News reports from the sub-etha waveband

SCF Trail Cleanup

2009-03-17T08:03:00.001-05:00

Sunset

2008-05-22T08:45:00.001-05:00

The sun is likely to set on this website . . . . .

I am pleased to announce: www.tjcouch.com

Theatre Door

2008-05-22T07:34:00.002-05:00

I have seen a couple of shows this week: Disney's The Lion King and the StageWorks production of Brighton Beach Memoirs. Obviously TLK speaks for itself, but I really encourage you to check out the Memoirs. . . it is performed in the wee Shimberg Playhouse at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. The intimate theatre really makes for an engaging experience without the sometimes uncomfortableness of the actors breaking the 4th wall.

Prevent Breast Cancer with just click of your mouse.

2008-05-21T08:02:00.002-05:00

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/

Yes, it is for real: http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/charity/mammogram.asp

Freeze Frame!

2008-05-20T14:53:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I was the photographer's assistant at a golf tournament benefiting the University Area Community Development Center.

Very cool.

My fav. from the day:

Booooooo!

2008-05-14T12:44:00.004-05:00

Hisss!

Many Thanks

2008-05-12T13:00:00.004-05:00

Many thanks to my friends that helped make the Miles for Moffitt event such a success!

2008-05-04T22:24:00.002-05:00

Plastic, Prostitutes, and Pirates.

2008-04-17T13:55:00.004-05:00

I think this article is best filed in the "Only In America" folder.

For those of you wondering where to spend your "golden years," I humbly suggest Denmark.

I am almost tempted to print this up and mail it to my ex. (The only problem is I am not sure which ex it was . . . I might just send it to all of them as I doubt receiving a random article on piracy would really phase any of them. They did live with me for an extended period of time, after all.) Anywho - I know that I once had an argument about "pirates" with someone I was once dating . . . . it went something like this:

Me: I really want to take the boat across the Caloosahatchee Waterway.

Her: Across the what?

Me: Click the hyperlink above. Jeez.

Her: So we would start in the Gulf and then up in the Atlantic?

Me: Exactly . . . it would be fun to go through the locks.

Her: (Looking at a map) Wow - could we continue on to the Bahamas?

Me: Uh, in my boat?

Her: Yes, it is only like 60 miles off the coast.

Me: Uh, in my 24' long boat?

Her: It goes 55 m.p.h. doesn't it? We could be there in just an hour.

Me: Yes it does, and yes we could. But we are not going to take a 24' long boat, by ourselves, 30 miles off-shore, into a foreign country.

Her: Live a little, Jeez.

Me: (my face turns a bit pink.) I am all up for a "high seas adventure", but the boat would need to have more than one form of propulsion, a fresh water tank, and a couple of other friends proficient with large firearms.

Her: Firearms?

Me: Yes.

She raises an eyebrow.

Me: Pirates.

She blusters an over-dramatic laugh: Yeah, right, pirates . . . . . *snort* Arrrrrrrr Matey.

Me: (so not amused by her taunting . . . . . and ignorance.) Yes, there are, in-fact, pirates. Granted they do not have eye patches, peg legs, and a penchant for parrots, but they do have fast boats, big guns, and little to lose.

Her: And how do you know this?

At which time it occurred to me that I really could not quote my source on this . . . which really irratates me when I get called on a source and can not instantly state it, but it should suffice that I have sailed to the Bahamas before, stayed on a friends yacht in the Bahamas before, used to be a ship's captain, and am fairly well versed in all things nautical ESPECIALLY in and around the state that I have lived in for at least a quarter of a century. There was only one reference that popped in mind.

Me: You saw the movie, "Captain Ron."

She loses all forms of composure, just as she bursts out with the chorus of "Yo Ho, Yo Ho!"

Me: *deadpan silence with a slight ocular twitch*

Jeepy Fun

2008-04-15T10:49:00.006-05:00

As always, click any pic to enlarge.

A quick sprint into the group picture

Co-pilot Sharon demonstrates a couple of her skills

I managed to destroy a tire on a sharp rock. Boooooooo.

The group!

Relaxing after the ride.

Roll overs can happen off the trail too!

Free and Breezy!

Ouch . . . . . tore my track bar and control arm bracket off. Welded it back on in about an hour.

I have been known to share my toys.

2008-04-08T14:24:00.001-05:00

Sylvia Faulkner Thatcher, 69, of Tampa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, Saturday, April 5, 2008. Sylvia grew up in Macon, Ga., and moved in 1968 to Tampa, where she raised her family. She was a licensed real estate agent and worked for the University Commercial Center for the past 30 years. She was of the Methodist faith. She is survived by her daughters, Cyndi Thatcher-King (Rusty) of Tampa and Dr. Suzanne Thatcher of Tampa; son, Michael Thatcher (Monica) of Gainesville, Fla.; her former husband and close friend, Walt Thatcher; her grandchildren, whom she cherished greatly, Peyton and J. R. King, Reilly Thatcher, Michael II, Dylan and Cody Thatcher; brothers, Wayne Faulkner (Judy) of Pelham, Ala., and Larry Faulkner; sister, Kathy F. Hofstadter (Carl) of Macon; and eight nieces and nephews. Her life will be celebrated by family members and friends at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church, 2902 W. Fletcher Ave., with the Rev. Richard A. Nussel, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at Lake Carroll Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society, 1001 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, FL 33629, or the charity of your choice.

2008-04-07T11:50:00.001-05:00

-Photo by Gecko

2008-04-07T08:16:00.000-05:00

M35A2 Out and about this weekend

2008-04-05T19:07:00.000-05:00

Jeeps in Citrus #1

2008-04-04T14:04:00.001-05:00

Jeeps in Citrus #2

2008-04-04T14:03:00.003-05:00

Jeeps in Citrus #3

2008-04-04T14:03:00.001-05:00

Mark Your Calendars, & Please Join Me!

2008-04-01T14:01:00.002-05:00

She makes me laugh

2008-03-31T14:38:00.002-05:00

More pics from Gecko's camera

2008-03-31T14:24:00.003-05:00

Gecko's "money shot"

I am confused, Laura is bored and Jen is sad.

On a side note, the confused TJ pictures seem to be more common these days.

2008-03-31T08:19:00.016-05:00

Click any pic to enlarge.

Chasco Fiesta Parade

Eric's Sermon on the Bow

NICE PIC W.G.!

Here are the dogs we rescue from the river. . . . . Stupid owners.

This just in from Representative Cannon

2008-03-28T13:11:00.003-05:00

From: Cannon, Dean [mailto:Dean.Cannon@myfloridahouse.gov]

Sent: Friday, March 28, 2008 2:05 PM

To: TJ Couch

Cc: Gilland, Kathy; vpaterson@deancannon.comSubject: RE: Support the arts!

T.J., thanks for taking the time to contact me. I've already spoken with Secretary Browning and assured him we won't zero fund arts and cultural affairs.

Dean

An email discussion

2008-03-28T11:17:00.002-05:00

Her words are blue, mine are red. Names and minor details changed to protect the innocent, and guilty.

From: [mailto:Someone@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, March 28, 2008 12:16 AM
To: TJ Couch;and the "friend"
Subject: My friend Leloo

TJ - this requires no work from you...just need you to bear witness.

My friend Leloo...we have had trying times....but tonight she was truly a friend.

Some guy we were bullshitting with asked her..."Should I just go home" Basically meaning - did he have a shot with me.

And my friend...knowing me as well as she does...told him..."Yeh...move on out".

I just wanted you, TJ, to be a witness to my e-mail on what a good friend I have. Sure, I'm still a bit tipsy, but I just wanted to let her know I appreciate her.

I always tell the story of a time a million years ago when we were out at a club and some guy was standing behind her and just licking his chops waiting to talk to her. I saw this and I told her, "Hey, we got to go, and I tried to grab her hand to bring her with me in the diection I was headed...and she was like, "NO!" and she pulled away from me...and I said, "OK!" with a smirk, and I headed off to leave her in his clutches...she later caught up with me and read me the riot act...and from then on, she has trusted my instincts...that when I tell her it's time to move...we move...no questions asked!

[TJ Couch ] Likewise, although this is incredibly improbable now that we are all “grown up,” should we ever be at a party and I say, “You know I think I am just going to go sit in the Jeep an smoke a cigar.” You would do well to be in the passenger seat. I have the uncanny sense of knowing when the cops are about to show up or a weapon is going to be pulled. How ironic that I have 4 close friends that are NOW cops and I carry a weapon. But, yes, I understand the intuition and instinct thing. I am relieved you have chosen to use you powers for good.

Tonight was just years of knowing each other and our likes and dislikes...she didn't even have to ask me if I was interested in this guy...she just knew by the way I interacted with him that it wasn't gonna happen....LOL. Fun guy, but not my type...I know TJ...you're questioning if I really have a type....

LOL...Hey, just appreciate that the two guys I was chatting up tonight were bald like you! LOL..

[TJ Couch ] You know . . . . . .

Oh...by the way...I have to let you know how I threw you under the bus....Gertrude (swear to god) asked me how my man was. I told her that you're just a friend and I said, "You can go for him" ha ha ha ha ha....that would be less funny if it wasn't true, but it is...sorry!

[TJ Couch ] I ….am….so….pissed…off….right…now….!

Than that opened it up for two guys at the table to inform me that they too were single...lol.

[TJ Couch ] Good. I am thrilled the under the auspices of my impending awkwardness, nay, even skin-crawliness in the presence of “she-who-can-not-be-de-greased” shall not be for naught.

Good night of poker...sorry you couldn't come out. My friend Leloo did really well... :-)

[TJ Couch ] I forgot to mention that last week the The Gertrude came up to me and smugly told me that she had taken “my girl” out at the poker table.

I am not sure how I responded, but I am sure the awkwardness existed and was exhibited on several levels with the type of temporal simultaneity that you usually only see in quantum physics theorems.

Support the Arts!

2008-03-26T15:05:00.003-05:00

The following was just sent to the members of the Economic Appropriations Development Committee, and the House Economic Expansion and Infrastructure Council Members.

I encourage you to do what you can.

*******************************************************

I am sure your inbox is being flooded with stock emails expressing the need to continue the funding of our cultural arts programs; I could not agree more.

However I would like to make a more personal appeal.

I have the honor of serving my community as a Trustee of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Last night I was asked, and cheerfully agreed to interview applicants who desire (and have a fiscal need) to receive a scholarship to attend performing arts classes at the Center’s Patel Conservatory.

The 14 applicants I met last night ranged in age from 15 years old all the way down to 5 years old, and were from a variety of racial backgrounds, although most were minorities.

The need for this offering in our community was brought into sharp relief after meeting these children and seeing how the performing arts has the ability to shape their lives in a positive way.

The TBPAC will continue to operate in some capacity if funding for the arts is cut; tickets will be sold, shows will be performed, and patrons will be entertained and inspired. However, it is the programs that have the greatest impact on the individual that would have to be eliminated in light of the budget revision.

I implore you not to let this happen.

With Kind Regards,

T.J. Couch, Jr.

Tuesday-Newsday

2008-03-25T14:34:00.002-05:00

I know it is only March, but I nominate this guy for Father of the Year.

Of course, here is the obligatory snake report: this article makes the Wesley Snipes film start to make sense. Sorry scratch that . . must be the cold meds.

I, uh, I . . . really don't know how to set this news report up. I guess, "eeew" will have to suffice.

Pic are trickling in . . . .

2008-03-25T09:42:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned earlier, the St. Pat's weekend was a flurry of friends, frivolity, and fortitude! As per usual, the Krewe of Seville invaded Ybor during the Roughrider's St. Patrick's Day Parade. Scallywag Sharon and the Dread Pirate Couch nearly made off with the key to the city! Arrrrrrr.

Pictured: Sharon, Mayor Iorio, Me.

Baby gots some new shoes!

2008-03-24T18:49:00.008-05:00

Tires and wheels were purchased from Mike at ODIron.com

I picked them up in Titusville - thanks to Cliff for being the depot and helping me load.

A friend of a friend with a mobile mounting rig quoted me $100 to put them on - I don't think he knew what he was getting into . . . . for that matter, neither did I!

We got started a litle late due to a small incident on the property I manage.

After an hour of beating on the first tire, he gave up.

A quick call to Mike and we had the new an improved technique down.

A short 6 hours later and the project was finished! (I did not hold him to his quote, we went to an hourly rate, and then I added on a tip!)

Wow

2008-03-24T16:28:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Gecko for the pics!

2008-03-18T10:32:00.005-05:00

Weekend Whirlwind

2008-03-17T08:17:00.004-05:00

Wow . . . . I really do not know what to say about this weekend!

Many pictures were taken but none with my camera.

We will see what turns up!

Happy St. Pat's Day!

Crash!

2008-03-12T12:38:00.005-05:00

At last nights hockey game one of the plex panels was shattered by a puck.

Here are some crap-cam pics of the excitement:

The Green Giant

2008-03-11T07:58:00.003-05:00

I decided to spruce up the truck this weekend.

Step one: remove 40 years of paint.

Flight video from todays trip

2008-03-06T23:03:00.002-05:00

Went to Georgia Today

2008-03-06T18:34:00.001-05:00

Beechcraft Bonanza

2008 Steel Soldiers Florida Rally

2008-02-24T17:41:00.001-05:00

Hey, What could go wrong?

2008-02-19T12:39:00.002-05:00

I love the last quote. http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/space/02/18/satellite.intercept/index.html

Along the same line . . . .
http://www.local6.com/news/15339840/detail.html

Pictures from the Gala!

2008-02-13T15:39:00.006-05:00

Here are some pictures from the Confetti Ball, benefiting the University Area Community Development Corporation.

someone asked for my M35 pics

2008-02-13T11:22:00.009-05:00

Florida State Fair Live Steam Exhibit

2008-02-12T22:09:00.001-05:00

Site "B" is SCF.

2008-02-12T16:07:00.000-05:00

Click to enlarge . . . . the graphs on the right indicate # of posts, not topics. The legend is incorrect.

But I am not spending any more time on this by correcting it.

Suncoast Flatlanders Bowling

2008-02-10T21:02:00.001-05:00

"Hail Scaley, Full of grace. The [lizard] Lord is with thee."

2008-02-08T15:32:00.000-05:00

Not good, I say! *CLICK*

Recently seen while on a behind-the-scenes tour

2008-02-08T10:44:00.001-05:00

7 Feb.

2008-02-07T09:14:00.000-05:00

1962 - The United States bans all Cuban imports and exports

1979 - Pluto moves inside Neptune's orbit for the first time since either was discovered

1984 - Space Shuttle program: STS-41-B Mission - Astronauts Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart make the first untethered space walk using the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU)

1990 - Collapse of the Soviet Union: The Central Committee of the Soviet Communist Party agrees to give up its monopoly on power

Births of note:
Garth Brooks, Bon Jovi, Chris Rock, John Knox

4X4 Night at the LA Hangout Bar

2008-01-31T09:38:00.001-05:00

News Flash: Fire on Fowler

2008-01-30T11:01:00.001-05:00

Avast!

2008-01-29T14:48:00.000-05:00

'Twas another Gasparilla this Saturday past,
The Grand Court presented a feast, nary a pirate should fast.

We gorged on sausage, eggs, and 'cakes en masse,

Then swaggered north to the ship with four hours to pass.

The Pimp Pirate Lexxxer came forth with his grog,

A stiff blend of whiskey, and juice- a perfect parade prologue.

The winsome wench Dixie did coquettish flit,

Seeking a pirates lap on which to relax and to sit.

With her silken bodice and coiffed golden hair,

She did grace the ranks of Bayshore with her usual flair.

The cannon thundered, echoed by the muskets blast,

The wenches cavorted; their gleaming smiles did flash.

Slowly to his feet Dread Pirate Couch did rise,

And sought for a wench to claim as his prize.

Smokeys Debut!

2008-01-23T09:59:00.001-05:00

2008-01-22T09:13:00.000-05:00

M35A2 Offroad

2008-01-20T21:24:00.001-05:00

Kill-a-Watt

2008-01-16T09:07:00.000-05:00

Amazon has these for $20 . . . although I can't really think of why I need one, I do feel compelled to click "Buy Now."

Monster Trucks

2008-01-15T12:00:00.000-05:00

So . . . this monster truck rally is this Saturday.

The last couple of times I have been I have found the actual event pretty boring, but had a blast tailgating at the stadium.

So . . . once again the Tactical Assault Party Vehicle will be rolling to the stadium with the American flag flying, the grill smoking, and the beverages chilling.

If you want to enlist be at my place no later than 11:15.

But . . . if you ride with me be aware that we cut out just as the event starts . . . will return to my place, and start the BS and cigar session around my fire pit.

Some pics from last year's assault:

TBSAR Charity Poker Tournament

2008-01-13T15:57:00.001-05:00

Here be weasels

2008-01-11T13:35:00.000-05:00

Dixie making a weasel purse.

I think she should make many of them (30 minutes of sewing, $4.35 material cost)

VisionX Tantrum Rock Lights

2008-01-11T09:22:00.001-05:00

Yes, John, they are in fact LED lights.

Shine on!

2008-01-10T08:38:00.000-05:00

Now I will be able to see what just broke on my Jeep when I go wheeling at night!

I endorse LimeJeeeep for SCF Director!

2008-01-07T13:05:00.000-05:00

Established history with the club
Excellent attendance record at events, and officer meetings
Has connections in land-use lobbying efforts
Superior performance as New Member Liaison
Easily accessible when needed
Understands current club issues, anticipate future issues and opportunities

It is not my intention to slight any of the other candidates, they are all my friends and all bring significant assets to the table. I have worked closely with Steve time and time again; he's my choice.

A day out in the Jeep CJ 5

2008-01-06T22:59:00.001-05:00

Not good!

2008-01-03T15:24:00.000-05:00

I am not certain - but this could be a sign of the apocalypse.

It's Over

2008-01-02T11:20:00.000-05:00

Just to recap:

12/15: SCF Holiday Party
12/15: Rizzetta Holiday Party
12/18: Preholiday dinner w/ Dad
12/22: Dixie's B-day party
12/23: Christmas with Dix's family
12/24: Party hopping with Mom
12/25: Christmas with my family, followed by party hopping
12/28: My B-day party
12/31: NYE with Matt and Meriel

Now throw in the usual Jeep Club meeting, professional meetings . . . . . I'm done!

No more parties until July 4th!

Here's a fun little clip I put together for the Jeep people.

Moving pictures.

2007-12-31T09:21:00.000-05:00

For most of you that know me from recent life, or from reading this blog, you probably think of me more of a still-photo-type-guy as apposed to video. This is somewhat ironic, as I was very heavily involved in video production some time ago . . . TV news cameraman, production studio manager, freelancer, and the like.

Technology left me behind . . . . during my video heyday I was spinning little knobs and punching the edit in and out points, and the edit was performed by physically moving and syncing tape. I had heard of computerized "non-linear" editing, but never laid hands on the system. (The cost of the NL editor-like Avid-made it inaccessible to anyone outside of a large commercial production house.)

So then computers get faster and faster, and hard drive capacity increases exponentially, and NL systems start to appear in the consumer computer market. I had missed video production . . . but I knew it would be nothing more than a hobby, so I knew that I had to be conservative on cost when purchasing a video editing system.

Macintosh came out with a "Performa" computer that was supposed to be a real whiz-bang system, just like the big studios. I bought one - if nothing else I was due for a new computer anyway. It was a big disappointment . . . . locked up frequently (not a often as a Windows system, mind you) and I could not really figure out how to export the edited video to tape . . . . . thus kinda making the edited video useless. (This, of course, was long before the days of email, youtube, dvd, mpeg technology.

About a decade later I ran into some grant money to buy a media PC at MOSI. I had dreams of keeping the video that looped in the IMAX lobby up-to-date with coming attractions, or even daily "news" reports that would welcome special guests, promote opportunities through the museum or even advertise a daily special at the concession stand. I scripted and shot (in hi-8) a custom "behind the scenes" IMAX technology video or a period of about two months. When my assistant and I tried to edit it I learned that technology STILL was not there . . . . I was extremely disappointed. I had the finished product in my head (and it was good!) but just could not get it on tape.

Fast forward (ha!) to the present . . . . . my high 8 camera (now quite obsolete) ceased to function (the rubber parts of it, the buttons, and drive units have actually broken down with age and started to liquefy) and while cruising Woot.com once day I see an HD camera, with wide screen aspect ratio on the cheap. I ordered it . . . . surely technology in this epoch will now allow me to edit tapes to my satisfaction. I had 30 minutes of spare time to mess around with Window Movie Maker . . . . I finally think technology is there!

So anywho . . . I shot some test footage . . . and played around with it for a bit this weekend . . . so be looking for some videos in the future!

The following is just some test footage . . nothing real exciting . . . there was just some specific things I wanted to try. I was also curious how my truck sounds OUTSIDE of the cab.

Oh, and P.S. - after I resigned from MOSI my assistant got with Bay News 9, took my storyboard and script, and produced my behind the scenes video, almost word for word and shot for shot as I conceived it. It is now showing in the IMAX lobby - VO'ed by Jen Holloway . . . It is EXACTLY what I envisioned. Nice to have a legacy, you know?

Oh my!

2007-12-27T09:25:00.001-05:00

See page 5.

http://uacdconline.org/uacdc/AnnualReport2006.pdf

2007-12-26T12:59:00.000-05:00

Tis the season

2007-12-19T12:16:00.001-05:00

It is nice to have my wonderfully tacky ties accepted, nay even embraced.

December is a nice month.

Poker! Save the Date

2007-12-19T08:58:00.000-05:00

I am hosting a charity poker tournament in January - come one, come all!

Texas Hold 'Em Tournament
To Benefit Tampa Bay Search and Rescue, Inc.
January 12, 2007
Hosted by: Switchback Offroad and Xtreme Jeep Sales
14228 N. Florida Ave
Tampa, FL 33613

6:00 Poker Clinic and Instruction Class
7:30 Tournament Begins

Main Tournament: Suggested donation for play is $10. Top 3 winners will receive material prizes (TBA.)

"High Rollers" Tournament: Suggested donation for play is $50. VERY special prizes will be awarded to top players

There may be a super high roller table also . . . .

2007-12-16T11:41:00.000-05:00

2007-12-15T18:12:00.001-05:00

2007-12-15T18:11:00.001-05:00

2007-12-15T18:07:00.001-05:00

In Today's News

2007-12-12T10:20:00.000-05:00

This is a great organization that needs your support!

TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

The Carrollwood News & Tribune

Center Suffers A Bad Break

By HAROLD VALENTINE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 12, 2007

FOREST HILLS - Ronna Metcalf, director of the Life Enrichment Center, and her assistant, Dell Baker, went for a drive Nov. 27 to find additional locations for the nonprofit organization's programs for adults.

"When we got in my car, Dell said 'You know, I think this is going to be a good year,' " Metcalf said. "She said, 'After all, what else could happen.' "

Immediately after, Metcalf got a call from the center's development director, Jocelyn Dickman, saying that a car just crashed into the 27-year-old building at 9704 N. Boulevard.

"I could've sworn it was the sound of glass breaking," Dickman said. "I said, 'Oh, my God, a painting fell.' "

The driver, a student at the center, lost control of her car while trying to exit the parking lot. The car hit an old fireplace on the building's southwest corner, creating an oval fracture and likely affecting the building's load-bearing capacity.

Metcalf said no charges were brought against the student.

"I know what everyone thinks," Metcalf said. "We have older adults who come here, and some old person drove into the wall that shouldn't be driving anymore. It's absolutely not the case. This was a very astute woman in her early-70s who is going for a degree at USF."

Dickman said the driver was shaken but was comforted by fellow students.

A tow truck pulled the car out of the building. Metcalf estimated the damage to the building at $15,000, but long cracks and bowing of an adjoining wall suggests the structural integrity was compromised - possibly costing several thousands more.

"We used to call it the fireplace room," Metcalf said. "But we've renamed it the wreck room."

The room, which was used for language and computer classes, is useless. Classes must be canceled, adding to what Metcalf said is an already tenuous financial situation.

The center receives grant money from the county, but this year that was cut by $8,000 to $10,000, with more cuts possible. Metcalf said if the center has to close from lack of money, it will be a shame because "people need people."

People at the center are "a wonderful informal support network because they make friends, and that gets harder and harder as you get older," Metcalf said.

She said folks utilizing the center come from throughout the county, and her mailing list exceeds 20,000.

Last year, the center was burglarized twice in one week. Before that, a leaky roof and poor air conditioning were major problems. After a newspaper article on the problems appeared, Stay Dry Roofing and Nuccio Heating & Air Conditioning donated their services to the center, Metcalf said.

"I've seen this place go through a lot of positive changes," said Bob Gibbons, a nine-year art teacher at the center. "Then, all of the sudden, 'smash!' "

The center, which offers classes in Tai Chi, art, memoir writing and foreign language, among others, holds sessions at the Forest Hills United Methodist Church and the Museum Of Science & Industry.

With such a small building to call home damaged, Metcalf said the center especially needs more locations.

Metcalf may be reached at (813) 932-0241 or through the center's Web site, www.lifeenrichmenttampa.org.

Reporter Harold Valentine can be reached at (813) 865-1526 or hvalentine@tampatrib.com.

Get in the back!

2007-12-11T14:40:00.001-05:00

The mighty (and Christmasy) Deuce and a Half will be rolling the streets as part of the illuminated Jeep night ride and bonfire.

If you would like to enlist in the Christmas Commandos be at my house no later than 20:00 hours, 14 December 2007.

_out_

In today's inbox.

2007-12-10T09:25:00.000-05:00

i Love the random; use Of punctuation[ in the Carefully~penned email, from an obviously Skilled Fund manager'

From: "Mr Anthony Bolton" [mailto:info07@ec21.com]
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2007 6:21 PM
To: info07@ec21.com
Subject: Is Urgent

My Dear,
Compliment of the season, how are you today?

I am Mr. Anthony Bolton, Fund Manager of Fidelity Investment International. The World Largest Funds Management Company with over $1.2 Trillion Capital Investment Funds

Nevertheless, as Fidelity Fund Manager, I handle all our Investor's Direct Capital Funds and secretly extract 1.2% Excess Maximum Return Capital Profit (EMRCP) per annum on each of the Investor's Magellan Capital Funds As an Expert, I have made over(32.4M) Thirty Two Million Four Hundred Thousand British Pounds, from the Investor's EMRCP and hereby looking for someone to trust who will stand as an Investor to receive the funds as Annual Investment Proceeds from Fidelity Magellan Capital Funds. All conformable Documents to back up the claims will be made available to you prior to your Acceptance.

Meanwhile I have worked out the strategies and technicalities whereby the funds can be claimed in any of our 6 clearing Houses without any Hinchinches. Our sharing ratio will be negotiable 5% will be for expenses during the process of the transaction should in case you are interested, Please email me your Direct Telephone Number for discussion of the transaction in further details.

Direct From Fidelity Investment Company UK,
Address: Oakhill House
130 tonbridge Rd
Hildenborough Tonbridge
Kent TN11 9DZ

Web Site: www.fidelity.co.uk
www.fidelity-international.com
Best Regards,
ANTHONY BOLTON
FUNDS MANAGER

Deucey Christmas

2007-12-09T20:11:00.001-05:00

2007-12-07T11:33:00.000-05:00

One of my co-workers son passed away.

Corey Allen May
MAY, Corey Allen, 31, of Tampa, passed away December 5, 2007, due to an accident. Corey was preceded in death by his maternal grand-parents, Wondell and Wendolin Besch, owners of Safety Land Kindergarten. In Corey' s brief life, he blessed the world with a beautiful daughter, Casey May, the love of his life. He is also survived by his loving parents, Will and Kathy May; his devoted sister, Tracey Pearson, and husband, Charlie; nephews, C.J. and Wyatt; his aunt, Kim; uncle, Bob; Trey, Kailey, Kelsie and Colin Killian; Casey' s mother, Cindy Chalk; and many other relatives and friends that loved him. The family is grateful to Father Philip Scott for his divine intervention, allowing the family to find peace. Pallbearers will be Charlie Pearson, Bob and Trey Killian, Wayne and Mitch Garrison, Greg Eckley, Rick Cacciatore and Buddy Besch. The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m. Sunday, December 9, at Blount and Curry Funeral Home, Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Monday, December 10, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 15520 N. Boulevard. Immediately following the Mass, Corey will be laid to rest next to his grandparents at Sunset Memory Gardens in Thonotosassa. Words of comfort can be expressed at www.blountcurry.com

I am quite pleased with myself

2007-12-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

It would seem that my 9 year old nephew still believes in the tooth fairy.

The reason for this, of course, is that the stakes have increased from the $0.25 per tooth that we enjoyed as we grew up to now ENTIRE LEGO sets.

Unbelievable. I am thinking about starting to believe again in hopes of getting some Craftsman hand tools.

In his most recent tooth-deposit letter he also asked some specific questions of the fairy . . . . last name, location, etc.

He should be receiving the following response soon:

Army Extraction Services

2007-12-04T15:17:00.001-05:00

On Saturday I was called to the scene on two stuck vehicles.

One being a $30,000 2007 JK 4D Jeep, the other being a 2001, $120,000 H1 Hummer.

Both, as you will see, were quite stuck. Neither driver had been off-road before (at least in these particular vehicles.

The high level of water shorted out the alarm system on the Hummer . . . so the video has that annoying background noise.

But what will you see in the video is me pulling the JK out with a strap, followed by an attempt to winch the Hummer out (it instead was dragging my 8 ton truck into the mud,) followed by me switching around to the back on the Hummer and pulling him out backwards.

The Jeep drove home, the Hummer had to be towed. Both the engine and transmission are toast.

The lesson: know how deep the water is before you try walk across it. Unless you are Jesus Christ.

There's no such thing as a free lunch

2007-11-30T14:25:00.000-05:00

Ho, ho, har!

2007-11-26T14:17:00.000-05:00

He's done it again!

DARGH! KILL IT! KILL IT! KILL IT!

2007-11-21T15:01:00.000-05:00

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?in_article_id=76331&in_page_id=2

2007-11-21T10:24:00.000-05:00

Hic

2007-11-19T13:47:00.001-05:00

98%ALCOHOLIC

Nashville Dating

Heavy Iron

2007-11-19T10:01:00.000-05:00

The truck saw some action this weekend - had it on display at the Florida Air Museum.

This video just never gets old.

2007-11-14T12:39:00.000-05:00

Hooray Florida!

Fun with machines.

2007-11-14T12:13:00.000-05:00

On Saurday Dixie and I drove the M35A2 in the local Veteran's Day parade. (Well, I drove and Dixie napped in the cab for the first half of the parade. . . . and then I started using the air horns.)

On Sunday I decided to take the little CJ-5 for a afternoon drive . . . . but upon inspection it had:

-a bunch of old books piled in the cab that Dixie wanted "out of the house,"
-mold growing on the inside of the top,
-a general patina of dust and grime from the coal-fired power plant.

It needed some TLC . . . I removed the top and gave it a thorough bleaching and scrubbing, washed the inside and out, and pitched the now-krinkled books into the waste can. But after the cleaning frenzy the bumper really looked bad . . . little bit of rust, layers of old paint, etc. I though to myself, "Self, a coating of spray-on truckbed liner sure would look good . . . I'll just knock off a little of this loose paint and spay it up!"

And then this happened.

Yes, what was going to be a nice Sunday drive turned into a 4 hour grinding, sanding, masking and painting extravaganza! It really looks nice, but by the time I finished it was too late and dark for a picture of a black bumper to come out. More later.

Monday my dad and I played with our Tonka toys on the ranch. We are going back tomorrow.

In the jungle, the mighty jungle . . . .

2007-11-09T12:33:00.000-05:00

The Lion sleeps tonight.

New from our Lakeland Linder Airport Bureau

2007-11-08T11:35:00.000-05:00

With all the sadness and trauma going on in the world at the moment, it is worth reflecting on the death of a very important person, which almost went unnoticed last week.
Larry LaPrise, the man that wrote "The Hokey Pokey" died peacefully at the age of 93. The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the coffin. They put his left leg in. And then the trouble started.

Speaking of look alikes

2007-11-06T16:05:00.001-05:00

Separated at Birth?

2007-11-06T11:44:00.000-05:00

A friend mentioned to me last night that I remind her of Chris Daughtry.

Maybe.

Bulls on Parade

2007-11-05T09:13:00.000-05:00

During the USF Parade:

After the parade

Thanks WaltripGirl for the photos!

2007-10-31T12:40:00.000-05:00

COUNTDOWNCLOCKS.org

In stark contrast to the prior

2007-10-31T11:36:00.001-05:00

Singapore.

This is obviously not a U.S. Airline.

2007-10-31T11:06:00.001-05:00

Hsssss

2007-10-18T09:06:00.000-05:00

Our MIT based Boston Bureau Chief brings us the following story: (you may need to watch a 30 commercial first)

The video from CNN

The resident wonders what it was doing there; the consulting herpetologist suggests that it was looking for water.

My theory: the snake just want a Sssssssslurpee and needed some spare change.

And no, the fact that the room is illuminated by Christmas lights did not slip past my observant eyes.

Attention Kristen

2007-10-16T12:39:00.001-05:00

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=487764&in_page_id=1811

Whoops. The front view.

2007-10-15T13:52:00.001-05:00

Return of the spokesman

2007-10-05T13:33:00.000-05:00

http://www.bobrossmovies.com/taxonomy/term/147

2007-09-25T07:57:00.001-05:00

2007-09-25T07:56:00.003-05:00

2007-09-25T07:56:00.001-05:00

Tj's flip flop

2007-09-24T16:03:00.001-05:00