Cappy's Corner

HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER

Well, Casey Anthony walks away. I completely understand how, if the glove doesn't fit you must acquit!
 First lets start with the investigation. As always they focus on just one person, granted they did try to find leads to people who didn't exist. The nanny, babysitter and such, which of course, lead them right back to Casey. The obvious way to get away with murder is to leave reasonable doubt. The investigators tried for more than they could achieve, instead of charges that could actually be proved, how about man slaughter, they were thinking far too big and had no evidence to convict on such charges.
Just a reminder that our legal system is so ridiculous it isn't even funny. I know people who were convicted of small charges and no victim was involved and they got 10 years. Does that seem right to you. People who get caught with pot spend more time in jail, a victimless crime. There is a beautiful little girl that will never see her next birthday and I can only blame the whole family. The report of her missing a month late, sounds like they had plenty of time to make certain there was no evidence to find. Isn't the grandfather in law enforcement? You bet, he had the information and knowledge to make this all go away.
So the simple thing to do is get someone else to look as if they could have done it, thus you have reasonable doubt. Don't report the crime for as long as you can and all the evidence will be washed away by then. Our law enforcement and criminal system in Florida is so corrupt, it is easy to pull the proverbial wool over their eyes. Our legal system makes it simple to get away with murder.
 If you think for one minute that Casey Anthony will not pay the price eventually, you are wrong, because I believe what comes around goes around. Look at O.J., his life went to shit, and remains there. People who get away with murder, make mistakes and eventually get caught doing it. Casey Anthony's daughter will get her justice and public will be there to see it.

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WAX RING...

Have you ever wondered what keeps the water flowing through your toilet into the sewage instead of on your floor, and how the seal just lasts forever? Well, Monica and I have been doing some small renovation in my bathroom, (a little upgrade from the 60's) after putting down some beautiful new floor tiles  and waiting the next day to grout between the lines, it was time to put the new (recycled) toilet on.
After removing the old, gray colored toilet, which didn't match a thing, except the sink, we noticed this gross, disgusting substance sitting on the floor surrounding the drain. Monica held her head down, looking down at this strange stuff, then turned to me and grimaced. I knew we were going to have to clean this stuff off, so I volunteered Monica to do it. I don't know exactly how to describe this substance, except that is thick, sticky, slimy and covered in who knows what. Using rubber gloves to clean this thing was even more disgusting, because then your fingers stick together.
Time for the replacement toilet and underneath it was another one of those wax rings, Monica looked at me and without uttering a word, let me know that I was cleaning the wax ring off this time. You know that feeling you get when just about to vomit, well that's what it is like to clean off a wax ring.
Working in a really small space picking up the toilet to slip it onto the wax ring just perfectly while lining up the bolts was a very precarious job. Struggling with the weight, one of us holding it up while the other lined up the bolts, almost smashing  our fingers in the process. We then tested it for leaks and the wax seal worked just perfectly. I can't believe it, our first toilet installation, and guess what! It's a no brain-er!
The best part of this two day renovation was the opportunity to work with my daughter, who just loves construction. We laughed and talked the days away. It doesn't really seem like something you would plan with your children as a form of bonding or even entertainment, but we had a great time together.
I can't wait for the next project, the kitchen counter, it is definitely time to get the chicken tiles off the walls.

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ANOTHER BIRTHDAY DOWN

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LOST ABROAD

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JUST CHILLING

Got together with friends last night, within walking distance. A nice stroll lead me down wonderful tree lined buildings, with flowering vines crawling across their balconies. Came to the street that I was to meet my friends on and as I gazed down all I could see was one outdoor cafe after another. This has to be one of the mother load streets, when it comes to public intoxication.
Not really, the Germans don't appear to be drunk, I haven't seen one, not with my beer goggles on anyway.

Just sitting and relaxing until it was time to eat, then off we went to another location to get some good Berlin food. The location I am staying is referred to as little Turkey, because of all the food places, that is just fine with me, the food is fantastic.

After another night of serious sleep I rose at 9:30 or so, ahhhhhhhhh! Didn't do anything different than the Berliners themselves, drank coffee on the streets and enjoyed the beautiful weather. It is between 60 and 70 degrees, just perfect. When I say on the streets, I mean there are tables put outside in front of every cafe, bodega and anything else with a door. It is a good marketing tool, if you want to rest your weary bones, they have a sale. There is an unwritten rule that you only sit at the table that you will be having service at.

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ALL THE RIGHT WRONG TURNS

Finally I can begin embracing my wrong turns, because yesterday every time I made a wrong turn I found something wonderful. Figuring out the subway system was rough, there is no north, south, east or west. But once you figure out the direction it's all good.
I don't go anywhere without my map, but one German name looks just like another and I find myself in strange places. I got off the train yesterday afternoon, made it up to the street and was overwhelmed with the city buildings and people everywhere. Now, I must pick a direction, so I did, a fair bet would be if I found the River Spree I would be close to the City Center, well almost.

I located the river much to my surprise, along the cobblestone path was an antique market, first right wrong turn and what a great place. I could have filled a bag full of goodies, but that would end my stay. I just spent the rest of the day, making wrong turns and getting to enjoy architecture that perhaps I would have missed. I saw horse draw carriages, a couple of protests, and some beautiful wayside parks in the middle of the mayhem.

What I think is so special is how much people on bikes are respected, it is like the alternative transportation, and believe me everyone has a bike. When you are walking on the street, you must move over for the bikes, the cobblestone is made for a small walking path and a large bike path. If you have a bike you travel on buses and trains at your leisure.

Talk about a love for animals, they too are allowed on all public transportation and any where a human goes, so do their dogs. I have not seen a cat anywhere. The cute part is the dogs are so well trained, some on leases and others not, but they stand at cross walks along with the crowd waiting for the little green crossing man to appear. The dogs are so lucky here, they are respected as part of the family.

My last wrong turn of the day landed me in the largest park in Berlin, tree lined paths, clean, beautiful like paradise among the hustle and bustle of the city. Can imagine that if I would have to pick a city to live in, this one ranks extremely high.

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BEER ON THE GO

I have so much to tell, but before I forget, today I saw what I would call the absolute perfect bike. It was a bar, each seat was part of a bike, and those on board had to pedal, each person had a beer in their hand and this portable bike bar was cruising the streets of Berlin, when I saw the first one I was surprised, but after 2 or 3 of them I couldn't control the smile on my face. Would't you know it, I don't even have a picture to show for it, they move pretty fast for a bunch of drunks. The perfect way to tour the city while working off some energy and drinking a cold one. Bartender in the center making certain no one runs out. Have a great day and figure out a way that we can bring these bikes to America. Here everyone is expected to drink beer all the time, that explains why they are only 1€ or so. Sitting here at the internet cafe I have mine right next to me, it is encouraged, what can I do? Drinking and walking, sipping at the subway and on the subway, on the buses, everywhere. Its dibacery at it's finest.

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THE WORLD LOOKS FOCUSED

Now that  I have had 12 hours of sleep, it must be a miracle, because I never sleep more than 2 hours at a time. After a day of walking and walking, my body just gave out. I am now on schedule for this part of the world. My morning was simple, I stayed close to home to see if I could locate my long lost friends. After a few hours we ended up meeting at the train station and going out for a great evening, with more relaxation.

The bar was on the river, our table was actually on a floating dock, so I felt right at home. After awhile you don't even notice it, that is until you get up and the thing moves. It was great, the only lights were in the distance and tea candles in paper bags gave a beautiful glow of light.

We, Chris and Tim and myself, had great conversation that lasted for hours, our waiter was the best. Tipping is not necessary here, because they get a good wage, but this guy really deserved something special. I had some kind of Berlin specialty beer, with some only grown here herb in it. It is suppose to be famous, it was really good. The drinks here are gigantic, I could only have a couple, had to walk home.

On the way home, that is, toward the subway I noticed a crowd in front of a Turkish food stand, so I got in line and ordered me this crazy kabob thing. It was walking food, so I got on the train and headed to the hostel, full belly and the rest of me totally content. Now I can focus on some sleep.

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ALWAYS GOING THE WRONG WAY

I just don't get it sometimes. I have no, none, nada, ability to read a map, especially when I have no idea where North of South is located. I can find an island in the middle of the ocean that is only 7 miles long, but I can't find my butt with both hands.

Thought I would take it easy today, but it didn't work out that way at all. I first strolled the local area to look at the buildings and architecture, and maybe find some pastry. That went well, I returned before most people even wake up.


Then I thought it might be nice to take one of those free tours I had read about. With map in hand I head out to the streets, after 45 minutes of walking I again looked at my map but none of the street names were right. After a few minutes of looking around I stop someone on the street and show them my map, with much surprise I am told that I walked South instead of North. Turning myself back in the direction I had come I got back on track. Too late at this point for the 9 am tour, I set my sights for the 1 pm tour. I finally get there with some time to spare, find a tour coordinator and sign in. A huge crowd is growing for the tour, I figured I have just enough time to go to the bathroom before my 3 1\2 hour tour. That was an adventure in itself, I had to go down two flights of stairs to the bathroom and wait, by the time I arrived back at the street the crowd had vanished. Found the tour coordinator again and she said that I could still catch the group, I walked as fast as I could in a swollen knee state. Slipped into the group without much notice. Only to find out that we were not going to catch a bus, we are now going to walk for 3 1\2 hours.
I can do it, and in the end I did, but not without incident. Walking from place to place through the city, we finally arrive at one of the old check points called "check point Charlie" and as the crowd moved along I was paying more attention to my camera than my feet, so with a thud I found the only pot hole in the city to step in and hit the ground. As I laid on the ground my only concern was if my camera had been damaged, I never considered that I should pick myself up. The guide Taylor, finally grabbed me and hoisted me on my feet. No worse for the wear I am now the center of attention, really I didn't plan it that way!
We continued and now the last stop of the tour has finally arrived, we had walked to the Holocaust memorial, the site of Hitler's bunker, the state buildings, museums and such, now I am approached at what the German's call gypsy's and the lady interrupts the tour by begging for money, going from person to person, there is 45 of us on this tour. She finally gave up and went away, now her daughter walks up to me and tries the same thing, I tried to ignor her but she became persistent, finally I looked her in the eye and said with a loud voice "no". She proceeded to spit at me, without a thought in my head I replied with, "f...k you, you little b...h". Why out of 45 people was I singled out to be spat upon?

The tour over and the day not finished, because now I have to get back to the hostel. I decided to take the subway, map in hand, I am now paranoid about my direction and how to pay for the ticket. Asking for some help from a stranger, she tells me we pay at these machines and punch the ticket or be fined. My reply was that they would never find me. Without much problem I found my way back to the hostel, not without literally crawling back. The most important thing now was to secure a German Beer. The day now over and I am comfortably numb.

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YESTERDAY WAS A BLURR

Oh my, yesterday was a moment in time that I can't grasp. So much happened in such a short time. One moment I am in Miami, the next I am half way across the world in another country. Right now it is about 1:15 am in Berlin, Germany and I have been here an entire day. If I ramble you will have to excuse me, I am adjusting to my new time zone of 6 hours plus.

Beginning the day getting ready to board my flight overseas, 3 hours ahead of time and thank goodness for that. It starts out with one delay after another, first my travel partner gets question about the validity of her passport, we work through that and then security, we are delayed because of the kitty cats, security wants to examine them, that is alright, but they want to take them out of the carriers in the middle of thousands of people. Finally getting them to agree to bring them into a special room I find that my purse has been confiscated and now I am being examined, that is after my scanning and brief sexual feel-up. I don't let anyone do that for atleast a month of dating. Working our way past the examines and Chris only suffering minor scratches we head toward the gate, where all the stores are closed, can't hardly find anything to drink, but Chris somehow saves the day, she finds a bottle of Jack Daniels, some coke and a couple of cups of ice. The day might be saved after all.

After some more waiting we head down the concourse with cats and carry-on, so close we are again stopped. We proceed to compress our bags, because now they say we have too much carry on, we know that is not true, but instead of arguing, Chris stuffs her giant purse into the cat carrier and I stuff my purse into my backpack. Before we complete our task, the security guard informs us that it is alright to proceed. Since that cats don't count as our personal carry-on! Duh! So close now, we get on the plane and begin our long walk to the cheap seats, again I hear someone shout "You have too much luggage", instead of responding I simply pretend that I didn't hear him at all. Well, it worked, just like when you are going into a high class bar that you are not quite dressed for, just keep on walking.

Almost 10 hours later, after sneaking some Jack and coke, we land in Berlin, with tons of baggage, waiting for our extreme examination. Well, we waited for nothing, we get our baggage follow the signs and we end up outside at the taxi stand. What! Chris and I were a bit surprised, but after the flight of screaming children, who would question it, we definetly got some Karma points for not killing anyone on the flight. You will have to excuse any of my miss-spellings things don't quite work the same.

We had to find Chris's new apartment and her friend Tim, so we could get rid of the 5, 50lbs bags she brought. A series of cab rides and we got to her new place, only to find that it is on the 5th floor, and there is no elevators. Ugg, I don't even want to talk about it!!!

The rest of the day was spent with our guide Tim making us walk through the entire city of Berlin, oh my, the sights and sounds, the graffiti, no camera. I don't think I can move another muscle. I finally put my foot down and said, "Take me to my bag, so I can check in at my hostel and get some much needed sleep". Another cab ride and I am at home sweet home for the next 5 nights. I go and find something to eat and have a beer, or course, just for research, that is.

I find a friend at the hostel, who has given me advice on the sights and sounds for tomorrows adventure, without my friends, so I may focus on taking atleast my first photo of Berlin.

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WHERE WOULD YOU GO FOR A JOB?

I was asked in February if I would consider helping a friend move. When I found out where, I don't think that I even hesitated before saying I would do it. Now, the day is here for me to go on my working trip. I will be boarding an Air Berlin flight and taking off for my 4:30 flight to Berlin, Germany. There is a 6 hour difference in time so the flight will seem like forever to get there, its approximately a 10 hour flight. I wonder if they have movies on board. I packed a brand new copy of Sudoku puzzles just in case.

This will be the first of what I hope is a series of posts of my adventures. Packing everything I needed into a 18lb carry on was the most difficult, lucky that women are allowed to carry a purse that can weight up to 18lbs also, which has my camera equipment and some of the heavy stuff. My purse will roll up and stash into my backpack once I arrive and don't need to meet any weight requirements.

I plan on taking tons of pictures, I have so many digital cards I don't think I could ever fill them, but you know what I am going to give it a try. I have been working so hard for the past three months to save for my trips, spending money. I have always believed that things work themselves out. My trip is paid for by my customer, my son paid for all the other flights around Europe and I won $1,500 playing Bingo. Am I lucky or do things just work themselves out? I will miss our Mother's Day annual fishing trip, but it is never too late to celebrate when I return.

I am excited and nervous at the same time. But I thrive on the adrenaline rush of something new. I love to travel and I never expected to be able to do it again. My bucket list is full, so now I have dividends. I will miss the gang back home, I know they worry about me, I will be certain to email as many people as I can while on my travels. My ride will be here soon to take me away, the airlines require a 3 hour wait prior to departure, so I guess that puzzle book will come in very handy.

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MY AMORE'

My dearest of friends has been incarcerated recently, in February that is. The crime I don't agree is one that deserves prison time, but who the hell am I! I have been looking high and low on the "Find an inmate" searches and couldn't find him anywhere. After many weeks I heard from his daughter, and he was requesting my address so that he could write and that I could write him back.
The letter was encouraging, that is, he is doing as well that can be expected, he claims the food is not bad and he is already beginning his new education. First he will start with his GED, then he is going to check in to some business courses. I guess if you have the right attitude anything is possible. I am still so sad that he is gone, because I have seen so many people with violent crimes still walking the streets.
How can we punish people for crimes that don't hurt anyone except for the governments ego, but look at Martha Stewart, who was incarcerated for what amounted to lying. Again, it must be an ego thing, that's my opinion anyway.
My Amore' is keeping really good spirits, he even mentioned that he is very careful not to pick up the soap, when he drops it. I guess time goes by when you keep yourself busy. I can't believe he has been gone since February, that is 3 months already.

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MONTHS OF WORK, ALMOST DONE

Have you ever tried to work so fast, that your progress got slower? I have been working part-time renovating a small condo and a couple hours a day plus weekends finally shows some progress. I would have never been able to complete the job without help. My daughter and her gang pitched in, in a big way! My deadline for the job is May 1st, but today was suppose to be my final day of work, as well laid plans go, it didn't go. I ran into Murphy along the way, he was there every step of the way, this past weekend I had so many drops of screws, paint brushes, broken things, that I could only laugh at myself.

My final day was a day of cleaning and final paint touch ups. I started the morning installing a mirror, scrubbing and polishing the kitchen sink and counters, restoring them to almost original. Taping the areas that I still need to caulk, because I want it to be perfect. Fixing the towel rack that I broke the day before (set back), cleaning and installing the light fixtures and carpet cleaning.

Then I head to the bathroom for the ceiling repair, from water damage, more prep for caulking and installing the now reno-ed medicine cabinet. Time for me to repair the caulking around the bath tub, when I begin removing this creepy strip someone put down, instead of caulk. As I begin removing the strip around the tub, a whole bunch of tiles fall off (set back), now I have to clean and re-install them. I get my razor blade out and start scraping off all the gunk that accumulates around those things. Hours pass and it is approaching 6 pm.. and I am reminded that I am suppose to watch the kids, oops.

I got a lot of things done, but I still have to scrub the bathroom floor, caulk, and touch up some paint that I nicked (set back), finally finish up with the hardwood floor entry and hall. So, my final day, draws into another. Tomorrow I have to clean two houses and then head over to the condo and finish. If I have to work until midnight I will finish.

The condo looks great and I am so proud of the work myself and the crew has done. Tons of wall paper gone, pop-corn ceiling gone, cabinets re-done, closets even done, a head to toe make-over.

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DIDN'T SEE IT COMING!

After the passing of my husband, my dear friend Frank stepped in to help. He knew both of us for a long time. Frank had been my friend for close to 30 years. I always considered myself part of the family. A friend that you could always depend on. We grew even closer for awhile and he was around almost everyday. During hurricane season he stopped by with gas for the generator, dropped off bottled water. But I wasn't the only house, he made his rounds to all of his friends lending a hand. If I ever had a problem, he would be the one who could fix it. A remarkable man, who is lost from this life now.

This year seems to be abundant with loss of friends and family, but Frank's passing, well, I didn't see it coming! Sitting at my desk, doing my usual morning routine, my phone rings and it is a friend I haven't heard from in awhile. She makes idol chit chat before telling me the horrible news, Frank has passed away, she had no details for he was just discovered a matter of hours ago. As the day went by the details started to fall in place. I emailed his sister and she returned a message which I didn't understand. It was clear that I had to speak with her.

Later in the evening I got a call from Betty, she gave me the story of what she thinks happened. The scene was set first when his job called to see where Frank was. He never misses work and his boss and girl friend had become concerned. His girl friend said that she had the key to his house and would stop by to see if he was alright. She approached the house with his car parked out front, opened the door and I imagine found all his important documents laid out, with a note saying "Stop, call the police, don't' go upstairs it is messy, Sorry, Love Frank" or something to that effect. His girl friend walked upstairs anyway, as anyone would have. She stood and witnesses a scene that I dare to imagine. For Frank had shot himself, and no one saw it coming. The image that his girl friend now stores in her brain will never fade.

Still talking with Betty, she told me of his depression after the passing of his sister then his mother. After his mother he just didn't seem to snap back. They were very close and spent time together each and every day, the were an integral part of each others lives. His health was becoming complicated, yet nothing that couldn't be managed. I know that getting older we all have things that get us down. Our bodies become worn out in places, its just the way it is. Than he found that he was having trouble sleeping, and sought the help of a doctor to suggest a remedy. That remedy was Ambien, a drug know to have substantial side effects, such as depression, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide. I have seen the add on television. Well, apparently that is exactly what happened. Recently he even had his dosage increased, because it really wasn't working either. But something was working in his brain, enough to have him put a gun to his head and pull the trigger. I understand that this is graphic, but what is worse is to have your loved one suffer this same fate and you find their tortured soul abandoned.

I would love to tell everyone that if you take this drug, find another way to get some sleep. Don't be so concerned as you get older that you don't sleep as many hours. I for one has just accepted the fact that if I sleep four hours in a row I am doing great. Don't let your children take this drug, no matter how much you want them to be relieved. This drug is very dangerous. I went on the Internet and looked for stories such as this one and I found an endless supply of horror stories related to Ambien suicides.

I can recall the advertisement on television, with the lady sleeping peacefully on her bed, with little Ambien wings fluttering behind her and peaceful illusions of a wonderful restful sleep. The one thing they don't put on the advertisement is that this peaceful sleep can become permanent.

1 comments | Posted in » Controversy, Family Matters  

DATING REQUIREMENTS

It certainly doesn't take long to find out about a person, does it? I now know why I don't date anymore, it is just too much work. I have really been trying to educate myself on people and personalities. Knowing when people make you feel good and when they don't is really important. It is a difficult task to continue any relationship that constantly drains you. So, I have come to the conclusion that I must stop and think a little before going out with anyone. I thought that I would weed out any losers with my simple rules. It didn't work out like I had planned. I thought that I had pretty much covered all the big red flags, but it is so much more complicated than that. I have come up with an application process, it seems reasonable to me, a person has to fill out applications before they can even get a job interview. Before I give out my phone number any potential date must fill out and have reviewed an application.

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THE MOON MUST BE ALIGINED

I had a date the other night. I went with my date to Miccosukee Gaming, we first had a bite to eat and then he went to the tables to play some poker. I was left alone to do my thing, and so I did. Went to the slot machines and in a matter of minutes I blew 25 bucks. This was definitely not going to give me a night of fun, without becoming bankrupt. I purposely brought just a few dollars.
I headed to the Bingo parlor to have some hours of fun for just a few dollars. I was late getting in and they had already started. But I only missed a game or two. It is pretty high tech now a days, a person doesn't need to know how to play at all. I just sat in front of my little computer screen and it kept me informed of what was going on. Nothing on the first game, then the second game looked promising. The little computer told me I only need one number on two of my cards. So, I continued to sit and watch the screen, when suddenly the word BINGO began flashing on the screen. I yelled out BINGO and raised my hand. An attendant came over and took my information, confirmed my numbers and walked away. She came back a couple of minutes later with $500 bucks. Well, I can't tell you how surprised I was. I looked around this giant room of bingoers and couldn't believe my luck. There had to be about 600 people in the room. What is the odds?
Well, at that point I was so happy I couldn't erase the smile on my face. I was watching the screen and wishing the numbers I needed would be called. A few games later it looked like I was having good luck again. I only needed one number, I shrugged, and said to myself that I couldn't possibly win again. I looked up at the monitor to see which number was next to be called. It was number 18, the one I was looking for, I was so excited I yelled out BINGO. The people sitting around me were stunned to see a new person get two wins in one night. My attendant came by and checked the card to confirm the numbers, then off she went to go get some money. She arrived back at the table with a $1,000, I was besides myself. What are the odds.
I continued to play the last games of the night, I was so excited I couldn't wait to call everybody and tell them.

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DATING AGAIN?

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CONGRADULATION ON YOUR WIN

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WASTE MANAGEMENT- RE-VISITED AGAIN

I finally got a letter back from Waste Management, my guestions answered from my original letter. If you read the letter they talk about money as if it were mere pennies. I am going to forward a suggestion to them that they charge for each individual dumping and just take it off our tax bill completely. When I figured out the math, it costs a lot of money per visit. Why not charge $3 for residents, $5 for non and perhaps $7 for landscapers, etc... I think this way they will never have to turn away anyone, I think when they turn people away we find the trash in canals, vacant lots, and various other places. Then we have to end up picking that stuff up too. I also noticed in the letter that says how we have already reduced the cost of collections with the automated pick-up. You know what, I havn't noticed a reduction of any kind on my tax bill. They are always claiming that they are going to do things to reduce our costs, yet we never, ever see the reduction on our tax bills. If you are a home-owner you may want to click on the email address below and make some of your own suggestions. We have to stand up to government spending, even if it is, as they claim 50 cents a household. Don't believe it for a minute. They will use that extra money and still increase our taxes. Just wait and see.

Stand up for your rights, use your voice, send and email or make a call.

The Department of Solid Waste Management is currently testing a new Access Management System at our 13 Neighborhood Trash and Recycling Centers (TRCs). The system is being tested for future implementation and is designed to help ensure that only those residents who pay the annual waste collection fee are provided access to the TRCs. I am attaching a PDF version of the flyer currently being distributed. It provides details on how the system is designed to work and what information is being gathered during the test period.


When a resident visits the TRC, they are asked to provide the attendant with their State of Florida driver's license or identification (ID) card, as they have always been required to do. With the new system, the attendant scans the driver's license or ID to determine if the property address embedded in the bar code of the license or ID is a match against an eligible property address in our customer database. The TRC Access Management system will record the date and time of your TRC visit, the name and address on the license/ID and the type of material being delivered. No other personal information will be recorded. On-site personnel do not have access to the information recorded by the hand-held device. There are no plans to use this information to limit access to the TRCs for customers who pay the annual waste fee. The data gathered through the system will be used to enhance our ability to keep out ineligible users and improve operations at the TRCs.
During the test period, residents will not be turned away if the information in their driver's license does not match an address of an eligible property address in our database. However, if an ineligible resident (e.g. a resident who lives in an apartment, a non-service area municipality or an unpermitted landscaper) tries to use the Center, they will be denied access just as they have been in the past. While the system is being tested, you will not be turned away if you do not agree to have your license scanned. However, once the system is fully implemented, you will be required to have your license scanned to gain access to the facility.
When the system is permanently implemented, it will enable us to control operational costs by ensuring that the Centers are being used only by customers like you that pay the annual $439 waste fee. The total annual operating cost for the TRC system is approximately $25 million or $77 per household. The cost for the TRC access control equipment (hardware and software) was $161,000, or about one-half of one percent of the annual TRC system cost, which translates to about fifty-cents ($0.50) per household. The public information costs for this program have been kept very low; less than $2,000 has been spent on handouts and signage posted at the TRCs. And no additional personnel have been hired to implement this program. We conservatively estimate that implementation of the TRC access management system will generate an annual cost reduction of approximately $3 million or $9 per household. We are continuously looking for ways to reduce costs and serve you better, particularly through the use of new technologies like automated garbage collection and single stream recycling.
I hope that this information provides clarification of the TRC Access System. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me at 305-514-6789 or via email at pzp@miamidade.gov.


Pamela Payne
Assistant Director
Collection Operations

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