2008, 70% of the folks moving to Florida were natives of Ohio (look it up). My wife is from Akron and she's the most wonderful person I know (and also well educated). I do not possess a degree in education. But I did do four years of hard time at U.F. And came away with my B.A. in the veterinary sciences. As to the accusation leveled on your relative by an unruly student...That sort of thing is common all over the country. I read two major newspapers daily and see it often.

charlis		05-Apr-2010 22:46
CK... I am so happy to hear that you spend time with your daughter. The opinions of many teachers that I know are that parents make the teachers "baby sitters". If the child does not do an assignment and the teacher notifies the parents... the parents get upset. I know of one incident where a teacher was going to be demoted because of something he did not do... but a student said he did... kicked her. The parents believed their child! In spite of what witnesses said. The student was a "problem child". The teacher, a distant relative, was due to enter the drop... he could not handle the new rules and quit early. He had a massive heart attack the last month of his tenure. Statistics say that FL is far from the top. As I said before... I was at least 2 years ahead of the rest when I moved to FL. And, we need to get rid of the FCAT... it takes time off from teaching kids new stuff... stuff they should already know and if they don't, they should not have been allowed to go to the next grade. I have my degee in Education so I do know what I am talking about. The FL school system is why I am NOT a teacher... why my cousin moved back to OH to teach.

Charles Knight		05-Apr-2010 22:22
Charlis, I disagree. I believe it's much deeper than that. It takes more than a village, it starts with the family. My daughter's in the second grade but reads in the seventh grade level. Did you know that most news papers are written on a sixth grade level? That's nation wide, not just Florida. The school system in our area is one of the best in the country. There is a tremendous group of parents that volunteer on a regular basis. I must admit that I resent all of the rhetoric stating that the Florida education system is terrible. I attended schools in south Fl. from grade one through twelve and am anything but illiterate.

charlis		05-Apr-2010 21:51
Parks... people objected about extending the school year when it was suggested... "What about our vacations plans?" Duh! Vacation is more important the learning? When I moved to FL in 62" from OH I was at least 2 years ahead of everyone else! It did not change when my daughter was in private school and I was teaching in public school as a sub. She was at least 2 years ahead, and what I was told to teach was at least 2 years behind what I had learned at the same age. I had a "Letter to the Editor" appear in today's paper, the TBT. I can't wait to see the reaction to that! Florida is a great place to live,,, but a lousy place to learn.

Parks		04-Apr-2010 21:54
Thanks for that thought CK. Charlis, I don't think there is a good solution to the dilemma you present. One thought I had was to give each child two or three days they could use on any religious holiday. The problem with that is every kid would have a religious holiday whenever they had a hard test. If all the kids are taking random days off it would be hard on the teachers to catch them up on what they missed. Maybe a longer school year with everyone getting off for all major religious holidays would be better. I think a longer school year is needed anyway. Just think how much more history there is for the kids to study since we were in school!

charlis		04-Apr-2010 21:05
CK... I love your story about Santa. My daughter was extremely smart. She was 4 and in 1st grade. I remember her telling me that her older friends told her that Santa was not real. I told her that "if one child believes in Santa, then he is real." On Christmas morning that year, a letter was attached to a special present... "Roci, thanks for believing in me. Here is a special present for you." For many years the tradition continued... even to the point of Santa giving her a trip to find snow... not that silly "blizzard" we had here a few years earlier.

charlis		04-Apr-2010 20:54
Happy Easter to everyone. I have a question to pose... Do you think it is fair that Christian holidays are days off from school, but other religious holidays are not? Up here, in Tampa, a lot of kids stayed home (actually, judging by the traffic at Busch Gardens and the malls, they were not in church), as did teaches and bus drivers. The school system in FL sucks as it is. On a local blog I asked people if they took the kids to church, which came first on Sunday.. the Easter Bunny or church service. No one responded. I remember moving to Miami Beach and finding the schools empty on the Jewish holidays, and the Jews getting the Christian holidays off as well. People said that this country was founded on Christian beliefs... it was not. But that is another topic... just wanted to know how you all felt about the education system in Florida, and that teachers use every excuse not to teach... I know a lot of teachers who are upset with the system.

Fran		04-Apr-2010 19:28
Charles, lovely and well said. Blessings to all and have a safe day.

Charles Knight		04-Apr-2010 10:22
Good morning all, it's 6:00 AM. I've been up since five thirty, about to hide my seven year old daughters basket somewhere in the house. Once there's a little light out, I'll hide eggs. Olivia (my little one) informed me yesterday that there are actually fifty Easter Bunnies because the load is just too much for one. Oh, and they all have assistants! This is verbatim folks! She then asked how said Bunny gets in the house to hide the baskets...I replied, "sneakily" . "What do you mean" she asked? "The same as Santa" I said. "Well Dad, since you have Santa's phone number...Do you have the Easter Bunny's too"? "No I don't sweety". "Why not"? "Because I've never met him". "Well, how did you meet Santa"? " Most grown ups know Santa, it's a job requirement". Well, I type slowly and it's time to hide the basket. To my friends out there...Have a wonderful day with your loved ones and friends. Today I celebrate the rising of the son after his sacrifice for my sins. May God lay his precious blessings on each and every one of you. Not only today, but all days yet to come, Charles Knight.

Leighton		04-Apr-2010 04:42
One more, and I'll shut up..... Awaken at sunrise, I will, When all on the Earth stands quite still. I’ll remember the Reason, To celebrate the Season. And Love in my heart, He will fill.

Leighton		04-Apr-2010 04:25
Tomorrow is Easter, Thank God, To my Savior I’ll definitely give nod. The bunny is funny, And the baskets cost money, But all beyond reverence seems odd.

Leighton		04-Apr-2010 04:10
It’s Saturday night, I must say, A night I expected to play. But here I now rest, And am put to the test, And it’s not the best end to the day.

Leighton		04-Apr-2010 04:04
In childhood, my parents made clear, That one trait I had to hold dear. To not let some ruffian, Get my feathers all a fluffin’, And thus I had nothin’ to fear.

Leighton		04-Apr-2010 03:51
In cyber, one finds it bizarre, That people can be who they are. They want it one way, Then the other a next day, So that we all must agape from afar.

Leighton		04-Apr-2010 03:33
I think it was those detailed memories which generated some of your posts, no? Jeff, Jeff, Jeff. If nothing, you are consistent - sorta.

Jeff		04-Apr-2010 03:14
To those who still think I'm OK I have just but one thing to say Thanks for your support And just hold down the fort We get back to our memories one day

Jeff		04-Apr-2010 03:12
Don't worry my REAL friends this night I've no need to answer or fight Some people feel tall Making others feel small So be it...OK then... all right

Leighton		04-Apr-2010 01:56
Sorry, Jeff........it was a "rhyme" thing...... In Don’s World exists a man, Jeff, Who blogs as if he smoked meth. It causes a tizzy, That makes us all dizzy, And beat our poor keyboards to death.

Leighton		04-Apr-2010 01:40
George W has called it the “Internets,” While a Gore claims right to its genesis. Whatever the case, It serves as the base, For people to ramble sans basis.

Jeff		04-Apr-2010 01:39
Wishing everyone a joyous and safe Easter and Passover holiday!

Charles Knight		04-Apr-2010 01:34
It's a free for all!!!

Leighton		04-Apr-2010 01:22
For Charlis: There once was a Santa quite fierce, That resulted in screams that could pierce. The mask was so scary, That even ordinary Adults couldn’t sleep without tears.

Leighton		04-Apr-2010 00:48
OK, I'll try this stuff....... There exists a blogger named Leighton, Who posts as if he were Satan. But when all’s said and done, It’s merely in fun, And not indicatin’ any hatin’.

charlis		03-Apr-2010 17:22
Hurricanes... The year of Charlie devastated this state... similar to Donna. I was not in Fl for Donna, catching the tail end of her during a trip to NYC. Cleo is the only hurricane that I have memories of as a child in FL, but only from the Miami Beach side of the damages. The Surfside Six boat was half in the water and half on Indian Creek Dr. We had a tree fall on the house but no damage to the house and my mother was upset because she lost her first crop of oranges and grafefruits from the 3 trees in the bck yard... the reason we bought the house. But, I can not remember what the storm did to the rest of the county.

charlis		03-Apr-2010 16:27
One last limerick... and keeping with the purpose of this page... There is this group from Miami Who blog to share their own memory Of the times we all lived there That's why we all come here Let's get back to the comradery.

Nike		03-Apr-2010 14:53
What purpose do limbericks play, It's not for me to say, We're no longer at each other's throats, Let's get back to our anecdotes, I can't read another limberick today.

Nike		03-Apr-2010 14:48
A former Miamian named Leighton, Whose nerves sometimes were gratin, Went away for a while, Our limbericks must make him smile, Good humor is always restoratin.

Charles Knight		03-Apr-2010 14:14
Threw...Not through, sorry!

Charles Knight		03-Apr-2010 12:13
I'm not that old!!! Just through one out there for the heck of it. That's what four or five Yuengling's will do to me I guess!

Leighton		03-Apr-2010 10:20
It must be an age thing.

Fran		03-Apr-2010 08:43
Although, I do know the one about a lady from Keeling. :)

Fran		03-Apr-2010 08:36
There was once a lady from Dallas. Who thought that she lived in a palace. That night she went to find a man Instead she found her best friend,Stan. The next day Stan woke to her malice.

Jeff		03-Apr-2010 04:02
The last one for this evening... and come on everyone, throw your own into the mix - whether you can rhyme in meter or not... To everyone here is my plot: Go use your old mem'ry a lot Please reminisce here Or soon, I shall fear Limericks will take over this spot

Jeff		03-Apr-2010 03:57
Dang... this is habit forming! LOL! More limericks by one Jeff Levine Were showing up here on the scene If just one were funny He might make some money Instead, all his pickin's are lean!

Jeff		03-Apr-2010 03:55
"Please stop!" cried the blog host named Boyd For it really shall get me annoyed To see all these rhymes 'Stead of "Old Miami" times The blog's now a wasteland and void!

Jeff		03-Apr-2010 03:53
Here's a classic one: The once was a girl from Carass Who had the most beautiful ass It wasn't pink As you might think But was grey, had long ears and ate grass! Then there was the girl/guy from Nantucket... but we WON'T go there...

Jeff		03-Apr-2010 03:51
Roberta! Now what did you do? The limericks are here by the slew Whether good ones or bad They are all to be had And this blog is now stuck with them too!

Charles Knight		03-Apr-2010 02:57
Roberta, the lady wrote limericks some for the nice, and for some pricks I hope she will see, that it's funny to me that it's all about words and not gimmicks

Parks		03-Apr-2010 02:14
Roberta, reactions to the Snapper limrick are in. From Bill: Stop! You're killing me. From Darrell: I might not sleep tonight because the picture is in my brain. From Snapper: wow...speechless. Should I be honored? My reply to Snapper: You should be so excited by the honor that you pee yourself.

Jeff		03-Apr-2010 01:52
Thanks, Parks... glad you enjoyed them!

Miami Girl		02-Apr-2010 23:47
Parks I read Condominium about a year before we moved to Tampa - glad we didn't live in St. Pete, but sure never forgot it! Great book.

Parks		02-Apr-2010 23:12
Roberta look at what you started! Jeff all very clever. Huricane Andrew, A few days after the storm I drove down to Redlands to see if I could help friends. I drove past a big field with lots of big steel I beams. I started seeing a lot of personal items like photographs and childrens toys scatered in the fields beside the road. I realized that the I beams I had seen were the undercarriages of mobile homes. The sheet metal was just gone and all of the peoples belongings were scattered for miles down wind. The 1500 foot tall channel six tower was on the ground. If anyone ever says that hurricanes are fun, I'll have choice words for them. Has anyone read Condominium by John D McDonald?

Jeff		02-Apr-2010 20:25
OK, here the last for a while 'Cause limericks are cramping my style I'm really someone Who enjoys a good pun I hope I left you with a smile...

Jeff		02-Apr-2010 20:24
Eventually someone will send A post to say "When will it end?" This large limerick onslaught Is really all for naught I say it just might be a trend!

Jeff		02-Apr-2010 20:22
Miami Girl thanks go to you For writing kind words as you do I'll try to keep writing Some limericks inviting To bring forth a small laugh or two (OK - this one WAS a stretch...LOL!)

Miami Girl		02-Apr-2010 20:07
Thanks for all the memories of Andrew, it's something that even those who weren't there but still care will never get over - can't imagine what it must have been like. A friend said she watched her walls moving in and out like they were breathing. How spooky that would be. Then people tie down their mobile homes and get crushed by a roof! When watching these stupid news reporters out there in the wind I keep expecting something to blow by and if they're lucky they'll just get a knot on the head, hopefully not get decapitated while live on the air!! Keep up with those limericks Roberta and Jeff, I never could do them.

charlis		02-Apr-2010 20:02
okay... here is my contribution... then I have to get back to studying for my ham radio tech license... On the Internet there is a great blog To keep our aging memories from entering the "fog" The creator is a guy named Don Let's do our best to keep the site going on, And let us all try to get along.

charlis		02-Apr-2010 19:50
CK... turtle soup was on many a menu in the Keys in the 60's. I liked it. I was brought up to taste any new food... I love 'coon, gator, rattlesnake, snails, possum... and wild boar. That distant cousin of yours that lived up here... went to a group bbq and he was one of the cooks... boar roasting over a bit and being basted with Jack Daniels! Yummmmmmy!

Jeff		02-Apr-2010 19:48
My limericks will not win a prize Of this I sure do realize But they don't cost no money And I try to be funny So try out this new one for size...

Jeff		02-Apr-2010 19:45
Charlis thought it ever so cute To share pictures of one Santa suit It gave quite a shock To the folks on the block But they kept their opinions quite moot!

charlis		02-Apr-2010 19:44
Andrew... I was living in Tampa at the time. I was out on a site visit for my job, listening to the radio as we were also on hurricane watch as the storm made its way over here. The following fall we drove down there for my ex's 25th HS reunion. We drove around in S Miami looking at where we had lived, went to visit friends who's house still had not been completely repaired, saw the old mobile home park (we knew the owner) that was flattened by the houses that were torn apart with the debris hitting the mobile homes. From what the owner of the park told us, the mobiles were doing good with the storm until they started getting hit by the roofs of the "stick built" homes across the street. A coworker lived in S Miami at the time and told me that a tree had fallen on the apartment unit he lived in... He could not get out of the apartment!

Jeff		02-Apr-2010 19:42
A fellow who goes by "CK" Has a "thing" for a lady, I'd say He'd sure give a whirl To Miami Girl If only he could get his way!

Jeff		02-Apr-2010 19:41
One blogger named Roberta Hughes Keeps us charmed with her quaint down-home news She's ever so quick To post a limerick Which chases away all our blues

Jeff		02-Apr-2010 19:39
This site host - a fellow named Don Collects memories from hither and yon Of old Mi-a-mi For all those to see To preserve what was here and now gone

charlis		02-Apr-2010 19:37
Roberta.. the limerick about the snake was great!

Parks		02-Apr-2010 13:51
Roberta, That's the best yet! I'll send it to Snapper and see what he says.

Roberta Perry Hughes		02-Apr-2010 05:38
Parks' boat-making pal, name of Snapper, Not a dodger, nor lurker, nor napper, Put the boat in, one day, In a slough, not the Bay... Used the port side of boat for a crapper....! Parks cried, "Snapper, look...! There's a 'gator...!" Snapper's butt was laid bare, with no wader...! He was thrown for a loop, Filled his waders with poop...! The 'gator cried, "Phew....!! See y'all later....!!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roberta Perry Hughes		02-Apr-2010 05:26
Parks..... Isn't that called a Haiku, or something like that...? Anyway, I love it....! My very next post will be a 2-verse Limerick Number 3, which I wrote as soon as I read your request....! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Parks		02-Apr-2010 04:01
Roberta, how's this: Everglades spring day Tippy boat glides through sawgrass Alligators grin

Parks		02-Apr-2010 03:05
Hi Roberta, I just got a chance to catch up on whats been going on on this page. I loved the second limrick! How do I get my tartar sauce back from Charlis? I sent a copy of the first to Darrell and Snapper. Darrell thought it very clever. I'll quote Snapper: "HA Wonderful!" I think you need to put Snapper in one as he was my partner in building the boat and he's got the best name ever. Send me some names to look for in the cemetery. I passed it again today and thought of you and your family. Miami Girl, huricane Andrew was a life changing event for those who went through it. Susan and I live just north of the worst hit area and our house was spared. We lost a lot of trees that we had planted and watched grow which was very sad. Living without electricity for ten days was hard but not unbearable. We were without water for the first three days as our pump wouldn't run without electricity. I finally got a generator on the fourth day. Several friends homes became unlivable for a year or more. They lived in FEMA trailers. CK, One of my friends lived in Saga (Soggy) Bay. When I got down there to check on him, he was up on the roof nailing on a big blue tarp. He had gotten about three feet of water in the house. It was pretty much ruined. As I was leaving Saga Bay, I heard tap, tap, tap, my tire had picked up a roofing nail and tin cap. Roofing nails were everywhere so I carried a tire patch kit with me. I pulled over, got my tire plug ready and pulled out the nail. The nail was so short that it didn't go all the way into the tire. No air came out. No wonder those roofs came off.

Roberta Perry Hughes		02-Apr-2010 01:42
Parks! Parks! Parks! Did you not see my second 2-verse limerick, dedicated to you and your pole boat adventures....? Charlis....You are even mentioned in the new limerick...! Fran....Thanks, for having acknowledged my limerick....! They are not that easy to compose, due to their rhyme scheme: A-A-B-B-A, and the meter of the cadence itself. In high school, my hero was the late Ogden Nash, who wrote one for Christmas, every year, and was on the cover of Family Circle magazine. Hello, to everyone, out there in cyberspace....!! Lewis and I are hanging in there. His younger son, who lives in Leesburg, FL, will come for an overnight visit with us, on Wednesday, on his way home from N.C. Hope all are well, and feeling good, and that the weather is kind for you. Our hearts and prayers go out to the folks up in New England, dealing with flooding, or its effects. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Charles Knight		01-Apr-2010 22:57
And speaking of sea turtles...I know this sounds horrible now, but there was a time when they were not endangered or protected. We would get one every so often for dinner (stew). They could be difficult to capture in the sea, and I loved doing it. We would cruise the bay in our 22 foot Mako looking for one. When we spotted our prey, we would get aside it. My job was to jump into the water and grab it's shell with a tow line around my waist. When I had one in my grasp, my dad would pull us in. I'll not relate to those here what happened next out of courtesy. It seems awfully cruel now, but we only hunted for food. Not for sport.

Charles Knight		01-Apr-2010 22:49
As a small child I ate venison, soft shell turtle, rabbit, gator, opossum, armadillo,wild hog, wild turkey, every type of salt and fresh water fish, and yes...Even rattlesnake, but only once (snake, that is). Dad even tried to cook a mud fish once, he put it in a big wash tub for some number of days to purge the muddy taste, it didn't work! Yuck! I'll never forget that.. Growing up in Miami for me meant growing up in the Glades as well. I also had a lot of family in Marathon and Big Pine Keys. Sea turtle was on the menu often too. Not any more though, and thank goodness for that! I still love fresh shark fillets although they're high in Mercury...Oh well, isn't everything bad for you these days?

Miami Girl		01-Apr-2010 22:47
Hey Leighton, we're all a joke here! Ya gotta laugh, it's what makes life worth living.

Charles Knight		01-Apr-2010 22:35
Hi leighton! It's always a delight to see your bright yellow handle show up here. No fooling!

Leighton		01-Apr-2010 22:24
Being that it is April Fool's Day, I will assume that a good deal of what has been posted today, is a joke.

Fran		01-Apr-2010 21:57
CK,Miami Girl is right. You are so funny. A true delight! Charlis,you can buy gator in Austin and Houston, fresh off the hide. However, my first taste of gator was more than 10 years ago. A family member graduated from UF and gator was served at the dinner. Miami River Rat, sounds like a plan.: BTW I love to dance.:) Roberta, love the limericks. You sound wonderful! Much happiness to you and Lewis.

Charles Knight		01-Apr-2010 21:45
Miami Girl, I am so glad you have a sense of humor...I was having second thoughts but said, "hey, what the heck" anyway. I moved north just before Andrew but members of my family lost their homes. Three in total! Prior to moving I lived in Saga Bay, three blocks from the original Parrot Jungle. The entire neighborhood was flattened. I went to check on family and couldn't pin point where my previous home had been. Wow! One of those rare times where my timing was actually correct.

Miami Girl		01-Apr-2010 21:34
CK: lol (really). You're too funny. Everybody: I'm interested in knowing the memories of those who experienced Andrew. Every once in awhile I see the Weather Channel Special and I can't stop watching it even though it's painful.

Charles Knight		01-Apr-2010 21:30
All the old posts are back (at least, Ive got them) just scroll down folks!

charlis		01-Apr-2010 21:14
Fran... sorry to hear about the eye problem. Take it easy. As to the snake snacks... wish I could find some but my job, inspite of the interview, never got me over to the landfill to do tests... my supervisor would not "let me grow up", but made me stay on the computer all the time. I have finally gotten my revenge after 10 years... he is no longer my boss and now has to do all the stuff that I used to do! I love it! Meeting an old friend for lunch on Friday at an old, local restaurant. Hopefully gator is still on the menu.

Miami River Rat		01-Apr-2010 21:11
Fran, I enjoyed the dance as well. Now, however, all record of our dance has been lost, dispersed into cyber-space and hopelessly mingled, like tears in the rain. We'll just have to do it again sometime!

charlis		01-Apr-2010 21:09
Geeeeeez Louise! We just went through a full moon and all sorts of weirdnesses have come out on this board! Don needs to monitor this board for personal attacks. We are here to shares old memories and current happiness, sadness, etc. like friends do. Part of becoming friends an dshaing our memories is to use a name, not "Unknown" or "Mystery"... I missed the posts referred to as Don updated the site.

Charles Knight		01-Apr-2010 21:05
APRILS FOOLS to all of my friends and "good sports" here, especially you Miami Girl!!!

Charles Knight		01-Apr-2010 21:02
Miami Girl, I've professed my feelings about you to my wife. She suggested that I file for divorce and pursue you, so I am. It's true you know...There is such a thing as love at first sight, and I'm positive I've experienced it with you! You KNOW your feelings are the same. I can read between the lines when you comment on my dimples. I can no longer stand being without you! I've done some research online and acquired your address, so that I may come to you and gently let your husband know about our feelings for each other...I promise to do it as diplomatically as possible, my next post will sum it all up for you and our friends here, please read it!!!...Forever yours, CK!

Charles Knight		01-Apr-2010 20:48
Why don't can't we all just get along...Oh sorry, that was for the "Memories of old Los Angeles and Hawthorn" site lol! Seriously though. This is a site about our fair city and our memories of it. I for one, cherish it's history and will gladly read anyone's memoirs of it. Should it seem as though someone is becoming an overly dominating contributor that writes just to blow their own horn. I just don't read the post. It's as simple as that. I look at it as I would choosing a film to watch, some I find interesting...Others not. I am certain that I write things that others cannot relate to, and if they choose not to read my ramblings...Well that's their right, isn't it? No hurt feelings here. Happy Easter all! CK

Unknown		01-Apr-2010 20:38
Fran, I thought maybe I could post on this blog in peace, but I see that there is trouble in paradise now, because of my being here, and you finding fault with that, so I am leaving now, so as to restore peace on this nice blog. Sorry to hear that you were in the hospital, and I wish you a speedy recovery. As for my being who you think I am, that will remain a mystery. I will say in all honesty though, that you do not know me. Unknown.

Charles Knight		01-Apr-2010 20:35
Fran, it wasn't me that pointed out any errors. I have NO room to talk about such things. I hope you're feeling better and that things are on an even keel (so to speak). Best of wishes, CK

Unknown		01-Apr-2010 20:32
Charles Knight, I have tried to be nice, and blend in on you all's blog. I am a newcomer, like an outsider, and with the extra baggage as someone who couldn't idendify myself, it made it doubly hard to take my place, but I wanted to, and believe me I tried. For some reason, Fran had a problem with me being here, maybe my not giving my name called her attention. But truthfully Charles, I have no Dislike , or Problem with Fran, or anyone. And I have been genuine with all of you here, other than my Name and I. D. And I still contend that I can tell that you are a good person, and so are the others here on this blog. I said Franny, to clear the air. I meant no familiararity, or disrespect to Fran. Fran, is wrong about me, and I will leave it at that. Unknown.

Fran		01-Apr-2010 20:00
CK, sorry for the mistakes. I just got out of the hospital yesterday. I had a massive bleed in my right eye. Causing floaters to form and I'm unable to see well. You are right about the unknown guest. I gave Don, my word that I would not have any thing to do with his site. I wanted to know for sure who it was. If so that I could leave and not have a problem with him. Miami River Rat, I forgot to thank you for the dance. Great fun, again thanks.

Charles Knight		01-Apr-2010 19:33
Unknown, hmmm, it would seem as though a line has been baited,cast, and bitten. I don't know you, and am not familiar with the past writings of which Fran speaks, but I will say this. The fact that you call her Franny and speak of pettiness and jealousy in itself gives you away. It is evident that the two of you have sparred in the past. I can only assume you are the person that she says you are. So now I'll ask you to play nice. If not well...Like I said earlier. I'll walk away. CK

Unknown Mystery Person		01-Apr-2010 19:19
Franny, Whether you accept it or not, you are a jealous person. You cannot stand to see anyone outshine you. And watch your grammar, you might want to proof read your writings here before you post them, as you are making a lot of typos lately. Could it be, that you are a bit upset because someone exposed your petty jealousy of others who are more clever than you ? I suspect that is the case, dear heart. Settle down now, be calm, gather yourself, and do have a wonderful easter. Unknown Mystery Person.

Fran		01-Apr-2010 18:48
Unknown, go a head use your name. Remember you call others a coward for not using their names. Oh, yes, I'm so jealous. Of what ? Oh, gee you might want to catch the Dave and Robbin show at the Hialeah memories site. I'm sure that it's a keeper. You miss spoke, I don't ever react in the way in which you speak. All new comers are welcome. I enjoy reading new posts every day. Good luck to all of you.

Unknown		01-Apr-2010 18:11
Fran, You have me all wrong, you aren't even close to the truth about me. As A Pyschologist, you have failed your assignment. And remember one thing, that I- whoever I am, came here in peace, and you were the one trying to cause trouble, not me. You played a little mind game, an underhanded attempt to stir Parks, and others here up, saying to beware, that a snake was trolling. I believe, from what I gather, that the only snake here is you. You are nice to everyone on this forum, but then someone else new comes along and posts, and you get upset, and try to mess them up. What is your problem. Could it be a case of jealousy ? That's what I'm guessing. You are not a very fair person, you can't stand to see anyone else steal your spotlight. And from what I see, Your spotlight is very dim anyway. Change Your Ways , Woman. Unknown.

A Friend- Unknown		01-Apr-2010 17:59
Charles Knight, I like your fairness, and nice way with people. You obviously are quite the people person, and your positive Attitude also speaks very well for you. And your church's Easter Egg Hunt, and all of the festivities, and the surfing clinic for kids, are great things, and help humanity. I wish you well, and I think you are a great human being. An Unknown Friend.

Charles Knight		01-Apr-2010 14:26
Lonely...I'll talk to lonely folks. If they go off on negativity I'll walk away. We should all surround ourselves with positive influences. I try to be a positive person, although I slip from time to time. I like EVERYONE here, so please don't misconstrue what I'm saying...Second chances are devine...CK

Charles Knight		01-Apr-2010 14:19
Ahh Easter,I go to a great church in Indian Harbour Beach, just south of Satellite Beach where I live. It's called "The Way Church". Full of surfers and old rockers that have changed their ways. Because most of us are too old to grow up...We are very youth oriented. This week we held "Surf Camp" for all the kids age groups and abilities. About twenty soft top surfboards, and a bunch of body boards, skim boards, etc. Maybe fifty or so kids learned to surf and a great time was had by ALL (parents included)! Last night was the end of camp Luau, most of the kids wore Hawaiian garb. There was BBQ, music, surf movies and awards ceremonies. This Sunday we're having a seven THOUSAND (!!!) Easter egg hunt! With multiple inflatable bounce houses, all kinds of games, contests, raffles, and once again...You guessed it, BBQ! Yours truly is bringing one of his sound systems and will the the Disc Jockey. If any of you have family in Brevard county...Send the our way! We're on the beach side @ 399 east Eau Gallie Blvd. Indian Harbour Beach, Fl. (321) 779-0111 All are invited for a great time celebrating this Holy time !!!

Fran		01-Apr-2010 14:05
He uses made up names and information about himself. He comes on this site using a fake name. He claims to know all about Miami. He pretends to be all things to al people. He very lonely and tends to cause trouble. He has done this several times. His stick,I've come here in peace. I am being nice. Thinking that if he is nice people will blog with him. However, he then begins to take over the site with all of his constant blogging. He is needy and craves attention. Just posting this message to you. Will cause him to become irate, ruining his fun. I don't want to get into a word war with him. He's mean spirited and crude. Yes, I know of him. He is NOT someone I would have any thing to do with. CK thank you, for asking. Peace be with you.

Charles Knight		01-Apr-2010 13:00
Fran??? What is it with "unknown"?

Fran		01-Apr-2010 05:42
Unknown, I give you fair warning. Don't mess with me! Google troll you all. He has a way of sliding in and out of here. You can't use your real name? Wonder why? Could it be that no one would have anything to do with you? Now that's a thought... You have been found out. The indiviuals who post here are very nice. They have kind hearts, not to be used. I'm not going to get into a word war. They will see you for who you are. This is a Holy time of the year for me. I won't be a part of you game. I wish all of you a Blessed Easter.

Roberta Perry Hughes		01-Apr-2010 04:58
So, Parks gaffed him a python, named "Monty," In his pole boat, not tippy----just jaunty. Said the snake, from the boat toss, "Why, Parks! You've no tartar sauce....?" "Charlis took it....!", Parks retorted, so taunty. That little ol' pole boat, it shook, As "Monty" dodged Parks' gator hook....! "Now, Parks, do you duty.... "Snake, snake, snake your OWN booty....!" Called the snake, as his freedom he took....! Snake's alive....! All this talk of reptilian food fare has got me a bit "rattled...!" (And, Nike.....I has wittle bitty feets....size 7). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jeff		01-Apr-2010 04:44
For those of you who hold a fond spot for the music of the 50's and 60's: Johnny Maestro, lead singer of the Crests ("Sixteen Candles", "Step By Step", "Six Nights A Week", "Trouble in Paradise") and the Brooklyn Bridge ("Worst That Could Happen", "Welcome Me Love", "Your Husband, My Wife") passed away on Wed., March 24th at the age of 70 from pancreatic cancer. I may have previously mentioned a previous musical passing: Alex Chilton, former leasd singer of the Box Tops ("The Letter", "Cry Like A Baby")... he was 60.

Parks		01-Apr-2010 03:41
I don't get the snake trolling and since I'm not a very adventurous eater, snake meat in not very appealing. All this talk of snakes has given me two ideas on how to deal with the giant python problem. The first is simple, publish a python cook book. Look what happened to the land crab population when people figured out you could eat them. This web site has proven that there are a bunch of nuts oops I mean nice people willing to eat snake. The second idea will not only reduce the snake population but since I sell fishing tackle, it will make money for me! I’ll sponsor a python fishing tournament. People will build pole boats, outfit them with outriggers and troll for pythons with artificial baby alligators as bait. Longest snake caught wins. I can hear the guys bragging now, “I caught a twenty footer on only thirty pound tackle.”

Unknown		01-Apr-2010 02:06
Fran, I think you've had too much snake, and you need to leave it alone.

Unknown		01-Apr-2010 02:01
Parks, There is no snake trolling, only in Fran's mind.

Fran		31-Mar-2010 23:41
Charlis, love rattle snake, sauce or no sauce. Think about the Troll? Easter Blessings to all...

charlis		31-Mar-2010 21:59
Fran... funny that you mentioned a snake.... A friend sent me a pic of a snake captured in Jacksonville or St. Augustine... a huge Diamond Back, 15 feet long, 170 lbs. All I could think of was getting some tartar sauce! When I was 10 or so, and we had moved to a small town in OH, my father's friends served snacks one time... rattle snake. I loved it! I was brought up to always try something new. When I started working for the county Solid Waste department, part of my interview was a question regarding my going to the Landfill and the possibility of coming across snakes and gators. My response? "Give me a gun and some tartar sauce." I've been with the county 10 years! I was 50 years old at the time of the interview.

charlis		31-Mar-2010 21:52
Gang... sorry that the Santa mask brought back old scary memories to some of you. I put it in a bag that still sits by the front door. When I first put it there, the cat went over to look at it.... and ran from the room. I threw my "winter coat" over the bag when I came home from work and she would go where the bag was... I put the heavy coat away the other day... the bag is still there... and she will not go anywhere near it. I'm thinking of using it for other training exercises!

charlis		31-Mar-2010 21:46
Miami... sorry about the mis-spelling of dolphin... I still think of the way by daughter pronounced the name of her favorite team... yelling, "Go Dolpins!"... she even named her first dog "Csonka"... a wonderful beagle.

charlis		31-Mar-2010 21:39
Tommy... great work on recycling, etc. I work for the county with the recycling program. I do a lot of the grapics for the litter program and work at our Household Chemicals and Electronics collections where residents can drop off old stuff 3 times a month at various locations. "Business" has really picked up in the last 2 years... double and triple the amount of people showing up!

charlis		31-Mar-2010 21:32
Charles... I know all the links about Flipper. I just have some "insider" info based on what was told to me by Luke and Tommy.

charlis		31-Mar-2010 21:30
Miami... I'll never forget the time my ex's boss bought some fresh caught dolpin over for dinner. I almost chased him out of the aparment until he explained that what he was giving us was a fish, not a mammal. That is one ugly fish! Now they call it Mahi Mahi, using the Hawaiin term.

Nike		31-Mar-2010 21:08
I have spent the afternoon browsing various websites with historical accountings and photos of "Old Miami." It has been enjoyable. One even touted, "Little known fact: on the Eighth Day, God shook all the eccentrics of America into the nation’s Southeast corner pocket. And They Became South Florida. And It Was Weird. The obvious difference between the other sites and Don's Miami Memories site was they don't have a forum for us wackos and rogues who love to chit-chat about our past and our past acquaintences. Thanks, Don. It's great

Charles Knight		31-Mar-2010 19:38
OOPs sorry! I should have read the whole thing...My error!

Charles Knight		31-Mar-2010 19:37
Leighton, I can only assume you know that the mask in the original Halloween series was that of William Shatner.

Nike		31-Mar-2010 18:41
Roberta, You are poet, and don't know it, but, your feet show it, They're Longfellows Can you believe I just made that up? If so, I have some Florida property for sale.

Leighton		31-Mar-2010 18:15
Yes, Charlis, that's a "Santa's going to eat me" mask - YIKES. Kinda reminds me of Michael Myers's in the original "Halloween" (that mask was a painted Shatner/"Kirk" mask, by the way).

Fran		31-Mar-2010 17:40
Parks, there is a snake trolling, watch out!

Tommy		31-Mar-2010 16:35
Parks, You were right on the money, on all of the things that you mentioned. The Ludway, was right there, and I always stopped in there for the same, A delicious hamburger, and a cold draft beer. It was a rather compact place, but it was always clean, neat and orderly, and that great hamburger with a cold beer, was always a treat. And Emmett Kelly, I remember that routine, and I believe that Red Skelton did something similar. We are all missing things today like Emmett Kelly , Red Skelton, and The Ludway Bar, what a shame. But then again, they don't make the cars like Henry Ford did, model A 's and model T's, and they don't make men like us anymore either. Safe Glades Boating. Tommy.

Roberta Perry Hughes		31-Mar-2010 12:13
Hi, Nike....! Scroll down a bit, and read the limerick I wrote about Parks....!

Nike		31-Mar-2010 10:47
Don, Thanks for the explanation. I think I asked the same thing when I was a newbie on the site but had forgotten. I recall from my days working at the space center we referred to it as "Zulu Time." I'm nt sure why. I hope you enjoyed your time at Orlando with your grandson. Does this mean your leg is healing up or are you still limping along?

Don Boyd		31-Mar-2010 05:29
Hey y'all, I was up in Orlando with our daughter, son-in-law and grandson visting from Colorado from Saturday until this evening and I had no internet time or inclination to get online since my virus infected laptop isn't worth using. I came back and saw three pages full of comments, from all galleries, when signed in, so they weren't erased, but I see the complaints about only one page being visible to y'all. I signed out and viewed the page as a guest and I see what you're talking about but I don't know why it happened. I'll contact Pbase about it and see what they say but I suspect that we reached the limit as far as the amount of text under one photo. I'll probably have to start a new comments gallery effective 4/1/10 and after but I need to copy and paste the missing pages onto the new comments if Pbase can't figure it out. My Colorado kids are here until Sunday and my time on the PC will be limited. Nike: the Pbase time on the right of the comments is UTC, GMT, you know the drill. 4 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time, 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Don

Parks		31-Mar-2010 05:16
Tommy, I do remember the Ludway. I didn't go there often but when I did I always got a burger and a draft. It was on 67th Ave about half a block north of Coral Way wasn't it? Very small place, just the bar and a few tables. On the subject of clowns, I once saw the famous clown Emmett Kelly in Miami. I think it was the Ringling Brothers Circus but I could be wrong. Kelly would come out to the center ring after the show was over, thay would shine a round spot light in the center and Kelly would use a broom to sweep it up. It was great and not at all frightening.

Tommy		31-Mar-2010 04:52
Parks, Did you ever go to the Ludway? I did, lots of times. They had the best hamburgers, and it was a very decent place. I wish it was still around. I grew up not too far from there. Tommy.

Tommy		31-Mar-2010 04:48
Parks, As A child, Clowns frightened me. I thought it was only me. Now, they don't even faze me, but when I was a little toddler, I was terrified by them. My father would take me to the circus, and I liked most everything and was ok, until I saw clowns, and then I started crying, and screaming, and my father had to comfort me , and calm me down. Maybe it was the makeup and how they looked different, I'm not sure. Safe Boating. Tommy.

Tommy		31-Mar-2010 04:36
Charles Knight, Thank You. You and I most definately, see eye to eye, on saving our planet. I don't hunt either. Neither for sport nor food. And I do religiously recycle. And I try to conserve water. And I never waste food. Both of them , are too precious. Many people , waste food, water, gasoline, and many other things, such as paper. Trees are cut down needlessly, to produce paper for nonsense uses like junk mail, and the like. And very few people realize that, or care. But it's good that you and I do, and hopefully lots of others do , as well, and I hope that the ones who don't know or care wake up before it's too late. Much credit to you. Tommy.

Parks		31-Mar-2010 04:15
Roberta, The limerick is wonderful! I'll forgive you for the truly awful puns. Sorry for the double post. Rooky mistake.

Parks		31-Mar-2010 04:12
When the time is right, the Great And All Knowing Don will tell us what happened.

Roberta Perry Hughes		31-Mar-2010 04:08
Parks......Now, for the two-stanza limerick: Recreational Miamian, Parks Built a boat made of wood without barks. Though the weather was nippy, And the boat a bit tippy, He'd only fear 'gators, not sharks.... With only a "skeleton" crew, He put in to an Everglades Slough. While his troubles weren't many, Just to give you the skinny.... It could have been tip-a-canoe....! ....You can groan, now.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roberta Perry Hughes		31-Mar-2010 04:04
Parks..... My second reaction, to you pun, was.... "Parks, that pun of yours was quite a gaffe...." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roberta Perry Hughes		31-Mar-2010 04:02
Jeff....that communication was to me, from Don, and he told me the same thing.

Jeff		31-Mar-2010 03:36
I just heard from Don in reply to a personal communication that was awaiting his reply... He noted that he was out of town and didn't have access to the site because his laptop has a virus. Don says the disappearing text is a Pbase thing... because he can see it's all still there on his side.

Roberta Perry Hughes		31-Mar-2010 03:20
Parks.... I will see if I can recall the limerick I wrote for you.

Parks		31-Mar-2010 03:03
When the time is right, the Great And All Knowing Don will tell us what happened.

Roberta Perry Hughes		31-Mar-2010 02:51
Parks.... My first post in response to your pun, was, "Parks...regarding your pun, there must be a slew of them out there...." As far as the other pun goes, and the limerick, as well as the names of my family on gravesites, well, I had penned it all down to a paper towel....which, unfortunately, got thrown away...& was burned with the trash this morning. I am sure, if I try hard enough, I can rewrite the limerick. What happened, anyway...? I can only access this one page of comments on here? Do you know what went down? Let me know, ok...? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Charles Knight		31-Mar-2010 02:43
I think it's Jeff repossessing his fonts!

Parks		31-Mar-2010 02:41
Whew, I thought it was my pun that crashed the site. Now we know it was Roberta. Please post it again Roberta, I didn't get a chance to see it. I was thinking of you today as I drove by the cemetery on my way home from work. I think you and I are the only night owls on this site so no one else saw my pun and I crashed before you posted yours. We have our squables here but we seem to all agree that the Santa suit is scary. How do you all feel about clowns? They scare the piss out of me.

Roberta Perry Hughes		31-Mar-2010 02:26
Hey....???!! What happened to the puns I made for Parks, and the 2-stanza limerick I wrote about his pole boat, not to mention, a list of my relatives, who are interred in Coco Plum Cemetery....? It's all gone....! No reply from Parks, either, and like I was never here.... What's going on....?? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nike		31-Mar-2010 02:16
I'm certain someone has askd the question before but, what's up with the time in the right margin. I understand miitary time but why is it several hours forward? Just asking.

Charles Knight		31-Mar-2010 00:22
Charlis, Google "Flipper" and follow the trail to one of many sites selling the complete collection of the show in DVD format. It's out there. By the way, my brother Jack was a stuntman for that and all Ivan Tors productions.

Charles Knight		31-Mar-2010 00:18
Tommy, your true colors are beginning to show, I find them vibrant. We have to respect our home. I wouldn't live in a house filled with trash, and I wouldn't kill my pets. See the correlation? I'm sure all of my friends here do. In the past I've only hunted to eat. Not for sport. I no longer hunt at all. I am a conservationist. I will do my best to eradicate species that are invasive to our habitat though. Most of them were brought here through ignorance. It is up to us to follow up and try to clean up this mess. There are wild parrots, a multitude of insects, Nile Monitor Lizards, Anacondas, Boas, Pythons, Cobras (yes Cobras), Hyacinths, Malaluca, Brazilian Pepper, and the list goes on and on. Are you folks aware that a mature Piranha was caught by a young boy fishing in West Palm Beach recently? It's time to step up to the plate and get it done.

Tommy		30-Mar-2010 23:42
Charlis, As a young boy, I always tried to imitate Elvis Presley. He was the guy who got all the girls crazy, and screaming, and he did have a wonderful voice, and he was a handsome devil too. He had it all, but no inner peace, and it's really sad, how he left the earth. A good night to you. Tommy.

Tommy		30-Mar-2010 23:29
Miami Girl and Charles Knight, Compassion for Sharks, and any animals, and all creatures on God's earth, is normal, and anyone who has no respect & compassion for God's creatures, most likely has no feelings of remorse for people either. We are all on borrowed time, from the creator, and if we have a concience, we will do the right thing as far as saving our planet. Recycling, energy conservation, Preserving nature, Thinking Greenwise, and appreciating Wildlife, and not hunting nature's animal specimens to Extinction. Afterall friends, Planet Earth, is our home habitat, for 100 years or less roughly, so we have a responsibility to do our share to save it from total destruction. Revelations , and The Last Days, are out of our hands, and in the hands of God, I firmly believe. I'm trying my best , to do the right thing, here on earth, please join me in that necessary Quest. Best to all of you. Tommy.

Miami River Rat		30-Mar-2010 23:26
Some time after "Flipper" came out, a porpoise became a dolphin. Not long after that our crawfish became "Florida lobsters". Now I know a porpoise is actually a Bottle-nosed Dolphin, but whenever I hear the word Dolphin, I think of those blue and gold fish that I used to catch off of Cape Florida and tasted so good when broiled. Anybody else remember when flipper would have been called a porpoise and those tasty crawfish could be caught in Biscayne Bay? These days, I think you have to go waaaay out to dive up crawfish.

charlis		30-Mar-2010 23:12
Miami Girl... you should see a pic of my dad... without the suit... what a hunk in the late 40's early 50's! There's an Elvis pic that looks just like my dad.

charlis		30-Mar-2010 23:07
"The Cove" needs to be shown at least once a year on any network available. I am tired of hearing about dolphins, whales, manatees, etc. dying because of the stupidity of humans.

charlis		30-Mar-2010 23:04
Flipper... if only I could catch the show on TV or it was on disc... I would love to see Luke and Suzie play. The memories from that time are among my happiest. When Luke (Sandy) wasn't "playing" with me on the reef in Surfside, he was playing with the dolphin he had a hand in naming, according to him, after me. As mentioned before, Luke taught me how to snorkle on a reef in the Surfside area of Miami Beach.

Miami Girl		30-Mar-2010 23:00
YIKES that Santa mask (not your Dad Charlis) is one scary guy! CK I agree those things need to be seen for nothing else but to "maybe" enlighten folks, but not by me - I can't stand it. Last night they showed sharks fins being cut off while they're still alive and I couldn't change the channel fast enough. I'm no fan of sharks but nothing deserves to be treated like that! I won't even eat lobster or veal. NO I'm not a member of PETA and absolutely not a bleeding heart liberal! Just call me ridiculous everybody, I don't care.

charlis		30-Mar-2010 22:52
Leighton... that suit scared the @#%^ out of my sister for years. When the cousin sent it to me a few months ago I offered it to my sister. She refused... said the pics brought back memories... that she had forgotten!

Leighton		30-Mar-2010 21:56
I think somebody stomped his feet so hard, it knocked a tower down, or something. Anyway, that Santa Suit scares the #*#@ outta me. If that "Santa" had shown up on one of my Christmas mornings, they would have had to pry me from the ceiling.

Charles Knight		30-Mar-2010 21:52
Miami Girl, if you love Dolphins then don't see the documentary "The Cove", it's all about the slaughter of more than twenty thousand a year IN ONE LOCATION!!! In Japan. The fellow that trained Mitzy (Flipper) was involved in it's making. If you do see the film, it will turn you off to Sea World and swimming with Dolphins attractions. They are just as much to blame! Watch and you'll agree. Actually, I think that everyone should see it and suffer through the experience. Only then will you really know what a barbaric practice it truly is! Save our oceans, save our state, save our world dammit! Holy cow...I sound like a liberal! I just believe that our kids and their kids should enjoy the place as much as we did.

Charles Knight		30-Mar-2010 21:42
Nike and friends, I have no idea what's going on with the site...On the plus side. It sure pops up fast now! Wouldn't it be nice if that happened for all of us lol! I have started with Bones of Coral, it is the earliest one of the bunch. My wife is a fire fighter so she's looking forward to perusing it as soon as I'm done. I do still sing, and yes, the ladies do still stand at the foot of the stage...Right behind their walkers lol! I was a very energetic showman as a younger entertainer, now I am a little more subdued. Lip syncing seems to be the thing these days. My oldest daughter tours as a solo artist and more often than not it's a lip sync situation. I tell her that in the old days I would have to sing four to five forty five minute sets a night for five nights in a row and she asks, "How did you do that" to which I replied (quite honestly), "with Tequila and limes"! Don, did you get erase of all that negativity?

charlis		30-Mar-2010 21:17
What Is UP with the site? It really did heat up yesterday and from what someone emailed me about a post, I can only imagine some of the newer posts. Don usually warns us in advance that he is updating the site. As to the Hall books.. I'm off on Friday... unpaid furlough day, and am meeting an old friend for lunch. The place is across the street from a Borders and I am taking out extra money from the bank!

Miami Girl		30-Mar-2010 20:57
Where'd everybody go? Nike I just checked out Hall's book Red Sky At Night from the library. This one has Thorn in a wheelchair and going to a pain clinic. Haven't started it yet and not sure if I'll be able to get through it due to human's being used as lab rats and then there's the dead dolphins - I love dolphins! Tell me it's not as graphic as I'm afraid it might be.

Nike		30-Mar-2010 20:31
By the way, the phot of me in the Rogues Gallery as "Elvis" was at Shenandoah in 1958. I really wasn't playing the guitar or singing. We played "Hound Dog" over the speakers and I lip-synched. I was really charged with all the girls squealing like I was really singing. I can imagine how you must feel when you're really singing and get the thrill many times. It must be hard to give it up or do you still play?

Nike		30-Mar-2010 20:26
I think it got so hot the site went into a thermal overload -- probably the best. Let's start things off on a positive note. Have you selected a James w. Hall book with which to begin?

Charles Knight		30-Mar-2010 19:17
Uh oh...Something's wrong here...

whitebelt		30-Mar-2010 14:02
What a group. These are the songs I was trying to share. Most of them were on the radio way back when we were young puppies. Some still play in my head from when I was in first grade. I had 3 older sisters so I was exposed to them early on. Maybe the titles alone will bring back memories. 26 Miles Santa Catalina - Four Preps.wma 500 Miles Away From Home - Bobby Bare.wma 7 11 - Gone All Stars.wma A Certain Smile - Johnny Mathis.wma A Fool Such As I - Tommy Edwards.wma Ain't That A Shame - Fats Domino.wma A Little Bit Of Soap - The Jarmels.wma All Alone Am I - Brenda Lee.wma Alley Cat - Bent Fabric.wma Alley Oop - The Hollywood Argyles.wma All I Have To Do Is Dream - The Everly Brothers.wma Along Came Jones - The Coasters.wma Angel Baby - Rosie & The Originals.wma Anyone Who Had A Heart - Dionne Warwick.wma Apache - Jorgen Ingmann.wma April Love - Pat Boone.wma Asia Minor - Kokomo.wma A Swingin' Safari - Billy Vaughn And His Orchestra.wma Ave Maria - Johnny Mathis.wma Baby It's You - The Shirelles.wma Baby Love - Diana Ross & The Supremes.wma Baby What You Want Me To Do - Jimmy Reed.wma Barbara Ann - The Beach Boys.wma Beatnik Fly - Johnny & The Hurricanes.wma Be Bop A Lula - Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps.wma Because They're Young - Duane Eddy.wma Beechwood 4 5789 - The Marvelettes.wma Beep Beep - The Playmates.wma Be My Baby - The Ronettes.wma Big Noise From Winnetka - Sandy Nelson.wma Bird Dog - The Everly Brothers.wma Black Lightning - Royaltones.wma Blip Blop - Bill Doggett.wma Blueberry Hill - Fats Domino.wma Blue Blue Day - Don Gibson.wma Blue Moon - The Marcels.wma Blue On Blue - Bobby Vinton.wma Book Of Love - The Monotones.wma Born To Be With You - Chordettes (1956).wma Born Too Late - Poni Tails.wma Bottle Of Wine - The Fireballs.wma Bread & Butter - The Newbeats.wma Break It To Me Gently - Brenda Lee.wma Bring It On Home To Me - Sam Cooke.wma Browns-Three Bells.wma Bulldog - The Fireballs.wma Bumble Bee Boogie - B. Bumble & The Stingers.wma Burning Bridges - Jack Scott.wma Burning Love - Elvis Presley.wma Bye Bye Love - The Everly Brothers.wma Cannonball - Duane Eddy.wma Caravan - Ralph Marterie.wma Cerveza - Boots Brown & His Blockbusters.wma Chain Of Fools - Aretha Franklin.wma Chances Are - Johnny Mathis.wma Chantilly Lace - Big Bopper.wma Charlie Brown - The Coasters.wma Cindy Oh Cindy - Vince Martin & The Tarriers.wma Cinnamon Cinder - The Pastel Six.wma Claudette - The Everly Brothers.wma Click Clack - Dicky Doo & The Don'ts.wma Come Go With Me - Dell Vikings.wma Come See About Me - Diana Ross & The Supremes.wma Come Softly To Me - The Fleetwoods.wma Cool Shake - Dell Vikings.wma Corinna Corinna - Ray Peterson.wma Crossfire - Johnny & The Hurricanes.wma Crying In The Rain - The Everly Brothers.wma Crying - Roy Orbison.wma Cry - Ronnie Dove.wma Dancing In The Streets - Martha Reeves & The Vandellas.wma David Rose - The Stripper.wma Daydream - Lovin' Spoonful.wma Dedicated To The One I Love - The Shirelles.wma Deep Purple - Nino Tempo & April Stevens.wma Denise - Randy & The Rainbows.wma Detroit City - Bobby Bare.wma Devil With The Blue Dress - Mitch Ryder & Detroit Wheels.wma Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its - Lonny Donegan.wma Donna - Ritchie Valens.wma Don't Go, Please Stay - The Drifters.wma Don't Hang Up - The Orlons.wma Don't Make Me Over - Dionne Warwick.wma Double Shot Of My Baby's Love - Swingin' Medallions.wma Down By The Station - Four Preps.wma Dreamin' - Johnny Burnette.wma Dream Lover - Bobby Darin.wma Drums Are My Beat - Sandy Nelson.wma Dum Dum - Brenda Lee.wma Earth Angel - The Penquins.wma El Condor Pasa - The Ventures.wma Endless Sleep - Jody Reynolds.wma Eso Beso - That Kiss - Paul Anka.wma Fever - Peggy Lee.wma Finger Poppin Time - Hank Ballard & The Midnighters.wma Flamingo Express - Royaltones.wma Fly Me To The Moon Bossa Nova - Joe Harnell.wma Forever - Little Dippers.wma Forty Miles Of Bad Road - Duane Eddy.wma For Your Precious Love - Jerry Butler.wma Fried Eggs - Intruders.wma Gazachstahagen - Wild Cats.wma Get A Job - The Silhouettes.wma Gina - Johnny Mathis.wma Going To A Go Go - The Miracles.wma Goin' Out of My Head - Little Anthony & The Imperials.wma Goldfinger - Shirley Bassey.wma Gone - Ferlin Husky.wma Goodbye Baby - Jack Scott.wma Goodbye Cruel World - James Darren.wma Good Golly Miss Molly - Little Richard.wma Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight - McGuire Sisters.wma Good Thing - Paul Revere & The Raiders.wma Greenfields - The Brothers Four.wma Green Onions - Booker T & The MGs.wma Guitar Boogie Shuffle - Johnny & The Hurricanes.wma Guitar Boogie Shuffle - The Virtues.wma Half Heaven Half Heartache - Gene Pitney.wma Happy Happy Birthday Baby - The Tune Weavers.wma Harbor Lights - The Platters.wma Harlem Nocturne - The Viscounts.wma Haunted House - Gene Simmons.wma Have You Seen Her - The Chi Lites.wma Heart And Soul - The Cleftones.wma Heartbreaker - Dionne Warwick.wma Heat Wave - Martha Reeves & The Vandellas.wma Heavenly - Johnny Mathis.wma Hello Mary Lou - Rick Nelson.wma Help Me Rhonda - The Beach Boys.wma He's So Fine - The Chiffons.wma Hey Baby - Bruce Channel.wma Hey Paula - Paul & Paula.wma Hide Away - Freddy King.wma Hit The Road Jack - Ray Charles.wma Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me - Mel Carter.wma Honky Tonk Parts 1 & 2 - Bill Doggett.wma Hummingbird - Chordettes.wma Hungry - Paul Revere & The Raiders.wma Hurt So Bad - Little Anthony & The Imperials.wma I Can See Clearly - Johnny Nash.wma I Can't Help Myself - The Four Tops.wma I Don't Know Why But I Do - Clarence Frogman Henry.wma If You Gotta Make A Fool Of So - James Ray.wma I Got You - James Brown.wma I Hear A Symphony - Diana Ross & The Supremes.wma I Hear You Knocking - Smiley Lewis.wma I Knew You When - Billy Joe Royal.wma I Like It Like That - Chris Kenner.wma I'll Be Doggone - Marvin Gaye.wma I'll Never Fall In Love Again - Dionne Warwick.wma I Love How You Love Me - The Paris Sisters.wma I'm Leaving It Up To You - Dale & Grace.wma I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry - BJ Thomas.wma I'm Sorry - Brenda Lee.wma I'm Walkin' - Fats Domino.wma I Need Your Loving - Don Gardner & Dee Dee Ford.wma In The Still Of The Night - Dell Vikings.wma I Only Have Eyes For You - Flamingos.wma I Really Don't Want To Know - Tommy Edwards.wma I Remember You - Frank Ifield.wma Is That All There Is - Peggy Lee.wma It Doesn't Matter Anymore - Buddy Holly.wma It Hurts To Be In Love - Gene Pitney.wma It's All In The Game - Tommy Edwards.wma It's A Lovers Question - Clyde McPhatter.wma I Wanna Go Home - Bobby Bare.wma I Want To Be Wanted - Brenda Lee.wma I Will Follow Him - Little Peggy March.wma I Wish It Would Rain - The Temptations.wma Jambalaya - Brenda Lee.wma Josephine - Bill Black Combo.wma Just Walking In The Rain - Johnnie Ray & Conniff.wma Just Walk On By - Leroy Van Dyke.wma Knock On Wood - Eddie Floyd.wma Kookie Lend Me Your Comb - Connie Stevens & Edd Byrnes.wma Last Date - Floyd Cramer.wma Last Night - The Mar Keys.wma Lavender Blue - Sammy Turner.wma Let It Be Me - Jerry Butler & Betty Everett.wma Let Me In - The Sensations.wma Let's Go Let's Go Let's Go - Hank Ballard.wma Let The Little Girl Dance - Billy Bland.wma Let There Be Drums - Sandy Nelson.wma Lightnin' Strikes - Lou Christie.wma Little Bitty Pretty One - Thurston Harris.wma Little Darling - The Diamonds.wma Little Dipper - Mickey Mozart Quintet.wma Little Egypt - The Coasters.wma Little Red Riding Hood - Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs.wma Little Star - The Elegants.wma Lollipop - The Chordettes.wma Lonely Blue Boy - Conway Twitty.wma Lonely Street - Andy Williams.wma Lonely Tear Drops - Jackie Wilson.wma Lonesome Number One - Don Gibson.wma Look Homeward Angel - Johnnie Ray.wma Lost Love - H. B. Barnum.wma Love Is Blue - Paul Muriat.wma Love Is Strange - Mickey And Sylvia.wma Love Letters In The Sand - Pat Boone.wma Love Potion Number 9 - The Clovers.wma Lover Please - Clyde Mcphatter.wma Lover's Concerto - The Toys.wma Mack The Knife - Bobby Darin.wma Mama Said - The Shirelles.wma Manhattan Spiritual - Reg Owen & His Orchestra.wma Maria Elena - Los Indios Tabajaras.wma Maria - Johnny Mathis.wma Marie's The Name Of His Latest - Elvis Presley.wma Marie - Tommy Dorsey.wma Maybe Baby - Buddy Holly.wma Maybellene - Chuck Berry.wma Meet Me At Midnight Mary - Joey Powers.wma Midnight In Moscow - Village Stompers.wma Midnight Train To Georgia - Gladys Knight And The Pips.wma Minnesota Fats - Johnny & The Hurricanes.wma Misty - Johnny Mathis.wma Mohair Sam - Charlie Rich.wma Moments To Remember - Four Lads.wma Monster Mash - Bobby Boris Pickett.wma Moody River - Pat Boone.wma Mother in Law - Ernie K Doe.wma Mountain Of Love - Harold Dorman.wma Mr Blue - The Fleetwoods.wma Mr. Lee - Bobbettes.wma Mr. Sandman - Chordettes.wma Mule Skinner Blues - The Fendermen.wma Music,Music,Music - Teresa Brewer.wma My Angel Baby - Toby Beau.wma My Boomerang Wont Come Back - Charlie Drake.wma My Ding-a-Ling - Chuck Berry.wma My Melancholy Baby - Tommy Edwards.wma My Prayer - The Platters.wma My True Love - Jack Scott.wma My World Is Empty Without You - Diana Ross & Supremes.wma Nee Nee Na Na Nu Nu Nu - Dicky Doo & The Don'ts.wma No Matter What Shape - The T Bones.wma No, Not Much! - Four Lads.wma No Particular Place To Go - Chuck Berry.wma Nowhere to Run - Martha Reeves & The Vandellas.wma Nut Rocker - B Bumble & Stingers.wma Oh Boy - Buddy Holly.wma Oh Little One - Jack Scott.wma Oh Lonesome Me - Don Gibson.wma Older Rock.zip One Fine Day - The Chiffons.wma Only Love Can Break A Heart - Gene Pitney.wma Only The Lonely - Roy Orbison.wma Our Day Will Come - Ruby And The Romantics.wma Our Faded Love - Royaltones.wma Over The Mountain, Across The Sea - Johnnie & Joe.wma Party Doll - Buddy Knox.wma Patricia - Perez Prado.wma Peggy Sue - Buddy Holly.wma Penetration - The Pyramids.wma Percolator - Billy Joe & The Checkmates.wma Perfidia - The Ventures.wma Personality - Lloyd Price.wma Petite Fleur - Chris Barber Jazz Band.wma Pipeline - The Chantays.wma Plantation Boogie - Lenny Dee.wma Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes.wma Poison Ivy - The Coasters.wma Poor Boy - The Royaltones.wma Popsicles And Icicles - The Murmaids.wma Pretty Little Angel Eyes - Curtis Lee.wma Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison.wma Quiet Village - Martin Denny.wma Quite A Beat - Sandy Nelson.wma Quite A Party - The Fireballs.wma Rainy Night In Georgia - Brook Benton.wma Raunchy - Bill Justis.wma Rebel Rouser- Duane Eddy.wma Red River Rock - Johnny & The Hurricanes.wma Rescue Me - Fontella Bass.wma Respect - Aretha Franklin.wma Return To Sender - Elvis Presley.wma Reunited - Peaches & Herb.wma Reveille Rock - Johnny & The Hurricanes.wma Ride Away - Roy Orbison.wma Rinky Dink - Dave (Baby) Cortez.wma River Kwai & Colonel Bogey - Mitch Miller.wma Rockin Robin - Bobby Day.wma Rollercoaster(Everyday) - Buddy Holly.wma Romeo And Juliet - The Reflections.wma Ruby Baby - Dion & The Belmonts.wma Ruby Duby Du - Tobin Mathews & Co.wma Rumble - Link Wray.wma Running Bear - Johnny Preston.wma Running Scared - Roy Orbison.wma Sally Go Round The Roses - The Jaynetts.wma Sea Cruise - Frankie Ford.wma Sealed With A Kiss - Brian Hyland.wma Sea Of Heartbreak - Don Gibson.wma Sea Of Love - Phil Phillips.wma Searchin - The Coasters.wma Secret Love - Tommy Edwards.wma Seesaw - Royaltones.wma Seven Little Girls Sitting In - Paul Evans.wma Sh Boom- Dell Vikings.wma Sheila - Tommy Roe.wma Shimmy Coco Puffs - Little Anthony & The Imperials.wma Shop Around - The Miracles.wma Short Shorts - Royal Teens.wma Silhouettes On The Shade - Rays.wma Since I Don't Have You - The Skyliners.wma Since I Fell For You - Lenny Welch.wma Since I Lost My Baby - The Temptations.wma Since I Met You Baby - Ivory Joe Hunter.wma Sincerely - The McGuire Sisters.wma Singing The Blues - Marty Robbins.wma Sleepwalk - Santo & Johnny.wma Slow Walk - Bill Doggett and his Combo.wma Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - The Platters.wma Smokie (Part 2) - Bill Doggett.wma Smoky Places - The Corsairs.wma Someday We'll Be Together - Diana Ross & The Supremes.wma So Rare - Jimmy Dorsey.wma Sorry (I Ran All The Way Home) - The Impalas.wma South Street - The Orlons.wma Spanish Harlem - Ben E. King.wma Splish Splash - Bobby Darin.wma Standing On The Corner - Four Lads.wma Stay - Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs.wma Stick Shift - Duals.wma Stop In The Name Of Love - Diana Ross & Supremes.wma Straight Flush - Frantics.wma Stranded In The Jungle - The Cadets.wma Stranger In Paradise - Johnny Mathis.wma Stranger On The Shore - Acker Bilk.wma Sugartime - McGuire Sisters.wma Sukiyaki (Japanese love song) - Kyu Sakamoto.wma Summer Set - Monty Kelly.wma Summer Time Blues - Eddie Cochran.wma Summertime, Summertime - The Jamies.wma Surfin' Bird (Bird Is The Word - The Trashmen.wma Susie Darlin' - Robin Luke.wma Suspicion - Terry Stafford.wma Sweet Dream Baby - Roy Orbison.wma Sweets For My Sweet - The Drifters.wma Swingin' Shepherd Blues - Moe Koffman Quartette.wma Take Five - Dave Brubeck.wma Talk To Me - Sunny & The Sunglows.wma Tall Cool One - The Wailers.wma Tan Shoes with Pink Shoelaces - Dodie Stevens.wma Teardrop - Santo & Johnny.wma Tears On My Pillow - Little Anthony & The Imperials.wma Teen Beat - Sandy Nelson.wma Tell Him No - Travis & Bob.wma Tell Me Something Good - Chaka Kahn & Rufus.wma Telstar - Tornados.wma Tequila - Champs.wma That'll Be The Day - Buddy Holly.wma The Banana Boat Song - Harry Belafonte.wma The Battle Of New Orleans - Johnny Horton.wma The Big Hurt - Toni Fisher.wma The Birth Of The Beat - Sandy Nelson.wma The Dock Of The Bay - Otis Redding.wma The Doggy In The Window - Patti Page.wma The End Of The World - Skeeter Davis.wma The First Time Ever I Saw Your - Roberta Flack.wma The Girl From Ipanema - Stan Getz & Astrud Gilberto.wma The Good, The Bad And The Ugly - Ennio Morricone.wma The Great Pretender - The Platters.wma The Happening - Diana Ross & The Supremes.wma The Happy Organ - Dave Baby Cortez.wma The Happy Whistler - Don Robertson.wma The Letter - The Box Tops.wma The Lion Sleeps Tonight - The Tokens.wma The Loco Motion - Little Eva.wma The Mountain High - Dick And Deedee.wma Then Came You - Dionne Warwick.wma The Night Has A Thousand Eyes - Bobby Vee.wma The Peter Gunn Theme - Ray Anthony & His Orchestra.wma The Stripper - David Rose.wma The Stroll - The Diamonds.wma The Twelfth Of Never - Johnny Mathis.wma The Wanderer - Dion & The Belmonts.wma The Way I Walk - Jack Scott.wma The Wayward Wind - Gogi Grant.wma The Wings Of A Dove - Ferlin Husky.wma They're Coming To Take Me Away - Napoleon XIV.wma Think - Aretha Franklin.wma This Magic Moment - The Drifters.wma Till I Kissed You - The Everly Brothers.wma 'Til - The Angels.wma Tobacco Road - The Nashville Teens.wma Too Many Rivers - Brenda Lee.wma Topsy I & II - Cozy Cole.wma Torquay - The Fireballs.wma Tossin' And Turnin' - Bobby Lewis.wma Town Without Pity - Gene Pitney.wma Tracy's Theme - Spencer Ross.wma Tragedy - Thomas Wayne.wma Travelin' Man - Rick Nelson.wma Turn Me Loose - Fabian.wma Turvy I & II - Cozy Cole.wma Tutti Frutti - Little Richard.wma Tweedlee Dee - Laverne Baker.wma Twilight Time - The Platters.wma Twist And Shout - The Isley Brothers.wma Two Faces Have I - Lou Christie.wma Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers.wma Uptight (Everything Is Alright - Stevie Wonder.wma Wah Watusi - The Orlons.wma Wake Up Little Susie - The Everly Brothers.wma Walk, Don't Run - The Ventures.wma Walk On By - Dionne Warwick.wma Walk Right Back - The Everly Brothers.wma Washington Square - The Village Stompers.wma Water Boy - Don Shirley Trio.wma Watermelon Man - Mongo Santamaria Band.wma Wham! - Lonnie Mack.wma What A Day For A Daydream - Lovin' Spoonfull.wma What Am I Living For - Chuck Willis.wma Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get - The Dramatics.wma What Ever Lola Wants - Sara Vaughn.wma What In The World's Come Over - Jack Scott.wma What's Going On - Marvin Gaye.wma Whats Love Got To Do With It - Tina Turner.wma What's Your Name - Don And Juan.wma What Will My Mary Say - Johnny Mathis.wma Wheels - Billy Vaughn.wma Wheels - The String A Longs.wma When A Man Loves A Woman - Percy Sledge.wma Where Or When - Dion.wma Whispering Bells - Dell Vikings.wma White Sport Coat Pink Carnatio - Marty Robbins.wma Who Put The Bomp In The Bomp - Barry Mann.wma Who's Sorry Now - Connie Francis.wma Wiggle Wobble - Les Cooper & The Soul Rockers.wma Wild Weekend - The Rebels.wma Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow - The Shirelles.wma Winchester Cathedral - New Vaudeville Band.wma Wipeout - The Surfaris.wma Wonderful! Wonderfull! - Johnny Mathis.wma Wonderful! Wonderful - The Tymes.wma Woo Hoo - The Rock A Teens.wma Wooly Booly - Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs.wma Working In The Coal Mine - Lee Dorsey.wma Write Myself A Letter - Billy Williams.wma Yakety Yak - The Coasters.wma Yakkety Sax - Boots Randolph.wma Ya Ya - Lee Dorsey.wma Yellow Bird - Arthur Lyman.wma Yellow Polka Dot Bikini - Brian Hyland.wma You Can't Hurry Love - Diana Ross & The Supremes.wma You Cheated, You Lied - The Shields.wma You Lost That Lovin' Feelin - The Righteous Bros.wma You Must Have Been A Beautiful - Bobby Darin.wma Young Love - Sonny James.wma You're Sixteen,You're Beautiful - Johnny Burnette.wma Your My Soul And Inspiration - The Righteous Brothers.wma You Send Me - Sam Cooke.wma You Talk Too Much - Joe Jones.wma

Roberta Perry Hughes		30-Mar-2010 07:41
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Parks....Now, per your question, re: my family interred in Coco Plum Cemetery: -George Lafayette Perry & Mollie E. McWilliams (Perry) were the parents of my grandfather, the Keep of Fowey Rocks Light in the 1930-1939 gallery, which makes them my great-grandparents. -William L. (Lafayette) Perry, aka, "Judge" was my grandfather's brother, therefore, my great uncle. He and wife, Kate, had 9 kids. -George W. (Washington) Perry & Nancy Ann Tison (Perry) were my grandfather's grandparents, therefore, my great-great grandparents. George was a soldier in the CSA, CO H 64 GA REGT. Charles M.S. Perry, beloved son of Margaret and Charles Perry, was the nephew of my grandfather, as Charles Perry was one of his brothers, making him my father's first cousin, and my second cousin, I think that's right? Lizzie Collins Perry, I am not certain about, as far as how I am related to her, unless she was the wife of my grandfather's brother, Dewey....? Neither Charles, Dewey, or my grandparents, were interred at Coco Plum. But I read on her tombstone that she was born in GA....where all of them came from, originally, from Baker County, I believe? Last by not least, and forlornly, just inside the entrance to the cemetery, on the right, are my grandfather's fraternal infant children, Cecil Bruce and Cecilia Bell Perry, who were my father's siblings, and therefore, were my aunt and uncle. Bless their little hearts, buried apart from the rest of the family, all I can figure is, my grandfather must have intended for his own family to be buried in that plot, because there was no room, where the others were, and like his brother, "Judge," he, too, had a large family. However, when my paternal grandmother died, of breast cancer at age 49, she had put in to be buried in Georgia, & he honored that. My grandfather later remarried, and is buried next to wife #2, in Baker County, Georgia. On the Coco Plum site, in the Gallery, someone named Ron Mixon posted, saying that Lizzie Perry is his grandmother. Ron Mixon....if you are reading this, please contact me through Don Boyd, who has my email address. I would love to hear from you. Roberta ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roberta Perry Hughes		30-Mar-2010 06:27
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Recreational Miamian, Parks, Built a boat made of wood, without barks. Though the weather was nippy, And the boat a bit tippy, He'd only fear 'gators, not sharks. With only a "skeleton" crew, They put the boat in Taylor Slough. While their problems weren't many, Just to give you the skinny--- Could have easily been tip-a-canoe....! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roberta Perry Hughes		30-Mar-2010 05:18
Puns, re: your boat....? There's probably a slew of them....

Roberta Perry Hughes		30-Mar-2010 05:17
Parks....your pun was a real gaffe....

Miami River Rat		30-Mar-2010 04:48
Me too, Fran! --------------------------------------- You can put the end of a .22 rifle barrel under water and shoot it. Air is trapped in the barrel, so there is some short effective range. If, say, some person or persons unknown was poling his skiff or canoe along at night and had a spotlight shining in the water and he came upon a gator laying on the bottom in shallow water, all he'd need to do is ease the end of that rifle barrel down to within a few inches of the gator's head and pop 'im. Then use the hook. There's almost no noise that way. Not speaking from experience or anything. Just, you know, theorizing....

Parks		30-Mar-2010 04:42
If we launched the skinny assed boat at Taylor Slough and took a photo, would the caption be "Tippy Canoe at Taylor Slough"? I do love a bad pun.

Parks		30-Mar-2010 04:03
Amos, you're probably right about the order, shoot then hook. We do know he used a .22 at least some of the time. I'll have to re-read the book and see if Glen went into the details. I wish we had built the boat before he passed. It would have been great to ask him how he solved the problems we encountered. We did have one complete boat of his and one partial to look at. His wife Maxie got to see our boat a few weeks ago and was pleased that we were building it. Skinny assed boat is a perfect description.

Charles Knight		30-Mar-2010 02:35
Amos, always go for the flats, unless you're hungry as well.

Charles Knight		30-Mar-2010 02:32
Amos, sounds like something I might have done...Heck, sounds like something you might have done. I've never hooked a lizard before popping or knocking him in the head! But you never know. Everyone does things their own way. I have shot at least one and found out it's still kickin' while loading it in the boat. Thank the good lord above for the statute of limitations. Nothing they can do about it now.

Tommy		30-Mar-2010 01:42
Nike, Thank You. I do appreciate that. And Yes , I do still live in miami. Have good days every day. Tommy.

Fran		30-Mar-2010 01:05
Oh, darlin' be still my heart! Thanks, I needed that. :)

Amos		30-Mar-2010 00:42
Wouldn't gaffing a gator while standing in a skinny assed boat, especially at night be a little on the overly exciting side? Particularly if you hunted such for a living on the sly? Stand up in that boat, reach over and hook something big moving.Nothing like getting knocked or jerked out of your boat by a thrashing gator and splashing around out there with snakes and more gators. Wouldn't it be easier to shine a light at night and put a 22 between those eyes? Then gaff the gator when it is good and still, then tow it to a spot where you can flip it over and slice its belly to get that prime leather much in demand? Then just leave the rest of the carcass. Professional poachers were only concerned with the underbelly. The more you could get in one night the bigger the payday. One belly was worth a lot more than the meat or rest of the hide, and took little time. Easier to put in a skinny assed boat, too. Easier to dump too if you saw Tom Shirley or another ranger heading your way.

Charles Knight		30-Mar-2010 00:25
A FRIEND A friend is someone that knows you, and STILL likes you. From a friend.

Charles Knight		30-Mar-2010 00:23
Parks, yep pretty much like a gaff but only more on the heavy duty side. At present I don't have a Gator hook but have owned a few in the past. I do have a nice gaff that I wouldn't risk on an eight footer if you know what I mean. Jeff, I'm a member of A.S.C.AP. and B.M.I. yet I believe this small scale sharing is harmless amongst a "few" friends. A recent article in a B.M.I. newsletter stated that the organizations are not really concerned so much with things of this nature, and that the real reason they've been going after file sharing folk is because it's nearly impossible to know who's harmless and who's re-selling illegally. They're trying to put the fear of God out there for the real criminals.

Miami Girl		30-Mar-2010 00:09
Now, this is better ya'll. Roberta and White, please come home!

Parks		30-Mar-2010 00:00
Roberta Get your cute tushie back here. We need you and you need us. I drive by the Coco Plum Cemetery almost every day. I'd love to stop and take a look for your family. What names should I look for?

Parks		29-Mar-2010 23:54
CK, while I was playing with the pole boat yesterday I asked the guys how Glen would catch alligators. I was told that he would use a gator hook to catch them and then shoot them. When I heard the term gator hook, a very dim bulb lit over my feeble head. I had never made the connection with the bar's name. I'm guessing a gator hook is what a fisherman would call a gaff?

Miami River Rat		29-Mar-2010 23:15
Wow, this joint is jumpin'! When I started that and searched some lyrics, Fran was the last one to post. Now Charlis has posted a couple. Charlis, I hope you're up for a little shag dancin'... "Smokestack Lightnin'", written by Willie Dixon and sung by Howlin' Wolf: Ah-oh, smokestack lightnin, Shinin, just like gold, Girl don't ya hear me cryin? A-whoo-hooo, oooo, Whooo. Whoa-oh, tell me, baby, What's the, matter here? Girl don't ya hear me cryin? Whoo-hooo, whoo-hooo, Whooo. Whoa-oh, tell me, baby, Where did you, stay last night? Girl don't ya hear me cryin? Whoo-hooo, whoo-hooo, Whooo. Thanks for the dances, hope you ladies enjoyed them as much as i did.

Miami River Rat		29-Mar-2010 23:02
Wow! Um, ok. I feel like a change of pace....Let's see, who was the last girl to post here...Why, it was Fran! Hey Fran, wanna' dance? There's a (moon out tonight) whoa-oh-oh ooh Let's go strollin There's a (girl in my heart) whoa-oh-oh ooh Whose heart I've stolen There's a moon out tonight (whoa-oh-oh ooh) Let's go strollin' through the park (ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh) There's a (glow in my heart) whoa-oh-oh ooh I never felt before There's a (girl at my side) whoa-oh-oh ooh That I adore There's a glow in my heart I never felt before (ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh) Oh darlin' Where have you been? I've been longin' for you all my life Whoa-uh-oh baby I never felt this way before I guess it's because there's a moon out tonight.." Thanks to Fran and the wonderful doo-wop group the Capris, I feel better now. Don't y'all? And Charles Knight, you otta' be ashamed! Long face indeed..., If I'd been drinking coffee I'd have spewed it!

charlis		29-Mar-2010 22:53
Jeff... sometimes I amaze myself. With an IQ of 150 it is often hard to deal with people. And, remember that I worked in Industrial Fraud investigations for many years.

charlis		29-Mar-2010 22:50
Jeff... the font thing... then you and a lot of people owe me and the rest of Oncle Christophe's family a lot of money! And, I repeat, sharing music with friends is not illegal/infringement. Remember that I also worked in the music industry for many years... longer than you.

Jeff		29-Mar-2010 22:49
Charlis, sometimes you amaze me...

charlis		29-Mar-2010 22:45
Fran... as I said... "the lady doth protest too much"... It's definately a guy thing '-)

Jeff		29-Mar-2010 22:44
Sorry, Charlis. Legally you arew wrong. Refer to the earlier post so I won't reiterate. If I give you one of my fonts, it's because I created the digital file. Bad comparison. Speaking of which, for a guy who has been told that "any font you create is just a modification of something pre-existing, nothing really new..." I guess the 3,160 customers in the US and 48 countries worldwide who have visited my foundry site and enriched MyFonts.com with retail sales of $87,493.93 [from January 1, 2006 to today] must know SOMETHING... and they all "sign off" on the terms and conditions posted on the site (including the prohibition of file sharing)... but what do I know???

Leighton		29-Mar-2010 22:44
This really IS getting silly, now, and sad. Again, security and maturity requires an absence of extreme self-defensiveness. So much irony! ANYWAY, blah, blah, blah blah blah. I am determined to get to Miami for a visit in the next 12 months - regardless of how much it has changed, I really want to see it, again. Not sure where these children are, who are supposed to be behaving.

Fran		29-Mar-2010 22:03
Jeff, my failed attempt of humor missed it's mark. I really don't care if it's a guy thing or not. The fact is that enough is enough. Simply put, you have conveyed your point.

charlis		29-Mar-2010 21:44
Good grief. Children behave! We are here to share memories and to share current problems and good things in our lives... as friends should do. No one should leave because a poster or two has a problem. As Shakespear wrote... "The lady doth protest too much..." As to White sharing his music... there is nothing wrong with it. He is not profitting from the recordings.... just sharing with friends... reviving our memories about the songs from our era. It is not copyright infringement to share things as long as no money exchanges hands... think of it as my taking some old records or cassettes that I have laying around and converting them to CD's and snail mailing or emailing them to friends. Nothing wrong with that. Jeff, think of it like this... you give me one of your fonts for a b-day present. I used it for a card for my sister. I didn't make any money off of using your font.

charlis		29-Mar-2010 21:22
Fran... the monkey is still being elusive. Last weekend he was seen on someone's pool deck and great pics were taken.

Charles Knight		29-Mar-2010 20:42
Celine Dion walks into a Miami bar and sits down, bartender says..."Hey lady, why the long face?"

Jeff		29-Mar-2010 19:34
Nike... Thank you for the clarification, and that you are cognizant of what I was TRYING to explain about music pirating in general - NOT about anyone in particular. Sorry I misread your humor. The written word doesn't always convey the intent. Fran, NO, it's not a "guy thing". If I said something about a "girl thing" I'm sure I'd get a page full about how that was a sexist and chauvenistic remark on my part... My point is and will be that NO ONE is going to TELL me what to say or how to think. They can, however, diagree with my beliefs and hold their own perspective on my writings. By the way - If you thought I said something against Roberta, you are SO wrong! Please re-read my comments. What I find amusing (and I really have to hold myself back from responding the way I'd like to) is that some people threaten to leave this blog, but seem to always hang around long enough to throw a direct insult at me. It seems to give them a hidden pleasure...making things personal for their own vendettas. This goes past disagreement with anything I post... they just don't like me, and I could really give a f***... 'cause they don't pay my bills. I'm not here to impress anyone... just offer my input - albeit not always crowd-pleasing. Nike gets the real credit here... HE seems to understand what I've been trying to convey - and HE responded in an open, friendly and mature manner... the way a "conversation" should be. So, for those of you who REALLY want to shut me up... do it the right way - by acting maturely and NOT getting personal... Make your words sweet, because one day you might have to eat them!

Leighton		29-Mar-2010 19:07
Jeff, Nobody is "forcing" you to over-explain. You're pretty good at that, on your own. Good grief, man, take a breather, and give it a rest. My parents always taught me not to be too defensive, Thank God - standing your ground is NOT the same thing. This is getting to be too much for color TV. Jeff....pause, and look back to exactly WHEN people usually had the "I'm going to leave" reaction. Very interesting. Plus, we see what you type the first time around, so by the third, repeat posting, it becomes hair-yanking time. And, please people, First Amendment rights are not the issue here - OBVIOUSLY. This is about chatting, sharing, etc. etc. I swear, though, I think the First Baptist "church ladies" have invaded under assumed names, and are having a hard-candy free-for-all slapdown. SHEESH.

Fran		29-Mar-2010 18:02
Roberta, don't allow what Jeff or any other says about you or this site. Does Jeff and Whitebelt have a funk going on. Probably so, the question is, will you allow what they say to take a little bit of joy from you? Instead, will you continue knowing that there are others who enjoy your posts? This sounds like a guy thing that needed to be a one on one discussion. Gals, it's a guy thing! I mean no harm to anyone and gee guys enough is enough. I feel for those who live in Broward. I sat with my two children in the hall waiting out a storm like the one of today. Nope,I don't miss the storms.:)

Nike		29-Mar-2010 17:14
Jeff, My feeble attempt at being humorous, joculular and witty failed. No offense taken and none intended. I enjoy the bantering whether being the banteror, banteree, or simply a spectator. By the way, I too have been one of those who has carelessly priated music and software. Thanks for the reminder. I wouldn't want someone to give my work to others without me receiving a fee. I hope all those who have recently considered dissappearing from this site will reconsider. Your comments are why I keep coming back.

Jeff		29-Mar-2010 16:47
Nike... Once again I'm forced to over-explain things. I'm NOT saying you or anyone else shouldn't discuss what interests you - and again - thank you for serving us so well and proudly... I'm simply stating that all of us have "pet topics" that might be unintersting to someone on the site... and that's fine! My only issue is when an individual attacks myself or someone else PERSONALLY for our interests as if he or she owned the site instead of Don... that's all, You should feel free to discuss anything military you care to. That's part of the First Amendment rights you served to protect. Just because I might not be interested in military talk doesn't mean the others weren't... in fact, you had a long list of replies and followers to your posts - so don't worry about me being part of the mix in that rfegard...

Nike		29-Mar-2010 15:16
Jeff, I'm shocked. I thought everyone was extremely interested in my military history. Oh well, maybe I can be a bit more diverse. Let's see...

Jeff		29-Mar-2010 15:04
Roberta... Don't let those harsh comments push you away! You are not the only one who "leaned on people" when necessary... I talked about my pacemaker problem; Don his broken leg, etc. You are MORE WELCOME than any individual whom (for whatever reason) chooses to attack the posters rather than converse with them. I agree that this is a site for Miami memories, but once people [supposedly] get to "know" each other in here, there's a bit of familiarity, and we feel comfortable talking about other things. Sure, sometimes the topics become long and boring but that's part of the risk of public communication. I found no interest whatsoever in the long military talks, but others DID... It's was pointed out that someone couldn't stand our recollections of the famous we've had the privilege and pleasure to meet... that's his right. Others have found some of my commentaries not to their liking - and that's fine - so long as they don't get personal with their dissatisfaction. Should we ALL abandon this site and leave Don ablank board for the occasional new visitor who comments? I'm spoken with Don about this in the past, and he actually ENJOYS the varied conversations on here or HE would cancel the blog spot. After all, it's Don who is paying for this site to be up... Stick around, and don't let ANYONE chase you away. Let those who want to attack us with their verbal barbs and sarcasm leave, and the rest of us will continue on... (and for your own sake, PLEASE don't be so sensitive... it plays into their hands!)

Nike		29-Mar-2010 10:08
Tommy, I respect you need for privacy, regardles of your reasons. Do you still live in the Miami area?

Roberta Perry Hughes		29-Mar-2010 10:03
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "Jiminy Crickets, Toto...! We're not in Kansas, anymore...!" ...or in OldMiamiMemories, either... Good heavens....I am so sorry, if my occasional penchant to lean upon my friends on this Site has bored anyone, or has been thought to be inappropos. You'll forgive me.....? Whitebelt....please, do not stay away....there are many, who enjoy reading your posts on here. Leighton....I miss the photo of you, leaning up against the tree, and the one with your friend, too.... I love all of the photos, in the Rogue's Gallery... Parks....Sounds like you guys had a great time, and I am so glad, that the boat is "sea worthy." I only remember the Miami I knew and loved, as a child. I have no memories of anything, but dolls, bike rides, skating, hopscotch, etc. Just silly stuff, really. I never learned that my grandfather was a Keep at Fowey Rocks Light, until a few years ago, and last year, my neighbor's brother, photographed my family's graves, in Coco Plum Cemetery, and typed-up a history he'd researched, about my great uncle's role, in helping to settle Coral Gables. I do remember, however, going to that badly-neglected cemetery, when I was about 8 years old, for a clean-up day, and my aunt identified my ancestors, for me and my sister, and showed us where there graves are, and revealed how they were related to us. I had feared that the cemetery had been excoriated, and built over, a la "Poltergeist," until Don put up a photo of it, in the Gallery. Gosh. I guess I am boring. And I have been guilty, of sharing TMI, re: personal problems. I, too, am leaving this Site, for reasons many, and varied. Those who have my email address, please, feel free to stay in touch, if you choose to do so. I will return, to view the Galleries, from time-to-time, and perhaps, to read the posts. But there is nothing left in me, to relate. I have exhausted every last memory of mine worth posting....or not worth posting, as the case may be. Forgive me, Don, for having used your lovely site as a talk box. I meant not harm. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Don did not design this beautiful site for such as that.

Fran		29-Mar-2010 06:24
Charlis, what happen to the elusive monkey?

Leighton		29-Mar-2010 04:56
...and other reasons....

Jeff		29-Mar-2010 04:40
SIDE NOTE TO ALL: What I meant to say in my last sentence was that I, along with every else have a right to one's own individual opinions - NOT that they have a right to MY opinions. If we can't disagree from time to time, then all who served in the armed forces have wasted their time trying to defend our freedoms... I won't buy that! Disagree with me as much as you like, my friends. To paraphrase Aaron Burr... "I disagree with you thoroughly but I will defend to the death the right to your opinion".. The only thing that DOES bother me is that occassionally, when someone has strongly disagreed with what I have (or had) to say... they've launched a personal attack on me, rather than simply disagree with me and leave it at that. There's THREE sides to every story... Yours, MIne and The Truth. Yours and Mine are our opinions. The truth is constant. If I say it's illegal to run a red light, that's a fact. My opinion is a person is a fool to do so. Yours may be that it's "your right to do so". Even though we are at odds, facts are facts... it's illegal to run a red light! I will not be intimidated by anyone who wants to control my freedom of speech, or if they can't, will try to turn it around and tell me that I'm trying to be in control. Offer some cohesive response and we have a dialogue... offer an attack or insults and we have a confrontation... and that is one battle you can fight alone!

Leighton		29-Mar-2010 04:32
Roberta, I'm still around sporadically. Just thought better of having my picture plastered on a site visited more frequently by the public, than I had imagined (most don't post). Love my privacy, so you can imagine how BRIEFLY I lasted on Facebook. Shocks me what people post on that site (with the assumption that people actually care).

Jeff		29-Mar-2010 04:29
Whitebelt... I cannot control your feelings... I can only disseminate the facts. However, you are a bit mistaken in your perception of my work, and of my credibility in both the art and music fields... First of all, the fonts I release are both originals AND revivals... and I openly note this in the font descriptions. A number of metal and wood type designs and various examples of hand lettering are now being used digitally worldwide because of the efforts of myself and other dedicated type designers who have transferred them to the computer age. The hundreds of hours I've put into redrawing the letters, making the digital files, spacing and kerning the type so it looks right and all of the associated tasks involved in releasing the files over the past four years gives me certain legal rights you are [obviously] unschooled about. That's OK. Most people are clueless as to what I do for a living. I'm sorry you've decided to take this personally... which is sad and unfortunate... I've said more than once that this wasn't personal despite my right to my opinion on protecting the copyrights of songwriters and the music industry. Facts are facts. I don't write the rules - I simply live and abide by them. Additionally, I've WORKED in the the music industry for 7-1/2 years... doing everything from filing copyright forms to designing CD inserts and tray cards to shipping and receiving to publicity release writing to stock work to everything short of the actual engineering of a session itself. I can't stop you from uploading and redistributing the music - I can only try to enlighten folks a bit and let their conscience be their guide. If you want to be pissed and book out of here, then so be it. Despite your angry shots at me, I wish you all of the best. However, you complained about some of the topics... I can list quite a few that bored me beyond belief, but remember that I [and others] have the same First Amendment rights to my opinions as you do yours...

fran		29-Mar-2010 03:59
Whitebelt, peace be with you.

whitebelt		29-Mar-2010 02:38
Had to comment on your boat, Parks. You need a longer pole like Glenn used. You use it for balance and can even kind of row with it if balanced right. The extra length also makes it faster to recover your balance, you have a shallower angle to the bottom. The longer pole also gives you more distance as you go hand over hand with it. You don't have to lift it out of the water so often. But it does need to be light, strong, and well balanced. Also comes in handy for poking curious gators at a further distance. Thanks for the kind words, everyone, but I am retiring from this forum. If any of the regular members here are interested in that music email me at the address in my profile and I will point you in the right direction. Jeff, this was the second go round about this intellectual property business. Other than the real talent behind these songs being dead, in nursing homes, or screwed out of their rights by unscrupulous agents and corporations who are the present beneficiaries of any royalties, there is another reason I don't adhere to your concept of right and wrong and etc. That is the simple fact you just don't have the credentials to be my conscience. Or anyone else's. You could have just shut up instead of preaching and passing judgement. BTW, any font you create is just a modification of something pre-existing, nothing really new. That is all I have to say. I wish you all well.

Miami River Rat		29-Mar-2010 02:23
Great job on the skiff, Parks! Those pictures made me homesick. I see that you got down Ingraham Highway into mangrove country.

Tommy		29-Mar-2010 02:11
Parks, We most likely saw one another, at Coral Way Elementary, but your name doe not ring a bell. For personal reasons, I cannot reveal my real name on this blog, so I am using an alias name. It is necessary, or I would not be doing it. Whitebelt, I have read your postings here, and you appear to be a long time poster , and add lots of life and valuable information, and it seems that you are very well liked by all the others here, so I hope you stay on, and do not leave. Tommy.

Tommy		29-Mar-2010 02:01
Nike, I wish I could, but I cannot. I have my reasons, trust me on that. I wish things were different. Tommy. Fran, I might have seen you there at Coral Park, on the athletic field ? Small world. Jeff, I watched Welcome Back Cotter, all the time, Vinnie Barbarino, and The Sweat Hogs. It was a great show. My pleasure to support you. You seem to be a nice guy. Take care of your health. Tommy. Arizona Al, I don't have any of my musical instruments, I had long ago. I wish I did. You were smart to hold on to yours. My garage bands played a lot of Animals' songs, especially The House Of The Rising Sun. And Rascals songs also. Tommy.

Parks		29-Mar-2010 01:59
Here is where you can see the pole boat photos: http://jmlynn.smugmug.com/Boats/Voyage-of-the-Sandflea/11653893_sm3ev#821843899_PFdF7

Parks		29-Mar-2010 00:05
Jeff, is the Ness Conditory bakery still in business? I heard that Al’s family is giving his photos to Barry University. It would be great if they would put up a show of his work.

Parks		29-Mar-2010 00:00
Jeff, some time ago you and I had a discussion on exactly when the Prins Valdemar was removed. They had photos of it in the 1926 film I saw last night. The narrator mentioned that it was broken up and hauled away in 1952. I still can't find a written account of that. I did find a Miami News story from 1949 about the city trying to force the owner to get rid of it.

Parks		28-Mar-2010 23:48
Whitebelt, don't go. We need to your historic perspective and to hear your new adventures. Ray, that's really bad news about Jet's Florida Outdoors. I love that store. I can understand why he's doing it. Tommy, I guess you and I were at Coral Way Elementary at the same time. I'm afraid I don't have many memories from there. The Everglades Pole Boat floats! It didn't even leak. Thanks to all of you who were concerned for me. There was no danger except to my dignity as the boat is designed to operate in very shallow water. I took an extra set of cloths just in case. Darrel and I drove down to Snapper’s house and met Bill Loftus there. The four of us loaded the boat into Darrell’s truck and headed down to Everglades National Park. We met Chris Rollins in the park. It was his idea to build this thing but he put in little actual work on it. We let him play with it anyway. We drove south in the park to Pa Ha Okee where there is a sign with a picture of Glen in one of his original pole boats. We unloaded the boat and posed for photos next to the sign. Our boat came out very much like the boat on the sign. We had to drive a little further south to get to a good spot to launch. Snapper was the first to try it. He had used them before as his Dad was a friend of Glen’s. Snapper made it look easy. Next it was my turn. I was pretty unsteady for the first few minutes but quickly got the hang of it. It’s actually a lot of fun but for a fat old guy like me, a lot of work. Bill, Chris and Darrell each took a turn. Nobody fell in!! The experiment was a success. Snapper and I enjoyed building it so much that we are talking about building a canoe now. We’ll build at least one more pole boat as we already have the lumber. If we don’t actually use them, they’ll make great raised bed gardens. Rat, before I actually poled this boat, I couldn’t imagine doing it in a round bottom canoe. Now I believe it would be possible, not easy, but possible. You are probably right about Glen loading hides not whole gators. I didn’t get a milk shake at Robert is Here as the line was very long. I did pick up some more asparagus, brussels sprouts and pole bean pickles. The asparagus pickles are the best. Snapper took a lot of photos and will post them on the internet. When he gets them up, I’ll let you know where you can see them.

Charles Knight		28-Mar-2010 23:37
I loved the Army Navy store on Bird! When we would come into town once a week (lived in the Glades), it would always be a necessary stop. Had to stock up on supplies. I could, and did, spend hours there admiring camping, and outdoor gear. A damned shame another small business is erased in the name of progress! Miami has virtually no sense of history or tradition at all! Google "Sweetwater". There is one or two small articles about it's past and that's (literally) all she wrote folks! There's a wonderful history to that town that has been virtually forgotten, or omitted. The same for the Loop Road in the Glades. That's why I started the Gator Hook site. I just may do the same for Sweetwater. Don has done a great job covering other areas.

Ray		28-Mar-2010 20:32
Another long term Miami business is closing. Jet's Florida Outdoors (was once Army Navy). http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/28/1551540/jets-closing-after-50-plus-years.html

Fran		28-Mar-2010 20:21
Parks, great idea, pictures would be great. Tommy, I visited Coral Park all the time in '67. Many hours playing sports for Springs. White Belt, don't be so hard on yourself and others. I for one enjoy reading what you have to say. I shall miss you if you leave.

Jeff		28-Mar-2010 19:51
Whitebelt... As I said before, this was not a personal attack on you, nor was it any effort to chase you from this blog... you are a welcome part of this community. I simply posted what I did as a piece of enlightenment. For example: One of my commercial fonts has been posted to the web, and once the accessability circulates throughout the online torrent downloads, there's no telling how many free copies got distributed, and it's impossible to put it in check. Granted, this was not a best-selling design, but when you depend on the royalty income from font sales as I do (and as many songwriters do from their compositions), can you honestly blame me for defending them in my post? Again, please DO NOT take this personally. I have NEVER had any past issues with you, and I stil don't. There was no self-righteous indignation on my part... just an "Intellectual Property 101" from me... that's all... Certainly we can agree to disagree??? To quote KC and the Sunshine Band... "Plesse Don't Go"...

Charles Knight		28-Mar-2010 18:09
Come on Whitebelt...Our family is shrinking here as well as at home? Some of us value your thoughts and memories! I won't beg but I do hope you pull an Urban Meyer (I'm a fan yet!) and "un retire"! CK

whitebelt		28-Mar-2010 17:55
Well, Jeff, because of you I have seen the error of my ways. The page is inaccessible to the general public now. Nice bunch of people on here for the most part, but I do have difficulty reading some of the posts from some of the posters, so I am retiring from this site. I will leave it for some who dominate this forum to relive their glory days relating the famous people they knew or share their personal problems with us all. Plus there is always the danger of the self-righteous causing trouble for others in the pursuit of their righteousness. You all have a nice day and life. I have lots of things to do around here now that it is warming up.

Jeff		28-Mar-2010 16:19
Tommy... As always, thank you for the kind wishes. My old elementary school from Brooklyn (PS 161) yielded Gable Kaplan of "Welcome Back Kotter", Clive Davis, the owner of Arista Records and Barbara Boxer, the senatore from California [amongst others]... oh yes... and ME!

Jeff		28-Mar-2010 16:15
Whitebelt... I would be one of those [people you say would complain. Let me explain why: Music income is based on royalty sales. Who is to determine "money has been made on them"? Forget the record labels, artists and publishers for a minute... the ones who really get hurt with file sharing are the songwriters! I worked in the music industry for 7-1/2 years and could give you a cost breakdown, but that's not the point. I'll give you a different example: I design computer fonts. Mine are sold through a legitimate site for "X" dollars and I receive a royalty. If someone buys and uses one of my fonts, then posts a copy on the web, I lose my income. Sometimes I don't even make enough in a month to pay all my bills! Does ANYONE have the right to tell me how much income I can earn??? Althnough well-meant, allowing a download is still music piracy... even if no money changes hands. ALL of those songs have two copyrights... the sound recording and the actual composition. If I said to you that you've earned anough money or Social Security, how long would you stand by while I deprived you of your rightful checks? I know that your intent is good, but your logic is flawed. Whether a songwriter earns a million dollars or a nickel from a song - it's their reward for the time, talent and craftsmanship that produced that creation. We are a nation of "honorable thieves", seeing no problem in copy and reproducing music, videos, photos, poetry, art, fonts, etc. The sad part is the same excuse is used every time... "What's the big deal? So-and-so made enough money from it!" It's always OK until it happen to you, then the story changes... To my friends on the blog... I'm not picking on Whitebelt, I'm commenting on unauthorized sharing of music (and other creative files).

Arizona Al		28-Mar-2010 15:14
Tommy: I still have all the listed equipment and a lot more just collecting dust and cobwebs. Played in rock, rock-n-roll, oldies and country music bands during my playing endeavors. Lead, rhythm and bass on occasion although I no longer have the bass guitar I still have the Bassman Amp...go figgure. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

whitebelt		28-Mar-2010 14:48
I have been thinking about this for a while and finally decided to do it. I have been collecting music, mostly from the past, for several years. I have a collection of songs played on the radio in Miami and others that span 1955-1964, back when we were youngin's. Most are Top 40 plus a few others. A lot of them you would have a lot of trouble finding nowadays to purchase. It is 454 songs, around 19 hours. They are in Windows Media 9 wma format. The zip of them is 751 MB. I had a senior moment and forgot to delete that one, which is the very first file. The rest are the individual songs unzipped from that one. They WILL NOT be up very long, maybe a couple of days. While I am putting them up strictly to jog some memories, there are people that would complain, even though the money has been made off these songs a long time ago. The fact is so many of them have been forgotten by us that no one would even look them up to purchase them even if they were available. Maybe they would after scanning them. I could require a username and password to access them, but this is a small group and it is up for a very limited time. This collection is hard to duplicate. It can bring back some memories. http://awehican.org/memories

Miami River Rat		28-Mar-2010 14:24
Parks: You should do just fine in the 'glades skiff. Let us know how it does! If you want tippy, try one of those Seminole dugout canoes. The "real" ones have a round bottom, you know. I don't think Glen was loading alligators, he was loading alligator hides into his skiffs. Fresh, wet 'gator hides slump right to the bottom of your water-craft and provide ballast. There are some places that you can get in a glades skiff or Cypress dugout that just can't be reached by any other method. I had one of those canoes for several years and used it extensively out in the glades. I swapped the Indian, Chestnut Billie, three bottles of Jamaica rum for that canoe when I was about 14 years old. Found the rum, a whole case of it, floating in a wooden box-case in the Miami River, near the 27th avenue bridge. Hey, don't forget to get a milkshake at "Robert is Here" going or coming from the park.

Nike		28-Mar-2010 14:05
Tommy, Why don't you send photos for the Rogues Gallery to Don like the rest of us? Then and now....

Tommy		28-Mar-2010 13:45
Jeff, To be from Brooklyn, and Miami Beach, is quite an impressive distinction. Both places , are very famous, and celebrated venues. You can, and should be proud of your birthplace and 2nd hometown. Lots of famous people came from Brooklyn. Take care of yourself, so you will be around to make more memories, and to enjoy them. May Good Health Bless You from now on. Tommy.

Tommy		28-Mar-2010 13:33
Parks, I started first grade at Coral Way Elementary School, in 1955, and was there until 1961. From there to the Rickenbacker Causeway on foot ,or on a bike, is a long trek, and a mighty dangerous one, trafficwise. Be careful in the glades with the gators, in your tipsy boat. Fran, I graduated from Coral Park in the Class Of 67. Arizona Al, You had some nice equipment. Your musical instruments list you had is very impressive. Did you play Beatles and Stones songs ? I did. Also Kinks, and some soul music too. Had a lot of fun doing that, back in the day. Health , to all of you. Tommy.

Arizona Al		28-Mar-2010 07:54
Tommy: I played in bands from the time I was 16 to 51 when I got married in 1996 which put me out of the field so to speak. Still have a nice collection of guitars and amps: 1965 SG Junior, 1967 Les Paul Black Beauty (bought new right after discharge from Army), 1974 American Telecaster, a 1990s something Stratocaster, 1981 Ovation acoustic and a few miscellaneous others hanging on the walls gathering dust. Have a 1970s Fender Bassman Head and Cabinet, 1978 Peavey Deuce and a late 1990s Crate gathering dust just like the guitars. I threaten to get back into playing but at 64 I am not sure that the body (and mind) could take the stimulation:):) Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Roberta Perry Hughes		28-Mar-2010 07:37
Thumbs up, Fran, for having good taste, a la Cowbodies....! ; ) (Their weren't born with those bowed legs, ya know....?) LOL Parks, y'all be careful, now, ya heah, in the 'Glades....especially with a "tippy" boat...! Safety first, always...! Jeff...."Sometimes, 'tis better to be alone.....than to wish you were." Being single has its perks, dontcha know...? Enjoy being able to go where you want to go, and to do what you want to do....or to NOT do a "dam" thing....and not have to account for it, nor answer for it, to anyone. There are many, who would love to trade places with you, I am sure, both male and female. Being single means having the freedom to assign the very order of your day, as YOU choose for it to be, provided you are retired, of course. LOL Sit down, and make yourself a weekly itenerary, an agenda of sorts, of places to go, see and do. Check your local TV Guide, and mark programs you want to see, or rent a movie, if nothing appeals to you. Go visit your friend, who lost all of his art supplies; I'll bet he would enjoy your company....maybe you could meet him for lunch one day, just to talk? Go visit the folks in your local V.A. Home. They would love to see a friendly, smiling face, such as yours is, I'm sure. While there, be a listener for them....and come away, feeling blessed. Visiting there could become a habit. Escape within the pages of a good book. There are many out there, just waiting for you to enjoy their stories, so many, and varied. How wonderful it is, such a gift...! To be literate....! But most importantly, dear Jeff....call your doctor, and tell them about these feelings of exhaustion you are having. It most definitely needs to be addressed. He/she may want you to come in, for a checkup, to see what is going on. Don....Where did Leighton get off to...? Noticed his photos are gone from the Rogue's Gallery.... Everyone....be well, my dears. Take care. Embrace life. Love one another. Reach out to people that you know, who may be hurting. It could be you, one day, you know? Do unto others, and all that....LOL....You know what I mean. Pay it forward. Hugs Hugs Hugs Hugs and more Hugs.....to you all....!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fran		28-Mar-2010 05:40
Parks, good luck with your launch tomorrow. That Causeway holds a special place in my heart. Yes, Charlis, that place includes the Cowboy.

Parks		28-Mar-2010 04:56
Tommy, what years were you at Coral Way Elementary? I think I was there in 58 and 59. I used to walk there with my friend Billy Gardner from near the Rickenbacker Causeway. When I drive it these days I'm amazed at how far we walked and ran. Today was a good Florida day for me. Snapper and I finished the Glades Pole Boat. Tomorrow we're going to take it into the park and try it out. There is a historical marker in the park with a picture of Glen Simons standing in one of his boats. We'll launch it there. This thing is going to be very tippy. I can't imagine how Glen got alligators into it. I think I'll take a change of cloths as I'm sure to end up in the water. Tonight was Florida Movie Night. We saw a 1926 film that was made to promote land sales in Redland. The feature was Big Trouble with Tim Allen and written by Dave Barry. Very Funny!!!

Fran		28-Mar-2010 03:08
Tommy, I have friends who graduated from Coral Park. When did you go there/graduate? Roberta, Jeff, Nike, Charlis, Miami Girl, Al,White Belt and CK, peace to all of you. Thanks, for keeping it real.

Jeff		28-Mar-2010 01:06
Tommy... thank you for the encouraging words and for the clarification. I'm actually not a Miami Beach native... I came down here at the age of eleven in 1963 from Brooklyn, NY. However, the OLD Miami Beach was something special to me, and I miss what it was and dislike what it's become. For example, I remember that in 1965 the city was celebrating its 50th anniversary... There was a giant "cake" on the grounds of the original convention hall, balloons were plentiful and all kinds of activities were planned. I attended a World Premier showing of "Flipper's Big Adventure" at the Carib Theater around 1966 or 1967... There were so many fun places that are now just memories... Nike... how lucky you are to find your soulmate. I'm still trying to find someone just of companionship... it's a DIFFERENT world on all counts... and I still feel over-tired and lousy... and when I do, EVERYTHING seems to hurt and my subconscious takes over to torture me with "false fears"... to use the title of an old country song... "I Miss Me"!

Tommy		28-Mar-2010 00:41
Nike, Nice Love Story. So glad you finally settled with the right person for you. That's very important , in this short life. Continued Happiness, in your marriage, and your life. Happiness. Tommy.

Tommy		28-Mar-2010 00:36
Jeff, No, I never knew Larry Stang, and I never lived in Miami Beach. I was born in Jackson Memorial Hospital, and my schools were Coral Way Elementary, West Miami Jr High, and Coral Park Sr High. I know a lot about Miami Beach, just from riding around there, and swimming in the ocean there as a child, and surfing at south beach, as a teenager, when the kennel club dog track was there. And my guitar playing, was limited to my garage, and at friends houses, and outside patios, and things like that. I played Rythym Guitar, never Lead Guitar. I had a beautiful black Gretsch Hollow Body Electric Guitar, and a Vox Viscount Amp, and I sold them in the early 70's for a little of nothing. I sure wish I had them now. I haven't touched a guitar for years and years. Miami Beach, is A Beautiful Place. I Still admire The Electric Island , everytime I go there. I go to Joe's stone Crab Take A Way sometimes, and I Love the Publix on The Bay, by Bay Road , just west of Alton Road, on 19th Street. South Beach, is Alive, and Revitalized these Days. Ocean Drive art Deco, is Beautiful. Be proud that you are a Miami Beach Native, that is quite a distinction. And I hope you get to feeling better. Try not to get upset, be happy, and think positive. Health to you. Tommy.

Nike		28-Mar-2010 00:34
Or, Never say, "never."

Nike		28-Mar-2010 00:32
Neber say, "Never." After 38 years of being married to the wrong person, a divorce was all I needed to find, pursue and marry the person who I had met 40 years earlier. She was fifteen adn I was a 17-year old soldier. Actually, the PFC photo of me in Rouges Gallery was two weeks later in the "summer of 63." We have been married for almost seven years of the most perfect years anyone could ever dream for. It was going through hell to get here at last. Nancy is in the other photo with me in Rouges Gallery. Now you can see what I saw nearly 47 years ago. She is my life, my love, my best friend. We married for better or worse. Because of Nancy, life is always better and never worse.

Jeff		27-Mar-2010 21:47
Thanks, Charlis... By the way, it's Roy Firestone (we were in drama class together)... and Joi Lansing. Aside from Barbara Walters, Micky Rourke and Luther Cambell (2 Live Crew) passed through Beach High. My Phys.-Ed. Coach - "Skip" Bertman went on to coach at the University of Miami. Nancy Kulp ("Miss Jane" of The Beverly Hillbillies") went there in 1937... the same year that Desi Arnaz and "Sonny" Capone were classmates up the road at St. Pat's... I'm sure there's others, but I never was into "famous Beach High alumni" trivia... For me, that school still reminds me of a lot of self-centered, spoiled and judgemental kids from "Nauseous" (Nautilus) who were the "haves" that lived North of 41st Street... unlike those like me - the "have nots", who lived on South Beach...

charlis		27-Mar-2010 21:01
Jeff... take a deep breath and relax. I suffer from depression. Medical conditions add to the frustration. Take a walk or read a good book. Take care.

charlis		27-Mar-2010 20:58
Jeff... I don't remember Larry... but we had a lot of famous people go to Beach... Barbara WaWa, Ray Firestein/stone(?), Joy Lansing, etc.

Jeff		27-Mar-2010 20:54
I give up... this is NOT my day for posting things... I'm doing well heart-wise [it will be six weeks on Monday that I received the pacemaker], but I seem to have NO energy after a couple of hours after getting up... Some days I just drag myself around...like today. I don't know if it's something I'm unaware of, caused by interrupted sleep due to an enlarged prostate or leftover issues from when I was having the fainting and dizzy spells... all I know is that I miss the way I was a couple of years ago - going places, doing things, staying active. If I didn't fight so hard to keep a good frame of mind (or vent on this blog) I'd probably be in a deep depression right about now... [SIGH!]

Jeff		27-Mar-2010 20:50
Correction... that should have been 34 years (1926-1960).

Jeff		27-Mar-2010 20:49
Correction... that should have been 35 years (1926-1960).

Jeff		27-Mar-2010 20:48
Speaking of Larry Stang... Charlis, he was in the first graduating class of the "new" Beach High in 1960. It's hard to believe that in our "tear 'em down" society, the school outlived its usefulness in only 40 years, but classic school buildings in New York are used decade after decade... but then again, the original Beach High (which became part of Ida Fisher Jr. High after 1960) was only in use for 24 years... I guess history tends to repeat itself... repeat itself... repeat itself... repeat itself...

Jeff		27-Mar-2010 20:45
Tommy... you said you played in garage bands and seem to have a knowledge of the Beach schools... Without blowing your cover, by any chance did you play in Larry Stang's Method? If so, we were in math class during one of my years at Beach High... that is, if your last name begins with "W" and you also did work for Steve Chase...

Tommy		27-Mar-2010 19:11
Charlis, Nautilus, and Beach High, you would not recognize either one now. Beach High, looks too big, and too close to the sidewalk and to Dade Blvd. They call it progress, yeah right . Monstosities, is more accurate. Nautilus, looks nice, well done, and fits in the neighborhood pretty nicely. The old Nautilus, looked the same as a lot of Elementary schools, in miami. Pleasant Days, to You. Tommy.

Tommy		27-Mar-2010 19:02
Arizona Al, Thanks , just the same Al. Nice of you to check with your brother. She was a very pretty girl, and I am very surprized that she wasn't the prettiest girl in the school, or most popular, or something famous like that. I guess she was not. Be Happy. Glad you are well. Tommy.

Tommy		27-Mar-2010 18:57
Roberta Perry Hughes, I wish You a great weekend as well. Everything nice. Tommy.

Arizona Al		27-Mar-2010 18:15
Tommy: Unfortunately my brother does not recall Barbara McCorkle from Cutler Ridge Jr. High. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

charlis		27-Mar-2010 18:02
Tommy... I went to Nautilus in 1963-4. Yes, I saw that they had torn it down. I was down there the December of all the nasty hurricanes... Charlie, for a HazMat conference at the 'Bleau and drove all over the Beach. They had also begun work on Beach Hi. The auditorium had "HazMat" warnings all over it as they were removing asbestos... and to think I spent a lot of time in the rafters when working on the stage productions!

Roberta Perry Hughes		27-Mar-2010 12:32
Hello, gang. Hope you all have a great weekend, with good weather, wherever you may be. It is sort of windy, here in the CSRA, and I think, rain is in our forecast....hopefully, it will be a gentle rain, that soaks into the ground, if it does come our way, and not a driving rain, that saturates, and leaves standing water in the yard, and turns our lane to mud pies, 2 feet deep. Ugh. Whitebelt, I do so hope and pray that there is now a good intervention and reach out program, for the Vets, most especially those who become suicidal. A program that would help them to embrace the very essence of life, for the gift that it is, and to realize, that there are folks out there, too numerous to count, from infants on up, who have no choice in the matter, when death comes calling....but not by their own invitation, or design. In fact, they fought very hard, to live. I think about friends of mine, who left this world too early, from breast cancer, ALS, acute melanoma, and the complications of Diabetes, and some whose lives were taken from them, via murder, or via fatal accidents on the highway. It is very sad, to learn of someone who has elected to take their own life, no matter the reason. It is especially difficult for the families they leave behind. I do so hope and pray, that a Program designed specifically to help the Vets....or anyone, who becomes suicidal....will be in place, and will be a state-funded community service. God Bless them, one and all, who served our country. On a lighter, but serious note....I love you, one and all, for the support you have given me and my cowboy, as we face the gradual progression of this disease process, that will change him so rudely, and rob him, eventually, of his independence and mobility. Thank you for your prayers, and your thoughts, to send me positive vibes, and strength, to be able to be his caretaker, even though I am disabled myself. I ask that you please continue to pray for us, and for my physical ability to continue to care for him, at night. It is like flipping a switch, for he does so well, during the day. I am thankful, that it is this way, for him to be dependent upon me all night long, than for him to freeze-up, and be helpless for the daylight hours. I am up on the computer, all night, to stay awake, so if any of you cannot sleep, feel free to email me, or IM me, if you are on AOL. You can get my email from Don. I would love to hear from any of you, any time, and thanks, in advance, for it can be so lonely, in cyberspace. Hugs, all around, and a smooch or two, to all the "mens." LOL ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

whitebelt		27-Mar-2010 03:19
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/03/26/vet.suicide.hotline/index.html?hpt=T2 Veterans account for 20% of the suicides in the U.S. That averages to 18 per day. They are finally getting around to doing something about it. I have nothing nice to say.

Tommy		27-Mar-2010 01:40
Charlis, Thank You , for your welcome, so nice of you. I know I just got here, but this forum seems quite nice actually, like a big family. I rather like it, and will likely stay on, and who knows, I might become a part of the family in time. And I liked your song about letting it rain, clever and catchy. You mentioned Nautilus Jr High School, Did you go there ? A few years ago, they tore down the old school, and built a brand new modern 3 story school . Did You know that ? May good things come your way. Tommy.

charlis		26-Mar-2010 22:12
White... the last system you send us had very little rain... looks the same for the next one that is due on Sunday. During the winter I go out to my car to drive home from work and it is covered by bird poop from the buzzards that spend winter down here... they've left, which is a good sign for northerners, meaning that winter is almost over... but my car is no covered in that yellow/green pollen from the oak trees. And then next month we start the love bug season... The only time of the year that my car stays clean is June to September!

whitebelt		26-Mar-2010 22:03
Speaking of pollen count. My son lives in VA just outside of DC. I visited for a month in the Spring a few years back and almost didn't survive it. It was getting down to hours before I got on the train and got away from it. You could literally sit at a table outside and watch the pollen collect on it. This yellowish green almost powder stuff. Terrible stuff. Have another snowstorm coming through tonight. A short one. Hopefully the last of the season.

charlis		26-Mar-2010 21:45
Spring has finally arrived in Tampa, and I have written a song... sorry Sammy and Jule... "Oh, the weather outside's delightful, But the pollen count is frightful, Sudefed won't help my sinuses drain, Let it Rain, let it rain, let it rain! My dark blue car needs washing, and I bought some stuff for cleaning, the sinuses still won't drain, let it rain, let it rain, let it rain."

charlis		26-Mar-2010 21:19
Tommy... welcome to the "nut house", "Loony Bin" and meeting of old and new friends.

charlis		26-Mar-2010 21:18
Roberta... I agree with you on everything... this is a great site.

charlis		26-Mar-2010 21:15
The man of my dreams was a guy by the name of Mark Larson at Nautilus Jr Hi. It seemed that every time he approached me one or both of my male friends always appeared. Unfortunately Mark died during football practice in 10th or 11th grade.

charlis		26-Mar-2010 21:08
Jeff... I know it was not you, as to the spank thing...

Tommy		26-Mar-2010 20:33
Roberta Perry Hughes, Thank You , for The Welcome , very kind of you, and I do appreciate it. I shall stay for a while, as long as I can. Take Care, Nice Lady. Parks, Your love story was good, I enjoyed it. Everyone's stories of love, are unique, but some have similarities. I like love stories, they make us feel good. Health to you sir.

Charles Knight		26-Mar-2010 18:31
Hey Jeff, I was in a band pre KC with guitarist Jerome Smith. Harry hired him after. He died several years back by falling off a bulldozer he was operating while smoking crack...Ain't it a shame...

Jeff		26-Mar-2010 13:01
Roberta and Tommy... Glad you liked the story. Don... Yes, I met Rick Finch years ago when he stopped by Audio Vision Studios. Finch was KC's writing partner and is credited on many (if not all) of the band's hits. It's a shame that some people's desires (or perversions) cannot be controlled. His confession will probably land him a longer stretch in jail than the tenure he spent with the band. With respect to Roberta, I didn't bother to read the comments, as I found nothing funny about that article - and most people who add such public comments (especially about a topic as serios is sexual exploitation of minors) seem to be [of late] dealing with an absence of gray matter...

Parks		26-Mar-2010 12:01
I've got a first love story for you guys. When I was in high school, I went to a friends house, walked in the door and was struck dumb by the beauty of my friends sister. I pursued her for a couple of years but the romance went no where and eventually I found my true love, Susan. We have been married for almost thirty years. I have remained friends with that girl, now a grandmother, for all these years and we occasionally exchange email. One day I got an email from her that said something to the effect that I should visit a certain web site to see all the old Miami photos and here I am.

Roberta Perry Hughes		26-Mar-2010 10:51
Jeff....when I read your story of unrequitted love, Frankie Valli's song was gently playing in my mind...."My Eyes Adored You," for the words colored your memoir, and defined it for me, like watching a music video.... Loved all of the "first love" stories....! Great stuff....! Tommy....a belated Welcome the Comments Gallery....! Hope you post often, so we can get to know you. LARGO....! LARRRRR-GO.....!! LAR-GOOOOOO....!!! Hey, "Miss 'Tine"....! Where ya been a'hidin', huh...? Plantin' goodies, I 'spect....!? Drop in 'n say howdy, o.k.?? Charlis....that joke you sent me, about the password on the computer, was hilarious.....! Thanks for sending it to me. I save it, so I can pass it on to others, who could use a chuckle....thanks again.....!! You're so sweet, to send me funnies....!! Miami Girl....wow. Ya got the menfolk a'rivalin' for ya....! LOL. Must be nice....! Actually, all of our fine ladies, and all of our fine gentlemen, pictured in the Rogue's Gallery, are most attractive, personable-looking folk, and Father Time has been most kind, to one and all....!! It is so great, to be able to put a face to the name, on here, and I love Don, for having granted us that privilege....! Such fun, too....! This is just the best place in cyberspace, to while away some enjoyable moments, to post, and to read the posts of others, and meet newbies, too, and I am so thankful, to our Web Host, the incredible, talented, and very patient Don Boyd, who has allowed us all "to still see what used to be," in Our Town....!! In those many photos, in the Main Galleries, nothing has been torn down, and it all is still there, as we left it, or at least, as we fondly remember it to be, and how many towns or citites can boast of such a website, to see their towns frozen-in-time, to enjoy, and to relive the memories, just by viewing a photo of a service station, or a drive-in movie, or a curb service restaurant, etc.....oh, my....! How very lucky we all are....! Wall-to-wall hugs to y'all....! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tommy		26-Mar-2010 10:13
Arizona Al, Maybe your brother did know Kathy Mc Corkle at Cutler Ridge Jr High School. And if so, it would be very interesting to hear what he has to say about her. Nice of you to ask your brother. Thanks. Good Days everyday to you. Tommy.

Tommy		26-Mar-2010 10:07
Whitebelt and Jeff, I enjoyed your love stories, they were both very good. We all have such true accounts of affairs of the heart along the path of life, and it's nice when they are shared with others. Thanks for sharing them. Good Days to both of you gentlemen. Tommy.

Tommy		26-Mar-2010 10:00
Parks, Thank You, for the welcome Sir. Much appreciated. Good Days to you. Tommy.

Tommy		26-Mar-2010 09:58
Miami Girl, Kathy McCorkle, wasn't exactly my first love, but she was a girl who caught my eye one day in 65, and who stole my heart, for months after, and who I have never forgotten to this day. It was like a summer romance, but it lasted much longer. Good Days to you. Tommy.

Roberta Perry Hughes		26-Mar-2010 07:46
Don...You know I am your number one fan, for this awesome website....!! I clicked on the link, and....believe me, did not laugh at the article itself, but the comments following it were a hoot, and they had expressed exactly what I was thinking, about the name of the county, the sheriff, and then, those song titles....! it was just tooooo funny.....! As to the alleged charges, well, let due process handle those, and if the man is not guilty, I hope the news of that fact (if he IS not guilty) will boast as large of a headline as the allegations did. I liked the music of KC and The Sunshine Band. It was happy, fun lyrics, and such an invitation, to get up and dance! Reminiscent of the music of James Brown and the Famous Flames...."Get up off of that thing! Shake it, and you'll feel better....!" Who could resist the urge to dance, even with no partner...!? You had to move to the beat...! I hated reading this article. I hope that it is not true.

Don Boyd		26-Mar-2010 05:44
Thank y'all (Miami Girl, Arizona Al and Charles Knight) for your comments. I'm glad you're making connections with others with some help from my site. Here is a weird story about a former member of KC & The Sunshine Band and I wonder if Jeff knew him way back when since he hung around local recording studios and knew a lot of local performers: http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/03/25/kc.sunshine.sex.arrest/index.html?hpt=T2 Don .

Arizona Al		26-Mar-2010 03:57
Tommy: My brother attended Cutler Ridge Jr. High 1963-1965. I will ask him if he knew Kathy McCorkle. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona Al		26-Mar-2010 03:53
Charles Knight: You are correct about Don. Exemplar Gratia: As a result of this site I have reconnected with a long lost person from my past (Miami Girl), discovered that I knew Nike's amore from 1964 as we both attended Palmetto High. discovered that Charlis had a crush on a very dear friend of mine from Beach High, discovered that Roberta and I had several of the same friends who lived in the Mackle Brothers subdivision off Bird Road, as well as making current friends within the usual suspects who frequent and blog on this site. Kudos to Don Boyd. He has truly made a very special entity with this website!! Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Jeff		26-Mar-2010 03:11
Now, all kidding aside... The truth be told, I have no other great romantic stories of youth. I grew up quite insecure, with a lot of self-loathing... believing the taunts of some of the class bullies. I could NEVER banter the way I do now with you friends here... but it took me many years to learn to believe in and like myself. That's a story in itself that I do not care to revisit. Because of the way I was, I had only two dates in high school... both of the "set up" for me and both veritable disasters. The only time anyone outside of my few friends showed me any attention is when I acted the "class clown"... By the time I hit twenty I'd come out of my shellfairly well... and I even grew my hair long and sported a fuzzy beard as a symbol of the "new me". Once I'd felt comfortable talking to women and being myself, nothing held me back. In truth, I went from one extreme to the other... from insecure self-loather to over-confident horndog. Looking back on those years - the only thing I really miss is being 175 pounds, healthy and energetic. With women, quantity was fun, but quality was what I savored... To paraphrase the Grateful Dead... "What a long, strange trip it's been!"

Jeff		26-Mar-2010 03:03
Parks, you are SO wrong. I most definitely will NOT be impossible. I'm flattered by Roberta's compliments, but I do not judge myself - for if I did, I will be too self-critical. The woman you refer to was a patron of the Jazz at MoCa (The Museum of Contemporary Art) concert here in North Miami. Every last Friday of the month, the museum sponsors a free jazz concert. We both were there early that evening, and ended up chatting to pass the time... Al wandered by and snapped the picture. No great story to add to this - just some innocent, idle conversation. I've missed quite a few of those concerts due to my past health issues -but I hope to be there tomorrow evening... if not for the concert, at least for the North Miami Business Expo sponsored by our Chmber of Commerce from 5-8 PM. My first (and unrequited) love was while attending Ida M. Fisher Junior High on Miami Beach. She was Mercedes Lazaro - and I never had the courage to tell her I had a crush on her... but I remember one time purposely taking the same bus home as she did (we lived a few blocks apart) and "trailing" her silently until she got home - just glad to see her, but I never said a word. We WERE somewhat friends, and there was a time that another schoolmate who liked her (Joe) and I bicycled across the MacArthur Causeay into Miami to seek out bicycle parts on junk piles. We hauled out load back to Miami Beach and built her a bike of her own! Years later, when I read in the paper of her mom's passing, I was able to reach her at the funeral parlor. It was then that I finally confessed to her of my schoolboy crush - something she had no clue of... She's now a doctor in Colorado, and a few years ago - when I tried to contact her for old time's sake, her office staff told me she was not the same person from Miami Beach. I knew better, but respected her privacy.

Charles Knight		26-Mar-2010 02:06
Parks, you should try to find a copy of Joe Panther. Filmed in the Glades.

Parks		26-Mar-2010 02:03
Roberta, Now you've done it. Jeff will be impossible. Tommy, Welcome to the nut house. Jeff, Yes I refer to the photo on Al's web site. What's the story? Who was the lady? We have another Florida movie night this weekend. Movies with Baldwin brothers have been banned. That's going to put a crimp in the available movies.

whitebelt		26-Mar-2010 01:34
Ships passing by in the night. The woman of my dreams was one I met on the dance floor of the NCO club at Fort Knox in 1975. She was allegedly widowed not too long in the past and some friends of hers took her for a night out. She was a real beauty, too. We had several dances together and the chemistry was there. We just clicked. Then her friends decided to leave. I never saw her again and can never forget her. Sigh.......

Miami Girl		26-Mar-2010 00:55
Tommy: That first love you never forget, I bet she's out there somewhere thinking of you too.

Tommy		26-Mar-2010 00:02
Miami Girl, I am the Guest. Thank You, for your good suggestion. And thanks, for checking your yearbooks, for Kathy McCorkle. She would have been a student at Cutler Ridge Jr. High School, from 63 to 66. I met her in 65, and never saw her, or talked to her after 66 . But she was an affair of my heart, for a few months . She was very pretty. Bye. Tommy.

Guest		25-Mar-2010 23:50
Arizona Al and Charles Knight, The Cutler Ridge Ritual for young teen males, was also practiced in other areas of Dade County. And in some areas, it was known as Flogging The Log, and Beating Your Meat.

Jeff		25-Mar-2010 23:50
Charlis... A correction on two points: 1. There is only ONE yearbook picture of me, and it's posted in the Rogue's Gallery. 2. It was NOT me who started the barnyard animal - spank the monkey - choke the snake diatribe (amonst other lurid comments)...

Charles Knight		25-Mar-2010 22:44
Bacardi and Coke...Better living through chemistry.

charlis		25-Mar-2010 22:23
Roberta... re: Jeff... you should see the pics I have of him from our yearbooks! I must say that he did turn into a good looking guy. Jeff... go tke a cold shower! '-)

miami girl		25-Mar-2010 21:51
Guest: I checked my '63, '64 and '65 yearbooks and the only McCorkle I found was Gary - class of '67, maybe Kathy's brother? By the way, you can make up a name and we'll still never know who you are. But you'll have your special place instead of just "Guest". Roberta: You are so right, we can look at and appreciate those hotties even if we're married. Heck sometimes I point out women for my husband to look at (usually they're dressed like sluts of course). But then once I made a passing comment about some guy's perfect butt and boy he got pis--d and walked away! Men... there's no fair play there! AZ Al: Biker Man there's something special about a man with all that power between his legs. CK: My special hottie! This is SUCH A BUNCH OF GREAT PEOPLE! Don: Love you! And thanks again for this site. I had a bad day at work and just finished my first Bacardi and coke in months -- does it show??

Jeff		25-Mar-2010 19:51
And as Curly Howard used to say... "I'm a victim of soicumstance... Nyuk, Nyuk, Nyuk!"

Jeff		25-Mar-2010 19:49
Roberta.... THANK YOU!!!! At least SOMEONE is in my corner! CK - I know you're just kidding or I'd have signed off a long time ago... and I couldn't agree with you more on Number 6... in more ways than one!

Charles Knight		25-Mar-2010 18:06
Oh and 7- Miami Girl is still hot!!!

Guest		25-Mar-2010 17:23
Charles Knight, Thanks, I assure you, I am here for fun too . And I play the guitar too, have since the early 60's. Had garage bands back then.

Charles Knight		25-Mar-2010 16:51
1-I freaking love you people! 2-This light hearted banter has me laughing out loud! 3-Guest, understood. Glad to read your comments etc. 4-Jeff, when we stop having fun with each other, I'll sign off for the last time. 5- Al...Man you had some serious issues lol! 6- I believe we can all agree that Don is the sh*t! (In the good way).

Arizona Al		25-Mar-2010 13:49
Charles Knight: As a guitarist in bands from the 60s through the 90s I can validate your reference to a vocalist's reputation. The front man always got the prime cuts so to speak. And to further exacerbate your angst I interject that I personally knew Miami Girl in my youth from 1958-1964. If my recollections serve me, and they usually do, she was , to use the vernacular of the 1990s a proverbial hottie (No offense intended Jean). Oh, BTW, I gave up chicken choking about 15 years ago after 3 trips to the emergency room for severe articulated wrist displacement. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive, well and feeling nostalgia for juvenile delinquency in Phoenix, Arizona.

Roberta Perry Hughes		25-Mar-2010 07:55
Jeff Levine....?? Going by his photos in the Rogue's Gallery, I personally think he is VERY handsome, and SEXY, too, and his photos reflect a very personable countenance, which is quite appealing. Though I am married, I can still look....and comment....on males I find attractive, be they strangers, or celebrities. And Jeff is a hottie, thank you....! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jeff		25-Mar-2010 03:44
Parks, you seem surprised that I would be in the company of an attractive woman! You're referring to the photo on our late friend Al's site... At least I'm not on here hitting on married women, spanking monkeys or choking snakes like --AHEM!-- OTHERS are doing... The TRUE barnyard is HERE with all of those horny dogs looking for a little kitty, kitty, kitty... (OK... you KNOW what I mean!!!!!) Geez... always the whipping boy for Don... {:c(

Guest		25-Mar-2010 03:25
Charles Knight, You can relax. I am not after Miami Girl .

Guest		25-Mar-2010 03:22
Miami Girl, My mistake, her name was Kathy McCorkle, and Barbara, was her best friend. A senior moment got me, and I confused the names.

Guest		25-Mar-2010 03:20
Charles Knight, Yeah, something like that.

Parks		25-Mar-2010 03:02
I go away for a few hours and you guys go nuts! In Jeffs defense, I know of a web site that has a photo of him sitting next to an attractive human woman. She may have been there against her will but she was smiling.

Charles Knight		25-Mar-2010 02:21
Hey Guest, we prefer people that I.D. themselves here. Why so shy? Somebody monitoring your actions?

Charles Knight		25-Mar-2010 02:18
Miami Girl, I've ALWAYS appreciated women a little older than myself. I had a guitarist in a band I was in in 1979 that really felt threatened because his mother was quite attractive, and I mentioned it (and as a singer, I had a reputation). He did everything in his power to keep me separated from her. I found it quite humorous and milked every moment of it. I never really pursued her, but he didn't know that. I ran into him about a year or so ago and asked how she was. You should have seen his face. Classic!!! If you can't have a little fun in this life, why bother...

Guest		25-Mar-2010 01:44
Miami Girl, In Cutler Ridge, in the 60's, did you ever know Barbara McCorkle ? She went to Cutler Ridge Jr. High, and I met her at a track meet at the university of miami track, and we talked and there was love in the air. I was a track star, and she was a spectator watching a friend run against me. Guest.

miami girl		25-Mar-2010 01:14
I "came of age" in the 60's in Cutler Ridge, before the sexual revolution and this Spank the Monkey and Choke the Chicken thing is something I never heard before (jeez, never realized I was so out of touch) but I will admit to being a little bit of a PT back then. Don't remember seeing any guys in the Ridge with hair growing on the palms of their hand either. CK honey, by the time the 70's rolled around I was an old married Mom--- not known as Mrs Robinson. lol

Nike		25-Mar-2010 01:10
CK, I don't remember the order of the JW Hall books. I suggest checking the publications dates. I think the first was Mean High Tide. It was in Key Largo around Lake Surprise. Although all of the stories are good enough as a stand-alone, some do make reference to situations in previous books. Enjoy

whitebelt		25-Mar-2010 00:17
Scientific basis for the prediliction of young males to choke their chickens. They can't help themselves. Just appeared on CNN, honest. http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/03/23/brizendine.male.brain/index.html?hpt=C1 Bet you girls thought we were just horny.

Charles Knight		24-Mar-2010 23:57
Now that I think about it...There were a lot of kids in Cutler Ridge wearing "Coke bottle" glasses...Al, I'm so glad I grew up in the seventies. The sexual revolution was in full swing. AIDS was an unknown entity, and life was GOOD! The fifties and early to mid sixties were uptight, and stifling (or so I've been told), and now there's the fear of fatal STD's...Man, I was pretty darned fortunate...Where was Miami Girl when I needed her? LOL!!!

whitebelt		24-Mar-2010 23:26
Fran, it is my understanding that those kids down in that area did a lot of it, whatever it was. You are an Apple user? Apple is a good thing, it allows more people to be able to use a computer. :-)

Arizona Al		24-Mar-2010 23:24
Fran: Spank the Monkey and Choke the Chicken are colloquial euphonisms for male masturbation. And you are correct regarding the youth who lived in Cutler Ridge during the time they were between 12 and 18 years old. We religiously spanked the monkey and choked the chicken because our female counterparts in the 1955-1964 time period were not giving up any parts of you know what! Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well at age 64 in Phoenix, Arizona and fondly remembering "those times"

Fran		24-Mar-2010 22:52
White, is spank the monkey a game? I think it is? I heard that the kids of our youth played that game. They were teenagers who lived in the Cutler Ridge area of Miami. Al of AZ or Miami Girl might know the answer to that question.:)

Guest		24-Mar-2010 22:08
CK, I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Pass them on...

charlis		24-Mar-2010 21:39
CK... you will love the books!

charlis		24-Mar-2010 21:38
Don... sorry to hear about the recent accident. My ex-FIL had a similar accident back in the 50's. It was a whole stack of wall board, about 2 feet thick, that fell on him. Caught him on the knee as he jumped on a table to avoid it. Almost lost his right leg but the knee was shattered. As the story goes, he was taken to the emergency room, the leg reset and put in a cast. Witnesses say that he was sent home and was helped up the stairs at his apartment. He had no recollection of this. All he could remember was waking up... on the dining room table... family had been told to put him on his back on a hard surface for the first 24 hours. He thought he had died and was at his wake as all of the family was gathered around the table! In the 80's he was one of the first "knee replacements". It was so successful that he continued to do AC work for local businesses.... he was in his 70's when he finally stopped doing AC work in the late 90's. He died in 2008 at the age of 89.

charlis		24-Mar-2010 21:24
white... email me at ixratee.mcgyver@verizon.net with the computer info. I tried to copy and paste your posts but they would not paste correctly. I have a friend with a similar problem that Don had.

charlis		24-Mar-2010 21:22
Guys... lay off Jeff... he's from the Beach... kids from the Beach wouldn't know a farm animal if one walked up to them, except for pics in books. ;-)

Charles Knight		24-Mar-2010 21:08
Whitebelt, back off Jeff!!! As the little farm boy said, "Naaaa" (pronounced the same as a sheep's "Baaaaa") Nike, I recieved the books today. Thanks again, looks like a couple of months of reading enjoyment. CK.

whitebelt		24-Mar-2010 19:16
We need to lay off Jeff before he gets in trouble with PETA. You know how they are. They will get him for animal abuse for choking that chicken and spanking that monkey.

Charles Knight		24-Mar-2010 18:41
Hey Jeff, I'm not Italian and of no relation to Caligula...Et tu yourself! lol!

Jeff		24-Mar-2010 18:24
...and I thought YOU were my friend, CK... et tu Brutus?

Don Boyd		24-Mar-2010 18:21
Charles, thanks much for your response. I copied it over to the Guestbook so he can see it there. I've never been on Jeff's back and never will be but it's well known that he's been a chicken choker from way back. : ) Whitebelt: thank you for all of the information that you provided. I have a serious lack of time right now but I will get around to it eventually. I copied all of it to an e-mail to myself so I don't lose it in this comments gallery as more comments get added. Don .

Charles Knight		24-Mar-2010 16:50
Jeff, Don's been on your back? Bet that upsets a lot of the farm animals...

Charles Knight		24-Mar-2010 15:55
Don, Steppenwolf played Miami Marine stadium in 1970, I roadied that show. Carried amps and all sorts of gear across the flimsy ramp to and from the floating stage.

Fran		24-Mar-2010 15:17
White, thanks for the info. However, I have an Apple. Love my Apple! I am in awe concerning your ability to master Microsoft. White, give the cigs up, they can kill. Lost both parents to the addiction of nicotine. Breaking the habit starts with one day at a time, good luck.

Jeff		24-Mar-2010 13:32
Whitebelt! Don't encourage Don with those "Jeff's barnyard" references... It's hard enough keeping HIM off my back without adding any more to the mix!

whitebelt		24-Mar-2010 12:20
BTW, if you use one of those Linux LiveCD's to surf the net, you can wander around Jeff's barnyard and not worry about picking up any disease. All dirt and disease ceases to exist when you power off. Some of them will pick up your hardware automatically. Ethernet connections usually work, wireless you may have trouble with. Using a persistent USB drive with a bit of effort and you can usually configure an internet connection, including wireless, to work on any computer. The Ubuntu LiveCD is the one I recommend for just popping in and being good to go. Just download it and burn to a CD. Go to ubuntu.com. That RIPLinuX I recommended before is one little potent package. All in less than 256 MB. You can even reset Windows passwords with it. Has FireFox on it, too, plus music and a few other programs. You can carry it around on your keychain. Midnight Commander is the best file manager to use. In Linux you do have to mount a drive before you can access it. Takes one click. For instance, you would have to right click in the XWindows interface, select mount, and then click usually /dev/sda1 to mount your windows. From then on you can work on it directly, copying, moving, and deleting. You can also do full disk backups. While I am at it. Most computers have supersized hard drives now. A lot more than you need. Windows XP and Vista allow you to shrink the C drive and create a new partition. Doing so allows you to save important stuff on the same drive that can stay there even if you reinstall. If you didn't know this, you can change the location of your My Computer folders. I try to keep my operating system lean and mean, which makes it faster when defragging or checking. I set up a new partition just for my data then change the location for my Documents, pictures, music, and etc to point to that partition. If you have to run a system recovery it will usually stay there. That is something you will have to check during recovery. Some will just reinstall to the reduced C drive, others MAY wipe out the entire disk and start over clean. If nothing else you have one central location for your important stuff to copy from. You can use those linux livecd's to copy it over to an external drive, including CD's or DVD's. Clicking start/run and typing msconfig will take you to a program in Windows where you can control what boots up. Go into the services and startup tabs. Unchecking non-Microsoft services and startup programs will often break the back of viruses so you can start to get rid of them when you reboot. Start/run and typing sfc /scannow will help to restore any system files that were replaced by a virus. On XP, anyhow, not sure about Vista. Learn Linux and reduce your aggravation level. Besides, it is free.

whitebelt		24-Mar-2010 11:19
Don, go here and download the first bootable ISO. http://rip.7bf.de/current/ You can burn it to a CD or make a bootable USB drive. The USB drive will let you keep changes. It may be able to pick up your hardware so that you can install Clam antivirus and other programs and keep them if you use the USB drive method. You can then pop it in and scan your Windows for viruses. If nothing else it will let you access and move any important files in case you need to save them. Does lots of wonderful things. This has saved my ass many, many times. You will have to learn to use it, though. After you log in, root is the password, then type startx and a windows like interface comes up. Right click for the menu. A little time spent learning this is well worth it. Can save lots of grief. There is also a neat web feature available anyone, including Windows users can utilize. You can get 2GB of storage free. Anything over that is pricey. It is part of the cloud computing thing. Download the program and it will keep a folder on your computer synched automatically with a remote server. Put copies of your pictures and important data in it and it is automatically saved someplace you can retrieve it from with any computer. Watch the video. Sensitive data you can pack with Truecrypt. https://www.dropbox.com/ There are others available, too. Plus there are some Windows features that let you do auto backups to other computers, such as one on your home network. Vista has one called Robocopy if I remember the name right. Woke up this morning to about 3-4 inches of snow that wasn't supposed to accumulate. Of course it would because I am almost out of cigarettes.

Jeff		24-Mar-2010 04:55
Don, Don, Don... do you think so LITTLE of your own relatives that you call them "farm animals"? Your cousin Gertie IS a bit heavy, but she more than makes up for the weight in sheer enthusiasm... You MUST be bored if you need to start needling me again... and to think that I was trying to reach you tonight to invite you for lunch... Oh, well... no more Kibbles 'n' Bits for you!

Don Boyd		24-Mar-2010 03:52
I'm passing along a question that was asked in the Guestbook by saltydogfish to see if any of y'all can answer it: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Did Steppenwolf ever play Bayfront Park? Sometime around 1970. Thanks, saltydogfish ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Not much new here - I've been doing a lot of work outside on my townhouse due to the great weather and not much time on the PC. My broken leg is much better after three weeks of rehab three days a week, but last Thursday the edge of half a sheet of 6 foot tall plywood fell on my right leg from the calf to my ankle so now I'm limping with a different leg and it's all red and swollen but I don't think anything's broken. My other calamity is my laptop caught a virus from an attack site disguised as something else (Jeff and farm animal videos) that I was checking out last week and it looks like I'm going to have to install a new hard drive and reinstall everything. Fortunately I was able to move all my old photos to flash drives in case I can't get rid of the virus. And the site hit 7 million page views today which is a pretty good rate of 2 million page views every 10 months. Don .

Jeff		24-Mar-2010 00:35
Thanks again, Charlis... If I can use any of the stuff I'll remburse you the postage for them.

charlis		23-Mar-2010 21:52
Jeff... the other stuff I did find... I'll email you at your private email when I get a tally of everything.

Jeff		23-Mar-2010 03:01
Charlis... Not to worry. As I said, it's the thought that counts. Should you happen to find any colored or drawing pencils, brushes, specialty rulers (ie: metal), or other art/drafting tools other than the crumbled stencils or dried-out paint, just let me know...

whitebelt		23-Mar-2010 02:28
I find it very hard to believe that ancient advanced civilizations like the Egyptians, Persians, and Chinese didn't have advanced and varied musical instruments like we do today. They had the materials, the talent, and the time to develop them. They must have had bands and orchestras, and probably some of the same type of music at times, even rock.

charlis		22-Mar-2010 21:40
Jeff... I am so sorry. We have so much in common and I wanted you to have them... for old times sake.

charlis		22-Mar-2010 21:38
James Hall... it was me who recommended him. My errands for Saturday include hitting Borders and Barnes to pick up the books I haven't read... of all three guys. I had other errands this past weekend that didn't get me anywhere near either store.

Charles Knight		22-Mar-2010 20:24
Nike, thanks so very much. I'm sure I'll enjoy them.

Miami River Rat		22-Mar-2010 15:44
Charles, when you were at Kinloch the gang was The Vulcans? When I was there, it was The Kings. Pretty nasty bunch. While I was never a real member, my girlfriend was in with them before we started going together so I got a pass.

Nike		22-Mar-2010 15:42
CK, The following James W. Hall books are on the way: - Mean High Tide - Red Sky at Night - Bones of Coral - Hard Aground - Buzz Cut - Gone Wild You should have them by the end of the week.

Charles Knight		22-Mar-2010 14:42
Whitebelt, I see your point. I was fortunate enough to be raised in a more friendly environment. There were moments though. Went to Kinloch Jr. high for awhile where the local gang the Vulcans took an extreme disliking to me. I spent months dodging them. They nearly killed me twice, escaped by the skin of my teeth. I finally transferred to Rockway as a last resort. After I did they set their sites on a friend...He ended up killing one of them in self defense, he still did some time at Kendall though. Not everyone had the options I did and it's a damned shame.

Miami River Rat		22-Mar-2010 13:31
That "GUEST" right below was me, Miami River Rat. Got logged out some kinda' way. Who knows, the ways of computers are mysterious!

Guest		22-Mar-2010 13:26
I'll second Miami Girl's thanks to whoever it was that recommended the James. W. Hall books. I just finished the first one, "Under Cover of Daylight". Very cool! By Whitebelt: "Youth was ignorance, angst, confusion, boredom, and frustration. Never looked back when I left it. Life was a much richer experience afterwards." I'll agree with a lot of that. People, me included, tend to forget the fear and danger associated with being a teenager in the 1950's. In my part of Miami you could get hurt because somebody thought it might be fun. I used my bike a lot, before highschool years when I moved out to the southwest section, to get around Miami. Never left home without my hawk-bill knife in my back pocket. When somebody references "Leave it to Beaver" as an example of '50's life, I always tell 'em to forget that, check out the movie "Blackboard Jungle" if you want a dose of reality.

Leighton		22-Mar-2010 03:01
I, for one, am happy to be in 2010. But then again, I was born in 1962, and was not writing novels and inventing things during the "Golden Age." I'd guess, however, that for every plus, back then, there was a minus. Loved my childhood there, but I remember the turbulence of the era very well. In terms of bike-riding, I enjoyed my rides from UM to The Grove, and beyond, in the mid-80s, and before that, our rambling, widespread exploration of the Fairlawn/West Miami area on banana bikes in the early 70s. And, yes, my Dad told me to get some fresh air outside - demanded it - when I spent too much time reading books as a kid.

whitebelt		21-Mar-2010 21:34
I must have tuned into Leave it to Beaver by mistake. Never had a bike when I was a kid. Me and my little sister came along too late and our parents couldn't afford one for us. Just as well, we grew up in a block-busted neighborhood where they stole such things, sometimes by force. Youth was ignorance, angst, confusion, boredom, and frustration. Never looked back when I left it. Life was a much richer experience afterwards.

Nike		21-Mar-2010 20:58
Leigthton, I too rode my bike to The Grove. We hung around the docks at Dinner Key. Ocassionally, we would swim across to Bowl Island. We even camped there for a night. It sure was a safer world then. We even felt safe hitchhiking.

Leighton		21-Mar-2010 20:39
I, for one, am happy to be in 2010. But then again, I was born in 1962, and was not writing novels and inventing things during the "Golden Age." I'd guess, however, that for every plus, back then, there was a minus. Loved my childhood there, but I remember the turbulence of the era very well. In terms of bike-riding, I enjoyed my rides from UM to The Grove, and beyond, in the mid-80s, and before that, our rambling, widespread exploration of the Fairlawn/West Miami area on banana bikes in the early 70s. And, yes, my Dad told me to get some fresh air outside - demanded it - when I spent too much time reading books as a kid.

Jeff		21-Mar-2010 20:23
Thanks anyway, Charlis... it's the thought that counts...

Nike		21-Mar-2010 19:01
Our "must have" gizmos in the fifties were Slinky, Erector sets, Lincoln Logs and Pick-up Stix. My dream was to get a Heath Kit radio but settled for a small crystal radio that only picked up WQAM. I got to live my dream with Nike Hercules missiles and Saturn V rockets. Never say, "Never." The biggest "dream come true" for me is to be married to someone who loves me and is my best friend every minute of every day. We married for better or worse, Because of Nancy, life is always better and never worse.

charlis		21-Mar-2010 17:17
Fran.. thanks for the story. My sister wanted to be the cowgirl... even have a pic of her dressed in what I can remember as a red cowgirl outfit that she got for xmas. This was a year or two after the infamous Santa Claus adventure and it was a warm winter since the pic shows no snow on the ground and we were in the front yard for the pics. I was in a majorette uniform.

charlis		21-Mar-2010 16:58
Jeff... bad news. Found the stencils... they crumbled in my hands. The old paint? Tubes were hard as rocks. Sorry.

charlis		21-Mar-2010 16:55
AZ Al... I am all for a gizmo I invented years ago that would make cell phones useless the minute car engines are turned on. Anyone got the money to back me? We could also use this in our homes in order to force kids to spend some time with the family... set on a timer so that parents could not even use cell phones and computers. My daughter emailed me during the blizzards in DE saying that she had to run out and get batteries for the boys' toys. I remember, when we had bad storms, that we, the family, would all get together and play board games... some times by candle light! My daughter spends a lot of time with her boys... unlike most of the people she knows.

Jeff		21-Mar-2010 13:30
Well, Al... when I worked for Steve Alaimo and his partners, we had a CD out by Dion DiMucci... one of the songs was titled "The 90's are the 60's Turned Upside-Down"...

Arizona Al		21-Mar-2010 10:03
Hello All: I am not sure if there is a real time analog to our generation and today's youth. I am a step grandfather to 3 brothers (17, 15 and 13). Elvie (wife) and I go to her son's house for dinner/cookout once a week. Invariably the boys are glued to the Xbox360 slaying grelbs or killing some enemy on Call of Duty and concomitantly talking or texting on their cellphones.The only time they stop is when it is time to actually eat and that takes them no longer than 5 minutes. Now here is the "kikker." They boys do not want to come over to our house despite a pool and a hot tub because we only have a PlayStation 2 which makes us "so 90s" (so 1990s) to which I adroifly reply "Wrong we are "so 60s". Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive, well and proud to be a product of the 50s and 60s in sunny Phoenix, Arizona

Nike		21-Mar-2010 07:05
Done

Jeff		21-Mar-2010 03:04
OK... I GOTTA try this... since there was a book giveaway... does ANYBODY have any old art supplies they'd like to give away/sell/barter? (Some would be for me, some would go to a buddy of mine who had his art studio destroyed by an arson fire.)

Nike		21-Mar-2010 01:09
Done

Charles Knight		20-Mar-2010 22:51
Nike, thanks for keeping me in mind. I must have deleted it along with all the spam I receive. Please try again. kngtrk2@aol.com Thanks CK.

Jeff		20-Mar-2010 22:50
Charlis... Here's some trivia for you and the gang... Although Fess Parker recorded the theme from Davy Crockett, it was Bill Hayes who had the bigger hit on Cadence Records... Dale Evans wrote "Happy Trails", the closing theme of the Roy Rogers show... Another loss on March 17th (my late mother's birthday) was Alex Chilton, the former lead singer of the Box Tops ("The Letter", Cry Like A Baby")...he was 60. I may have mentioned this previously, but Johnny Maestro, the lead singer of the Crests ("16 Candles", "Trouble in Paradise", "Step By Step) and the Brooklyn Bridge ("Worst That Could Happen", "Your Husband, My Wife", "Welcome Me Love") is in hospice. He has pancreatic cancer...

Parks		20-Mar-2010 22:06
Charlis, Thank you for the guns name. It was driving me crazy. I too have the record but I have no way to play it. Just got back from Robert is Here. I asked him who made his jellies and pickles. He told me a very sad story. It seems that his Mother used to make all the jelly, jams and pickles up until she was shot and killed. He didn't elaborate on how she was shot but eight days later Hurricane Andrew hit and destroyed everything. That was one bad week for him. To continue selling the jars of goodies he has contracted with three different companies to produce them from his Mothers recipes.

Nike		20-Mar-2010 20:50
What happened to our youth? Here's to you, Mrs. Robinson.....

Fran		20-Mar-2010 19:07
He grew up wanting to be a cowboy and I wanted to marry a cowboy. Simple but true, he's a good guy.:) My mom grew up in Ohio. She came for a visit, Florida and my dad captured her heart. Thus the north meets south soon after they married.

charlis		20-Mar-2010 18:16
Fran... cowboy? Please tell us. Roberta has her cowboy. Tell us about yours.

charlis		20-Mar-2010 18:11
TV was so innocent back then... married couples slept in separate beds... Lucy and Desi in the 50's and Laura and Rob Petri in the 60's. There were no "bleepings" as foul language was not used. They had the "? second" delay in place. The first time I heard the "bleep" was during an Ed Sullivan show and some comedien was on stage.

charlis		20-Mar-2010 18:07
Crockett's gun's name was Betsy. I had a record of the song that was given out by Jiff or Peter Pan Peanut Butter. I might still have it some where around here. Wonder if it is worth anything.

charlis		20-Mar-2010 18:02
Nike... yes, I know that Roy was from OH. I'll never forget the day I met him. My uncle had taken me to a skeet match while he was baby sitting me when my parents went away for a weekend get away. As we were getting out of the car, Uncle George pointed to this man walking by with a gun and said, "Suzi, that's your idol, Roy Rogers.". I grabbed the Brownie camera that Uncle George had given me a few years earlier and snapped a pic. I have it somewhere and will ask Don to post it. My uncle grabbed his gun and my hand and walked me over to Roy. "Leonard, this is my neice, Suzi. She is a big fan of yours." Roy shook my hand. My uncle beat him in the match that day. During the match, I spent the time with Dale and the kids in their travel trailer.

Nike		20-Mar-2010 15:57
Charles, I have been to the storage unit and have located the J.W. Hall books. Respond to the email I sent a few days ago with an adddress where I can mail them and they're on the way. No PO Boxes since I will be sending UPS.

Nike		20-Mar-2010 15:54
Oh well, I meant Ohio

Nike		20-Mar-2010 15:52
Charlis, You probably already know this but Roy Rogers (Lenord Slye) was from your home state - - Cincinatti.

Fran		20-Mar-2010 15:14
Big Davey was a childhood favorite of mine. Favorite cowboy, Roy Rogers, in fact I wanted to grow up and marry him. Then I found out that he was married. Life wasn't the same watching him on TV. However, there is a cowboy, I'll save that story for later.

Parks		20-Mar-2010 14:46
Roberta, thanks for the great memories, I miss my Schwinn. Charlis, Davy Crockett was a favorite of mine also. I loved my coon skin cap and flint lock rifle. What was the name of his rifle? Bessie? Betsie? To this day I can remember most of the song... Born on a mountain top in Tennessee, Greenest state in the land of the free... I'm headed down to Robert is Here for pickled asparagus and a key lime milk shake today. I've never had the milk shake but so many people have raved about it here that I'll have to try it.

charlis		20-Mar-2010 13:49
bike riding... Those last 2 years in OH I spent very litle time watching TV. I spent most of the time walking in the woods, riding my bike, riding the horse. On clear nights I would be in the back yard with the telescope (which I just found out is over 70 years old... found a pic taken in the mid-late 30's and there it was on my great uncle's patio! Yes, I still have it.) The move to Miami Beach spoiled the joy of bike riding... it was "uncool".

charlis		20-Mar-2010 13:44
jeff... you picked up on that point quickly. Speaking of TV... two of my favorite childhood men passed away... Fess Parker and Peter Graves. Davey Crockett was one of my "heroes". I drove my parents crazy singing the theme song. I had 3 childhood wishes... having read all the ""Fury" and "Black Beauty" books, I wanted a horse. Never got one but did have exclusive use of one when I was 10-12. I wanted Rin Tin Tin. I got a dog when I was 6 and named him Rin Tin Tin. Okay, Rinty was a cocker spanial, but he lived to be 16. Roy Rogers... got to meet him when I was 10-12 when my uncle went to a skeet match.

Jeff		20-Mar-2010 00:47
...and the "kicker" to your story and comments, Charlis, is that we are logged onto a computer web blog reading all of this - and lamenting the loss of our youth and our own personal "good old days"! As the saying goes, "the more things change, the more they stay the same"... before computers, it was "the vast wasteland" of television that engrossed the addled minds of youth... before that it very well may have been radio dramas and mysteries... Somewhere in time, a parent might have actually said "Why don't you stop reading all of those books and go outside into the fresh air?"

charlis		19-Mar-2010 21:02
Everybody, the short story I wrote in the 80's is coming true... the future human will be very short and round with skinny stubby fingers... from spending all the time on the computer, and now the new cell phones/mini computers. To think of all the money I could have made when I wrote the story... about people playing golf, tennis, or bowling in their living rooms... then 30 years later they came up with the Wii!!!! Parents are the problems with today's youth... "Mom, can we go bike riding?" "No, not now. I'm busy on the computer. Go to the game room and ride the bike on your Wii." "Dad? They said there is going to be a great meteor shower tonight. Can we drive to ? so we can see it?" "No. I have to email some things. Turn on your computer and pull up the NASA web site."

Miami Girl		19-Mar-2010 20:27
You have to wonder how in the world we ever made it to adult-hood with all the metal toys, lead paint, no car seats, freedom of the road on our bikes, etc, etc. Kids today are so deprived even though they have so much more "stuff".

Jeff		19-Mar-2010 15:21
Roberta... you make me wish I were a kid again... and I don't mean me currently living in my "second childhood". I guess the older we get, the more sweet our memories. We tend to block out the pain, the sadness, the frustration of life and focus on those simpler times...when a candy bar was a nickel, and when "the air was clean and sex was dirty"... LOL! Jeff... feeling "geezerly at 57"...but glad to be alive!

Charles Knight		19-Mar-2010 13:26
Roberta and Al, awesome memories. Thanks...Al we would nab the sweets from the Farm Stores in the mornings (Karma has paid me back already!). Roberta , we invented a game called Trip. We would gather up six or eight hoses from the various homes in our neighborhood and a dozen or so of us would stand facing each other (about fifteen feet across from the other) with one end of a hose in hand. Imagine the three yard markings on a football field, but with hoses. Then a couple of us would attempt to run through the gauntlet without falling while the hose bearers would pull on them trying to trip us. There was no real rhyme or reason and never a winner, but it was imaginative fun. We would also have massive battles with tin garbage can lids as shields and pine branches as swords. Dangerous? Absolutely, but loads of fun! Climbing Australian pines until they bent and riding them down to earth again...What joy!!!

Roberta Perry Hughes		19-Mar-2010 11:06
(sigh) If only the kids of today could have the freedom....and relative safety....of enjoying the delightful happy trails, that we all did, astride our wonderful Schwinns, Columbians, J.C. Higgins, Rollfasts, and the occasional rare-to-be-seen English Racers, that took us out-and-about, discovering newly-built neighborhoods, with their selected "open houses" for potential buyers to come in and view their floor plans, all roped-off, with colorful triangular flags flapping in-the-breeze, and more than one sales representative, all suited-up, with brochures and contracts at-the-ready; or we would cruise up and down the streets in our own neighborhoods, to see if we could spot a building permit sign, to indicate that someone was adding a Florida Room to their home, or an enclosed garage, or in-ground swimming pool, or an extra bedroom, or even just building a backyard bricked-in barbecue pit.....Oh! How we wanted our father to build one of those in our backyard....! As we rode, we stopped to collect discarded pop bottles, to redeem up at the Food Fair, so we could go skating, at Sunland Skating Rink, or bowl, at Bird Bowl. Sometimes, you'd stop and talk to class mates, who were at play in their yard, or walking the dog down the sidewalk. Bath day for Rover, was like Tom Sawyer, whitewashing the fence. Soon, neighbor kids appeared, and everyone wanted to help bathe the dogger. The dog got clean as a whistle, and when rinsed, the hose was turned on one another, and soon, everyone was squealing gleefully, at the cold water, and soaked to-the-skin. But on a hot Summer day, it was the natural thing to do. No one ever got into trouble over it, that I know of. I remember even asking our mother, on hot Summer days, if we could play under the hose. She'd agree, if we'd put on our swimwear, and took towels outside to dry off on before coming in the house. Our big sister, Audrey, was envious, as she felt she was "too old" to join in the fun, but we'd persuade her to come outside, and be in charge of the hose, which she was more than glad to have that job....! We'd always choose the front yard, so other kids would see us, and soon, here they came, towels under their arms, and in swimwear....!! Audrey's best friend also came, to watch the fun, as well. What a happy, refreshingly fun hot Summer day we would have, and it became a weekly event, weather permitting, with many kids on our block joining in. How very lucky we all are, to hold such innocent memories close to our hearts....! Lewis is sleeping peacefully, as I type this to you. I will soon help him get ready to meet the day, and fix him some good breakfast. Wish y'all were here, at my table, though when I visit this site, you are in my living room. Huggies and smoochies, to everyone.....! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arizona Al		19-Mar-2010 09:05
Miami Girl: No it was not me. However. the prodromal Ridge Rats (elementary school age) rode our bikes all over the area including Cutler Ridge, Bel Aire, Whispering Pines and places unmarked along Franjo Road and Old Cutler Road. Got paper routes in 7th grade and frequently rode bikes early in the morning to Food Fair and enjoyed the pastries, pies and breads left at the back of the store by the bakery delivery trucks prior to the items making it to inventory. Also frequently sampled milk and orange juice from peoples' front porch that were left by the milkman. Delinquent? Did someone say delinquent? Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well after graduating from Schwinn Bikes to Harley Davidson Motorcycles.

Charles Knight		19-Mar-2010 02:56
Nope, only you MG!

Miami Girl		18-Mar-2010 22:55
Roberta, thank you for always bringing back new memories! I lived on my bike all around Cutler Ridge in the 50's when they were constantly building, we'd ride down new roads all the time. To this day I always want to go down a road I've never been on --- there might be something really interesting around the next curve. Speaking of bikes, I remember once when about 2 or 3 boys riding their bikes stopped to get a drink of water from our hose, the first one to drink got a big palmetto bug in his mouth -- so friggin funny!! Wonder if one of those boys was AZ Al?? CK you're such a flirt. I bet you say those sweet things to all the girls! Nike, nice of you to offer the Hall books to any of us. I've got a library right around the corner and they have a lot of his, so CK has first dibs.

Charles Knight		18-Mar-2010 13:20
Nike, I would love to read some Hall, I've yet to get the opportunity... Please email at your convenience so that I may pass on my address and I'll gladly pay shipping. Media mail is the way to go, it takes a couple of weeks but for the frugal minded (myself out of necessity) it works. kngtrk2@aol.com Thanks, CK. Hi Roberta and Lee! As always you're in my prayers and thoughts! Charlis...Cold showers are a fallacy lol! Don, thanks for being you! Miami Girl...I read your post about how you no longer look good in shorts.Don't underestimate yourself, lustfully, CK lol! Largo, you're a new hero to me, keep up the good fight! Jeff, coffee and kick boxing try it (just kidding)! I miss my buddy Leighton and our sparring. Too much milk toast lately, anyone wanna' go at it? All kidding aside, I wish the best for all of my friends here. CK SAVE THE EVERGLADES!!!

whitebelt		18-Mar-2010 13:06
Nike, that was 2 years after I left there. In 74-76 I was stationed at Ft Huachuca, but spent most of my time TDY at Joliet, IL, Ravenna, OH, Ft Knox, Ft. Gordon, and the Presidio of Monterey. There were various observers of different MOS's doing evaluations. I was with the signal detachment. I lived in a house in Florimoldi that had an orchid tree. Big thing that dropped seeds that sprouted up beneath it. White flowers. Kind of vine like drooping branches if I remember right. There was also something called a Dragon Tree that was the most overpowering sweet smelling tree, something like jasmine on steroids there. Would burn your eyes it was so strong. A lot of trees in that yard I spent considerable time trimming, including avocado, mango, and a huge Bougainvilla vines. Plus a Beautiful Jerusalem Thorn tree. Those are beautiful but vicious trees. They would reach out and lacerate you with some very wicked thorns. Bougainvilla were pussycats compared. But, the most vicious vegetation I ever encountered was in coastal Mississippi. They have some briars and brambles that that will put anything in Florida to shame. Was warm here yesterday. Went out and raked the top layer of dead weeds in the yard. There is a yard underneath. Also made me sneeze quite a bit. Some bulbs have already come to life. Some cold and snow expected tomorrow, but wont last. When it does get warm for good I will get my plumbing finished up. Half this place seems underground. There is a large cistern just outside the cellar and I found what may have been an old septic tank under a shed out back that was converted to a storage area. Pretty deep and good sized. I have never had this much storage space available. Unfortunately, I don't have the stuff to store anymore, either, including furniture. That and the tools I used to have are long gone. Could use some of them now. Looking forward to the thunderstorms and hailstorms they get out here in Spring and early summer. I love dramatic weather. On my last pack of cigarettes. No cheap Indian cigarettes out here. 2-3 packs a day for 44 years. I AM going to quit.

Roberta Perry Hughes		18-Mar-2010 10:52
Hello, everyone. How be ya...? Fat 'n sassy, I 'spect....like me....! LOL. Although you can cultivate an "orchid tree," by placing wild orchids within the niches of various large trees, my memory of a Tree Orchid, from my childhood days, is very real....and there is, indeed, a Tree Orchid, a plant unto itself. Scientific name for it is Bauhinia Variegata, and if you will google "Tree Orchid," you will see it for yourself, in many color photos, and see where they are available for sale, even on eBay. The one I saw, in a school mate's front yard, was located on S.W. Miller Road, in the very large front yard of her house, which was located on the right, headed down S.W. Miller Road, before you got to the Civil Defense building. There was a road to the right, at that corner, where the CD building is (was?), that led to Miami Memorial Gardens cemetery, and before you got to the cemetery, there was what looked like rural farm land, with strawberry fields, and produce of all kinds, in long rows...."truck gardens"....and that road dead-ended, onto Sunset Drive. I mention all this, to let you know exactly where her house was, and that tree orchid....have no idea, if it is still there, or not, as Miller Road became a freeway, and was fenced off, from S.W. 56th Street, from what I have been told. It was a good walk, from my house, or a brisk bike ride, as I lived at the end of S.W. 99th Place and S.W. 55th Street. Our house number was 9985. My trusty red-and-white Schwinn Spitfire took me all over the areas that were not part of my neighborhood, back then, including down S.W. 102nd Avenue, where Kendall Hospital was, and the infamous fenced-off Kendall Home. I rode on past there, quite rapidly, and on down, to turn right, onto Sunset Drive, to the Fish Hatchery, located on the right, where my friend Marcie lived, with her family. Her father was employed by the Hatchery, which raised tropical fish. There were many rows, of big rectagular-shaped cement basins, sort of like a watering trough seen in a Western movie, and they each held a species of tropical fish, like tetrads. They were all aerated, of course, and Marcie had to feed the fish, every day, after school. Is that Fish Hatchery still there, I wonder....? Nothing I liked better, than a long bike ride, out of my neighborhood, to places that were new to me, and different. The houses, especially, which were sort of isolated, and on large lots. So many memories. All so long ago, and so far away, when our parents were young, and had young children, and cars were easily identifyable, on sight, and, Oh! How we loved them....!! Light years ago. An eternity, it seems. How this site takes me back, to those long ago days, of Florida cherry hedges, guavas, mangos, elephant ears, angel trumpets, bouganvillia vines, hibiscus, key limes.... ....and tree orchids. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nike		18-Mar-2010 10:48
Roberta, I thought of you as I drove through your part of Georgia on my way from Atlanta to Orlando last Friday. It was a bit off the beaten path from the ormal I-75 south route but I wanted to visit a missile site I was on briefly in Jeffersonville, Georgia in 1963. I appreciate all of your postings and always taking the time to mention all of us. I wish the best for you and Lewis. I always look to see if you have posted when I visit the website. Whitebelt. I received a posting on my military website (www Nike252 dot org) from Gus Santagata. He seemed to do the same things you did with the Nike Hercules and HAWK units in south Florida with simulated attacks on us. He was there from 74-76. I thought you might know him. Leighton, good to hear your back. I've been away for a few weeks myself. I had an assignment in the Virgin Islands and stayed longer than I planned. It was hard to leave there and come back to frigid Atlanta. For those interested in the James W. Hall books, I am spring cleaning my storage units next week and will be purging some books I'v been holding on to. If anyone is interested and I have some of his books, you're welcome to them. I'll send them at no charge.

Leighton		18-Mar-2010 08:04
Back in San Antonio, for the past month. Loved the mountains, but couldn't take the mind-set. WOW, was that a culture shock.

Fran		17-Mar-2010 22:34
Charlis, actually it was cut-offs over the bottom of my two piece. :) The cut-offs were short, short and cute. I guess I could ware them but I'm way older now. Charlis, you bring new meaning to crack and all that goes with it.:)

charlis		17-Mar-2010 21:22
miami girl... and don't forget the new look involving droopy drawers! The look is bad enough on young people but... I work our Household Chemical dropoff this weekend in the south part of the county... Sun City Center area, aka "old fart zone". This guy pulled into line. I asked him to put out his cig. He asked me why. Duh.... going in to an area with flamable substances... a few more cars came through the line and then traffic stopped. I looked back and saw this same man "helping" the guys off load his car... what I saw was shocking... even the people in line were in shock... the guy had to be in his 60's... his jeans were halfway down his butt! Every time he bent down to get something out of his trunk the pants slid further. Then he got back into his car... how about a 3/4 moon!?!?!? The day got weirder when our guys, after shaking off the shock of the mooning, were attacked by seagulls!

charlis		17-Mar-2010 21:13
Fran... cut-offs on s beach in '67.. I was wearing short shorts then '-) Of course the following year I was going steady with the guy who became my husband... if he had his way I would have dressed in turtle necks and longs pants or skirts... Go take a COLD shower CK and White :-0

Miami Girl		17-Mar-2010 20:57
Trust me CK that outfit wouldn't fit anymore and even if it did no one would want to see me in it! We had our day, now it belongs to those with multiple tattoos, piercings and those terrible ear plug things! We have to wonder what's next?

Charles Knight		17-Mar-2010 03:11
Must you torment me Miami Girl???

Miami Girl		17-Mar-2010 00:12
I had a pair of red cut offs, short shorts with a little "rib tickler" top - white with little red puff balls all around and South Beach, a wonderful place..... Love these memories!

Fran		16-Mar-2010 22:46
Cut offs, that reminds me of the summer of '67 at South Beach. Good times...

charlis		16-Mar-2010 21:32
white... sounds like you have things really moving along. Spectracide is great, used it for years but never around my garden. For my garden of tomatoes, herbs, etc. I used a mixture of one bag of pipe tobacco and a gallon of water, let it sit for a week, and then sprayed the plants. Keeps bugs, fungus, etc. off the plants. Worked great on my roses, too. I did hear that a bunch of the bugs got together and joined in on the class action suit against the tobacca industry. Seems they were losing a lot of relatives or suffering from COPD! That might explain some of the strange noises I used to hear at night we we opened up the windows. ;-) Spring has not arrived in Tampa. I do not want the hot humid days (although the thought of you running around in cut offs got me thinking... pant, pant... ;-)) but I am tired of the cold, wet, windy days.

whitebelt		16-Mar-2010 13:51
Speaking of Spring, it is starting to rear it's lovely head here. Put up a bird feeder a couple of days ago and the birds found it. Put up a hummingbird feeder yesterday in anticipation of their arrival. I love hummingbirds. There are supposed to be about 400 species of birds in this area. I love birds. Messengers of the gods. Thankfully I haven't seen any pigeons yet. Was infested with them back in New Mexico. Fell out of love with pigeons when I saw one in New Orleans eating a piece of chicken. Did have hawks back in New Mexico hanging around the yard that would get the occasional fat pigeon. Have the water heater and plumbing stabilized until my ship comes in and I can lock it all down. Just have to find where they connect to the water main. Low water pressure, but is local to this house. I actually enjoy doing plumbing. Supposed to be in the 60's today. Can't wait for the 80's and 90's so I can kick into high gear. I love the heat. Hot weather and a just pair of cutoffs and I am a happy and laboring fool. Time to spread the Spectracide around the house. That is the greatest stuff for keeping down insects. Spread it around the house and yard in early Spring and you won't see many crawling insects in the house. One or 2 bags at about $8 each at Lowe's well spent. Made a HUGE difference in New Mexico. Even killed the ticks that had tormented the dog. Got the neighbors to put down some around their yards and it was pretty much a bug free area. Got my Colorado driver's license. Finally gave up my Florida license I had for 40 odd years no matter where I was. Horrible picture, though. Ah, Spring, where young men's fancies turn to love and old men's turn to fixing things.

Charles Knight		15-Mar-2010 23:11
Miami Girl...ahh you got me blushing now Sugar Booger!

Miami Girl		15-Mar-2010 22:05
AZ AL: Sure envy your 80 degrees! I thought we were doing good here today in the 50's!

Miami Girl		15-Mar-2010 22:04
CK, I did appreciate the little flirting - it's good for the soul! But you're correct, I already have one married man and sure don't need another -- but I still love your dimples sweetie! Largo, Roberta's mention of tree orchids made me remember them and I think they can just be put into a niche on a tree and they grow -- hardly any maintenance. Anyway now that I really gave it some thought, probably regular orchids might be more work than I want in my retirement - we're gonna travel as long as we can hoof it around old ruins and beautiful places.

charlis		15-Mar-2010 21:46
CK... can you think of better "way to go"? '-)

Charles Knight		15-Mar-2010 15:07
OK Gang, if I am without when I am an octogenarian just shoot me! My wife is a Fire fighter medic and makes frequent calls on the local assisted living and nursing homes here (there are many of them). She often has calls because of folks engaging in carnal pleasures have found themselves in trouble one way or another. God bless 'em! And God bless all of you for putting up with me! Still indulging (if only occasionally) in Satellite Beach, CK.

Jeff		15-Mar-2010 04:27
Sex????? I somewhat remember that... isn't it five, sex, seven, eight...? Jeff, enjoing his month-old [tomorrow] pacemaker and feeling grateful...

Arizona Al		15-Mar-2010 03:26
Roberta: (Blush) Hugs back at ya! Charles Knight: Miami Girl and I were in the same 6th Grade Class at Cutler Ridge Elementary in 1958 and coexisted at Palmetto Jr-Sr. We grew up in Cutler Ridge 1955-1964. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in sunny and 80 degree Phoenix, Arizona

Don Boyd		15-Mar-2010 03:25
Robertah, thanks for posting and thank you for your comments in your posting previous to the last one. Hang in there with your cowboy and you know our best wishes and prayers are with you. Don

whitebelt		15-Mar-2010 02:29
CK is still a young puppy, always thinking in terms of sex. Wait until he gets older like us. He has no idea we would just discuss recipes, the meaning of life, and intellectual things like that in the hot tub.

Fran		14-Mar-2010 23:36
Charlis, if I had them might consider the sharing of pictures. My second generation has been marring later and have children later too. CK hasn't changed one bit, seems the cold weather hasn't cooled this guy off. Spring gotta love it. :)

Charles Knight		14-Mar-2010 22:17
Hola...Ha ha just kidding. Hi Roberta! Good to see you here, best wishes, prayers, and everything. Yeah Largo...Lately when logging onto this site Barry White, and Andy Williams start playing in my head. Thank goodness they don't overlap. That would be some cacophony! There's a lot of sexual tension going on here. I tried to start something up with Miami Girl but alas...She'll have none of it, too bad too because she's a hottie! I guess she just doesn't want to mess with a married man LOL! Had a nice chat with author Randy Wayne White this afternoon, great guy, prolific writer and speaker. What a beautiful day here in Satellite Beach! Mid seventies, a little windy but that's ok, anything beats that cold garbage we've been putting up with. Best to all and to all a good best!

charlis		14-Mar-2010 22:12
Fran... just don't show them to the grand kids!

LARGO		14-Mar-2010 21:23
AHEEMM!...THAT'S 'LENGTHY'...IN CASE ANYONE NOTICED...

LARGO		14-Mar-2010 18:47
AND A BIG NORTH FLORIDA HELLLLOOO TO YOU AS WELL MISS ROBERTA AND LEWIS. HAVING A SUNNY BUT CHILLY DAY THIS SUNDAY IN ST. AUGUSTINE. NONE THE LESS THE SOUNDS OF NEIGHBORS MOWING AND CUTTING WITH CHAINSAWS IS IN THE AIR. I HAVE TAKEN A LUNCH BREAK FROM ASSEMBLING MY NEW 'COMPOSTUMBLER' YADA YADA..AND I ALSO DID SOMETHING I NEVER THOUGHT I'D EVER DO..I ORDERED 1000 RED WIGGLERS ...APPARENTLY A COMPOSTERS BEST FRIEND..A THOROUGHBRED OF AN EARTHWORM...TO UMMM GET THE JOB DONE FASTER!!..HA!!..SO THERE.. ISN'T IT ODD HOW ONES WISHES FOR 'THINGS' DOES A DRAMATIC FLIP LATER IN LIFE?..HUMMM DIAMONDS...COMPOST...THE GARDEN ALWAYS WINS..BUT YEAH THATS GOT ME ALL REVVED UP!....NOW MIAMI GIRL...I AM NO EXPERT GARDNER...JUST A DIRT DIGGER..IT'S THE WING AND A PRAYER METHOD FOR ME...BUT I DO HAVE A COLLECTION OF ORCHIDS THAT I HAVE DRAGGED ALL OVER WITH ME ON MANY MOVES...AND THEY ARE A SOMEWHAT TEMPERMENTAL, DELICATE CREATURE. I NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THEM IN S. MIAMI..PERFECT CLIMATE...BUT JUST 350 MILES NORTH AT THE OTHER END OF MY BELOVED STATE...MY FAMILY OF ORCHIDS HAVE BEEN A CHORE.......FUSSY AND CANTANKEROUS..DEMANDING...NOT UNLIKE SMALL CHILDREN!! HAD TO BRING THEM ALL IN FOR THIS CRAZY WINTER...AND THEY HAVE SUFFERED... BUT HELD ON. I MAY HAVE MISUNDERSTOOD YOU RE: TREE ORCHIDS. UNLESS A NEW CULTIVAR HAS SURFACED LIKE A TREE FERN??...IT'S NEW TO ME. MY EXPERIENCE WITH "TREE ORCHIDS"...IS AN ACTUAL LOG OR TALL POST WITH INDIVIDUAL ORCHID PLANTS ATTACHED..TO RESEMBLE A "TREE"..OF SORTS. PEOPLE HAVE ASSEMBLED GORGEOUS "FERN TREES" WITH MOSSES AND STAGHORN FERNS..BROMILIADS ETC. A NEWER DESIGN ELEMENT IN THIS CATAGORY IS A "LIVING WALL" WITH MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF EPIPHYTES (AIRPLANTS) AND FERNS..USUALLY WITH A TRICKLING WATERFALL...BUT ALSO NEEDING AN ALMOST RAINFOREST ATMOSPHERE..LIKE A GREENHOUSE...OR SUN ROOM..SO LOTTA PATIENCE AND TLC...AND SOMETIMES A 'SITTER' WHEN YOU GO ON VACATION...UNLESS YOU OPT FOR A PRICEY CLIMATE CONTROL THERMOSTAT METER......THIS IS A GREAT HOBBY THOUGH. THERE IS A FALSE 'ORCHID TREE' THAT GROWS BEAUTIFULLY IN S. FLORIDA....SOME CONSIDER IT A PEST. IT IS A FAST GROWING PROFUSE BLOOMER..IN PINK AND OR WHITE...WITH HEARTSHAPED PALMSIZED LEAVES..COMMONLY CALLED A "HONG KONG ORCHID TREE"............HAPPY SPRING GARDENING AND WHATEVER PROJECTS TO ALL.....AND THANKS TO THOSE OF YOU WHO INDULGE ME IN MY OCCASIONAL..LEGENTHLY RAMBLINGS...THOSE WHO DON'T...JUST SCROLL ON ;~) ..........LARGO

Fran		14-Mar-2010 16:26
Wonderful pitures for you to share. Thanks, Charlis

charlis		14-Mar-2010 15:51
The infamous Santa suit pics are now in the gallery. thanks Don.

Miami Girl		14-Mar-2010 14:20
Roberta thanks for the message of hugs - double that back to ya! I've been thinking of specializing in orchid growing when we move to GA so I'm glad you included them. I do NOT have a green thumb but figure if I just concentrate on one or two things maybe I can master them. So, I hope tree orchids are easy.....do you know? We have a dogwood tree up here in NY that people swore wouldn't grow this far north, it had some hard times over the past 7 or 8 years but is now flourishing!

Jeff		14-Mar-2010 07:53
Hi, Roberta... Thanks for your good wishes... You and Lewis have mine in return! Jeff

Roberta Perry Hughes		14-Mar-2010 07:06
Just me, checking in to say "hello." Hope that the flamboyant hibiscus, bouganvillia, tree orchids, big yellow angel trumpets, and other blossoms and blooms, riant with color, will grace everyone's Spring gardens and flower beds, along with the producing fruit trees. Here, we have azaleas in various colors, pink and white dogwoods, pink, white, and cerise crepe myrtles, King Alfred, is it? daffodils, and the tiny johnny-jump-ups, and paper whites, and of course, rambling roses, and many other varieties of roses as well, and lots and lots of wildflowers. I love the pastel colors, of flowers, and of Easter candies, in the stores. ummmmmm! Makes me want some pastel M&M's.... May the Spring weather be kind to you, one and all, wherever life's roads have taken you to dwell. Whitebelt, I am so happy for you in your new home, and enjoying all of its accoutremont. Lucky you....!! Jeffy....Hope you are kickin' up your heels, and enjoying all that life has to offer. Charlis....hey, girlfriend....how be ya? LARGO....! LARRRRR-GOOOOO.....! HOWDY, TO YA, MISS 'TINE....! Don, Charles, Leighton, Miami Girl, Fran, Parks, Az Al, Nike, Mike Tripp.....hugs to you, and everyone else.....!! Lotsa Love, Roberta and Lewis ==================================================================

LARGO		13-Mar-2010 20:27
YEAH C.K....FOR AWHILE THERE I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME WITH "OMG SPRING HAS HIT THIS SITE"...BUT I SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE TO CATCH THIS....ACTUALLY QUITE TRANSPARENT IN A VERY FUN KINDA WAY. NICE TO READ SOME UPBEAT SILLINESS FOR A CHANGE...THE "CABIN FEVER CHRONICLES" FROM AWHILE BACK GOT A BIT TIRESOME......THIS 'WAY BACK MACHINE' DRIVES OFF THE ROAD AT TIMES...BUT IT'S FUN TO CATCH UP...AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THE GARDEN & SPRING AS WELL.............LARGO

Jeff		11-Mar-2010 23:27
Fran... Thanks for the kind words, dspite my silliness...

Jeff		11-Mar-2010 23:25
Sounds good, Charlis... but also let me know in advance how much you want for the stuff (if I can put it to some good use) so I'll know it's within my budget... Everyone else: Yes, I know... TMI (too much information) about me... but I had to find a way to make a joke about my situation... LOL!

charlis		11-Mar-2010 22:28
Jeff, I'll email you when I get the stuff put together so I can get your snail mail address. Also have something else to email you about a special Beach project that is being started to help us... a scholarship fund, dedicated to Evie as the first recipient.

charlis		11-Mar-2010 22:19
Fran... I am sending the infamous Santa suit pics to Don as soon as I finish typing this.

charlis		11-Mar-2010 22:16
white... give me train ride anytime!

Fran		11-Mar-2010 20:15
Jeff, thanks for the info. Glad to hear that you are feeling better. Roberta, you and Lewis are not forgotten, best wishes for you and Lewis. White, good to know that your hot water is on. Charlis, Santa suit?

Jeff		11-Mar-2010 03:19
Don't feel bad, CK... my "tool kit" hasn't worked for quite a while... {:c( I'm actually now a CERTIFIED "geezer"... grey hair... AARP card... enlarged prostate and now a pacemaker... and I won't even turn 58 until July! Sheesh..... Charlis, my kidding aside... thank you! Whatever I can round up in pre-owned art and graphics supplies, I'm also hoping to share with an artist buddy of mine whose studio was destroyed last year by an arson fire...

Fran		11-Mar-2010 00:45
Hey Charlis, you are talking to a woman with a compound saw and knows how to use it. I love to built and repair things, kinda crafty too. Looking forward to planting bulbs and vegetables. All this creative talk makes me fell sooooooo good. :) Spring is in the air!

Charles Knight		10-Mar-2010 23:55
I must be really bored! I'm reading double meanings all over the place here..." I can't enjoy this old ...", "The Amtrak" stops twenty miles from here", and all this hot tub stuff. Love is in the air??? I am just messing with you folks!

whitebelt		10-Mar-2010 23:23
Charlis, now that I can get cleaned up I will start working on the hot tub before too long. Will probably take a few months to get everything up to snuff. Less if I am lucky. BTW, Amtrak stops just 20 miles from here.

charlis		10-Mar-2010 23:23
miamigirl... I posted, but it did not show up, about my being the one to recommend Hall. His books are not "satirical" but very entertaining. My first exposure to him involved some woan hwo had witnessed a murder and was being "tracked" by the murderer. It wa so long ago that I can not remember the book's title, but the places mentioned did exist at the time of the story... one of them was only a few blocks from where I lived!

whitebelt		10-Mar-2010 23:18
Charlis, this old body, about a month more than yours, also has a problem enjoying a tool like in the younger days. Got my hot water heater working again. Took a hot shower immediately. Four days of crawling around in the dust and mud without a hot shower or shampoo. Even the goats were shunning me. Hopefully it will survive until I get stimulated by Uncle Sam. BTW, tankless water heaters and mixer faucets can be a real headache getting the right temp. You have to have a certain amount of flow for the heater to kick on.

charlis		10-Mar-2010 23:17
white... get the hot tub fixed and I will be there ASAP! Then we can work on the other things!

charlis		10-Mar-2010 23:13
Jeff... I promise I will look for your stuff... next weekend. I have to work at the Household Chemicals and Electronics recycling/collection event this weekend. I did find my old art box... with samples of the "new" acrylic paint that was meant to replace oils... given out at a demo in Kiibler's class in the early/mid 60's. Your "stuff" is in another box or drawer.

charlis		10-Mar-2010 23:09
Gang... how many women do you know that have two tool boxes in the "utility closet", 2 in the car (one regular and one metric), an electric drill with all sorts of bits, a jig saw and blades, an angle saw, and a a hand held soddering tool that goes back to the 50's (and still works!) As mentioned before, I rebuilt a 64 1/2 Mustang in 1969, and did most of the repairs on my house in the 70's, 80's, and 90's. I know how to use the tools, but this 61 (in May) body does not want to let me do all the things I love to do with the tools!

Miami Girl		10-Mar-2010 22:26
Whoever it was that recommended the James W. Hall books I'd like to send a big THANK YOU. I'm finishing my third one and thoroughly enjoying them. My favorite so far was Magic City because of the parts that took place in 1964 - a wonderful year for me with tons of memories!

whitebelt		10-Mar-2010 14:07
Charlis is my kind of woman. She can appreciate a good tool and willing to explore the way things work best. I am fixing to go out in the cold garage, it is cold today, and disassemble and reassemble that old tankless heater in the hope I can bring it back to life. Took it off the wall so I can work on it. Too old to be laying on the floor and looking at it from odd angles. Wish me luck, because I really need a hot shower and a shampoo. Tried to man up and wash with that cold water yesterday, but wussed out. Took an alcohol bath instead. God, that water is cold.

Charles Knight		10-Mar-2010 12:22
Charlis...I'm shocked! Why if I didn't know better I would think you just wanted to check out the pulley system the previous occupant had installed LOL!

Parks		10-Mar-2010 04:48
Whitebelt, At least you'll get to make a lot of trips to the hardware store. What guy doesn't enjoy a trip to the hardware store? On the subject of the Glades Pole Boat I'm working on, Snapper and I managed to get it covered with fiberglass and if I can get down to Homestead we should be able to finish it up. Maxie Simmons, wife of the designer, saw it and was pleased. She didn't like the board we had used as a seat so out it came. Unfortunately a few days after she saw it, she had a stroke and is in pretty bad shape. I'm glad she got to see it.

Jeff		10-Mar-2010 01:44
Sure, Charlis... You can find your tools, but NOT the art supplies! {:cP hahahahahahaha

Fran		10-Mar-2010 00:02
Charlis, nice of you to offer. White, SOUNDS LIKE ROAD TRIP! However, I'll wait for the hot tub. :)

whitebelt		09-Mar-2010 23:13
Charlis, I appreciate your offer, but I don't need your tools. Your body would do just fine, though. :-) I will get it squared away sooner or later. Then I can work on the hot tub.

charlis		09-Mar-2010 22:11
White... if I was younger... okay, if my body was younger... I'd be in my car and heading your way with all my tools. I love doing that kind of stuff. Not bad at it... for a girl. The most exciting thing I've gotten to put together was an "under the desk" rolling file cabinet today, at work. Had to help a coworker put HIS together! ;-)

Nike		09-Mar-2010 18:39
Whitebelt, I think people call what you described as "the good ole days." I've never even "camped out" after 2 1/2 years of living in a tent for Uncle Sam in Carol City, Everglades NP and Key Largo. I'll take the modern conveniences.

Fran		09-Mar-2010 05:47
Gee Whitebelt, sounds like your having fun. Just think, Spring is just around the bend. :)

Fran		09-Mar-2010 05:47
Gee Whitebelt, sounds like your having fun. Just think, Spring is just around the bend. :)

Fran		09-Mar-2010 05:47
Gee Whitebelt, sounds like your having fun. Just think, Spring is just around the bend. :)

whitebelt		09-Mar-2010 03:31
It has been very wet. So very muddy. The heating ducts in my house I just purchased have never been cleaned. I get nice and dirty Sunday cleaning the furnace and some ducts. Then I notice there is water running somewhere. I discover the old tankless water heater has sprung a leak from the pressure relief valve. Which was very old and corroded and buried beneath the floor. Since you are supposed to test them on occasion that is a dumb place to put them. I manage to stop the leak by blocking the output before it got to that broken valve, but no hot shower for me. Today I go and spend lots of money for PEX piping to replace the Quest they had used. Quest is lousy stuff. However, the little hardware store was lacking in fittings for me to get the hot and cold piping replaced. So, I replace the hot water side. However again, due to the wet crawlspace and my age, I thought I would temporarily hookup the hot water within the house. PEX is great stuff, no leaks. HOWEVER, I can not get the hot water tank to stay lit. It probably ran for hours and got damaged. So again, no hot shower for me. This water is 40-50 degrees. That is effing COLD!!! The house is a mess, mud and tools and stuff everywhere. An open crawlspace trapdoor. A dirty filthy nasty me. It is raining outside. I am not in a good mood. But I still love my house. Just having to accelerate the schedule of planned upgrades before my cash catches up. Don't like tankless water heaters, anyhow. God works in mysterious ways.

Jeff		06-Mar-2010 17:35
Charlis... Ariel is a generic version of Helvetica... the same over-used typeface... BLAH!

charlis		06-Mar-2010 16:35
Jeff... I switch all my computer defaults to Ariel!

Charles Knight		06-Mar-2010 14:51
Parks, sure did and had a great time despite the cold weather. Did two interviews on Gator Hook. One on film, and one for Miami New Times. Don't know what will happen either of them though. A little rain on Saturday but it cleared up after an hour or so. COLD! In the tent at least...Air boat ride, swamp buggy rides, walking in the woods. And lot's of reminiscing with old friends and acquaintances. All in all a very enjoyable time. We were invited back next year but that's a long way off so...

Parks		06-Mar-2010 05:50
Hi Guys, My friend Bill hosted Florida Movie Night tonight. The short was a Sea Hunt episode filmed in Tarpon Springs and Silver Springs. The feature was Let it Ride with Richard Dryfus and Jennifer Tilly. It was filmed mostly at Hialeah Race Track. Jennifer Tilly really knows how to wear a red dress! CK, Did you get to the Wild Hog Barbeque?

Charles Knight		05-Mar-2010 13:28
Whitebelt, I know what he used the pulley for...Kinky!

Jeff		05-Mar-2010 04:26
Charlis... so you're related to the guy who designed Times New Roman? You're lucky I'm still speaking with you [LOL!] I HATE the over-use of that font as well as Helvetica! I'd rather see Palatino and Futura as replacements for those two boring examples of typography...

whitebelt		05-Mar-2010 00:35
Charlis, this is more of a cleaner upper more than a fixer upper. Some serious collections of dust here. Pulled a front bumper of some old car out of the ceiling of the garage today. Found a UHF amplifier plugged in and on in the crawlspace yesterday. Been there a while. Video cable all over the place here. The furnace hasn't been cleaned in years. Will be a while before i get to the hot tub. Should work OK. Nice having one you can get into naked. Big hot tub. Was a VA employee that used to own this house before he died a few years ago. Hasn't been lived in much since. The hot tub is in a large room with a skylight, toilet, shower, sauna room, disco balls, colored floodlights, a blacklight, and residual speakers from the stereo and wall TV he had. There is also a large pulley attached to the ceiling for some reason. Going to put potted palms in it and turn it into a little sub-tropical oasis. Can't wait for warm weather to really get into gear working on it. Can't wait to get some furniture, either. Nice little local supermarket with good meat and produce. Reasonably priced. Has been unusually wet out here and in New Mexico this year. Going to be a fierce spring.

charlis		04-Mar-2010 23:34
jeff... I promise to get the stuff to you way before then... I only wish that I had gotten the stuff from the french family... Christoph Plantin is an ancestor of mine... the guy who created the Times New Roman font that is the default Microsoft font.

charlis		04-Mar-2010 23:26
White.. I envy you... a fixer upper with a hot tub! My condo has a hot tub... that got me seduced into buying... until I found kids using the thing for a pool and found poop in it one day. Seems parents are letting kids use the hot tub as a kiddie pool.

Fran		04-Mar-2010 04:10
Whitebelt, enjoy your new home. Glad to hear that all is well, getting better.

whitebelt		04-Mar-2010 02:41
Finally got my internet back. 10GB here. 1.5GB is 5 bucks less. Nothing in between. Oh, well. I will have a busy few months cleaning and tuning this place up. Good quality, just unused for a while. Gotta get that hot tub up and running. The VA is a funny animal. Some are good, some are the pits, and some are mixed. Their biggest problem is administration. They were supposed to bring them under the same umbrella a few years back. They were regional and personal kingdoms until then. I stayed away from them for the last few years, but will be getting back into the system here. Drove 90 miles to ABQ for an emergency room visit the Sunday before last, just before closing. They seem better and I ain't getting any younger. Alive and feeling better, though tired, here in beautiful southeastern Colorado.

Jeff		04-Mar-2010 02:33
Alright, Charlis... but sometime before 2025? {:cP

charlis		03-Mar-2010 23:38
Jeff... don't give up on me! I have to find the stuff! Afterall, the stuff is very old! Glad to "see" that you are back to your old self!

charlis		03-Mar-2010 22:27
Al... I forgot to mention that my friend was in the Psych wing! He was not a violent man... on the contrary, he was the most gentle man I ever knew... He rescued a young kitten from a tree... the kitten is now 14 years old. During our short friendship he rescued birds that fell out of nests, wouldn't even let me kill a cock roach!

charlis		03-Mar-2010 22:23
Al... The VA in Miami was great to my father in 1980 where he died of liver failure. They had found his records from when he was in the army in the late 40's and found that he had been part of some experiment... involunteeringly! They were a big help to the family. However... the VA here in Tampa is a different story. I had a young male friend who had been injured in his late teens while serving on board ship. The injury caused seizures. His doctor was great but it was the staff that was bad. My friend had worked at the hospital in the 80's and mid 90's as a nurse's aide and in the file room for bookkeeping and was well liked by all. On May 9, 2000 his doctor admitted him. On May 12th I got a call saying that he was in jail! That is my b-day. I took off from work and went to the jail. He was not going to be released. The story... he was in the hallway with another patient and they were talking about golf. My friend was telling the guy about how great a golfer I was... He pointed to a nurse and said, per the witness... and pointing to a nurse at the end of the hall..."She could hit her from here." Within an hour the cops arrived and took my friend to jail! A few days later my friend went before a judge and was released in my custody. He had spent his 40th b-day, May 13th, in jail! The doctor stood up for him. It was a problem with the nurse. We contacted a lawyer and had a good case. Unfortunately, I came from work one day, 3 weeks later, and found my friend dead... of a massive siesure... The nurse was fired.

Arizona Al		03-Mar-2010 02:12
Regarding the Veterans Administration..I have never had the occasion to utilize the various services available since I have always been in good physical and mental (there may be some who question this) health. However, I have two colleagues who work for the V.A. here in Phoenix in the outpatient counseling department and from what they have shared with me the Phoenix V.A. is using up-to-date evidence based practices and treatments in the provision of behavioral health services to the Phoenix area veterans. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Jeff		03-Mar-2010 02:11
No problem, Charlis... I'll add you to the "I give up on them" group, as it sounds like you have more stuff than time to go through it... LOL! Hey, it was a thought, right????

charlis		02-Mar-2010 22:42
Jeff... sorry... I have not gotten around to cleaning out the closet... and I have so much "stuff" in boxes from over the years. I've been working on my biography for a xmas present for my daughter. I'll have to get into the boxes so I can scan some things into the "book". Heck, I still owe Don some pics! This weird FL weather is taking its toll on this old body!

Jeff		02-Mar-2010 02:14
Charlis... Great! I'll have a full contingency of tour guides (your aunt and Largo) if and when I ever get there. Right now, I'm just glad to be slowly getting closer to "all healed" (another two weeks of somewhat-limited activities). Did you EVER find any of the old art supplies? I'm still interested in buying them off of you if the price is right...

Miami Girl		02-Mar-2010 02:07
Nike and Fran, I'm happy to hear other good stories about the VA. Nike I've thought for years that Max Cleland was the instigator of the cleanup after his experiences - good to know I was right yet again, lol. St. Augustine - I do envy you living there Largo. I've only been once but it's one of my favorite places and will be going back someday!

charlis		01-Mar-2010 23:53
jeff... when your are ready to go to St. A let me know. I have an "aunt" that lives there and she knows a lot of the history and historical sites... being an anthropologist that worked on many of the "digs". We lost touch a few years ago and recently got back in touch thanks to the Helen Keller Foundation that she worked with for as long as I've know her... she was a friend of my parents in France before I was born!

Nike		01-Mar-2010 20:07
Miami Girl & Fran, Ditto on the VA here in Atlanta -- it's nothing like it was previously. My former boss (Max Cleland) was Director of the VA when Uncle Jimmy was President. He was selected fr the job because of his personal expereince as a triple amputee and a victim of the VA system when it was at its worst. I couldn't be happier with the service and treatment I get.

Jeff		01-Mar-2010 12:43
Largo, you're more than kind... That's one trip I'd been thinking about even before I started to post here... and who knows when that will take place.... but your offer is most appreciated!

LARGO		01-Mar-2010 12:25
JEFF..WHEN YOU ARE READY..ASK DON FOR MY E-MAIL AND LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ST. AUGUSTINE...WOULD LOVE TO SHOW YOU AROUND...IT'S A BIT CHILLY AT PRESENT..BUT NONE THE LESS A LOVELY SPOT......LARGO

Jeff		01-Mar-2010 02:23
Thanks, Largo... Yes, it's been two weeks and almost hard to believe! I've wanted to get to St. Augustine one day for both a visit and to check out the "local" yard sales... as a change of pace from this area... but that will be when I'm fully recovered AND have a traveling partner...

LARGO		01-Mar-2010 01:01
ROBERTA... SOOO GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN...THINK OF YOU OFTEN...AND THANKS TO CHARLIS FOR RELAYING UPDATES ON YOU AND LEWIS...STAY STRONG..AND JEFF...2 WEEKS ALREADY??? GLAD TO HEAR YOU'RE IMPROVING DAILY...BE NICE TO HAVE A FEW OF YOU ALL IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD......I JUST ORDERED A 'COMPOSTUMBLER' AS I HAVE BEEN PLANNING MY GARDEN ON PAPER ALL WINTER SEASON...AND HAVE A LOAD OF YARD AND KITCHEN STUFF THAT NEEDS TO 'GET WITH THE PROGRAM'....AWAITING SPRING IN AN UNUSUALLY CHILLY SAINT AUGUSTINE WINTER...AS EVER... LARGO

Fran		01-Mar-2010 00:51
Roberta, I concur with Miami Girl. You give me hope when trying to deal with all that is troubling to me. The VA has been wonderful in Texas, nothing but good to report. Remember that you and Lewis are not forgotten. Much love to you and yours.

Miami Girl		28-Feb-2010 15:49
Roberta: You have such a wonderful writing style and I do love reading your posts. Even those when you happen to be in a down mood we can still read that positive frame of mind you have and Lewis is so blessed to have you there for him. Good to hear you will be getting home aid - that six hours a week will help tremendously. My sister's husband has Parkinson's and I have to say, the VA in Miami has been wonderful - even gives her the opportunity to put him in the hospital for up to 2 weeks a year so she can really get some time away. The VA has had MASSIVE PROBLEMS in the past and continue to do so, but those in Miami and in Syracuse (for my husband) only get high marks, and they are getting better. I do realize some locations need more work than others, so I hope I haven't opened a can of worms here for all the negative stories people have regarding the VA Hospitals, I acknowledge they're out there.

Jeff		28-Feb-2010 14:11
Roberta... So nice to hear from you at long last. Thank you for the kind words and yes, I DO feel well and pretty much back to normal... It's hard to believe that tomorrow (Monday) will be two weeks since the implant of the pacemaker, and the day after I was answering email! It's good that you are taking the necessary steps to ensure that you and Lewis are being cared for properly. After all, you can't continue doing it alone with all of theose tenuous hours. I wish both of you the best of health under your circumstances, and the continued positivity you show in getting through this ordeal.

Roberta Perry Hughes		28-Feb-2010 10:32
Good Sunday/Sabbath to one and all. Charlis....thanks so much, for the emails you send to me, and the kindness you have shown. I appreciate all that you do, and for staying in touch. LARGO....! LARRRRR-GO....! LAR-GOOOO....! I HAVE MISSED YOU, "MISS SAINT 'TINE"....! GLAD THAT YOU ARE STATESIDE, ONCE AGAIN! WELCOME HOME, AND THANKS, FOR ALL YOU AND YOUR PALS DID FOR THE FOLKS DOWN IN HAITI. Everyone on here....ALL of my cyberspace family members, whom I love and adore....I thank you, one and all, for your warm thoughts and well wishes, for Lewis and me. It really means a lot. It really helps us both. I read all of your well wishes to Lewis. He got all misty on me, as he is sensitive, and sentimenal. Jeff....hopefully, you will now be feeling well, with a regulated heartbeat. It is such a miracle, really, to wake up, feeling good, and to not get overtired, nor cave in, under stress. I am so glad that you are doing well, now, my friend! I hope that you will continue to improve, and be no worse for the wear. Whitebelt....Congratulations, on your new home. May you enjoy it in good health, and happiness. Miami Girl, I hope your foot is healed, by now, and that it no longer hurts you. We all take the gift of ambulation for granted, until something happens to compromise it, making weight-bearing painful, and mobility risky. I used to sit in the car, while Lewis was inside a store, and I would watch the shoppers come and go, car to building, and I would marvel at them, and wonder if they knew how lucky they were, to be able to get about on their own power. We are doing well, for the most part. Life is routine. I now have a Call Alert necklace, and beginning tomorrow, I will have a home health aide to come in for 2 hours, 3 times a week, and that is going to help me, immensely. Again, I thank you one and all, from the bottom of my heart, for remembering us in your thoughts and prayers. You're the best, and I love y'all, so much. Most especially, you, Don..... Roberta, thankful for having supportive friends who care, even though we've never met. How amazingly awesome, and just so truly wonderful....! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

whitebelt		28-Feb-2010 03:18
Thanks for the comments everyone. I closed, it took about 35 minutes. Everything went smoothly even though things were convoluted for a while. I had a crackerjack broker and realtor. Zero closing costs for me. Back at the old place now picking up my stuff. Won't be online there for a few days yet. Camped out for a couple of nights there. Hope to get going in the morning before the snow comes. I am whupped.

Charles Knight		26-Feb-2010 12:27
AA, he wasn't wrong. There's always a never ending list...

Arizona Al		26-Feb-2010 02:12
Whitebelt: Gratz! And to quote the late Borscht Belt Comedian Alan King "Anyone who owns their own home deserves it." Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Charles Knight		26-Feb-2010 02:05
Charlis, I'm not a Dem. but I've just got to get this off of my chest. I own a home in Satellite Beach, in 2008 it was assessed at 365,000.00, in late 2008 ( prior to Obama) the value had dropped to 230,00.00, I might get 175,00.00 were I to sell now. Fortunately I don't have to. The point I'm trying to make here is that things were going rapidly downhill long before Obama took office. Although I don't particularly agree with all of Obama's decisions, I know better than to blame all of our housing and economic woes on him. Bush was an no rocket scientist (and I know a lot of rocket scientists, this area is loaded with them!).

charlis		25-Feb-2010 23:56
white... congratulations! I wish I had been so lucky. I bought a condo in late 2007, then Obama was elected and the market crashed. I had gotten a good deal on the condo at the time, now it is worth half of what I paid! Wish I could retire.

Miami Girl		25-Feb-2010 22:04
Whitebelt, as a former mortgage loan processor it's really the BEST time to buy a house these days - we plan to bank the proceeds from this house that's PIF and get a 30 yr on our next one - cheap rent as you say! Sounds like you got a great deal! Isn't it funny how we want to be close to a hospital when we settle into our old age? How our priorities change. Best of luck to you.

Charles Knight		25-Feb-2010 12:25
Whitebelt, congratulations!

Fran		25-Feb-2010 08:01
Whitebelt, sounds great and just the right deal for you. Happy closing...peace.

whitebelt		25-Feb-2010 04:37
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/02/24/airport.satisfaction.study/index.html?hpt=C1 MIA ranks pretty low on customer satisfaction. Why am I not surprised? Closing on my house in Colorado tomorrow. I have never owned a house in my life and never thought I would, especially disabled and on a small pension. But I lucked into a very good mortgage broker and realtor that made it happen. Plus the VA. Plus the economy. Sweet little town with some very nice people. 1/3 acre, 1100 sq ft main house, 2 car garage and a nice sized sauna room with a large hot tub and showers and a 2 room cabin on the property, also a cellar. It all passed VA approval. Privacy fencing around most of it. Nice medical center within 20 miles. All for less than 50K. Could have got it for 41K, but paid higher for the seller to pay all concessions. I can afford a 30 year mortgage better than huge hunks of cash. I will also be long dead before it gets paid off. But $350 month is not bad rent. Oh yeah, I will also get a $4750 stimulus check. God has been good to me in my old age. Sure wasn't so good the first 50 years unless it was to teach a hardhead some lessons. Mild climate. Lots of sunshine and stars. Little to annoy and distract. There are some excellent values out in the hinterlands

charlis		24-Feb-2010 00:09
GANG... sorry about that typo... big hands, small keyboard ;-) Roberta says to say hello and thanks for thinking about her and Lewis. She has been busy with both of their medical problems and other things. I am hoping to drive up to see them as soon as the threat of snow is over. She does check in and read posts but just can't respond or post for "fear of crying as she types." She loves us all and thanks us for our thoughts.

Fran		23-Feb-2010 16:21
Gnag, as in meaning gang? Roberta, best wishes to you and Lewis.

Fran		23-Feb-2010 16:21
Gnag, as in meaning gang? Roberta, best wishes to you and Lewis.

Parks		23-Feb-2010 15:06
CK, How about a report on the Wild Hog Barbeque? Charlis, Please give Roberta my best. What's a gnag? Some sort of a horse? I shouldn't make fun of someones typing errors. It will come back to bite me in the arse.

charlis		22-Feb-2010 22:20
gnag... I just emailed Roberta and told her that we were all thinking about her and Lewis. I'll let you know what she says.

Nike		22-Feb-2010 20:25
Leighton, Glad to see your back.

Leighton		22-Feb-2010 07:12
Chit-chatting here? Imagine.

Jeff		21-Feb-2010 14:22
John, I guess I've been a bit remiss as well - what with my own health issues. I sincerely hope that Roberta and Lewis are doing fine. I can only surmise that Roberta's been off this blog because her priority is taking care of her husband rather that chit-chatting. Let's hope all's well!

Miami Girl		21-Feb-2010 13:37
John, thanks for bringing that up. I had all intentions of asking about Roberta and Lewis - then it slipped my mind when I had to hurry up and finish. Roberta, there's strength in friendship and you two have a large network of friends right here on Don's site. We're sending our prayers.

John		21-Feb-2010 04:06
Hi all. I was reading your interesting comments and I stumbled upon Roberta's heartbreaking, but wonderful post back on Jan 31st. She has not posted since. Does anyone know how she is doing? It seems that LARGO is the only one here, as of late, who has expressed concern about Roberta's where-abouts or situation. Either way, if Roberta is listening, I am thinking about you and Lewis.

Miami Girl		20-Feb-2010 00:19
CK you're right, it could be much worse. I'm grateful for everyday I can get up and go to work..... but looking forward to retirement next year. Good luck to you on your results.

Jeff		19-Feb-2010 16:25
Not a problem, CK... I just figured maybe you had put to rest the graphics thing for other ventures...

Charles Knight		19-Feb-2010 15:18
Jeff, sorry man, I'm a hoarder! I hang on to my supplies as I never know when I'll need something.

Parks		19-Feb-2010 13:48
CK, Bad timing for the BBQ and me. I'm going to be in Vero Beach this weekend or I'd come out and buy you a beer.

Jeff		19-Feb-2010 04:38
CK... I tried to add you to my friends as per your Facebook request, but the damned service is acting foolish tonight. I'm not on there much, but when I am, I'll be sure to add you in. I didn't know you were also a graphic artist! Do you have any vintage (or just plain unused) art supplies you'd be interested in selling on the cheap? Have I mentioned [recently] that I now have 375 font offerings at MyFonts.com? That's quite a library, considering that I started with 10 offerings in January of 2006...

Charles Knight		19-Feb-2010 03:47
Parks, the next Wild Hog Jamboree is coincidentally next weekend, I along with some family and friends will be there. We're camping Fri. and Sat. nights as guests of the organizers. I knew the Webs, but don't have any idea as to what's become of them. The old "Monroe Station" is going on the National Historic landmark list. Gator Hook was my home and seemed tame to me.

Parks		19-Feb-2010 03:02
CK, The Florida Film group is now talking about the Gator Hook. Following is a comment and question from my friend Chris. "I went to the Gator Hook several times. A wild and crazy place. A mixture of wild west, boom town and beer. Do you know when the next wild hog BBQ is? Did you know Dixie Webb at Monroe Station?"

Charles Knight		19-Feb-2010 02:28
Well, I had the MRI this morning, what a noisy machine, totally drowned out 80% of the Mozart I was listening to! I'm sure I'll be fine. Miami Girl...Well that's good and bad news. Good because it's nothing that could result in...Well, let's leave it at that. Bad because R.A. can be as painful as hell! One of my sisters suffered from it, she was in constant discomfort. My best to you.

Jeff		19-Feb-2010 01:21
Theoretically, they could... but it would have to be under just the right circumstances. The important thing is that I'm on the mend, and hope I won't have to face such issues...

Miami Girl		18-Feb-2010 23:01
CK: Hope you're doing good, keep us informed on the results. My CT scan said I probably have localized Rheumatoid Arthritis - so I go to yet another Dr. Jeff: Actually couldn't they probably tell you have a pacemaker just from your scars?

Charles Knight		18-Feb-2010 14:44
Thanks Fran, I'm sure I'm alright, too ornery to be in bad shape.

Fran		18-Feb-2010 13:15
CK, good luck with your MRI today.

Jeff		18-Feb-2010 04:28
Largo... I appreciate your kind comments... Thanks, everyone for the well wishes!

Charles Knight		18-Feb-2010 03:21
Glad to hear things appear minor for you Miami Girl, I'm getting an MRI tomorrow morning, I've had a head ache for about a month now, before that I probably had about two a year so...Who knows, it's probably just stress or something silly like that. Parks, yes there was a scene filmed in Gator Hook but it was David Carradine and Ms. Jackson. While the film crew was in the Glades a bunch of us partied with some of them and Carradine...Strange fellow indeed, sat in a corner, smoked our pot, played guitar, and dispensed bits of wisdom ala Kung Fu and was generally pretty introverted. At first we were all in awe of him but after a couple of hours there was talk of taking deep into the swamp and leaving him there for awhile. Didn't happen though. We all tried to meet Ms. Jackson but her "handlers" wouldn't let anyone within ten yards of her.

LARGO		18-Feb-2010 03:17
HEY JEFF...SO GLAD TO KNOW THAT YOUR HEART IS IN GOOD CARE AND THAT YOU ARE ON THE MEND...ISN'T IT AMAZING WHAT MIRACLES OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE THERE ARE? HAS ANYONE HEARD FROM ROBERTA??...I DO NOT HAVE HER PERSONAL E-MAIL...DON...CHARLIS...ANYONE?...STAY WARM YA ALL................. LARGO

Jeff		18-Feb-2010 02:39
Miami Girl: I'd already asked the surgeon about the Medic Alert bracelet prior to the procedure... He said that carrying the Medtronics pacemaker ID card would suffice... Thanks for your concern.

Miami Girl		18-Feb-2010 02:26
CK, I'm doing good - just a pain in my foot that 3 Dr's so far can't figure out. First x-rays, then MRI, then last Monday a CAT scan (go in for the results of that tomorrow). Maybe tiny stress fracture - that would be a good thing because it can be fixed! Thanks for asking :)

Parks		18-Feb-2010 01:17
Hi CK, A discussion among my Florida Movie Night friends has brought up the suggestion that we watch Thunder & Lightning w/Keith Carradine & Kate Jackson and Sterling Holloway's final film appearance. They said that a scene was filmed in the Gator Hook. Can you confirm this?

Charles Knight		17-Feb-2010 23:47
Miami Girl, you alright?

Miami Girl		17-Feb-2010 23:30
Jeff, I just had an MRI a couple weeks ago -- make sure you get a medic alert bracelet in case of emergency if you're out cold and there's no family members around to tell them of the pacemaker. Geez it's hell gettin' old - so much maintenance!

Jeff		17-Feb-2010 17:27
Fran, Parks... thanks for your good wishes. I finally got some much-needed rest [around 10 hours]. I'm taking things slow and following the doctor's advice to "start getting back to normal activities" with the exception of certain activities.

Fran		17-Feb-2010 05:04
Jeff. Sleep well...

Parks		17-Feb-2010 04:51
Jeff, I'm glad to hear you are doing better. CK, Dr. Murphy, founder of Cordis, has been a customer of mine for many years. He strikes me as a real gentleman. He has an avid interest in steam power. He even started a company that sold small steam engines and owned a steam powered tug boat.

Charles Knight		17-Feb-2010 02:34
Jeff, now that you mention it I'm scheduled for an MRI on Thur. and they asked if I had one in addition dozen's of other questions. All I could think of was how Serge made the bad guy swallow a bunch of bullets prior to placing him in an MRI machine. Death by reverse gunshot! Still haven't heard back from C. DeChant...Must be touring or something.

Jeff		17-Feb-2010 01:27
CK and Billy... Thank you as well. CK... not to worry... it's from Medtronics... and it's smaller than the ones from those days. The battery lasts on an average from 7-10 years and the only thing I have to avoid is direct (6 inches or less) contact with electromagnetic fields... ie: working on a running car, standing inside a security zone [or getting zapped by a hand-held wand] at a courthouse or airport, MRI's, etc. Consumer elctronics, computers, microwves and cel phones are all safe (if I were to use acel phone, I should hold it to the opposite ear]. My first calibration visit is in two weeks, then every 3 months.

Billy		17-Feb-2010 00:21
Whitebelt, Good luck with your closing, and have fun on the ranch in the hot tub, and with all the ladies. Billy.

Billy		17-Feb-2010 00:18
Jeff, Take it easy, and good luck with your new pacemaker. I hope you do live to be 100. Good Health, from now on. Billy.

Charles Knight		17-Feb-2010 00:00
Oh and Jeff...Scars add character just ask our homeboy Mickey Rourke.

Charles Knight		16-Feb-2010 23:57
Jeff, glad to hear you're going to be alright! When I went to Miami High a bunch of us worked for Cordiss Corp' manufacturing medical supplies and pacemakers...Well, we were all pretty stoned just about every day so I hope you got a new model ha ha!

Jeff		16-Feb-2010 22:30
Thanks, Charlis, Don... I feel pretty good except for some sheer exhaustion (didn't sleep more than about seven hours during my entire hospital stay). Here's hoping I sleep well tonight... I'm still the same ugly old me with an ugly new scar...

Don Boyd		16-Feb-2010 22:15
Welcome back Jeff, I'm glad to hear you're in good shape again. Speaking of sick and dying manatees, here's a link to an article about 200 manatee deaths due to the string of cold weather periods in Florida this winter: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1483111.html Don .

charlis		16-Feb-2010 22:14
Jeff....OMG!!!!!! Take it easy. Glad to hear everything went okay.

Jeff		16-Feb-2010 20:06
Hello, Everyone... It's been a wild ride these past five days. I was at my acupuncturist for a treatment, and while he was taking my pulse, I had a dizzy spell. He became very concerned and begged me to go to an ER as soon as possible. You see, I had an arrythmia due to my bundle branch blockage, and during one of those "skipped beats", the heart stops for a few seconds. Feeling that I finally found the root to all of the dizzy and fainting spells I'd had as of late, I got a ride over to Aventura Hospital here in the North end of the county, and contacted my cardiologist en route. He [as I now suspected] felt certain that now I needed a pacemaker. A procedure was scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 13t but was bumped due to an emergency transplant. I was rescheduled for the morning of Monday, Feb. 15th, but again was bumped back to 1:30 PM due to another emergency need for the OR. I received the pacemaker yesterday, came through it with flying colors and [as per the instructions of the surgeon] am starting to gradually return to normal activities. While I cannot lift my left arm over my head for at least a month, nor pick up anything over 10mppounds, he urged me to go about my business and be active. All vital signs are excellent, and my formerly erratic heartbeats are now normal. To paraphrase my cardiologist about the good function of my heart as a muscle (not factoring in the electric conductivity problem before I received the pacemeaker) he said that there was no reason why I couldn't outlive my parents (dad was almost 90, mom was almost 86)! There'll be some localized sorness and a total readjustment to my sleeping habits for the next 30 days, as well as bathing and driving... but after a month, the surgeon who did the procedure says I can do ANYTHING without fear of breaking a lead wire from the pacemaker. All I have to do is be careful until then! Thank God for small miracles.. and it's good to be back home!

Fran		16-Feb-2010 05:26
Whitebelt, Kinda? Looks like fresh meat for the ladies. Best of luck, a happy closing to you.

whitebelt		15-Feb-2010 23:12
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9DSSI5O0&show_article=1 A story about a Miami family that moved to a small town in North Dakota. With their gold chains. I don't wear a cap, got a full head of hair, but I do wear flannel shirts and do not look like a city slicker. I have a closing scheduled Thursday for a house in Podunk, CO. However, Wells Fargo has been dragging their feet and haven't come up with the final docs yet. A nice clean uncomplicated VA loan and they can't keep track of their paperwork. The story of my life. Bent County, CO. Population about 6000, half in the town I am moving to. 1500 sq miles. One traffic light in the whole county, which will be about 6 blocks away. Cows, corn, winter wheat, and dark and starry skies. 20 miles to the nearest WalMart. Lots of older women. I will have a hot tub. Not much to do there except fish and explore. Kind of looking forward to it.

charlis		15-Feb-2010 21:56
Nike... I had forgotten about Hall. Loved the few books I could find, then suddenly couldn't find any. I'll look again this weekend. As to Dorsey and Hiassen... Love anything they write. Can't remember which one wrote which, or if I have two books combined in my mind, but the funniest one was about an African Safari type business. Started off with some theme park in S FL. A lot of the action took place up here in the Tampa area.

Ron Snyder		15-Feb-2010 21:39
Thanks for the memories about Bill Haast....I remember him when he lived in the 4300 Blk. of SW 7th Street....I knew his son Bill Jr. who kept a green lizard in his house underneath the refridgerator coils...Scared the **** out of me when I went for a drink of water and also the rattlers that were in the cages in the carport....Congrats on your LONG life....

Charles Knight		15-Feb-2010 20:53
We're all dog people.

Ted Crownover		15-Feb-2010 20:17
CK....Did your brother Jack have some hunting dogs. I am pretty sure that I hunted with him and my dogs. I also have taken an Alligator or two!! :)

Charles Knight		15-Feb-2010 15:27
River Rat, quite true. Later on in life Jack mellowed as do most folks but he still held strong to his beliefs. He also became a driven man. Championing the state of Florida, he had a dream of opening a venue featuring all Florida products made by Floridians in Florida from Florida resources. Alas, he passed before he could bring it to fruition. I am hoping to be able to continue his dream and possibly open a "new" Gator Hook as a sort of museum and retail outlet featuring all things Florida. In this economic time it would be nearly impossible to do so but it gives me more time to work on the business plan etc.

Miami River Rat		15-Feb-2010 15:16
Charlie, I too saw that video of Matthiessen talking like he did. The one enduring thought in my mind was how lucky that Matthiessen guy was that he didn't say what he said 40 years ago. I never had a minute's trouble with your brother Jack. He was several years older than me but he always treated me straight up. I would have told Matthiessen that the word around West Miami and the 'glades was : "You don't wanna' mess with Jack Knight". I think what was said on that video consisted of "messing".

Charles Knight		15-Feb-2010 05:36
Parks, the skiff sounds awesome! Yes I've seen the Mathiessen video, in it he speaks about my brother Jack, and although Jack had a bit of a southern accent (who doesn't?) it was nowhere near as accentuated as Mathiessen makes it out to be. My brother was an alligator poacher (who wasn't?), and he did go to prison for killing a guy but it was manslaughter, (he was fighting three grown men on his own and used a pool cue to even the score) NOT murder as Mathiessen tells it. To hear Mathiessen relate his conversation with Jack you would think that my brother had the education of Jethro Bodine...Another exaggeration on Mathiessens part. Jack was an educated man and an eloquent speaker when he spoke (he was a pretty soft spoken man). Give some northern folks a bit of an accent and they automatically assume you're a backwoods idiot. It only tells me that Mathiessen is the smaller mind (regardless of his writing skills) for making the generalization. I did get a laugh out of it though. Mr. White had never met Jack and is not guilty of embellishment in this case, he is a much more interesting storyteller in my humble opinion anyway. It may appear that I am not a big fan of Mr. Mathiessen...Not true, I read his stuff and enjoy it quite a bit. I only wish he would not exaggerate to the point of making someone look like an idiot. There's fact and there's fiction, sometime's one can combine the two, but the use of caution is always advised.

Parks		15-Feb-2010 02:05
Hi Rat, The Glades Skiff is almost complete. There were two hard parts, forming the bow and fitting the sides to the curve of the bow. I was able to form the bow with a tool I made after soaking the plywood in my partner Snapper's hot tub. His girl friend wasn't very happy about that. Snapper figured out how to fit the sides to the curve of the bow while I wasn't there. I think he just took a little off at a time until they fit. He did a nice job. We have the transom and thwart in place and are ready to fiberglass the bottom. It really looks nice. Snapper and I were both surprised at how nice it came out. Snapper wants to sand it and paint it pretty. I think that's going to be a waste of time. CK - Have you seen the television show where Peter Mathiessen and Randy Wayne White roar around the Ten Thousand Islands in a boat, catch fish and visit Mr. Watson's place? I can't remember where I got a copy of it but I plan to show it as a short for one of our Florida movie nights. Snapper hosted our most recent Florida Movie night about a week ago. He showed Fair Game with William Baldwin and Cindy Crawford as the feature film. Our short was another Doris Wishman soft porn classic, Blaze Star Goes Nudist. It was hilarious! It was mostly filmed in a nudist camp in Homestead. It cost money to synchronize the sound with the actor’s lips so instead of seeing the person talking, you mostly saw the person listening to what was being said and reacting to it. You rarely saw a close up of someone speaking.

John Hastings		14-Feb-2010 15:59
Happy Valentine's Day to all of the Ladies on this board. Cupid is after you today, with his bow and arrow. May you have a nice romantic experience on this special day. Most Sincerely, John C. Hastings.

Miami River Rat		14-Feb-2010 15:31
Charlie: I'd really like to meet you at Monroe Station for the Hog Jamboree, but it ain't gonna' happen this time. I had a week-long boat/kayak trip through the southern glades and Ten Thousand Islands planned for this week but that got messed up too. Maybe next time......

Charles Knight		14-Feb-2010 15:06
Hey Rat, I'm going to the Wild Hog Jamboree on the 27th and bringing my Kayak. You should come! For those that are adventurous enough...Go to WWW.MYSPACE.COM/GATOR HOOK LODGE and read the blogs, they're all true and you may find some of the photos interesting as well. You don't have to have a myspace account (it's a public page). I'm no pro writer but I do my best (it'll have to do)

Miami River Rat		14-Feb-2010 14:57
"Last Train to Paradise" was, I thought, outstanding. For short stories, "Murder in the Tropics, Volume 2" by Stuart B. McIver is a favorite of mine, or at least the first story is. It's the recounting of the 1924 murder of the Seminole Jack Tigertail at my family's place on the Miami River. My grandpa is prominently mentioned. Overall, the book is a group of short stories about strange Florida murders, and is very entertaining. I'll have to check out James W. Hall and Les Standiford. I don't think I've run across them, although "Standiford" sounds familiar. Parks: How ya' comin' with that everglades skiff? Finished yet? PS: My planned trip through the Ten Thousand Islands this month blew up. Life interfered. Maybe later...

Charles Knight		14-Feb-2010 14:50
Hello all, I hope you all have a nice "Hallmark" day. I read all Florida authors and do so primarily because I love anything and everything Florida. Mathiessen Mis- quoted my brother horribly in an interview he gave to Randy Wayne White and he's the only contemporary "Florida " author that hasn't responded to my communiques . He may be afraid to, or perhaps he is just too busy (take it as you will). I find that most of the new breed of Florida authors are pretty down to earth and love our home state with enough fever to dedicate large chunks of their lives to it's history and preservation, especially Dorsey, and Hiaasen although neither is a native. Long live our wonderfully diverse state and it's cast of kooky (and often real) characters!

Parks		14-Feb-2010 13:29
Rat & Nike, I've read and enjoyed books by all the authors mentioned except Paul Varnes. I'll put him on my list. Thanks for the tip. Les Standiford in another Florida author I want to read more of. I read his history of Flagler's railroad, Last Train to Paradise, and it was great. He's written several works of fiction that I think I'll try.

Nike		14-Feb-2010 10:06
I've been reading James W. Hall for fifteen years. His thrillers occur primarily in and around Miami and the northern keys. His current one is Silencer. They were preceeded by Under Cover of Daylight, Tropical Freeze, Bones of Coral, Hard Aground, Mean High Tide, Gone Wild, Buzz Cut, Red Sky at Night, Body Language, Rough Draft, Blackwater Sound, Off the Chart, Forests of the Night, Magic City, and Hell's Bay. Here is a brief review of his latest, Silencer, "If James W. Hall is not already on your "must read" list, do yourself the favor of adding him immediately. "Silencer" is his eleventh novel to feature Thorn, the Key Largo private investigator and crafter of fishing lures. Thorn inherited an immense fortune (see "Hell's Bay")and is interested in giving much of it away in humantarian efforts. His girlfriend, Rusty Stabler, brokers a deal with Earl Hammond Jr. to swap lands in a complicated deal that will result in the preservation of 300 square miles of inland Florida land. But the night before the deal is to be finalized, Hammond is killed under suspicious circumstances in front of family and the Florida Governor and almost simultaneously, Thorn is kidnapped and thrown into a deep, seemingly impenetrable sink hole by the Faust brothers, hired killers who live on Hammond's Coquina Ranch. Earl Hammond's vast holdings have been kept free of development except for grandson, Browning's, efforts to establish a big-game hunting preserve for high rollers in a section of the ranch. With Thorn trapped in the deep pit, Sugarman, his longtime friend and partner, and Rusty begin tracking him down. Enter Frisco Hammond, a Miami police officer, who is the older prodigal son and brother to Browning, who returns to the ranch to team with Clare, Browning's suspicious wife, to uncover the truth to what has happened at Coquina ranch." See what I mean?

Miami River Rat		14-Feb-2010 05:03
My favorite Florida authors (limited to more or less modern thrillers) would be John D. McDonald, Carl Hiaasen and Elmore Leonard. Randy Wayne White hits some high notes about Sanibel Island and Southwest Florida on occasion. White, while not my favorite, wrote two of my all time favorite lines. One was: "You know, if you shoot a border guard, this trip is going to get really weird". The second went: "Dear lord, I ain't one to question your ways, but why did you give me a trigger finger and a tallywhacker if you didn't want me to use 'em?" In a different genre, Paul Varnes (writer of "Black Creek, the Taking of Florida" is a good one. His "Confederate Money" is worth reading as well. Then there is my grandpa's friend Marjorie Stoneman Douglas (Everglades, River of Grass) and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings of "Yearling" and "Cross Creek" fame. Peter Matthiessen hit a home run with "Killing Mister Watson", but the rest of his stuff I don't much care for. Still, in that one book he caught the flavor of early life in the everglades better than anyone else ever has. I might have missed a couple, but that will do for now.

Parks		14-Feb-2010 03:12
Hi Rat, Do you have a favorite Florida author? There are an awful lot of good ones to choose from.

Miami River Rat		13-Feb-2010 15:09
I'll have to chime in from the "different strokes" department. I bought one Tim Dorsey book, read about 40 pages and put it in the used book pile. I wanted to like it, I really did. For one thing he's a good ol' Auburn boy and he was a good reporter when he worked for the Montgomery newspaper. But.... To me, reading that thing was just like somebody running fingernails across a chalkboard. Seemed like one meaningless cliche' after another with no substance. Tricks that Carl Hiaasen might use once or twice in a book Dorsey was using once or twice every page. So anyway, I'm glad if some of you enjoy his books. Everything is not for everybody and a Tim Dorsey novel is not for me.

Parks		13-Feb-2010 07:01
We have two serial killers, Serge and Dexter, loose in Florida. They only kill bad guys. Would they kill each other?

charlis		12-Feb-2010 22:16
I'm braving the cold tomorrow and going to the book store to pick up the newest book... hope it is there! It's a litle after 5 PM in Tampa and it's 47 degrees!

Charles Knight		12-Feb-2010 13:59
Parks, Tim's a nice guy but he's always busy. Like I stated earlier, he's planning his next novel already. Allegedly myself and Lucky Cole (another swamp-rat) are to be featured in the book. He said that to me last year about this one and I signed a release seven months ago so I'll not be holding my breath! We used to go to the boat show in Miami Beach in the late seventies.

Jeff		12-Feb-2010 05:02
I'm not sure, Parks... but I suspect it was some time in the 80's, when the economy was thriving and the boat show overgrew its Dinner Key space. Don't forget, it has also been held simultaneously in Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale in better times.

Parks		12-Feb-2010 04:12
CK, I went to hear Tim Dorsey speak tonight. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. He signed the new book for me. I'm really looking forward to reading it. The Miami International Boat Show opened today. There were good opening day crowds. I remember really looking forward to it when I was a kid. Jeff, when did the boat show move from Dinner Key to Miami Beach?

John H		11-Feb-2010 22:24
Charlis, Thank You . I enjoy reading here, and maybe I will stick around. So Long for now. John Hastings.

charlis		11-Feb-2010 22:17
Nike... I agree with you about cars. My dad was a car salesman in the late 50's, the 60's and 70's (Monroe Zeder in the late 60's to mid 70's.) We spent a lot of father-daughter time together every year before the new models came out, studying them. I was good at telling the make, model, and year of a car. Not any more. They all look the same!

Charles Knight		11-Feb-2010 22:15
Nike, it's across the street at the old horse track. It's called "Santa's Enchanted Forest".

charlis		11-Feb-2010 22:14
Jeff... I agree with you about going to the movies. I may go to 1 or 2 a year. It is annoying seeing all the commercials, people talking on cell phones... while the message about not doing so scrolls on the screen, taking kids to adult movies and not keeping them quiet or leaving the area with them.

Nike		11-Feb-2010 22:01
The Tropicares Drive in was the Christmas Winter Wonderland to drive through with a zillion lights. Do they still do so? Is it even there? Another place that really lit up at Christmas Was Anthony Abraham Chevrolet dealership at LeJune and The Trail. Anthony Abraham CHevrolet, Tutan Dodge-Plymouth (Trail & 35th) and many other dealership really had a spectacular event each September when the new cars were intoducted in the fifties. They were even transported under covers and no one could see them until the open night. They had spotlights and made a real show of it. Back then, I could look at a hubcap or tail light and tell you which car, th year and model of the car. Now, I can't tell one from the other unless there is a name to be seen. They are made of recycled beer cans in Japan now. Whne they made "real cars," there was more metal in the chrome on the front and rear bumper than in an entire car now. I digress.....

whitebelt		11-Feb-2010 02:21
http://www.michaelyon-online.com/ I just found a terrific site to read about our military in Afghanistan. This guy was a Green Beret turned independent correspondent. You have to read those articles.

Jeff		11-Feb-2010 02:05
In the 60's [and even into the 70's] most of the old movie houses still stood around town. I attended films at the Miami, Town, Paramount, Cinema, Cameo, Beach, Plaza Art (a short-lived small movie house opened in the late 60's near the Cinema), Roosevelt, Sheridan, Flamingo, Carib, Colony, Lincoln, the newer dadeland Twin Cinema, Surf... In the 80's I went to the Sunny Isles Rocking Chair Theater, 167th Street, 163rd Street, Patio, 167th Street (on Collins Avenue), Bay Harbor Rocking Chair Theater, North Miami, the short-lived dollar theaters (West Dixie - behind the bowling alley) and on 127th Street in the shopping center... To me, the multiplexes are nothing more than "viewing rooms"... there was something special about a theater with a balcony, ornate facades, flashing marquees and movie posters (and scene stills) displayed in the special showcase windows... I haven't been to a movie in years... I refuse to pay $10 to enjoy pre-film commercials, lengthy coming attractions [not like those of yesteryear], people talking, babies crying, cel phones going off, bad manners and price-goughing for the junk food at the concession. I'd rather wait for the film I "might" want to see to make it to TV, and use the commercials for a bathroom break... or even pick up a DVD if I REALLY need to see the film... Besides, I prefer the classic film noir, musicals, vintages comedies and animation...

Jeff		11-Feb-2010 01:55
The stage show at the Olympia featured the house band of Les Rohde's Orchestra. Long before I arrived in South Florida the theater offered a full stage show with at least a half-dozen acts plus the movie feature; all for one money. The closest anything ever came to imitating this was in the 1960's and the Yiddish-American Vaudeville presented by Leon Schecter at the Cinema Theater on Washington Avenue. My folks dragged me there one time, and I sat in utter boredom while the older folks would roar with laughter at the jokes... which, of course, I didn't understand. Then they ran a 1930's Maurice Chevalier movie - which wouldn't have been too bad - except (as I recall) the movie was a FRENCH film with subtitles... My grasp of Yiddish is only a few words... and many of them have actually found their way into American slang: Schlemiel, Putz, Schmuck, Schlep, Shmata...

Mike Tripp		11-Feb-2010 00:50
Whitebelt Back in the late '60's, my mother painted that globe at the entrance to the Museum. The globe was originally at Pan Am's Dinner Key facility. During WWII, my mother, sister and I would go to the Olympia every other weekend. The stage shows usually included a vaudevillian act. I don't remember any of the performers though. After all, these things happened before I got up this morning...

Charles Knight		10-Feb-2010 23:34
Miami Girl, thanks for the compliment! We should start a mutual admiration society! I've always felt that a little flirting was good for the soul, and it was getting a little "heavy" here anyway (I'm sure I contributed). I never really got to visit the old theaters everyone is talking about, in my youth they were mere shells of their former glory and apparently most have since been restored but alas...I no longer reside in our beloved home town. I remember the Concord theater and Tropicaire, that's about it. Like Charlis, my folks liked their "alone" time so on most Saturday mornings us kids were dropped of at the Concord and set loose to see whatever was playing on the matinee bill, I don't think they realized that some of those films would get an "R" rating by today's standards. The one that really stands out is "The Collector" about a guy that abducts women and keeps them prisoner for his amusement, quite racy for a nine year old! At the Tropicaire mom took us kids to see "Help" (the Beatles movie) and Herman's Hermits "Hold on" as well as a host of other films from that era. We would occasionally venture to the Dixie Drive In as well.

charlis		10-Feb-2010 22:38
John H... welcome to the board.

charlis		10-Feb-2010 22:36
movie theatres... The Cameo is the one I went to the most... because of the price. Always had to take my sister... but I was paid for it... babysitting while my parents had a little "alone time". The Carib? I will never forget walking into the lobby as people walked out, mostly senior citizens... it was some x-rated movie. I have to say that the "Beach Theatre" on Lincoln Rd was my favorite of all the "houses" on the Beach. It was so elegant. Evie worked there and every time there was a Streisand movie, they paid her extra to dress up in some outfit that Babs wore, and walk around in front of the place. I have one pic of her in the leopard coat that I will send to Don this weekend. It'll be too cold to go outside.

charlis		10-Feb-2010 22:28
Don... I saw the report on S FL and the results of the weather. It was really bad up here in Tampa, too. We've got the same type of weather coming again tonight and for the next few days.

miami girl		10-Feb-2010 21:43
AZ Al: Thanks for reminding me! In one of those senior moments last night while posting about the first movies at CR theater I knew there was one other great movie - then forgot which one, and it was "The Birds" - loved it but not sure I was at the grand opening. Whitebelt: I bet the kids these days think they invented glue sniffing. When I was about 16 I was sure our generation invented "french kissing" - didn't find out until years later we didn't . Charles K: Okay, maybe you're no baby but you've got those really cute dimples!!

whitebelt		10-Feb-2010 20:53
I bet those airport people are having a lot of fun this past week. Just read they have cancelled thousands of flights in the NE. Don, you ever have fun like that in Miami?

Arizona Al		10-Feb-2010 19:59
Miami Girl: Myself, Ron Valentine, Jerry Arnold and John Keukeyndall attended the first night grand opening at the Cutler Ridge Cinema in 1963. The feature movie was Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds". We sat in the balcony and drank the couple of six packs we smuggled in and peppered the screen on occasion with ju ju bees launched from the Whamo Sling Shots we also smuggled in. I do recall a good time was had by all. Alan Ogus,Ph.D. Alive and well in Raleigh, North Carolina this week

whitebelt		10-Feb-2010 18:13
Perzackly, Jeff. Thanks for the memory jog. I lived in a studio apartment on the bay a block south of the Bacardi Building after I got out of school. Neat little place. Spanish tile roof and floors and jalousies. A converted porch. Was cold in the winter, though. That was a neat area in its time. Got gentrified since, I heard. Could tell some stories about the area, but I won't. Kind of curious. How many here remember the The Playhouse just off US1 and SW 168th St?

Jeff		10-Feb-2010 17:53
It was the Mayfair Art Theater on Biscayne Boulevard and 17th Street-- and before they built their new studios at 710 Brickell Avenue, WGBS was located above the theater.

whitebelt		10-Feb-2010 17:24
I went to the Olympia maybe 3 or 4 times in the 60's. The only real memory of it was running into one of my classmates in the restroom sniffing glue out of a paper bag. I don't think Fred survived his youth. He was a lost soul from early on. There was a theater on Biscayne around 17th or so I forget the name of that used to show foreign art movies that was kind of cool. The one at Northside Plaza and one on W 49th in Hialeah were my main ones. Saw Barbarella at the Northside one, which is one reason I can't get too angry at Jane Fonda. She was one tasty looking morsel. Saw The Planet of the Apes at Hialeah, which was one of those movies that really affected my thinking. One of those you walk out of and think about for a while. When I lived in Homestead years later they had a drive in where they showed soft porn. Was funny watching the local teenage boys hanging around the edges of it, peering in from the side streets. Those movies were pretty graphic, I was surprised they allowed such a thing. Used to be a cool bar just south of Biscayne Drive on the west side. Used to drive from Sweetwater, get smashed and then drive back up Krome late at night. I loved Krome. Used to drive on it with my lights off for the fun of it. But I loved the Space/transit Planetarium most of all. That big globe in the lobby, the giant sloth sculpture and the stuffed bear were neat, but I loved those Planetarium shows. I loved Vizcaya, too. What a way to live. My second favorite place of all there was Bayfront Park and the Main Library. I loved Gordon's Bait and Tackle on 27th and US 1. Bought a lot of bait and gear there over the years. Was a regular fisherman and shrimper on Rickenbacker. Those were fun times, not that I caught much. The bluefish and mackerel runs were great times. Used to fish at night just outside of Cape Florida park while they were building it. Back then you could do so without ever seeing a soul out there. Fished a lot on the 79st Causeway by WCKT and Blue Lagoon by the airport. Blue Lagoon had a neat spot you had to hike a little trail from after parking on 7th street. Another memory of Miami. Cops lurking on every corner ready to give you a ticket for any damned thing. Have not seen such chickensh*t revenue generation anywhere else. But it did teach me to be alert.

Miami River Rat		10-Feb-2010 15:11
Olympia Theater: My favorite memory of the Olympia is seeing Elvis there in 1956. I was 13 years old and that was my first Rock 'n' Roll show. Pulled a sneaky and got in row four, middle isle! In the years that followed I've seen many concerts and shows but in my mind none compares with what I saw in the Olympia that August afternoon! For pictures, comments and info, go here:http://www.scottymoore.net/olympia.html

Fran		10-Feb-2010 10:42
Nike, It's a beautiful place, a magical place where children of all ages enjoy their time spent there. My children saw their first off Broadway play, Annie, there in the 90's.

Nike		10-Feb-2010 09:31
Largo & Parks, The Fox Theatre in Atlanta is alive and well. I will be seeing Mama Mia this Friday evening. The twinkling ceiling of The "Fabulous Fox" reminds me of the ceiling of The Olympia Theatre in Miami I attended in the fifties. From Wikipedia, it was originally intended as the Yaarab Temple Shrine Mosque, the headquarters for a 5000-member Shriners organization, the $2.75 million project was completed only with funding and a 21-year lease by movie mogul William Fox, who was building theatres around the country at the time. The theatre opened on December 25, 1929, just two months after the stock market crash. After 125 weeks of talking pictures and stage entertainment, the Fox Theatre declared bankruptcy. It floundered financially during the 1930s and both William Fox and the Shriners lost their economic interests in the building. In 1939, the movie perhaps most associated with Atlanta and the South, Gone with the Wind, premiered at the (now-demolished) Loew's Grand Theatre rather than the Fox. Although GWTW was produced by Selznick International, it was distributed by Loew's Incorporated as part of a deal with rival studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The parade down Peachtree Street for the movie’s premier coincidentally started just outside of the Fox because the movie’s cast was staying across the street at the Georgian Terrace Hotel. The Fox did host the premiere of Walt Disney's Song of the South in 1946. Disney himself introduced the picture, then returned to his room at the Georgian Terrace. According to Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Celestine Sibley, in her review of the premiere, Disney never watched his movies with an audience, because he would become upset if their reaction was not exactly as he had intended. During the 1940s the Fox acquired strong management and became one of the finest movie theatres in Atlanta. It was also at this time that the Egyptian Ballroom became Atlanta’s most popular public dance halls and hosted all the important big bands and country and western swing bands of the era. It was notable at that time, for being the only theatre in Atlanta allowing both white and black patrons. However, there was a separate black box office, entrance, and seating; the segregation wall in the middle of the second dress seating still remains, and the "colored" box office window stands unused at the back entrance. During the 1960s several elements collided to bring about the Fox’s decline; white flight, television, and changes in how films were distributed. By the 1970s the Fox could only show second-run movies to an ever-dwindling audience. In 1974, Southern Bell, the regional arm of AT&T, approached the owners of the theatre with an offer to buy and with the intent of tearing it down and building a new headquarters on the site. A group was formed to save the theatre and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 1974. The ensuing public outcry and massive campaign (including Liberace, Lynyrd Skynyrd and other celebrities) resulted in the city refusing to issue a demolition permit and ultimately, a complicated deal was brokered that prevented the Fox's demolition. The U.S. Department of the Interior subsequently named the Fox a national historic landmark on May 26, 1976. After the Fox was saved from the demolition, the appearance looks much like it did when it opened. In 2006, the theatre installed a new digital cinema video projection system for current HD productions, i.e., Lion King, Chronicles, etc. The sing-alongs that precede each feature are still shown by the Brenograph projector which was installed in 1929.

Don Boyd		10-Feb-2010 07:02
Long time Miami attorney Dan Paul passed away on January 23rd and I would be remiss if I didn't mention his death because he was the primary architect of the Dade County home rule charter that was approved by voters in 1957. He also kept our slimy politicians in line for decades by being a public scold and was responsible for the 50-foot setback rule for buildings on Biscayne Bay. Read more at: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/obituaries/v-fullstory/story/1445893.html Don .

Don Boyd		10-Feb-2010 06:42
The two extended cold spells in early January caused more damage than previously reported. The latest article says there were more than 70 dead crocodiles counted, more than 60 dead manatees, the largest fish kill in modern Florida history, shallow water corals killed, 50% of a certain type of caterpillar that morphs into a rare Florida leafwing butterfly , 40 species of pineland plants suffered frost damage, and not reported were the two zillion non-native iguanas and Cuban anoles. The article is at: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/environment/story/1467199.html Don .

Parks		10-Feb-2010 05:34
Hi Jeff, No I didn't make it. I see that his family has started a scholarship fund in his name at Barry College to support their photography department. He liked that they still teach silver photography as opposed to electron photography. I sure miss the smell of Dektol and the sizzle of the print as it hit the stop bath.

Jeff		10-Feb-2010 04:58
Parks... did you go to the remembrance event for Al Kaplan? I was under the weather and unable to attend... If so, how was it?

Parks		10-Feb-2010 04:55
Do you guys remember that the ceiling of the Olympia / Gusman looked like the night sky? It had twinkling stars and some how they made clouds move across it. The Miracle theater in Coral Gables has been restored to it's fifties beauty but it has a stage now instead of a screen.

Fran		10-Feb-2010 04:54
Whitebelt, Barbara and I were in the same graduating class. Dana Ingram or Alice graduated in 1969. Barbara, knew of her, nice gal. LARGO, I loved the FOX in Atlanta. Been there many times...

Fran		10-Feb-2010 04:54
Whitebelt, Barbara and I were in the same graduating class. Dana Ingram or Alice graduated in 1969. Barbara, knew of her, nice gal. LARGO, I loved the FOX in Atlanta. Been there many times...

Charles Knight		10-Feb-2010 02:30
Miami Girl, well it's true that I'm too old to grow up, but I'm no baby, baby, LOL!

Leighton		10-Feb-2010 02:06
Loved the "Coral," in the Gables.

Jeff		10-Feb-2010 02:05
Largo, lest I forget... thanks from me as well for your unselfish commitment to the people of Haiti. A friend of mine ( a nurse practitioner) lost two cousins in the earthquake, and another friend (who is also a nurse practitioner) is slated to go there in the near future for her "tour of duty"...

LARGO		10-Feb-2010 02:01
THANKS M.G.....IT REALLY IS VERY GOOD TO BE HOME...AND CATCH UP WITH OUR "SOMETIMES" DITSFUNCTIONAL LITTLE CYBER FAMILY..........HEY MIZ ROBERTA THANG...I ALWAYS MISS YOU...AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL, ELEGANT SOUTHERN BELLE ISH NESS...AND OMG YOUR STORIES..AND MEMORIES....MY BLESSINGS FOR YOU AND YOUR TRUE LOVE THERE ON THE LITTLE RANCH YOU HAVE BUILT TOGETHER..LOVE YA GAL...PRAYERS UP!!! LARGO

Jeff		10-Feb-2010 02:01
Largo, it wasn't the Carib... and I can't tell you about the Coral. I never got to that theater.

Leighton		10-Feb-2010 01:55
Sunny Isles 1968 was tops. AMAZING!!

Leighton		10-Feb-2010 01:46
Paramount still in Bristol.

miami girl		10-Feb-2010 01:45
The Olympia was certainly a glorious and beautiful theater, but I have to say my favorite was the new one (mid 60's) in Cutler Ridge Shopping Center, only because it was new and close by! I remember seeing Bye-Bye Birdie there and probably got beaned with popcorn or something worse by AZ Al in the balcony! Largo: Welcome home and thanks for doing your part! CK: So if you're 10 years behind me.... you're just a baby!

LARGO		10-Feb-2010 01:43
YES...WAVELENGTHS.... GROOVY EH?.... SO NOW ..WAS'NT THERE "THE FOX" IN ATLANTA... AND I KNOW THERE WAS "THE PARAMOUNT" IN BRISTOL, TN. I WENT TO IT'S GRAND REOPENING...... LOVELY OLD TREASURES. JEFF.. WAS IT THE CARIB OR THE CORAL THEATER THAT HAD A WONDERFUL LOBBY WITH A COZY FIREPLACE?...OR MAYBE NEITHER??? LARGO

Leighton		10-Feb-2010 01:40
Yes, it was great.

Leighton		10-Feb-2010 01:30
Great, Repeat posts. Isn't Google great!!!!! We can all, know it all!!!!

whitebelt		10-Feb-2010 01:28
I don't bake cookies, Fran. They would have been store bought oatmeal cookies. They would have just thrown them and the milk at each other, it appears. Fran, did you know Barbara Thomas at Springs? Or a guy named Dana Ingram?

Leighton		10-Feb-2010 01:27
Same architect did the Majestic in San Antonio - AMAZING.

Jeff		10-Feb-2010 01:27
CK... If you recall, after Maurice Gusman purchased and donated the theater to the City of Miami, they spent a small bundle painstakingly restoring not only the interior but the giant Wurlitzer as well. I recall reading a Herald article about someone purchasing the old Olympia marquee and storing it for posterity. I wonder how that worked out...

Charles Knight		10-Feb-2010 01:23
The last time I was in Gusman was for a sound company. Wolf Sound, we were supplying sound equipment for the Miami Film Festival. There were several indie films running simultaneously with live modern Jazz bands. Got to explore the backstage area. At the time all of the old lighting gear was still there (I find that stuff fascinating). And what a beautiful venue, all the gilt and red velvet...Truly magnificent!

Leighton		10-Feb-2010 01:16
Wavelengths......

Jeff		10-Feb-2010 01:14
LOL! Largo, we're on the same wavelength. My favorite was the Carib, with the beautiful 3-D mural of the Caribbean Sea on its facade, and the stunning atrium walkway into the theater... truly a tropical splendor... However, I must confess that as a youngster I spent a lot of time at the Cameo on Washington Avenue. By then it was an after-run movie house, showing double features of past film favorites for 25 cents before 6 PM and 50 cents after 6. That's where I first saaw "Bye Bye Birdie" and found myself having a crush on Ann-Margret!

LARGO		10-Feb-2010 01:12
AHHHHH... JEFF...THE VOICE OF REASON...YOU KNEW YOU'D KNOW DOOD.....THANKS.... OVER AND OUT... LARGO

Leighton		10-Feb-2010 01:11
We can all Google. Yes, we sat on top of the marquee around 1972 - to watch the Orange Bowl Parade. I think Anita Bryant was the 'host" (that HBO movie should be interesting - always thought that she deserved a discussion.)

LARGO		10-Feb-2010 01:09
HAH!!! WELL JEFF...FOR SOME REASON IT WAS SO MAGICAL THAT THE VERY WORD I STARRED (*)... DID NOT ALLOW THE WORD......"OLYMPIA" TO SHOW.....HUMMMM WHAT COULD THAT MEAN? ARE THERE TOO MANY GHOSTS IN THE MACHINE.... CLUELESS IN ST. AUGUSTINE..... LARGO

Jeff		10-Feb-2010 01:06
Largo, you didn't put in the theater name. I'm guessing... The Olympia? It became Gusman Cultural Center in the 1970's...

LARGO		10-Feb-2010 01:00
JEFF...AS A CHILD ...FOR ME THE MOST MAGICAL MOVIE HOUSE WAS THE GRAND AND MYSTERIOUS LADY OF MIAMI MOVIE HOUSES ........ TUMP TA TA TUM!!!...... "'THE" * * DOES SHE STILL STAND?........... LARGO

Leighton		10-Feb-2010 00:52
"The pity" is the ignorance that has been expressed in this forum.

Leighton		10-Feb-2010 00:44
Yyour mom, meant no respect, it's just that gay, was frowned on at the place in time" WOW

Leighton		10-Feb-2010 00:41
Jeff, I have 'reason" in my voice.

Leighton		10-Feb-2010 00:39
My, my, my. This is quite fascinating.

Jeff		10-Feb-2010 00:31
John, welcome to our forum, and for adding another voice of reason to a debate which should have not escalated as far as it had. More's the pity. Charlis - you're too funny re: the "picking on Jeff" comment... Anyone care to chat about their favorite movie house?

Fran		10-Feb-2010 00:16
Whitebelt, are you baking cookies? I want some with a cold glass of milk. Not making fun, just moving on. Thanks, John,I appreciate what you wrote. Love to all.

Charles Knight		10-Feb-2010 00:12
I recently visited the Weeki Wachi website and discovered an old promo flyer for the Mermaids at the Wreck Bar back home. Anyone seen any giant Iguanas lately? I recall a bunch of them on Old Cutler, saw one at least six feet long there. Going down to the Glades for the 60th annual Wild Hog Jamboree. I'll probably reconnect with Lucky Cole while there...Man I miss the swamp, nothing but raw nature all around, birds, orchids, and of course the obligatory gators! I'm taking my seven year old daughter and wife, they've never camped in the real woods so it should be an adventure of epic proportions. Had a long talk with Tim Dorsey again this week, he says the next book has me killing somebody! Should be a hoot (I'm not holding my breath).

John		10-Feb-2010 00:11
Charlis, That was what I gathered from your original post , that was when the remark took place. And I'm assuming, that wayne cochran, did not hear what your mom said about him. It appears that your mom made a snap judgement about wayne, but once she got to know him, she liked him, and they became friends. And I still contend, as you said, that your mom, meant no respect, it's just that gay, was frowned on at the place in time, and her remark came out in your ear, but all ended well. Good luck with this, I am really optimistic that this will resolve, with careful and caring communication. I will be watching and hoping for that. Most Sincerely, John Hastings.

John Hastings		09-Feb-2010 23:59
Leighton, In all fairness to you, there are 2 sides to this tiff, and I will say that in your case, I can understand you taking exception to the remark by charlis's mom, if you yourself are gay, or you have family or friends that are gay, but if not, it is of my opinion that her judgement and remark should not bother you, and why have you taken the matter so personal ? It was said at a time when gay persons were afraid to come out of the closet, and I'm quite sure that charlis's mom said it under her breath. But now days, it's accepted to be gay, so it's an entirely different ball game. If it was me, gay or straight, I would patch it up with charlis, and continue like nothing happened. That would be my course of action, and I hope it will be yours. But that is entirely up to you. You all have a nice group here , like family, why leave ? Godspeed to both charlis, and Leighton. John Hastings.

charlis		09-Feb-2010 23:52
John... thank you for your comment. My mother meant no disrepect... She actually found Wayne do be quite charming. After they met, they spent a long time talking, while Evie and I worked with the band on our routines for the night.

John		09-Feb-2010 23:44
Good people of this site, I am not a regular of your group. I am an outsider, who started reading what you all post, some time ago, and I now feel compelled to voice my opinion, about this controversey lately. First of all, I would say that charlis meant no harm, or disrespect to wayne cochran, or to gay people. She was merely telling a story, and sharing a life's experience with all of you, and even me. But as it's been said here by some of you, back in that day, that term was used, and it was ugly, but accepted, and charlis mom, probably said it, because of wayne cochran's hairstyle mainly, and because he looked different from most men. I personally do not think wayne cochran was , or is gay, but if he was and is, that's his right and his business. But again charlis's mom, made a snap judgement, and assumed, by wayne's hair and appearance, and she made the remark in french. But however uncalled for the remark was, I am sure that she meant no harm or disrepect to wayne. I always have enjoyed reading your posts, and I will continue. But I hope you all can get over this minor setback. I wish that you can. Concerned, John Hastings.

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 23:43
Please use a name - and there are women present.

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 23:42
Best wishes to all, or most. I don't seem to relate to this room, or its hierarchy. Don, I will continue to check out the pics, but will leave the chatting to the "regulars."

Guest		09-Feb-2010 23:41
Gentlemen please...

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 23:21
"Terms of the age"????

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 23:20
I don't care what your gay friend said. High horse? REALLY? Jeff, you are such an amazing double-talker. Feel free to talk all around me, whatever THAT means. "EVERYBODY"?? I was the one you were referring to - stop playing stupid. I'm happy to move on, and out of here. Just stop acting as if you are King of the Hill in this room. Your "superiority" is tedious.

Charles Knight		09-Feb-2010 22:50
Hey Miami Girl, I was just looking at the Rogues Gallery again and...Damn girl, you're hot stuff! I've always thought of myself as a connoisseur of sorts, you graduated ten years too early though (darn!). Isn't it nice and breezy on here today? LOL!

charlis		09-Feb-2010 22:33
Miami Girl... I'm not letting it bother me. At least it stopped people from picking on Jeff for a short while. ;-) I am getting ready to freeze! Daughter sent me pics from DE.... brrrrrr.

charlis		09-Feb-2010 22:29
Sorry I offended anyone... but I used the "term of the age"... what my mother said was... "Ils est efféminé." "He is effeminant", a term for "not manly"... GET OVER IT! When telling your stories, use the terms of the "times". Being "politically correct" is a new thing... By the way, the Yiddish term is "fagella" (sic) that I heard all the time on Miami Beach. I really had no idea what it meant until I was "all grown up".

miami girl		09-Feb-2010 22:18
Charlis, how ya doing hon? Don't let this mess get you down - we're like family here....

charlis		09-Feb-2010 22:07
guys... I was just reporting what happened, in the terminology of the day. That my mother made her comment in French to me was her way of stating what she felt and not using the term. There was more to her comment, about how much a gentleman he was... to bow to her (Obama recently got in "trouble" for doing that to our Mayor!) By the way, our family had many "gay" friends... One of my best friends at Beach, my "little brother" even had the special surgery. We remained friends, even though he was prettier than me. We were not brought up to look at a person on the outside... it was the inside that counted. The inside of most people is what makes me biased/a bigot... and I am a very tolerant person. Remember that we were asked to tell our stories of people we met.

Jeff		09-Feb-2010 21:53
CK - After her stint as an entertainer, Molly turnewr settled into a long and respected carrer as a reporter with WPLG-Channel 10. She spewcialized in consumer issues.

Jeff		09-Feb-2010 21:51
Leighton, come off your high horse... YOU were NOT the center of my comments, I was talking to EVERYONE who was getting riled up over Charlis' story. Just for the record, I related the whole thing to one of my gay friends this afternoon, and HE thougfht you were ALL crazy. He said "I'm comfortable with who I am"... and a story from the past wouldn't have bothered him one bit with the "f" comment used. So, that said, I tell EVERYONE again, we should try to move on from this... and NO, Leighton, I'm not directing this at YOU... I said EVERYONE. For the future, you can find others to sharpen you battleax upon... I will gladly talk AROUND your comments...

Ted Crownover		09-Feb-2010 21:18
Anyone for a beer summit??

whitebelt		09-Feb-2010 20:28
Anyone for milk and cookies?

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 19:28
And, yes, Jeff - you WERE talking about me. Let's not play semantic games here.

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 19:26
Jeff, please. Your comments are ludicrous. You constantly manipulate the "forum" - albeit with willing participants. Don't even go there, bud. I'm not the "problem."

Charles Knight		09-Feb-2010 18:47
I seem to recall a Molly Turner being a newscaster???

Jeff		09-Feb-2010 17:32
Whoops! I plugged in my verse about the tornado twice... sorry. It's hard to think back almost 40 years to a 45 rpm record I had in my collection and played infrequently. CK, no--Chuck was on Channel 4, Guy was on 6... from what I've read, WCIX first went on the air in 1967. I still remember their building... totally round in shape, and located at 1111 Brickell Avenue. That was the first new VHF station for Miami since Channel 7 signed on in 1955... although many UHF stations were planned, but never made air... including WGBS-TV and WFTL-TV. The only UHF to last [about 5 years] in the days when you needed a converter box was WITV - Channel 17, and Channel 7's sign-on helped signal its demise. Bill Bayer was the news commenator for WITV, and Molly Turner was the girl singer on "Alabama Bill's Country Jubilee"; sponsored by Bill Lehman's car dealership.

Jeff		09-Feb-2010 17:24
I've been able to piece together part of the White Baron theme: (chorus) The White Baron .... The White Baron.... THE WHITE BARRRRRRRONNN! Look out, it's the White Baron Dressed in white from cloak to boot Zoomin in, it's the White Baron He can ride his and fly and fight and shoot But he never gets a spot .... On his pretty white suit!! There were some children who got lost in a cave couldn't find there way out, it was pretty grave The White Baron blah blah blah blah blah blah etc. They found their way out .... just by the light of his smile!!! (chorus) The White Baron is a hero and they love him so For the way he saved the town of Kokomo Flying in a figure eight upside-down He spotted a tornado heading right for town... ----------- ...fell into a tank with a splash and a thud! When the episode was over he was perfectly clean, 'cause the tank he fell in ... was filled with vanilla ice cream! This comes (with some editing by me), from poster iowamichael at city-data.com/forum/miami/181428-wcix-channel-6-a--2.html The White Baron is a hero and they love him so For the way he saved the town of Kokomo Flying in a figure eight upside-down He spotted a tornado heading right for town... ..Comin' in, it's the White Baron He can ride and fly and fight and shoot But he never gets a spot On his pretty white suit...

Charles Knight		09-Feb-2010 17:16
Jeff, it could have been Guy...I thought it was Chuck Zinc, maybe the helmet and goggles threw me off. Can we drop the other stuff and move on? Thanks dude. CK

Jeff		09-Feb-2010 16:18
Leighton... You are truly one of a kind! I make a GENERAL statement for EVERYONE, so they can [hopefully] stop the bickering and only YOU can personalize it as to it meaning that I'm talking about YOU, which, for the record... I WASN'T. You're quick to criticize anyone who differs from your agenda, and you're picking fights. Please, as Sam Goldwyn used to say "include me out"... if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem! Stop trying to control this forum... which, despite what you say... YOU ARE! Twisting anything I say to meet your criteria does not diffuse things. I will reiterate: Let's move on before we polarize each other here... PLEASE!!! CK: I don't recall the band "Coke", but I DO remember the White Baron... his show was on the old Channel 6 (WCIX), and I believe he was Guy Aylward. The theme for the White Baron show was performed by a local group... all I can recall is that it was a turquoise record label... I think called Dazey Records.

Charles Knight		09-Feb-2010 16:05
Alright...We all know where each other stands on this thing. Like you say Leighton "onward and upward". Let's all move on PLEASE! Each has a right to their opinion period. I'm beginning to regret having said anything at all. I truly value the interaction of all who visit this site and desperately want to hear more about your memories of Miami, Hialeah, and the surrounding areas. So what say we let this lay alone in peace? The Big Daddy's on Douglas and the Mile...One evening I was there with some friends when Richard W. ( a large and angry bully from Miami High) shoved me into a young lady that I was talking up. I'd had a few scotches and was quite frankly already tired of his seemingly unending attention both at school and now while out on the town! One thing led to another and we ended up in the parking lot behind the club. I come from a family of "scrappers" but never really considered myself one, imagine my surprise when after a few punches were thrown...He went down like a sack of potatoes! He easily outweighed me by fifty Lbs! I returned to the bar where some his his victims cheered me on and drinks were bought. The lady that I had been attempting to seduce spurned me (no real surprise there!) after wards, and I eventually went home and crashed. At about six AM some of Miami's finest knocked on my door awakening my mother. They were there to arrest me for strong arm robbery! I couldn't believe it!!! I hadn't done anything except defend myself against a well known bully! After being booked into the Dade County jail I was told that my accuser had said that I took his wallet during the scuffle...NOT TRUE!!! To this day I say so! My father, a retired police chief from Sweetwater drove all the way from the Everglades to bail me out. He simply asked what happened and I told him. He never questioned my honesty even though he spent half a lifetime dealing with a lot of dis-honest people. Well, to make a long story short. I went to court with many witnesses and was found innocent. On the way out of the old courthouse dad stopped at the courtroom of Ellen Morphonious (proper spelling?), she was in the middle of a murder trial but when dad and I walked in she called for a recess stepped out from behind her riser and hugged dad. She then asked what he was doing there so he told her the whole story. She then asked me if I had taken the guys wallet , "no Ma'am, just his pride I think" . She laughed and took us to lunch. Soon after Richard the bully transferred to another school and I was a school hero (for a while at least). If you aren't aware of "Maximum Morphonious", she the a famous Dade County judge that tried Jim Morrison of the rock band The Doors for the alleged acts of obscenity he performed while performing in Coconut Grove (what was the name of that old hangar?)just prior to his death.

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 15:04
Jeff, TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT????? WHAT? It was an extremely poor choice made by Charlis. Do NOT tell me that I'M what's wrong with the country. I am NOT a blue state/red state person.....a "PC" nut........etc. This involves COMMON SENSE.

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 15:01
This is some of the most ludicrous 'debating" that I have seen in ages. Jeff, yours is the worst. "They" say it, so can we? REALLY?? It must be a generational thing, and I'm NOT in your demographic. Thanks for the grandfatherly advice, but I don't buy it. Plus, you come in here and criticize the conversation, yourself, whatever direction it takes! So, please, knock the attitude down a bit. ANYWAY, folks, I have a life to live, and have spent far too much time reading stuff in here. CK, I'll touch base with you at some point. Onward and UPward.

Charles Knight		09-Feb-2010 14:55
Hey Jeff, do you remember a band called Coke from the seventies? They were sued by Coca Cola for using the name as well as the signature curvy logo and ended up changing their name. I was rehearsing in a band three houses south of them on 32nd Ave NW. It was kind of cool actually...You could stop in front of Mark Kapit's house where we practiced and hear rock then walk a short distance and listen to a Latin fusion band, a lot of people did. What a time that was. We could load up our gear on a Friday or Saturday and drive to the beach (usually Haulover or Crandon), find a power source and start playing... Instant party! The cops left us alone and there was never a fear of muggings or any of that nasty stuff. Aah, the simpler times! Any one remember the White Baron? Chuck Zinc, post Skipper Chuck era. Drove a Ford GT, awesome car, wore a white flight suit, helmet, goggles, and scarf while hosting cartoons. He did locations as well. I was on the show when he was visiting the Reno's ranch (yes, that Reno family, they were friends of dad). It was a very cool experience for a kid.

Charles Knight		09-Feb-2010 12:37
Leighton, there is no doubt as to the level of your intelligence! In my opinion you're being a little overly sensitive. Although we've yet to meet face to face I DO consider you a friend as we've interacted so much of late. As a friend you should know that were someone to to something hurtful to you (and some others here), I would be one of the first in line to defend you should the need arise. I can be reached at kngtrk2@aol.com Charles Knight.

Jeff		09-Feb-2010 07:44
You know what, people... this is a PERFECT example of what's wrong with this country today. Someone says something and it's taken out of context... some defend that person; others take umbrage against it. I have gay friends; I do not refer to them by the "F" word - but some of THEM refer to others in their lifestyle using that same "F" word in a sarcastic retort about a certain behavior or incident... I have black friends; again I do not believe in the "N" word... but how many people of color have you heard saying "Wassup my N"? Don't hide under a rock... it's out there... Along with that is the hypocracy of "We can say it but YOU can't!" OK - Charlis' story is "politically incorrect" for today's times IF it took place in 2010... but it didn't. It took place in the mid-60's; she recounted it - it pissed a few people off, but it's over and done with. Let's move on before we polarize each other here... PLEASE!!! Once again, we're moving into deep water... and that's not a good sign.

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 06:44
Sorry - this line of debate isn't working for me. What historical record are we talking about? Changing history? No. The story, as it is, has no merit for discussion. I'm damn sick of this rhetoric about "history."

Parks		09-Feb-2010 05:06
Welcome home Largo. We all missed you and you were often in our thoughts. Thank you for what you did. I know it was very hard. While you were gone I saw many big cargo planes leaving and returning to Homestead AFB and to Sanford Florida Airport. They were all heading to and from Haiti. The American people will be very generous. On the subject of offensive words, I feel that it is important to use the language of the day when relating a historic event. If Charlis had substituted the word gay for fag her story would have had little impact. By using the word fag we were all reminded of how things actually were. By changing the language you change history.

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 04:23
Yes, Largo - it puts everything in perspective. Thank you.

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 04:20
CK - I'll assume that your comment didn't mean that I am NOT intelligent enough to shrug off the ignorance. Yes, I hope to get down to South Florida this year - it has been FAR too long. Send me your e-mail (I'm signed on) - I'd love to talk to you. As I've said (far too many) times, your family story needs to be told on film. Incredible, really, that nobody has discovered it. (Well, I know they have talked about it, but no action.)

Fran		09-Feb-2010 04:19
LARGO. GLAD YOU ARE BACK. THANKS FOR SHARING...PEACE.

Charles Knight		09-Feb-2010 02:26
Leighton, all that meant was...I really enjoy the occasional debate. I'd really like to sit down with you, have a beer or two and discuss, religion, politics, or whatever. You make a compelling argument at times as I hope I do. And although my name is Charlie, AND people have made the error of calling me Charlie Brown on MANY occasions ( some have paid for it), AND, I find the term "good grief" offensive, I'll not hold it against you. Once again...Charles (NOT Brown) Knight.

Charles Knight		09-Feb-2010 02:18
Understood, but I am a fledgling writer and regardless of tact or diplomacy what Charlis wrote gave the character definition (albeit in a negative manner). To me it spoke volumes about the state of society and it's ills of the time. I have three family members that have "alternative" lifestyles and would kill in their defense as well. I'll also give them the benefit of the doubt because I know that they are intelligent enough to shrug a lot of it off to ignorance.

loving sister of a gay man		09-Feb-2010 01:57
I understand Leighton's point. I'd be the first to lead the lynch mob after anyone promoting censorship of any kind, but for Charlis to not have enough presence of mind to ask herself whether the pejorative term "fag" will sting certain readers of this blog who are either homosexual themselves or have family and/or friends who are male homosexuals speaks volumes about her. Additionally, her desire to relate such a story about someone who was a well known entertainer during our generation (who also happened to give her a job no less) also speaks volumes about her. Censorship has nothing to do with anything here, it's her lack of tact and her mother's ignorance. One of the biggest womanizers I know shakes hands like a wimp because of the rheumatoid arthritis he's been afflicted with since his thirties.

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 01:56
And, CK, I WANT to make a film about your family. It is just too good for color TV, as they used to say. I'm just sorry I'm not independently wealthy. Actors would KILL to play those roles......

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 01:53
I have NO idea what that meant. But now headed out to spend time with nephews. I'm back to Texas next week, and won't see family for a while.

Charles Knight		09-Feb-2010 01:51
One more thing...I've got to tell you, I've really enjoyed this!

Charles Knight		09-Feb-2010 01:47
Ha Ha...Would "less tolerant" work for you? Editing approved?

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 01:44
Nobody is telling you not to express your opinion. But my relating that my racist Miami neighbor loved the words "nigger", "spic" and "kike" would benefit nobody. Correct? I just felt that Charlis's story was somehow meant to be funny, and it wasn't.

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 01:39
"Poignant testament"????? Oh, my.

Charles Knight		09-Feb-2010 01:39
Perhaps Charlis' should not have referred to the story as "humorous". I won't argue that point. I didn't find it funny either, but I still stand by my beliefs (as do you). And by the way...I'll throw anything I want into this discussion until Mr. Boyd tells me to stop. Once again, Charles Knight.

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 01:37
MORE INNOCENT TIME??????

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 01:35
What was said did not come across as some history lesson. "So be it." ???????????????? REALLY????? CK, I resent you comparing my statements to some sort of book-burner.

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 01:33
Politically correct? Do NOT throw this discussion in that COURT.

Charles Knight		09-Feb-2010 01:31
Personally I have absolutely no qualms with any persons lifestyle or preference. I do however have a problem with people telling me what I can or cannot say. Were you to delete certain words from Hemingway or Dr. Seuss because you found them offensive is still as offensive to some as the words themselves . I do not use the term myself but have in the past (before I realized the hurt it may cause others), nor do I use the racial slur you mentioned in your earlier post. What's done is done and we should all learn from it. If we don't we are doomed to repeat it. As far as this context is concerned, hopefully it is true and accurate because some of us don't remember all that was in our fair city and rely on those that do in order to gain a historic account. Therefore if a politically incorrect term is used to convey an attitude (whether wrong or not) , so be it. Would Roots have been the same without the use of a certain word? Charlis' story takes place in a more innocent time when people weren't as nearly accepting of others as are folks today. It is a poignant testament to society's ignorance at the time and relevant to the memoir as a whole. Please understand that this diatribe is not about any race, creed, or sexual preference. It is merely a statement denouncing censorship under the heading "politically correct". Charles Knight.

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 00:48
And, yes, things HAVE changed from the past. I never said to rewrite history, OBVIOUSLY. But to recount offensive statements is not wise, in this context.

Leighton		09-Feb-2010 00:40
What, CK? OK, for historical purposes, shall I SPECIFICALLY recount the racist slurs of our Miami neighbor in 1970, for some sort of humorous effect?? So as not to be a censor? And be historically accurate? Is there a point? And, furthermore, one's sexual preference is determined by their handshake? I know a lot of "macho" guys who shake hands like a fish. Or was that the whole "humorous" point?

Charles Knight		08-Feb-2010 23:47
Say what you will, it is censorship. Whether it is by government, individual, or group. What was said was said. We can't change it, nor should we.

LARGO		08-Feb-2010 23:39
WELL...I AM BACK IN THE GOOD OLE US OF A....BUT I JUST HAVE TO SAY THIS....AND NO MORE ...IF THERE IS HELL ON EARTH...IT IS HAITI....IN MY LIFETIME I HAVE "NEVER, NEVER, NEVER" SEEN SUCH PAIN, SADNESS, DISORIGANIZATION......AND MORE HORROR THAN ANY HUMAN SHOULD EVER HAVE TO EXPERIENCE...AND I WAS WITH 2 VERY COMPETANT INDIVIDUALS..WITH MEAGER EXPERIANCE MYSELF TO TRY TO ASSIST IN ANYWAY. THIS IS A REAL HEADS UP FOR ANYONE WHO THINKS THEY MIGHT JUST BE IMPERVIOUS..OR AT THE VERY LEAST PREPARED FOR THIS TYPE OF..."NATURAL DISASTER"......I KNOW THAT RIGHT HERE IN THE ..GOOD OLE US OF A...THERE WAS ABJECT HORROR WHEN KATRINA HIT A US CITY..OF NEW ORLEANS...WE WATCHED AS BODIES FLOATED IN WAIST HIGH WATERS ....RIGHT HERE IN "AMERICA"...RIGHT HERE DAMNIT!!!!!!!.....AND ALL THESE YEARS LATER THERE IS STILL RECOVERY!...WTF!! PEOPLE.....THIS WAS THE SADDEST THING I EVER EXPERIENCED...THERE WAS NO HELP...NO DIRECTION...NO MEDS...NO FOOD...WHERE IS THE F'ING HUMANITY EVERYONE IS SCREAMING ABOUT???.....WE....RIGHT HERE.. ARE NOT IMPERVIOUS TO DISASTERS...I HAVE NEVER FELT SO USELESS IN MY ENTIRE LIFE...AND FROM WHAT I HERE SINCE STATESIDE......THE PEOPLE OF HAITI ARE ALREADY BEING RIPPED OFF BY VULTURES STEALING WHAT ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN GIVEN.... HARKEN THOSE OF YOU WHO LOVE THE LAND AS I DO...AND THE INNOCENTS...AND HAVE GREAT COMPASSION IN YOUR HEARTS...NO MATTER WHERE IT IS...HUMANITY IS HUMANITY...AND IT CANNOT BE SEPERATED BY BOUNDRIES......GET REAL PEOPLE ...THIS COULD BE YOU!!!.........LARGO

Leighton		08-Feb-2010 23:08
This isn't a freedom of speech issue, and I can't believe you'd even go there. I suppose if this story had involved a certain other slander (racial), we wouldn't even be discussing this. It just wouldn't be said. Who's asking anybody to rewrite history? Or deny it? Good grief. It was OBVIOUS that I am implying that the phrase is offensive to many, and not humorous. How ON EARTH is that deemed some sort of history lesson????

miami girl		08-Feb-2010 20:45
Charles Knight, I'm in full agreement. We can't change history by ignoring it, we should learn from it.

Charles Knight		08-Feb-2010 20:12
MMMM, Royal Castle. I spent many an after school amount of time at the Le June and 7th one. Went to Kinloch for a year and a half until the gang "The Vulcans" tried to kill me, I took refuge in the U Totem, then re enrolled in Rockway, a better school anyway. As far as inappropriate terminology goes...Charlis was just relating a story from many years past. Our past is chock full of pre- politically correct language, it doesn't excuse anything...I know but it happened. History is diluted often enough by those that will deny it. I for one abhor censorship more than any written or spoken term, that's my right and that's what I love about this country!

Leighton		07-Feb-2010 21:08
I'm not sure that I'd be telling that Cochran story. I'm glad that the terminology is no longer acceptable. Ricky - did not go to Airpark often, for some reason...not sure why. It was built while we lived on 63rd Court.

Ricky		07-Feb-2010 17:18
Leighton, Do you remember the J. M. Field's store that was in Airpark Plaza, or was it K Mart when you lived near there. I bought lots of things at that store. I shopped for everything there. It was a good store. And I practically lived at the Burger King, and Carvel there . And remember the Royal Castle on Lejeune Road and NW 7th Street ? And Midway Mall, had Jefferson's, Bertram's, and Walgreen's. And Gold Star kosher deli restaurant, and Grand Union next door, on sw 8th street, and 62nd avenue, were favorites of mine back in those days. Have A Nice Day. Ricky.

charlis		06-Feb-2010 21:13
Evie and I were told by our boss at the Second Floor that Wayne Cochran was going to be the featured band that Saturday night. My mother was helping us out that night in the kitchen. We arrived for the afternoon practice session and were all waiting in the pool room. In walks this guy who looked like James Brown except for being white from head to toe! This was 1967 when the band was just starting to make it big. Wayne performed at places around town, the Barn being his "regular" place. (Something about his working as a garbage man in Broward or Palm Beach counties seems to have disappeared from his bios... it was there a few years ago...) Anyways, the boss introduces me and Evie to Wayne and the band. He then introduced my mother... as he shook her hand, my mother turned to me and said, in french, "He's a fag." His handshake was very "wimpy" for such a big man. It wasn't because he was shaking a woman's hand... he shook hands with the other men the same way! I do have to say that we had a great night. I was exhausted. And, to this day, I can still do the James Brown Shuffle that Wayne taught us that afternoon. He is now married and is a minister in S Fl the last I heard.

Charles Knight		06-Feb-2010 20:49
Thanks Nike, we love it here. We're two blocks from the ocean and six from the inter coastal. The schools are great, most have "A" ratings, and there are a lot of parks. Actually this area reminds me of the Miami that I grew up in. The only real drawback is that the surf is rough here and snorkeling and diving is only good when you venture out a ways.

charlis		06-Feb-2010 20:41
Just remembered the name of another local band I worked with... the Strat-a-tones. They were a family band. Also, the Vampires later became the Shufflin' Kind. Another band, made up of guys from Beach was "Roby's Raiders"... see next for a very funny story about Wayne Cochran.

Ted Crownover		06-Feb-2010 14:39
SOUTH FLORIDA’S ULTIMATE 60’S ROCK AND ROLL REUNION The bands on the bill are getting back together after 40 years to help raise money for The Majic Children’s fund and The Mahi Shriners Hospitals for Children. The bands on the bill are a few of the most popular bands in the Miami / Ft. Lauderdale area in the 60’s and played PAL, Ft. Lauderdale Amory, The World, The Stage, The Place, etc. What a great way to reunite……..listen and dance to bands from the 60’s. www.classicfloridarock.com

Nike		06-Feb-2010 14:08
CK, You live in a pretty area. I lived in Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach during the Apollo/Saturn V days after getting out of the Army. Kennedy Space Center was the only civilian missile site where I could apply for a job using my military background in missile guidance systems. I remember Satellite beach as being one of the better areas. I would use Patrick AFB tennis courts.

Don Boyd		06-Feb-2010 06:45
Speaking of bands/musicians, does anyone remember The Vibrations? A photo of them is now up in the Music gallery and the Individuals & Small Groups gallery. http://www.pbase.com/image/121715770 Don

Leighton		06-Feb-2010 04:25
Actually, about five of mine have disappeared. Anyway, headed back to SA in ten days - till June. Temp work. We'll see what happens. Love the mountains, but HATE East TN. I've never lived in such a backwards place, in my life.

Leighton		06-Feb-2010 04:22
Yes, many of my posts are being dumped. Odd.

Charles Knight		06-Feb-2010 02:51
One of the greatest anthems of romantic angst and hope..."At this moment". Written by Billy Vera and performed by Billy Vera and the Beaters. True genius at work!!!

Jeff		06-Feb-2010 02:06
Periodically, CK... While researching the master numbers for Vee-Jay Records (I won't bore folks with what that's all about), Billy helped plug in a lot of missing numbers, as he has a second career as a compiler and annotator of many CD repackages as well as b eing a songwriter and performer... Most noteworthy is his compilation work on the Vee_Jay, Specialty and Capitol back-catalogs...

Charles Knight		06-Feb-2010 01:34
Awesome stuff Jeff. I have perused the photos you speak of. Billy Vera is one of my all time favorites! What a talented writer! Do you still communicate with him?

Jeff		06-Feb-2010 01:24
CK, it's not bragging to recount your life's experiences! A long time ago... in posts about a year or so back, I recounted some of the musical folks I'd met... either through working for Steve Alaimo or through some oldies show I was involved in as a helper... and some meetings by chance... To name a few... Jack Scott, Len Barry (formerly of the Dovells), the Flamingos, Dion DiMucci, Steve Alaimo, Jan Berry (of Jan and Dean)... Brian Hyland, Freddy Cannon, Peter Noone (Herman's Hermits), Bobby Rydell, Little Eva, Little Peggy March, Rosie Hamlin (Rosie and the Originals), Cathy Jean (Cathy Jean & The Roommates), Connie Francis, Betty Wright, Danny & The Juniors, Chuck Berry, Lloyd Price, The Fleetwoods, Ben E. King, The Shirelles, Tommy James, Dave MAson, Stephen Stills, Millie Jackson, Toni Wine (songwriter and one half of "The Archies" with Ron Dante)... Don has a number of pictures of me [in those somewhat younger and fatter days] with a lot of these celebs in his galleries... I've also (for various reasons) communicated with Ron Dante (of "The Archies"), Paul Evans, Billy Vera (he's helped me with some music research) and others... It's not about name-dropping. It's about sharing an experience that too few people get to enjoy!

Charles Knight		06-Feb-2010 01:10
Ok, so here's some of my musical history. I was a soloist as a young boy in church and school, I really wanted to play the drums but they were too noisy for the folks, as a teen I did play drums in the Gator Hook Band with Ervin Rouse but to be honest with you I was mediocre at best. Singing became the focal point. Eventually I lost interest in it. Once in Jr. high I took up performing once again in a couple of small bands. In Miami High I was approached by a guy named Emile and eventually auditioned for his band. We played covers and originals, it was at that point that I realized that girls like musicians...I've never looked back. Since that time and place I've traveled extensively singing in rock bands. In Los Angeles I was managed by Gene Simmons of the band KISS. I worked with musicians from Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Dio, and MANY others. I became pretty good friends with Alice Cooper, Edgar Winter, and Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones. I partied with a lot of those folks and consequently inherited many of their vices! After a couple of decades I realized that the life really wasn't for me, I missed the Everglades and simply walking through the swamp on a cool winters morning. I came home. I "retired" from music and returned to school studying of all things...Agriculture. Worked on a farm but grew weary of the long hours. Being gregarious by nature I returned to Miami and soon realized that eight hour periods of "rush hour" on the Dolphin expressway held no attraction for me. So I moved to Brevard County...More specifically Satellite Beach where rush hour might be eleven cars at five PM. I am in a couple of local bands here and sometimes work with a couple of members of the band Poison, no, not Brett Michaels ladies! Pat Travers is also a buddy and sometimes things happen around here but I NEVER lose sight of what's important anymore, FAMILY. I realize that some might think that I must be fabricating some of this stuff because of my family's history (as well as my own), and sometimes I am amazed at the things I've been allowed to experience as well. I can only guess that it's just a matter of being in the right place at the right time?! Who knows??? Oh well, thanks once again for indulging me. Now...Let's here some more about y'all! CK

charlis		05-Feb-2010 20:39
CK... title? Depends on the occasion... I was co-manager of a teen club on MB in 1967 and 68. Evie and I travelled with a few of the bands as their dancers. We were also "on call" at a few hotels to work as dancers with various bands... that's where we met Lou. I also did PR work for a few local bands and rec centers.

Charles Knight		05-Feb-2010 19:47
Charlis, of course it counts...What was you title?

charlis		05-Feb-2010 19:41
sorry for the double post... I had gone to another open explorer page to look at the bad weather approaching Tampa, went back to this page and hit refresh...

charlis		05-Feb-2010 19:27
Jeff... I forgot to add Irving Fields, who I met in the 50's as a child, but also saw him a lot (even played piano with him) when he performed on Miami Beach.

charlis		05-Feb-2010 19:26
Jeff.... bands.... do I count as someone who was part of a lot of bands in the 60's? I worked with Lou Rawls, Wayne Cochran, Steve Alamo, popular local bands like The Shades, The Vampyres, etc. on Miami Beach and a few other locations. By the way, one of the members of the Vampyres, now has a band called Sugarcane Rush and have recorded a few CD's available on their website. Great music with a Spanish-Carribean sound.

Jeff		05-Feb-2010 16:14
Don... what can I say? Maybe you're right... LOL! Thanks for the corrections about the Brasserie's location... I don't know the Hialeah area that well. CK... thanks! I always believe that humor is a tonic for the soul... My limited music expertise has not stopped me from having my own moments in the spotlight (or was that time under the microscope)?... A few years back, at a kickoff party for the campaign of North Miami commissioner Scott Galvin, I sat in with the band; playing rhythm guitar on Van Morrison's "Brown-Eyed Girl". A buddy of mine named Steve had his "Smoke Gallery" art studio in North Miami for a bit, and sometimes on a friday night he's set up a small drum kit and play music onto 125th Street. A number of times, I brought my own CD's and played those drums and/or sang along to the music. Needless to say, I'm a better musician than I am a singer... and a much better graphic artist than I am musician!

Don Boyd		05-Feb-2010 14:33
Jeff, I had nothing to do with your posts disappearing or reappearing. It has to be your healthy lifestyle contributing to your derangement? : ) The Brasserie was West (not North) of the exit ramp from the Airport Expressway onto 36th Street, and just West (not South) of the Holiday Inn. It was in the Triangle formed by LeJeune, S. Royal Poinciana and 36th Street. Perhaps you were thinking of the old former entrance ramp to the Airport Expressway from 36th Street (now a flyover that starts further west on 36th Street) when you said North but you confused me when you said exit ramp. Don

Charles Knight		05-Feb-2010 12:19
Ha ha! Jeff...You're a funny dude! I used to jam with Mike Pinera at St Peters Gate on 163rd. I believe it's a strip club now.

Jeff		05-Feb-2010 06:27
er...drugs or booze, and NO... I'm NOT hallucinating either...

Jeff		05-Feb-2010 06:26
YIKES! Now both previous posts are back! I WISH I could blame this on brugsa or booze... but I'm stone cold sober... WEIRD SCIENCE! Sorry for the suspicion, Don...

Jeff		05-Feb-2010 06:25
This is weird.. . I commented on how nice it must have been to be on family outings for CK with his mom being a singer, and that I could almost picture her singing in one of the clubs in the early 50's... and also posted the topic asking if anyone was in a band in the 40's 50's or 60's and if so, where and when did they play? Both posts were there earlier... Don, did you zap me just to have some fun with your old buddy?

Jeff		05-Feb-2010 05:59
Speaking of music... here's a new idea for a topic... Was anyone in a band that actually played some cool gigs or recorded in the 40's, 50's or 60's? Where? When?

Jeff		05-Feb-2010 05:57
CK, I sure appreciate the background on your mom. For whatever talents I may possess in typographic design, I love the arts... and am a bit of a nostalgia buff for good music of ALL generations. I can almost picture your mom at one of the local clubs singing some of the hits of the early fifties... Tennessee Waltz, You Belong to Me, etc. Your family must have had plenty of fun on outings...

Charles Knight		05-Feb-2010 04:45
Jeff, mom performed all over town in the early fifties. After she married her first husband she pretty much stopped aside from the occasional guest appearance here or there. She grew up on 22nd Ave. and 7th st NW her name was Dell Bracknell, she had three sisters, Louis, Jean, and Joanne. All four were considered "Knockouts" in their day lol! Many years after mom and dad were divorced she met her third (and final) husband Art Sidelinker while she was still a waitress at Georges Super Subs. He grew up on 34th Ave and NW 7th St. Art is a great guy and I still speak with him. He now lives on the Suwannee river in Old Town, Fl. Monty's Conch...I loved that place before they moved to the next block. To me it just wasn't the same, the new location just wasn't "camp" enough. My father and paternal grandparents are buried within yards of the back door of Georges Sub shop (it's now a part of the cemetery???). We'd work there and I'd visit the graves on my break sometimes (dad was still alive then so it was the grandparents). On the weekends we would all go to the Sunset Lounge out west and really put one on! When we were feeling REALLY adventurous we'd go see my dad on the Loop Road in the Glades. He always made us spend the night...Man I really miss that stuff! How's that for jumping around?!

Nike		05-Feb-2010 01:52
Mike, That was a bit before my time. I moved to SW Miami in 55. Billy, I remember the Krispy Kreme arrived in 57 (I think). I though it was built next door to LP Evans at SW 33rd and The Trail. It could have been a replacement for another. I do remember when we finished our morning paper route (Miami Herald), we always stopped in for a hot and fresh donut before going home to get ready for school. We stopped again after selling the Miami News at the corner of SW 27th nand The Trail after school. Ah, those were the days.

whitebelt		05-Feb-2010 01:12
The Trail had a few motels. Not the highest class places. I remember one on the south side between LeJeune and 47th ave, I think. If there was a little strip mall at 47th with an Eckard's. Near the cemetary?

Jeff		05-Feb-2010 00:39
CK... The Brasserie was just North of the exit ramp from the expressway onto 36th Street, and just South of the Holiday Inn. It was also on the East side of LeJeune Road, across from the Winn Dixie located there. I find it interesting that your mom was a vocalist in the good old days. Was it locally, or did she do anything of national prominence? How cool it would be to know that she performed at one of the local clubs in the 40's... the Clover Club, the Vagabond, Copa City, the Beachbomber, Ciro's, etc. The only SW 8th Street experience I can relate to is going to Lee's Music Center to deal in old records (formerly Lee's Dinette) in the 70's... My main circle of activity was the Beach, but occasionally I got out and about to other places. My problem was that I didn't have a car, so I had to depend on busses or friends with vehicles. In the 80's and driving around, I got to eat plenty of meals at Uncle Tom's Bar-B-Q thanks to having a photographer friend in Coral Gables (the late Bob Kelley). I also used to love to go to Rex Artist Supplies on Douglas Road South of Miracle Mile, and to Bell's Artist Suppies on Ponce. Mrs. Bell was a wonderful lady, and when she passed on I was terribly saddened. I also used to go to The Pallette (NE 2nd Avenue) and Associated Artists Supply (originally on Biscayne Blvd.)... always in love with lettering stuff - even 'way back then. However, there was one late-evening jaunt to Coconut Grove that stands out in my mind. Five of us [whom we loosely referred to as "The Friday Night Gang" because of our regular get-togethers] started out at Monty Trainer's, where one friend bet me a five spot that I cound chug the [small],pitcher of beer we ordered with our conch fritters. I foolishly took the bet, chugged the beer, grabbed his five bucks, then rushed into the bathroom to barf up the foam that had built up after the "chug". Later, we wentt to a small cinema in the Grove to catch a Midnight showing of some Three Stooges comedies... Woo! Woo! Woo! Nyuk! Nyuk!

Billy		05-Feb-2010 00:28
Nike Mike and Charles Knight, Wasn't that Krispy Kreme on 8th Street, Velvet Cream, at one time ? And I seem to remember it near Woodlawn Cemetery. I went to that Donut Shop, at one time, for Coffee and Doughnuts. They had real good Doughnuts. Billy.

Charles Knight		04-Feb-2010 23:37
Nike, I remember, Versailles and the Krispy Kreme but this was considerably west of them. I want to say somewhere between 47th and 67th. It was a motel on the south side of Tamiami, you had to drive through it to park. For some reason I keep thinking it was near a hot dog restaurant (foot longs?). I seem to remember that the hot dog place had all of it's windows blown out in a Hurricane in the sixties (much earlier in time), they were floor to ceiling plate glass and my mother couldn't stop laughing about the two older women that went through the door while everyone else was just walking through the empty window frames. Mom was a vocalist as a young woman and would always accompany the jute box in there...Wonderful memories of a wonderful woman.

Mike		04-Feb-2010 23:31
Nike - I remember when the 'Old Mill' almost burned down - '43 or '44 I think.

Nike		04-Feb-2010 23:01
Charles, Now your in my old neighborhood. What was the Avenue on SW 8th Street where the motel was? As a point of reference, where the famous Cuban resturant (Versailles) is now located at SW 35th and 8th stood The Old Mill. It was a florist shop with yard pottery. LP Evans was new and so was the Krispy Kreme as SW 33rd Ave and The Trail.

Charles Knight		04-Feb-2010 16:56
Leighton, now that I think about it ...It was SW 8th St!

Leighton		04-Feb-2010 15:24
Ck - I want to say Jamie Welch, but not sure. All of the buildings along our stretch of Flagler were apartments - I don't recall a single motel. Our block had the A-frame church - still there. Whichever of the map services has "street view", allows me to view my street and our old house.

Miami River Rat		04-Feb-2010 15:21
Jeff & pinball! I learned my pinball at Ace's drugstore on NW 27th ave & 17th st. Then graduated to other drugstores and finally to the Cue & Cushion pool hall on SW 8th st. about 59th ave. All that to say: My high score on Microsoft pinball is 26,986,750. Better hit it and get to practicing!

Charles Knight		04-Feb-2010 14:54
Sorry Leighton, her family live behind a motel on Flagler. I seem to recall it had a curving (sweeping?) architectural flair about it. We once went to a Steppenwolf concert at the Marine Stadium together. I would ride my bike all the way from NW 34th Ave. to her house just to hang out.

Charles Knight		04-Feb-2010 14:48
Leighton, I knew a girl named Jamie in that neighborhood as a youth...Long dark hair, quite pretty, no siblings that I can recall.

Leighton		04-Feb-2010 07:20
Ricky - I don't know that name, but I was probably too young. I don't think we knew anyone farther than a block away, although we rode our "banana" bikes for great distances...either U-Totem to the West, or 7-Eleven (?) to the East. Mondays were ALWAYS KFC at Key Biscayne after school (Dad, being a minister, had Monday off), and Fridays were Dadeland, and Forum Cafeteria. Sunday's after evening services, it was Sambo's on Miracle Mile (every other week). All clothes were bought at Sears on Coral Way/37th, when ToughCords were BOYS' clothes, not girls'. (And late/great Burdine's, sometimes.) Speaking of Burdine's - last June when I moved, I finally tossed out the Sharp TV I had bought there in 1983 - I was bizarrely attached to it....I almost went back to the dumpster to fish it out. We didn't have any gangs in our neighborhood - just mean kids who would stomp out our Christmas lights lining the curving sidewalk in front of the house. You might have know a really nasty Tom Boy gal on my street - Jamie, I think? We were friends with the Renstras (sp?), whose father was the preacher at that A-frame church at 63rd Court and Flagler. The apartments at the end of EVERY block on Flagler seem strange to me - they ran for MILES, but only on Flagler. Diamonds was a GOLD MINE to a kid. We also drove to the airport, to watch planes land. WHAT a 70s thing that was! I mean, families lined the border roads by the train tracks for hours, WATCHING PLANES LAND.

Leighton		04-Feb-2010 06:51
CK - my only memory from that club - while working the hotel front desk - was one evening, when a female guest (NOT a "Bunny") came wandering out of the club (or into it) naked. The hotel itself was very nondescript - a chain?

Leighton		04-Feb-2010 06:11
CK - I spent a semester working as a front desk clerk at the airport hotel that housed the Playboy Club (84). I was a UM student at the time...we had no connection to the club, or interaction, though.

Parks		04-Feb-2010 05:56
Charles, Next week is serial killer week in Coral Gables. Both Jeff Lindsey who writes the Dexter books and Tim Dorsey will be at Books and Books. I especially would like to see Dorsey. Unfortunately it's boat show week also and I have to work a lot of extra hours.

Charles Knight		04-Feb-2010 05:33
Jeff, I'll send Charlie an Email and relay your message. Was the Brasserie somewhere near the Playboy club on Le June? I was a member of the Playboy club from '84 until it's demise, some good memories there as a male cheerleader for the Bunnie's softball team lol! I had a long talk with Tim Dorsey tonight...As it turns out Gator a go go took on a life of it's own and doesn't refer to The Everglades at all. He did a dissertation (about ten minutes) in front of about 50-60 people regarding the Gator Hook Lodge, the Loop road, and my family and our respective roles in the upcoming novel to be released next year. He also pulled me aside and went into detail as to my "role" in the book, it sounds both interesting and exciting but I told him that I would not be holding my breath as he had stated last year that Gator a go go was to be a story about the Glades and including my family and myself. He apologized and gave his word. So, we'll see... By the way Jeff, Charlie was originally from the Tarpon Springs area, his family owned a couple of orange groves just west of Tampa/ St. Pete.

Jeff		04-Feb-2010 04:38
Billy... no, I'm afraid not. The band wasn't formed until the late 70's or early 80's.

Billy		04-Feb-2010 04:13
Jeff, Didn't The Bowery Boys, play at The World , or The Place ? I remember them , from one or the other , or both places, in the 60's. Billy.

Ricky Thompson		04-Feb-2010 04:09
Leighton, Did you ever know Mary Mullis ? She lived not too far from you, maybe a few blocks north, towards the hospital. Ricky.

Jeff		04-Feb-2010 03:58
This is my night for long-winded reminiscing... Did anyone ever go to the Grand Saloon on Young Circle in Downtown Hollywood? It was a hot spot in the early 80's, and there I met and became friends with Tony Alexander and his band, the Bowery Boys... In various configurations, Tony has been playing classic oldies around South Florida for at least 30 years. Back in New York, he was a later member of the Soul Survivors who had the hit "Expressway to Your Heart", and fronted his own band called "Steeplechase" that recorded for Polydor Records around 1972. In the early 60's he used to sing doo-wop in various local groups (as did many New York singers)...

Jeff		04-Feb-2010 03:52
There was a band down from New York called "Statue of Liberty" that played the club for a few weeks. A friend name Roger and I became friendly with them as well, and the band was fronted by a cute girl named Colleen Heather. Months later, I was up in North Miami (still living on the Beach at the time) and I bumped into Colleen on NE 125th Street. I asked her what she was doing in North Miami and she told me she had a fight with the band and was stranded in Miami with just a few bucks. I called Roger, and we found her a cheap motel on 116th Street near Biscayne Boulevard (now demolished), got her a waitressing job at Myer's Pizza (when they were on Biscayne), and one night took her up to Fat Cat's Lounge in West Hollywood for a "talent night"... She sang Kiki Dee's "I've Got the Music in Me" and "blew the roof off the dump"... winning the first prize of $25 (and I think some free drinks). Side note: As unbelievable as it sounds, I also won there one night for doing some "comedy" and playing guitar while singing an Elvis song... go figure! Colleen eventually returned to New York and cut some hot disco songs, but never achieved the success she deserved. I lost touch with her years ago, and try as I have, have not been able to locate her.

Jeff		04-Feb-2010 03:44
CK... I don't know if Charlie will remember me or not... but ask him if he remembers playing the Brasserie around 1975-76 and a "regular" named Jeff hanging around... I used to date a girl named Esther... another "regular" who actually turned me on to the place. I became friends for awhile with the band's drummer, Tony L'abbatte... "The Bump" was a popular dance at the time... and I used to do my best to work out a routine... LOL! Yep, me with my long sideburns, full curly hair and a beige leisure suit... resplendent in my metallic shoes with 2" heels that turned my slacks into "flood pants"... or my green polyester Western shirt or the blue one with the seascape imprint... Nothing like dancing up a sweat in a "plastci bag"! I used to always request "Mandy"... I liked the song at that time... and Esther always requested (as she called it) "Philadelphia Cream Cheese" (Philadelphia Freedom). We weren't dating by then - but were on relatively good terms. Wolfgang was a good cover band, and they also did an excellent version of "Pick Up the Pieces" by AWB... Broke as I was back then, I'd take a bus there from Miami Beach, hit the early bird specials of 50 cent drinks and free hors d'ouevres and hang out until club closed; usually hitchhiking back home... (Boy, I was a fool back then!) One time Tony (the drummer) and I picked up a couple of chicks... we went back to their place... he and his chick cut out for parts unknown. Did I get lucky? NOPE! But after a night's sleep I did end up walking down to West Flagler Street to catch the first of two busses back to the Beach... all to the chagrin of my folks, as I still lived at home back then!

Leighton		04-Feb-2010 03:10
Ricky, Post missing....anyway, we went to Venetian Pool. My sister also attended MCS. CK - preachers don't need to be passive. We sat up half the night, waiting for Mr. Clean to drive through the yard, and when he did, hitting the boards, we all cheered. He never did it again. Early 70s, they dug up all the roads, and put in HUGE pipes - we crawled all through those things - I can imagine how dangerous that was. I remeber an odd nursery off north 59th (?) - it was in the middle of a residential neighborhood, but we LOVED crawling around all of the greenery when the owners were gone - our own jungle.

Charles Knight		04-Feb-2010 02:23
Jeff, I know Charlie DeChant pretty well as a matter of fact I spoke with him via Email about two weeks ago.

Jeff		04-Feb-2010 00:22
How about the Brasserie Dicotheque right near the airport and 36th Street? It was owned by Jimmy James who owned Bus Benches, Inc. [the advertising company] and the Chesapeake Motel. He looked like a double for Danny Kaye! I used to go there in the mid-70's. A local band named Wolfgang played there frequently, and Charles DeChant, the band's sax player went on to a gig as part of the touring band for Hall and Oates. It was there that one evening I was stuck in the back room on a pinball machine... I "turned over" Strato-Flite (reset the machine to zeroes - as the old machines couldn't show 100,000) two times and racked up over 30 games solely on skills and bonuses - no matches! Yep, I was a pinball wizard for a brief time... and guess I still am... my highest score on Windows XP's digital pinball game is 12,191,750...

Fran		03-Feb-2010 23:23
Martha, Remember the 747 well, the Cameron band played there. Good times:)

Charles Knight		03-Feb-2010 21:42
Ricky Thompson, I remember the west end gang.

Ricky Thompson		03-Feb-2010 21:26
Charles Knight, Grandpa , on The Munsters was Al Lewis. Ricky.

Ricky Thompson		03-Feb-2010 21:21
Charles Knight, George's Subs, by the cemetery, on the trail, they made the best Subs, and Onion Rings. I went there all the time, in the 60's and 70's. And I got pizza, at Pizza Delight, on N. W. 47th Avenue, and N. W. 7th Street. They had great thin and crispy pizza. Ricky.

Ricky Thompson		03-Feb-2010 21:13
Charles Knight, A brother Tim, and A sister Linda. No, on the hanging around at the old tamiami airport. We hung around West End Park. We Terrorized that poor area, we were juvenile delinquents. And I was The Leader of The West End Gang, as we were known as. I did swim in the Park Pool a Lot though, especially when it was hot summer, that pool water, was nice and refreshing. I know what you mean about the memory, mine comes and goes too. Take Care Buddy. Ricky Thompson.

Martha		03-Feb-2010 20:31
Don't forget the Big Daddy's that was on the circle in Miami Springs, which became Hunters. There was also the Big Daddy's 747 3 story lounge in Miami Springs as well, it was torn down and became Eastern Financial Credit Union.

Charles Knight		03-Feb-2010 20:02
Ricky Thompson...Your name is ringing a lot of bells in my head, do you have a brother named Tim? When I was ten or so I went to summer "day" camp at Tamiami Airport ( the old one at SW 8th St. and 107th Ave. Did you and your friends hang out there? I also went to Rockway Jr. High for awhile and swam at the West End pool. Does anyone remember the guy that had the Elephant off Coral Way? There was an Army Navy store not too far from there that I loved.

Charles Knight		03-Feb-2010 19:01
I did have a lot of friends in the Gables but like you say it was later. For a while I was seeing one girl there whose name escapes me. Her uncle played Grandpa Munster on the TV show, the whole family had that "ski slope" nose, they lived very close to Georges Super Subs where my mother, sisters, and I worked. She was a great girl but being the immature kid that I was...We were destined for failure. Going to see Tim Dorsey tonight in Merritt Island haven't talked to him in a while...Should be fun.

Fran		03-Feb-2010 16:43
They were ahead of you, late 60's. The family lived near the Gables. Glad to hear that your memory is drifting your way. :)

Charles Knight		03-Feb-2010 12:36
Fran, class of 1975 and I knew many folks, unfortunately I didn't know that if I inhaled a lot of a certain hemp based plant life that I would forget most of them! Now a days things come back a little at a time. Where did the Ponce family live? Oh and yes...My friends all call me Charlie (I've just always signed my real name). I actually hung out with a bunch of musicians on the Gringo corner (NW).Walk to Sambo's for a coke or across the street (27th) to Lum's for a dog. As I type some sweet memories come flooding back!

Fran		03-Feb-2010 11:00
Charles, Just curious, when did you graduate from Miami High? Did you have the nick name of Charlie? Do you know of the Ponce family?

Ricky		03-Feb-2010 03:14
Leighton, I remember the traffic circle , at s. w. 2 st. and 63 avenue, but I don't remember the man with the helicopter in his backyard, cleaning his sidewalk with mr. clean. May be that because of our age difference, I didn't see him, at a different time. Did your older sister go to Miami Christian School also ? Maybe I knew her, or at least saw her around the area. Did you ever swim in the West End Pool ? I did, a lot. I had a youth gang, around West End Park. I live in Davie , Fla. now, near I 75 . I was a bad kid then, but I am a model citizen now. I have a Good Job, and a Wife and 3 Children. Time and age have a way of changing you, and in my case , miracles took place, Praise The Lord. Small world, isn't it ? May god be with you neighbor. Ricky Thompson.

Charles Knight		02-Feb-2010 22:50
Leighton, your father was a preacher! Fairlawn is where several of my mothers family are laid to rest. While attending Miami High I was seeing a girl named Mary that lived in the apartment complex that is now where Princess park once was. I'll never forget Mary, blond hair below her waist and a figure that wouldn't quit. Once we were walking on the sidewalk on Miracle Mile, she was wearing really short denim cutoffs and some guy rear ended another vehicle because his eyes were not on the road, we thought it quite humorous! Needles to say, he was pretty embarrassed.

Leighton		02-Feb-2010 21:30
Ricky, We were on the north side of Flagler. I see that SW 63rd Court and SW 2nd DID have a traffic circle, as originally intended at NW 63rd Court and NW 2nd, where we lived. Interesting. Do you remember the guy at 63rd Court and Flagler, who had an old helicopter in his backyard? He'd wash his sidewalk with Mr. Clean. We'd torment him, by getting on our bikes, and riding around the block and "dirtying" his sidewalk. He retaliated by driving his car through our corner lot in the middle of the night, until my Dad put out wooden boards with nails in them. FUN!!!

Leighton		02-Feb-2010 21:14
Hey, Ricky, No, I went to Miami Christian School, which at the time, was out in the middle of nowhere. We moved to TN after I finished the fifth grade, in 1973. My older sister is about your age. That was an interesting neighborhood back then - we pretty much ran free at a young age. Where are you now?

Ricky		02-Feb-2010 18:59
Leighton, I went to Fairlawn Elementary, did you ? My family lived at S. W. 2nd Street and 59th Court. I was at Fairlawn Elementary, from 1966 to 1971, and then I went to Kinloch Park Jr. High, and then to South Miami Sr. High. I graduated from South Miami, in The Class of 77. Our area, was called Fairlawn, you are correct. Howdy Neighbor , Ricky T.

Leighton		02-Feb-2010 06:36
I see that Princess Park was also the name of a 20s subdivision, "bounded on the east by Miami Avenue, on the south by Buena Vista Drive, and on wrest by Second Avenue." Googled a newspaper ad.

Leighton		02-Feb-2010 06:26
Wow, I grew up five blocks from there - 63rd Court (1967-73) - and had NO idea that there had been an amusement park nearby. I did find out that the neighborhood, developed in the 50s, was called Fairlawn. Our home, at the corner of 63rd Ct and 2nd, had a "huge" yard, because originally, there had been plans to build a traffic-circle. The entire neighborhood was composed of late 50s homes, so the area must have been fairly isolated in the 40s.

Jeff		02-Feb-2010 05:30
It was a popular amusement spot in the 1940's, but was probably gone by the eartly-to-mid 1950's.

Miami River Rat		02-Feb-2010 04:01
Princess Park: You guys got me with that one. I moved out to the S.W. section in 1957 and I don't remember a Princess Park. I don't remember anything there, except a drug store and so forth on the S.W corner of the intersection of Ludlum and Flagler. We used to take dates up to Funland at N.W. 27th ave and 79th street to do amusement park stuff in the late '50's.. Was Princess Park gone by the mid to late '50's?

Mike		01-Feb-2010 22:56
@Jeff - Re: Princess Park - in the late '40's, they also held midget car races there.

Jeff		01-Feb-2010 22:01
More trivia... the Essex Theater in Hialeah opened on April 6, 1949.

Jeff		01-Feb-2010 21:45
I finally have been able to locate the exact location of Princess Park... The amusement park was located at 6800 West Flagler Street and boasted 101 attractions - including thrill rides.

Don Boyd		01-Feb-2010 14:07
Thanks for the information, Charlis. I wasn't aware that the parade turned into even more fun (non-family) than what I used to see or that they moved it up. It was sure a big deal in Tampa back in the late 60's/early 70's and everyone got half a day off on invasion/parade day so they could watch it and all the bars downtown were packed along with the streets along the parade route. Don

Jeff		01-Feb-2010 07:20
While doing some other research, I ran across a list of local theaters from a Jan. 30, 1955 edition of the Miami News. This will surely evoke some memories... Beach, Boulevard, Boulevard Drive-In, Cameo, Carib, Center, Cinema, Circle, Coral, Coral Way Drive-In, Dade, DAnia Drive-In, Dixie, Dixie Drive-In, Embassy, Essex, Flagler, Florida, Gables, Gateway, Hallandaale Drive-In, LeJeune Park Auto, Lincoln, Little River, Mayfair Art, Miami, Miami Drive-In, Miracle, Normandy, North Miami, Paramount, Parkway, Regent, Roosevelt, Rosetta, Royal, Sheridan, Shores, Strand, Surf, Tivoli, Tower, Town, Trail, Tropicaire Drive-In, Turnpike Drive-In, 22nd Avenue Drive-In, 27th Avenue Drive-In, Variety, West Hollywood Drive-In... and listed as "Negro Theaters"... Ace, Bunche, Liberty City Drive-In and Ritz,

Leighton		01-Feb-2010 05:19
Arrests made national news......

charlis		31-Jan-2010 20:06
Don... Gasparilla Parade... now parades... the days were changed 2 Superbowls ago to make it easier for the tourists to join in the festivities. They created a Saturday children's parade along Bayshore because of all the debauchery that was happening at the day parade. Then they moved the big Day parade to January when the Super Bowl was here. It also distracted from the State Fair Days in February. There were over 400 arrest for various things, like using the bushes as bathrooms, open containers in areas not designated for such, etc. The day event is no longer the family event that you remember. How would you like your child see some fat woman expose her boobs to get some extra beads! The night event makes Mardi Gras seem tame in comparison, but this year they are even cutting back on a lot of things.

Fran		31-Jan-2010 17:56
Roberta, that's why God gave you Lewis. To love, honor and take care of him. God picked the best for Lewis. You not only give Lewis your love and care but you give others hope to find life and live. Peace be with you dear Roberta. During the wee hours of the morn I will think of you and pray that every day will hurt a little less.

Charles Knight		31-Jan-2010 17:53
Aahh, Big Daddy's...Lost many a weekend at various locations. My favorite BDs were in the following order. 37th and Miracle Mile 57th and 8th St. (SW) US1 and Sunset? (or was it Kendall?) near Dadeland Chivas and Budweiser...Truly my "crutches" as a youth! Roberta, said an extra long prayer for you and Lewis today. Too chilly for my Kayak excursion! Darn!!!

Jeff		31-Jan-2010 15:47
Big Daddy's Lounges and Flanagan's Lounge and Restaurants were started by the late Joe Flanagan somewhere around 1960. The chain survived a number of bankruptcies and reorganizations (the original holding company was Castlewood International Corp.) and was [probably] the largest chain of lounges in the state. Dade County was dotted with them. For examples: 119th Street and NW 7th Avenue, NE 125th Street and NE 7th Avenue, Biscayne Bouelvard at about NE 124th Street, Harding Avenue and 95th Street in Surfside... Big Daddy's was everywhere. A number of the locations had/have adjoining liquor stores. Changing times, economy and tastes have shrunk the chain vastly. As long as were on the subject of booze... two other small liquor store chain from the past: Foremost Liquors and Weinkle's Liquors - owned by Carl Weinkle of Carl's Markets (later sold to Food Fair)...

Miami Girl		31-Jan-2010 15:41
One quickie comment in the same venue of Jane Fonda. Sometime after 9/11 a co-worker's brother who's an MP in the Army Reserves was called up for duty to NYC. He and his partner were detailed to escort Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins back to their hotel. They sat in the backseat trashing the military the whole way while these guys had to listen to it. They're in the same league as JF in my book.

Jeff		31-Jan-2010 15:37
Roberta, my dear... Having had my own on-and-off problems over the past few years---I'm extremely thankful that after a battery of tests to rule other things out, I find I am relatively healthy and that my issue IS treatable and not as bad as Lewis'. I can only offer my sincere sympathy for your situation and hope for the best. Don... a slight correction: The Treasure Chest girls were at the Seven Seas Lounge at the Newport, NOT the Castaways... Martha: Yes, I agree with Don... Welcome Back! I still have the cool vintage ruler you gave me from the office supply company, along with the stencils!

whitebelt		31-Jan-2010 15:13
Don, you are right about people's preferences. Because this is a one thread comment section a lot of worthwhile subjects get buried in addition to the increased slowness over time, which then causes some to not comment. People tend to respond to the current topic. Having to wait for it to load up and then reading through a lot of comments to catch up takes a lot of time. That was the only reason I set up a site to experiment with for commenting. People prefer this so I won't bother with such any more. Roberta is in the vanguard of where we are all headed. As we all get older we and our loved ones will start to deteriorate as we fade out of this picture. A time that can really test our souls. Peace be unto you, Roberta. You have the best wishes of all of us.

Arizona Al		31-Jan-2010 12:59
Nike: I remember Big Daddys not only in Homestead but several other locations in and around Miami. When I left Miami in 1969 well drinks were 38 cents each and fu fu cocktails were 50 cents each. There was a make your own sandwich type of spread during happy hour. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Roberta Perry Hughes		31-Jan-2010 08:45
Don....and all of my dear friends, on our favorite site..... Lewis and I are hanging in there, and like most everyone else, we have our good days and bad, good nights and bad....but, thankfully, there is a little progress, & a few victories, worthy of celebration, and I cherish those times, believe me. They help to make our situation more bearable. Against all odds, we are making it. The new med. he is on, Exelon, which has been increased in mg. every 2 weeks, has helped immensely, in making his limbs less rigid, at night, and therefore, it is much easier, now, for me to get him in and out of bed, and to the bathroom. Hooray! I have discovered that, the later he stays up at night, the longer he will sleep, uninterrupted, and without the restlessness that is seen, if he is allowed to go to bed with the chickens. I find something on TV, to interest him, or put on a favorite movie....usually, a Western, anything with Tom Selleck, in a Louis Lamour yarn. As long as it has a horse.....! LOL He does well, during the day, once I get him dressed and fed, and he becomes more oriented. He still is having some short-term memory loss, which, so do I....don't we all....?? You know, that old CRS Syndrome, that comes with the territory...? However, I am not deceiving myself; I know that, in Lewis' case, his short-term memory will only get worse, with the passage of time, and I can only hope that it will take a long time, for it to get debilitating for him, for the sake of us both. When that does happen, our situation will drastically change, I'm sure. I sometimes suffer a meltdown, from knowing that to be a fact, and in knowing that there is absolutely nothing that I can do, to change it, to make it better, for him to recover from this disease, for him to get well from it, or for me to possibly, take it from him, and put it upon my own shoulders. I would rather it were me, than him; It should be me, not him. Not even prayer, can alter the outcome, of this disease process. And that hurts, more than any pain I have ever known, in my lifetime. My heart is breaking, y'all. Please, dear ones! Forgive me, for pouring out my heart to you, and for having laid our lives bare, for all to see. I promise, I won't do it again. It's just that I was so full, so overcome, with sorrow, and there are few, that I can truly talk to, who will listen....(y'all have no choice....LOL....But you could just skip over this posted Comment, of course....and I wouldn't blame you one bit, if you did). In any event, I do feel better, now that I have vented my feelings, and I do not want you thinking that I cannot cope with this situation. I can cope with it. I am coping with it. And the reason is, I took my marriage vows seriously, when I pledged to love this man, in sickness and in health, and I do believe, so did he, as he has already done so, more times than I care to recall, when I was so deathly ill, over-the-years, and he loved me, anyway, through it all....if not more than ever. (Did you know that there are some people, both men and women, who leave their spouse, whenever they are stricken with a serious illness...? That is so incomprehensible, to me. Just mind-boggling, really). Next time I post a comment, I promise you, it will be an Old Miami Memory, straight from the town we all knew and loved, that lives on, in the Galleries, and on the Comments pages, thanks to our wonderfully, patient, and so very talented, incomparable webmaster, Don Boyd. Thanking you, one and all, for listening to me. I appreciate your thoughts, and your prayers, for me, and for my loved one, my cowboy, my heart. Cherish one another. Carpe diem! or however that is spelled. Enjoy life, each and every day, and count your many blessings, especially the caring friends that you have. Be well. Stay warm. As ever, Roberta ````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

Don Boyd		31-Jan-2010 06:40
It's time to make a brief appearance here and thank everyone for all their comments recently. I've enjoyed reading them. As I have long suspected, based on my own preferences, it appears that folks prefer to remain on the same website, even with slowness problems, than switch to another site to read and make comments. Going down the page, Arizona Al: thanks for your thanks, I'm glad to be of service. Jeff: sorry to hear about that medical problem you're having but I warned you about the babes of Biscayne Boulevard so you have no one to blame but yourself. : ) Charlis: when did they switch the Gasparilla invasion and parade to a Saturday? I remember it being held on a Monday in February in the late 60's and in the 70's. I've got some pics of it back then that I need to scan, along with two point nine zillion others. Billy: the Castaways didn't die in the early 70's - it was still alive and hopping in 1980, which was the last time I was there. I remember which wife I went there with and it was toward the end of our marriage as it turned out a couple of months later. That place was really hopping in the 60's and 70's and they had great commercials on late night TV showing their go-go girls with their Treasure Chests or something like that. Billy: thank you for your service and I concur with about 99% of the comments that you made about Vietnam, especially about politicians blowing the war to the detriment of so many in our generation. Please feel free to bring it up anytime you want on here, and that goes for everyone else too, because the war was something that adversely impacted so many of us who grew up in the 50's and 60's, which is the age group this site is primarily dedicated to. People who did not serve in our military branches during those times have no clue at all, and never will, despite how many movies they watch, how many books they read or how many drunks they listen to in a bar. And Jane Fonda will always suck in my book - what a POS she was. I didn't spend 41 years in the USCG and USCGR until retirement 2.5 years ago being subject to call up for active duty anywhere in the world, to allow the stifling of opinions about the war, the military, our government, etc. on my own site. Hell, they can probably still call me up for active duty if times were really tough. Posting items on one topic does not preclude others from posting items on another topic so don't even think you're cutting into Old Miami nostalgia postings by talking about something else. Roberta: it's good to see you posting your memories on here as usual. I hope that you and Lewis are hanging in there without too many problems. Martha: welcome back, you lurker. Your postcards are still safe and they will be the 342nd thing I try to save if my townhouse catches on fire. How about breakfast at Denny's in the near future to catch up? Parks: I was on recruiting duty with the Coast Guard from the end of 1967 to mid 1970 in Tampa, but we all operated under USCG service wide standards, and yes we were pickier than the other four branches. We did take recruits wearing glasses but the uncorrected vision could not be worse than 20/100. The USPHS doctors at their clinics or hospitals, or USPHS doctors on assignment to larger CG units, gave our physicals in accordance with the CG medical manual and we lost a lot of applicants for physical reasons but most of them were still subject to being drafted because they still met DOD physical standards. Even after we shipped recruits off to boot camp at Cape May with everything approved we would occasionally have a recruit kicked out because they failed a second physical in recruit training. Don

Parks		31-Jan-2010 04:34
Nike, you’re thinking of Jack’s Bait and Tackle. It’s still there and open 24 hours. Gilberts is on Jew Fish Creek in North Key Largo as you said. They recently replaced the old bascule bridge over JFC with a very tall fixed bridge. The view from the top is spectacular!

Nike		31-Jan-2010 04:07
Never mind. Gilberts was in North Key Largo.

Nike		31-Jan-2010 04:06
Speaking of great watering holes, how about Big Daddy's in Homestead? Also, a great place to go 24/7 (before Waffle House was invented) was a bait and tackle place where the road splits in Homestead. Gilberts??

Fran		31-Jan-2010 03:15
Sorry Al, I was only 12 in 1962. However, did have a crush on a life guard then. Later that summer I wanted in the worst way to be a professional baseball player. So, later in life I dated one, good times. :)

Charles Knight		31-Jan-2010 02:41
Rat, I still go snake hunting every now and then. There's a Herpetologist about thirty miles from here that will buy rattlers and corals. Jack was selling "milk" to him until he got sick. I have milked venom but it's not really my favorite pastime, so I just deliver the snakes and only when the mood strikes (which seems to be less and less these days)! Going to road test my new Kayak tomorrow on the Banana River!

Arizona Al		31-Jan-2010 02:35
Nike et. alli: Erratum..It was Charlis and not Fran who had a crush on a friend of mine from Miami Beach High (Jerry Leshnick, deceased 1997) aqnd not Fran. Apologia. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well and rectifying a senior moment in Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona AL		31-Jan-2010 02:30
River Rat: The Ridge Rats (Cutler Ridge "Hoods") spent many a Friday Night at Snowdens All You Can Eat Fish Fry and .25 cent beer ( Not 21..No ID..No Problem) circa 1962-1964. Jeff: Keep us honest!! Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Jeff		31-Jan-2010 02:24
Being the Miami Beach teenager that I was, I'm left in the dust by those recollections.. but I'm thrilled to see some good old nostalgia back on these posts... Jeff, alive and well and thanking God for his little blessings despite a small health issue [soon to be rectified] in good old North Miami...

Miami River Rat		31-Jan-2010 02:11
I don't exactly remember the Redlands Tavern. I spent many a happy Fri/Sat night at Snowden's just off Old Cutler Rd, and hung out a good but at The Paper Doll on U.S. 1 heading into Homestead. Flat world dept: I spent a good bit of time hunting snakes and "other stuff" in the 'Glades with Charles Knight's older brother jack.

Guest		31-Jan-2010 01:48
Nike: The world is not only smal it is flat. My first real puppy love girlfriend in Jr. High (1959-1961) named Lauren McConnachie bartended at Redlands Tavern many years later. Does that name sound familiar? Speaking of a flat world and all kudos to Don Boyd regarding full circle events back almost 50 years: Miami Girl and I were in the same 6th grade class; I went to high school with your fiance and you and I possibly shot pool at Redlands Tavern, Roberta and I had several mutual friends in the Makle Bros.Subdivision 1963--1964, Fran had a crush on one of my friends from Miami Beach High circa 1962 , Whitebelt and Parks (if I recall correectly) and I knew Bill and Polly Christmas circa 1963-1964 and I am certain the list will go on. Amazing Grace! Thank You Don Boyd!! Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

charlis		30-Jan-2010 22:17
update on parade... it rained on the parade but not enough to cancel it. One more parade to go... the night time one in Ybor. That is going to be toned down, a lot, due to the economy.

Nike		30-Jan-2010 22:03
AZ Al, It appears it might really be a smaller world than we previoulsy thought when we discussed the "stunning" brunette from Palmetto HS. From 1963 - 1965, I made many trips to the Redlands Tavern with my Army buddies. We probably swilled a few brews together at one of a pool table. When I got out of the Army in December 65, I took a job as a Homestead Police Officer for 1 1/2 years until I got on with IBM at Kennedy Space Center in 67. I locked up a few who got too drunk and disorderly at Redlands Tavern. I always gave a break to those who "reminded me of me (and you) and stayed within the limits. Are you sure we didn't go to different schools together?

Arizona Al		30-Jan-2010 19:11
Jess and others et. alli." here is a bit of a bone. Dooes anyone from the South Miami, Cutler Ridge, Homestead area remember a honky tonk called Redlands Tavern? It was located directly off US 1 in Homestead. I obtained my first "under age" drink there at age 17 in 1963. It was regularly frequented by airmen from Homestead Air Force Base and South Dade County residents. Spent many a Saturday night there age 17-18 drinkinhg under age, shooting pool, and unsuccesfully endeavoring to make time with the legal age female patrons. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive well and well pastr the legal drinking age in Phoenix, Arizona

Leighton		30-Jan-2010 16:55
We used the old Tee Pee Motel outside Wharton, Texas, for the mid- 90s remake of "Lolita". I worked as a temp location scout (no credit - grrrrrrrrrrr) and also scouted many other locations for that ill-fated flick. It cost a fortune (they restored MANY of the period locations - including the Tee Pee - and the budget was nearly 60 million - over $100 these days), then it couldn't be released, due to content. Showtime finally aired it.

Billy		30-Jan-2010 16:47
Leighton, I went to the Castaways , many , many times, back in the sixties, and it was a neat looking place, and a fun place to be. I think it closed, in the early 70's, but I'm not positive? I too like old architecture, and Lighthouse type Buildings, and the old Tee Pee Motels , and such roadside attention getter attractions. Peace. Billy.

Leighton		30-Jan-2010 16:43
We occasionally skipped the Turnpike when heading north for the summer (early 70s), and I remember seeing a lot of those towns. In Texas we had many - scouted them for movies and commercials all the time in the 90s. FYI - "Cars" is CGI (Computer Generated Images), not Claymation (that's Gumby, etc). The old Rankin-Bass Christmas specials ("Rudolph" included) were Animagic, with felt and wire characters.

charlis		30-Jan-2010 16:42
Tampa's pirate invasion, for those of you who know what I am talking about, was almost cancelled for the first time in 106 years due to a severe weather forecast. The invasion starts at noon today... that part of the festivities should go off without a problem. However, strong winds and heavy rain moving in will (shouldn't, if they have any common sense) cause the boaters problems. The parade starts later and might have to be cancelled or delayed. The route has been expanded.

Billy		30-Jan-2010 16:42
Parks, Glad to hear that you had a nice time fishing on the st. johns river. We all need a getaway now and then, and a nature trip, is nice. Peace. Billy.

Billy		30-Jan-2010 16:40
Jeff, I agree with You 100 %, that it's time to move on, and leave Vietnam behind. It is a very depressing subject, and enough said. But it was nice of all of us, to Honor and pay tribute, to our war dead, maimed, and forgotton warriors, and I for one, am glad we did. I like nostalgia, architecture, and the present discussion topic about old motels, and old miami , and miami beach Landmarks. I will think about it, and see what I can add. Peace . Billy.

charlis		30-Jan-2010 16:36
roberta... Cars of Yesterday was located in or near Sarasota. We went there on one of our first family trips in our new home state. My mother and sister were bored, but my dad and I had a great time. He was a car salesman at the time so seeing the older cars was a real treat for him. We both used to work on cars with his brother-in-law.

Roberta Perry Hughes		30-Jan-2010 07:43
Hello, everyone. I enjoyed seeing all of those motels and hotels, in Miami and Miami Beach, as a child. We stayed in one or two motels, on weekend trips to the Keys, and in one or two, on the Gulf coast, to visit places like Tarpon Springs, and a town that had a museum called "Cars of Yesteryear." But the motels of my fondest memories were located on the "back roads" leading out of Miami, headed for the state of Georgia....down Hwy 27. The animated claymation movie, "Cars," is reminiscent of those towns, that had the family friendly motels, that offered a night's sleep on a long trip. The "star" of the film, a race car named Lightning McQueen, gets lost when he rolls out the back of his big rig that hauls him to races, & he came across such a town, called Radiator Springs, that had seen better days. That town, in that children's movie, brought back a lot of good memories for me. I watch it, now and then, just to see that town. Watch it with your grandkids, & tell them how such places used to exist, back in the day. *********************************************************************************************************

Parks		30-Jan-2010 05:46
Hi Guys, I’m back from fishing the St. Johns River. There were 207 manatees in the Blue Springs run this morning. It was an impressive sight. One day during the cold spell they had over three hundred. The fish kill on the St. Johns was incredible. I can’t describe how many tons of dead fish were on the river banks or floating in the river. The stink was pretty bad at times as well. Luckily it killed off the exotics such as tilapia and armored cat fish that have invaded the river. We saw no dead native fish. Unfortunately the spring runs acted as thermal sanctuaries and the cat fish and tilapia will soon re-populate the river. Between the four of us fishing we caught about a dozen American Shad and a few other assorted fish. We had a lot of fun despite the smell. We saw a lot of Bald Eagles. What a come back they have made. On the subject of old Miami hotels, the Silver Sands, a fifties era motel, is still operating on Key Biscayne. It looks like someone spent some money to fix up the rooms and the grounds are covered with iguanas but the fifties flavor is still there. They call it The Silver Sands Resort now.

Leighton		30-Jan-2010 03:40
I drove by The Castaway as a child, and I could have sworn that I saw it in 1983, or so, but I see it was gone by then. I don't know that area well, so searching the galleries might not be as informative as it should be. I am a Mid-Century kitsch fiend, and anything resembling a tiki-bar, drives me wild. I have lots of books on the subject, with connections to some great web sites. I envy those who experienced the South Florida versions, firsthand.

Jeff		30-Jan-2010 03:23
The Castaways was actually a conglomeration of both original and acquired properties... Joe Hart (who also owned Pickin' Chicken) bought up the Trent Hotel, along with the Santa Anita, Atlantique and Sunny Isles Motels on the beach side to form his Castaways complex. He then built the additional building on the island by the marina (the West side of A1A) where the Wreck Bar was located. A group called the Oceanliners were one of the regular bands at the Wreck Bar. Many of the members became the Sunshine Band that KC fronted. Another regular band was Joey Ace and the Heads of State. Grab you shaker cans and knockers (table mallets) and rock on! Other motels from the golden days of Sunny Isles Beach were the Suez, the Gould (renamed in later years), the Bimini Bay and quite a few you can see for yourself in Don's galleries. Now that we've paid our props to the vets and commented vastly on war and peace, might I kindly suggest we move on to some more lighthearted far, lest we become mired in a debate that can last for eons? As I said before, our sevicemen were noble, our government of the Vietname era corrupt, out politics and causes questionable... but we are all 40 years older. It;s time to share kind thoughts and olive branches - not to placate anyone... but to move forward into other Miami memories. Please, friends... throw me a bone... I need a nostaligia fix! Thanks!

Miami River Rat		30-Jan-2010 02:45
Castaways: A good place to take a young lady for drinks and dancing. I saw The Coasters there, sometime in the mid-1960's. In those days the Castaways always had good house bands and they also brought some first class groups, like The Coasters, in for weekends. There was something about going from Miami over to Miami Beach for a date that made the date special; exotic or something. Good times.

Billy		30-Jan-2010 00:30
Whitebelt, You hit it right on the head about Jane Fonda. And I personally think she is a Communist, just like her dad, was thought and said to be. Even though she is pretty, when I see her, I see an ugly traitor. I think the U.S. should of denied her re entry to our country, and made her stay in Vietnam, since she liked those people so much. Or she should have been hung as a traitor. I absolutely despise her. Only in america, could someone get away with what she did. She makes me hate, and sick at my stomach. Peace. Billy.

Billy		30-Jan-2010 00:18
Miami Girl, I agree with you completely, about Vietnam. Al and I, and our forces, fought like troopers, against dedicated ruthless people, who had one goal, to kill american G. I.'s . Human life , meant nothing to them. Not bragging, just fact, we did one hell of a job, and as you said, we could of won the war, but some people in high places, like our capitol hill politicians, and pentagon brass, would not let that happen, so it was prolonged, and all the fat cats got fatter, richer by the day. Shame on all of them, for lying, cheating , stealing, and putting our Lives in Harms way. I hope they all rot in hell, for their misdeeds. Peace. Billy.

Billy		30-Jan-2010 00:07
Arizona Al, You and I have the same beliefs about nam. Why were we there ? For nothing. Our Leaders and companies supplying products for the war, by contracts, made lots of money, and got rich, while you and I dodged hostile enemy fire, risking our lives. I respect others' opinions, but that is mine. We were there in their country trying to stay alive, that's all. And all the while, the brass at the pentagon played chess, and made stupid and carefree decisions, in an arbitrary cat and mouse game. We could of won that war, if we would of had a free hand , in the field , to go all out to win, but we were shifted around and pulled back, when we were gaining advantage. And then cease fires, and freezones, didn't help us either. We were always at a disadvantage, as far as I'm concerned, but we fought bravely, and fiercely. Peace. Billy.

charlis		29-Jan-2010 23:50
Miami Girl... convertible... funny you should say that... my first drive down there was in a convertible... in 1962. It was wonderful!

Miami Girl		29-Jan-2010 23:20
Billy and Al, I think Nam was all about the money and how much could be made by the military contractors, it's a damn shame. Our soldiers could have won that war in 6 months if the politicians would have let them, instead we left with our tails tucked between our legs. Thank you Johnson and Nixon! Riding down Collins Ave at night in a convertible - that's the life.

charlis		29-Jan-2010 22:41
leighton... stay home. Looks like a very nasty storm. The system might even cause the cancellation of our Gasparilla Parade... the first time in 106 years!

charlis		29-Jan-2010 22:38
Castaway.. marina on Intercoastal, hotel on the beach... friend/first official boyfriend was the photog there and my fiance and I knew one of the bands that played there a lot. Funny that the photog took pics of me and fiance. Photog taught me about the industry and I even had my own dark room. The Bleau... not mafia related... I know this for a fact... Evie's cousin Morris designed it and built it... he was not a member of the mafia... including the Jewish mafia. She took great offense at the mafia connection. Eden Roc... great public beach next to it that we used to go to all the time... now it is 1/2 the size. For good memories of the Beach, in movies... watch the "Bell Boy", the Sinatra movies... "High Hopes", "Lady in Cement"...

Jeff		29-Jan-2010 21:10
You missed about 90% of Motel Row...

Leighton		29-Jan-2010 19:24
Besides The Castaway, what other (non-Deco) hotel/motel did I miss???

Ariziona Al		29-Jan-2010 18:21
Billy: I was 19-20years old when in county 1966-1967. I was so politiclly naive at that point in my life that I never really asked why I was there and simply accepted the SOP retoric that the United States was in the Nam to halt the spread of the red peril in to the western hemisphere. After a few short years of maturity I realized that the SOP was at best a pack of lies. For example, In 1966 when I was in camp at Chu lai I became "freinds" with several Marines who at the time were making regular covert recon and S&D incursions into Cambodia and Laos, This was 1966..and then Lo and Behold in 1970 President Nixon announced on national television that he had for the first time ever authorized "limited" recon incursions into Cambodia. Big disconnect between 1970 and 1966 I would say. I continue to question why we were ever in the Nam in the first place and why we were not permitted to prosecute a strategic war rather than a totally useless tactical war. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Leighton		29-Jan-2010 14:37
Nike, Blowing Rock is still booming, though it hasn't lost its character, for the most part. The recession has slowed it down a bit, but the homes are wild-crazy expensive. I was going to head up this weekend, but a winter snowstorm is hitting this afternoon - argh. I think our family stayed at the Eden Roc in 1967, right before we moved to Miami - I'll need to check out the home movies again.

whitebelt		29-Jan-2010 14:08
Just saw this on the CNN web site. This is so cool. http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Music/01/28/atlanta.dust.to.digital/index.html?hpt=T2 Where I grew up got blockbusted and the house behind us wound up as a black church. It was one with a lot of music. An old frame house packed with people clapping, singing and playing guitars and such on Sundays. Inspired. Rocked the house and passed out good vibes. Glad to see some of that live music, the real thing, being kept for posterity.

Nike		29-Jan-2010 12:37
Leighton, The Castaway Hotel was where I spent my honeymoon in 1965. It was like being inTahiti. As a kid who grew up in Southwest Miami, Miami Beach and all those hotels were pretty special from my eyes. I remember watching the Fontainbleu, Americana, Eden Roc and the others being built, thanks to mafia money. Miami Beach was where we went for Sunday drives or where we would take our northern visitors. I have had the pleasure of staying at the Fountainbleu and Eden Roc in later years but the Castaway was demolished before I had a chance to return. From what I've heard, it was in pretty bad shape in th later years. My wife and I love to visit Miami Beach and especially Lincoln Road Mall where some of the best resturants are like Touch. You mention Blowing Rock, NC. That's another great place. When my parents retired in the early seventies, they moved near Blowing Rock and Boone.

Leighton		29-Jan-2010 06:07
I'm sorry I missed places like The Castaway, etc. Even the Howard Johnson's of that time period were more interesting than the current junk. The total lack of any design aesthetic in what passes as "middle class" accommodations these days, never ceases to amaze me. Some places like Blowing Rock, NC, still retain the fun and atmosphere of the surrounding area.

whitebelt		29-Jan-2010 02:37
Jane Fonda was just another liberal airhead that got swallowed up and used by others of that period. A piece of fluff caught up in the swirl. A grownup should have been looking out for her. She has been paying for that ever since. Other much more guilty parties got off free. The price of celebrity. She was certainly a tasty looking morsel, though. Her and my second wife looked very much alike, with the nod going to the wife overall.

Billy		29-Jan-2010 02:02
Arizona Al, I pretty much figured you would remember Hanoi Hannah . Her and Jane Fonda. To me, they were both the same, against us the american soldiers and marines getting our rear ends shot at, and land mined, mortared , and such. I cannot stomach the mere sight of Jane Fonda, to this day. At least Bob Hope and Brooke Shields , were on our side, and came in country to entertain us. And I appreciated that very much. Their USO Shows , were Great. And You know Al, We were there fighting for our country, because we were sent there to do so, but Why, that's what I always ask myself ? We were supposedly there in the first place to free the South Vietnamese People from Communist Rule, but I believe that the Us should of kept their nose out of it, and then over 59 thousand of our soldiers and marines, would be alive, and none of us would have gone through what we did. I didn't enjoy it did You ? I think it was 100 % political, and I don't think we should of been there in the first place. Peace . Billy.

Miami Girl		29-Jan-2010 01:58
Thanks CK for giving me hope of finding those smaller motels, I'm going to remain optimistic that they hold out a few more years. Actually they're probably doing better than those high rises are these days. Also thanks to Nike and Whitebelt for helping me realize that my thoughts weren't totally ignorant.

whitebelt		29-Jan-2010 00:58
Miami Girl, Russia's economy was in tatters after WWII. They had a military that was more than we could have handled, but their economy made them hold back. Took everything they had to keep it going. The Cold War was a war of attrition, bleeding the much weaker economy of theirs which would eventually crash their system. The rhetoric, the arms race, the brush wars. A lot of that was designed by people who understood money, economies, and what happens to leaders who don't look to home first. We were the only prosperous country in the world after WWII. Our factories were running full blast resupplying the rest of the world. Russia had 20 million deaths from WWII and many times our number in troops at the end of it. Could you imagine the casualties we would have had if we really went to war? China couldn't put its full effort into Korea because of their economy. Now they are dependent on us for their economy. Our troops didn't die in vain.

Nike		29-Jan-2010 00:07
Miami Girl, Right you are. Viet Nam, followed up by their 20 years in Afganistan and a few other debacles, was their downfall. When we moved to Miami in 1955, we stayed at the Keys Inn across from Dinner Key. I have great memories of that two weeks.

Martha		28-Jan-2010 23:59
As to the Lincoln Theater, all I can say is remember what was done to the Carib. The "developer" gutted the inside as well as the outside, made it into a "mall" which closed down. It wasn't open a year, and now it's just one vacant hole on Lincoln Rd. All the MB commission care about is the almighty dollar. The mayor should be ashamed because she used to be on the Art Deco Festival committee.

Charles Knight		28-Jan-2010 23:55
There are still many "Mom and Pop" motels along A1A, you just have to drive seventy five miles north of Miami.

Miami Girl		28-Jan-2010 23:47
Veteran's: I like to think that the support the Soviet Union gave to North Vietnam was the beginning of the end of the USSR and led to their downfall. If so, our guys didn't die in vain. I just can't accept they died for nothing. What do you all think?

Miami Girl		28-Jan-2010 23:42
Motels ---- on the beach side of A1A. They're few and far between now but I hope we can find them when we finally get back to good ol' "FLA". To this day I prefer a small family run motel so I can sit right outside our door with my feet on the railing and a glass of wine while enjoying the rhythm of the waves. Hate those high rises!! Even though I will admit they do have nicer, cleaner rooms and I'm spoiled in that respect. Decisions, decisions.....

charlis		28-Jan-2010 22:32
Motel row... When I first moved to FL we stayed in a motel there. It was so much fun. later moved to Hollywood while looking for a house on Miami Beach. When I was back there in 04 for a HazMat conference, I took AIA and could not find anything that I remembered! As Jeff said... nothing but high-rises or empty land. From what I hear, most of the new high-rises are empty.

Leighton		28-Jan-2010 05:21
On a much smaller scale, SA's River Walk is prime real estate. Still, there are MANY restrictions regarding design, height, etc. They drive developers crazy (good), protect significant structures (good) and attempt to stave off overly-commercial tenants (good). Sorry to hear about Sunny Isles - an area of (formerly) abundant Mid-Century kitsch - ALWAYS a good thing.

Jeff		28-Jan-2010 04:50
About historic preservation: When developers discovered that "air space" was more valuable than ground space (meaning high rises), they (as Joni Mitchell said in "Big Yellow Taxi") "tore down paradise and put up a parking lot"... From Fisher Island across Government Cut... driving A1A from South Beach to North Lauderdale it is 90% high rise construction. Some of the worst impact is in Sunny Isles Beach (formerly know to the locals as Motel Row). Goodbye to the quaint motels with the kitschy architecture... hello to the mega-story concrete canyon and traffic congestion because only the privileged rich deserve to see the ocean. Of course, Coral Gables, Aventura and even Hollywood have changed drastically when the money started "smelling greener" than the tropical lawns... There once was a time when Northerners came to the Miami area to escape the city... now the city has come to Miami to escape the North (as well as other lands)...

Jeff		28-Jan-2010 04:44
Perhaps this can sum things up, for politics makes for strange bedfellows... Each side of a war believes their cause is right. The other side's soldiers are always the enemy. Those that dissent the loudest are branded the traitors. To the victors go the spoils. The golden rule is: "Those with the gold make the rules". Yes, some conflicts are truly just, while others are politically motivated. The loss of human life is always the tragically same. Capitalist, Communist, Religionist, Aethiest, Hippie, Conservative, Hero, Traitor... as Neil Diamond so perfectly put it in his song "Done Too Soon"... "They have all sweated beneath the same sun...looked up in wonder at the same moon...and wept when it was all done; for being done too soon... for being done too soon..."

Arizona Al		28-Jan-2010 04:08
Billy: I remember Hanoi Hannah. She was the philosophical progeny of her World War II predecessor Tokyo Rose. Many a rainy night in camp or humping the boonies were spent listening to Hannah on the airwaves attempting those in country to give up their arms and join her comrads. I would find it hard to beleive that any U.S. military person ever believed or complied with her propaganda notwithstanding the support she received from the likes of Jane Fonda et. alli. Alan Ogus, Ph.D.Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona.

whitebelt		28-Jan-2010 03:12
It is fashionable to blame everything on the government and the rich and powerful, but there is a fact that has to be considered, and this applies to all governments, from monarchies to socialist to communist to democracies. The government is the structure that provides for the citizens. Unpopular kings and dictators bite the dust all of the time. That is usually the result of economic stress. As far as our government goes, the rich and powerful do influence it greatly. They are also the ones that create the wealth we all have access to. They have served us fairly well for many years. Their power and control was threatened by communism, which was just a bunch of others seeking power and control. They were justly paranoid about having their game raided. Threats to them were also threats to our society. They were the glue that bound us together. A sort of benevolent dictator sort of thing. Vietnam was part of that paranoia. There was no middle ground. Just warring camps, and for decades. We were all victims of the times. Perhaps some of you remember what happened to the economy when war production wound down. War kept a lot of Americans eating good, not just the big shots. May not be "right", but it is the way things work. My peeve is the rabble rousing used that went beyond opposition to the war. Opposition to the war was exploited by those with other agendas. It really crippled us as a nation. Our government is determined by activists. It isn't a "democracy", it is getting to power by who pulls in the most suckers. Activists get out the vote. They create blocks of voters to gain power and influence. They win the elections. They aren't so much about what is best for all of us. This applies to both camps. They are both essentially rabblerousers. What you gonna do? Who do you believe in? Words mean nothing coming out of a politicians mouth. It is their actions that count. Who does the best for the most in the long run? The middle just has to get militant and slap the radicals on all sides down. All of those that promise pie in the sky for the masses, or that preach fear.

Guest		28-Jan-2010 03:00
Leighton, It is a cryin shame, but unfortunately here in the miami area, money rules, and there is not much respect for Historic Buildings, and such. Some are saved, but many are not. There does not appear to be many guidelines, or governing bodies to prevent Old Historic Structures from being torn down. Some places have much more restraint as far as Demolishing Pieces of History, for Money, But not Miami. In Miami, It's all about Money. Guest.

Billy		28-Jan-2010 02:50
Whitebelt, Remember in nam, we had Hanoi Hannah ? She was always trying to talk us into surrendering, saying that the Soldiers and people of North Vietnam, were friendly and Peace Loving, and asking us , why we were fighting with them. That was mind games propaganda, designed to con us into Giving up. And then there was cease fires, where only we ceased fire, but charlie, Victor Charles, did not. Vietnam, to me, was a bad dream, and Luckily, I woke up at home,in one piece. And I Thank God , for that. Peace. Billy.

Billy		28-Jan-2010 02:40
Miami River Rat, I Liked your story about you and the war protester girl in the restaurant, that was good comedy, but in reality, it was the way to go. Life is too short, we must be flexible, and go with the flow. If we take things too hard , and to heart, it will sink us. It's Like me with Jane Fonda, I have always despised her, since she consorted with our enemy, in vietnam, the enemy soldiers, who were killing our soldiers and marines. I have never forgiven her for that. If she didn't believe in the war, fine, but to go to the other side, that made her a traitor, and a commy in my book, and I believe she should of been deported or Imprisoned. I refuse to watch anything with Jane Fonda in it. Peace . Billy.

Billy		28-Jan-2010 02:24
Jeff, Thank You, for your kind words about us , the vietnam veterans. And of course all other veterans. And I respect you highly, for the way you feel about wars, and us veterans. It's like jobs, not everyone can be a doctor, engineer, rocket scientist, actor, police officer, firefighter, and so forth. You were classified 4 F , for a reason, and that was no fault of yours. And the vietnam conflict- war, was was Political nonsense anyway, and war is only good for undertakers, politicians, and war contract companies. They all profit from it, but neither the military soldiers, nor the american people profit by it. Human Lives, and Our hard earned money, are wasted, in wars. Peace, is much better than war, any time. I resented Draft Dodgers, and protesters in the past, but I now feel differently, because Vietnam, was needless, and we lost a lot of American Forces, for nothing, they died in vain. Our country's Leaders sacrificed them. And I resent that, very much. Peace. Billy.

whitebelt		27-Jan-2010 22:01
Fixed that problem. :-)

whitebelt		27-Jan-2010 20:32
I just noticed my name changed. I updated my profile. I'm whitebelt.

whitebelt		27-Jan-2010 18:55
I just ran across this and thought I would post it. This one is an introduction. You can follow links within to more info, including NASA's explanation, which frankly doesn't fly real well due to the way some show the backgrounds being disturbed. The spheres seem to affect the background solar wind. http://aliencasebook.blogspot.com/2010/01/video-hugh-ufos-orbiting-sun.html There may be telemetry explanations, but that reveals a weakness in the data we receive and conclusions drawn from that data.

Leighton		27-Jan-2010 18:24
Regarding the Lincoln Theater...does Miami Beach and/or Miami not have some kind of historic review committee? Just curious. In SA, our Historic Design and Review Committee (and various ordinances) make tearing down any historic structure either impossible, or pretty difficult. I realize that Miami Beach/Miami are all about property and money, but certainly, with all of the Deco, there is some governing body involved in one (or both) places? One of the finest examples of Mid-Century church architecture - Coral Gables Presbyterian - was leveled some time in the early 90s(?) - that really amazed me. It was replaced by a generic, high-rise office building.

whitebelt		27-Jan-2010 17:03
RR, I can understand your sentiment, but avoiding conversations is what empowers those mindsets. They are prone to ranting and raving, which is how they gained so much power. Those mindsets are still alive and active. I can see being against something, but aiding an enemy by attacking your own people, or doing such things as displaying Viet Cong flags or posing in front of their anti-aircraft guns crosses a line between dissent and treason. Casting us as villains and themselves as the righteous just is not acceptable. If they are that passionate about such things they should move to those poor victims of us. We have enough differences of opinion without needing idiots inflamed by foreign powers destroying us from within. They need to be engaged and slapped down. Their being the loudest voices needs to cease. Curiously I seen more of that happening on the net lately. I have the sense it will be increasing as time goes by. This casting us as villains is something people are getting tired of.

Miami River Rat		27-Jan-2010 15:44
The hard feelings over "our war" will end when all of us that fought in it (or for that matter fought against it), are dead. In 1977 I got seated in a Miami Beach restaurant with a girl who had been an anti-war, anti military radical. We started to argue, then said "to hell with it" had a few drinks and went out dancing. We enjoyed a great evening with no further thought of the war. I have joined in no serious discussion about Viet Nam since then and if I stay sane, I will never again engage in such a conversation. I served my four years in the military and got out. They paid me and gave me the G.I. bill and I grew up in there. In return, I followed orders for four years. Fair trade.

Jeff		27-Jan-2010 03:41
One more thing... all typos aside... There will always be a pro-and-con debate to war and military service. It really all boils down to one thing, the way I see it: It takes government to create a problem, but it's always left up to our military to "fix it". My late uncle served in the Battle of the Bulge, and he had a colostomy bag worn for over 40 years due to a war-encountered injury... yet he never was bitter. My older half-brother served in the army during World War II, so did another uncle. I may not have served any active duty, but I am proud of my family members who did... and will once again repeat myself. "THANK YOU to all who did serve, and continue to serve this nation"... where we can politely agree, disagree or even agree to disagree because of their contributions...

Jeff		27-Jan-2010 03:31
Yes, Billy, I do believe the Miami Symphony was at the Lincoln, and I think it morphed into to New World Symphony. I was a 4-F for military service, and I make no apologies for that. In fact, it may have been to the betterment of the country that I did not serve. I was (and still am, to a point), a sensitive and emotional person, and although there was no draft at the time of my "standard physical" back in 1972, I was always in fear of its reinstatement because of my own personal beliefs and other things I won't get into for risk of turning this into a massive debate/argument. No rational person (other than the greedy who profit from misery) wants war. To those who were emotionally, physically and morally strong enough to serve - they ARE what made and still make this country great. Some people are just not cut out for military service. This is not because they are being "Un-American" or avoiding responsibility... it's just that those (such as I) were either physically unfit for various reasons, or could not hold up under such emotional duress [which I feel would have been my fate]. One of my former employers and a long-time friend both did a tour of duty in Vietnam. I did something with them that I did for a long time with other Vietnam Vets I'd met... I shook their hand when I learned of their service and said "thank you". I was always angered by those who disrespected the returning Viet Vets with catcalls, thrown items and other "insults after injury". These individuals did more than many of us did... and we owe them so much more. I may have been a 4-F, complete with long hair and a beard... but I NEVER subscribed to the "hippi mentality" of taking it out on the servicemen when it was out government that failed us.

Billy		27-Jan-2010 02:05
Charlis, and Dave Nelson, I have to agree with both of you. Money and greed, dictate things, and as Charlis said, it's nice for the United States to help Haiti in view of this awful disaster, but why is aid not available for our citizens here in our country. There seems to be a double standard involved. Take care of home first, should always be the rule, but it is not, and I too have a big problem with that. But money is the Rule, and It's all about money, that is the problem. Peace to you both. Billy.

Billy		27-Jan-2010 01:56
Jeff, Thank You very much, for thanking us the veterans. I for one , appreciate your appreciation. Very nice of you. And I agree with you about the Lincoln Theatre, on Lincoln Road Mall. I remember it well. It's all about money, that's the deciding factor, and history means nothing to these greedy developers, it seems. Wasn't the Lincoln Theatre, the home of the Miami Symphony Orchestra, at one time ? I believe it was. Peace. Billy.

whitebelt		26-Jan-2010 23:59
Charlis, there has been sentiment to stay out of other people's conflicts for quite some time. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_non-interventionism I think American companies with foreign interests, or multinational companies have probably had a significant influence on our overseas adventures for some time. Follow the money to figure out the why of anything involving human beings.

charlis		26-Jan-2010 23:33
correction on last post... having problems with key board... "I can NOT understand why... Korea...

charlis		26-Jan-2010 23:32
I, too, thank all the vets. Except for WW1 and WWII I can understand why we lost so many people in the Korean, Viet Nam and earlier Iran situations. Was it the USA ego? Korea and Viet Nam was similar to our Civil War of the 1860's. Why were we there? why did we loose so many men? The US's involvement in Haiti really upsets me. We have millions of people without jobs, homes, med coverage... but I see no telethons on TV to help them. The US is always "sticking its nose in" other country's problems without helping its own... including the vets. Sorry to vent but I was speaking to a coworker with the county who works with social services. They can not handled the case they have but were recently told that they should expect 60 thousand new from Haiti thanks to the city mayor. The city is a separate entity from the county but the county will be bearing the brunt.

Jeff		26-Jan-2010 23:20
Another piece of Miami bites the dust... The 75-year-old Lincoln Theater, according to news reports, will be converted into retail shops by the investment group that owns the property. The New World Symphony will move to another location. I remember seeing "The Goodbye Girl" as well as a number of other movies at this classic theater on Lincoln Road, and it's just another perfect example of the greed that has bastardized South Florida. I hope the developers lose their shirts on this one...but they probably won't...there's a sucker born every minute (said P.T. Barnum)!

Jeff		26-Jan-2010 22:17
Thanks from me, as well, to all veterans who have served our country. Whether we were for or against any past or present conflicts is not the issue... the issue is to always appreciate, honor and respect the sacrifices made by those who did serve.

Jeff		26-Jan-2010 22:13
Thanks from me, as well, to all veterans who have served our country. Whether we were for or against any past or present conflicts is not the issue... the issue is to always appreciate, honor and respect the sacrifices made by those who did serve.

Billy		26-Jan-2010 21:15
Nike Thank You, for thanking me, and I say Thank You, to you also. And I agree with you, that Freedom has a price, and that price is very expensive. Too many Lives were Lost, and too many Paralyzed, and Lost souls, Homeless Vets too. Peace . Billy.

Billy		26-Jan-2010 21:04
Arizona Al, You received more injuries than I did in country. Shrapnel, is bad stuff, it usually , is never removed from the body, and can cause pain, and discomfort, for Life. And as you stated, we are the Lucky ones. Many were killed in action, many were maimed in action, and many Vietnam Vets, are still Lost Mentally, and Psycologically, and in reality, they never came home. Their Lives were ruined, and they will never be the same again. It's real sad, more like pitiful sorrow, all dead, maimed, paralyzed, and the lost souls. So sad . Even in spite of our wounds, and mental trauma of war, we are very fortunate. I returned to Florida, Tampa , to be exact, and got a job with Winn Dixie Warehouse in Tampa, and later became a Winn Dixie Truck Driver . I now have over 35 years seniority ,with Winn Dixie, and will likely stay on with them to retire. I'm very glad to hear that you are doing well Al, and again Welcome Home,and Thanks. Peace. Billy.

Billy		26-Jan-2010 20:31
Parks Thank You, very much. I do appreciate your kind remark. And as far as you are concerned , You tried to enlist, but they were picky, and then you showed up at aurora street, and high blood pressure made them send you home. That was not your fault, you did all you could do, and the right thing. So as far as I'm concerned, you did serve, and have nothing to feel self consious about. Many young men draft dodged, you did not, that's good enough in my book. Enjoy your fishing trip, and good luck at bringing in lots of fish. Peace. Billy.

whitebelt		26-Jan-2010 20:22
Nike, I know you served and it is currently in vogue to thank those that have, but I hate to sound like an attitude and say too much damage was done to too many good people by the radical chaotic and evil winds of change that were blowing in years past to make things good again. Evil winds designed to rip the fabric of our society apart, appealing to the selfish under a banner of good intentions. Their protests made for a "politically correct" war, whether it was just or not, that prolonged it and increased casualties, casting us and our troops as villains, and created a divide that will last for years yet to come. All in the name of "morality", feeding their egos, and rising to power through division. Unfortunately, most of those responsible are dead or dying, having lived without the pain their actions inflicted upon their own. I am really a mild-mannered guy, but I do have a serious case of the a** for certain segments and mindsets of our society that fell for it. I won't raise a hand against them myself, but neither will I raise a hand to defend them from those that will.

Nike		26-Jan-2010 19:26
Billy, Dave Nelson, Whitebelt, AZAL, and all other veterans of all times-- Freedom isn't free. Thank you for serving. Charles D. Carter (Nike) U.S. Army 1962 - 1965 U.S. Army Reserves 1966-78

Arizona Al		26-Jan-2010 10:59
Parks: You are most welcome. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona Al		26-Jan-2010 10:58
Billy: After discharge and return to Miami in 1967 I attended Miami Dade Jr. College and graduated with an A.A. in 1969. I then transferred to North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C. in 1969 and have not been back to Miami since. In August 1967 while in Chu Lai we came under mortar and artillary fire and I received shrapnel wounds in right leg and shoulder and a ruptured right eardrum and sensorineural hearing loss from concussion trauma. I too am very fortunate to be alive and relatively unscathed both physically and psychologically. A significant number of veterans who served in country were not and currently are not so fortunate. Thanks for your service and welcome home. Former Spc. 4 Alan Ogus RA3468432 USARVN Chu Lai, South Viet Nam 1966-1967. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Parks		26-Jan-2010 04:36
First I want to say “Thank You!” to all of you who served. I didn't and I regret it. Starting at about ten years of age I spent a lot of time on the water near the Coast Guard Air Station in Coconut Grove. I decided I wanted to be a Coasty, so shortly after graduating high school I walked into the Coast Guard Recruiting Office to sign up. The recruiter told me to forget it. I was wearing glasses. At the time, 1968, the Coast Guard could be very picky. I think a lot of guys figured there was less chance getting shot in the Coast Guard than in the Army. I screwed around at Miami Dade Junior College for a couple of years and ran out my student deferment. When I was called up, my birthday was #2 in the lottery, I reported to the induction station in Coral Gables. There I learned that I had high blood pressure. Over a period of three days they took my pressure nine more times to make sure I wasn't faking it. I wasn't. I still take the medicine. Thank you again for your service! Tomorrow I'm off to fish the St. Johns River for the Great American Shad. I'll be staying a Blue Springs State Park with three buddies. It should be a lot of fun. I get home Friday so I'll see you guys then.

Billy		26-Jan-2010 03:49
Arizona Al, Our service in the army , was similar, except my mos was 11 Bravo. I was in country, for exactly 11 months and 22 days, before I got a Dust Off . I was wounded twice, but luckily the wounds were merely grazes, and not serious entry wounds. I did Recon Patrols along Highway 1, was in Phu Bai, Chu Lai, and numerous other Vills and Hamlets. I am very lucky to be alive. We saw a lot of action, and took a lot of hostile fire. I served 2 years only, and got an early out, to attend Miami Dade Jr. College. I too was honorably discharged at the rank of Spec 4. Welcome Home Brother. Peace . Billy.

Arizona Al		26-Jan-2010 03:16
Whiteblt, Billy and Dave Nelson: I share the commonality with each of you. I enlisted at age 18 and was inducted on 11/29/1964,the event of being the lesser of two evils (3 years U.S.Army or 5 years under the auspices of the Florida Department of Corrections). Did basic at Ft. Jackson and then finance school at Ft. Benjamin Harrison. At Ft. Harrison I managed to engage in several instances of conduct unbecomming an enlisted man so I was reassigned from Quartermaster Corp. to Infantry Corps., transferred to Ft. Jackson for AIT and summarily deployed in country to Chu Lai, South Vietnam with a MOS of Combat Support Specialist 103 Combat Support Co. in 1966. Served 1966-1967 in Country and discharged in 1967. Managed to "earn" Distinguished Service Medal. Soldiers Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal,National Desense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Wound Medal, Vietnam Honor Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Purple Heart, and a Presedential Unit Citation. Former Spc. 4 Alan Ogus, 103 Combat Support, Chu Lai, Vietnam 1966-1967, alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona.

whitebelt		26-Jan-2010 02:22
Well, it appears there isn't much interest in a different format for discussion, so I am taking that one I put up and posted a link to down. I wish they would hurry up so I can close on that house in CO. I long for the open sky and no city lights. And the hot tub it has. These old bones appreciate things like that. The county I am moving to is about 1500 square miles, a little smaller than Dade. The population of the whole county is about 6000. It has one traffic light in the whole county, which is about 6 blocks away in the small town I am moving to, which accounts for about half of the population. Didn't some Dade County schools have more students than that? :-) I have never lived in such a rural area. Looking forward to it.

Jeff		26-Jan-2010 00:02
Arizona Al: At your convenience, please drop me an email. I have something personal I'd like to discuss in which your expertise in psychology will be most beneficial. Thanks! Also, kindly advise as to what is the best time to reach you by phone at your desk, should I prefer to do that rather than write...

Billy		25-Jan-2010 22:01
Whitebelt, We all have our moments, afterall, we're human. God knows , I have mine. All we can do, is to do the best we can , to take care of ourselves, and to pay our bills, and try and live in peace. And we all make mistakes, we are none of us perfect, but if we mean well, and try to live right, that's about all we can do. I, myself, have good intentions. Life is too short for animosity, grudges and such. I try to put those out of my Life. Peace. Billy.

whitebelt		25-Jan-2010 21:29
I don't know about smart, Billy. I could be extraordinarily dumb in my younger and later years. I still have my moments. I was downtown working near the recruiter's office after I got my 1A and just stopped in to chat, and the next thing I knew I was on a track that caused me much less anxiety. Not long after that 1A and away you went. I weren't no senator's son. God looking out for dummies sort of thing I reckon. I was dumb, but had a good heart.

Billy		25-Jan-2010 21:15
Whitebelt, I only stayed in the army for 2 years, that was enough for me, I was not interested in the 15 thousand dollar bonus , for 6 more years, I just wanted to go home, and get on with my Life. And yes, those were some real crazy mixed up times. Peace and War, Divided our country , like the Civil War did. Peace. Billy.

Billy		25-Jan-2010 21:07
Whitebelt, I've heard of that happening, guys being drafted into the marines, but I never saw or talked to any that it happened to. Aurora Street AAFEES Induction Center, in Coral Gables, What a Zoo. Never forget that place, and the bus ride to the airport, nervousness galore. My MOS, was forced on me , by being drafted, 11- B - 10 11 Bravo Infantry. After Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, I went to the Infantry School at Ft. Benning, in Columbus , Georgia. I was a Grunt Ground Pounder alright. You were the smart one, you enlisted, I wish now , that I had too. Water over the dam now though. What's done is done, can't change that. Peace . Billy.

whitebelt		25-Jan-2010 19:04
Billy, on the bus from Aurora to the airport were two guys that were drafted into the Marines. They didn't exactly look like they were eagerly anticipating the adventure. Things could have been much worse. I enlisted for a particular MOS in lieu of being drafted. Thought that was worth an extra year's committment. Stayed in 7 years. Probably would not have as a grunt. Actually would have been very unlikely. Those were some crazy damned years in this society.

Billy		25-Jan-2010 18:09
Whitebelt, our treatment by the Drill Sgt.'s , was for the most part, an act, to scare us and get us to follow orders without question or hesitation, using fear. That was and is the method that works, and as you said, most of the time, there is nothing personal involved, but in some cases , there is. The D. I's do get it in for some trainees, and they single them out and ride them. I was drafted, and went in a bit spoiled and Lazy, and that spelled disaster for me. I was a rather tall and Lanky Lad of 20 years old, not in real good physical shape, but well. I suppose for being out of shape, I did fairly well. I made it thru 9 weeks, and Graduated, that was good enough for me, just to get off of Tank Hill. It was not easy, but we made it. Peace. Billy.

Charles Knight		25-Jan-2010 02:57
Jackie, books are usually re-released in ppb twelve months after the original hcvr. You can still pre order for about $16.00 on Amazon (till tomorrow, I believe)

Jackie		25-Jan-2010 01:42
For all the Tim Dorsey fans: Gator A-Go-Go, the new book coming out Tuesday was listed in the Notable New Books section in today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Any idea when it will be out in paperback?

whitebelt		25-Jan-2010 01:38
Billy, I never took any of it personal. I quickly understood it is all part of a well developed system. I have this tendency to grin when something is funny, which I did when they did one of the scripted routines. Had a DI that thought it was funny I saw everything as funny, but I didn't suffer for that. He used to call me Smiley. :-) I just toughed it out. I went in 130 pounds and strong as an ox. Fit as a fiddle. Was working 13 days on and one day off, 12 hours a day doing physical work. I came out about 120 with no strength, but incredible endurance. Took me a couple of months before I recovered. The Army done learned me to get numb and keep on going. That was what basic was all about.

Billy		25-Jan-2010 01:22
Whitebelt, Once I removed my mask, in the gas chamber, I only got out ugh, and I couldn't talk, breathe, or anything, except suffer, and as you say, the Drill Sgt.'s made you stay in there longer , to suffer, and get a real good dose of it. And when you finally got out the exit door, if you didn't put your mask in the carrier case correctly, they took you in again without the mask on. That was a Horrible experience. I'm with You, Snakes, we can deal with, but some people we cannot. I sense that you are good people, and good people , attract other good people, so you have nothing to be careful of, I assure you. Peace. Billy.

Billy		25-Jan-2010 01:09
Miami Girl, I'm glad to hear that all came out well for your hubby. Many times, things work out for the best. Even though it was a different branch of service, I'm quite sure that your hubby's prior service, in the Air Force, helped him in basic at Ft. Jackson. I had no prior service, and I was a spoiled kid growing up, so I had a hard time, it was Rough. I went in when I was 20 years old. Billy.

whitebelt		25-Jan-2010 00:47
Oh, the tear gas chamber. They had that down pat to give you a good dose. They didn't tell you that after you took your mask off and shouted out your name and serial number that you had to wait a while before leaving. I was so glad they had stopped the riot gas training. Heard some stories about that stuff. I think I was in that area. Was so long ago it is a blur. I remember I did 25 pushups for my F ups and about 4000 for the platoons. Was in the hospital for 3 days each twice because of broncho pneumonia. Luckily I didn't miss anything to phase me back. Still smoked 2 packs a day even in the hospital.

Miami Girl		25-Jan-2010 00:47
Billy, no actually it was Sep/Oct of 1970. He was an old man of 26 and had pulled his 4 years in the Air Force then 3 years trying to "find himself" with no success. Then an Army Recruiter promised him helicopter maintenance but he had to go through basic again due to the 3 year lapse. Then SURPRISE they stuck him in the finance office, where he served out the next 16 years! It all turned out good in the end - he just retired from Civil Service (in Finance and Accounting) after 22 years so gets a double dipper pension!

Billy		25-Jan-2010 00:25
Whitebelt, The 5th Battallion, I was in, and your 1st Battallion, were next to each other. We were across the street from Theatre 1 the old wooden Movie Theatre, and on the other corner , was a small Building with picture booths, Snack foods in a Machine, A microwave, and other things for us, and next to Theatre 1 was the Service Club, and The White House cafeteria, was near there. Remember the Rifle Range Road, with it's ups and downs, and Drag A. Hill ? We had deaths in our company too. Spinal Meningitis, Heart Murmurs, and beatings by Drill Sgt.'s which were covered up. True, about the Mess Hall, eat quickly and get outside. Enter the mess hall, cap off, sign The Book, Meal Card in Hand. Just one scoop of everything, never enough to eat, and like you said, no time either. Drill Sgt.'s always yelling, even in the mess hall, you coudn't even eat in peace. The motor pool was behind Theatre 1, further down Hampton Parkway. I hated the harrassment of the Drill Sgt.'s, and The Gas Chamber, besides the Small portions of food in the mess hall. It was a bad experience for me, I had a real hard time at Ft. Jackson. Billy.

whitebelt		24-Jan-2010 23:46
Fran, as long as it isn't a cottonmouth I am OK. Had people out here say if you corner a rattlesnake and shoot at it that it lunges for the bullet. So fast it kills itself. Charlis, that was a funny story.

Fran		24-Jan-2010 23:33
Whitebelt, there is a snake trolling, careful.

Billy		24-Jan-2010 22:48
Nike, Ft. Jackson, was cold as hell in the winter, and could be in the 100's in the summer, like 102 , or 103. And the hilly terrain, was very tiring marching and double timing. And our food chow , was good, but not enough of it, they starved us, and rushed you to eat and get outside. Tank Hill was a miserable place, and I was glad to graduate , and get the hell out of Columbia. Billy.

Billy		24-Jan-2010 22:36
Miami Girl, I'm guessing that your hubby went thru basic before us. further back in time, it was no doubt harder, but in 1969, it was still hard. Billy.

Miami Girl		24-Jan-2010 18:46
WB and Billy: My hubby says he got one stupid pass to go downtown. His DI told him to put his greens on, gave him a pawn shop ticket then ordered him to go pick up his watch!! LOL. That's another reason I never would have made it through Basic and glad I never tried.

Nike		24-Jan-2010 18:44
Ah, yes, "Take Tank Hill," was the call from the DIs. I was at Ft. Jackson in August 1962. I thought it was the hottest and buggiest place on earth. Of course a few months later, I was assigend to the Nike site at Everglades National Park where we lived in tents for 2 1/2 years. A sidenote to my wonderful days at Ft. Jackson. My foxhole buddy was a black guy from Birmingham. We were leaning how to fight and die for each other and our country. During mail call, there were some local newspapers from Columbia available. That day, in August, the newspaper reported that several chain stores in Columbia had agreed serve negros at their lunch counters along side white people. My black foxhole buddy showed it to me. We looked at each other, shook our heads and laughed our asses off. He was later killed in Viet Nam, Freedom isn't free!!!

whitebelt		24-Jan-2010 18:42
Billy, I went in in May. D-1-1 if I remember right. Each unit was different. The one next to us was where we would phase back to. They were brutal. They kicked the troops low crawling up the street and had the bad attitudes "falling down the stairs" a couple of times. Our senior DI finally jumped all over them. He later was decapitated in an off post auto accident. They changed CO's during the course. We had two suicides, one was where a guy boloed on the range, but used the last round on himself. We had one body stabbed to death and tossed under one of the barracks. Rumor was there was another one the same happened to but dumped further from the company. Had a few guys come back all beat up during the course of that time. Had a few in the company that were prior vets and knew the ropes and taught others how to slip off after the DI's went home. Never had enough to eat, short portions, but didn't matter, didn't have any time to eat it. Otherwise they were pretty easy on us. That reception station was the real zoo. Geez, I didn't know there were so many druggies, nut cases and thieves and other dysfunctional types out there. Sure didn't get any rest there.

charlis		24-Jan-2010 18:42
Guns... Roberta's comment about rattlesnakes reminded me of a great story... don't know if I've told it here or not. My ex was a Philly born and raised city kid. We lived in a rural area east of Tampa. We had bought our house and the lawn needed mowing as the previous owners had been out of the area for a few months. Hubby got out the mower. I heard a scream from the front yard... I ran out to find my hubby on the sidewalk. Seems that he had come across a garter snake... about 10 inches long. I pick the snake up, played with it, and walked it to the pond area where it would be safer. I then went to the store and got a book about snakes and had him read it. A few years later I came home from a golf event, heard the lawn mower but never saw it. I went out into the back yard to find my hubby standing on the AC compressor! He had come across another snake and it had gone under the unit! This gets better... having to do with guns. I had inherited the 38 from my dad. I had taken my duaghter and hubby out to any area used for hunting by some friends and showed them both how to use it. A few years later I came home from a golf tournament to find a very apologetic hubby. Apparently he had found a snake in my prized garden and, worried about our dog and the snake, shot the snake. I had the gun loaded with "snake shot". My prized rose bush was destroyed and my drip hose was able to water the Bird of Paradise plant... 10 feet away!

Billy		24-Jan-2010 18:33
Whitebelt, And our Drill Sgt.'s weren't gone until after our evening chow, after 1800. And then our free time was from 1900 to 2100 lights out bed time. That's the way it was when and where I was on Tank Hill. Billy.

charlis		24-Jan-2010 18:28
Recipe for Roberta... Gumbo. something to warm you up on the cold days. I always make up a batch when it gets cold. Buy a box of Zatarains or Louisiana Gumbo mix. You will also need 1/2 of cooked, tailess shrimp cut in half... 1/2 lb of that fake crab meat, 1/2 a pack of Jimmy Dean Hot sausage or 2 links of hot sausage cut into half lengthwise and then cubed, one package each of the single serving frozen corn and peas. If using the Jimmy Dean sausage, crumble it and brown it and follow the instructions on the gumbo mix. Add extra cayenne pepper to taste (they changed the ingredients a few years ago... had a packet of the pepper back then). After 10 minutes of the mix simmering, if using the other sausage instead of the Jimmy Dean, add it and the frozen veggies. Simmer for another 10 minutes and add the shrimp and fake crab meet. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Enjoy.

Billy		24-Jan-2010 18:20
Whitebelt, I was at Ft. Jackson, in basic in Jan. 1969 C- 5- 1 . We didn't get to go to town - Downtown Columbia, on off post passes until like our 6th week. Maybe it varied from company and battallion, and from year to year. And to get those passes, we had to be all squared away, and approved by the Drill Sgt.'s. We went to town, and The Desoto, 3 times. Downtown Columbia, was full of Army M. P.'s from Ft. Jackson watching us. And We behaved like angels, except for our visits to The Desoto. I hope that answered Miami Girl's husband's question. Peace. Billy.

charlis		24-Jan-2010 18:14
Roberta.... PLEASE! NO ARTICHOKES! Glad to hear that hubby is getting along okay. Give me a few minutes to come up with a good, healthy, and warming recipe.

whitebelt		24-Jan-2010 16:11
Miami Girl, by the time I went in 1969 the Army had changed. We had post privileges the second week and went downtown from the third weekend. The DI's just didn't care for a variety of reasons. They were gone at 4:30 every day after training.

Nike		24-Jan-2010 15:18
Jeff, I've been gone for a week and just catching up on reading all the posts since I left a week ago. I was sorry to read you were leaving but was glad to see you are back. The Miami Rouges Gallery wouldn't be complete without you. Nike

Miami Girl		24-Jan-2010 15:12
Opps. forgot to sign the previous post to Whitebelt and Billy.

Guest		24-Jan-2010 15:11
Whitebelt and Billy, my husband enjoyed your memories of Basic Ft. Jackson but wants to know how you got off Post and downtown Columbia so often?

Charles Knight		24-Jan-2010 15:06
Roberta, mmmm Artichoke!

Nike		24-Jan-2010 14:30
I had a Key Lime shake in St. John, Virgin Island this week. It was delicious but, Robert is Here has nothing to worry about.

whitebelt		24-Jan-2010 13:36
This comments section is filling up fast and is already starting to slow down a bit. Pbase is not designed for discussions. I set this up on a temporary basis for testing out and possible use by Don in the future. I will give him the keys to it if he wants them. It isn't really that hard to maintain once it is set up, and is fairly easy to configure. There is a lot of built in help. Perhaps everyone can try it out and give feedback so it can be tuned up better. It is very easy to navigate when reading or posting to. You can bookmark any section of it, like the Running Commentary, and just hit the Home button to see the rest of the board. Lots of one click jumps to various places. http://miami.awehican.org/discuss/index.php The intent of this is to expand discussions and limit the load on Don. There is a section where it is like this, one continous thread, and another where discussions can be limited to specific topics. It is set up for registered members. Temporarily I have a section at the bottom where you can post as a guest, even posting photos, to try it out. The posting of those photos is limited to links for guests. Registered can upload directly. That section will be removed after a while because I can guarantee sooner or later it will be abused. Such puts a strain on the admin deleting unwanted material. Use anything that looks like an email address. Registered users can edit and remove posts they made, but not topics they created. That would wipe out the posts of others. Topics that are inactive for a while get deleted. The people here are pretty mature and can keep things nice by themselves for the most part. Play with it and we can see if it is viable. If everyone likes it Don could link this present page to it. This would be a community effort. I have that space for at least the next 8 months. If the need arises it can be moved to other domains on a suitable web host to keep it alive. Most web hosts handle this software. Any what they call LAMP servers. If it doesn't work for us I will just take it down. Don, email me and I will send you the keys so you can look under the hood to see how it runs.

Roberta Perry Hughes		24-Jan-2010 13:19
Whew! And day-um! I stay away for a while, come back, and mercy mercy mercy! First off, thanks, Fran, for remembering Lewis and me. That means a lot. We are doing o.k., so far, and I hope and pray the disease process will continue to be slow, as far as his short term memory loss goes, & cognitive awareness. We have our good days and bad, like everyone else. I rejoice in the positive milestones, and progress he makes, no matter how small. Guns. I am one of those who is terrified of them. Cannot bear the sight of them. Will not touch them. For any reason. I'd just as soon put my hand on a coiled rattlesnake, ready to spring, than a gun, of any kind. There was one of those hunting shows on TV, the other day, and 3 guys were deer hunting. As it happened, there was a buck, lying down beneath a tree, just chilling out. As I watched that tranquil scene, to my horror, one of those men shot the buck, killing him. I had a meltdown. I cried my eyes out, and asked my husband, why? Where is the "joy," in seeing a beautiful animal like that, in his own back yard, living, and breathing the same air as they were, and making it dead? It must be a "guy" thing. I just don't get it. To me, the buck was murdered, during a home invasion. Here it comes, folks! I just opened another soap box for those in defense of hunting to stand on....and right here, on the Miami Memories blog! (Sorry, Don, but all the talk about guns, guns, and more guns, made me think of that "great white hunter" scene, where those 3 men, who obviously, had no meat at home, in their freezers, and no nearby grocery store, that they are forced to go out and rustle up some grub, like they are pioneers, or something. My husband has always said, "Guns don't kill people. People kill people." My answer to that, is, "Yeah. People with guns." O.K., I'm done, with the gun thing. Has anyone heard from LARGO, since she and her friends flew down to Haiti...?? I am anxious to hear how they all are, and when they will be back home. Has anyone heard from her? Charlis....quick! Post a recipe...! Or I will describe how to cook and eat an artichoke...!! LOL Jeff....come back, you sexy thing, you...! It isn't the same without your input on here. You are our resident historian, and we need you.....!! Roberta, trying to stay warm, in Georgia, this cold Sunday morning. Fixing to make some French toast and bacon, and of course, hot coffee. Wish y'all were here, to take breakfast with us. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arizona Al		24-Jan-2010 11:23
Billy: In 2009 Arizona passed a law that allowed people holding CCW permits to carry concealed in places such as restaurants, taverns, bars, strip clubs etc. as long as the person did not consume alcohol. Not sure of the wisdom behind the legislation but can assure you that it is a rare occasion that I do not have my SW hammerless revolver somewhere on my person most of the time that I am in public. As I remind my wife; "I would much rather have a gun in my possession and not use it than not have a gun in my possession and need to use it". Aside..I did basic training at Ft. Jackson in 1964. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well armed in Phoenix, Arizona.

Guest		24-Jan-2010 10:38
When did you graduate from Miami High? I have a lot of friends who graduated from Miami.

Billy		24-Jan-2010 05:12
Guest, I was born in Tampa, but grew up in Miami. My family moved to Miami, when I was 5 years old. We lived near the Orange Bowl. I went to Kensington Heights Elementary School, Citrus Grove Jr. High School, and Miami High School. I am 60 yeard old now. Billy.

Billy		24-Jan-2010 05:03
Miami River Rat, That was good shooting. And I knew that was just an expression, and that one is as old as the hills, we both know, but it's a good old way of saying it, about shooting at a wooden fence. Actually , I did know that The Air Force had Rifles, and as a matter of fact, the absolute best military drill team, was the Air Force, years ago. A long time ago, I saw The Air Force Drill Team passing Rifles end over end, and doing manual of arms , and they were very sharp, and I would rate them Superior. The best I have ever seen, and I hate to admit that, as I was in The Army, and our old guard at Fort Myer, and Arlington, are Precision, so I know how it should be. Your teaching your nieces, firearm safety, and how to shoot , is to be commended. I'm glad you quit smoking. You are better off. So Long. Billy.

Miami River Rat		24-Jan-2010 04:34
Billy: That was with a scope. Actually, I got to where I could put, on average, four out of five shots into a cigarette pack at 200 yds. (Before I quit smoking and empty packs were always available in my truck.). The "drive nails" was just an expression. Back in the day, before the eyes went bad with age, I won a bunch of marksmanship awards in the Air Force. That was with iron sights. Bet you ground-pounders didn't know the Air Force even had rifles, did you? These days I live on my own farm and can shoot up to 300 yds whenever I want to. I don't do long range stuff too much. I do have a bunch of granddaughters. The oldest ones are teenagers now, and I've trained every one of them to shoot, clean a gun and they know gun safety. That keeps the boyfriends scared...

Guest		24-Jan-2010 03:59
Where you from, Billy?

Billy		24-Jan-2010 03:56
Miami River Rat, The Model 700 Remington, is a Great Rifle, as is anything ever made by Remington, and in 270 caliber, it is a sort of Mid Range caliber, capable for Hunting some species, But certainly not Real Big Game, such as African Game Safari's, Elk Hunting, and other Large Animals, But for small game, it's a Good choice. Was that nail pounding, with or without a scope , at 200 yards ? With an open sight, That's Fantastic Shooting, and with a Scope, it's still Great shooting. I once had a Winchester Model 94 30 / 30 Lever Action, and I Shot at Pie Plate Targets at 200 yards, without a scope, and Hit them in the center bulls eye every time. I prefer The Colt AR 15 223 , and I am Very Proficient , with it. Shooting is fun, but it is not for everyone, some people are scared of guns, more than they are of criminals. Peace. Billy.

Billy		24-Jan-2010 03:39
Charles Knight, Manatees, are gentle giants, I Love Them. They don't harm anyone or anything, yet they get hurt, and die a lot needlessly, by boat props, plastic can holders, pollution , and other factors. It's a real shame, because they are so docile, and beautiful creatures. They are fun to watch, and very interesting. I always hope all of them stay well, and don't get hurt, but unfortunately, they sometimes do get cut severely, and some do die. That thought makes me sad. Peace. Billy.

Billy		24-Jan-2010 03:28
Arizona Al, Hello. Sounds like arizona, has the right idea about firearms. Usually , crime is down, where everyone is packing. I also have a CCW, and I am packing , most of the time, where it's allowed by law, for my personal protection. I think everyone should be armed, but they should be proficient with firearms, and very knowledgable on gun safety. I learned about guns, at a very young age, and for that, I am very thankful. I like guns, but I am never careless with them, I keep them sparkling clean, lightly oiled and lubricated, and I keep them downrange, or pointed down, or away from others, and I never point a gun at anyone, that I don't intend to shoot to kill. And I squeeze the trigger, not jerking it. And in Marksmanship, practice does make perfect. Peace to you Al. Billy.

Billy		24-Jan-2010 03:10
Charlis and Fran, I like gun stories too, and I enjoyed both of yours. peace. Billy.

Billy		24-Jan-2010 03:06
Parks, Over the years, of my life, I have kept god busy too, but I guess he loves me, cause I'm still here. I bid you peace Sir. Billy.

Billy		24-Jan-2010 03:02
Whitebelt, Tank Hill, Drag A. Hill, Hilton Field, The Desoto Hotel, Shimmy's Italian Restaurant, Sitting On the steps of the state capitol, the USO Club, Hampton Parkway, Theatre 1, The Px Barber Shop, Telephones, Beer Hall, by the water tower at the top of Tank Hill, The White House Cafeteria, Dispensary 1, Heartbreak Ridge, Hut 1 snack Bar, The Gas Chamber, The Infiltration Course at night, Woolworth's on Main Street Downtown, Semmes Twin Lakes. The Desoto Hotel was The Best. The Reception Center, Clothing Issue, Testing, Classification, and Free Time, that place was 3 days of paradise. Tank Hill was not. My favorite training was The Rifle Range, and The Grenade Range. And I Loved The Cadence songs we sang while marching, corny but cool. I fell in love with the M16 there, and loved it ever since. And God has saved my life, or spared me, no less than 20 times, I guess I still had more things to do here on earth, purpose Left ? I'm Lucky to be her still, I know that. The Desoto Hotel, half white masonry, and half red brick, I found my thrills there, and left my heart there . The house of the rising sun. Memories bittersweet. We lived it. Peace . Billy.

Parks		24-Jan-2010 01:45
Whitebelt, I like your comment about keeping God busy. I guess I've done a little of that my self. Besides trying to blow up shotguns, I built exploding rockets (they weren't supposed to explode), raced hydroplane boats, flown hang gliders and ultralight airplanes. He's managed to keep me alive so far. But you know, life is a little sweeter with a little danger in it.

whitebelt		24-Jan-2010 01:36
Parks, that or your wads were not packed real well. You might have had too much powder in them for them to crimp well. God works in mysterious ways protecting us from ourselves sometimes. I kept him real busy in my lifetime.

whitebelt		24-Jan-2010 01:29
Ft. Jackson. Ah, the memories lots of us Miami boys have of that place. Downtown Columbia, SC. The DeSoto Hotel. Marching uphill in sand and returning to the same spot still marching uphill in sand. Never enough to eat in the mess hall or the time to eat it. Getting out of basic strong if not smart. Encouraging words from the DIs. That reception station there was quite an introduction to the amount of freaks that exist in this country.

Parks		24-Jan-2010 01:24
Whitebelt, It was Red Dot powder that I used in the black powder scoop. I guess that old Fox Serlingworth was pretty strong not to have blown up in my face.

Billy		24-Jan-2010 00:08
Whitebelt, I never cared about or got into black powder, or reloading. I only like plinking, combat shooting, and self defense. But you made a lot of good points, and have a very impressive knowledge of firearms. It shows, by what you say. You and I have been around. I Loved the pop up targets we had at FT. Jackson, and firing at them with M16's. That was fun, and very impressive to me. A long time ago though. Your point about safety was very important. A dirty barrel bore, or an obstruction in the bore, can cause the firearm to explode, and cause you serious injuries, like a bomb, or a land mine. It must be clean, and empty, and lightly oiled. Got to go, maybe another time we can continue. Billy.

whitebelt		23-Jan-2010 23:43
Parks, that is about 30 grains of powder. High for most smokeless shotgun loads, like not quite double for Red Dot. That could have been real bad depending on the powder. That 2 dram equivalent is blackpowder. I can tell you that dumping spilled powder in an ashtray can give you a rude surprise if you forget about it and put a cigarette out in it the next morning. You can do neat things with a shotgun. Empty half the powder from a shell, put the wad back in, stick a wood dowel down the barrel and you can launch things.

whitebelt		23-Jan-2010 23:26
Got some good women on here. Knew a woman in Miami that had an old gun from the family hanging over her fireplace. It was a tiger striped squirrel gun from the 1700's, a 28 caliber. Lovely, lovely piece. Very valuable, too. I noticed the mounts weren't real secure and suggested she take care of that ASAP as it was a valuable gun. Sure enough, she didn't, and some months later it fell and split that beautiful stock. Just in case anyone ever gets tempted. DO NOT SHOOT ANTIQUE BLACKPOWDER FIREARMS. Blackpowder is corrosive and over the years can eat away at the chamber over the years, which weakens it. It can blow up on you. You need a really good gunsmith to check it over real good in case you get a wild hair. Ideally they take the barrel off, which risks damage due to the age, to check the condition of the chamber. If they are good there are other ways to check. Looking down the barrel doesn't work. BTW, removing and installing a rifle barrel is an art form. Those suckers are on REAL tight. You won't do it on your home workbench or with adjustable wrenches. Keep Grandpa's old gun in a safe place.

Fran		23-Jan-2010 22:21
I too love the gun stories. However, my dad left his gun collection except for one to my brother. He gave me a dueling pistol from Spain. Very old and in great shape, I mounted it in a glass case. When I look at that pistol I think of him fondly. I loved him and my mom very much. Roberta, you and Lewis are not forgotten, peace be with you.

charlis		23-Jan-2010 18:54
Love the stories about guns. My uncle was a state of OH and National Skeet Champion. He taught all of his nieces and nephews about the proper care and uses of guns. He would shoot an apple and explain that what happened to the apple is what would happen to anything we shot. I used the same lesson on my daughter. Out of the 7 of us, my being the 3rd youngest, I was the one he "took" to. I learned to reload shotgun shells, was taken to events, etc. I was supposed to inherit a very old, pre Civil War, gun but somehow it disappeared after he died. I did get an old 22 pistol and my father got a 38 snub nose from the early 50's that was used to teach us younger kids about guns. I still have both of them.

charlis		23-Jan-2010 18:46
Don... fish kills down there. I am surprised that they are letting the fish rot. Up here in Tampa they are doing everything they can to dispose of the dead fish... smell, health hazards, etc., and not including the obese seagulls.

charlis		23-Jan-2010 18:43
CK... I love manatees so much that on my 55th b-day I had one tatooed on the back of one of my legs. I had a birthmark that looked like a manatee so they used it for the coloring. They say the population is way up this year. That is a good thing.

Charles Knight		23-Jan-2010 18:14
Don, it's a shame about the Croc's, they're not as aggressive as their relatives on other continents, and are truly a magnificent animal. There's a little canal about eight blocks from me coming off of the Indian River where Manatees have been congregating for years. I guess the water's a little warmer than the river. There were hundreds of them in there during the cold spell...Truly a sight to behold. I remember as a kid we would swim off the bridge and the dam behind Robert King High park on west Flagler. I bumped into one in the dark water. Scared the bejesus out of me!

Parks		23-Jan-2010 18:12
Whitebelt, I've have a stupid re-loader story for you. When I was in high school my Dad gave me his Fox Sterlingworth double. I thought it would be fun to load my own shells. I had my grandfather's reloading tools so I bought powder, shot and wads and went to work. The box of new shells said somthing like 1-1/8 oz shot, 2 drams equiv. My grandfathers set had adjustable scoops so I set the shot scoop to 1-1/8 and the powder scoop to 2 drams. You can figure out what happened from there. The shotgun was repairable and I wasn't hurt.

whitebelt		23-Jan-2010 16:01
About playing with guns. Modern smokeless powder is nitrocellulose based. If out in the open it just kind of flashes and burns and different rates depending on how fast it ws designed to burn. But when you put it under pressure you are dealing with a different dynamic. The more resistance, and therefore pressure that is built up, and the more pressure it produces while burning. Tricky stuff. It is not explosive, per se, but is if you contain it. You have to start low and carefully work your way up when handloading, looking for signs of stress in the cartridge. Most old military rifles developed pressures between 26,000 up to around 30,000 PSI. Your hotter hunting rifles are in the 30,000+ range. 40,000 PSI used to be the big pill, but som ehave even gone beyond that. This is the pressure generated in the chamber. 12 gauge shotgun loads run from around 8000 for skeet and trap to about 12,000 for magnum loads. Older pistols weren't too much more. A lot of range on those nowadays. You essentially have a bomb in your hand with an escape hole. Why you ALWAYS make sure the barrel is clear before shooting. Blackpowder is neat. It burns at a consistent rate and you don't have the pressure variability. You can literally stuff powder all the way to the muzzle and stuff a bullet in and it will shoot. Just do not leave an airspace in the barrel. That is why you ram it home. However, it will explode if contained. A hand grenade is equivalent to about 4 oz of black powder sealed up.

whitebelt		23-Jan-2010 15:34
Al, my main gun for varmint hunting when I was in AZ was a Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Long Colt. When you call them in you don't need to reach out so far. Great handgun. Kind of ergonomic. Long barrel makes it easier to point. Blew the brains out of a fox that bit me once with it while he was loping off. If I was smarter I would've hit it in the body. Wound up taking rabies shots while they spent a couple of weeks doing a spinal culture on it. The brain takes almost no time. The shots in the tummy are not tha bad, but that serum they give you right away literally feels like molten steel being injected into your butt. Dosage is by weight. I am forever beholden to that Army nurse who managed to jam 4 vials into 3 syringes. I weighed about 135-140 at the time. The first shot REALLY got my attention. The nurse warned me when she hit me with the second. I begged her not to do that for the third. The third was absolutely the last I could have taken. After a couple weeks of tummy shots the results came back the fox wasn't rabid, it was just convinced I was a rabbit. I used to button up my fatigue shirt and my blond hair was all they saw in the low light I was usually in. This fox came around a bush at my feet on a hillside snapping and snarling for a couple of seconds before jumping me. Startled the hell out of me. Bit my hand when I threw it up to block his jump. That Blackhawk and I had a history. I first started handloading with it, using a little Lee Loader kit. Didn't really know what I was doing about powder and primers. Was TDY in Georgia and loaded up some rounds and went out to shoot them. Wrong powder I found out later. I put in 5 rounds. Shot the first one and it was real weak. Didn't see the bullet hit anything. Shot the next and they were real slow. Put in a factory round and I saw the last inch and a half of my barrel going flying off. The first round got stuck in the barrel and the next 4 weak rounds just kicked the previous stuck bullet out. The factory round was not so polite. I then cut the barrel down to 6 inches. A couple years later I was in AR and tried loading again. I got distracted by the kids raising hell and accidentally double loaded the case with the right powder. I popped it in and went out back and shot it. A Ruger Blackhawk is a VERY strong handgun. I pulled the trigger and watched half of the cylinder go flying off somewhere toward Bentonville, AR and had trouble hearing for a good while afterward. Trust me, I went by the book from then on.

Miami River Rat		23-Jan-2010 15:03
Thanks, Don. Live and learn. If they were floating on open water they probably were dead. Normally, crocs and gators in the wild will stay on the bottom in cold weather, coming up every few hours for air and go back down again. They can repeat this for days until the cold leaves. As I said, live and learn. Billy and Whitebelt: I shoot a model 700 Remington chambered for .270 Winchester. A buddy of mine that knows what he's doing did the fiberglass seating and so forth for me. I can just about drive nails with that thing at 200 yards. Beyond that, a couple of pistols, a .22 semi-auto and a 12 gauge shotgun cover what I need. I do enjoy y'all's discussions, even though I never really got into the shooting sport in a big-time way.

Arizona Al		23-Jan-2010 15:00
Whitebelt and Billy: Can not refrain from the wepons conversation since here in Arizona most of the populus is armed and many such as myself have CCW certifications and permits (WIld West still kikkin and grinnin in Arizona). I have a matched pair of Ruger Vacqueros (45 long colt), Colt 1911 APC, SW 38 hammerless, and a 1959 Ruby Arms 22 long revolver not to mention a Marlin 30-30lever action, Remington 12ga pump an an veneable Marlin 22 long rifle. Only a few miles to the open desert wher it is legal to discharge firearms so I pop caps several times a year. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona Al		23-Jan-2010 14:51
Charlis: We live in the N.E. Mesa Ussery Mountains (2500+ feet above sea level) so all we really experienced was a whole lotta (5+inches) rain and wind gusts up to 50mph. Our only damage was an 8'cactus that was uprooted which I shall replant and stake today (1/23/10). Perts of Phoenix proper had street flooding, trees uprooted and power outages. The same stuff and nonsense that happened regularly during storms when I was living in Miami and North Carolina. The Arizona northern and eastern mountain areas got hammered with several feet of snow. All is well at Rancho Hacienda Ogus. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

whitebelt		23-Jan-2010 14:41
Eh, Billy, could you speak up a little? I can barely hear you. One of the 3 guns I still have is a Nylon 66 with the magazine in the butt. The others are a Remington 870 and that Finnish M98 Moison Nagant. I wasn't into firepower and the combat aspect, I was more into the machinery. Handloaded and smithed most of those guns. The old military rifles were cheap. There was a place near the airport that dealt in them. I wasn't bad pin shooting with that 45 revolver. Have done just under 6 seconds with it. Long barrel made for easy pointing and I had the action really smooth. That range was great. Once the rangemasters knew you were fairly responsible you get get away with a few things. Shooting stuck ramrods out of blackpowder rifles was fun. I had a govt 45 with a weak sear spring that caused it to go auto on occasion till I tamed it down. Amazing how fast those things can empty a magazine. Used to long for a range longer than 100 yards because I shot so many long range rifles. Now I live just a couple of hours from the NRA Whittington Range but am out of that hobby. I was a NRA instructor for a while in rifle, pistol, shotgun, and personal defense. Carried a Walther PPKS for many years because I was all over the place at all hours at times. Didn't carry it to control situations, but to take anyone who wished me ill along for the ride to the other side. Do not miss not carrying it. My preferred weapon of defense now is a machete. I still swing a mean one.

Don Boyd		23-Jan-2010 13:45
Miami Girl: you're right but at least I get to do what I want to do most of the time in my retired life so there's considerable satisfaction there. Miami River Rat: I believe it was a FWC agent speaking as the video and photos of dead and floating fish and crocs rolled on the screen and he was shown in uniform at least once that I noticed. The crocs were floating out in open water and I presume this was recent footage days after it warmed up a week ago. I remember specifically that he mentioned 23 salt-water crocs dying and that the total population is around 1500. Don

Guest		23-Jan-2010 09:37
Where are you from, Billy?

Miami River Rat		23-Jan-2010 05:06
Don: I find it amazing that the TV is reporting crocodiles dead from cold weather! I've seen crocs and gators both appear to be dead from cold. They'd even be stiff. Just put 'em in the warm sun for 45 minutes and they'd be back rarin' to go. Maybe the TV guys goofed, or did they have a reputable source? I'd really like to know.

Billy		23-Jan-2010 03:37
Whitebelt & Parks, The Remington 1100, was and is , a Terrific Shotgun, for Hunting, Skeet Shooting, or virtually any use, and that Beautiful Dupont Finish on them, is hard to beat . Remington, is a great choice in shotguns and Rifles. When I was a young teen, around 13, I had a Reminton Nylon Model 66 Plastic 22 LR Rifle, for plinking. I loved that rifle. I gave it away to a Relative who was 13 like I once was. Now, as I said before, I have a small hanful of Weapons , for my Self Defense. I live in peace, I believe in Peace, and Hope and Pray for Peace, But if Necessary, I will Shoot to kill, for my Survival. I am not against Killing, it sometimes is necessary, But it must Be necessary, and justified. That's the way I Live, Avoid Trouble, But if it Finds Me, I am Ready. Peace My Friends. Billy.

Billy		23-Jan-2010 03:21
Whitebelt, It's a matter of personal choice, But my favorite Shotguns, and Rifles, are for Police, Security, and Military, like Assault Rifles, Mini 14, Ar 15 - M16, Remington 870 Riot Gun, Mossberg 500 Riot Gun, and as far as Handguns, The S & W Model 686 357 Magnum- 2 1/2 inch Barrel, Sig Sauer P220 45 ACP, Ruger 45 ACP, and The Good old Military- Army - Navy Colt 1911 45 ACP. Yes , we probably did see one another, especially at Trail Glades. I used to go to the Arch a Lot too, until they ran everybody out of there. Cleaning Guns , yeah, definately no fun, but necessary for safety, and for taking care of your firearm. I've done my share of cleaning, yes sir ree. And as you said, the more pieces of firearms you have, the more cleaning, and hauling around. And The Ammo , gets heavy too. 200 Rounds of 30 06 on The Benchrest, at one sitting, That's Punishing , my friend, very much like Camp Perry , Ohio. And as for our Hearing, We probably Lost 1/2 of it long ago shooting with out Ear Plugs or Hearing Protection on. I shot on the Krome avenue canal Banks, and at The Arch, and other places, with no ear muffs for years, and with all types of weapons that made my ears ring, every time I fired a shot. We have Lived My Friend. Peace. Billy.

Parks		23-Jan-2010 02:38
Whitebelt, The story at the HMSF web site about Glenn Simons was written by Laura Ogden for the museum. The boat I’m trying to build is at about the same stage as the one in the photo. I thought bending the bow was the hard part, it’s not. Fitting the sides to the curve of the bow is hard! Glenn’s widow does live just west of Robert is Here. CK, Stone Crabs, You can run 5 traps without a commercial license. You can buy the traps from Atlantic Fishing Supply in Miami. Pigs feet for bait. If you really want to try this we should talk. I can tell you all the mistakes I made last year! Go to myfwc.com to find the regulations. There have been big fish kills all through the state. Snook were hit very hard every where. The good news is that they were able to do a very good manatee count this year. The number is over 5000 now. My favorite shotgun was a Remington 1100 also. I shot trap with it pretty regularly for a year. I once broke a hundred straight but never came close since then.

whitebelt		23-Jan-2010 00:21
Billy, we have probably run across each other back then. I was pretty active in that from about 87-95. Was at Trail Glades at least one day a weekend, sometimes 2. Used to shoot with Clyde Walker and Corb DeMat all of the time. We all handloaded and usually checked in with a bunch of stuff. I was a crazy looking guy with blondish hair and glasses. Used a orange hand truck arranged like a cart to haul my crap in the range. After my accident I couldn't handle the noise or pain anymore, though mostly the noise. Used to pop off 200 rounds of 30-06 benchresting in a day. I gave up killing almost 40 years ago except for an occasional lizard on the range backstop. I have about 3 guns left out of about 80. Too much to lug around. My favorite pistol was a S&W 25-5 in .45 Long Colt. Had a lot of fun with a blackpowder English belt pistol in 45 I shot overstuffed with powder. Did a number on my elbow. But was fun. Remington 1100 is my favorite shotgun. Shot a lot of skeet at one time. 270 was my favorite rifle caliber, though I dearly love 45-70. I love single shot rifles. But my favorite piece to shoot was a Civil War Zouave Springfield replica. Had peep and globe sights on it. Sucker was accurate. Much easier to clean than modern rifles. Little hot water and some swabbing. Usually spent an hour or two cleaning rifles after a day's shoot. Took forever to get all the copper jacketing cleaned out. Gets old. Funny thing about the range. A lot of us were divorced and found out we had some money to play with afterwards.

Billy		22-Jan-2010 23:51
Whitebelt, In my old age now, I only Have a couple of weapons for self defense, but I am very proficient with them, and Hard Line against anyone who wants to infringe on my peace. Peace to You. Billy.

Billy		22-Jan-2010 23:47
Hey Whitebelt, Sounds like you and I both wonder why, and kick ourselves, for getting rid of such good firearm pieces. I used to go to Gun Shows, years ago, but have not been to one for a long time. I went to war memorial, Miami Beach convention center, West Palm Beach Auditorium, Broward Convention center, Dinner Key, Tamiami youth fairgrounds, South Florida fairgrounds WPB, The Armory in Ft. Laud., and one in Pompano Beach, and another in West Palm, on Gun Club Road. I went to Trail Glades, Markham Park, Big Als, Dixie Range, American Indoor, Tamiami west bird, The arch on the trail, Hialeah Range and gunshop. I am an expert marksman, and I like guns. and Like You, I was in The Army. I never Reloaded, too much trouble. My weapons of choice are 357 magnum handgun, 45 acp handgun, AR 15 223, and 12 Guage Shotgun Riot gun, pistol grip, or woodstock. I never Hunt anymore, don't want to, now I respect nature, and don't want to kill anymore animals. I want to be at peace with nature. The mauser, was a Fine Weapon, very tough and reliable, and The British Enfield 303, was as well. I was an Armorer, for a short time on M16's in the army, before I got out. I worked in Ordinance, at FT. Jackson. Take Care, Buddy. Billy .

Don Boyd		22-Jan-2010 23:05
I just saw a segment on Channel 4 down here with a ton of photos and video showing dead fish all over the place, a few manatees and 23 salt water crocodiles. The officer from the state fish and wildlife commission stated that residents should not expect anyone to come out and remove them, even if the smell is horrendous because that it is nature at work and they will let them decompose and become part of the environment. The length of the cold spells is what they blamed for the kills. Don

charlis		22-Jan-2010 22:59
anyone in S Florida... any fish kills reported because of the long period of cold weather? In Tampa (I work for the Solid Waste Mgmt Dept) have been getting hundreds of requests this week for disposal of the dead fish from ponds, lakes, etc. I joked with my ex boss about very fat seagulls falling out of the sky. Even created a pic of fat ones and made up an news article... "Obesity in Tampa is on the rise... Seagulls falling from the sky, walking along busy roads...." etc. (Funny... as I typed this a story came up on the local news channel!)

charlis		22-Jan-2010 22:54
AZ Al... looks like AZ got some REAL wintery weather!

charlis		22-Jan-2010 22:53
whitebelt... which dipping sauce? There were two that I knew off... the butter garlic one and the saucy one. The saucy one was made of mayo, ketshup, and horseradish sauce... my ex-FIL did some of the AC work there and got me the recipe.

whitebelt		22-Jan-2010 22:36
Billy, it was a Spanish one, or one of the Latin countries, 98 action, 8mm. I hated it. Shortened the barrel a bit. Glenn had a Thompson semiauto clone I thought was the one Bill took to the range one day. It wasn't. But I didn't know that, so when I saw Glenn put it out for sale at a gun show we both did I went over there and we did some horse trading. That Mauser was worthless to me. I was really surprised he traded. Until I took it out to the range. Damned thing jammed after every shot. I was a decent amateur gunsmith, but I never could fix it. Just poor quality steel. So I put a base on the butt, ran a cord through it, attached a lamp socket and lampshade to it and later sold it as a lamp. Honest. Most of those military rifles made before the mid-30's are high quality. Even the older Moison Nagants. I have a Finnish one that did 1 inch groups with handloaded ammo. It was actually made by SIG in Switzerland. A lot of the Russian Nagants around WWI were made in the US with VERY picky Russians supervising production. They were about perfect. I had several old military rifles. My favorite was a 1936 BSA British Enfield Mk 3. Those Mauser 98 actions are highly prized. Strong actions. I think the Enfield P14's and P17's had one based upon it. The P14 was British and in 303, the P17 was American and in 30-06. It was actually the most issued rifle of WW1. I had one of each. Heavy. But that Enfield Mk3, smooth as glass. Why I sold that off I still ask myself to this day. Excuse me, I have to go off and cry.

Billy		22-Jan-2010 22:11
Whitebelt, was the mauser a 98 or 88 ? I had a german military mauser 88, back in the early 70's, had it sporterized, and it was a perfect Deer Hunting Rifle. I used it a few times, and like a dang fool, I traded it for a Browning Auto 5 Shotgun. The Browning Shotgun, is a fine piece, but my Rifle was custom, with a slightly shortened barrel, glass bedding, a custom bluing job, fajen checkered stock, sling swivels, and a redfield scope. I bought the rifle for a song, like $ 119.00, and then put like 300+ dollars more in it, back then. Gun shops told me , that it was better than a lot of off the shelf factory made high powered rifles. I wish I still had it now. When you mentioned mauser, I got homesick for mine. peace brother. Billy.

Miami Girl		22-Jan-2010 20:57
Don, too bad you don't get paid by the hour for all the work you do!!

Charles Knight		22-Jan-2010 12:26
Alvin Lederer and I converse pretty often, he's a wealth of information on South Florida in general and a nice guy. He's in Orlando right now referencing Florida history at Rollins College. Did you see my post about Stone Crabs?

Charles Knight		22-Jan-2010 12:20
Don, I understand, thank anyway. Parks, that may be the spelling...I don't really know.

Parks		22-Jan-2010 05:31
AA and CK, Could the Christmas daughter be named Merrie? There is a Merrie Christmas Park in Miami on Lejune Road. CK, I’ll try to contact Laura Ogden for you. I don’t know Lederer but I see he has donated photos to Don’s collection.

Don Boyd		22-Jan-2010 03:37
Charles: thank you for your offer of Everglades photos. I do appreciate your offer but I will respectfully decline because I'm trying to keep it limited to Old Hialeah/Old Miami. I have hundreds of old photos yet to add to this site, plus Martha Pierson's huge postcard collection that I've had for a year or two and haven't scanned yet, old newspapers and books to scan, and more photos come in via e-mail faster than I can get them up. I also have a zillion old prints and Kodachrome slides to scan, mostly for my aviation stock photo site. Thank you, but no thank you. : ) Don .

whitebelt		22-Jan-2010 01:12
Thanks for the update, RR. I haven't seen him since the very early 90's. I hope God forgave him for that Tommygun clone I got in trade for that Mauser I modified and he is resting in peace. Hopefully God will forgive me, too. Neither one of us were real forthright and honest you might say. But he was a better horse trader than I, for sure.

Miami River Rat		22-Jan-2010 00:37
Whitebelt: Glenn Simmons died just a few years ago. He spent his last years at a place he owned on Key Largo. By odd chance, my cousins wound up living next to him down there. Glen told the cousins bunches of tales about he and my grandpa, gator hunting and making a living in the 'glades in the early days.

Charles Knight		21-Jan-2010 21:08
Just for the record, I am 52, but a young 52 LOL!

Charles Knight		21-Jan-2010 20:48
Ha ha...Totally different demographic! That's showbiz for ya!

Fran		21-Jan-2010 18:53
CK, you have made me home sick with the mention of conch fritters. Florida my home...

whitebelt		21-Jan-2010 18:29
CK, that page says you are 42. I thought you said you were 52.

Arizona Al		21-Jan-2010 18:28
Charles Knight: You are correct and I do recall that Bill and Polly had a daughter named Mary or possibly Merry. Harolyn Locklair was not the daughter of Bill and Polly but was the daughter of Bill and Polly's friends Jim and Anise Locklair. Harolyn was an only child as I recall. The last contact I had with Harolyn was when I left Miami in 1969. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Charles Knight		21-Jan-2010 17:49
Whitebelt, you want to see rock and roll? www.myspace.com/guesstar1

whitebelt		21-Jan-2010 17:26
CK, variety is the spice of life and to each his own. I use to call predators in for sport. I have had hawks and coyotes come zipping in thinking my head was a rabbit, foxes jumping me and biting me, a mountain lion sneaking up behind me, bobcats sitting 6 feet away watching me that I didn't know about, packs of feral dogs come running to a free lunch, and even male deer come looking to kick butt because they thought a fawn was in trouble. I have tromped through rattlesnake country and have even had coral snakes run across my feet. Was fun. But I hate cottonmouth moccasins. They are difficult to see. Plus spiders and an over abundance of insect life. South Florida is all yours. :-) Plus, the older and moldier I get the less I like humidity. You are a curious mix of swamp rat and rocknroll. As far as the Glades go, you are probably one of the last with memories of how it was. Write a book.

Charles Knight		21-Jan-2010 16:51
Parks, a couple of questions concerning Stone Crabs. First, when is the season? Second, what type of traps and bait would one use? I never realized that there were so many here until after the cold weather brought so many to shore. I think I'll wait until they're replenished and then possibly set some traps in 2012. Also...Does anyone know the recipe that Joe's uses to dip them in? Man, do I miss fresh crab!?

Leighton		21-Jan-2010 16:34
Jeff, Glad you're not running away. That wasn't the desire, as was clear. I don't consider my comments petty. And I felt no consternation, so it needed no alleviation. Onward.....

Charles Knight		21-Jan-2010 16:22
Whitebelt, I guess we all find our own versions of beauty. I for one find Florida's swamps and lowlands a thing of tremendous beauty. There are dangerous animals where you are as well, just a different type. Although I won't disturb them, there are lots of ancient remains here as well, a trained eye can readily spot some of them. The Seminoles and Miccosukees are a recent addition to Florida (relatively speaking), the first Indians came to Florida over twelve thousand years ago, just after the Ice Age. There are relics everywhere, and fossils...Woolly Mammoth, Saber tooth Tiger, Giant Sloth, Mega Mouth Shark...Don't get me started. But when it comes down to it. It doesn't matter where you are as long as you're happy. Here's to you my friend!

whitebelt		21-Jan-2010 15:59
http://www.hmsf.org/folklife/flafolk/flafolk.htm Interesting link. That was Glenn some years back on the right.

whitebelt		21-Jan-2010 15:52
http://www.hmsf.org/folklife/flafolk/flafolk.htm Interesting link. That was Glenn some years back on the right.

Jeff		21-Jan-2010 15:29
A very warm and sincere note [a copy of his post] was directly emailed to me by Arizona Al. It prompted me to (at the very least) view this page one more time. There, I found a few more unexpectedly warm encouragements amid other comments. I will - at this point in time - remain here... being just a reader, and will try my level utmost to relegate my comments to that which I deem is of historical or pertinent substance to post an added comment to a Miami memory... perhaps even going for months without adding a word. I feel this will be better for me, which in turn will alleviate any consternation with those who feel my words should only be edited, cautionary and without the usual glibness (albeit sharp at times) that I have exercised in the past. Like others, there has is enough going on within my own life that takes precedence over petty squabbling... so for whatever tenure I do remain on this site, please consider me just an silent observer. Thank you.

Charles Knight		21-Jan-2010 15:28
Don, there are lots of folks here talking about their memories of the Everglades but no photo section. Would you like some pictures?

whitebelt		21-Jan-2010 15:25
CK, I knew a Glenn back when I used to shoot a lot. I looked up that Glenn Simmons and it was him. Used to shoot with a guy that lived on his property named Bill. If I remember right it was near Robert's is Here, down the road from where you turn left to it. West and north. He related how Glenn would just lay down under a tree and go to sleep when he wanted a nap. I knew Glenn from gun shows we did together. Quite a character. He had some interesting old guns, one an old bolt action 45-70 Bill brought to the range one day that I was covetous of. We horse traded a couple of guns and hornswoggled each other a time or two. He was an old geezer back then. Reading up on him I see he was born in 1916. He is still alive? I've went swamp stomping some when I was younger. Hate swamps. Just nothing to explore. Too much water and foliage. Nothing to really see. The place I will be moving to has 12,000 year old human settlements along a river. Lots of petroglyphs and surely artifacts yet to be uncovered. No cottonmouths. Can't wait to get up there and explore.

Miami River Rat		21-Jan-2010 15:15
Wind Across the Everglades movie: It's actually not a bad movie. I've got a copy of it and watched it again not long ago. I caught the snakes they used in that movie. Brad Bradford, who did reptile shows around Miami, bought the snakes from me. Brad got a rather significant part in the movie, though he had no prior acting experience. If you get to watch that show, Brad is one of "Cottonmouth's" outlaws. He's rather tall, with a beard and a rag tied around his head and shows up in many scenes. I hung around the filming in Everglade City for a few days. It was cool seeing Burl Ives, Gypsy Rose Lee and other stars in person. Parks mentioned Glen Simmons: Glen Simmons was a good friend of my Grandfather's. Glen told a story about after the '26 hurricane all the indians from Grandpa's tourist attraction village on the Miami River had disappeared back into the 'glades. Grandpa and Glen went out hunting them to bring them back for the tourists to see. After two days of fruitless searching, they went to check for hurricane damage where my grandpa had a whiskey still hidden out there. That's where they found those missing indians. Men, women, and children, all dead drunk on Grandpa's whiskey. And so it was, back in early South Florida.

Charles Knight		21-Jan-2010 12:42
Parks, salt water, fresh water, brackish water, funny thing...It's all wet! I honestly cannot recall a day as a youth in the Glades where I didn't come home soaking wet, even in the winter. It was the best life, and I wouldn't change a thing. I still remember hunting snipe Ha ha! I loved Miami as well. The variety of peoples and cultures, I feel sorry for the folks that have never had the option of trying new foods and music. Cafe Cubano...Now that's rocket fuel! To this day I'm still addicted to it. I've become quite the cook (out of necessity). When I first moved away from Miami to Cheifland Florida near the Suwannee I couldn't get any Cuban or Haitian food at all...So I learned to cook it, now I live in Brevard and can get Cuban food at least, but NOBODY makes Conch fritters like the old Haitian woman on 27th and 64th NW! I'd drive there at least twice a week and stock up, yumm! I could go downtown and people watch or buy some cheap electronics that were guaranteed to expire within months. I could drive west for a little over an hour and walk into the swamp and feel as though I was setting foot in a place where none had ventured before. A great and wondrous world south Florida provided! Nope...Wouldn't change a thing.

Charles Knight		21-Jan-2010 11:58
Parks, thank you so much for the offer. I'd really appreciate that...As dad always said, "if you can't use your friends...What good are they"? I don't know Glen Simmons, but I know of him. Do you know Alvin Lederer?

Fran		21-Jan-2010 05:39
Charlis, tartar sauce, now that's a thought. I love fried gator. Yes, even in Texas gator is on the menu.

Parks		21-Jan-2010 04:39
CK, I love Dorsey's books! I'm reading Nuclear Jelly Fish now. I look forward to the new release and to reading about you. As for your book about the Gator Hook and the Everglades, a lady named Laura Ogden helped Glen Simmons write his book. Maybe she would work with you. If you're interested, I can probably get in touch with her. Listening to you guys talk about your adventures in the Everglades makes me regret not spending more time there. I've spent my life playing in salt water but very little in fresh. I guess it's not too late. I've got a canoe and I'm working on a pole boat. A fellow asked me the other day if I'd lived in Miami my whole life. I said "Not yet". With apologies to Marshall Dodge who's joke I stole.

Charles Knight		21-Jan-2010 00:51
Charlis, as I stated earlier in this string. The new Dorsey book comes out on the 26th, please read today's earlier posts for more details.

charlis		21-Jan-2010 00:06
snakes... but they taste so good with tartar sauce! As a child, my father's boss invited us over to dinner. Appetizer for dinner was rattle snake! I loved it. Years later, having been brought up to try new foods all the time, I was interviewed for my current job. I had been doing it as a temp for 2 years but if I became permanent my job duties would expand (they never did but that is a different story). I was asked by one of the interviewers, in case I would be going out to do field inspections at the landfill, what I felt about snakes and gators. My response? Give me a jar of tartar sauce?

charlis		20-Jan-2010 23:58
Dorsey, Hiassan, etc... love the books and have read all of them. Any new ones out?

charlis		20-Jan-2010 23:56
Bowles... as I explained in my last post, I use Evie as an example of what this country has become. I can't even tolerate talking to her and often avoid her calls. Evie is brought up on this board because she was a Miami "oldie" memory of many thanks to WQAM, the Beach paper, etc.

charlis		20-Jan-2010 23:53
Jeff... I used Evie as an example of what many americans are going through... not being able to get help but others, non-citizens, can get assistance. Evie has her own problems... someone else wants to help her from Beach and I have told him not to waste his time.... but, millions of americans are losing everything but the USA ego is rushing to help others before helping its own... I talked to a homeless person at work today. He said that he had worked for a very successful local business that went bankrupt... he lived with, and cared for his mother who was also having trouble geting assistance. She is now in a home and he has no place to live as the house was repossessed. She also experienced the same things that Evie is going through... non-americans getting help before americans.

whitebelt		20-Jan-2010 21:59
Snakes are rude. I once had a stringer of bream hanging off the south side of that gate that when I pulled it up had a snake trying to swallow the whole thing. I let it keep them. I fished that stretch of the Trail between the first bend and past the restaurant quite a bit. Saw one snake on the north side of the Trail and bunches and bunches on the south side within a couple of years. You think wearing a kilt would help keep them from climbing into your kayak? :-) One day in the early 70's during that big drought I was toodling down the canal east of the restaurant when a guy fishing on the bank asked me to unhook his bobber stuck in the pads on the sawgrass side. I cut the engine and headed for it and about 7 bass of the 3 pound size launched out of the shallow sawgrass toward me. Scared the hell out of me. Two landed in the boat directly and one hit me and bounced off. Luckiest day I ever had fishing. I wasn't real good at it, even in droughts with limits dropped. True story.

Charles Knight		20-Jan-2010 21:23
Burl Ives as "Cottonmouth" cool stuff. The Miccosukee restaurant is 1 mile east of the forty mile bend. Snakes, shmakes! Lived with 'em most of my life, they've gotten a bum rap, that's all. We just walked to the beach to do some shell hunting and it's evident that last weeks sustained cold has wreaked havoc on the local oceanic population. There are thousands upon thousands of dead Stone Crabs and Starfish that have washed ashore. A very depressing site!

Leighton		20-Jan-2010 21:02
Well, I hope somebody goes to the "Wind Across the Everglades" screening in Fort Lauderdale this weekend!!

whitebelt		20-Jan-2010 20:58
CK, I don't recollect ever driving all of Old Loop Road. This talk of snakes and it just reminded me of something that happened in that area one night. Not sure of the names of the places, but I was fishing by one of the sluice gates, the first I think, after you make the right bend on the trail heading to the Miccosukee Restaurant. Is that Twenty Mile Bend? It was night and I was fishing all by my lonesome with a kerosene lamp. Out of the dark behind behind me this guy hollers out at me, which kind of startled me. It was a black guy that had been fishing on that road you cross over to south near the restaurant, quite a distance further west. You know how heavy the snakes are there. He was a landscaper that had been fishing there and got a flat on his pickup. No spare. He hiked out of there in the dark until he saw me. He asked if I could help and I said sure, and we drove back to his truck. Sure enough, the tire was flat. Got the tire and drove to Krome where he put some air in it. I offered to drive further into town to get it fixed, but he said it would make it, so we went back out and put it on. It looked low to me, but he said he would make it. Then he gave me an old LawnBoy mower which I refused, but he insisted. You just don't charge people for things like that. Anyhow, he said he was so grateful that I was there and was able to get him out of that snake infested area that he just had to do that. He did not like snakes at all. He was sweating the whole time out there and looking all around on the ground. I offered to follow him to make sure he got back, but he said no, he would make it. So he took off like a bat out of hell. I went back to my fishing for another 3 hours and then headed back to town. His pickup was pulled off the road 2 or 3 miles west of Krome, that tire didn't make it. Looked for him around the bait shop and all the way to Sweetwater but didn't see him. Guess he got a ride home. Poor guy. The mower never worked for me.

Charles Knight		20-Jan-2010 20:13
Leighton, yes it's State road 94. It's eastern point begins at the forty mile bend of the Tamiami (41). I'll certainly keep your advice, sounds quite logical. My favorite Glades film? Wind across the Everglades. Alvin Lederer (a sometime contributor here) has extensive knowledge about the film. I remember seeing it the first time in grammar school at Seminole Elementary.

R. Bowles		20-Jan-2010 20:12
Jeff: I've been a fan of this site and casual reader of the posts for a couple of years. I'd like to say that your accounts and personal memories have been quite interesting and will be missed if you decide not to come back. Either way, I'd like to say thank you for pointing out what has been obvious to me and perhaps to others as well . . . I'm referring to this whining hermit named Evie who you described as a crock. I hope the health updates on her condition that are periodically shoved down our throats will cease. Charles Knight: Thanks for the info on Dorsey. If his writing style is similar to Carl Hiassen and Dave Barry, it's sure to be a good read with the added bonus of eliciting some hearty laughs.

Leighton		20-Jan-2010 20:00
CK...just went to your MySpace page again, to refresh my memory. Loop Road is 94, right? I am assuming that I can find the map that you posted, at a National Park site. I am positive that I drove that road once in 1984, when scouting for a student film, and I recall the remaining buildings of which you have posted more current photos. To whomever you eventually tell the story for a book/script, etc., obviously make sure that you retain a percentage ownership of the material, in any present or future media format. I'm not implying it's just about money, but one never knows what is going to happen. It's too good a story, and will eventually make it to the "screen." Sometime, somehow. (Just no lame cable TV movie, please.) What's your favorite Everglades movie? Sometime, I'll eventually catch "Wind Across the Everglades" (58). WAIT!!! IMDb has an article about the Ft Lauderdale Film fFest this weekend....Christopher Plummer will be there for a screening of the film!!!! PLEASE, somebody down there go!!!! Maybe this has been mentioned here, and I missed it??? icelebz dot com has the info - do a search. This Sunday at the Cinema Paradiso - local talent in the film to be there, as well/

whitebelt		20-Jan-2010 19:51
It was big enough to have a party on, CK. I meant the portion right on the canal where you moor boats. Big deck like area behind it.

Charles Knight		20-Jan-2010 19:37
Az Al, let me correct myself. Harolyn did NOT have a younger sister named Mary. She was however, Bill and Polly's daughter. Whitebelt, I remember that dock as HUGE but the again I was only knee high to a Crawdad!

Charles Knight		20-Jan-2010 19:21
Whitebelt, yep...You're correct, Swampwater was just west of Sweetwater, they are intersected by a canal. Az Al...There were a lot of good times in Sweetwater back then, it's now occupied by a mostly Nicaraguan populace. Gone is the history. I've googled and googled but find very little. Harolyn had a younger sister named Mary, Mary Christmas, poor kid went through hell!

Frankie		20-Jan-2010 19:13
Fran, I also like rc cola and moon pies. Frankie D.

Arizona Al		20-Jan-2010 18:43
Charles and Whitebelt: In 1964 prior to joining the Army I dated a young lady named Harolyn Locklair who lived in the Mackle Brothers Subdivision off Bird Road. Her parents Jim and Annise were friends with Bill and Polly Christmas who were the proprieters of a trailer park in Sweetwater. Sometime between June and December 1964 Harolyn and myself and her parents attended a pig roast at the Christmas' trailer park. It was a long time ago and I have not had contact with Harolyn since 1969 but I do recall the people in Sweetwater were right righteous and knew how to have a good time. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

whitebelt		20-Jan-2010 18:36
CK, I guess I remember the name wrong. They had a little dock on the canal. I had a little johnboat and old motor chained to it for a while. Came out one morning and found the motor still attached to the chain, but down in the water. Someone tried to steal it. Maybe the same teenage kid that was trying to walk up dead behind me one night when I was fishing until my dog got him. Could be a rough neighborhood. There was a sparsely populated area west of that intersecting canal called Swampwater if I recall right. Used to catch some big Oscars at that intersection on green plastic warms. Miami was growing really fast at that time. The only place i could find when I got back. The turnpike wasn't there. Drove 33 miles down to HAFB and back every workday. Took different routes to break the monotony.

Charles Knight		20-Jan-2010 18:16
Aah...The Christmas' family trailer park, I remember it well. The bridge you're thinking of is still there but fenced off and is a designated landmark, it's on 109th Ave. That's where we all learned to swim in the '60's. I believe that River Rat lived in that trailer park as well, only at an earlier time. In the fifties and sixties in front of that trailer park in the Tamiami canal is where Jacques Cousteau taught dad and his friends to dive, there was a stuntman from one of the old TV shows that would drive a car into the canal and the rescue team would drill on the newly implemented life saving techniques. There were actually several articles written about this as well as a host of other events in Sweetwater and Miami in magazines such as Argosy, Saga, True Detective, and more. I've made cursory attempts at locating some of these archives but it is very difficult as one might imagine.

whitebelt		20-Jan-2010 17:55
CK, I lived first in Polly and Bill's Trailer court in 70 and 71 in Sweetwater while stationed at HAFB. Was the last place west on that road that ran along the canal back then. Quite an experience. That was where I lived when my son was born. He was almost born in one of the cottages there. I remember it being an adventure pulling out onto the Trail from one of those bridges when it was real foggy or there was smoke from Glades fires. Seem to recall one between the Bilmar and Polly and Bill's.

Charles Knight		20-Jan-2010 17:32
Fran, an old back country boy walks into a store and asks the guy behind the counter for an RC and a Moon Pie, the clerk says "no". The red neck asks why not and the clerk replies " Because this is a book store you moron! I loved Moon Pis as a kid but preferred "Pee Wee" to RC. I forgot to include the name of Tim's new novel in my last ramble. It's titled "Gator a go go" with an illustration of a Gator in the shape of a hook on the cover. Coincidence??? I think not.

Fran		20-Jan-2010 16:58
Truth, just joking about the RC and moon pies.:) Jeff, you can fade into the past or bring your candies and cookies with you when you post. Everyone has a bad day, don't let a day like that take the joy from being here. However, if you do decide to fade, you will not be forgotten.

Charles Knight		20-Jan-2010 16:50
Leighton, as far as a book about Gator Hook and the Loop road...It's still in the distant future. I can write, but it's bush league compared to some of my associates. The new Tim Dorsey novel comes out on the 26th of this month. It's a hilarious continuation on the exploits of Serg Storm the notorious serial killer (he only kills people that harm others or the environment), and his alcohol and drug addled sidekick Coleman. As the series always does, the State of Florida remains as the real star of the story. In this book Gator Hook is prominently featured at some point. Tim asked me to sign a release so that he could use me as a character in the story ( I still have no idea as to how I will be portrayed). And of course I signed the release. If you love Miami, the state of Florida, it's history, AND have a sense of humor. I suggest you read all of Tim's books in the sequence of their initial release. He writes very much in the same vein as Carl Hiassen, and Dave Barry. You can find out more at Tim Dorsey.com. Whitebelt...Yes, that was my father "Jack Knight Sr. " As a small child I would sometimes accompany him on patrol, Sweetwater was a quiet little town until the sun went down. I didn't go with him after dark for all the obvious reasons! There's a wealth of history about Sweetwater in itself, from being founded by Russian circus Midgets (sic) in the forties, to Jacques Cousteau teaching my father and his close friends how to use his new SCUBA invention. My father and his friends started the first underwater rescue team in the country, and worked as extras, doubles, and stuntmen on Sea Hunt, Flipper, The Everglades and Gentle Ben. I remember the filming of parts of Gentle Ben in Sweetwater on more than one occasion. My God parents were the first people to be married in the shark tank at the Seaquarium, it made the papers worldwide, Aunt Alma was the first commercial female sea captain in the USA, she later drowned in her swimming pool ( ironic isn't it?).This is just the tip of the proverbial Ice berg, there are so many stories, but I type really poorly (15 minutes so far!). I have spoken with many notable authors, some have expressed a real interest but most of them have contractual obligations that must first be met...So, "we'll see".

whitebelt		20-Jan-2010 15:22
You have had an interesting life living in an interesting environment, CK. You father was the one that wore out 16 blackjacks trying to bring law and order to the Bilmar Lounge? That Loop Road area is one snake infested area. I've walked out in the swamp a couple of times and have had cottonmouths follow me. Hate them things. The thought of one slipping up and crawling into a kayak with me kind of gives me the shivers. Kind of hard to get it back out with a paddle. Snowing here now in New Mexico. The second of 3 storms coming trough this week. Not bad where I live, but a little ways in all directions is getting a few inches. Temps aren't bad at all. Looking forward to my move into Colorado out on the plains. Similar climate to here, bust stronger winds and some hellaceous hailstorms from what I hear. I love those things. The forces of nature are wondrous to behold. The house there has a concrete roof and a cellar. Tornados are fairly rare, luckily. Looking forward to that wide open sky, too, and watching the stars again.

Leighton		20-Jan-2010 15:16
I find Gator Hook Lodge interesting, as I've said in the past. Still waiting for that screenwriter to get hold of the story...period South Florida films usually work quite well, for some reason. CK, you told me of one person who was potentially writing a story/book (?) at some point. Sorry, I forgot when we discussed it, so I can't backtrack. The web page is a good start. Also, UM film school might have some suggestions - I might toss an e-mail that way - I've been gone 25 years, so I no longer have contacts...one professor left.

Charles Knight		20-Jan-2010 14:01
Whitebelt, check out my Gator Hook Lodge site on myspace. You may find it interesting. www.myspace.com/GatorHookLodge Leighton, you have every right to speak your mind...As do I and everybody else in this wonderful place, that's the beauty of it isn't it. You and everyone here have my utmost admiration and respect regardless of the occasional gaff, whether it be mine or not.

Charles Knight		20-Jan-2010 13:52
Good question Whitebelt, personally I've never heard of it happening but I did have one fall from a branch into my boat once on the Suwannee river, I used an oar to gently put it into the water. My outlook is...I grew up in the Everglades and Miami (in that order) and have had a multitude of interactions with the wildlife there. I possess a tremendous respect for the woods and it's inhabitants, I also practice common sense when presented with an encounter. Most of the time an animal or reptile is more in fear of me than I am of them, so I try to give them their space. Do I live with the fear of a Cottonmouth attacking me? No, no more than I would of being mugged on a sunny Sunday in the Grove (Coconut, that is).

whitebelt		20-Jan-2010 13:24
Charles, can cottonmouths climb into kayaks?

Charles Knight		20-Jan-2010 12:41
South Florida Pine....Now there's a good wood for two by fours. I have an affinity for two by fours, children, children! LOL! Look folks, I'm imperfect. Yep, figured that out sometime ago, for decades I was positive that I wasn't but alas, I was wrong! Anyone else with me here? I have a feeling there are. I will repeat (not verbatim) the words of one of my valued friends here "amazingly we always come back to memories of Miami". Hey Rat, I just picked up a new (used) Kayak for a song (literally). And am going to Monroe Station on Feb. 27th for the 60th Wild Hog Jamboree, I figure I'll paddle the Loop road canal one last time for old time's sake.

Arizona Al		20-Jan-2010 10:12
Jeff: Please reconsider a return if only in an occasional cameo role. Your intimate knowledge of context and extensive historical recollections of the Miami I recall from my youth have served, in my opinion, as the cornerstone of all that makes this site meaningfull to me personally and the other ususal bloggers as well. I have never met you personally but through your postings and comments on this site I feel that if I ever had the good fortune to make personal contact the adjective "friend" would be the resulting outcome of the encounter. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Leighton		20-Jan-2010 07:58
I may have boated a few times as a kid in the early 70s, in the Bay, but my main memories are of the 82-85 UM time period. A wealthy classmate had a sailboat. and we enjoyed many a Saturday. No fish, RC or Moon Pies, though, in the ice chest...........

Fran		20-Jan-2010 07:47
Gee, comments biting? Humm,and I thought that the fishing were biting. I miss the fishing trips that my dad took us on. Biscayne Bay, second degree sunburn, ice chests full of snapper caught that day. Moon pies and R C cola, oh, how I miss those days.

Leighton		20-Jan-2010 07:43
And I'm going to Google Interama now, because while digging through my parents' attic tonight, I came across a copy of the original "introduction" (?) booklet. I posted over a year ago, that a local museum down there, had a temporary exhibit about the failed experiment. It fascinated me as a kid - World Fairs (World's Fairs?) and theme parks always have. And Interama had that, and a whole lot more, it seems.

Leighton		20-Jan-2010 07:14
Apparently, the freedom to speak bluntly is given to a sacred few. (And ironically so, considering where this has gone.) I have NO problem commenting about my observations. And, honestly CK -"Because of one person"?? I have been on for three years, and have enjoyed the conversations, and have expressed my thoughts often. As has Jeff. I realize that I'm kind of on the border of this group, due to age, but I have found it interesting. And I do contribute memories that have some connections. I also realize that I do not abide by the light-hearted format desired by most, but seriously Jeff, neither do you. Again, irony goes into play here. Your comments can be quite biting. So, honestly, this is all very interesting. I find the room entertaining and often fun to read - sometimes not. That's the nature of the beast. Good grief. I wasn't questioning your input (as I STATED), just the jabs that people's personal expressions might not be up to par. It's a forum, with a variety of opinions. That's what makes it fun. It's not an historical document. Miami memories include personal side-trips and current updates. Amazingly, it manages to maintain the flavor of its original intent. I ALWAYS learn something new (or old) whenever I come in here, and sometimes the personal stories make me feel better, and realize that everybody has problems and issues to face, as do I. I certainly have no intention of taking my toys, and going home, unless DB boots me. (And if anyone says something like, "Children, children," I will smack 'em with a two-by-four. Honest debate/discussion is not childish.) And, I love to Google myself - spend a great deal of time doing it - AMAZING the info that's out there. I can't wait to read of more history and stories.

Frankie		20-Jan-2010 05:08
Frankie needs no counseling, but some of you do. I am not cold hearted, nor against helping people in need, but deploreable conditions exist in VA hospitals, and veterans are turned away due to overcrowding, and elderly poor souls like charlis mentioned , are not helped by our government, because the president and our corupt government is always giving away money to foreign countries, and wasting our money on needless wars. That money, could be used to help our elderly, our veterans, our unemployed, charities, the poor, and to fight crime right here in our us of a. I feel for the people of haiti, it was a terrible disaster, but why must we always have to jump to help ? Other countries could help, but I do not see them there. And our country, is overcrowded, and full of problems, and we do not need any more people from anywhere here, to further burden our system. I personally will not give anything to send to haiti. I have nothing, due to our taxes, tolls, high cost of living, insurance abuse, and all other high costs, and I say again, Charity begins at home. But I echo something that someone else said, and that is, if you do give money to haiti, make sure you give it to the red cross, salvation army, or some reputable and honest agency, so the aid will do some good for the people of haiti. I know many will not agree with my words, but I felt compelled to speak my mind. God help us all, especially in the USA. Frankie.

Miami River Rat		20-Jan-2010 05:07
A buddy of mine lived in one of the houses at Fairchild gardens, his dad was a full time employee and the house came with the job. We pretty much had the run of the place. Those ponds at Fairchild: There was a mama gator made a nest and hatched a bunch of babies there when I was young and foolish and needed gas money. I'd better leave it at that.

Parks		20-Jan-2010 04:11
Jeff, your vast knowledge of Miami history and research abilities are of great value to this site when it is on it's intended subject. Unfortunately we do drift onto areas of discussion not related to Miami history and sometimes unpleasant differences are expressed. I just try to stay out of those discussions. Fishing! There was an article in the Miami Herald today about the huge fish kills from the cold weather. My friend Bill Loftus was interviewed. He has studied fish in Everglades National Park for the last thirty years. He said there was one bright spot. A bunch of the fresh water exotics that have invaded the Everglades and canals were killed. His current project is to rid the ponds at Fairchild Garden of exotics and introduce native fish. Bill and I are going to fish the St. Johns River for shad next week. I'll let you know how it goes. Food! I took my wife for a strawberry sundae at Burr's Berry Farm on Sunday. Wow! They are good. Unfortunately they lost a lot of berries to the freeze. Luckily the plants survived and more berries are on the way.

Charles Knight		20-Jan-2010 03:24
Jeff, if you're still reading this, come back! Don't be offended by us! We are basically harmless...Sometimes outspoken but harmless. Don't leave because of one person. Wait until we've all upset you!

whitebelt		20-Jan-2010 02:35
It has been a rough year for many on here, economically and healthwise. Add to that the normal personality conflicts on discussion boards condensed into a single thread. It can get raw. Especially if politics, religion, and naturally divisive things like that take hold. Has been little of that to date. Look upon this place as a haven from the storm the rest of the internet is. There are plenty of other places to argue and get one's feelings hurt. Everyone take a deep breath. Share memories. Let's not get into debates. Keep it light. This can be a very good year by the end of it. Keep the faith.

Jeff		20-Jan-2010 01:47
I just said my piece, but it [evidently] exceeded the word limit, so I will simplify what I'd originally written: Leighton: those comments were originally said in jest, but now I wonder... Charlis: Evie REFUSED help from my police officer friend, so her being so needy is a crock... Frankie: God help you if you or your family are ever in a disaster! Don: You are right. This is SUPPOSED to be a photo hosting site, and the blog is a "gift" many people are abusing. As for me... I'd seldom been posting, but now it's time to quit this scene. I'm not part of the solution, so I must be part of the problem. I am exiting and will now probably be the sacrificail lamb for others' sling and arrows, but so be it. This is the price to be paid for free speech. It was so much fun here when this was a place to reminisce about MIAMI MEMORIES! Goodby and good luck to all... I've overstayed my welcome.

whitebelt		20-Jan-2010 00:11
Accidentally, Charles? You do need to be more careful you know? :-)

Charles Knight		19-Jan-2010 23:39
Come on White belt... When on the dating scene one and one half years ago, I accidentally let a twenty eight year old seduce me. For the first week it was heaven, she was a gorgeous blond bombshell, after that week I was dying to get away from her! I raise my glass to women of my own age (52) , and thereabouts. They are truly much more exotic and enjoyable to spend time with. Some say that youth is wasted on the young...I say, I'd much rather enjoy the company of my peers. Let the young deal with each other!

whitebelt		19-Jan-2010 20:50
Speaking of memories. I remember when 30ish women were so beautiful and all grown up to me. They were goddesses. I worshipped them. Now they all look so young. What happened?

whitebelt		19-Jan-2010 17:40
I love snook. Went wading the flats at the mouth of Black Creek just north of HAFB, working the mangrove shoreline once. Never wore waders before, but had just bought a pair and was trying them out. Got way out there just past where the mouth empties into the bay. The water was a little above my waist. I stood there watching the ospreys diving into the water feeding, then I looked over to my left and saw a big fin swimming about 30 feet away. Then another. I am so glad I was wearing those dark waders as I laboriously and as quickly as I could worked my way back to much shallower water. My otherwise white legs would have attracted more attention than I would have wanted. Never wandered out that far again.

Charles Knight		19-Jan-2010 16:58
No Snook, no Grouper, I'm going crabing...

Leighton		19-Jan-2010 04:15
Regardless of what is happening with our economy and health insurance (I can personally attest to the limitations in both areas), I cannot imagine that our country would not do whatever it possibly can, to aid a suffering neighbor. Thanks for your info, Jeff, but may I ask a favor? Perhaps refrain from comments such as "I'm going to interrupt all of the weather reports, recipes, personal ramblings and Miami nostalgia with something that is of human importance... " Unnecessary, no? And considering your volumes of (needed) input, perhaps a bit ironic. I'll now check to see what my alma mater, UM, is doing to contribute to relief efforts.

Arizona Al		19-Jan-2010 02:59
For Any Interested Bloggers: The immediate transient pychological responses to a traumatic event are acute and/or pervasive dissociative reactions such as shock,grief, denial and emotional numbing. The secondary longer term disorders are the anxiety disorders including panic attack,generalized and pervasive anxiety disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. The tertiary longer term disorders include the affective states of anhedonia, cyclothymia and depression.The population (children, adolescents and adults) affected by the Haiti earthquake can be expected to experience and suffer both the immediate and longe term psychological disorders well after their physical trauma has healed. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona Al		19-Jan-2010 02:46
To the Usual Suspects: Thanks for suggesting that Frankie seek my counsel but I am ethically bound to refrain from practicing telepsychology:):). As I posted earlier, I am on the National Disaster Behavioral Health Providers Registry and if and when the necessity for secondary and tertiary intervention for the predictable psychological post event trauma in Haiti takes place and I if am called to action I shall certainly step up to the plate with current passport in hand. Alan Ogus, Ph.D. Alive and well in Phoenix, Arizona

Michael Tripp		19-Jan-2010 02:36
While I know Haiti needs all the help it can get, I feel that it would be a GRAVE mistake to donate money that would go directly to that country. Where would that money go? Into somebody's pocket, that's where. Donate money to a reputable charity (Red Cross, Doctors W/out Borders, Salvation Army, etc.) that have experience in matters such as this. Was saddened to hear from my S.I.L. in Bonita Springs that there will be no Snook season this Spring. Oh, well...

Michael Tripp		19-Jan-2010 02:18
While I know Haiti needs all the help it can get, I feel that it would be a GRAVE mistake to donate money that would go directly to that country. Where would that money go? Into somebody's pocket, that's where. Donate money to a reputable charity (Red Cross, Doctors W/out Borders, Salvation Army, etc.) that have experience in matters such as this. Was saddened to hear from my S.I.L. in Bonita Springs that there will be no Snook season this Spring. Oh, well...

Michael Tripp		19-Jan-2010 02:10
While I know Haiti needs all the help it can get, I feel that it would be a GRAVE mistake to donate money that would go directly to that country. Where would that money go? Into somebody's pocket, that's where. Donate money to a reputable charity (Red Cross, Doctors W/out Borders, Salvation Army, etc.) that have experience in matters such as this. Was saddened to hear from my S.I.L. in Bonita Springs that there will be no Snook season this Spring. Oh, well...

Charles Knight		18-Jan-2010 23:51
Charlis, I understand, believe me I do. I'm certainly not saying that we should make other nations our first priority. We need to take care of our own first, but we can also help others in dire need. It is the humane thing to do. I don't have any funds to send to anyone, zip zilch nada but I can send some isopropyl alcohol, and used clothing.

charlis		18-Jan-2010 23:45
Don... thank you. Taking less that a second to load, to post comments, etc.

charlis		18-Jan-2010 23:43
I tend to agree with Frankie... just got off the phone with Evie... they cut her medicaid and food stamps. She might have pneumonia due to the fact that her place has no heat... costs extra for the AC. Place is full of mold and drugs. She was at the Social Services office the other day and Haitians were walking out with $1000 of monthly benefits and she can't get anything! Obama announced that reserves were going to be used to help the haitians... but what about the millions of US citizens losing jobs, health insurance, homes, etc. The USA has got to lose its EGO and help us instead of being the first to jump in to help others. Sorry for being so callous but talking to Evie really got me upset.

Guest		18-Jan-2010 19:14
if Frankie can sit back and watch the magnitude of pain and suffering going on in Haiti and not be moved, I doubt Az. Al or anyone can help him.

Charles Knight		18-Jan-2010 18:20
Oh and Frankie...One more thing, God helps those that help others as well as themselves. I'll pray for you, right here in the U.S.A.

Charles Knight		18-Jan-2010 18:17
Charity begins at home, but it doesn't end there...Wake up Frankie, I am unemployed as having been laid of on the day before Thanksgiving, yet I try to do my part as I am sure most of us do both here in our country as well as others. As for the Haitians helping us in a time of need...It doesn't matter one iota to me, I still see truckloads of bodies and more to come and I'm there in one way or another period. I'd even help you if I could ( despite your bitter attitude) but I don't have the training. Perhaps you should seek the council of Arizona Al.

Frankie		18-Jan-2010 18:07
Charity begins at home. We have poverty, and unemployed folks, Disgusting slums, Homeless People, and everyone's struggling here, and in reality, the people of haiti would not give any of us a penny if they could and we needed it. So why should any of us break our rear ends to help the people of haiti, or anywhere else but right here in our country, the usa. Wake Up People, get your priorities in order. God help us all. Frankie.

Charles Knight		18-Jan-2010 14:02
Good morning to all of my friends from Miami's past! Kudos to all of those that are rushing Haiti in response to this catastrophic event...Godspeed! Not everyone has the ability to or the wherewithal to be there and help first hand. There are other options though...Find a reputable organization and donate the following: Medical supplies, non perishable foods, clothing, and of course...Money! Today we are having a clothing drive in Satellite Beach, we're asking for clothing in good condition, medical supplies, and shoes. Check around in your area and get involved. Don...Nice load time! You're the stuff! It's an honor to be the first on the new string. Thanks everyone! Charlie.

Don Boyd		18-Jan-2010 06:49
Effective 1/18/10 please post your comments here and not in the older gallery. I should have started this new gallery to reduce the file size on January 1st, or last July 1st, but I have a much larger comments gallery on this site with 50 times the amount of comments in this gallery and no one has ever complained about slowness there. I've done this twice before to reduce the file size and have "older comments" galleries so the idea surely isn't new. Don

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