The New Year has barely passed, yet for the most part, it appears many people have already resigned themselves to the reality of returning to the routine of their jobs and the daily chores of maintaining their lives and homes. Whether anyone has made resolutions for 2008 and taken it upon themselves to honor and follow through on them is a personal choice of respect. I’ve long given myself the luxury of bypassing such time-tested failures. My actions speak louder than false promises.
Prior to the beginning of the Holiday Season at Thanksgiving many displayed a sense of despair, perhaps unable to hide the economic hardships that most of us experience due to unrealized homeowner insurance premiums and the degradation of the housing market; too many residents rely on construction income to make ends meet. Perhaps the primary cause of downcast, glum faces was the deadline of paying their property and school taxes, December 31st. The installment plan can delay the financial responsibility but it doesn’t change the total amount due.
It is well known that this is also the time of year when emotions run high as we center our thoughts on loved ones who are no longer a part of our lives. The passing of years makes little difference. I prefer to give grace for the memories and contributions of those who have provided love and friendship through the times of my life. Even those who have challenged my faith in man have a special place in my subconscious. Their actions have also impacted my person – without them I would be somewhat other than I am today.
I noticed an immediate, positive change of moods after Black Friday. I suspect the spirit of gift giving afforded a reprieve from the gloom and stresses of the Season, but many appeared to soon falter. Another spark of merriness came as the Day of Christmas approached and continued through New Year festivities.
It’s the following days and weeks that bring about the blues. Although there may be a feeling of rebirth on that first day of the year, the realities of life can once again dampen the prospects of prosperity.
As I make my necessary trips to places of business, I find a sense of pleasure in continuing the spirit of the New Year through January. A simple offering of a “Happy New Year” to store attendants and fellow consumers after the days of retrospect have passed can result in a positive response of acknowledgement. Not everyone may quite accept, or understand, my demonstration of compassion and goodwill, but that’s okay; it’s those who return a smile or show appreciation for my efforts that make my days that much more brighter.
Have a nice day and a year of happiness.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Water, water everywhere but not here
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t count on it being there.
Stricter measures may be implemented in the 16 county region if deemed necessary at the next Southwest Water Management District (Swiftmud) meeting on December 18. Swiftmud is hopeful that residents will voluntarily limit lawn watering to every other week instead of the current once a week mandatory schedule. It should be well known that unnecessary watering at this time of year will harm lawns and plants as the drought continues in the coming months. I agree with this assessment. Watering my yard during these months gives weeds the perfect environment to flourish; that’s not the type of green I want to see out my windows.
We take water for granted. As long as it comes out of the faucet, there’s no incentive to heed repeated warnings. With two adults and two cats in my household the typical water bill is less than $15 per month, which I feel is exceptionally reasonable. The sprinkler system stays off the “automatic” setting, although I might turn it on for a short period after the lawn has been mowed every other week. Quite often the growth warrants less intervals of grooming.
Water is a life-sustaining commodity, yet is all too often poorly managed. People would be more inclined to conserve if supply and demand were used to regulate pricing, just as oil dictates the cost of gasoline. It would be a drastic measure but responsibility is demanded under these conditions. Stricter fines should be implanted, although I question proper enforcement behind the walls of gated communities.
There needs to be a moratorium on the use of St. Augustine grass. There are other varieties that are Florida friendly, drought resistant.
During the drought years from 2000 to 2004, I experienced the demanding expectations of a homeowner association when they threatened homeowners with fines if lawns failed to meet their standards of green. The cost was extreme, the reasoning irrational. I stand firm never to associate myself with such a group again.
At this point, Hernando County residents are less affected than areas further south in Sarasota and Charlotte counties, where a drought surcharge may me implemented. Golf courses have been told to use 45% of their average amount. I view this as an appropriate action but I question the correctness of the same restriction on agricultural irrigation. Although farming accounts for 80% of water usage in the United States, I fear the affect it will have on an industry that ranks second to tourism in revenue in Florida.
Perhaps the most extreme of citizen comments was the suggesting that there should be a ban of all outdoor watering and restricting permits for new developments. Officially, Swiftmud said the drought is temporary and will not hinder long-term planning. For the time being, the housing slump lessens the concern.
As has happened in Hernando County, land-use hearings and permits have risen statewide in anticipation of passage of the Hometown Democracy initiative to put future growth in Florida at the mercy of voters. There’s a rush to the finish line on Election Day, the 6th day in November. Florida Hometown Democracy has yet to fulfill the required signatures to place the constitutional amendment on the ballot.
Blame it on La Nina or global warming but eventually El Nino will bring an over-abundance of rain and we can once again relish the plush vegetation of our subtropical paradise.
May our lakes and rivers soon beam with the flow of water and aquatic life. Until then, we all need to “Conserve to Preserve”.
Stricter measures may be implemented in the 16 county region if deemed necessary at the next Southwest Water Management District (Swiftmud) meeting on December 18. Swiftmud is hopeful that residents will voluntarily limit lawn watering to every other week instead of the current once a week mandatory schedule. It should be well known that unnecessary watering at this time of year will harm lawns and plants as the drought continues in the coming months. I agree with this assessment. Watering my yard during these months gives weeds the perfect environment to flourish; that’s not the type of green I want to see out my windows.
We take water for granted. As long as it comes out of the faucet, there’s no incentive to heed repeated warnings. With two adults and two cats in my household the typical water bill is less than $15 per month, which I feel is exceptionally reasonable. The sprinkler system stays off the “automatic” setting, although I might turn it on for a short period after the lawn has been mowed every other week. Quite often the growth warrants less intervals of grooming.
Water is a life-sustaining commodity, yet is all too often poorly managed. People would be more inclined to conserve if supply and demand were used to regulate pricing, just as oil dictates the cost of gasoline. It would be a drastic measure but responsibility is demanded under these conditions. Stricter fines should be implanted, although I question proper enforcement behind the walls of gated communities.
There needs to be a moratorium on the use of St. Augustine grass. There are other varieties that are Florida friendly, drought resistant.
During the drought years from 2000 to 2004, I experienced the demanding expectations of a homeowner association when they threatened homeowners with fines if lawns failed to meet their standards of green. The cost was extreme, the reasoning irrational. I stand firm never to associate myself with such a group again.
At this point, Hernando County residents are less affected than areas further south in Sarasota and Charlotte counties, where a drought surcharge may me implemented. Golf courses have been told to use 45% of their average amount. I view this as an appropriate action but I question the correctness of the same restriction on agricultural irrigation. Although farming accounts for 80% of water usage in the United States, I fear the affect it will have on an industry that ranks second to tourism in revenue in Florida.
Perhaps the most extreme of citizen comments was the suggesting that there should be a ban of all outdoor watering and restricting permits for new developments. Officially, Swiftmud said the drought is temporary and will not hinder long-term planning. For the time being, the housing slump lessens the concern.
As has happened in Hernando County, land-use hearings and permits have risen statewide in anticipation of passage of the Hometown Democracy initiative to put future growth in Florida at the mercy of voters. There’s a rush to the finish line on Election Day, the 6th day in November. Florida Hometown Democracy has yet to fulfill the required signatures to place the constitutional amendment on the ballot.
Blame it on La Nina or global warming but eventually El Nino will bring an over-abundance of rain and we can once again relish the plush vegetation of our subtropical paradise.
May our lakes and rivers soon beam with the flow of water and aquatic life. Until then, we all need to “Conserve to Preserve”.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Party Politics
I procrastinated too long on sending out Christmas cards but the deeds are done and the deadline has been met.
I’ve held off long enough, but I finally mailed off a payment toward my Property Tax bill in time enough to make the December 31 due date.
I have also met another deadline of December 31. I have joined the forced of the majority of Floridians and changed my party affiliation to Republican. I am now prepared to cast a vote in the Primary Election on January 29 for the candidate I feel could possibly be best suited to run against whichever Democrat gets the nod.
Democratic presidential contenders seem to be pretty much of the same caliber. It’s the Republican candidates that seem to have diversity in choice.
I have no doubt each political party will get some of my votes. Regardless who wins any elected office, my vote will be more about demographics to pollsters. Just as the candidates play games with our hopes and their promises, prior to Election Day, November 13, 2008, I will be a registered Independent. Let that be another statistic for them to ponder.
I’ve held off long enough, but I finally mailed off a payment toward my Property Tax bill in time enough to make the December 31 due date.
I have also met another deadline of December 31. I have joined the forced of the majority of Floridians and changed my party affiliation to Republican. I am now prepared to cast a vote in the Primary Election on January 29 for the candidate I feel could possibly be best suited to run against whichever Democrat gets the nod.
Democratic presidential contenders seem to be pretty much of the same caliber. It’s the Republican candidates that seem to have diversity in choice.
I have no doubt each political party will get some of my votes. Regardless who wins any elected office, my vote will be more about demographics to pollsters. Just as the candidates play games with our hopes and their promises, prior to Election Day, November 13, 2008, I will be a registered Independent. Let that be another statistic for them to ponder.
Truth in Voting
Come January 29th, 2008, I am well prepared to accept the fact that I will be placing an invalid primary vote for one Democratic candidate or another, but I am less concerned about the impact of casting away that worthless ballot than most of the electorate in Florida.
The petty squabbling between Florida Democrats and the Democratic National Committee will have a profound affect on the political scene far beyond the upcoming primary election and it is a sure bet that, while the candidates campaign in New Hampshire, they will be looking over their shoulders at what had already transpired in the Sunshine State, trying to come to terms with how we viewed their worthiness. As they march toward Iowa, again they’ll be giving a side-glance to the south, still not sure what to make of the outcome in what will be the most important of all the swing states on that final election day on the second Tuesday in November.
Voter turnout for the Florida primary election should be extremely high considering there will be some type of property tax legislation on the ballot. Every homeowner has their financial well being on the line, so the stakes will be high on more than one item of voter concern. The candidates might act nonchalant about our primary, but whatever the outcome, it will be analyzed by every commentator and editorial writer across the political spectrum. Florida will be in the headlines.
Florida may not have any valid delegates at the Democratic National Convention next summer, but no doubt there will be some behind-the-scenes politicking going on to accommodate us maverick voters in a state that may very well decide who will be the next President of the United States. Again, voter turnout next November will be very high when the Hometown Democracy amendment will be another crucial drawing card for the electorate. Both Republicans and Democrats are well aware of this.
Regardless of who wins the Presidential and Vice Presidential nominations for the Democratic ticket, Florida will become a campaign hotbed next fall as a result of the current head banging amongst the Democrats. They will have to convince us that they heard us loud and clear even though our delegation was null and void. The candidates will be in our faces from sunrise to sunset. They will be hopping from one city to another, sure to return again and again as the weeks go by beyond the haunting of Halloween. Campaign funds will be flooding every nook and cranny of every media source. Republican candidates will be hard pressed to follow suit and do their best to keep up with the pace. Democrats may have an advantage.
It will also bring into light the political savvy of Governor Charlie Crist. No one can discount his popularity. Republicans cannot be discounted.
We, as a voting electorate, will have more clout because of the Florida legislature’s insistence to stand firm with the earlier primary vote date. Neither political party can afford to lose the Florida vote next November so we may eventually be victors of our own rights after all the votes are done and counted.
I was a registered Republican through the two terms of fellow jellybean eater Ronald Reagan, at which time I chose to be an Independent. Moving to Hernando two years ago, I had to register with my new address and chose the Democratic Party, primarily because of the current president in office. The 2006 election still found me placing more votes for Republicans than Democrats, so it makes no difference to me. When my final votes are cast, there’s little chance of a clean sweep; my broom swings every which way.
I could very easily change my political party affiliation prior to December 29th (the minimum 30 day requirement before the primary election) and salvage half of my vote to be delegated at the Republican National Convention, but I kind of like the idea of “wasting” my Democratic vote. In the end, it might be one of the most important votes that don’t count.
The petty squabbling between Florida Democrats and the Democratic National Committee will have a profound affect on the political scene far beyond the upcoming primary election and it is a sure bet that, while the candidates campaign in New Hampshire, they will be looking over their shoulders at what had already transpired in the Sunshine State, trying to come to terms with how we viewed their worthiness. As they march toward Iowa, again they’ll be giving a side-glance to the south, still not sure what to make of the outcome in what will be the most important of all the swing states on that final election day on the second Tuesday in November.
Voter turnout for the Florida primary election should be extremely high considering there will be some type of property tax legislation on the ballot. Every homeowner has their financial well being on the line, so the stakes will be high on more than one item of voter concern. The candidates might act nonchalant about our primary, but whatever the outcome, it will be analyzed by every commentator and editorial writer across the political spectrum. Florida will be in the headlines.
Florida may not have any valid delegates at the Democratic National Convention next summer, but no doubt there will be some behind-the-scenes politicking going on to accommodate us maverick voters in a state that may very well decide who will be the next President of the United States. Again, voter turnout next November will be very high when the Hometown Democracy amendment will be another crucial drawing card for the electorate. Both Republicans and Democrats are well aware of this.
Regardless of who wins the Presidential and Vice Presidential nominations for the Democratic ticket, Florida will become a campaign hotbed next fall as a result of the current head banging amongst the Democrats. They will have to convince us that they heard us loud and clear even though our delegation was null and void. The candidates will be in our faces from sunrise to sunset. They will be hopping from one city to another, sure to return again and again as the weeks go by beyond the haunting of Halloween. Campaign funds will be flooding every nook and cranny of every media source. Republican candidates will be hard pressed to follow suit and do their best to keep up with the pace. Democrats may have an advantage.
It will also bring into light the political savvy of Governor Charlie Crist. No one can discount his popularity. Republicans cannot be discounted.
We, as a voting electorate, will have more clout because of the Florida legislature’s insistence to stand firm with the earlier primary vote date. Neither political party can afford to lose the Florida vote next November so we may eventually be victors of our own rights after all the votes are done and counted.
I was a registered Republican through the two terms of fellow jellybean eater Ronald Reagan, at which time I chose to be an Independent. Moving to Hernando two years ago, I had to register with my new address and chose the Democratic Party, primarily because of the current president in office. The 2006 election still found me placing more votes for Republicans than Democrats, so it makes no difference to me. When my final votes are cast, there’s little chance of a clean sweep; my broom swings every which way.
I could very easily change my political party affiliation prior to December 29th (the minimum 30 day requirement before the primary election) and salvage half of my vote to be delegated at the Republican National Convention, but I kind of like the idea of “wasting” my Democratic vote. In the end, it might be one of the most important votes that don’t count.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
The Ethanology of Florida
I suppose Governor Crist is generously giving himself a pat on the back for his recent trip to Brazil, promoting ethanol as an alternative to our ever-increasing dependency on Middle East oil. No doubt, the American way of life is in jeopardy because of the growing turmoil in oil producing countries. The situation will eventually get worse as rogue governments may hold oil supplies for ransom to the highest bidder. This idea has been tossed around recently but it deserves consideration.
Economic growth in both China and India is challenging other country’s effort to control green house gases. China will soon surpass the United States in carbon dioxide emissions and India is expected to become the third largest polluter in the next few years. This not only points to increased global warming, but also suggests we will be in competition with these and other countries for future energy needs.
As oil prices inch toward $100 per barrel, gasoline won’t be the only commodity to become more costly. Everything from clothes to food will mean higher energy costs; petroleum is used in the process of most forms of manufacturing. But of more immediate concern to Florida residents will be higher electric bills.
On another negative side, production of ethanol diverts tons of corn from the age-old use for a multiple of food products. This not only affects grain consumption by us bipeds, but also makes the cost of raising farm animals an expensive business endeavor. More consumer dollars are eaten up as the domino effect of the food chain creates an economic hardship to keep the family well fed. That bowl of corn flakes and the milk or those two eggs and two pieces of toast with bacon have become an investment rather than food staples.
Governor Crist currently has no policy in place to implement an ethanol-gasoline fuel blend. It will be no short journey to accomplish whatever eventual energy goal he may formulate. I liken this lack of direction to a cart full of produce with no horse to get the wheels a-turning. It appears he has become another cheerleader to “Go! Go! Go for the green!”, a bandwagon for political posturing.
Al Gore has made global warming a hot topic, successfully adding to the sound of alarm to limit the use of fossil fuels to meet worldwide energy needs. The cause for ethanol brings out the best of intentions but it is a limited, short-sided remedy for the greater need to address the obstacles of continued oil dependency, economics inclusive.
I chide Governor Crist because he is the leader of our State of Florida, our Uncle Charlie in contrast to Uncle Sam. From top to bottom, all those government folks continue to make poor or questionable decisions. They don’t really know how to make their own decisions, relying on the ideas of a bunch of fine-suited lawyers from one corporate lobby or another.
Crist has expressed a negative opinion toward additional nuclear power sites within the state. His stance may very well prove to be a clouded viewpoint when considering the need to develop multiple energy sources to meet long term goals; ethanol should be considered a mere beginning toward the broader picture.
Coal is an ecological four-letter word and a blasphemy for containing emissions that add to global warming. Currently, the U.S. Dept. of Energy has a “conceptual” coal-to-liquids facility to be built in Illinois at a cost of nearly $5-billion that will produce 50,000 barrels of oil per day, with a payback period of 5 years when at full capacity. This figure is just a drop in the oilcan, but the potential use of this most abundant energy source in the United States will take years for technology to perfect a process that reduces carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. When in operation, byproducts from coal extraction, such as hydrogen, will also prove helpful for other energy needs.
Early in his presidency, George W. Bush earmarked $10-billion over a 10-year period for research and development to make coal a cleaner source of fuel; half of this amount is designated for that sole processing plant in Illinois. Time is not on our side to reduce our dependencies on oil imports.
Yes, Gov. Crist can be commended for his efforts toward developing a biofuels policy, but, by the end of former Gov. Jeb Bush’s administration, Florida was already positioning Brazil as a trade partner for ethanol production. Keep in mind that Brazil is preparing to tap oil reserves in the Amazon River basin and along the coast near Rio de Janeiro. Brazil will indeed be a long-term partner in trade. Jeb set the pace, now every subsequent governor can follow, or wallow, in his footsteps.
I am less critical of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush than I was during his terms in office. I am less ecstatic with the effectiveness of Governor Charlie Crist I was this past January.
So, when Gov. Crist steps outside the realms of his elected responsibilities, it would be in the best interests of Florida residents that he display Political Correctness by addressing the troublesome issues that have yet to be resolved: homeowner property insurance rates, a questionably equitable property tax initiative and the on-going problems in the state’s educational system.
Charlie, please concentrate on fulfilling you campaign promises before stepping foot beyond the borders of your elected responsibilities. If, as some have suggested, you are tiptoeing for a shining moment in the spotlight of national politics, these hazy days of green-state pollution are blurring you vision.
Some 10,000 square miles of the Amazon were lost to deforestation for cultivation of soybeans. This represents a 40% increase from the previous year. Soybeans are a cheap source of food for humans and animals. It is also becoming a primary source for the production of ethanol.
When politicians proudly hale their efforts to promote biofuels, you might imagine they would be aware of all aspects that must be taken into consideration before advocating an agreement of partnership.
Take into consideration that each person contributes about 10 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in a year’s time. One ton of that same greenhouse gas is released into the atmosphere whenever a 40-foot tree is lost to human cultivation. This a double whammy to the health of planet Earth.
By tearing down the Amazon rain forest, we are losing a frightening amount of oxygen because the attraction of seeing the green of the American dollar is given priority over the lush vegetation we claim to cherish. It’s already a little late in the ecology game, yet there are few cheerleaders or coaches to bring us victory and salvation for mankind’s misuse of the planet’s natural resources.
Politicians should take a refresher course in basic math. Deforestation doesn’t balance well with the production of ethanol.
Economic growth in both China and India is challenging other country’s effort to control green house gases. China will soon surpass the United States in carbon dioxide emissions and India is expected to become the third largest polluter in the next few years. This not only points to increased global warming, but also suggests we will be in competition with these and other countries for future energy needs.
As oil prices inch toward $100 per barrel, gasoline won’t be the only commodity to become more costly. Everything from clothes to food will mean higher energy costs; petroleum is used in the process of most forms of manufacturing. But of more immediate concern to Florida residents will be higher electric bills.
On another negative side, production of ethanol diverts tons of corn from the age-old use for a multiple of food products. This not only affects grain consumption by us bipeds, but also makes the cost of raising farm animals an expensive business endeavor. More consumer dollars are eaten up as the domino effect of the food chain creates an economic hardship to keep the family well fed. That bowl of corn flakes and the milk or those two eggs and two pieces of toast with bacon have become an investment rather than food staples.
Governor Crist currently has no policy in place to implement an ethanol-gasoline fuel blend. It will be no short journey to accomplish whatever eventual energy goal he may formulate. I liken this lack of direction to a cart full of produce with no horse to get the wheels a-turning. It appears he has become another cheerleader to “Go! Go! Go for the green!”, a bandwagon for political posturing.
Al Gore has made global warming a hot topic, successfully adding to the sound of alarm to limit the use of fossil fuels to meet worldwide energy needs. The cause for ethanol brings out the best of intentions but it is a limited, short-sided remedy for the greater need to address the obstacles of continued oil dependency, economics inclusive.
I chide Governor Crist because he is the leader of our State of Florida, our Uncle Charlie in contrast to Uncle Sam. From top to bottom, all those government folks continue to make poor or questionable decisions. They don’t really know how to make their own decisions, relying on the ideas of a bunch of fine-suited lawyers from one corporate lobby or another.
Crist has expressed a negative opinion toward additional nuclear power sites within the state. His stance may very well prove to be a clouded viewpoint when considering the need to develop multiple energy sources to meet long term goals; ethanol should be considered a mere beginning toward the broader picture.
Coal is an ecological four-letter word and a blasphemy for containing emissions that add to global warming. Currently, the U.S. Dept. of Energy has a “conceptual” coal-to-liquids facility to be built in Illinois at a cost of nearly $5-billion that will produce 50,000 barrels of oil per day, with a payback period of 5 years when at full capacity. This figure is just a drop in the oilcan, but the potential use of this most abundant energy source in the United States will take years for technology to perfect a process that reduces carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. When in operation, byproducts from coal extraction, such as hydrogen, will also prove helpful for other energy needs.
Early in his presidency, George W. Bush earmarked $10-billion over a 10-year period for research and development to make coal a cleaner source of fuel; half of this amount is designated for that sole processing plant in Illinois. Time is not on our side to reduce our dependencies on oil imports.
Yes, Gov. Crist can be commended for his efforts toward developing a biofuels policy, but, by the end of former Gov. Jeb Bush’s administration, Florida was already positioning Brazil as a trade partner for ethanol production. Keep in mind that Brazil is preparing to tap oil reserves in the Amazon River basin and along the coast near Rio de Janeiro. Brazil will indeed be a long-term partner in trade. Jeb set the pace, now every subsequent governor can follow, or wallow, in his footsteps.
I am less critical of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush than I was during his terms in office. I am less ecstatic with the effectiveness of Governor Charlie Crist I was this past January.
So, when Gov. Crist steps outside the realms of his elected responsibilities, it would be in the best interests of Florida residents that he display Political Correctness by addressing the troublesome issues that have yet to be resolved: homeowner property insurance rates, a questionably equitable property tax initiative and the on-going problems in the state’s educational system.
Charlie, please concentrate on fulfilling you campaign promises before stepping foot beyond the borders of your elected responsibilities. If, as some have suggested, you are tiptoeing for a shining moment in the spotlight of national politics, these hazy days of green-state pollution are blurring you vision.
Some 10,000 square miles of the Amazon were lost to deforestation for cultivation of soybeans. This represents a 40% increase from the previous year. Soybeans are a cheap source of food for humans and animals. It is also becoming a primary source for the production of ethanol.
When politicians proudly hale their efforts to promote biofuels, you might imagine they would be aware of all aspects that must be taken into consideration before advocating an agreement of partnership.
Take into consideration that each person contributes about 10 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in a year’s time. One ton of that same greenhouse gas is released into the atmosphere whenever a 40-foot tree is lost to human cultivation. This a double whammy to the health of planet Earth.
By tearing down the Amazon rain forest, we are losing a frightening amount of oxygen because the attraction of seeing the green of the American dollar is given priority over the lush vegetation we claim to cherish. It’s already a little late in the ecology game, yet there are few cheerleaders or coaches to bring us victory and salvation for mankind’s misuse of the planet’s natural resources.
Politicians should take a refresher course in basic math. Deforestation doesn’t balance well with the production of ethanol.
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