Toady Montana awaits execution
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Showing posts with label Dunedin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dunedin. Show all posts
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Say Hello to my Little Friend - Toady Montana
Meet Toady Montana.
Toady is part of the new Cuban crime-wave here in Florida and don't let his name fool you. Toady is ALL FROG. In fact he's a Cuban Tree Frog, AKA Osteopilus Septentrionalis and his gang is so fearsome, they have a contract on their heads.
Even the Greenie-Tree-Huggers say: "He's gotta go!"
The University of Florida has a hit out on Toady and his pals, with detailed instructions available on their website for a gruesome Benzocaine/Freezer recommended 'whacking'....http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw259
Toady's fate remains unclear. Seen here in a Dunedin fire pit after his capture, he doesn't seem so fearsome. In fact, Cuban tree frogs are commonly available in the pet trade elsewhere in the United States. but he skin of Cuban tree frogs secretes a toxic mucus that can burn the eyes and trigger an allergic (or asthmatic) reaction.
Here in Florida, many people have reported that after they first noticed a Cuban tree frog in their yard, they noticed the gradual disappearance of the other frogs, toads and even lizards. That's because Cuban tree frogs are voracious eaters -- and unfortunately they eat Florida's native frogs, toads, and lizards, in addition to insects and spiders.
That is why the kill-on-sight order was issued by 'The Commission'.
Toady keeps insisting that he is a political refuge and that there is Nothing we can do to him that Castro hasn't already done. Upon apprehension, Toady croaked: "You want to play rough, OK!"
What should we do with Toady??
Friday, August 31, 2012
Honeymoon Island Suicide
Traffic was blocked for a time in the west bound lane leaving the island. The The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating. The park is open today.
A very sad start to the holiday weekend :-(
http://dunedin.patch.com/articles/body-found-along-dunedin-causeway
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Dunedin Study: Dope makes you Dumb!
Young Stoners Run Risk of Lower IQ
Individuals repeatedly diagnosed with cannabis dependence during young adulthood had noticeable declines in IQ scores by age 38, especially when the heavy use started in their teens, researchers said.
In the small group of participants who became cannabis dependent before age 18 -- a total of 23 cohort members -- the decline translated to an average of about 8 IQ points, whereas 14 participants who also showed heavy cannabis use but only beginning in adulthood showed only a very small drop in full-scale scores (P=0.02), Meier and colleagues indicated online in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The researchers also reported that the size of the mean decline increased with the number of cannabis dependence diagnoses that participants had received in five evaluations conducted from ages 18 to 38 (P<0.0001 for trend).
"Collectively, [the study's] findings are consistent with speculation that cannabis use in adolescence, when the brain is undergoing critical development, may have neurotoxic effects," Meier and colleagues wrote.
Study participants were members of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study. It attempted to track all children born in Dunedin, New Zealand, from April 1972 to March 1973 starting at age 3. At age 38, the investigators had data on IQ testing and cannabis dependence diagnoses on 874 cohort members.
Besides assessing cannabis use, the five structured interviews in adulthood also elicited information on use of other illicit drugs and alcohol. IQ tests were conducted initially at ages 7 to 13 and again at age 38.
Among participants included in the current analysis, 242 never reported cannabis use in the structured interviews nor were they ever diagnosed with dependence; 479 indicated some use but never received a diagnosis; and 80, 35, and 38 had received one, two, or three or more dependence diagnoses in the adult evaluations.
Baseline mean IQ scores were similar and close to the standardized population average of 100 in these cannabis-use subgroups. However, at age 38, the mean scores had diverged considerably. The change from baseline was as follows (P values not reported):
- Never used, never diagnosed: +0.80
- Used, never diagnosed: -1.07
- One diagnosis: -1.62
- Two diagnoses: -2.47
- Three or more diagnoses: -5.75
For participants with three or more diagnoses, the change was -0.38 units.
The researchers also stratified participants into two groups according to whether, at a given interview, they reported using cannabis at least once a week on average ("regular user").
Individuals classed as regular users at least three times in the study also showed the largest declines in IQ between tests (mean -5.23 IQ points, -0.35 standard deviation units, P value not reported), whereas little change was seen in those never reporting regular use.
Similar patterns were seen in IQ subdomain scores.
These small to medium declines were also seen in this participant group in tests of memory, processing speed, and executive function.
Meier and colleagues sought to rule out potential confounding factors, taking educational attainment and use of alcohol and other drugs into account.
When they restricted their analysis to 278 participants who did not get beyond high school, again those with three or more dependence diagnoses showed medium-level declines in IQ (mean -0.48 standard deviation units) whereas those in the never-used, never-diagnosed category had essentially no change (mean -0.03 units, P=0.0009 for trend).
The pattern also held up when the researchers excluded participants with persistent dependence on tobacco, alcohol, and "hard" drugs, and also those with diagnoses of schizophrenia.
However, the strongest relationships between persistent dependence and IQ decline applied to those who began heavy use in adolescence. Meier and colleagues suggested that, actually, the relationship between dependence and IQ decline may be entirely driven by this group.
The 23 participants with adolescent-onset dependence and at least three diagnoses overall showed a mean decline of about 0.53 standard deviation units, compared with a drop of about 0.13 among those with three diagnoses that all came during adulthood (P=0.02).
Nonsignificant trends toward greater declines in IQ were also seen in those teen-onset dependence but fewer total diagnoses of dependence.
"In fact, adult-onset cannabis users did not appear to experience IQ decline as a function of persistent cannabis use," Meier and colleagues wrote.
They cautioned that their data did not prove that heavy cannabis use actually caused the decline.
"There may be some unknown 'third' variable that could account for the findings. The data also cannot reveal the mechanism underlying the association between persistent cannabis dependence and neuropsychological decline," they wrote.
They also acknowledged that their data relied on self-report of cannabis use, without confirmation from blood or urine testing.
But these caveats did not stop them from speculating on causal mechanisms and the implications of a causal relationship.
Meier and colleagues noted that animal studies as well as theories of neural development during adolescence support a neurotoxic effect of cannabis in the young adult brain.
Moreover, they argued, their findings should inform public health programs.
"Prevention and policy efforts should focus on delivering to the public the message that cannabis use during adolescence can have harmful effects on neuropsychological functioning, delaying the onset of cannabis use at least until adulthood, and encouraging cessation of cannabis use particularly for those who began using cannabis in adolescence," they wrote.
Duke University, in a press release, was even less circumspect in a press release headlined, "Adolescent pot use leaves lasting mental deficits."
Its first sentence claimed that "the persistent, dependent use of marijuana before age 18 has been shown to cause lasting harm to a person's intelligence, attention and memory" in the study.
The
Dunedin cohort study was funded by the New Zealand Health Research
Council. The current analysis was supported by the U.K. Medical Research
Council, the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and the Jacobs
Foundation.
No potential conflicts of interest were reported.
No potential conflicts of interest were reported.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Aliens Welcome in Ozona, FL - Updated Pics
I saw quite an interesting thing this morning when seaching Zillow for Ozona, FL real estate listings. I was shocked to discover that Ozona not only welcomes aliens, they actually "heart" them! In fact, as the included photo indicates (Thanks Galaxy Tab!); At least one Ozona resident has extended an invitation to come and "Take Me".....
I won't list the actual address, but you can see the street listed :-).
I won't list the actual address, but you can see the street listed :-).
Friday, December 2, 2011
29 Arrested at Occupy Tampa Bay (2 from Dunedin)
Two from Dunedin Arrested in Occupy Tampa Demonstration
A Dunedin man and at least one former Dunedin High School grad are among 29 demonstrators arrested at an Occupy Tampa movement Thursday evening.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Get Fluoride Out of Dunedin Drinking Water
SIGN THE PETITION!
http://www.change.org/petitions/get-fluoride-out-of-dunedin-drinking-water?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition&utm_term=own_wall
Professional Perspectives: Fluoride in Tap Water
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
City Rejects State's Honeymoon Island Plan (Re-Post from Dunedin Patch)
City Rejects State's Honeymoon Island Plan
Resolution sites a long history of protection and environmental concerns.
Commissioners formally rejected the state’s RV camping plan for Honeymoon Island in a meeting at City Hall Thursday.They unanimously adopted a resolution against the state’s “proposal to permit the installation of a recreational vehicle campsite within Honeymoon Island State Park.”
The resolution takes immediate effect. It sites a long history of environmental preservation and criticizes the state’s absence of any viable impact studies to support a plan high-impact camping.
The city passed similar resolutions in 1988 and 1999.
LIVE Images From The Dunedin Chamber of Commerce Rooftop Webcam!
Located on Main St in Historic, Delightful Downtown Dunedin!
DUNEDIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
301 Main St. Dunedin, FL 34698
Email: chamber@dunedin-fl.com
Phone: 727-733-3197
Fax: 727-734-8942
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Honeymoon Island Advisory Panel Doesn't Want Camping, Either (Dunedin Patch Story)
On Tuesday night, the public made its opinion clear on the prospect of camping in the state park. On Wednesday, a panel of stakeholders agreed.
http://dunedin.patch.com/articles/honeymoon-island-advisory-group-echoes-camping-dissention
Honeymoon Over for State Plan to Add RV Camping (From Clearwater Patch)
Honeymoon Over for State Plan to Add RV Camping
For more than four hours residents and elected officials voiced opposition about a plan to add RV camp sites to Honeymoon Island State Park to the state Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday night
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
How Do You Like Your Honeymoon Island?
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s most recent land management plan amendment, outlines plans to turn 17.5 acres of Honeymoon Island State Park into lots for overnight tent and RV camping.Clearwater Patch: Original Story
Honeymoon Island is just north of Caladesi Island and north Clearwater Beach.The DEP announcement came a mere week ahead of a public meeting to hear comment on the issue, scheduled a day after the July 4 holiday weekend.
The DEP says the move is a response to a public demand for more camping.
“Currently 53 of Florida’s 160 state parks offer family camping. On many weekends and seasonally, all of these campgrounds are full,” its website says.
The park brought in about $2.2 million last year, and operated on about $612,000. Residents say Honeymoon Island more than makes up for others, such as Big Shoals State Park in White Springs, which brought in $7,600 last year on an operating budget of about $91,000, or Ponce de Leon Springs Park, which brought in $43,000 last year on an operating budget of $94,500.
The DEP holds two meetings, both open to the public. Only one invites public comment.
Upcoming meetings:
July 5: Public meeting for proposal and to hear comment on land management amendment for Honeymoon Island; Hale Senior Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin; 7 p.m.; arrive early for seating.
July 6: Public meeting to listen as the Honeymoon Island Advisory Group reviews Tuesday's public comments on the land management amendment. While it is open to the public, absolutely no public comment will be heard; Rotary Centennial Nature Center, 1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; arrive early for seating. Only 30 or so seats available. Gate fees will be lifted.
http://clearwater.patch.com/articles/how-do-you-like-your-honeymoon-island
Location changed for meeting on new Honeymoon Island campsites
The original location was the Dunedin Public Library across the street from the senior center.
The library's capacity is 100 people, Dunedin spokeswoman Courtney King said. The Hale Center can hold 250 people and has a better sound system, she said.
Officials with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are holding the meeting to get more public input on plans to build 45 campsites on 17 acres of Honeymoon Island.
The 2,800-acre barrier island with its popular beaches is one of 56 state parks on a draft list that DEP officials say have the potential to add campsites. The state may hire private companies to build and operate the camping grounds, said Donald Forgione, DEP's park service director.
Forgione said the proposal for new campsites on Honeymoon Island and other state parks wasn't driven by budget cuts. Florida needs more camping areas to encourage visitors to experience outdoor activities and recreation, he said.
DEP oversees 160 parks and one-third of that number has full camping facilities. The 3,500 campsites in use now were built by the state and run by state employees.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Honeymoon Island Could See Private RV Campgrounds!!!
Is the state getting ready to allow private contractors to build and operate RV campgrounds at Honeymoon Island State Park?
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection wants to, saying it has plans to build 45 campsites on 17 acres of the 2,800-acre park — a move that has some up in arms.
The state could hire private companies to build and operate the camping grounds, which drew 1 million visitors last year and was on the list of the 25 most popular parks in Florida.
Florida Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, said Wednesday that this is a major policy change requiring a thorough review.
“This is a magnificent place,” he told FOX 13 on Wednesday. “It’s a state treasure. It doesn’t need to be turned into a for-profit venue run by for-profit companies.”
The idea of private companies taking down trees, paving over parts of the park and moving onto the island has caused public outcry.
DEP officials are holding a town hall meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Hale Senior Center in Dunedin, where they will hear from people about the plans. Officials were initially going to hold it at the local library, but it was ruled that venue was too small.
Fasano said he hopes people show up and voice their concerns no matter what their opinion is of the proposal.
----------------------------------
LINK: Follow this link to see the proposal.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection wants to, saying it has plans to build 45 campsites on 17 acres of the 2,800-acre park — a move that has some up in arms.
The state could hire private companies to build and operate the camping grounds, which drew 1 million visitors last year and was on the list of the 25 most popular parks in Florida.
Florida Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, said Wednesday that this is a major policy change requiring a thorough review.
“This is a magnificent place,” he told FOX 13 on Wednesday. “It’s a state treasure. It doesn’t need to be turned into a for-profit venue run by for-profit companies.”
The idea of private companies taking down trees, paving over parts of the park and moving onto the island has caused public outcry.
DEP officials are holding a town hall meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Hale Senior Center in Dunedin, where they will hear from people about the plans. Officials were initially going to hold it at the local library, but it was ruled that venue was too small.
Fasano said he hopes people show up and voice their concerns no matter what their opinion is of the proposal.
----------------------------------
LINK: Follow this link to see the proposal.
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