Jacksonville, FL

Read any good books lately?

Read the Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz or Beautiful Boy by David Sheff.  (Monday Jun 29 | post #25)

Jacksonville, FL

Al Jazeera English - Americas - Obama condemns 'unjust' Iran

From the NY Times: "Rodney King, whose videotaped beating led to the riots that left 55 dead and $1 billion in property damage in Los Angeles in 1992, is living at once the American dream and the American nightmare." http://www.nytimes .com/2004/09/19/na tional/19king.html Just something to think about...  (Tuesday Jun 23 | post #1)

Jacksonville, FL

U.S. May mass layoffs jump tie record: Labor Dept

FYI...President Obama announced his run for Presidency in Feb 2007. By December 2007 he was a clear front runner. Just something to think about as the "recession began in December 2007." http://www.foxnews .com/story/0,2933, 243907,00.html  (Tuesday Jun 23 | post #1)

Jacksonville, FL

Should public schools cut out Physical Education

Go to some of the "urban" schools to find out what these kids do during their physical education time. They sure do get a workout...  (Friday Jun 12 | post #2)

Jacksonville, FL

Lightning Predictors Popping Up In Jax Parks

"There are ten prediction systems in parks in Jacksonville and St. Johns County." They cost anywhere from $9,000 to $14,000." How many kids have actually been struck from lighting in the JAX? Ok...a little bit of research: "The average number of flashes each year from 1996 to 2000 in Florida was 1.3 million, which Denman factored down to 19.7 flashes per square mile. The data is based on a study conducted from 1996 to 2000, she said. Georgia ranked sixth, with 13.5 flashes per square mile." "Florida also ranks highest in lightning fatalities, with five to 10 each year. Last year, according to preliminary information, Denman said there were eight fatalities in the state. Texas was second with five, followed by Georgia and Kentucky each with four." "Each year, lightning strikes kill approximately 75 to 100 people nationwide and injure 300, Denman said. The information is estimated from news reports and hospitals because there is no central database for tallying lightning-related injuries, she said." http://www.jackson ville.com/tu-onlin e/stories/060501/s to_lightning.shtml It just seems that for the low death rates (I am assuming the 5-10 who die each year are probably not children playing on a sports field) and the cost of the contraption make it not really worth the effort. Couldn't the kids just get off the field when the lighting starts?  (Monday Jun 8 | post #3)

Jacksonville, FL

FOLIO

It does have a liberal bias, however, it is free so you can't really complain. Some of the articles relating to city government are usually pretty informative. I also like reading the messages sent from readers.  (Monday Jun 8 | post #39)

Jacksonville, FL

To fill pension gaps, Jacksonville City Council digging for ideas

I can understand why police and fire workers should get a pension but why would/should city members receive pension? Do they pay into social security?  (Jun 4, 2009 | post #7)

Jacksonville, FL

FL/GA have yet to ban cell phones while driving

I think it is great the legislators haven't touched this subject.  (Jun 4, 2009 | post #10)

Jacksonville, FL

'Save Duval Schools' Promises Education Fight

"We want to raise young Floridians who know how to think" Does that mean they support revising/ending FCAT testing? I am sure prepping for the FCAT for days on end helps kids "think." In addition, making kids think critically is going to take more than money and a grass roots movement. It is just a waste of resources - even grown adults can't "think" for themselves. I agree with Logic on this one..."money is not the issue."  (Jun 4, 2009 | post #7)

Jacksonville, FL

Democrats to launch fight on $450B highway bill

How can Democrats improve a $450 BILLION highway bill while at the same time vote for cap and trade programs and believe in environmental protection? This is just plain awful for anyone who cares about the environment. Let the urban sprawl continue (paid for by the government)!  (May 27, 2009 | post #1)

Jacksonville, FL

What is Torture?

Are we really separate from them? Are you saying that fundamentalists do not make decisions regarding American politics? What about issues such as drugs, abortion, taxes, etc.? Is what the government does really what the people want? I think we are just as bad...only in different ways. It is only a minority of the "zealots " who actually bomb themselves - well we have the same minority here (murders in Jacksonville were up to 120s last year or the murder sprees in our schools).  (May 27, 2009 | post #47)

Jacksonville, FL

City revenues, and expenses, dropping

I guess you could consider this "good" news. Good job Jacksonville for staying within (and actually cutting) the budget! A lot of cities in the US are not so lucky...  (May 20, 2009 | post #1)

Jacksonville, FL

3 Fired, 2 Resign After Fla. Prisons Shock Kids

Not the best decision. I wonder what else these employees have done before...  (May 17, 2009 | post #1)

Jacksonville, FL

Woman Robbed While Helping Ducklings

Definitely not a safe move. Also, she should have locked her doors or carried her purse. Poor lady... I agree with Scott - where was this thief at??? Maybe she just lost her purse or just wants some attention.  (May 17, 2009 | post #18)

Jacksonville, FL

Study Says FL Roads are Third Best in Country

Please take notice of what political party the top five are. Great job Florida! I have driven in at least 10 states and, for the most part, Florida has roads in great condition.  (May 17, 2009 | post #2)