Monday, July 7, 2008

Picnic and Tour of Marine Life Center


Let me know if you are interested in going as my guest.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Bio Write-up for CRA website

Wes Blackman has lived in Lake Worth since 1992.  During that time, he has lived in three distinct locations in the city and now resides in the historic College Park neighborhood.  A native of Michigan, Wes is a certified urban planner and runs his own planning and zoning consulting firm.  He is currently treasurer of the Palm Beach County Planning Congress and served as president of that organization on two separate occasions. Besides his planning background, Wes has extensive experience in historic preservation - working for ten years on the restoration of the Mar-a-Lago estate and its conversion into a private club.  Wes received an award from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation for his efforts.  When living and working in Michigan, Wes specialized in economic development and downtown revitalization.  Most recently, in terms of city service, Wes served on the Lake Worth Planning, Zoning and Historic Resources Preservation Board for eight years, the last five as its chairman.  He is also a Citizens Observer Patrol volunteer and a member of the local Lake Worth Kiwanis chapter.

Residential Closings within last 30 Days in Lake Worth (33460 zip code)

Click title for link.

David Webber Performs at the Cottage on 4/24



Oh gee, I forgot I still had this clip in my camera. I have two digital cameras and this is from the one that I use mostly for work. Emptying out the memory card, I found a couple of these snippets of David Webber performing on the Cottage's patio one evening this past April. Here he sings a bit of the Beetles.

By the way, David's dad Bruce is hobbling around from a freak accident which happened about a month ago. If you are in the area of the Art Shop downtown, stick your head in the door and wish him well. You'll be happy to know that he is on the mend. In the video below, Bruce joins David on stage for fun during an Elvis song.

Press Release: Jim Stafford Campaign for District #2 Commissioner

Date: 7.5.2007

Num: 3

Response to Commissioner Jennings quotes in the Palm Beach Post


"I think we should be fostering a positive relationship between code enforcement and residents so there will be more compliance," said Commissioner Jennings. "Coming to people's homes after dark will only foster a negative relationship."

Once again, the District 2 commissioner is trying to stop the in enforcement of laws in our community. As the son of a legal immigrant, I personally understand why people come to our great country. Allowing an Illegal population to thrive and grow in Lake Worth presents a clear and present danger to the sustainability of our community. We cannot allow what were once single family homes to be over-occupied or allow the unsafe conditions that result to continue. Lake Worth needs to actively pursue the enforcement of our codes and yes, sometimes at night when people are home. I'm sure drug dealers and other criminals would prefer day time visits. 

I support increased enforcement of our code and an expansion of the department to attack this problem head on! Lake Worth cannot continue to be Palm Beach County's discard pile for unwanted populations. It's time to move this city forward and code enforcement is one of the keys to doing so. Acting far ahead, before a crisis unfolds, is the best way to accomplish this goal through consistent and fair code enforcement.

Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Jim Stafford for Lake Worth Commissioner District 2

Homeowners facing new headaches on old construction

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Grand Finale Fireworks Display - Lake Worth 2008



The above is the culmination of a very full and fun day. It started humbly enough by me taking care of chores here and there around the house, tending to the flock, etc. Around 2:30 I left the house and headed to Bryant Park (amidst the rumbling of storm clouds and the steady rain). I volunteered to work the beer tent at Tropic Fest from 3 to 6 p.m. Business was light - few people ventured out given the weather conditions and the shift only picked up as the weather cleared during the last hour. While there, I was entertained by the Datura Street Band, whose lead vocalist/guitar is none other than Mayor Jeff Clemens. Lots of 80s and 90s tunes, they are a good bar band and if you ever see them at a local nightspot, it's worth checking them out.

From there, I went quickly home to take care of Mars and Venus and then off again I was to Bo and Erin Allen's for a Fourth of July feast and fireworks viewing from their rooftop terrace overlooking Bryant Park. Great hospitality and a tasty array of brought-dishes. My contribution consisted of chips and salsa (I am domestically challenged - boiling water and making toast are the extent of my culinary abilities.) Nice to catch up with others assembled there. The fireworks were fantastic this year and it was fun to see glimpses of other local community displays in the distance. Thank you Bo and Erin for a wonderful time!

On the way back, I stopped at the Mad Hatter and got engrossed in a couple of interesting conversations, bumping into some people I hadn't talked with in a while. All in all a great day!

Friday, July 4, 2008

Ray Charles, Our Flag and America the Beautiful



Have a wonderful Fourth of July!

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Palm Beach Post View of Commissioners Jennings/Golden

"Freedom for me means..." Commissioner Jennings


Allow me to introduce the next candidate for Sainthood as promulgated by the editorial hand of the Palm Beach Post.  This is a video off of their website.  In it, you see the lovely Cara Jennings, seated in front of the Stars and Stripes.  

The implied message from Cara Jennings here is: 
"Freedom for me is the ability to use the Lake Worth City Commission conference room in City Hall, along with the flag of the United States of America, as a back-drop for a free political advertisement which will be distributed by a huge corporate media conglomerate right before a major national patriotic holiday, which just happens to be right before I announce my re-election campaign."
Note to the Palm Beach Post public relations/campaign department:  Commissioner Jennings refuses to utter her allegiance to this flag each opportunity she has before Commission meetings.  

However, both the Post Editorial Board and Cara know the power of the flag to those that hold it as a symbol of freedom and sacrifice of those that have fought to preserve our freedoms.  Choosing to use it here, in an election year, crosses the bounds of legitimate journalism.  The Palm Beach Post might as well consummate their relationship by giving her campaign an office in its tall building.  At least there would be no question as to who the Post supports.  Oh, and she'll need to use the Post's computers for her campaign too (eh hem).

According to Cara, we can pick and choose which laws suit us and which laws don't.  When we don't think laws suit us, we can "cause a ruckus in the streets" in protest or simply prevent whatever action has caught our attention at the time (FPL Power Plant Blockade).  So, I guess the Palm Beach Post is endorsing this sort of action here too - riots in the streets, anarchy and chaos?  I guess in their minds it's o.k. for that sort of thing in Lake Worth.  They will still be behind their bunker at the Palm Beach Post headquarters in West Palm Beach - "Let Lake Worth burn." they'll say, "We'll sell more papers."  "Think of the awards our photo department will get" for showing the mayhem.

As of today, I have taken down my link to the Palm Beach Post that served as their news feed.  After the last election, I purposefully did not renew my subscription in subtle protest to their endorsement of Commissioner Golden (Jenning's lower octave).  Guess what?  The paper keeps on coming.  Probably in an effort to bolster their sagging circulation figures so they can still charge big money for their advertisements.  The Post really likes taking money from real estate developers for four color Friday inserts, but bashes them repeatedly on their editorial page.  Perhaps this explains the kindred spirit relationship with Golden and Jennings - by banding together in hypocrisy, at least they can all be consistently hypocritical.

All newspapers are dinosaurs.  Think of the amount of paper products they contribute to the waste stream.  I guess Commissioner Jennings doesn't care about that as long as they spell her name right and continue to make her out to be Mother Teresa of Lake Worth.  I encourage you all to remind the Palm Beach Post how much of a dinosaur they are.  

Don't let Cox Enterprises (owner of the Post) decide what your opinion is, especially when they act as surrogate campaign staff for Commissioners Jennings and Golden.  

Say no to corporate mind control.  Call today to cancel your Palm Beach Post subscription.  

See if it still is coming to your door even after you call. I'd be interested in knowing the extent of their fraud.

Instead, become active and involved in local government.  Gather your information from a variety of resources on the Internet.  Start your own blog to share your opinions. Attend meetings - see for yourself what goes on, make your own judgements, understand the process of democracy.  Use your freedom wisely.

Enjoy the Fourth of July.  Wave your flag proudly... and sincerely.

Letter from Iowa Resident to Senator Tom Harkin

The Honorable Tom Harkin 
731 Hart Senate Office Building 
Phone (202) 224 3254 
Washington DC, 20510 

Dear Senator Harkin, 

As a native Iowan and excellent customer of the Internal Revenue 
Service, I am writing to ask for your assistance. I have contacted the 
Department of Homeland Security in an effort to determine the process for 
becoming an illegal alien, and they referred me to you. 

My primary reason for wishing to change my status from U.S. Citizen 
to illegal alien stems from the bill which was recently passed by the 
Senate and for which you voted. If my understanding of this bill's 
provisions is accurate, as an illegal alien who has been in the United 
States for five years, all I need to do to become a citizen is to pay a 
$2,000 fine and income taxes for three of the last five years. I know a 
good deal when I see one, and I am anxious to get the process started 
before everyone figures it out. 

Simply put, those of us who have been here legally have had to pay 
taxes every year, so I'm excited about the prospect of avoiding two years 
of taxes in return for paying a $2,000 fine. Is there any way that I can 
apply to be illegal retroactively? This would yield an excellent result 
for me and my family because we paid heavy taxes in 2004 and 2005. 

Additionally, as an illegal alien I could begin using the local 
emergency room as my primary health care provider. Once I have stopped 
paying premiums for medical insurance, my accountant figures I could save 
almost $10,000 a year. 

Another benefit in gaining illegal status is that my daughter would 
receive preferential treatment relative to her law school applications, as 
well as 'in-state' tuition rates for many colleges throughout the United 
States for my son. 

Lastly, I understand that illegal status would relieve me of the burden 
of renewing my driver's license and making those burdensome car insurance 
premiums. This is very important to me given that I still have college 
age children driving my car. 

If you would provide me with an outline of the process to become 
illegal (retroactively if possible) and copies of the necessary forms, I 
would be most appreciative. 

Thank you for your assistance. 

Your Loyal Constituent, 
Donald Ruppert 
Burlington, IA 

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Seen on Charlie Rose...

Wendy Kopp, Teach for America 

This group recruits the best of the best to be teachers in urban, lower income schools.  Amazing results showing that our view of what holds children back in communities such as ours is not what most think.  Enlightening and intriguing point of view...

E-mail sent to Mayor and Commissioners: 431 N. L Street

Mayor and Commissioners:
First of all, I want to thank the City for addressing the boarding up of 431 N. L. Street. A crew came by on Saturday and did a very professional job on the first floor of the building.
However, the second floor remains undone. Not only is this condition dangerous in a hurricane situation, the open second floor windows allow birds and the elements inside the building. This advances the process of decay for one of our historic structures.
Please do not falsely economize. The job is really only half done. Please protect this structure by boarding and securing the second floor.
Below is an item from my blog, with pictures.
Laura, please pass this message on to Commissioner Lowe.
Thank you!
Wes Blackman

John F. Kennedy: Secrecy is Repugnant