July 4th Celebration - The cities of Clearwater and Largo will offer citizens a wonderful fireworks display at sunset on the 4th of July. For many people the fireworks display is the culmination of a relaxing, fun-filled day with family and friends.
However, every year someone is hurt due to careless handling of dangerous fireworks. If you are going to light-off personal fireworks, read the directions and be extra safe. If you intend to light-off fireworks over the water, keep our eye out for boaters who might meander into your fireworks display. July 4th can be a great day, let's hope everyone is safe when they head home after the last fireworks display.
Looking for a place to watch local fireworks?
In Clearwater, closest to the waterfront is best.
Penny For Pinellas - It is going to be interesting to observe the advertising campaign (using taxpayer dollars) by Pinellas County officials in support of the tax referred to as Penny for Pinellas.
Clever name, Penny for Pinellas, for a tax increase, wouldn't you agree?
Of course, without this add-on tax many county agencies and cities would not have enough funds for new projects. Strangely enough, some Pinellas cities are already planning how to best spend the Penny for Pinellas tax revenues.
Will citizens support a renewal of this tax?
Time will tell, but the advertising campaign in support of the tax should be most interesting to observe. At the end of the day, we are expected to vote yes. If we do not, then the ad campaign was flawed and the officials might need to spend more tax dollars to assure us mere citizens that this is a good tax and we need to keep it for many years.
Chemical Weapons Found In Iraq - Over 500 chemical weapons were recently found in Iraq. These weapons of mass destruction could have caused irreparable harm to thousands of innocent citizens had those weapons been deployed against the U.S.
Fortunately, Hussein was ousted and those chemical weapons have been found.
However, it is likely that other weapons might still be found in the months ahead.
Surprise.
Most Americans believed that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction after 9/11. In fact, most Americans believe Iran has weapons of mass destruction that could be used against the U.S., same for North Korea.
What, you have not read much about the 500 chemical weapons that were found?
Did you really think the far-left media would offer any positive press to President Bush?
So, You Think You Will Inherit Money - According to a recent study, about 1.6 percent of the people inherit $100,000 or more. The remaining 98.4 percent of all people do not inherit much money . . . or nothing.
Planning for the future?
Don't count on a big inheritance.
If you are like 99 percent of the people you were not expecting much of an inheritance. If you were not expecting much, you perhaps are not surprised with this news.
Retirement?
Better learn to count on yourself . . . and maybe not even social security benefits. (At least not 100 percent.)
Worse.
Folks in Washington want to give money to illegal workers and other far-out ideas. Maybe we should demand a fully-funded social security system before we reach out to helping illegals get money. Amazing stuff, isn't it?
Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Gallagher - In 1979 Tom Gallagher made a bad decision, he had an affair and it ultimately cost him his marriage. He has regretted decisions he made back then and has been forthright in accepting full responsibility. Gallagher later married, became a father and a successful politician.
Of course, candidate Charlie Crist was once married and divorced - and has not yet remarried. For some reason Crist's divorce has not received the same notoriety as Gallagher's divorce in 1979. The divorces are old news for both candidates and both have become highly qualified candidates for top political offices.
Why the recent attacks against Tom Gallagher?
Tough politics and political spin.
The recent treatment of Gallagher is just another example of why some qualified people would not run for public office. (Who has lived the perfect life?)
Strangely enough, negative comments could be made against most every candidate running for elected office. After all, who has not made some bad decisions, enemies, etc.!
The perfect candidate perhaps is someone who has done nothing in life. Then again, who wants that type of leadership?
U.S. Open - Phil Michelson crashed and burned on the 18th hole at the recent U.S. Golf Open. Michelson known for his aggressive style of playing golf, had a two stroke lead headed into the last hole of the Open. It is difficult to imagine anyone giving Phil Michelson a two-stroke lead on any one hole and beating him.
Of course, Michelson is not your regular golf pro. He reminds many golf enthusiasts of the golf pro in the movie Tin Cup. Thus, he will try golf shots that would not be attempted by other golf pros in the same or similar situation.
True to form, Michelson hit his driver on the last hole, of course, nearly hitting it out-of-bounds, and instead of playing for a tie (playoff), Phil tried to hit a wood out of thick tough grass. The resulting double-bogey cost him the U.S. Open win.
Amazing, and we thought the movie Tin Cup was not based on any real pro golfer. Then again, perhaps that is why people like to watch Michelson play - you never know what he might do on any one hole.
Me? I'm one of the many Phil Michelson fans. Besides, he is a lefty.
Success - Never mind what others do; beat your own record from day-to-day and you are a success. - Unknown Author