... that's right, trash 'em.  That is the ones that  don't cut the muster or in some cases qualify as art.  Just like an athlete or musician practices to be his or her best so must the shutterbug especially if...

According to Obama the bad US economy is still Bush’s fault, but he Iraq success is Obama’s Success. Just Doubletalk

I've spent the whole offseason trying to come up with news items related to the Everblades and the one night I'm busy all kinds of new information comes out. The Everblades held a season-ticket holder party tonight and announced plenty...

The countdown continues. More than ever we need your help if we are to make a difference in the November election.

During my undergraduate years I had numerous foreign graduate student teachers. I struggled through my calculus class trying to understand what the heck my Middle Eastern professor was trying to say; it took me all semester just to figure out...

By Adam Fisher In case you missed it, two Collier County football teams came up with huge upset victories last week on the opening night of the 2010 high school football season. Golden Gate and Immokalee, two programs on the...

The wrong message to send.

Is Glenn Beck leading the nation back to God, or is he just another demagogue stirring up the masses of gullible people?

I've got this thing about plants. With about 200 on my lanai (Florida-speak for "patio"), some might think it an obsession. I've carted plants through numerous moves over the years, like granddaddy "Ollie Vera" who's 30 years old if a...

Wealthy Corporate Interests Manipulate Tea Party Backers

Where Do Your Moral Obligations Really Lay?

Linda Fasulo, Executive Director, Collier County Friends of the Library, wrote an excellent book review of Mari Messer’s book, “Shore Lines: Reflections Beside the Wide Water” in the Saturday, September 4, 2010, “Naples Daily News” on page 2B.

Every now and then someone comes across something so silly, so frivolous, that it frustrates them that they can't resolve the problem themselves and they have to bring it to a lawyer. Many of us have seen this phenomenon. Something...

What will come of the "Ground Zero" Islamic Cultural Center?

Voters opt for Jackson Lab.

At what point is social justice a matter of personal conscience and faith as compared to a governmentally mandated responsibility?

Let’s pretend for a moment I agree with you who say that Park51 is just an Islamic community center — a place for our Muslim brethren to hang out, swim some laps in the pool, maybe pray together. Why on earth should we fear this project? Just ask the French …

"School abolishes special fundraiser party in our school"

Groucho Marx Had a Good Question

Most excellent fishng in the naples and marco Backcountry and offshore waters for August and should continue right into September. Read on and see what has been happening.

Business coaches can help to improve leadership skills, keep you moving toward goals, and provide objective advice on handling personal and business problems.

Growing Up Bubble Wrapped.

Baseball, Congress and Priorities

This summer, two grizzly bears died for just being what they are, unpredictable wild animals.

reflections

Just a reminder, TheatreZone's auditions are Sept. 18 & 19. TheatreZone announced local auditions for their shows via their Facebook page some time in July. A late August update reminds folks that the audition slots (auditions are appointment only) are filling up. Get while the getting is good.

We're being invaded and religion is the Trojan horse.

Real leadership coming from Southwest Texas!

Now that the School Board has opted not to extend the superintendent’s contract by a year, it’s time to focus on the process for finding the next school leader.

Already, a 16.4 percent turnout is recorded

That starts with T which rhymes with P which stands for ... dirty pool

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has either lost her marbles (if she really had any to lose), or has gone completely ape with her perceived power.

The Everblades should be announcing the signing of fan favorite No. 9 ERNIE HARTLIEB within the next few days. It has come to my attention that the Blades and Big Ern have come to terms. Seems like every season Big...

Reponse to 'absurd' Sunday guest commentary

vote out corrupt and deceptive poloticians

Between January and June 2010, commercial single-stream recycling customers have recycled 226 tons of waste, increasing the life of our landfill and preserving our natural resources.

Occasionally, people are going to suffer a public meltdown that will be amplified by a combination of media and internet. The funny thing about meltdowns is that they always attract attention, but can have very different implications.

Let us not forget the facts about Ronald Reagan.

Looking at Immigration from a different point of view

In response to the controversy over the mosque near ground zero, Newt Gingrich said, “There should be no mosque near Ground Zero in New York so long as there are no churches or synagogues in Saudi Arabia.” My question: If we start acting like Saudi Arabia, what’s the difference between us and them?

The NAA has made serious errors of judgment in proceeding with its largely secret plan to expand the runways to enable large regional commercial jets to use the Naples airport and two commissioners who's terms are ending should not be reappointed.

First of all, this installment is NOT about dogs! It is about (as the song says) those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. And known as the "dog days" of summer, August is the month when it is simply too...

As soon as I delivered my first child, the nurse laid him on my chest and said, "Okay Mom, it's time to try and feed your son." "Mom," I thought. Wow, that was fast. Not more than a few minutes...

How does one test for creativity? There is a huge difference between assessing acquired skills like technical development and actual creativity; and that is the purpose of this installment of Chalk Dust & Paper Cuts. It was the mid-1970s when...

Watch The Jackson Laboratory-Florida and USF Press Conference on Comcast Channel 14 July 24th: 9:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. July 25th: 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. July 26th: 7:30 a.m., 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. July...

The Netherlands and Spain are both in their first World Cup title game, and as big of a deal as that is to them, we are all the beneficiaries.Because before you even get into the X's and O's of the...

What are probiotics and prebiotics? Are they beneficial for your health? Read on to lear more . . .

Alex is the earliest landfalling hurricane in 15 years. What does this mean concerning the 2010 hurricane season?

Obama paralysis infects decision making. Puts McCrystal in untenable position. That's the real problem here.

In case you missed it, Naples native Michael Bocwinski is in South Africa taking in the World Cup.›› Here's the story›› Here's the link to his blogBelow are some of the pictures he's taken while over there:USA vs. Slovenia...not entirely...

The current vegetable craze is the hottest garden trend in decades. Whether the recession or a desire for organic vegetables has spurred your interest, container gardening offers many rewards.

Are we in Collier County being forced to bail out Barron Collier?

America Needs to Be More Self-Sufficient

After four years of anticipation, the time is finally here for the world's most exciting and watched sporting event, the 2010 World Cup Soccer Championship in South Africa. The World Cup starts tomorrow with two very interesting matchups: South Africa...

What a ride! So high. So low. So fast. So scary.

A playwright could not script a more exciting play than the reality that we've been through.

Who's writing the last scene?

Cool Heads will Prevail

It’s all in how you look at it

Here we go again! ... Florida's endless summer.

Despite all the negative information that continues to float around, America has and continues to desperately need health care reform. Yes, we have made a start, but it's just a start in a long over due effort

This is the day. The day we reach our final destination, Houston. The excitement this morning is palpable. The riders are ready, the support team is ready. Lets roll. We eat, we pack up and hit the road. Much love...

The March Florida Panther Update is now available on-line!  
Capture season has officially ended. Learn about the newly collared panthers and get a veterinarian’s perspective of a panther capture. Feel free to print, post or forward the Update to interested friends and family.  

Stay tuned for my first entry featuring new ethics laws for Florida- some proposed legislation that's great for Florida that is being ignored by some of our legislators!

Maintenance, your money's worth?

Naples News Media Group web sites received 182,249 page views Sunday, more than 40,000 page views over the same day last year. We exceeded 6.2 million page views for the month, a 32 percent increase over the 4.7 million page views received in February 2009.

The campaign for Central Bark has begun!

What every American must understand

Sometimes I wonder what people are thinking…or not…when they are trying to cross a road or walk along a street or highway.

I just arrived back in Southwest Florida after a two hour drive from my hotel in Fort Lauderdale. Last night was pretty crazy, considering that the game ended at about 9:45 p.m. but I didn't get back from the stadium...

Let this be a one-stop shop for questions, answers

Please start posting them below

Three new restaurants come to Naples

Come to our third Program of the Season on Tuesday, Jan.5th at The Conservancy of SW Florida auditorium at 7:30pm to hear Dr. Jerry Jackson talk about these marvelous creatures.

Discount for members of the Irish American Club

Master entertainer Louis Prima died in 1978, but he remains as popular as ever, mainly due to the efforts of his widow, Gia Maione.

Answer: Cap and Trade

The Blades Blog has a new address

Please share your experiences with this bug and its vaccine

Sustainable Tour Across North America, from Naples to the Pacific Northwest, to the Midwest, to the Great Lakes, Southeast...and back to Florida.

The live blog for this week's Collier County Commission meeting begins Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009, at 9 a.m.

eNewsletter expert puts it all in perspective for professional service providers

Daily News staffer again tackles college and pro football picks.

Finding the catalyst to tie it all together

Sometimes kindness, real and metaphorical, occurs in unexpected places, if only we take the time to look for it.

The students from the Bonita Springs Middle School's chapter of the National Junior Honor Society were out this morning at 8:45 am before school started to weed the Edible Garden. Giving a new meaning to the phrase, sweat labor, these kids were getting dirty and sweaty before their first period.

The Stay Alive .... Just Drive! program has been actively and agressively educating the public

Welcome to this blog. I am running for election to the Marco Island City Council, and am very interested in what you, the voters on Marco Island, desire in your city government. I have developed a website http://www.magel4marco.com , you can read additional information about me, my position on some of the current issues, and thoughts on making city government more responsive to the citizens.
I believe my management experience in lean, cost effective operations and strong financial management are needed at this time in Marco’s history. I have been involved in numerous governmental committees serving the citizens on Marco and Collier County. My campaign theme is “ An Independent Voice – For A Change”, and if elected will work to represent the citizens of Marco balancing your requirements for services with the realities of the economy in these difficult financial times.
Please let me have your thoughts

Christopher Ellis gets a surprise aboard the USS Ronald Reagan that brightens his day.

Managing Editor of Local Content Allen Bartlett's staff review for the week. For entries prior to this blog, go to the Daily News Staff Directory and click on Allen Bartlett's page on the staff directory.

An introduction to 'propaganda'

I bid you adieu!

I chastised myself for worrying about Ghanaians holding their own on the world stage as I eavesdropped on the two very astute Ghanaian nationals giving my fellow Americans a real run. I already appreciate how good we Americans are in these matters. I felt pride, too for the Ghanaians so up to the challenge. These people are important to me now, too.

Matt Hudson expects to be busy this year.

Councilman Wayne Waldack, here, reporting back from Orlando, where the annual Florida League of Cities Conference was held.

Here is a list of online links that were published in the Daily News today. Click on each line to find more information about articles you read in print or online.

Should we really scold students for top performance?

We're in a whole new world of employment -- one that has continued (and will continue) to evolve and one that is MUCH different from the employment world of our parents and grand-parents. The days of joining a company that you stay at and retire from are LONG GONE and will likely never return again. Job changes occur more and more frequently and career changes are more common than ever before.

The longer I stay unemployed the longer employers will not look at me.
This is getting frustrating and discouraging by the day. No matter what I do, it seems like it is a constant cat and mouse game. The employers being the mice and the unemployed being the cat. The cat works diligently to make the perfect mouse trap, making it enticing with cheese or peanut butter.

Well - another week, another fruitless job search. I am beginning to have the sad hopes and desperate actions of people who fall for miracle baldness cures or get rich quick schemes - which leads me to craigslist.

I just stumbled upon this page while using the computers to apply for jobs at the Agency for Workforce Innovation office here in Naples today. I have been looking for a permanent position for the past 18 months.

It has been suggested that I might consider returning to college for a two-year degree that would lead to a very in-demand job later.

My name is Jake Haap and I've been unemployed for almost eight months now. I am a Vietnam vet and realize the importance of having a job that is secure.
What I find amazing is that, due to the fact we live here in Florida, an employer can let you go for any reason under the sun, even if he or she had a lousy weekend! LOL.

As an employer of health professionals over several decades, I am aware of the many pitfalls potential candidates may encounter. An applicant will succeed if they portray themselves honestly and professionally. You may have been a good candidate, but not portraying yourself as a professional may lessen your chance to work in your chosen field.

Marco Islanders' old cell phones can create a great benefit for our troops abroad

Picks 31 and 32: Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers

On Easter Sunday, I listened to a sermon given by Reverend Richard Rogers of Unity Church of Naples, Florida about Ta-Dah! moments in life. As he was talking, I had a Ta-Dah! moment myself. You know, Ta-Dah!, that moment of ultimate realization when it hits you and the light bulb clicks on very brightly.

Launch Starting May 5th

My biggest concern with the existing labor market is the number of jobs supposedly available online that I keep applying to, and never seem to get an interview. The jobs are always wanting you to sign up for further education. However, that does not apply to me, since I am currently studying.

I have been looking for a job for the past two years. During this time, I have a filled out a ton of applications and sent my resume to a bunch of daycare centers. Still, nothing.

Whether our economy is vibrant or not, employers will always have expectations when hiring new workers. After all, the recruitment, selection, training and retention of employees leads to an important investment for every firm - large or small!

So, you want to know about getting back into the work force. Well, I’m not out of work by choice.

I have been desperately searching for regular employment since relocating to Southwest Florida in October 2007. We both had been living in Tampa since 2002, and were married in June 2007. I have been practicing law in the Tampa Bay area since 2002.

I have been out of work for eight months now due to budget cuts. I have been searching every day, constantly in the Naples Daily News, the Fort Myers News Press, SnagAJob.com, craiglist and much more.

When I was laid-off from my job of six years from a real estate developer (no big surprise) in August I was not that upset. I had accumulated a comfortable amount of savings and thought a bit of time off might be nice. Boy was I wrong!

Performing well before, during and after the interview.

Jerry's views on the labor market and a description of the thoughts he will focus on in his posts.

Your resume is your calling card. A professional resume paints a favorable picture of you long before the interviewing process begins. A poorly written resume can ruin your chances of ever getting that first telephone call.

n every class I teach at Hodges University, students tell me they are either unemployed or their dependent is out of work. However, I’m glad to see that they realize the importance of education and believe that education pays back, even in difficult economic times.

These are arguably the most difficult times any of us have had to endure, with indications that the light at the end of the tunnel isn't anywhere near.

The Puerto Rican national team takes on the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium.

Question: What part of the body moves first during the downswing?

Daily News visual journalist Greg Kahn won first place in the Individual Audio Slideshow category for his digital piece, "Out of prison, still doing time," about a Fort Myers ex-felon trying to get a second chance. This National Press Photographers Association award included photographers from major metropolitan markets.

Time to go ... and an MVP from Glades Central

Allow me to get off of the Pop Culture Pedestal for a second and retell one of the most moving and inspiring stories I've ever heard, from my drama professor Sid Homan. I hope that, upon reading it, you feel as ready to take on the world as I do.

Well done Dr. Gray!

Wherein summer equals winter

Officials with the Collier County Supervisor of Elections Office determined Tuesday night that the 1,000 faulty ballots have white blemishes in the tracking area on the left-hand margin. This prevented the machines from scanning them properly.

Cross country, like other sports, is about teamwork

Kona Grill, an American grill and sushi bar, announced that it has closed its restaurant in Naples, according to a press release on the company's Web site.

Boating forecast for Friday, Sept. 12

TROPICAL STORM WATCH CONTINUES IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHWEST FL GULF COASTAL WATERS. AT 800 AM EDT THE CENTER OF HURRICANE IKE WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 21.1 NO. LONGITUDE 77.9 WEST. THIS LOCATION IS ABOUT 360 MILES SE OF MIAMI OR ABOUT 430 MILES SE OF NAPLES.

Flowers? They die too fast. Chocolate? Better, but there’s only so many Harshey kisses you can enjoy without making yourself sick. Champagne? Now THAT is something both you and your sweetie (or just you if you are single and still feel like celebrating) can really enjoy together. Here's a guide to score a great bottle of sparkling wine without going broke...

I would like to give you a run-down of the many subjects involved with boating safety in the form of a quick Q&. I number them for easy recall.

Now that the baseball season has come and gone, I can't help but remember the good, bad, and downright ugly things that happened this year...

Here we are in October already and I haven’t even started thinking about Halloween yet. I have to say, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. Even though it has become commercialized like everything else it is still a lot of fun. I enjoy the weather at this time of year (it is a little cooler) and it is the one time of year you actually see some of your neighbors. I am sad that many places have decided to stop celebrating Halloween and are instead calling it a Fall Festival. I guess Halloween is not PC.

The season finally ended and what a year it was. We took the season to the last possible day you can have in Minor League Baseball.

Margie Ogle is an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP™ ) and a member of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP ™).

As I write this, we're hours away from the first preseason game, and I'm fired up.

The sandy beaches and the gorgeous warm waters of Marco Island can make for the perfect day unless you are one of the unfortunate ones that encounter a Dasyatidae, also known as stingrays.

The snook bite is going off on the beaches! The best time to get out there with a fly rod is at daybreak but the bite can last well into the heat of the afternoon if conditions are favorable. Look for the bait and cast on the fringes. There's no need to cast out very far; in fact, you shouldn't even have to get your feet wet as long as the tides rollin' in!

The Pittsburgh Pirates made three early runs stand up in a 3-2 win over the Red Sox.

It took you guys long enough to hit the nail on the head as to what has caused this "slump" if you will. Chip gets extra credit for coming up with the answer -- I'M NOT THERE.

Instead of the Curse of the Bambino you now have the Curse of AK.

North Dakota fans are chanting and feeling better but FGCU still is in cruise control with a 77-56 lead with less than five minutes remaining. Well, there's a Steffi Sorensen steal and layup. That's how fast the Eagles are in this.

Keep the dream alive with the Cinema Ninjas!

Monday qualifier Tim Conley finished up at 6-under.

I kind of worked it out the last 25 holes were just really as good as I can play, I think. I’m still making mental errors because it’s my first tournament since September.

Should Cubans be considered political refugees and still be allowed to freely return to the country they fled as often as they want?

She was always going to be a great champion, Serena Williams. From her early days on tour it was obvious she had great natural skill and a fierce drive to win and be more than just 'Venus' little sister".

You haven't been able turn on a television in the past two months without seeing one of the incessant promos for former "Friend" Courtney Cox's new FX series "Dirt," which purports to follow the adventures of a tabloid editor and her motley crew into the bowels of gossip and scandal in Hollywood.

Hey guys.

We had a great meeting last night with really good conversation about a hot topic affecting local schools: random drug testing of athletes.

The Florida Everblades have kicked off their season with a number of wins, and also a few losses. But that's okay! Hockey Gameday blog is back.

Here's what came of the affordable housing meetings: nothing

Golf teed off Monday and swimming is diving into the postseason today. Many of the area teams are still alive after districts, so it will be interesting to see how golfers from Southwest Florida will fare on the fairways with the best in the state.

X-tina and Ray LaMontagne get their retro on and in turn release some great music.

For an alternative to modern sword and sorcery tales, look as far back as 1965 and science fiction master Michael Moorcock, who created an albino antihero, Elric of Melniboné, to take up the struggle in the eternal war (is there any other) between good and evil.

Answer: Corned beef hash, baked beans, ham and cheese and white bread.
Question: What are foods you won't find in The Ritz-Carlton dining room.

Are you sure that was a Category 3?

It's a good thing we all get along because working in a room that's probably 12 feet by 20 feet with five or six other people isn't the friendliest of situations.

South Lee County responders back in action, ready for assessments.

Fire alarms were tripped throughout the morning due to losses in power. Evacuees were already standing in lines that stretched the entire length of the concourse waiting for their breakfast, fruit and struedel, when an automated message blared over the loudspeakers at 7:58 a.m. telling them to report to the nearest exit.