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 …

By Adam Fisher Golden Gate and Palmetto Ridge were supposed to get brand new artificial turf this summer, making them the last of the Collier County public schools to get the football fields. Well, some unexpected delays caused workers to...

The Everblades annouced the signing of forward Evgeny Timkin on Thursday, making him the 11th player signing for the upcoming season. Timkin joins the Everblades for what will be his rookie North American campaign after spending last season with Avangard...

"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.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected president in 1932 when this country was in the throes of the Great Depression. At the time about 25% of the population was out of work.

...maybe it's the air or the water but our area teems with talented artists. People whose creative cup runneth over and who have the ability to distinctively portray everything from the most abstract ideas to our outstanding natural world. Elizabeth...

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

Mosques don't have basketball courts.

On illegal alien detainers.

Growing Up Bubble Wrapped.

A largely Christian spiritual renewal focusing upon patriotism and faith was ushered in by the most unlikely of prophetic leaders - media celebrity and Mormon layman Glenn Beck.

The primary election in Florida is over. What are the lessons learned, especially from a Tea Party perspective?

Baseball, Congress and Priorities

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

reflections

“Dame’s Rocket” grew along the top of a stone ditch that divided my grandmother's garden from the open fields. It was in every garden and self-seeded, so it spread itself about with free abandon.

The recent capture of bin Laden's driver and cook by the US Military spawned this investigative report by the DIT-C Press. Efforts underway by the US Military to locate and capture 911 Mastermind Osama bin Laden got a boost last...

With a blog running under the banner of "backpacking chica", I guess I pigeon-holed myself into writing about one topic, and one topic only: travel. Little did I know, just 14 months ago, that writing about fabulous wines and exotic...

Maybe the third time will be the charm? A performance of "Love Letters" has been scheduled for January 31, 2011 at the Norris Center.

The American Economic Horror Show-There has been no recovery, only a sugar high.

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

Real leadership coming from Southwest Texas!

Mary Kate, Mary Pat, and Mary Jane were sitting in their living room listening to their father shout at the television. Mary Jane shouts out to her Dad, "It's only preseason, father!" The comment was not well received. The Coughlin...

As a new semester at Florida Gulf Cost University begins, the Student Government hopes to regroup after a summer scandal

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.

Obama, Michelle, and many in his administration seem oblivious to the ply of the American workers.

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...

Battle over Clam Bay takes on a new dimension.

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.