Florida People! - Page 2

I hope I'm done with mowing for a couple months. Maybe it'll kill a bug or 2 as well.

It's just nice to have a jack o'lantern out and not have to worry about it rotting in the heat.

True. I also like being able to bust out a few pieces of my wardrobe that don't get regular rotation.

Hardly know 'er.

I wish I could but I have family flying in tonight to visit.

You should be there at least 3 hours before the time they say they'll open the doors BTW. At least that's been my experience, earlier would be better still.

Nah, too late and too far.

Heh ... I probably bumped into your friends then. She's going to be back in FL this weekend, let them know :-)

McCain is in Tampa today, but won't have an audience.

America's Accident Capitals

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/...8382&GT1=31036

Go FLorida!

Take all the deaths in Florida, for instance. Maybe it's all the retirees, or the spring breakers. Whatever the reason, the sunshine state is tops when it comes to accidental death. Watch your step in West Palm Beach—falls are frequently permanent. Florida leads the nation in the total number of accidental deaths caused by falling, and West Palm Beach leads Florida, edging out two other state locales, Fort Lauderdale and Daytona Beach.

Looking for a breath of fresh air? Daytona Beach may not be the best place to find it. More people die from suffocation in Daytona Beach than anywhere else in the U.S.

Between Spring Break and Bike Week, I'm not the least bit surprised.

I voted and it took me about 10 minutes tops (that includes parking and walking to the polling station). What's up with polling stations in churches? So irritating.

It's a building that's guaranteed to be virtually empty on a Tuesday.

No doubt but how do they reconcile using a church as a voting station for federal, state and local governments with the concept of separation of church and state? Just irritating, especially with the nice representation of Jesus bleeding on the cross staring at me while I vote.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." That's separation of church and state right there. Doesn't mean a church can't be used as a polling place. Now, if someone from the church was trying to convert people while they were waiting in line to vote, then you'd have problems.

Worked out for me perfectly. The church I had to go to was right across the street from my daughter's Pre-K. Dropped her off, voted without waiting in line (with giant SAT-style cards), went home, and got to work on time. The most complicated part was translating the legal speak of the amendment proposals.

YES to delete the assessment of the exemption of the deletion of the amendment of the blah blah blah." It was like reading stereo instructions.

My other half has been pushing me to check it out, just seems like more of a place for a young crowd. True?

Thought so (which is why I have resisted so long). Man, when did I become old? I used to love venues that supported small (and hopefully upcoming) acts. Now, I still like checking them out, just hate dealing with the younger crowds (hipster/goth/whatever wannabees).

Excuse me, I'll be right back. Someone is on my lawn.

I just found out my brother bought us tickets to see the Florida vs. Florida State game on the saturday after Thanksgiving. It'll be my first football game and I have to say I'm a little scared of the frat boys types that I'm sure will be populating the stadium. My first tailgating experience as well.

Speaking of which I arrive in Tampa on Nov. 25th. Probably won't have time to hang out after the 27th, so if anyone wants to meet up Tues or Wed let me know.

Sorry we missed you, Diva. I forgot all about the possibility of a gathering. We'll have to plan something more concrete next time.

So I may be coming down there in January for a few days. I look to be staying in the Venice area (possibly Orlando), and I'm looking for anything can't miss in the area. Most of you Floridians seem pretty trustworthy and of good taste, any suggestions?

There are a few museums, parks/gardens, and events/concerts as well.

Speaking, of... In Feb/March there will be a Jim Henson event/exhibit at the History Center:
Jim Henson's Fantastic World Grand Opening Celebration (schedule)

Jim Henson's Fantastic World
February 6-May 3, 2009

CALL (407) 836-8500 NOW TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS AT PRE-EXHIBITION PRICES.
OFFER GOOD THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2008.

Step inside the fantastic world of storyteller and visionary Jim Henson in an exhibition that celebrates the imagination and creative genius of the multitalented creator of Kermit the Frog, Big Bird, and other beloved characters.

Jim Henson (1936-1990)-artist, puppeteer, film director, and producer-created worlds filled with unique characters, objects, environments, and even languages and cultures. Jim Henson's Fantastic World explores Henson's "visual thinking" through more than 100 works of art, photographs, documents, puppets, movie props, and other 3-D objects, as well as original video productions, including excerpts from his early career and experimental films. Visitors get to peek inside "Sesame Street," "Fraggle Rock," "The Muppet Show," and other elaborate imaginary worlds created by Henson.

Jim Henson's Fantastic World is organized by The Jim Henson Legacy and Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in cooperation with the Henson Family; the Jim Henson Company; the Muppets Studio, LLC; and Sesame Workshop. The exhibition is made possible by The Biography Channel. Additional support has been provided by The Jane Henson Foundation and Cheryl Henson. The exhibition is presented locally by Dr. Phillips Charities.

Exhibition Grand Opening, Thursday, February 5, 2009

Following a cocktail reception, Heather Henson, local puppeteer and daughter of the late Jim Henson, helps the History Center celebrate the opening of Jim Henson's Fantastic World with a special presentation. And don't miss an opportunity to be among the first to see the exhibition! 6:30 p.m. $25, Members free. Reservations necessary. Call (407) 836-7010 to make reservations.

"Look Both Ways" with Jane Henson, Saturday, February 7, 2009
Jane Henson, wife of the late Jim Henson and co-founder of the Muppets, gives a behind-the-scenes look at creating a cultural phenomenon featuring seldom-seen video clips from the Jim Henson Archives, and she talks about the early days of meeting Henson at a Puppet class in college. Cocktail reception, 6:30 p.m. $15, Members free. Call (407) 836-7010 to make reservations.

Family Funshops & Date Nightpresented by Sonny's Bar-B-Q
Shadow Puppets, February 7
"Sock Puppies," March 7
Puppet Traditions, April 4
Popcorn Bucket Superheroes, May 2
Date Night: Jonathan West's One-Man Puppet Show, April 17

Muppets, Music, & Magic: Jim Henson's Legacy
Saturdays and Sundays, March 7 - April 5, 2009

Do not miss this festival of Henson's rare and popular works including feature films, TV shows, archival footage, and experimental work from a series co-created by the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Jim Henson Legacy. Festival screenings may include The Dark Crystal, The Muppet Movie, and Labyrinth, as well as programs featuring early television appearances, documenting the history of the Muppets; experimental puppetry and animation work; rare commercials and behind-the-scenes footage; and special guest Speakers.
CLICK HERE FOR FESTIVAL SCHEDULE, TICKET PRICES, AND PACKAGE DEALS.

TO PURCHASE MUPPETS, MUSIC & MAGIC TICKETS CALL (407) 836-7010.

The History Center is where I'm getting hitched -- they have the original Orange County courthouse from the 1800s and that's where they hold the ceremony, with the reception upstairs in the exhibit hall. Ted Bundy's name is still carved into one of the tables!

So, Saturday, my buddy takes me out for a belated birthday excursion. He and his wife are gun enthusiasts (the educated college grad professional types, not the other kind), so we drive 45 minutes up to Titusville to a gun range (they have a long distance range) in the middle of the woods/swamp and I get my 1st experience firing something that's not a BB gun. I took it slow (used a .22 rifle), but overall, it was still an intense experience... the smell (cordite?) and sounds all around me. Some very big/loud guns were going off all the time and I'd be lying if I said I didn't flinch most times. I was very nervous and respectful of the whole process. The "Beware of Rattlesnakes" signs added to the ambience. I did manage to hit a small (size of the top of a soda can) target semi-consistantly at 100 yards though w/ a scope of course.

Afterwards, we drove to a Airboat launch and restaurant/fishing lodge, where there was apparently some airboat show/jamboree going on. Venders had their tents set up, and there was a Southern Fried rock/country band playing. I had a beer and some fried alligator nuggets (my 1st gator). Tasted like that mystery piece at Long John Silvers (the one you're not sure is chicken or fish because it's fried in the same grease). Pretty good.

I lived in Pennsylvania for nearly 30 years and moved down to Orlando 3 years ago. I feel like I just got a real big dose of FL all at once. The amusement parks and most tourist areas don't communicate this culture very much (besides Splash Mountain and Gatorland).

EDIT: No, I didn't get to ride an airboat, but I saw them zipping around, shooting 30 FT tall rooster tails into the air.

No comments, huh? I should be ashamed of myself? Probably.

You've got a fair point about the theme parks not really being what it's like down here. There's plenty of non-touristy things to do around Orlando, and also plenty of non-rednecky things as well.

Saw an article in the paper the other day about a zipline course that's just opened up here, well near here, since it's in St. Cloud. Sounds like a decent time - I'm heading out there with some friends next weekend while there's a discount for Florida residents.

Here's the article: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/trave...4449518.column

A bunch of us went and paid our last respects to the Brewmaster Club as Sea World. The Busch parks are eliminating the tastings and the free samples as of the end of the month, much to the chagrin of many long-time visitors. We used to call it "the best happy hour in Orlando," since Universal employees get free admission to the park with our ID badge, so we'd head over to Sea World and knock back five or six free beers after work. Alas, gone as of February.

Also, for anyone interested, here's the concert schedule for Mardi Gras at Universal this year:

Feb. 7 -- KC and the Sunshine Band
Feb. 14 -- Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Feb. 15 -- The Village People
Feb. 21 -- Ne-Yo
Feb. 28 -- Pat Benatar
Mar. 7 -- Barenaked Ladies
Mar. 14 -- Montgomery Gentry
Mar. 21 -- Collective Soul
Mar. 27 -- Boys Like Girls
Mar. 28 -- Kelly Clarkson
Apr. 4 -- MC Hammer
Apr. 11 -- Trace Adkins
Apr. 18 -- Nelly

I don't know what's more surprising. That the Village People are still touring or that there are people willing to see them.

How about KC and the Sunshine Band???

I just moved to Fort Lauderdale from Atlanta a couple months ago, have to say I'm missing my comic book places and indy video stores, not to mention the Plaza theater where I lived 5 minutes from. Anybody know some good places from around here to Miami?

Thanks for the heads up on the Jim Hensen event, I just watched the Dark Crystal last week after 20 years, so I'd be into driving up to check this out.

Well, Diva, ya...

Anyone up for doing the AMC Best Picture Showcase once the locations are announced? I've only seen one so far.

Was there a shuttle launch this morning?

The obvious place to check would be NASA's website, right? Where they list their launch schedule?

http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html

So in anwser to your lazy request. No. No launch this morning.

Thanks for the consistently assholish reply.

I guess somebody fired a missile against the space aliens then, no big deal.

Always happy to oblige as along as you keep up with your consistently lazy requests for information that are easily (and readily) available on the WWW.

So the web told you what that trail of smoke is outside? What a magical thing this WWW is!!!

You didn't ask about a trail of smoke. You asked about a shuttle launch, which the WWW was magically (if you believe in magic) was able to answer. Asshole.

Can't get married indeed.

Oh, and Capitan, there was a memorial ceremony today at the Kennedy Space Center for the Challenger crew, what you saw may have been something related to that.

Any of you guys going to the Superbowl?

Richard;

Thanks, that is probably related, makes sense.

Judas;

Not me, although I live in Tampa. Tickets are just too expensive for me to even try.