Another Marion County Celebrity

This season on "Mo'Nique's F.A.T. Chance," the big girls are headed to Paris, the fashion - and skinny - capital of the world.
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Shanawana Owens knows what the women will be going through. In March, the Ocala resident beat out 24 other plus-size women to win the inaugural Big & Beautiful Pageant in Orlando.

Yep, in addition to John Travolta and Mel Tillis, we have another BIG celebrity in town. She won back in March...who knew?

Elections have consequences

"Schumer to fight new Bush high court picks"

Remember that the next time you have an urge to vote Democrat to spite the Republicans.

Don't be an asshole next time.

Another Anniversary

Wedding anniversary, that is.

It was 33 years ago that Ms Right became Mrs Right.

I've been a fortunate man.

Marion County Justice

A Marion County judge hearing arguments on the constitutionality of Florida's lethal injection procedures has ruled that a death row inmate cannot be executed unless the Department of Corrections makes changes to its protocol and procedures.
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Angel made his ruling after 11 days of evidentiary hearings concerning the botched Dec. 13 execution of Angel Diaz, who took more than 30 minutes to die, after IV needles inserted into his arm punctured his veins.
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Boo frickin’ hoo!

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The judge expressed concern that the executioner did not have the power to stop an execution when something was going wrong."I don't think that any 18-year-old executioner with the pressure of the governor's warrant behind him to carry out an execution, and with the pressure of the whole world . . . in front of him and looking at him, is going to have enough experience and competence to stop an execution when it needs to be stopped," the judge said.

Another proud moment from Marion County. Sorry, Florida

Dumb and Dumber

A couple of local geniuses. A store employee steals from her employer with the help of two friends. Then they finger some one else. BUT forget (or unaware) there is a security camera that caught what actually happened.

This was a good thing for the fingered suspect. He had an alibi, but 2 of the criminals insisted he was the one. I think there might have been a hint of racism. You see, the ‘suspect’ was white, as mentioned in the story. That’s the only race mentioned in the article.

According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Sabrina Miller stated that while on duty, a white male whom she knew came into the store with a handgun and demanded money. Miller told detectives the man said he would kill her if she didn't give him money.

Kerri Barker, a friend of Miller, was in the store at the time and corroborated her story. Both women identified the suspect from his driver's license photo.

Unbeknownst to the women, the store surveillance video showed a different male subject and there appeared to be no actual robbery, but a theft by Miller and friends. The named subject was located, but did not match the male in the video and had witnesses to verify his whereabouts during the time of the incident.

And NO we’re not proud of just how stupid some of our would-be crooks are.

Turkey votes itself back to the dark ages

The perfect vote...for the sizable number of followers of the dark ages version of the "religion of peace."

Voters seem to have dismissed opposition warnings that the AKP secretly sought an Iranian-style theocracy, despite mass rallies this year in defense of the rigid state-religion divide in Turkey, one of the Muslim world's few democracies.

The Travolta Connection

John Travolta is a local resident. The best kind.

He's been involved in a legal issue that may affect his ability to live in his 'fly-in' community.

OCALA -- John Travolta's lawyers filed a federal lawsuit Thursday claiming owners of the airport outside his $8 million home in Jumbolair Aviation Estates lied to the FAA to keep the A-list actor from flying his Boeing 707 there.
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Travolta bought land at Jumbolair in 2001 with plans to build an aviation-themed home. The lawsuit claims Travolta was assured he would be able to use the airport.
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In a press release sent to the Star-Banner, attorneys for Travolta said he is ready to fight in a courtroom."Mr. Travolta has been severely mistreated as a consequence of these acts and intends to vigorously pursue all appropriate legal recourse against the responsible parties," attorney Michael Ossi said.

I wish you well, John. It seems like someone's been trying to screw you and others at Jumbolair.

And sometimes, not so proud

Also from today's Ocala Star-Banner:

OCALA - A 17-year-old boy was arrested this afternoon and charged with sexual battery and lewd or lascivious molestation on an 11-year-old girl, according to a Sheriff's Office report.

And

OCALA - A Marion County grand jury today indicted the two teenagers who had been arrested in connection with the July 1 shooting death of 19-year-old Chad Nordberg, according to the Sheriff's Office.

And

OCALA - Three youths were captured soon after they attempted to rob a Pizza Hut in Ocala this morning, according to police. The male suspects, ages 15, 19 and 22, were caught as they tried to make their escape by car from the restaurant at 1316 East Silver Springs Blvd.

Sometimes you just hang your head.

We are so proud!

OCALA - Robert Alexander of Salt Springs is this year’s top bubba.Alexander competed against 11 other self-described bubbas today at the Fifth Annual Bubbalympics at Wild Waters.

He was crowned the winner after participating in seven grueling contests, which included bobbing for pig’s feet, the belly flop contest and sculpting SPAM into a bass boat.

Some may question our pride in local accomplishment, but-hell-sometimes you take what you get.

We wish you well today, Mr President...and Mr President

President George W. Bush was undergoing a colonoscopy Saturday morning at Camp David, Md.
Just before being sedated for the checkup, Bush temporarily transferred power to Vice President Dick Cheney.

Mrs Right and I wish you well, President Bush.

And godspeed President Cheney.

This is too sad

OCALA - A 3-year-old playing at his home Friday afternoon chased a soccer ball into the street where he was struck and killed by a car. Friday was his birthday.

Rescue workers performed CPR on Ethan Skye Cook, of 5048 N.E. Seventh Place, after the 5 p.m. accident, but he died shortly after being taken to Munroe Regional Medical Center, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Sometimes you can get so wrapped up in life's crap that you can't see what is really important. The death of a child can put your own 'problems' in perspective.

UPDATE (9/11/07)
A reader identified as Ethan's mother left the following comment on September 7th.

"The child was not unattended. I was blowing the leaves off the front porch in preparation for his birthday party the next day. The lady who hit him held the phone while I gave him CPR while waiting for help. We are sad, but still living."

Ma'am, I know I'm too often self-righteous. I want you know that I think I can feel a small bit of the pain and sadness of your loss. I know it must be too terrible. And I know tragedy can strike so quickly that it can't be prepared for.

I offer my sincere condolences.

Marion County is going Green

(From the Ocala Star-Banner) "All eyes were focused on the lone tree, specifically the areas lighter in color, to see what citrus greening, a bacterial disease, looks like up close. The tree at the Marion County Extension Service office on Northeast Jacksonville Road exhibits what is believed to be the first sign of citrus greening in Marion County."

"The location... so far north is concerning," said Jameson, president of Brite Leaf Citrus Nursery. "How did it jump 80 to 90 miles?"

Damn it, Gov Charlie! I know you want the State to 'go green' but did you consider all the consequences?

What is it with some people?

Some local idiot (female this time) is making crank calls. Yeah, I know that's not new. But the subject matter is.

(Per the Ocala Star-Banner) "Someone posing as a Sheriff’s Office employee is making bogus phone calls to Marion County residents. The victims are being told that a traffic ticket was issued to them, and left on their door, and that they have failed to report for court as directed...In one incident, the intended victim of the crank call was deceased, yet the imposter continued the “missed court” story with the spouse of the deceased."

I just don't get it.

Why I voted for Katherine Harris (Part 4)

Answer: (still is) Bill Nelson

Two recent examples (from Michelle Malkin):

First-Nelson voted with his fellow Dem scum to kill the 'John Doe' amendment. So terrorist sympathizers can sue fellow Americans who are trying to protect themselves and others. Nice job, Bill. That's the way to fight terrorism! We all can sleep better now.

Second-Nelson voted with his fellow Dem scum in support of voter fraud 'cause showing photo ID is just asking too much of voters. It's just so tough to get such ID and only racist white Republican males seem to know how to get one. Oh yeah, and since almost all such fraud benefits Democrats, of course that's the way he voted. Thanks, Bill, for standing up for the right of law-breakers and other Democrats to vote. What next...voting to ensure more criminals and other Democrats can cash bogus checks without presenting photo ID?

Slogan: Bill Nelson-his party before patriotism and security.

"Scott Thomas and The New Republic"

The "Scott Thomas" possible lies published in The New Republic has been of considerable interest over the past couple of days.

Many blogs have reported on this, but The Florida Masochist has 2 excellent posts that you should read. TFM has a unique perspective as a long time subscriber to the mag, which allowed him to present New Republic editor Franklin Foer his 'Knucklehead of the Day' award.

Bin Laden-Alive?

To answer the question: Bullshit!

(Through Drudge) The linked article "Bin Laden Appears in New al-Qaida Video" has the following: "A new al-Qaida videotape posted Sunday on a militant Web site featured a short, undated clip of a weary-looking Osama bin Laden praising martyrdom."

It's now been established that this was video from late 2001.

But I already knew that. In a previous post I've already stated that Oz is long dead and the recent audiotapes had the voice of one of his jihadi sons. I stand by that assertion until Dan Rather shakes his hand again. No, never mind, it'll take more than that to convince me.

Where have I been?

Well, I've been a little ailin', as my Southern granddad used to say. I injured my lower back 2 weeks ago and haven't been able to sit at a computer for too long. I haven't missed any work, but it's been close a couple of times. I think I'm getting better, but just the half hour I've been posting this morning has started my back twinging again. So I gotta go.

I still support President Bush

I feel I have to say this, especially given the linked opinion piece by Peggy Noonan. I like Noonan's writing and have for several years. But she is a 'squish' who wears her (often bleeding) heart on her sleeve. I appreciate her empathy and niceness, but I don't want someone with her sensibilities in charge of anything other than an orphanage.

I've disagreed (too) often with President Bush (Miers, amnesty, being nice to Kennedy and Clintons) but he is strong when it comes to supporting troops and he believes in the real war with our actual enemies.

He has given us (among others): a much better Supreme Court; significant income tax relief; a stronger military; a moral presidency; an economy that's hard to kill; an excellent vice president.

I've been disappointed in some of his actions and I've more often been confused. But I respect what he's done and I know history will show him to be one our greater presidents. Mrs Right supports him even more than I do.

And I will not be lumped in with defeatist conservatives and 'cut and run' Republicans, whom I despise.

Gov Charlie's Biggest Tax Increase (so far)

Oh, it's not a straight ahead, no-nonsense tax. It's a 'green' tax that will ensure that we Floridians will pay a hell of a lot more for essential things: like electricity, vehicle gas and food.

See, Gov Charlie wants to be the Green Governor, sorta like Gov Conan of California. He definitely doesn't want to be like Gov Jeb who, frankly, is a much better role model.

So Gov Charlie insists through Executive Order that Florida "...by the year 2050, energy producers must reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their plants to a level 20 percent lower than the amount produced in 1990. It will also require energy companies to derive at least 20 percent of their energy from renewable sources, such as wind and solar power." Oh, and "There is a timetable for energy companies to reach interim targets." That'll be so helpful.

And finally, "The governor's order also will implement strict vehicle emission rules that mirror those already in place in California and require state agencies to conserve energy and use biofuels when possible."

Gov Charlie also will be changing the state's fleet of vehicles, etc as part of the 'green' campaign, among other "worthy" ideas.

Here's what will likely happen: food prices will go up; electricity will go up; gas prices will go up. And pretty damn soon, actual taxes will go up. This will be followed by a slumping economy.

And in 5 years we will have definite proof that damned little was accomplished. I wish to hell that Gov Charlie had waited until Gov Conan had failed at his little experiment before making us needless guinea pigs.

And, oh yeah, I voted for Gov Charlie. He wasn't my first choice. But he was the only Republican on the ballot in November 2006.

And who knows-maybe this will be successful. But since most 'green' initiatives are expensive failures or have nominal outcomes, I don't think so.

UPDATE:

Just read a favorite blog PEER Review FL, and Mr. C has similar thoughts, but says them better.

Independence Day 2007

To all Americans who love and believe in their country and respect its history:

Happy Fourth of July!

It's been a 'iffy' year so far, but I feel things will improve.