News Details (Posted: February 27, 2005):

Weekend Addition of SEASIDE SCOOP By Peggy Fisher

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February 26, 2005: early edition Triaging Time During the Shortest Month This may seem like a counterpoint of view, yet it may offer a means to triage time, too; some studies show multitasking is counterproductive. In this media-drenched, data-rich, channel-surfing, computer-gaming age, we have lost the art of doing nothing, of shutting out the background noise and distractions, of slowing down and simply being alone with our own thoughts." Carl Honore—In Praise of Slowness: How a Worldwide Movement Is Challenging the Cult of Speed Please share your time-saving tips and tricks via Seaside Scoop, if you have time ;-). ******************************­************ Welcome! Welcome to Seaside Scoop, strengthening our word power and memories incrementally while linking friends and wildlife supporters across Florida and the globe. Seaside Scoop readers span Florida, 36 states, Guam and 15 countries abroad. (Your email address is safe. Seaside Scoop will never sell, rent or disclose your email address to third parties.) ******************************­************ Word for the Week World Wide Words is copyright (c) Michael Quinion 2004. All rights reserved. The Words Web site is at . You may reproduce this newsletter in whole or part in free online newsletters, newsgroups or mailing lists provided that you include this note and the copyright notice above. Reproduction in printed publications or on Web sites requires prior permission, for which you should contact TheEditor@worldwidewords.org . Topical Words: Morganatic ------------------------------­------------------------------­------- Prince Charles will marry his long-term lover Camilla Parker Bowles on 8 April in a civil ceremony. News reports focus on the unique arrangements that have been worked out to make this marriage possible within the legal and religious constraints on the heir to the British throne marrying a divorc?e, not least that the title Princess Consort has had to be invented for her (modeled on the term Prince Consort created for Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria) so that she doesn't have to be called Queen Camilla when Charles succeeds to the throne. One phrase that has appeared in almost every article written in recent years about the possible union of Charles and Camilla is "morganatic marriage", many putting it forward as a possible solution to the difficulties. However, it is now clear this idea was ruled out from the start. It's a sensitive term in British royal circles, since in November 1936 King Edward VIII proposed a morganatic marriage to Mrs. Simpson as a way of getting around the fact that she, too, was a divorc?e. However, it was rejected out of hand on the grounds that British law and tradition don't permit such royal marriages and he ended up abdicating instead. Morganatic marriage was originally a German custom. It was marriage between a high-ranking man and a woman of lower rank in which the woman keeps her former status and in which any children of the marriage are not allowed to inherit the property of their father, his rank or titles. It has its roots in an idea common in medieval Germany that people who entered into a variety of transactions, not just marriage, were expected to be of similar social standing. The most celebrated such marriage in modern times was that between Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Sophie Chotek, both of whom died in the assassination at Sarajevo in 1914 that triggered WWI. Another name for it was "left-handed marriage", because the custom was that at the altar the husband extended his left hand to the bride, not his right, as a mark of their unconventional union. It's unfortunate that in English this phrase could also at one time refer to a coupling that wasn't a marriage, either an adulterous relationship or one in which the couple hadn't bothered with the formalities. A "left-handed wife" was a mistress. Oddly, the source of "morganatic" turns out to be a German one meaning "morning gift", which sounds like a contradiction. But the term morning gift refers to an old custom in which the husband would give a present to his wife the morning after the marriage was consummated. In a morganatic marriage that's all the wife got. ******************************­****** Stake Out Your Cat—Animal Wellness Publication news More exciting publication news from Animal Wellness—the Canadian magazine in which I had my first Tail End full-page article published, Very Clever These Siamese. I’m going to have another article published, Stake Out Your Cat, in their May edition. (Don’t get too excited, doggie pals; it’s not as sadistic as it sounds!) Will be eagerly looking forward to including the clip in Seaside Scoop. Their artist team has a terrific sense of humor; can’t wait to see how they illustrate this. Persistence pays (submitted article last summer) & happiness is… ******************************­****** Seaside Scoop Secret Sources Re last week’s launch of Secret Sources: I LOVE your new idea. You are the best!!!! Re http://www.iloveverobeach.com website: Well, aren't you full of surprises!!! I love your web site design. ******************************­****** News Flash: Seaside Scoop Goes Weekly My Muse and Management insist; I must spend more time endeavoring to write for a fee instead of for free. Good news is I’m getting more work from my virtual Agent Gayle in Wisconsin, her Team Double-Click Associate Lori Miller and other sources. Bad news is, despite all the streamlining, Seaside Scoop with its enhanced graphics and tech troubles from Outlook & Kill Bill (Gates!) takes way too long. Had I done it sooner my Muse (aka my gut) says I wouldn’t have lost any readers who unsubscribed because they were “too busy,” or “overwhelmed.” Work way too hard to get them, to lose any! Re-subscribing has already begun for the weekly edition. Readership feedback to going weekly: From Vivian in Miami: Please tell your Muse, Management, Howard and whatever endearing term you call him that I whole-heartedly agree! While I love reading Seaside Scoop, I also have them piled up from months ago because I can’t bear to just delete them without reading them! So, I am E C S T A T I C you’re going to weekly! I love your stuff, but I get so busy, and then of course, I feel bad if I don’t reply, because I always have something to say! Disregard what the naysayers say, and just do it, as you decided! Good luck to you! Love, V. From Virtual Agent Gayle in Wisconsin: That’s great Peggy! Good for you. From Christine in Coral Gables: Hey Peggy, thanks for the news! Good decision on the weekly Scoops. You've got to see "the money"....otherwise, just start charging Scoopers a subscription fee..:)....just kidding... —Will strive to never charge readers—at least not anyone current who will be “grandfathered in” for free; no guarantees for the future, so be happy you are in on the ground floor of this global communications endeavor. From several Secret Sources: We miss more frequent Scoops, but don’t start feeling guilty. As freelancers and time-crunched, we understand and support your decision. —Thanks, One & All! You are my inspiration. Last Laugh It’s a pleasure to introduce another new Seaside Scoop feature, Last Laugh, for all the wonderful humor readers share. Norman Cousins believed: Laughter is the Best Medicine. Studies show it enhances your immune system, and a daily dose may be as important as your multivitamin or exercise routine. Last Laugh is dedicated to all those who have the last laugh. Just as we need to be careful what we wish for, until the Fat Lady sings…we never know who will have the last laugh. Cheers to nerds, blondes & all who may win at the end of the day. Carl Peterson in Guam: Advice from Bill To anyone with kids of any age, here's some advice. Bill Gates it is rumored recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talked about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world. Rule 1: Life is not fair -- get used to it! Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself. Rule 3: You will NOT make a lot right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both. Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping – they called it opportunity. Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them. Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room. Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life. Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you. FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time. Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to work at jobs. Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one. This Is Rex Barker C.S. (Committed to the Success) of our young people saying this time I think he hit the nail right on the head. Endnote: Did not Google this to see if it’s a hoax; even if it’s not from the world’s richest nerd; it’s wonderful advice, whatever your aspirations. Chris Quinton in England: Don was in his usual place, sitting at the table, reading the paper during breakfast. He came across an article about a beautiful actress who was about to marry a football player who was known primarily for his lack of IQ. He turned to his wife with a look of bewilderment on his face. "I'll never understand why the biggest jerks get the most attractive wives." His wife replies, "Why, thank you, dear!" --P.S. The blonde’s revenge? Bill Baron of Boppy’s Wabasso Market: Andy Rooney on Fabric Softeners. My wife uses fabric softener. I never knew what that stuff was for. Then I noticed women coming up to me, sniffing, then saying under their breath, "Married!" and walking away. Fabric softeners are how our wives mark their territory. We can take off the ring. But, it's hard to get that April Fresh scent out of your clothes. Cartoon Cavalcade Pam Pereira Pirrozolo in Venice, FL: [ea9604.jpg] Please email cartoons that give you a smile to share. ******************************­***************** Mail Call Wesley S. Davis, Indian River County Commissioner: I would like to thank you for taking your time last week to email me regarding the pending lawsuit for the property known as Ocean Sands (adjacent to Disney Resort). I received over 70+ emails and was pleased to hear from so many Indian River County residents regarding concerns for development of this property. At the meeting on February 15, 2005, the Board of County Commissioners, by a unanimous vote of 4-0, voted against the recommendation of the County Attorney for settlement of the lawsuit by MGD Development of Florida, II, LLC, in Circuit Court, and authorized the expenditure of $17,500 for outside legal counsel to defend the County. The decision now rests in the hands of three circuit judges who must determine whether or not the Commission had legal grounds on October 19, 2004 to deny the Ocean Sands project rezoning. I will keep you informed regarding this decision and hope that you will take the time to contact me in the future regarding any other issues. Chalmers Morse, publisher of http://www.iloveverobeach.com & Vero Beach Humane Society Exec : I really look forward to your Seaside Scoop as I am sure everyone else does. With my involvement with the Humane Society, I especially love your animal section. All the Best. Fellow writer Georgina in Coral Gables, FL: Continue to top the list of Time Triagers, P... ok? Re last week’s Seaside Scoop: Lots of dogs, cats, two bunnies, and some fabulous chickens, raw (and otherwise): that was one heck of a cartoon! A horror movie, indeed. Wisconsin Team Double-Click Virtual Agent Gayle Buske: Thanks so much for the plug! Double-Click Associate Lori Morris: I was going to sign up for the Seaside Scoop email! I look forward to it! Bob Bangert: On Feb. 20th, 1962, Astronaut John Glenn orbited the earth flying aboard the Friendship 7 Mercury Capsule. What a lot of changes we have seen in St. Lucie County since then. The population in the County has exploded and much of our green space has disappeared but after hearing the update on the North County Charrette Master Plan last Friday night I have the intense feeling and satisfaction that help is on the way and that we are heading in the right direction. Cheers, Bob Feb. 28th, 2005 Mars lecture Series, Subject: Dr. Grant Gilmore, Life Histories of Lagoon Fishes Revealed through new technologies, Environmental Studies Center Auditorium, Jensen Beach, for time and more info call 219-1887 Mar. 3rd, 7:00pm, St. Lucie Audubon meeting, Oxbow Eco-Center Mar. 5th, 10:30am, "From Eden to Sahara", Author and documentary filmmaker, Bill Belleville will give a presentation on the work of John Small Klunkel, an early Florida botanist. A warning about the impacts of rapid development in the state. Mar. 5th, 9:00-11:00am, Wildlife Walk at Bluefield, geared toward hikers with the stamina to last over 3 miles. For more info call 462-2526 Mar. 7th, 9:00am-3:00pm, 2nd meeting of the CSTC Rural Lands Subcommittee meeting, UF/IFAS, Indian River Research & Education Center, 2199 So. Rock Road. Mar. 12th, 10:00-11;30am, Snakes and Spiders at Pinelands, Study snakes and spiders as close as you like as you travel through prairies of wax myrtle and tall grasses Observe snakes sunning themselves and spiders on webs waiting for a morning meal. Call 462-2526 for more info. Mar. 12th, 12:30-2:30pm, Nature for families, "Slithering Serpents", call ahead for reservations or more info. 785-5833 Mar. 12th, 5:00-6:00pm, Wetland Walk at Paleo Hammock, Explore a wetland community in search of wildlife and native flora, bring your rubber boots and bug repellant. Call 462-2526 for more info Mar. 16th, 7:00-9:00pm, St. Lucie Regional Herpetological Society meeting, Oxbow Eco-center Mar. 19th, 9:30am, 5th Annual Growth Management Forum, with speakers Maggy Hurchalla, Richard Grosso, Robert Hartsell, Charles Patterson and many others, Margade Library in Stuart Lee in Port St. Lucie: I want to thank everyone involved in our February Beach Clean-Up. You did a terrific job, and it was great to see the many young people involved...Let’s not waste all the effort, time, energy and passion you all have put your hearts into (your work and research) for Ft Pierce and the Treasure Coast...this is your home...your treasured communities...if we all take that huge amount of passion, energy, drive and love for our community and work together...changes will happen for the better. I am willing to help with whatever it takes to make it right. Besides, I have a hidden agenda. My three boys are growing up way too fast. They are now starting to enjoy the beaches and underwater as I did growing up. Children are the caretakers of the future. I want them to see and enjoy the beauty of clean water, reefs, healthy fish, and all the great resources of life as I did in my water playground. Don’t we all want to give back a healthy place for them to enjoy today and pass on to their children tomorrow? Lee Hedrick For Our Onewildworld@aol.com Volunteers, Families, Friends and You Working to save Paradise One Ocean, One Nature, One Day At A Time...Everyday! Geri, your friend in cyber space : Brrrrrrrrr! —Agree; makes us very happy to be in the Sunshine State. Who cares about Tropical Terrors… for at least four or six months, if we’re lucky. But as the meteorologists are already warning (as we didn’t know after 2004!), it only takes one hurricane…or two, three or four! Bill Glynn, President NoBchCivicAssoc@aol.com: Interesting article re why Beach Renourishment Click here: Opinion ******************************­*********************** Peggy’s Pet Parade ?Daily Lessons –5th Grade Teacher Saundra & Lee in Port St. Lucie, FL: The dog’s revenge! ?Animals in Action from mentor Al in Ft. Lauderdale; We must smile elegantly like this! ?Carl Peterson in Guam: New Year cat collection sent by Laura in Atlanta, Geri in Ft. Pierce, Regina in Sarasota, mentor Al in Ft. Lauderdale and Management in Vero Beach—these are most popular felines. ? Above all...be ready for adventure ? Shirley in Miami: True Friends don't Care if you're a lil' different... ?Bill Glynn, North Beach Civic Association President: A Bad Hair Day… If you have digital pics of your pet stars, please email them; once they join “Pets in Waiting,” Seaside Scoop stardom awaits via Peggy’s Pet Parade. ******************************­***************** Seaside Scoop Web News: Dolphin Pod Sea Oaks Sighting [swimming dolphin] Spotted a pod of at least three dolphin amazingly close to the shore, only a few feet out by Sea Oaks this week. They were porpoising (leaping out of the water to breathe and conserve energy) and swimming South. Michigan beach walkers from Disney and Sea Oaks owners were filled with joy. Keep scanning the ocean; unless you stay alert, these wonderful sightings are so easy to miss. ******************************­ Global Lifeguards has added yet another store to its growing chain. Please visit our newest location for accessories, apparel and novelties. Remember, all proceeds are use to fund our Relief and Scholarship Funds. Visit us at www.cafepress.com/GLGS Thank you, Neal McLaughlin Volunteer Administrator DEPOE BAY Oregon- Spotting the distressed gray whale was the easy part. Just off shore with three brightly colored buoys floating from its tail, anybody with a set of binoculars could get a good look. Untangling the line wrapped around its tail was another matter entirely…. http://glgs.org/themes/Custom/­1/glg_articleView.asp?pid=68&t­id=14&articleid=600 For Seaside Scoops online, check: http://www.iloveverobeach.com ******************************­***************** Disney Cruise Line Seeks Lifeguards Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is actively recruiting lifeguards with proven experience to work aboard its cruise ships Disney Wonder and Disney Magic, and its private island in the Caribbean called Castaway Cay. About Working on a Cruise Ship - Cruise ships are floating resorts, a complete city at sea. Whether you've just returned from a cruise or you've seen “The Love Boat,” you know that a cruise vacation is about fun, entertainment, service and worldwide travel. If you see yourself as the adventurous type - not someone who can sit in a cubicle all day, but a person who wants to get out, travel, see the world, meet people, and experience new sights and sounds, cruise ship work may be for you. Pay and Benefits - The Lifeguard position aboard DCL has a starting salary of $346/week and the position includes accommodations, meals and uniforms (except shoes), which are provided at no expense. Medical coverage is provided while on contract. About Working on DCL - As a DCL Lifeguard, you would be hired for a 4 - 5 month contract at sea. After working your required contact length, you would have a six week break before the next contract begins. It is important to remember that the ship is fully functional 24 hours a day and that it requires constant attention. Crew members can expect their schedules to be based on a 7-day work week. Only lifeguards with a strong work ethic should apply. For complete details about working for DCL, visit www.dcljobs.com. ******************************­***************** How You Can Help Tsunami Victims Shirley reports Sri Lankan relief efforts are constructing a website; will keep you posted re their progress. Photo from Shirley: Buddhist monks and villagers search for the missing along railroad tracks at Telwatte, 63 miles south of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The massive tidal waves that slammed into Sri Lanka flung a train off its tracks, leaving many of its 1,000 passengers dead or missing, police said, while rescuers uncovered thousands of bodies across the country. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena) [ Click For Small photo] I’m sure you have heard of the terrible tragedy that hit among other nations, the island of Sri Lanka. Our immediate family is safe, but I have yet to hear from some cousins who were in the affected areas.... and I know of friends and their families who perished. You will be pleased to know that the old Jaycee training works... deeply involved in mobilizing efforts in South Florida with fund raisers especially for the long-term rebuilding and restoration of a destroyed nation. A group of us Sri Lankans living in south Florida are collecting donations to help relief efforts and have set up a bank account at Washington Mutual Bank, Pinecrest. If you would like to help—and here any amount—no matter how small, will be gratefully accepted-please send your check, made out to: Sri Lanka Disaster Relief Fund and mail it to me at [below in label format so you can copy & paste directly from Seaside Scoop email]: Shirley Wijesinha 6820 SW 28 Terrace Miami Fl 33155. I will be happy to make the arrangements to have the funds channeled through the RED CROSS in SRI LANKA where the relief efforts are already underway... If you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call at 305 661 8855 or 305 335 2373. Or email: shirleypw1@bellsouth.net Many Thanks. Shirley Wijesinha. ******************************­***************** Georgina’s Reviews Les Choristes (The Chorus). One of the most exquisite, feel-good movies I have seen in a very long time: The little boy in the movie not only looks like an angel, but he sings like one, too: you know how a prepubescent boy's voice sounds. Heartbreakingly beautiful. .... I was floating on air when I left: a must-see, again. A must-own. The Sea Inside: Poignant; pointed; understated; screaming with intensity, pathos, and feeling. Euthanasia may have won in the end, but, by golly, this movie makes you want to LIVE... Javier Bardem was nothing short of magnificent, given that his handsome, putty-like face serves as the panorama for the bulk of what transpires. There's a love story, too. Several, actually. More than several. I wanted to see it for several reasons: 1) to be super-prepared for Sunday; and 2) because my mother -- as a doctor -- believed in euthanasia. Worth my time. ******************************­***************** Last February Cheers from Vero Beach Peggy Writing by Fisher Vero Beach, FL (772)388-4920 Turn the wheel of your life. Make complete revolutions. Celebrate every turning. And persevere with joy. —Deng Ming-Dao Writer ******************************­************* Seaside Scoop (AKA Word-a-Day) Content Any content may be copied; please credit Seaside Scoop . I would also appreciate your publishing information on subscribing: To subscribe to free Seaside Scoop email: writingbyfisher@bellsouth.net