PENSACOLA110.COM
A SITE ABOUT PENSACOLA AND THE EMERALD COAST
Email Bill Stockland billstockland@cox.net
JULY 26, 2009
WANT TO FEEL PATRIOTIC?
Check out one of the frequent shows or practice sessions for the
BLUE ANGELS!
AS OF JULY 26TH, THE PELICANS WERE ON A 7 GAME WIN STREAK!
See a new blog about suggestions for the Pelicans:
The best and worst about the Pelicans
PelicanBooster.info
June 18, 2009
THE PELICANS CONTINUE TO EXCITE!
BANDS ON THE BEACH
Bands On The Beach is a weekly free concert every Tuesday (7 PM) on
Pensacola Beach. Bring chairs, blankets food and drink. Parking is free
and the beach is handy for a quick dip! Here local favorite Dr. Breeze entertains!
LOVE BIRDS
Or just look around! Pensacola is a nature lover's
paradise as evidenced by these wrens on my back porch!
DINNER FOR ONE
A Yellow Orb spider has dinner and has a later meal all wrapped up!
JUNE 5, 2009
PENSACOLA WAS THE FIRST EUROPEAN
SETTLEMENT IN NORTH AMERICA
Tristan de Luna settled this area in 1559
It has been occupied under 5 flags—Spain, England, France,
America and briefly, The Confederacy during the Civil War.
Of course, Native Americans were first.
The Spanish Navy ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano is in Pensacola until June 9th to participate in the events surrounding
the celebration of the 450th anniversary of the founding of the first European settlement in the United States.
This Spanish ship is the 3rd longest of its kind—370 feet.
"Simple" sail and mast rope system...huh?
FORT PICKENS IS OPEN AGAIN!
THE PELICANS ARE IN THE THICK OF THE FRAY
May Saw The Pelicans With An 8-8 Record And Much Potential
May 1st, 2009
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
UWF SPORTS
At The Top Of Their Game(s)
DANGER
Paradise Has Its Problems
Have you noticed any leaning trees? This one belongs
to a friend and it has leaned since the last hurricane.
My friend has kept an eye on it and after this last heavy rain, he noticed a void
developing under the base. Of course, he immediately had the tree removed.
WHAT AN INTERESTING PLACE!
Photos From The Final UWF Softball Home Games
Click HERE
Baby fat?
Parent and child—the parent moved forward to give
the chick a morsel of food but it looked just like a kiss.
They usually cling to trees but a brick wall will do.
MORE WREN PHOTOS 4-13-09
If you've ever tried to feed teenagers,
you probably have seen a scene like this.
Uh, you probably don't need this bit of information. Sorry. Wrens keep the nest clean
by removing the waste. As the chicks get older, they hand (?) the waste to the parent.
THE WREN FAMILY CONTINUES TO THRIVE AS OF 4-12-09
Are lizards typical Sushi fare?
You'd have to force a raw lizard down my throat too!
Female above, male below—both work hard at feeding the young!
NEXT?
UWF SOFTBALL ROLLS ON!
4-7-09
FOR THOSE WHO KNEW MY WIFE AND I WERE EXPECTING:
FIRST PHOTOS OF OUR NEWBORN BABIES! CLICK Quads
A spider web is started.
Above: Three views of very tiny wildflowers!
Wildflowers Are Everywhere—It's Springtime In The Florida Panhandle!
These flowers are smaller than a pencil eraser!
The UWF Softball Team Continues To Win Click HERE For Photos
FESTIVAL ON THE GREEN 2009
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY MARITIME PARK
A SITE ABOUT PENSACOLA AND THE EMERALD COAST
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Why Pensacola 110? The site is
named after a highway. Pensacola Interstate Highway 110 runs through
the heart of our area. Highways unite. With the right directions,
you can
start from Interstate 110 and find your
way to anywhere in the world. We hope to add to knowledge about our great
community. You won't find negativity
here—we'll choose the high road. You'll get there faster
and the view will be better.
We've kept the design simple.
The people
and beauty of the Emerald Coast need only be shown as they are.
There
is no need to gild the lily. IN THE EVENT MY CURRENT SERVER
BECOMES UNRELIABLE, THIS SITE WILL BE USABLE THROUGH THE DOMAIN
NAME: Pensacola110.com.
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Email Bill Stockland billstockland@cox.net
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THIS
ENTIRE SITE—GOING BACK 3 YEARS—WILL SOON BE REVAMPED
AND ALL PHOTOS WILL BE DELETED. IF ANY ARE OF INTEREST TO YOU, NOW IS THE TIME TO COPY THEM TO YOUR COMPUTER. We are getting ready for the Spring sports season. A GOOD TIME TO VISIT DISNEY WORLD!  IT'S STILL THE MAGIC KINGDOM! I believe this is a good time to visit
Disney World! I spent three days at the park while in Central
Florida. UWF played the athletic event but I was the one who got
to go to Disney World! Sounds unfair. The crowds seemed
down compared to other December visits. It could be the flu
scare, the economy or my imagination. AAA members who are Florida
residents, can get discounted tickets. Take a roll of quarters
for the Florida Turnpike.
See: Disney Photos My favorites? Anything in the Magic Kingdom, The Beauty and The Beast Show, Soarin', Star Tours, Hollywood Studio Tour and The Norway Display (my ancestors). There may be some good deals in local hotels. We stayed in a reasonably priced hotel that featured a heated pool, a breakfast buffet and free drinks (wine and beer) with a free evening treat that ranged from cookout fare to a good stir fry. FORT PICKENS IS OPEN AGAIN!  Is this the view once seen by the great Apache leader Geronimo? See Fort Pickens to see the latest photos from this treasure of the Emerald Coast UWF LOST TO CAL STATE It was a hard fought game that was decided by penalty kicks after 2 overtimes. It was a great season!  Because of lighting conditions at Tampa,
my photos of this night game aren't great but they do illustrate a
marvelous effort by the Argos. The best team doesn't always
win. Great coaching and great players who play hard aren't always
enough. I'm talking about luck and UWF just wasn't very lucky in
this game.
If there is interest, I can eventually post about 200 photos on line but it may take some time. If you need them sooner, contact me and I can burn a disc and drop it off somewhere like the athletic office for you to pick up.  11-15-09 UWF DEFEATED UNA 6-1! See NCAA TOURNAMENT For Photos NOVEMBER 11, 2009  See: Women's GSC Tournament For New Photos See Also: Women's GSC Tournament Part Two For Photos For More Photos See: Page Three Of Photos UWF Hosted Round One Of The NCAA On 11-13-09 See: UNA VS FSC For Details And Photos NOVEMBER 10, 2009 THE UWF MEN'S SOCCER TEAM HAD ANOTHER GREAT YEAR. THEY WENT 11—6—2 AND WERE UNDEFEATED IN THE GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE REGULAR SEASON. THEY CAPPED OFF THE YEAR BY WINNING THE GSC TOURNAMENT. COACH BILL ELLIOT HAS A RECORD OF 176—77—25 IN HIS 15 YEARS AS HEAD COACH. THIS YEAR'S TEAM OUTSCORED OPPONENTS 35—21  See: UWF Champions for photos of the tournament NOVEMBER 9, 2009 THE UWF WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM IS 19-0 AND HEADED FOR THE NCAA TOURNAMENT I've
never played soccer but I'm not stupid. Wait, there's a funnier
way to say that. "I ain't stoopid. Fortunately, it doesn't
take a genius to see that the UWF Women's Soccer team and their coach
are the real deal. It's written on their faces as they warm
up. There is a quiet confidence that sometimes breaks out into a
smile.
They play with finesse and speed. It's the equivalent of playing above the rim in basketball. As good as their physical skills are, their strongest suit is still class. You don't practice to develop class. No, you bring that to the table. Everything else plays off that. The coaches have class. The players have class. Just observe and listen. I said last year that opposites attract in magnetism and myth. Everywhere else, like attracts like. This whole program has class. |
| Only a few people know that Moses had a third tablet as he descended the mountain. Unfortunately, he dropped it. Among the lost commandments was : "As ye practice, so shall ye play." The Argos warm up (practice) with precision and purpose. And joy. |
|
In
the 4 years I have observed local college soccer, several
teams have tried to muscle the Lady Argos. Two realities
emerged. First, it is very difficult to catch lightning. In
his prime, Muhammad Ali proved you can't hit what you can't
catch. Second, the Argos are tough and can play a physical (and
clean) game. Modern soccer, played at this lofty level, is a contact
sport.
Teams
that seek physical confrontation as a way to slow the UWF
women might well heed the old warning: "Be careful what you wish for,
you might get it." It's been my experience that most people who
catch lightning quickly regret it.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR PHOTOS
FROM THE GSC CHAMPIONSHIP |
JULY 26, 2009
WANT TO FEEL PATRIOTIC?
Check out one of the frequent shows or practice sessions for the
BLUE ANGELS!
AS OF JULY 26TH, THE PELICANS WERE ON A 7 GAME WIN STREAK!
See a new blog about suggestions for the Pelicans:
The best and worst about the Pelicans
PelicanBooster.info
June 18, 2009
THE PELICANS CONTINUE TO EXCITE!
| The Pelicans return to
action on June 19th. They continue to go all out as typified by
catcher Justin Humphries diving to make a tag. We've seen great
comebacks, 400 foot homeruns, stealing home and great defense.
Week day games begin at 6:35 and weekends at 6:05. No seat costs
more than $10 and the food and beer flow! |
BANDS ON THE BEACH
Bands On The Beach is a weekly free concert every Tuesday (7 PM) on
Pensacola Beach. Bring chairs, blankets food and drink. Parking is free
and the beach is handy for a quick dip! Here local favorite Dr. Breeze entertains!
LOVE BIRDS
Or just look around! Pensacola is a nature lover's
paradise as evidenced by these wrens on my back porch!
DINNER FOR ONE
A Yellow Orb spider has dinner and has a later meal all wrapped up!
JUNE 5, 2009
PENSACOLA WAS THE FIRST EUROPEAN
SETTLEMENT IN NORTH AMERICA
Tristan de Luna settled this area in 1559
It has been occupied under 5 flags—Spain, England, France,
America and briefly, The Confederacy during the Civil War.
Of course, Native Americans were first.
The Spanish Navy ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano is in Pensacola until June 9th to participate in the events surrounding
the celebration of the 450th anniversary of the founding of the first European settlement in the United States.
This Spanish ship is the 3rd longest of its kind—370 feet.
"Simple" sail and mast rope system...huh?
FORT PICKENS IS OPEN AGAIN!
|
Fort Pickens is again
open to automobile entrance! For visitors and newcomers, Ft.
Pickens is a wonderful mixture of history and natural beauty. It
is one of our gems. History—it was a Civil War fort and the
grounds and museum are an educational experience for all ages.
The great Apache leader Geronimo was held here.
The natural beauty is
fantastic. You'll find secluded beaches, wild flowers, tons of
birds and other wild life. There is camping and fishing
available. Caution: There are venomous snakes and shade is
scare at midday. All seawater (around the world) now seems to
have a jellyfish problem and ALL oceans also have an undertow and rip
tide danger.
Seniors—you can get a
pass for $10 that gives you (and a car load of guests) lifetime
admission to Fort Pickens and most other national parks. Email me
for details.
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THE PELICANS ARE IN THE THICK OF THE FRAY
May Saw The Pelicans With An 8-8 Record And Much Potential
|
THE MAY 29TH GAME WAS AN
ALL TIME CLASSIC!
It is a baseball tradition for managers to help an umpire with a call!  Talmadge Nunnari gently reminds an umpire to stay focussed.  Nunnari escorts the umpire to his position.  Impressed with his sincere desire to help with the calls, the umpire gives "T" Nunnari the rest of the night off.  Nunnari makes one final suggestion for improvement before leaving the field. The call that led to the
"discussion" is below:
 Dallas Christison
apparently checks his swing far short of the plate. The ball
is the streak seen against the background of the person with the yellow shirt.  The next shot in the sequence appears to prove the batter did not swing. The umpire called it a swing.  Pitching coach Justin Lord would later get tossed for arguing a different call. 
 Fired up by the near fight
and their manager's ejection, the Pelicans came back to win in the 10th
inning. They scored 5 runs to win the game and leave the Grand Prairie team shell shocked! See: MAY GAMES & See: MAY GAMES TWO For more photos of Pelican action in May |
May 1st, 2009
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IT HAPPENS
EVERY SPRING!
BASEBALL IS BACK! THE PENSACOLA PELICANS HAVE OPENED SPRING TRAINING WITH A CELEBRATION AND A PLAYING CLINIC FOR THE KIDS. OUR "BOYS OF SUMMER" ARE BACK TO COMPETE IN THE PREMEIR INDEPENDENT BASEBALL LEAGUE—THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION! GAMES BEGIN FOR REAL ON MAY 14TH. Tickets are reasonable ($7-$9 And there are no bad seats in the house at UWF Spooner Field), the food and drinks are top notch and the contests and excitement are great family entertainment. Owner Quint Studer is a true sportsman and he has given us great family friendly environment along with excellent baseball!  Click HERE For Pelican Fan
A Pensacola Pelicans
Booster Site
 Spring training!  Team meeting  Future stars race to one of the clinic stations for expert instruction from today's stars. |
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
|
The community got
together at Bay View Park to honor the earth and help preserve the
environment. I have to say it was a pleasure to be around so many
dedicated and positive people. Exhibits ranged from rehabilitated
injured animals to organic food. A huge playground accomodated
the little ones and dogs found their own beach waiting! There was
one theme and it had to do with getting along with each other and the
environment.
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UWF SPORTS
At The Top Of Their Game(s)
|
UWF Women's Tennis WON
the GSC Tournament in exciting fashion. The Men's Baseball team
continues its hunt for post season play and now stands at 30-19!
Women's Golf leads the GSC Tournament after round 1. And
according to my calculations, the UWF Softball team (40-13, .750!
15-9) has made the GSC Tournament field by virtue of 3 stunning
victories over the weekend.
The softball bats came
alive with victories of 4-2, 9-1 and a rain shortened 4-2. The
rain shortened 4-2 game reverted back to the last full inning and
nullified an additional 4 runs the Argos had scored in the half
inning wiped out by the rain! The worst record the Argos could
have is still better than the best their competition could have for the
remaining tournament spots!
The UWF Softball team
finally got a little luck with the rainout of the second game on
Sunday. I think they would have won anyway, but doubleheaders are hard
to sweep against good teams and the field would have been terrible.
All year they've had to make their own luck by grinding out wins
and losing heart breaking close games. At 40-13, there haven't
been many losses. I don't think you want to play these folks if
they're going to get their share of the breaks.
Warning. There is a risk of addiction if you're going to follow UWF Sports. These "Kids" are the real thing. As a matter of fact, the whole UWF operation is first class. The academics are solid and there is positive community involvement and leadership. The campus is beautiful and the president is at the top of HER game. |
DANGER
Paradise Has Its Problems
Have you noticed any leaning trees? This one belongs
to a friend and it has leaned since the last hurricane.
My friend has kept an eye on it and after this last heavy rain, he noticed a void
developing under the base. Of course, he immediately had the tree removed.
| I'm not sure of the
science involved. I know we certainly have sandy soil. And
we sometimes get our share of rain! I once lived in a place in
Ohio where the soil conditions caused trees to fall for no visible
reason. I've also lived in places where the builders damaged the
root systems of trees and they eventually died or fell. Of course we have the great Live Oaks and they are the match of just about any trees except the Redwoods/Sequoias of California. For those who have never been to California, here is a photo I took.  |
WHAT AN INTERESTING PLACE!
|
I think I've stumbled
upon a beaver lodge here in the Panhandle. The
shape and apparent construction says beaver lodge. So does the
proximity to Lilly Pads—an apparent favorite food of Florida
beavers.
I have seen both beaver lodges and dams in Michigan.
I have also seen
beavers in Michigan and Ohio—complete with the unmistakable broad
tail. In past years, I have seen 2 road killed beavers in this
same
general area as this suspected lodge. On the downside, this lodge
appears a little small.
However, the road killed beavers were not large.
It is very possible that the lodge in question is a muskrat lodge. The size is my biggest concern. I am 100% sure of the road kill beaver identification as the tail, especially, is easy to identify. I have read that Florida has a species of muskrat called the Round Tail Muskrat but that we are out of the range of the Common Muskrat. I hope to get some photographic evidence. |
Photos From The Final UWF Softball Home Games
Click HERE
|
EMPTY NEST!
Yes, for the second time in my life I am experiencing the mixed
feelings of an empty nest. The little Carolina Wrens each made
their first flight yesterday
(4-16-09) althougth they mostly flew around the garage at first.
They
eventually flew outside and explored around the outside of the house
before quickly going further. I felt like a father watching
his little girl turning a corner to go out of sight on a bicycle
for the first time—knowing the whole world was around that corner.
Both parents hovered about—inside the
garage and outside as well. Eventually, none of the birds, young
or old, came
back. It was
cool to see them leave but it was sad also. There was so much
more I
had to tell them about watching for snakes, Blue Jays and hawks.
We'll
just have to trust that the parents did a good job.
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|
On
their own but sticking together in a scary world!
Two of the little
wrens snuggle in my garage. One of them fluttered around and
brushed
against my hair. It was really cool. My wife said the birds
sensed a
kindred spirit—mistaking me for a fellow bird brain.
|
Baby fat?
Parent and child—the parent moved forward to give
the chick a morsel of food but it looked just like a kiss.
They usually cling to trees but a brick wall will do.
MORE WREN PHOTOS 4-13-09
If you've ever tried to feed teenagers,
you probably have seen a scene like this.
|
I was too close to the nest—the parent took a roundabout route
to the chicks. They don't have great eyesight. If you stand perfectly
still, their parental instincts overcome their wariness. The chicks seem to "know" when the parents are coming but stay very still if any other creature is
nearby.
|
Uh, you probably don't need this bit of information. Sorry. Wrens keep the nest clean
by removing the waste. As the chicks get older, they hand (?) the waste to the parent.
THE WREN FAMILY CONTINUES TO THRIVE AS OF 4-12-09
Are lizards typical Sushi fare?
You'd have to force a raw lizard down my throat too!
Female above, male below—both work hard at feeding the young!
|
Mr.
Wren sings—I don't know why he's singing. It is probably not to
attract a mate as these birds are monogamous and mate for life
(average, about 6 years). I've seen a few Mockingbirds in the
area and
he may be trying to lead those notorious nest attackers away from his
brood.
|
NEXT?
|
Get a room (but hopefully, not in my garage). Brown
Thrashers are interrupted In flagrante delicto. Like the
Wrens and other birds, they may produce more than one set of chicks per
year.
|
UWF SOFTBALL ROLLS ON!
| The UWF Softball season is winding down and the team continues
to play well. They are 37-11 in a VERY tough conference. Click HERE |
4-7-09
FOR THOSE WHO KNEW MY WIFE AND I WERE EXPECTING:
FIRST PHOTOS OF OUR NEWBORN BABIES! CLICK Quads
|
The Wren Family continues
to raise their young in my garage. I normally try to prevent
nesting but I slipped up and they slipped in. Both the male and
the female take care of the feeding. Insects and worms appear to
be the cuisine of choice.
Today, I tried to get
another photo of the nursery but Mr. Wren arrived, and while I don't
speak bird, I got the idea he was offering me some serious beak time if
I persisted.
I have another reason for
viewing the nest. I didn't get a chance to see the eggs so I
can't say for sure they are all wrens.
  Above are 2 photos of
Brown headed Cowbirds and they can be a problem for other birds.
If Jerry Springer ever did a show about birds, he would no doubt try to
book some Cowbirds. Cowbirds don't nest. They lay their
eggs in another bird's nest and simply leave. Cowbirds usually
hatch first and mature first. They have an instinct to force the
other babies out of the nest. They quickly grow as large as the
unwilling host birds. Wrens and Bluebirds will wear themselves
out trying to feed the voracious eaters.
General tip: Leave babies alone. If you're viewing or photographing, try to do it after you've seen the parents leave after feeding. True story: Up North, we once saw proof that the Robins caring for some babies were killed (cat). We sharpened a pop cicle stick and we, and some friends, took turns feeding the babies Cycle One dog food. They seemed to thrive until they too, fell victim to predators. I'm not sure we could have taught them to fly anyway. No one ever mistook my vertical leap for flight. The best birds at defending nests appear to be Mockingbirds. I have seen them attack dogs that got too close and I saw a Mockingbird attack a Black Racer snake here in the Panhandle! Black Racers will rob nests. The best defense I ever encountered from a bird was in Ohio. It was early one morning in a place called Hueston Woods. I was walking out on a little peninsula. Suddenly, a duck was making a terrible commotion to my right. She was swimming in tight circles and her wing appeared broken. It looked like she would be easy to catch. Out of the corner of my eye I detected movement to my left on the other side of the narrow peninsula. Ten or twelve little ducklings were paddling away toward open water. After a few seconds, the mother's injured wing suddenly "healed" and she swam for open water and her babies. She had decoyed me! Being the great skilled photographer I am (NOT), I watched the whole scene in awe with my camera hanging around my neck! Smooth, Ansel. |
A spider web is started.
Above: Three views of very tiny wildflowers!
Wildflowers Are Everywhere—It's Springtime In The Florida Panhandle!
These flowers are smaller than a pencil eraser!
The UWF Softball Team Continues To Win Click HERE For Photos
FESTIVAL ON THE GREEN 2009
|
It never ceases to amaze
me how this area has so many talented and knowledgeable people who are
willing to share their expertise and interests with the rest of
us. The next time you get depressed by the negative complainers
and accusations of political corruption or civic stupidity, ask around
(or look around) to find out what's going on in the community.
You'll be glad you did.
You'll find arts
festivals, music festivals, food festivals and literally dozens of
other celebrations of living! The first week in April saw a food
festival, a jazz fest and the annual Festival On The Green at
UWF! It was all just a typical weekend on the Emerald
Coast. If you're fortunate enough to have the choice of
living here ( I stay though my heart yearns for San Francisco and parts
of the frozen North), not only do you have all that this community
celebrates, you're a short drive from New Orleans, Mobile and Destin.
The Festival On The Green
is fascinating and educational. Dancers, musicians and artists
make this a great event. History experts treat us to reenactments
and a wealth of information. Dog trainers show us why dogs are
everyone's best friends. Gymnastics, golf and bowling are there
for the kids. There are great play areas and even greater food
vendors. The cost of admission for this family fun? It's
free! Thank you UWF and the hundreds of volunteers and
participants. This is a great place to be and to be from!
Oh, and about accusations
of political corruption and civic stupidity? I'm from Chicago and
have lived in some Northern cities. Just exactly which of your
complaints do you think will shock me into packing my bags? This
IS a good place to live. Everyone, everywhere, has
problems. Few of them have our natural beauty.
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My apologies to anyone
who
had trouble reaching this site last week. My regular server was
being attacked and hacked and service was sporadic as they battled
back. My server is in Amsterdam (Yes, the one in the
Netherlands—it's a
long story.) I fell for some glitzy advertising by a different
host
and tried to switch what would have been a mirror site to them.
They gave me some very unfortunate advice that caused me far more harm
than good. Their subsequent apology and refund were nice
but they didn't get me
back on the net. I was due out of town and could not correct the
problem until I returned.
I attended a beautiful
sunrise wedding along the Atlantic
Coast. (Cocoa Beach)
 NOTHING COMPARES TO OUR
EMERALD COAST!
Fortunately, the married
couple was incredibly beautiful and more than made up for the fact the
beach did not compare to the Emerald Coast! I have been to many
beaches along the Atlantic Coast. I've been along the Gulf
Coast. I've traveled the entire US Pacific Coast. I've
hiked and slept on the shores of Lake Superior in both Canada and the
Upper Peninsula. They've all been wonderful in their own way, but
nothing surpasses the beauty of our own Emerald Coast!
 The Emerald Coast!
|
2-06-09 They're back! The UWF
baseball and softball teams are back in action for 2009! And
action is the right word. Games are played
at Spooner Field on campus. For a schedule see: GOARGOS.COM
 What is this about? See Golf Balls THE UWF WOMEN LOST THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME OF THE NCAA DIVISION II, 1-0 IN OVERTIME AGAINST SEATTLE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY! Click Here THE SEASON A TREASURE IN FLORIDA  Along Main Street in The Magic Kingdom "I could never convince the financiers that Disneyland was feasible, because dreams offer too little collateral." (Walt Disney explaining why he used television to finance his first theme park, Disneyland. 1955) Walt Disney Was A Genius. From the view of the social scientist, few people have had the influence on American culture as Walt Disney. You might argue about the value of having a mass culture. You'd have difficulty convincing a Baby Boomer that Disney didn't have a major impact on creating this "coast to coast" culture. It was going to happen. In my opinion, Disney merely shaped it in a benign fashion. Disney World is within 500 miles (Under 7 hours). It's pricey—very pricey—but you get a lot for your money if you value dreams. A little research and advice might help you. First, it IS expensive. Admission is about $75 a day for those over 10. Younger kids pay about $65. Parking is $12. Food prices aren't cheap. Supposedly, you are not allowed to bring food and drink into the park. For valid security reasons, bags are checked. I've never seen anyone turned away for discreetly carrying food into the park. Common sense should prevail. Don't lug a picnic basket, cooler or portable grill toward the turnstiles. Glass containers are forbidden and if you think about it, it's a good rule unless you like the idea of your children stepping on broken glass. Get a good breakfast before entering the park. Save the biggest meal for the evening outside the park. In between, why not snack on the most nutritious trail mix bars and other easy food to carry—Luna Bars, Lara Bars etc., fresh and dried fruit? Test the foods at home to determine family favorites and acclimate little stomachs to a new food BEFORE the park's exciting atmosphere. A good time to snack? Sanitize little hands with Purell and graze on Luna Bars while waiting in line. Plastic water bottles get in. Alcohol does not. On hot days (hot days in Orlando?), bottles of frozen spring water thaw into cool drinks. When the bottled ice is half gone, add tap water from a sink and you have more cool water. Research to avoid the days that are most crowded. If you bring a stroller, make sure it's one that collapses easily for the required tram rides to and from the park. Use strollers if possible. Kids will wear themselves out to the point of melt down. You see little ones napping in strollers. Weapons are forbidden. Lightweight backpacks are very useful. Everything is searched. There are reasonably priced motels in Orlando. (Under $50 a night in some cases). Have a few dollars in change for the Florida Turnpike. Kids can dress in costumes—little girls in Cinderella gowns are common. Adults cannot wear costumes—there are excellent reasons for this rule. Don't miss the parades and open air shows in front of the castle. Carry sunscreen and wear hats. Be prepared to walk a lot but be prepared to dream even more.  Christmas in The Magic Kingdom is beautiful, but crowded. (I don't work for Disney. I've been accused of working for UWF, the Pelicans, the CMP Board and probably others. This website is owned, financed and created by a private citizen—me. ) ALL SOCCER PHOTOS, INFORMATION AND LINKS (including NCAA games) CAN BE FOUND AT SOCCER PAGE ALL BASEBALL (UWF & Pelicans Professsional Team) AND UWF WOMEN'S SOFTBALL CAN BE FOUND AT BASEBALL PAGE  Kevin Mannix led The Blue Angels to Pensacola for the annual Homecoming Show. The show was presented on November 15th and 16th at the Naval Air Station. The show was free. If you're thinking about visiting Pensacola, tan air show will always be a memorable event. We highly recommend that you also take in the Museum on the base. Another good way to enjoy the Blue Angels is during their free practice sessions held during different times during the year. (http://www.naspensacola.navy.mil)  Local boxer Roy Jones Jr. has certainly had a long and successful career. Much of Pensacola shuts down during a pay per view Roy Jones Jr. fight! A beloved local young man, he is considered to be the best fighter, pound for pound, in history. (The three best boxers I ever met? I've only met three [thankfully, outside the ring]. Rocky Marciano, Aaron Pryor and Roy Jones Jr—and Roy Jones Jr. may well be the best. I met the retired Marciano when I was a kid and he was on a promotional tour shortly before he died in a plane crash. I met Aaron Pryor when he put on an exhibition for troubled kids I worked with. I met Roy Jones and photographed him when he took part in a charity softball game. All three were/are nice guys.) ROY JONES JR. WON AGAIN...IN PENSACOLA! Roy Jones Jr. returned to the ring on March 21 against Omar Sheika in a light heavyweight bout at the Pensacola Civic Center. He won an impressive 5 round TKO. It is unclear if this was a farewell match from the local favorite or the beginning of a comeback for the greatest fighter, pound for pound, of all time. Public Service: Are you having trouble understanding our system for electing a president or explaining it to a student? Click Electoral College to see how one political scientist explains the Electoral College. As most of you know, the election on November 4th merely began the process of electing our next president. The Electoral college meets on December 15th and the final electoral votes are counted by Congress on January 6th. Public Service: Have you ever heard the term "Gerrymandering" and wondered what it means in our political system? Click Gerrymandering for an explanation. PENSACOLA...It's about the sea and so much more!  An unidentified pair of vacationers enjoy a quiet frisbee toss in The Gulf Of Mexico. The ocean cooperates with a multifaceted display of diamond like brilliance. Click HERE for more scenes of Pensacola. FIRE IN THE SKY  Click HERE For Sky Scenes Around Pelican Park "Good art cannot be immoral. By good art I mean art that
—Ezra Poundbears true witness, I mean the art that is most precise."  There is a display of environmental art in
Northwest Florida. It is recognized by a college design and art
school as an example of Dada influenced art. Mark Twain is
believed to have characterized the game of golf as "A Fine Walk
Ruined." We may well have an example of "Fine Art Ruined."
Click HERE to enjoy.
A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE!  The
Edward Ball Nature Trail is a half mile boardwalk through Thompson's
Bayou,
a true hardwood swamp on the campus of The University Of Northwest Florida. Click HERE for more photos and information. THE ZOO OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA  There is this little
animal bar just outside Nairobi. One hot
day, a giraffe comes in for a drink. The bartender (a
chimp) says: "Hi friend, why the long face?" Sorry. Allow
me to be serious about animals. We have a great zoo here in the
Pensacola area. It is thirty acres—animals are in wide open
spaces as much as possible! A relaxing train ride can take you
out to view animals safely and closely! Our local zoo is an
excellent facility. It is educational and entertaining.
You'll get an up close view of bears, alligators, lions, tigers,
coyotes, hippos, snakes and many, many more. Parking is
convenient and the admission charges are very reasonable. Any
community would be proud of our zoo!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS CLICK HERE for zoo information. |
|
The University Of
West Florida—A
Class Act!
UWF people can be found
making contributions all over the area. President Cavanaugh
himself, is leading the effort to make the Community Maritime Park a
reality. UWF students can be seen doing exit polls to help
analyze the political process. They can be seen blocking the
plate in an exciting baseball game. They're diving in the oceans
to unlock archaeological mysteries from the early days of Spanish
exploration. They're giving vitality to the community.
Graduates can be seen
heading off to medical schools, law schools and
other graduate work. They can be seen all around the
area—excelling in business and doing things like creating entities that
foster business and professional activity. Name the business or
profession and more than likely, a UWF graduate has had a
positive impact on it.
"SAW A MAN WALK ON THE WATER" THE PENSACOLA SURFING COMMUNITY
 ("Saw a man walk on the water"...Free The People by Bruce Ruffin) Pensacola has a thriving
and talented surfing community.
Pensacola Beach from Navarre to Fort Pickens has some excellent
spots. The area around the Portofino Condominiums is good.
The Casino Beach (By the big ball/water tower) area, near the
pier, attracts surfers. An area called The Cross on the
road to Ft. Pickens is also a favorite. (Look for a stone cross on a
small hillside.)
 One of Pensacola's veteran
surfers handles some tough surf and high winds in December.
 Unlike parts of Southern
California, you won't be confronted with a "If
you don't live here, don't surf here" mentality from local
surfers. Pensacola Beaches are open and friendly. If you
don't live here...welcome!
THE MIGHTY
ORISKANY
STILL SERVING AFTER ALL THESE YEARS  Some people saw the
Oriskany as an aircraft carrier whose time of service had passed.
All that remained was the task of disposal. Others were thinking
a few moves ahead. They saw the Oriskany as a potential asset
rather than a liability. They worked to bring it to Pensacola
where it now rests at the bottom of the Gulf Of Mexico—a tourist
attraction for divers who come from far and wide to explore the vessel
(and our community). The proud warship still serves and we have
another gem of a tourist attraction.
Tourism must be multi-faceted. Of course we have the beaches and bodies of water. Who also wouldn't want the Blue Angels calling their community home? The Naval Air Museum is fantastic. We have our other fine museums and celebrations. We now have the Oriskany. And soon we'll have the Community Maritime Park with its wide range of attractions. We're building something for every tourist interest while we work to maintain a family friendly community of opportunity. |
| YOU CAN HAVE LUNCH WITH THE MOST INTERESTING CHARACTERS IN PENSACOLA'S PLAZA DE LUNA PARK!  A Great Blue Heron
dropped into Plaza De Luna Park for lunch while I walked there on
October 24th, 2007. The park is at the end of Palafox Place and
provides benches, green space, parking and fishing access to
Pensacola Bay. The Heron was finishing some kind of snake or
snake-like creature—maybe an eel or legless lizard. The Plaza De
Luna Park is beautiful and is a great spot to view sunsets or just
stroll to view the water and boats. It is the newest park in
Pensacola. It is the site of the old Bayfront Auditorium that had
to be demolished after Hurricane Ivan complicated other problems with
the old building.
|
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY MARITIME PARK
The Community Maritime
Park is a wonderfully progressive plan to create a showplace on the
waterfront. When completed we expect it to have such
attractions as an amphitheater, state of the art multi-use stadium,
offices, smart shops, boat docks, fishing facilities, walking paths, a
maritime museum, university classrooms, conference center, parking
garage and probably more. Folks, this is a winner! Imagine
the view as you, your family and out of town guests enjoy this
park. This will be talked about around the region and
country. With this development we should be starting a trend that
will see jobs and money pour into the area at an accelerated
rate. I believe other progressive developers will begin
eyeing other parcels in the downtown and waterfront areas. Our
first focus on this site will be on the Pensacola Pelicans.
CLICK HERE For Information About The Community Maritime Park!
CLICK HERE For A Tribute To Some Community Leaders
.
CLICK HERE For Information About The Community Maritime Park!
CLICK HERE For A Tribute To Some Community Leaders
THE
COMMUNITY MARITIME PARK IS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A BASEBALL STADIUM!
The multi-use stadium is just a part of the park. There is so
much more. It is gratifying to see so many people who were
against the idea of using this great piece of the waterfront for
"just" a baseball stadium now realize the stadium has many uses and is
just a small part of the whole project. Click the
buttons below to get information about the rest of the park and other
information about our
fine community! All of the photos were taken locally. Bring
a camera if you're coming to Pensacola!
| COMMUNITY MARITIME PARK |
| PENSACOLA
ATTRACTIONS |
| PENSACOLA—A
LAND OF BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS |
| PENSACOLA BIRDING |
| GULF
OF MEXICO |
| RANDOM PENSACOLA |
| SCIENCE LESSONS ABOUND IN PENSACOLA |
| PENSACOLA SCENES |
| PENSACOLA REAL ESTATE
NEWS |