the 941

First things first: Somebody’s getting it…

David Beckham, The Musical. Tee hee, they said “Goldenballs.”

Phelps’ pop culture domination begins/continues.

Kellogg’s trumps Wheaties for Phelps promo gold: Ahhh, snap!

Phelps’ backlash begins/continues.

“Fierce, flawless and fabulous” mommas-to-be: Christian Siriano to design for the preggers set. Next up, haute baby messes.

Just in time for the first week back: The economy cuts class.

(more…)

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It’s Monday morning, bad weather is looming on the horizon, so let’s get right to the bad news:

• Is being intelligent a political liability in America?

• The bloom is off the rose at the Beijing Games.

• Heartless cop lets man’s dog die during traffic stop.

• Economic collapse approaches.How does double-digit inflation sound?

• The average U.K citizen is filmed by 3,000 government cameras every day. The United States is pissed off that we’re so far behind and is working to catch up.

• Federal court rules that the state has more important things to worry about that voters’ rights.

• If you go to the Democratic National Convention you may end up at “Gitmo on the Platte.”

•  The protests at both conventions are expected to be huge.

• Why does the mainstream media give John McCain pass after pass?

• The return of debtor’s prison?

• What is U.S. prison labor making for you? You’ll be surprised.

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“Congressman in Court” commercial looks at Buchanan’s history of legal woes

Christine Jennings for U.S. Congress launched a new television ad that began airing Friday across the 13th Congressional District. The ad, entitled “Our Congressman in Court,” points out that Vern Buchanan and his businesses have been sued more than 180 times, including recent lawsuits involving former employees who are alleging systematic consumer fraud, along with significant violations of campaign finance law.

“Incredibly, Vern Buchanan and his companies have been sued more than 180 times, from former franchisees of the American Speedy printing company that went bankrupt to whistleblowers at his car dealerships who lost their jobs,” said Jennings spokesperson Melissa Smith. “Voters need to know about this longstanding pattern of Buchanan and the way he has done business.  It’s earned him the title of “Our Congressman in Court.” Florida’s 13th District deserves a representative who will protect consumers and set an example of integrity and leadership. Buchanan should be accountable and provide clear responses to these allegations.”

For more, go to www.ourcongressmanincourt.com.

The script of the ad follows:

Christine Jennings: I’m Christine Jennings and I approve this ad.

Announcer: This is the defendant – Congressman Vern Buchanan. He and his companies have been sued over 180 times. And now Vern Buchanan’s being taken to court by former employees who say they were forced to give to his congressional campaign. These people are not actors. These are actual litigants who have sued Vern Buchanan and his companies when they’ve thought he’s taken the law for granted.  To find out more about the “Courtroom Congressman,” stay tuned to “OurCongressmaninCourt.com.”

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Christine Jennings Challenges Vern Buchanan to Debates

Jennings Running Open and Honest Campaign, Calls On Buchanan to Do the Same

Christine Jennings, Democratic candidate for Florida’s 13th Congressional District, today challenged Representative Vern Buchanan to a series of public debates before the November election, so that Floridians can see where both candidates stand on the issues.

“The voters of the 13th Congressional District deserve every possible opportunity to hear the substantial differences between Christine Jennings and Vern Buchanan from the candidates themselves,” said Jennings spokesperson Melissa Smith. “Candidate debates are one of the cornerstones of our democratic system, but so far during this campaign Vern Buchanan has tried to hide from any real debate on the issues and his record.”

Rep. Buchanan has avoided appearing at any public candidate forums, including one on global warming hosted by Greenpeace in April. On August 6th, Buchanan refused to appear at a well-attended candidate event hosted by The Meadows Community Association in Sarasota. Buchanan has also declined invitations to appear at a Tiger Bay Club meeting in Sarasota with other Congressional candidates.

“Christine Jennings has made a commitment to openness and transparency in her campaign,” continued Smith. “Unfortunately, Vern Buchanan has chosen a different route. The voters deserve to hear from Buchanan, and Christine Jennings is ready and willing to debate him repeatedly until November’s election. We look forward to hearing from his campaign on whether he believes, as Christine does, that the voters of the 13th District deserve a series of debates to hear from the candidates directly on the critical issues facing our district and our country.”

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The one guaranteed sanctuary from interwebs-related work is gone.

There’s no such thing as confidential medical records at UCLA.

The Batman passes $400 million.

Can we really call anything Tyra does only “vaguely unsettling” at this point in time?

Somebody punch this DJ in the face. Now.

While you’re at it, knock this tool out, too — with a footlong or otherwise.

Post face punch, we have the technology to build/make you all better. Just ask Madge.

Kelsey Grammer out of the hospital — again. Doc’s orders: More tossed salads, fewer scrambled eggs. C’mon, we had to use it — again.

Gawker does a fine color commentary on political family portraits.

Lord of the Dweebs Shires one on in Oregon. At least, until the Hobbitat met with foreclosure.

As we stare at the erroneously deemed “emerald” Rizpoc structure outside our office, 15 examples of truly “green” buildings.

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Sarasota Bay: Celebrating Our Water Heritage

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Invites the Public to See New Documentary

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) invites the public to a free viewing of its new documentary Sarasota Bay: Celebrating Our Water Heritage.  Produced by local award-winning filmmaker, Florida Journey Communications, the 28-minute documentary makes a compelling case for what’s been achieved — and still needs to happen — to sustain the health of Sarasota Bay.

The featured theme is Sarasota Bay as the economic engine of our area and why healthy ecosystems make economic contributions that transcend conventional accounting.

The film features:
•    On-camera interviews with area leaders, including Jack Merriam (Environmental Manager, Sarasota County), Ernie Estevez, Ph.D. (MOTE), Jono Miller (New College), Pat Glass (Southwest Florida Water Management District), Jon Thaxton (Sarasota Commissioner) and Charlie Hunsicker (Manatee County Conversation Lands Management)

Plus discusssions of:
•    Habitat restorations—20 years of progress
•    Indications that the estuarine system has improved substantially
•    Why continued nutrient reduction is a top priority
•    Low-impact development—high-impact issue for the future
•    The “Water Connection”—why citizen participation matters so much
•    Gulf Coast Heritage Trail and ecotourism
•    SBEP’s vision for a sustainable future

There will be two showings at each of the following locations.  Each showing will be followed by a question and answer session.

Saturday August 9 – Manatee County Extension Service offices, Kendrick Auditorium.  1303 17th Street West, Palmetto.  First showing 10 a.m.  Second showing 11 a.m.

Saturday August 16 – FTB Jacaranda Library meeting room.  4143 Woodmere Park Boulevard, Venice.  First showing noon.  Second showing 1 p.m.

Saturday August 23 – Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in the Cooley Theater.  811 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota.  First showing 1 p.m.  Second showing 2 p.m.

To RSVP for this event or for more information on the video, please contact the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program at 941-955-8085 or visit info@sarasotabay.org.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is dedicated to restoring the area’s greatest natural asset—Sarasota Bay. Its unique program strives to improve water quality, increase habitat and enhance the natural resources of the area for use and enjoyment by the public.  Sarasota Bay is one of 28 estuaries in the United States that have been named by the U.S. Congress as an “estuary of national significance.”

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Why was the CIA protecting Radovan Karadzic, the butcher of Kosovo?

• Economic news just continues to get worse.

• Now even prime borrowers are starting to default on loans.

• Bradenton bank goes belly-up.

• What’s really killing newspapers.

• On Joe Klein’s stand against Israeli neocons, the most dangerous people in the world.

• Another view on the kerfluffle.

• Osama bin Laden’s driver is on “trial” in Guantanamo Bay right now. But even if he is exonerated, what will we do with him? We could send him to the new prisons we’re building in Saudi Arabia. Or maybe the one we’re building on Diego Garcia?

• Think the surge has made life better in Baghdad? Think again:

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Sea turtle nesting season along local beaches is in full swing with the number of loggerhead nests now topping 1,000 for the season and running well ahead of 2007’s disappointing numbers.

From our friends at Mote Marine Laboratory:

Also from our friend at Mote, here are some dos and don’ts that people can remember to help clear the way for nesting turtles:

Do:

• If you encounter a nesting turtle, remain quiet and observe from a distance
• Shield or turn off outdoor lights that are visible on the beach from May through October
• Close drapes after dark and put beach furniture far back from the water
• Fill in holes that may entrap hatchlings on their way to the water
• Place trash in its proper place
Do Not:

• Approach nesting turtles or hatchlings, make noise, or shine lights at turtles
• Use flashlights or fishing lamps on the beach
• Encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged
• Use fireworks on the beach

Sea turtles are protected under federal law and any harassment or interference with a sea turtle, living or dead, is subject to penalty. If you witness anyone disturbing a turtle or find an injured or disoriented hatchling or adult, please notify agents with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), the local sheriff’s department, and/or Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Program at 388-4331. If you find a dead or injured sea turtle contact Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program at 988-0212.

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Quick name the state the licenses thousands of felons as mortgage brokers… uh, oh yeah, it’s Florida. Great investigative work by the Miami Herald.

• Iraq? Afghanistan? Shouldn’t John McCain know the difference? The embarassing senior moments continue to pile up. Even worse, CBS News covered up for him. It’s one thing to be a senile senator; there are dozens. But we’ve already had one senile president in my lifetime and frankly, we were lucky to escape the ’80s as well as we did.

• Two words: Barack Oboner.

• That rumbling you hear is the conservative movement retrenching. Or maybe it’s the movement’s death rattle. We can always hope.

• And speaking of Republicans who actually think, Ron Paul is planning to bring his r3volution to the venue across the street from the GOP convention. This is going to be fun.

• Here is the man talking about the REAL ID Act:

• There are two ways to travel to Afghanistan, like a soldier or like a politician. You want whats behind door number two.

• Blackwater: The U.S. government will always need us.

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Planned Parenthood Opening First Health Center in Manatee County

Barbara Zdravecky, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, will discuss how crucial it is to have Planned Parenthood health services available in Manatee County due to its astonishingly high rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Out of 67 counties, Manatee has the 17th highest teen pregnancy rate in Florida. Nationally, Florida has the 6th highest teen pregnancy rate and the 2nd highest HIV/AIDS rate in the country.

The center is located at 1105 53rd Avenue East in Bradenton.

The ribbon cutting will follow a press conference that begins at 5:30 p.m. Other luminaries scheduled to attend include: Karin Grablin, Board Chair, Planned Parenthood, Senator Mike Bennett, County Commissioner Gwen Brown and Greg Porges, Esq., Campaign Steering Committee Member.

As the most trusted provider of reproductive health care in the country, Planned Parenthood knows best that women, men, and teens in Manatee County need access to quality and affordable health care.

“Like many communities across the country, Manatee County has a growing need for affordable health care and access to reproductive health care services,” said Zdravecky. “The Planned Parenthood Manatee health center will bring much-needed health care services to the members of the community, regardless of their income.”

Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida was founded in 1966 and provides vital sexual health services and comprehensive education to women, men and teens in the Sarasota, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Ft. Myers, Lakeland and Winter Haven areas. Services include birth control; cancer screening; pregnancy testing; options counseling; adoption referral; first trimester abortion; mid-life services; annual GYN exams including Pap smear; STD testing and treatment; HIV counseling and testing; vasectomy services; and colposcopy and cryotherapy surgical procedures.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., is the world’s oldest and largest reproductive health care and advocacy organization with 847 locations across the country. Its 99 affiliates serve nearly five million Americans annually.

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