Monday, March 18, 2013
Raise The Minimum Wage
Once again the message to America from the Republican party is, "Please go phuck yourselves!
SOG City Oracle
Sunday, March 17, 2013
HB 7065: Florida's Culture Of Corruption
An Outright Sellout
One of the broadest assaults on the Everglades cleanup effort is speeding toward passage in the Florida House. The measure would put the state's taxpayers on the hook for pollution caused by the agriculture industry — and open an avenue for even more environmental damage down the road. Shifting cleanup costs from Big Sugar to those who are downstream from its dirty fields is Robin Hood in reverse and undermines the intent of a voters' mandate to have polluters pay.
One of the broadest assaults on the Everglades cleanup effort is speeding toward passage in the Florida House. The measure would put the state's taxpayers on the hook for pollution caused by the agriculture industry — and open an avenue for even more environmental damage down the road. Shifting cleanup costs from Big Sugar to those who are downstream from its dirty fields is Robin Hood in reverse and undermines the intent of a voters' mandate to have polluters pay.
Gov. Rick Scott and the Senate need to stop it.
Remembering Joyce
The Irish Belle
I've had the honor of knowing Eva for almost 20 years. I only got to know her mom Joyce for a short time before she was taken from us. She was a beautiful Irish Belle whose door to her home was always open to friends. She loved to travel and her wanderlust has led her to many different parts of the world.Today on St. Patrick's Day i miss her terribly!
The Paul Ryan of Florida
This post is not about cronyism, $2,005 monthly mortgages, his troubles in Ybor City, his beautiful family or his parents giving him a fundamentalist education steeped in Scripture.
(See How Can You Love Jesus And Be A Republican?)
This post is about Democrats. When i said the other day that the reason people like Mr.Weatherford get elected is becouse people don't get out and vote, i was wrong. According to the Times
When he first ran in 2006 Weatherford faced someone his own age: 26-year-old Donovan Brown, a Zephyrhills insurance agent who, during the home stretch of the campaign, was hospitalized for a bipolar disorder. While Democrats didn't give Brown any money, Republicans contributed $70,000 to Weatherford. He outraised Brown 575-to-1. His campaign mailers highlighted Brown's opposition to jail time for people caught possessing small amounts of marijuana."Don't let our values go to pot," the mailer stated, with Brown's face printed on a marijuana leaf.
Democrats didn't oppose Weatherford's re-election in 2008, and he still raised $214,000. When he did face opposition in 2010, he raised nearly $1 million. Weatherford won 66 percent of the vote.
Last year, he was re-elected without opposition while sitting on a war chest of $427,000.
"I've never been ashamed to ask people for big checks," he said
My point is where are the Democratic candidates, where are Libertarians, the Greens. Having a two party system is bad enough but when it becomes one well we have a
problem.Don't you think?
more
Morgan and Morgan For The People
John Morgan, a major President Obama fundraiser and the boss of former Gov. Charlie Crist, is taking the reins of a Florida medical marijuana initiative, (Cathy Jordan Medical Cannabis Act) promising to pump major money and political muscle into the popular issue.
Great News!We should have this in the bag.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
No Strip Clubs, Casinos or Liquor, Guns ok.
Florida lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban those receiving government assistance from using their electronic benefits (EBT) cards at strip clubs, casinos and liquor stores. The provision banning EBT use in gun shops was stripped out in committee.
Pic Thanks To World Of Wonder
The Weather Kids on TBCN
Bring your children to TBCN to give their own version of the weather report.
Call us at (813) 977-5200 or visit us at tbcn.org.
Illegal Ggambling's Fat Checks
Allied and affiliates pumped $2M into political campaigns.
Threatened with being shut down, the owners and operators flooded lawmakers with campaign cash and hired a stable of lobbyists with money that police now say was illegally obtained. Among the biggest contributors was Allied Veterans, the purported charity that authorities this week said illegally operated electronic slot machines at 49 Internet cafes across Florida. Allied and related companies donated $2 million to the lawmakers' campaigns and committees over at least three years, police say.
here
Threatened with being shut down, the owners and operators flooded lawmakers with campaign cash and hired a stable of lobbyists with money that police now say was illegally obtained. Among the biggest contributors was Allied Veterans, the purported charity that authorities this week said illegally operated electronic slot machines at 49 Internet cafes across Florida. Allied and related companies donated $2 million to the lawmakers' campaigns and committees over at least three years, police say.
here
Sen. Jack Latvala, R-St. Petersburg $40,000
Joe Negron, R-Palm City $25,000
Both voted against Medicaid Expansion.
Republican Party of Florida $52,000
And even the Dems were in on it.
Florida Democratic Party $75,000
Joe Negron, R-Palm City $25,000
Both voted against Medicaid Expansion.
Republican Party of Florida $52,000
And even the Dems were in on it.
Florida Democratic Party $75,000
Corporate Welfare: $3,796 Per Job In Florida
For the past 16 years, more than $80 million in state incentives backed by taxpayer money helped recruit and subsidize companies creating nearly 20,000 jobs around Tampa Bay. In more than 200 deals since 1996 by Enterprise Florida in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties, the largest sum handed over to a firm is $19.6 million to California research firm SRI International. In 2009 SRI opened a marine research facility in St. Pe t e r s b u r g . The number of SRI jobs documented by the state so far: 86.
Friday, March 15, 2013
The Beer Flows Left And Right
The difference between a Conservative and a Liberal
And the way they drink their beers. The Conservative likes cans or bottles, it's all my you can't have any. ie When a group of diehard conservatives gathers at Keegan's on Thursdays, they pay their own tabs. And they drink Guinness or an expensive import. The Liberal likes pitchers, so he can share and when its time to buy another one everyone can chip in. ie When a group of diehard liberals gathers on Wednesday nights at the 331 Club, they all throw money into a kitty and share pitchers of beer.
And the way they drink their beers. The Conservative likes cans or bottles, it's all my you can't have any. ie When a group of diehard conservatives gathers at Keegan's on Thursdays, they pay their own tabs. And they drink Guinness or an expensive import. The Liberal likes pitchers, so he can share and when its time to buy another one everyone can chip in. ie When a group of diehard liberals gathers on Wednesday nights at the 331 Club, they all throw money into a kitty and share pitchers of beer.
I must say after drinking many beers with my Right and Left Wing friends over the years that theory is probably true.
here
Hugo's Spanish Restaurant
Boliche
With Yellow Rice and Platanos
$8.49 at Hugo's Spanish Restaurant, 31 S Howard Ave in Tampa
This place has been on S. Howard for along time. I remember coming here back in the 80's when i lived on Davis Islands. I am sorry i stayed away so long. The food is delicious and the price and portions are just right.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
The Culture Of Corruption In Florida
The legislature is working to pass "ethics reform" that will do little to stop the culture of corruption that's consuming Florida. Now more than ever, we need real ethics reform that will stop the worst abuses of the public trust that pervade our government.
Sign our petition
To the Florida Legislature demanding real ethics reform.
The March for Rights, Respect, and Fair Food reaches Tampa!
more
"Don't let making a profit stand in the way of doing the right thing.".....George Jenkins
Do The Right Thing Publix
Celebrate Sunshine Week
As we celebrate Sunshine Week, I encourage readers to get involved in their local communities and promote the importance of open government and access to information. Anyone can play an active role in government and help keep public officials honest, make government more efficient and act as a check against waste, fraud and abuse of power.
Freedom of information isn't just an issue for the press; it's a cornerstone of our democracy. Join us and help make a difference in the battle against unnecessary government secrecy and waste.
You can find out more here
Stogie's Hate Mail
I don't usually post my hate mail but i thought i would share this one with everyone. I got a message in my inbox the other day that suggest i should get a Chemical castration. He/She said that me and all of my Commie Socialist loving friends should get one so as not to make any more of our kind. I didn't know what that was, so i looked it up. According to Wikipedia:
Chemical castration is the administration of medication designed to reduce libido and sexual activity. Unlike surgical castration, where the testicles or ovaries are removed through an incision in the body,[1] chemical castration does not actually castrate the person, nor is it a form of sterilization.
The key words here is "nor is it a form of sterilization". One would think if you were going to take the time to write something like this to someone you would find out what it is frirst.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
St. Pete Police Threatened By Pair Of Scissors
The mother of 43-year-old Arthur Dixon Jr. called St. Petersburg police on Sunday evening because he doused himself with gasoline and threatened to take his own life. At around 7:30 p.m., the suicidal man allegedly ran at Officers Devin Jones and Curtis Wright with scissors while they were stationed at the back of the house. Both officers opened fire, hitting Dixon in the torso multiple times. He was transported to Bayfront Medical Center and pronounced dead at around 10 p.m.
more
more
“The police assured me that they weren’t going to hurt him, that they were concerned for his safety. He has no weapons, he’s never hurt anyone ever. So, they forced him out the back of the house and they shot him three times. I want to know why they shot him, he had no weapons and he’s drunk. He has a traumatic brain injury, he’s blind in one eye, can’t see well out of the other. Why did they shoot him?”.......Lydia Andrews, Dixon’s mother.
“Scissors are a deadly weapon, they can cause great harm. They can be just as dangerous as a knife.”.......St. Petersburg police spokesperson Mike Puetz
Poor Guy!
“Scissors are a deadly weapon, they can cause great harm. They can be just as dangerous as a knife.”.......St. Petersburg police spokesperson Mike Puetz
Poor Guy!
Corporate Welfare In Florida
Stop Rick Scott's Massive Corporate Giveaway
Governor Rick Scott has spent the past two years making devastating cuts to critical services for middle class families. Now he plans to go even further by pushing through a bill this legislative session that will give big corporations another $141 million in tax breaks.
Please sign the petition from Daily Kos and our partners at Florida Watch Action as we demand that the Florida legislature reject this $141 million corporate tax break. Florida Watch Action will deliver the signatures to Florida legislators.
here
Governor Rick Scott has spent the past two years making devastating cuts to critical services for middle class families. Now he plans to go even further by pushing through a bill this legislative session that will give big corporations another $141 million in tax breaks.
Please sign the petition from Daily Kos and our partners at Florida Watch Action as we demand that the Florida legislature reject this $141 million corporate tax break. Florida Watch Action will deliver the signatures to Florida legislators.
here
You Can Beat City Hall
Great Job Dana Shores
When Dana Shores residents wanted to keep 23 acres separating their neighborhood from Tampa International Airport's runways as a scenic reserve, they did things by the book: They attended meetings and spoke to airport officials.
here
When Dana Shores residents wanted to keep 23 acres separating their neighborhood from Tampa International Airport's runways as a scenic reserve, they did things by the book: They attended meetings and spoke to airport officials.
here
Will Weatherford: What A Funny Guy
"You're just funny, y'know, the story. It's funny. You're a funny guy." Henry Hill
I read with great amusement this morning
Will Weatherford piece in The Tampa Bay Times. He is trying to explain why he and his Republican cohorts in Tallahassee voted against Medicaid expansion in Florida. He states that he is not confident in the feds given the track record of the federal government, which hasn't balanced a budget in years. I read with great amusement this morning
(I have smoked a lot of weed in my life but my memory is still sharp) if i remember correctly bill Clinton not only left a balanced budget but a surplus. if it wasn't for the Republicans reckless spending ( Wars on credit, Tax breaks for the rich and corporations) we would not be in the mess we are in. Then he mentions future funding for our schools, public safety, and protection of our beaches and springs. When the hell did his party ever care about teachers or the environment. He keeps trying to dig himself out of the hole he is in and it is not working. Wesley Chapel is just up the road, i will make it my goal to send this man home after his term is up.
here
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
The Cathy Jordan Medical Cannabis Act, SB 1250
The Cathy Jordan Medical Cannabis Act now in the Senate’s Health Policy Committee.
Florida residents are urged to contact committee members and tell them the importance of passing this legislation. A recent poll found 70% of Florida voters, including 56% of Republicans, support medical marijuana legislation in the Sunshine State.
More info here
Senator Aaron Bean (R) bean.aaron.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Eleanor Sobel (D) sobel.eleanor.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Jeff Brandes (R) brandes.jeff.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Oscar Braynon,II(D) braynon.oscar.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Anitere Flores (R) flores.anitere.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Bill Galvano (R) galvano.bill.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Rene Garcia (R) garcia.rene.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Denise Grimsley(R)grimsley.denise.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Arthenia Joyner(D) joyner.arthenia.web@flsenate.gov
Florida residents are urged to contact committee members and tell them the importance of passing this legislation. A recent poll found 70% of Florida voters, including 56% of Republicans, support medical marijuana legislation in the Sunshine State.
More info here
Senator Aaron Bean (R) bean.aaron.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Eleanor Sobel (D) sobel.eleanor.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Jeff Brandes (R) brandes.jeff.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Oscar Braynon,II(D) braynon.oscar.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Anitere Flores (R) flores.anitere.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Bill Galvano (R) galvano.bill.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Rene Garcia (R) garcia.rene.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Denise Grimsley(R)grimsley.denise.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Arthenia Joyner(D) joyner.arthenia.web@flsenate.gov
Community Conversations
Community Conversations is a show that explores key topics that matter in our community. "Edu-taining" conversations revolve around the physical, mental, educational, and economic health of our community.
On-Air-Schedule: Saturdays 2pm-4pm
Stations : WHNZ AM 1250
more info
Florida Republican Rejects Medicaid Expansion
A Florida Senate committee voted Monday against Medicaid expansion, joining the House in rejecting Gov. Rick Scott's proposal for a three-year trial covered entirely by federal funding. The Senate select committee on the Affordable Care Act voted along party lines, 7-4. Democrats said they were willing to explore alternatives but unsuccessfully pleaded with colleagues to embrace expansion as a backup.
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Yet they are very good at doing this. Governor Rick Scott has spent the past two years slashing services for the middle class, such as education cuts that led to massive teacher layoffs, while dishing out millions of dollars to major corporations. Now he plans to go even further by pushing through a bill this legislative session that will give big corporations another $141 million in tax breaks.
here
Remember these people come election time.
Will Weatherford of Land o' Lakes,Joe Negron of Stuart, Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg, Richard Corcoran, of Trinity,Nancy C. Detert of Sarasota,
Bill Galvano of Hillsborough County, Denise Grimsley Polk County,
Jack Latvala of Pinellas County.
Come on Florida let's not let what happened in 2010 happen again, that is how these people get elected.
Get Involved in 2014. Let's turn Florida Blue.
more
Yet they are very good at doing this. Governor Rick Scott has spent the past two years slashing services for the middle class, such as education cuts that led to massive teacher layoffs, while dishing out millions of dollars to major corporations. Now he plans to go even further by pushing through a bill this legislative session that will give big corporations another $141 million in tax breaks.
here
Remember these people come election time.
Will Weatherford of Land o' Lakes,Joe Negron of Stuart, Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg, Richard Corcoran, of Trinity,Nancy C. Detert of Sarasota,
Bill Galvano of Hillsborough County, Denise Grimsley Polk County,
Jack Latvala of Pinellas County.
Come on Florida let's not let what happened in 2010 happen again, that is how these people get elected.
What Stogie Had For Lunch
With Moro and Yuca
$10.95 At Reo at the Grayhound bus station in Tampa.
So Good!
Monday, March 11, 2013
The Rodney Dangerfield Blog
By the way, they just updated their list of best state blogs, and The Spencerian didn't make the cut. I'm not particularly pleased with their Florida list, but I don't want you to think this is about being bitter.
Peter Schorsch of St.Peters Blog mention that he hopes this wasn't the staw that broke the camels back. I don't want to sound bitter myself but if that was the case with the Stogie my camel would of been on the ground along time ago. I started this effort back on March 19, 2003. First as a website thanks to Wayback Machine you can see what it looked like here) and then as a blog in May of 2006. For some reason, (maybe i wasn't someones idea of what a blog should look like). it took the Stogie along time to get accepted. Some bloggers did help me out and put my link on their blogrolls (Litbrit, Out In Left Field, Tampa Do-Gooder, Finding Tampa, Pushing Rope stc.) I remember how proud i was when Ken put me on the old Florida Progressive Coalition blogroll.
Let me not forget madfloridian who gave me a link and who now also writes for Daily Kos where she also gave me a link. (How cool is that?) I never get mentioned in any Best Of Blogs list. including the one Mr. Kirby is talking about. And as far as awards go, I finally won the Netroots Award for Best Local Blog of 2011 and that was only becouse Mr. Kirby and especially Mr. Schorsch sent their support my way. If not i would still be Award-less (Is that a word?). So for me it has never been about lists or awards and i hope that is the case with the talented Mr Kirby.
My daughter has Instructions to post my obituary, when you see it, that will be it for me.
Kevin Beckner Community Event
Wednesday, March 27, 2013, 10 am-12 pm
SouthShore Regional Library 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin
More Info At Pushing Rope
SouthShore Regional Library 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin
More Info At Pushing Rope
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Republican Stacy White
Beware of this man in 2014
He is a Right-Wing extremist who is a strong supporter of local bigots Terry Kemple, David Caton and former Republican state Sen. Ronda Storms, He is planning to run for the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners District 4 seat. Commissioner Al Higginbotham cannot seek re-election in that district due to term limits. We cannot replace one right-winger with another. We need folks who will epresent all the people of Hillsborough County not just the ones they like.
What Stogie Had For Lunch
With Red Beans and Rice
$5.99 at Reo. at the Grayhound Bus Station in Tampa.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
The Tampa Bay Times
Call Edwin @ 813.486.9608 and say you saw it on
The Stogie and he will give you a good deal.
Florida's Best Newspaper
Sad Day In Tampa Bay
One of Tampa Bay's best writers is saying goodbye.
"I am sending The Spencerian on an extended hiatus.I am not sure when it will be back, if at all.".....Ben Kirby
You don't know how many times i've thought of doing the same thing. But i always come back to what MLK once said. "In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." i think
i owe that to my daughter. my granddaughter and all my
nieces and nephews. I have come this far, i just can't stop now. I will miss you Mr. Kirby.
At Pushing Rope
At St. Petersblog
Should i start a petition to get him to reconsider?
i owe that to my daughter. my granddaughter and all my
nieces and nephews. I have come this far, i just can't stop now. I will miss you Mr. Kirby.
At Pushing Rope
At St. Petersblog
Should i start a petition to get him to reconsider?
Friday, March 8, 2013
Solidarity Sunday at New World Brewery in Ybor City
are hosting an informal get-together for all workers, friends and allies of the working class.
Come have a beer on us at Solidarity Sunday at New World Brewery, featuring
DJ Hug-A-Thug spinning tunes of by and for the working class.
Sunday March 10 from 3 - 6 PM
New World Brewery
1313 E 8th Avenue, Ybor City.
Free Parking: In the lot on 8th Avenue immediately West of New World.
info
Republicans And Jesus
Please Help The Stogie Understand
How Can You Love Jesus And Be A Republican?
Mahatma Gandhi once said "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians.
Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
How Can You Love Jesus And Be A Republican?
Mahatma Gandhi once said "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians.
Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
"Blessed are the peace-makers: for they shall be called the children of God."
"Whatever you do for the least among you. You do for me."
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you"
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
This man does not sound like a Republican,he sounds like a Liberal.
"Whatever you do for the least among you. You do for me."
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you"
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
This man does not sound like a Republican,he sounds like a Liberal.
Tampa's Wise Man
Fred Karl RIP
May 14, 1924 - March 7, 2013
remembering Tampa's wise man...Daniel Ruth
With the voice of reason gone, who do you call?...Sue Carlton
_______
May 14, 1924 - March 7, 2013
remembering Tampa's wise man...Daniel Ruth
With the voice of reason gone, who do you call?...Sue Carlton
_______
"Fred Karl was a role model for excellent public service. His lifelong legacy as a public servant draws the conclusion: 'Well done, thy good and faithful servant.' "...Bill Nelson
"Fred Karl was born to be a public servant. He tackled issues with a sense of fairness, respect and honesty, always reflecting his personal and professional high standards. His values and character were shaped in large part by his generation that viewed duty, sacrifice and civic engagement as necessary components of a full and meaningful life."...Pam Iorio
"Fred Karl was a war hero, dutiful public servant and statesman. No matter his role, Fred was always a calming influence on those around him. He believed that fairness should always carry the day, and his love for our community and the people who shaped it, regardless of their color or creed, superseded anything else."...Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn
"He wore many hats. He loved public service. And he made a positive impact on our community. We are a better place because Fred Karl lived and served here."...Jan Platt
No Camping In Bradenton
A 50-year-old woman was arrested and charged with camping in an unauthorized area within Bradenton city limits.Annette Stafford was camping behind the JODAT Law Firm at 500 9th St. W. at 8 a.m. Wednesday, according to a Bradenton Police Department report.When an officer arrived at the area behind the law firm, the officer discovered Stafford and another subject using blankets as bedding.
Via Pushing Rope
What Stogie Had For Lunch
Center Cut Pork Chops
With Yellow Rice and Mushrooms.
$5.99 At The Gold Ring, Tampa St. and Columbus Dr. in Tampa.
I have been coming here for years.The food is always great.
With Yellow Rice and Mushrooms.
$5.99 At The Gold Ring, Tampa St. and Columbus Dr. in Tampa.
I have been coming here for years.The food is always great.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Tampa Is Joining The 21st Century
Things Are Starting To Look Up Around Here
Two weeks ago i get an e-mail from a group called Connect Tampa Bay asking me to join them. The other day i meet these folks from Vote Transit in Dowtown Tampa. Both want to bring Mass-Transit to our area. Today i read in The Times that Tampa soon could have a public bike-rental program similar to those in New York and Washington, D.C.
here
Should we thank Mayor Bob for all this? He did say, "The downside risk is that we try it and it doesn't work.
But we'll never know unless we try."
I am starting to like the big guy.
here
Should we thank Mayor Bob for all this? He did say, "The downside risk is that we try it and it doesn't work.
But we'll never know unless we try."
I am starting to like the big guy.
VoteTransit.org
to bring Mass Transit to Tampa Bay.
Visit them here
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Bill Weatherford, a Republican from Wesley Chapel
And then there is this guy. Bill Weatherford, a Republican from Wesley Chapel, In outlining his opposition to expanding Medicaid on Tuesday, told an emotional story about how his family relied on existing safety nets to provide health care for his 13-month-old brother."It was the safety net that picked my father up. It was the safety net that picked my family up." He left out one detail: the name of the safety net. According to his father,
it was Medicaid.
What Stogie Had For Lunch
At the food truck across the street from the Marion Transit Center in Tampa.
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