Thursday, December 31, 2009

Tasmanian Devil population endangered by contagious cancer.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,581671,00.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a16:g2:r4:c0.084708:b29595648:z10

Arleigh Burkes just keep on keepin' on.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,581684,00.html?test=latestnews

Loss of BTW's annual contributions must have really hurt.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,581572,00.html?test=latestnews

Rush admitted to Honolulu hospital!

Be sure to read the remark by typical liberal vermin. http://savannahnow.com/latest-news/2009-12-30/update-rush-limbaugh-admitted-honolulu-hospital

As if there were no existing medians sans trees!

But heh, we all know that city governement heretofore has been pimarily by and for the Downtown Merchants' Association so no surprise here. http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-31/story/gateway_to_st_marys_expanded

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

If you've tried Matt's Italian....

tell us what you had and how you liked it.

Senior U.S. District Judge Anthony A. Alaimo died this morning at Southeast Georgia Health System's Brunswick hospital.

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-12-30/story/federal_judge_anthony_alaimo_dies_in_brunswick_hospital

Woodbine Mayor Burford Clark has RESIGNED, effective 12/31/09 !!

Click on image to enlarge.
Mr. Moreno: Mayor Clark has resigned as Mayor effective 12/31/09. I'll have a copy of the resignation forwarded to you by email. Sandy Sandra L. Rayson City Administrator City of Woodbine P. O. Box 26 Woodbine, GA 31569 (912)576-3211 (Office) (912)576-3274 (Fax) (912)552-3842 (Cell) cityofwoodbine@tds.net http://www.woodbinegeorgia.net/
4:10 PM: What I'm hearing from sources is that of late, a couple of the newer councilmen have been pretty well bucking the mayor on some of his objectives. After about 40 years as mayor, he got tired of it and called it quits. Given that I don't really follow Woodbine politics, I can't say who those councilmen might be or what issues are involved. Anyone? That is to say anyone who ACTUALLY knows.
12/31's GTU coverage:
http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-31/story/at_70_woodbine_mayor_calls_it_quits

Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!

http://savannahnow.com/news/2009-12-30/ga-may-expand-areas-where-guns-can-be-carried

Two of the Cisco rats jump ship and plead out.

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-30/story/2_set_to_plead_out_in_cisco_fuel_fraud_case

Building named after former St.Marys Mayor Ward Hernandez.

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-30/story/economic_building_named_for_former_st_marys_mayor

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Breaking news!

This just in: Gov. Sonny Perdue has today appointed D.A. Stephen Kelley as our newest Superior Court judge. Asst. D.A. Jackie Johnson, a Woodbine resident, is a likely candidate to succeed Kelley as D.A. Update: 12/30 GTU coverage. http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-30/story/georgia_gov_perdue_appoints_district_attorney_stephen_kelley_to_brunsw

Strange birds.

This morning, at about 9:30, I was out in my back yard with Cojack. There was not a cloud in the azure-blue sky. I happened to look up into the sky just in time to see a puzzling sight. There were three very large birds flying in a tight V formation on a heading that was maybe 5 degrees north of due west. I would estimate that they were up at the same altitude where you normally see flights of Canada geese that are flying over bound for points far farther south than here. I'm very familiar with what Canada geese look like at various altitudes. These birds appeared to have a different length to width ratio in their bodies. They seemed to be shorter and broader in the breast than Canadas. They could have had 5 to 7 pounds on a Canada goose. They were uniformly tan in the underparts of their wings, bodies, and tails. The most peculiar thing was the position of their wings in flight. Picture a bird with its wings fully outstretched. Now, picture what happens, in slow motion, as a bird folds its wing. Picture it at the halfway point between fully extended and fully folded. That's how these birds wings were configured in flight. And they were constantly flapping - no gliding for these heavyweights. The V formation says waterfowl. The heading, given the time of year, is a puzzlement though. Anyone have any ideas? Something way off course from Africa occurs to me.

The inimitable Dave Barry's year-in-review.

http://www.miamiherald.com/283/story/1397654.html

Camden willallow hard-pressed owners to make periodic payments on property taxes.

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-29/story/tax_deadline_looms_in_camden

Monday, December 28, 2009

Matt's menu, as promised!

Click on images to enlarge.
Note: the dinner to-go menu was on the front and back of legal length paper so I had to make 4 scans to get it all. Just read from top to bottom and you will get it all. I had lunch there today. Large garden salad , large bowl of their fresh minestrone soup (the best you've ever eaten), and absolutely addictive, thumb-sized garlic rolls hot from the oven. Very satisfying. You get about 18 of those little rolls per order. If you can't finish them (i.e, your second basket), warm them up the next morning with breakfast. All was exactly as I remembered it from the original Matteo's in front of Winn-Dixie in Brunswick - delicious! Matteo's customers will recognize the owner, another guy who may be his brother (not sure), and the old cook. There was one other male in the kitchen, the dishwasher. You'll be surpised at how roomy and completely open and visible the kitchen is. The wait staff consisted of 5 young gals and one older "Tug Boat Annie" character with copious tattos. All had obviously been trained by the owner to be noticeably friendly and give great service. Of course, I was the only customer at 1:00 PM. The old Sweetest Things red walls and red tables are still there, with a few more new 4-tops thrown in. Try it - you'll like it!
In other restaurant news, Janie tells me that Aunt B's will be open their regular hours(10:30 AM to 8:00PM) on New Years Day, serving their regular Friday menu. As of this afternoon, they had not planned on Hoppin' John but may well do it after I inquired about it today. Also, there is a new Chinese restaurant coming to the Winn Dixie Shopping Center. It will be next to the Christian book store. "China King," I think.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Manga!

Matt's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria opens tomorrow, Monday, December 28th, in the old Sweetest Things location to the right of Aunt B's. Business hours will be Monday through Saturday, from 11:oo to 2:30, then again from 5:00 to 9:30. Closed Sunday. I can tell you a priori that it will be good. I'll get a menu and publish it first chance I get.

Sunday Funnies; Volume 96.

Click on image to enlarge.

That was the year that was.

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-27/story/southeast_georgias_top_stories_of_2009

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Sound off!

Camden Commentary will turn 96 weeks old tomorrow with closing in on 235,000 hits. In the new year, what kind of posts would you like to see more of ? Less? Ideas for new features? Thank you.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Christmas spirit alive and well in Savannah.

http://savannahnow.com/news/2009-12-25/pub-owners-donate-25000

Christmas Bonus Funnies.

FROM: Pat Lewis, Human Resources Director TO: Everyone RE: Christmas Party DATE: December 1 I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place December 23, starting at noon in the banquet room at Luigi's Open Pit Barbecue. No-host bar, but plenty of eggnog! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols . . . feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus! FROM: Pat Lewis, Human Resources Director TO: Everyone DATE: December 2 RE: Christmas Party In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Chanukah is an important holiday that often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to employees who are celebrating Kwanzaa at this time. Happy now? FROM: Pat Lewis, Human Resources Director TO: Everyone DATE: December 3 RE: Holiday Party Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table . . . you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only"; you wouldn't be anonymous anymore. How am I supposed to handle this? Somebody? FROM: Pat Lewis, Human Resources Director TO: Everyone DATE: December 7 RE: Holiday Party What a diverse company we are! I had no idea that December 20 begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating, and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs. Perhaps Luigi's can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party-the days are so short this time of year-or else package everything for take-home in little foil swans. Will that work? Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Overeaters Anonymous to sit farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the rest rooms. Did I miss anything? FROM: Pat Lewis, Human Resources Director TO: Everyone DATE: December 8 RE: Holiday Party So December 22 marks the Winter Solstice -- what do you expect me to do, a tap-dance on your heads? Fire regulations at Luigi's prohibit the burning of sage by our "earth-based Goddess-worshipping" employees, but we'll try to accommodate your shamanic drumming circle during the band's breaks. Okay??? FROM: Pat Lewis, Human Resources Director TO: Everyone Date: December 9 RE: Holiday Party People, people, nothing sinister was intended by having our CEO dress up like Santa Claus! Even if the anagram of "Santa" does happen to be "Satan," there is no evil connotation to our own "little man in a red suit." It's a tradition, folks, like sugar shock at Halloween or family feuds over the Thanksgiving turkey or broken hearts on Valentine's Day. Could we lighten up? FROM: Pat Lewis, Human Resources Director TO: Everyone DATE: December 10 RE: Holiday Party Vegetarians!?!?!? I've had it with you people!!! We're going to keep this party at Luigi's Open Pit Barbecue whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it, and you'll get your #$%^&!*# salad bar, including hydroponic tomatoes... but you know, they have feelings, too. Tomatoes scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream, I'm hearing them scream right now! FROM: Teri Bishops, Acting Human Resources Director TO: Everyone DATE: December 14 RE: Pat Lewis and Holiday Party I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Pat Lewis a speedy recovery from her stress-related illness and I'll continue to forward your cards to her at the sanitarium. In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd off.

Thanks to the regular reader who e-mailed me this one a few moments ago.

More restaurant news....

Sandy Kingsland, GA Reply » Report Abuse Judge it! #1 6 min ago The new owner charles Davis advises me that the Huddle House facility at 40 and spur 40 has changed hands it's new name is Ceder (sic) Bay Cafe. While the changes are being implemented it is still operating. You can still be served the same menu 24 hours a day. He thinks you will like the changes when they are implemented. Good Luck Charles. Let's hope so. I have long since called that particular location "Cruddle House." This e-mail just in from Charles Davis: Hi: We are open today Christmas day. (Huddle House) 103 Charlie Smith Sr. Hwy., St. Marys, Georgia 912/729-6365

Thanks, but Cojack and I have already had a breakfast of Virginia ham, eggs-over-easy, and biscuits (actually, that's what I had:"CJ" had 2 eggs scrambled with ham and cheese). In an hour and a half, I'll pop the old turkey drumsticks into the Cuisinart convection oven, warm up the corn bread dressing Sarah made Wednesday, mic the gravy, warm the candied yams, , season and warm the Leseuer baby green peas, bring the sweet potato pie to room temperature, open the cranberry sauce, and pour a glass of Harvey's Bristol Cream Sherry. We're all set for today, thanks, but I will give it a try in a couple of weeks.

2:20PM: Man, that was good. I rubbed down those turkey drum sticks in a mixture of salt, freshly gound black pepper, rubbed sage, ground thyme, and whole rosemary leaves. Baked in the convection oven at 375 degrees for just one hour, basting them a couple of times with unsalted butter. Perfection! Golden brown and 180 degrees internally. Delicious!

On the other hand, the Mrs. Smith's sweet potato pie really sucked!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

To all of my Christian friends (and my apparent enemies)...

Merry Christmas!

What were the chances?

http://savannahnow.com/latest-news/2009-12-23/us-80-reopens-after-pedestrian-fatality-garden-city-police-says This tragedy was almost certainly the result of what truckers know as a "high hook." The driver surely failed to get out of the cab - as DOT regs require - and check his hookup visually after backing up to the trailer. His kingpin was likely not actually locked into the slot where it belonged, but "high hooked" up over the front edge of the turntable hitch.

Shrimping season extended.

http://savannahnow.com/latest-news/2009-12-23/georgia-shrimp-season-extended

How do y'all feel about a dog park in St. Marys?

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-24/story/brunswick_dog_park_opens_today

Kudos to Camden Rotarians for filling Salvation Army pantry.

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-24/story/st_marys_salvation_army_pantry_overflows

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Another case from the "But MY pit bull would never do that ! " files.

http://savannahnow.com/latest-news/2009-12-22/georgia-mom-kills-pit-bull-attacking-her-daughter

Exactly!

From http://www.topix.com/forum/city/kingsland-ga/T5KNTCNT733IQV9EH Invisible Mount Juliet, TN Reply » Report Abuse Judge it! #91 10 hrs ago Judged: 2 1 1 If Jay Moreno wants to run for any office, it is his right as a citizen. I think he would have a lot of time to research the problems of Camden and deliver more input than the other Councilpersons and Commissioners. And let me add a few more purported negatives that are actually positives in a county commissioner, especially a Camden County commissioner. 1. I have absolutely no relatives living in Camden or any adjoining counties. My nearest relatives are in Savannah. Trust me: none of them need a job in Camden County. Nepotism would not be a problem (not that I would engage in it anyway). 2. I have no really, really close personal friends in Camden County. Friends (that I know of) probably number fewer than a couple of dozen, and I'm not really "beholdin'" to any of them. Cronyism would not be a problem. 3. I'm not a joiner. I don't have a pressing need to be accepted - at any cost - as part of any group. I'm quite self-sufficient. I'm not a "member" of any organization in Camden County. Ergo, merchants' groups, civic clubs, public employees, etc. would receive fair but not favored consideration in any matter before me. Needless to say, individuals, regardless of socio-economic status, would, as well. 4. I do not have a politician's duplicitousness. I say what I mean; mean what I say; and let the chips fall where they may. A "consummate vote whore" I'm not. If you find those qualities to be positives for a county commissioner, I would be your guy. If not, you would have at least one polar opposite in the coming race for District 4.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Restaurant news.

Just found out today from the cashier that Aunt B's will be open New Years Day. I don't have the hours or the menu yet - other than Hoppin' John, for sure. I'll get those to y'all soon as I can. She also says the word is that Matt's Italian Restaurant (where The Sweetest Things was) will be having a trial run this weekend by invitation only. They willl open for regular business on Monday. Oh, and speaking of Aunt B's, while I was in there eating lunch today, three, on-duty, uniformed SMPD officers were sitting at the next table. They took no notice of me or my ostensibly ominous, black,"man purse." I guess that they did not get the memo that they are supposed to be "watching" me - a menace to society!

CVS' recycling and the truth about trees.

As I was headed to Parnell's shop for a haircut this morning, I passed the site of the new, St.Marys CVS Pharmacy. I noticed that the site prep company they hired is recycling all of the old concrete on site. For those who don't know, that huge pile of crushed concrete is what is known in the construction business as "crush-crete." It is very useful. If they don't re-use it on site as underlayment for the asphalt paving, they will sell it to a rock and gravel yard. When you mix in a little fresh cement, you can then spread it on the ground. When it rains, it hardens into a perfectly serviceable surface for rural private roads and driveways. I've delivered and spread many a ton of it myself. I also notice that they are balling up the rebar to recycle. It will end up in a recycling steel mill smelter (like the one in Georgetown, SC) and become new steel wire. This kind of recycling is not always done. My guess is that CVS specified that they use this more expensive approach. Will CVS get credit for being a good corporate citizen from the Green eco-weenies? Of course not. They will pooh-pooh this just as they have pooh-poohed the check for $6,000 which CVS immediately wrote to the city of St. Marys when asked to as mitigation for the oak trees that had to be removed to make the project economically viable. So, what is the truth about our urban forest? Here's a project for you. The next time you're out driving around St. Marys - especially downtown - every time you see a live oak tree, ask yourself this question: Based upon the size and location of the tree relative to roads and structure, was it more likely, A, here when Columbus landed; B, planted by a forgetful squirrel; or C, planted by a man or woman with the sure and certain knowledge that they would never live to see it grow to its current size? Perhaps the contemporary, exhibitionistic, vocal, Green eco-weenies would do better to stop putting on narcissistic exhibitions of holier-than-thou liberal orthodoxy in the editorial sections and at city council meetings and take a few lessons from the folks who selflessly planted those trees long ago. But no, they are now set upon a course of having the city's live oaks (for starters) designated "heritage trees." Sounds pretty benign, eh? It's not. Google it and read a few of the ordinances from around the country. Private property rights? Forget about it! Here are a few thoughts on ADDING more trees to the urban forest. For openers, let's take that $6,000 from CVS and fence in about 1/10th of an acre of the "community garden" over by the airport. Inside of that fence, in 5 gallon buckets, the seniors from the senior citizens center could, and would no doubt love to, plant and tend to seedlings of different ornamental species grown from the free seeds of existing prime specimens throughout the city. Clearly, the oaks in the median in front of city hall would be a good source for acorns. Crape myrtles will grow from seed. I'm sure local citizens would be happy to donate seeds from their crape myrtles. Right now is the ideal time to harvest them, by the way. I have a couple of unusual "dynamite" crape myrtles on my lawn. What seeds I've not already given away, they're welcome to. I'm sure folks can think of many more plant species that can be propagated. I'm certain that when they get large enough to be transplanted onto city properties in dire need of some beautification, there would be younger, able bodied volunteers available for the task. If it works on a small scale at first, for city use only, then perhaps it can be expanded to an annual plant give away to citizens. I would suggest that this approach beats the hell out of efforts to deprive people of their property rights for the sake of trees.

Venomous dinosaurs?

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2009/12/21/paleontologists-discover-fanged-venomous-dinosaur/?test=latestnews

St. Marys suicide identified.

http://www.news4jax.com/news4georgia/22028034/detail.html

Monday, December 21, 2009

Friday, December 18, 2009

Hmm? Perhaps Glenn Beck only "plays" the fool.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,580510,00.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a16:g4:r3:c0.000000:b-2:z10

Name that virago.

From Topix, Kingsland. Can y'all guess which anonymous coward the words in green belong to? anon Saint Marys, GA Reply » Report Abuse Judge it! #46 10 hrs ago Judged: 1 1 I've met Moreno on a few occasions. First in a college class, then bumped into him when he was at a school doing something for his degree. Never once was he rude or insulting. Never was he disruptive, egotistical or any thing of the such in class. I've seen him a many times at Walmart or Aunt B's and again, never witnessed anything ill-mannered or rude.I don't really know him personally, but nor do I know the people here behind the posts. But judging from what I see... some people on here are the "jerks" Let it go..so you don't like the man...stop reading his blog!! Maybe some of you just don't get him. His blog is more entertaining and more informative than the much of the same junk from the same folks on this board. anontoo Saint Marys, GA Reply » Report Abuse Judge it! #47 I'm happy for you that you haven't been publicly insulted, lied about, cursed at, slimed by words and attacked by Moreno. Too bad many other people aren't as lucky. The man is obscene....and insane. If he actually wrote well enough to be published, people would have some legal recourse. As it is we have to watch as lives are damaged by his paranoia, personal vendettas and lies

"Super speeders" to face increased fines come January 1.

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-18/story/many_georgia_speeders_will_qualify_for_an_extra_200_fine_come_jan_1

And we thought we were glad BTW was defeated!

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-18/story/more_than_100_mcintosh_county_felonies_dismissed_for_missing_records

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Last night's marathon city council meeting.

Last night's St. Marys City Council meeting - the last of the year and the last meeting for some - was gavelled to order at 6:00 and adjourned at 10:00. It took me back to the days of Jerry And The Pirates. Much of it was quite interesting. All of the newly elected councilmen were in attendance to the bitter end. All of the tree huggers of course left immediately after their "vision of the annointed" performances. So much went on that I think I'll wait until we see Gordon and Emily's respective reportage, then I'll add the color commentary.

JDA's December 09 News Letter.

Click on images to enlarge.

Allelujah! At long last, a truly professional and efficacious JDA website!

http://www.ccjda.com/index.html Congratulations and Thank You to JDA Executive Director, David Keating. It's so good to finally have a JDA director who is actually earning his paycheck. Hopefully, we'll get some solid bites in the near future.

And the bogus enviro-crap just keeps on coming!

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2009/12/15/inconvenient-truth-gore-claims-dont-add/

The low down on the lefties of Law and Order.

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/mmoriarty/2009/12/14/the-increasingly-red-law-and-order/

Gulfstream rolls out 2nd new business jet of this year.

http://savannahnow.com/exchange/2009-12-15/new-gulfstream-g250-takes-flight-israel

Wildcats' championship celebration on hold.

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-15/story/no_decision_on_when_to_celebrate_camden_championship

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Holy mackerel! I just saw THE SIGN for the first time.

The other day, my housekeeper, who works in the afternoons at St. Marys Elementary said something about "the new sign" in front of Dr. Jones building in downtown St. Marys. She said she thought it seemed a bit much without further elaboration. Well, after lunch at Aunt B's today, I rode downtown to see how the new school was coming along. Holy mackerel, indeed! Dr. Jone's sign is certainly eye catching. Rather than spoil it for those who have not seen it, you really need to ride down there. I'll bet Roger Rillo, et al are fit to be tied. Be sure you're not sipping a beverage as you approach it. Check your rear view mirror to see if anyone is on your bumper. You may stop reflexively.

Poor liberal fools just can't seem to accept the realities of human nature.

I found this in yesterday's letters-to-the-editor in the Savannah Morning news. http://old.savannahnow.com/stories/101602/LOCFISHMAN.shtml), I donated a lot located at West 32nd Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard at the request of Savannah Development and Renewal Authority and Susan Patrice for the use of a Urban Youth Eco-Village. The purpose was to provide a lot with rich soil for inner-city families and individuals to use to grow vegetables and flowers. The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation gave a $25,000 grant and a selection of fine stones were donated by Savannah Hardscape as a gift for the project. I also cleared and cleaned the lot for their use. The project is being run by Nine.One.Two, Inc. a 501C3 and now sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation. I have paid $9,203 in taxes and $444 in insurance on this very useable lot for seven years, and I cannot tell you how sad it is to see the lot decline and not be monitored for the intended use. In these difficult times it seems so logical that a family or individual would want free fresh vegetables and flowers to add some food and color into their homes. Once in a while I will stop by and find someone trying to make good use of the lot. As the old saying goes no good deed goes unpunished. The city has taken the position that because I am the owner of record, that it is my responsibility and has summoned me to court on three occasions to clean up the trash and weeds on the lot. I will be forced with much reluctance to level this high profile lot on MLK that could have been a great example for the MLK area and provide food for urban families. This type of project has been very successful in so many other enlightened cities. It is so disheartening to see the short sightedness of the Savannah Development and Renewal Authority, Nine.One.Two, Inc., (a non-profit organization) and the city of Savannah put an end to this project, let alone providing the same opportunities for other empty lots in the MLK and Montgomery Street area. I am sure the Arthur M. Blank Foundation and Home Depot Foundation would like to know where their well-meaning donations have gone. So would I. MICHAEL BROWN

Sunday Funnies; Volume 94

A young man shopping in a supermarket noticed a little old lady following him around. If he stopped, she stopped. Furthermore she kept staring at him. She finally overtook him at the checkout and she turned to him and said, "I hope I haven't made you feel ill at ease; it's just that you look so much like my late son." He answered, "That's okay." "I know it's silly, but if you'd call out 'Good bye, Mum' as I leave the store, it would make me feel so happy." She then went through the checkout, and as she was on her way out of the store, the man called out, "Goodbye, Mum." The little old lady waved and smiled back at him. Pleased that he had brought a little sunshine into someone's day, he went to pay for his groceries. "That comes to $321.85," said the clerk. "How come so much? I only bought 5 items." The clerk replied, "Yeah, but your Mother said you'd be paying for her things, too." Bet you thought this was going to be a tear jerker. Just goes to show that you can't always, Trust Little Old Ladies!!!

Glynn County seriously considering tasers for school security officers.

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-13/story/glynn_county_school_police_officers_might_be_issued_stun_guns http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-13/story/glynn_school_board_to_consider_bringing_back_corporal_punishment

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Once again, Wildcats are state champs!

Camden won it 31 to 3. Congrats, Cats! http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-13/story/triumphant_fans_of_camden_county_playoffs_are_second_home_for_the_holi

Now, now! Remember: In the age of Obama, cultural relativism is where it's at. At least they're not playing with a G.I.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/12/11/gallery.buzkashi/index.html

In last 2 years, 24 states have loosened gun laws. Well, it's a start.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/12/12/states-ease-restrictions-gun-laws/?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a16:g2:r3:c0.094233:b29329720:z10

The latest from the Kingfish blog.

Insofar as virtually no one reads his blog any longer, I will graciously bring it to a wider audience. MARK TIME, MARCH Posted on December 11, 2009 Email This! The current condition of the Camden County Board Of Commissioners can best be described by an old military command. Mark Time, March is an order given to military men while they are marching from one place to another. For example, if the marchers reach a red light and there is traffic moving across their path of March (sic). It means moving your feet up and down without going anywhere. In going over some of my old files I find items that still remain undone. For example we still do not have a viable evacuation route. The water and sewer situation remains unresolved. The evacuation of the disabled (without personal transportation) still remains an open question. The question of accurate assessments of personal property is still left to contractors (who bid to do the job for the lowest price). The fact that this leaves Assessors department to clean up the mess that the contractor leaves evidently is lost on our commissioners. All these and many other unresolved issues can be disposed of if the parties involved are willing to do so. In some cases it requires difficult, unpopular decisions, however if you are to govern there are times you must do so without concern for your personal popularity. Sandy Sez: The files I have been reviewing are in some cases 15 years old; others were from my tenure on the commission (5-6 years old). Upon reviewing recent agenda’s I have to wonder, “are they doing nothing or are they doing everything in the back room? P.S. clearly changes have to be made. The two commissioners whose terms are up next year have done thing (sic - he meant "have done NOthing") notable during their tenure and clearly should be replaced. Whether the rest of Camden County shares my opinion will become known in due coarse (sic). Sandy Feller “LOOK OUT EVIL DOERS WE ARE WATCHING YOU.” Jay sez: Formerly, the slogan was "Look out evil doers we are coming after you." Diminished expectations? While I agree with the list of unfinished business, I would hasten to ask for a list of Mr. Feller's proudest accomplishments (if any) during his tenure on the CCBOC.

Brunswick marine supplier's expansion to bring 40 new manufacturing jobs.

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-12/story/marine_supplier_expanding_to_second_site_in_glynn

Herron plans to grind out another state championship on the ground tonight.

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-12/story/camden_county_forsakes_flash_for_winning

Friday, December 11, 2009

Eureka! It has FINALLY re-opened!

Yes, it's true: the rebuilding of the bridge on Mickler Drive, the road that runs south of Colerain past Mary Lee Clark Elementary - a project which could have been completed by a battalion of Sea Bees between sunrise and sundown on a long, summer day - has been completed after just six months! It re-opened sometime between 2:40 PM and 3:40 PM today while I was out. However, the promised resurfacing of that gawd-awful bumpy stretch in front of the school did not happen. Perhaps the incoming mayor and council can get that done next year.

At long last, Savannah gets DOT funding to complete last leg of Truman Parkway.

http://savannahnow.com/news/2009-12-11/truman-parkway-gets-128-million-green-light

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Next Monday's meetings at St. Marys City Hall.

5:00 PM: Finance committee. http://www.ci.st-marys.ga.us/agendas/2009/12%2014%2009%20Finance%20Committee%20Agenda.pdf 5:45 Consent agenda meeting (mayor and council) 6:00 Regular council meeting. Note: this is the last meeting of the year and the last meeting of the outgoing mayor and council members. http://www.ci.st-marys.ga.us/agendas/2009/12%2014%2009%20City%20Council%20Agenda.pdf An interesting "I told you so": I don't see it specifically mentioned on the agenda so I guess that the mayor and council are hoping to sneak this in under the renewal of alcohol licenses or perhaps cloak it as a legal matter worthy of executive session. Nice try. Here's the deal. Y'all will recall that a while back, a majority of the council was jaw boned by the congregation of that fundamentalist church on Spur 40 into denying a liquor license for a package store in that little strip center where Mail-'n'-More was originally located. There was clearly no legally valid reason to deny. It was just a raw exercise of political strongarming by the nanny church and cowardice by the council which led to the denial of the man's property rights with a total disregard for the 14th Amendment. I wrote at the time that the man would sue and prevail. Well, it turns out that when the man threatened to sue, the city conceded they did not have a legal leg to stand on. Mercifully, the gentleman has agreed not to sue the city for damages - which he has most assuredly suffered - and wants only his license, which he will now get. NEW COUNCIL: Please leave your Bibles at home. Grow a set so that you might have the courage to render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, no matter how much pressure you get from threatening, would-be, theocratic tyrants or from your own religious prejudices.

That was a good one, Herb!

An hour or so ago, I ran into Camden County Board of Education Chairman Herb Rowland down at Walmart. He was just ahead of me in line 12, the famous "speedy service" line. Herb was telling me that the apartments going up behind my place came as a complete surprise to the board, given the years that passed between approval and initiation. They of course have no idea how many school aged kids will live there, but the good news is that, so far as elementary students are concerned, they are in the zone for the new St. Marys Elementary School, which should have ample space. By the way, that school, which Herb assures me was built entirely with state and federal funds (Camden taxpayers will only pay to furnish it - and that with ESPLOST funds) is on schedule to open when the kids come back from Christmas recess. As he was leaving, he looked at his receipt and said with a wry grin, "How about that. I had exactly 20 items." Being that it was a little past my afternoon snack time, I missed it. I've eaten now: that was a good one, Herb. Glad to know that you are a regular reader.

Miss Leta's wonderfully authentic service.

Of the dozen or so funeral services I've attended in my lifetime, Ms. Leta's service this morning was one of the most authentic and moving. Many funerals, particularly when turned over to the funeral director and minister to orchestrate, have a sort of pre-packaged, efficient, slickness that is often short on genuine emotion much outside of the immediate family. Miss Leta's beautiful service was markedly different.Her siblings from Thailand were unable to make it. Not to worry. Her Aunt B's family did a beautiful job putting together a wonderfully heartfelt, simple, yet exquisitely touching ceremony. It was attended by all of the current Aunt B's family of owners and employees as well as numerous past employees. Dozens of folks I recognized as Miss Leta's regular customers and friends were also there. Before it was over, there was literally not a dry eye in the place - mine included. Janie Highsmith, choking back the tears, made it through a touching eulogy. Colman Gentry played guitar and sang a beautiful and moving rendition of "On the Wings of a Snow White Dove." Kim McKendree (nee Woods) spoke lovingly of Miss Leta and read a very moving poem. The service was "officiated" by one of the kitchen workers, a young man possessed of poise way beyond his years by the name of Jeremy Sweat. If he is not already a preacher, he certainly could be. A truly masterful job was done by all who put together this simple but moving testimony to a life well lived.

Now, THAT is weird!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1234430/Mystery-spiral-blue-light-display-hovers-Norway.html

Georgia real estate may be on the comeback trail.

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-10/story/georgia_real_estate_seen_as_stabilizing

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Planning a trip to Savannah? Be careful.

This letter-to-the-editor appeared in today's Savannah Morning News. Crime in Savannah is out of hand What a shame our beautiful city is under siege by thugs ruining our daily lives and threatening our tourist trade. What makes it even worse is the fact that these thugs are children. They are anywhere from 14 to 20 years old and don't care who they kill or hurt in the process of their crimes. Banks being robbed on a weekly basis, two older women tourists mugged on their way back to their hotel, a drive-by shooting at a club on Bay Street (in the heart of the tourist district), a carjacking at the local post office, and then the next day at a job fair downtown at the Civic Center. a woman was accosted. If it had not of been for a good Samaritan stepping in, that woman would probably be dead now. Then most recently, two street robberies on Abercorn resulting in a chase, crash and search through our once very quiet neighborhood. Home invasions, broad daylight robberies; and all by young people under the age of 25. When will it stop? Gun shots ring out every other day or so in the city; children dying and the lucky ones are having to hide in their houses; unable to go out in their very own back yard for fear of being shot by a stray bullet. Something needs to be done and the police cannot do it alone; we have to pull together as a community and stop these city "terrorists." They are going to ultimately take away the very soul of our city. SUSAN JIOSA Savannah

I read the Savannah Morning News on line every day. Unfortunately, she is telling like it is.

DHS adds $2.7 million to Savannah's now $288 million pot for FY 2010 port security.

http://savannahnow.com/exchange/2009-12-09/savannah-get-another-27-million-port-security-grant-funds

Miss Leta's funeral service is tomorrow.

http://www.tribune-georgian.com/articles/2009/12/09/obituaries/green12.9.txt Aunt B's is open today, but will be closed tomorrow until 4:00 PM when they will re-open.

Savannah's terra cotta Red Lion reassembled.

http://savannahnow.com/latest-news/2009-12-08/video-spotted-red-lion-reassembled-front-cotton-exchange

Georgia to have another go at requiring proof of citizenship to vote.

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-09/story/voting_rule_on_proof_of_citizenship_up_for_adoption I note that one of the other things they will consider tomorrow is disallowing the use of nicknames by candidates on offical ballots. The reason they cite is rather ridiculous. In my case, 99% of people who know me or have ever heard of me know me by Jay Moreno. My legal name is Julian Moreno. What I find ironic and funny is that some of the poor devils who are afflicted with JDS make fun of my legal name. If the new rule passes and I run, the idiots will no doubt take care of any name recognition problem for me!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Jim Stein recovering well after breaking a hip in Honduras over Thanksgiving.

Here's the e-mail from Jim's wife, Ginna: Good Morning Jay, Jim broke his hip while we were on vacation Thanksgiving week in the Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras. I'll fast forward and tell you that we made it home and Jim had a total hip replacement last Wednesday and he returned home Friday afternoon. The biggest problem has been a reaction to some of the meds. He'll have his first physical therapy appointment on Tuesday. Jim is determined and tough as nails and a full recovery is expected. He plans to be back in the office on Wednesday! That's good news indeed. I'm sure Jim's many friends will join me in wishing him a full and speedy recovery.

Just so you'll know, your homeowner's insurance may not cover cow licks.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,579641,00.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a16:g2:r5:c0.091566:b29240078:z10

The GTU's coverage of Brant Creek Apartments.

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-12-07/story/camden_construction_could_be_sign_of_change

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Now comes this sad and tragic news from Aunt B's.

Click on image to enlarge.
For newer customers who may not recognize her name, Miss Leta Green was the always ebullient and effervescent, hard working Thai lady who was the head waitress / floor manager. She not only knew the names and drink preferences of hundreds of regular customers but was well known for her great cooking. All who knew her will miss her. I certainly will. When her picture takes its place on the wall next to Miss Rohdonda Langford, she will be in great company.

Sunday Funnies; Volume 93.

A lady Canadian libertarian wrote a lot of letters to the government, complaining about the treatment of captive insurgents (terrorists) being held in Afghanistan National Correctional System facilities. She received back the following reply: National Defence Headquarters MGen George R. Pearkes Bldg, 15 NT 101 Colonel By Drive Ottawa , ON K1A 0K2 Canada Dear Concerned Citizen, Thank you for your recent letter expressing your profound concern of treatment of the Taliban and Al Qaeda terrorists captured by Canadian Forces who were subsequently transferred to the Afghanistan Government and are currently being held by Afghan officials in Afghanistan National Correctional System facilities. Our administration takes these matters seriously and your opinions were heard loud and clear here in Ottawa . You will be pleased to learn, thanks to the concerns of citizens like yourself; we are creating a new department here at the Department of National Defence, to be called 'Liberals Accept Responsibility for Killers' program, or L.A.R.K. for short. In accordance with the guidelines of this new program, we have decided to divert one terrorist and place him in your personal care. Your personal detainee has been selected and is scheduled for transportation under heavily armed guard to your residence in Toronto next Monday. Ali Mohammed Ahmed bin Mahmud (you can just call him Ahmed) is to be cared for pursuant to the standards you personally demanded in your letter of complaint. It will likely be necessary for you to hire some assistant caretakers.. We will conduct weekly inspections to ensure that your standards of care for Ahmed are commensurate with those you so strongly recommend in your letter. Although Ahmed is a sociopath and extremely violent, we hope that your sensitivity to what you described as his 'attitudinal problem' will help him overcome these character flaws. Perhaps you are correct in describing these problems as mere cultural differences. We understand that you plan to offer counselling and home schooling. Your adopted terrorist is extremely proficient in hand-to-hand combat and can extinguish human life with such simple items as a pencil or nail clippers. We advise that you do not ask him to demonstrate these skills at your next yoga group. He is also expert at making a wide variety of explosive devices from common household products, so you may wish to keep those items locked up, unless (in your opinion) this might offend him. Ahmed will not wish to interact with you or your daughters (except sexually) since he views females as a subhuman form of property. This is a particularly sensitive subject for him and he has been known to show violent tendencies around women who fail to comply with the new dress code that he will recommend as more appropriate attire. I'm sure you will come to enjoy the anonymity offered by the burka over time. Just remember that it is all part of 'respecting his culture and religious beliefs' as described in your letter. Thanks again for your concern. We truly appreciate it when folks like you keep us informed of the proper way to do our job and care for our fellow man. You take good care of Ahmed and remember we'll be watching. Good luck and God bless you. Cordially, Gordon O'Connor Minister of National Defence

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

That's it: I can't take it any longer!

Dear TOPIX,Kingsland imbeciles, Kindly acquaint yourselves with the meanings of libel and slander, respectively. They are two different words with two different meanings. They are not interchangeable. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Libel http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Slander

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Toy and food drive this coming Friday and Saturday.

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-12-01/story/holiday_toy_and_food_drive_to_benefit_first_coast_food_pantries_needy_ch

Case closed! The election results stand!

Click on image to enlarge. Now kindly get over it and let's move on! P.S.: Good job, Gwen! I figured as much. And now, Kingfish Feller weighs in (stupidly, of course). sandy feller Saint Marys, GA Reply » Report Abuse Judge it! #61 1 hr ago Budda should read the entire letter from attny gen. It leaves a loop hole. Whether Mr. Stein goes forward is his call. I haven't heard anything re ACLU or NAACP. Mr. Stein would know more. Ah, but I did, you black-hearted, dottering, old fool! Unlike you, I had the innate intelligence and the hard-earned college education to immediately realize that the caveat which you see as a loophole is boiler plate language in ALL such approvals from the Civil Rights Divison of the federal DOJ and does not vitiate the validity of the approval one iota. So much for your vaunted "common sense" and vast political experience. By the way, Bozo, it's spelled "Buddha."