Two Early in The Morning

Francis and Gary wrapped up a four year run of "Two: Early In The Morning" with a program emphasizing the semi-annual WSLR 96.5 Fund Raiser. Topics discussed included the heavy pollen in the air, the conviction of Chad Prater for income tax fraud, the courageousness of Tim Roe in chasing down a man kidnapping a woman, and the dangers of distracted driving. Chatter about the Fringe Film Fest and the upcoming Sarsota Film Festival highlighted the middle of the program. Concern about resolving the defective drywall problem, dialogue about the upcoming Chili Fest, a review of the dangers of gambling and the state of Florida's commitment to casinos were other topics bantered about as the duo concluded a run of many fun and information filled programs presented over the years.

Francis and Gary produced an extended version of the program on this date and covered a multiplicity of topics including the changes at Blackborn Point Park, non polluting "fireworks" displays, FPL's desire to change its name, funding for ballpark repairs, new flood zone maps for the county, and whether or not a real estate bottom has been reached for the area. Gary pointed out an article in the Herald Tribune which discussed the value of trees to the community environment. Some brief chatter was directed to the proposition to make the Auditorium a film soundstage. The destruction of our coral reefs and its implication for Florida and the world was debated. Gary announced that a new program "Between The Lines" would be replacing Two: Early In The Morning after next week's Fund Raising Program.

Francis stumbled into the studio just a couple minutes before the show started indicating a heavy fog had rolled in. This prompted Gary to mention that a listener had sent in an E mail from the foggy area to the north with an explanation about the bad smells eminating from the Whitfield/Tallavast area along route 41. Francis chatted about the success of Ben and Jerry's Free Cone Day on St. Armands Circle. Gary talked about recent news events in the area including Golden Apple Theater's request for a loan during the heavy construction period now coming up downtown. Gary then mentioned that another Ponzi scheme artist had been shut down and the parent company offices closed. The guys debated the fact that a local arts festival will be intertwined with the International Ringling Arts festival in October. Reference was made to the "leering bus driver" discussed the previous week and some implications for school bus drivers with the many duties they now have compared to the past. Talk about the toxic clean up for Ed Smith stadium transitioned into the FBI investigation into the purchase of Activeboards during he Gary Norris era and what it may mean for school districts which have purchased them. Local trash collection and recycling information closed out a lively hour for the program.

A drizzly morning outside WSLR prompted some brief banter about the weather and a review of the previous day's school revenue election. Information about a change in the direction of Habitat for Humanity resulted in some dialogue about the direction of the non-profit. A newspaper article regarding Benderson cancelling plans for a downtown hotel led to more conversation about the proposal from Ringling School of Art and Design to lease the Auditorium for a sound stage. Remarks about a news article related to a school bus driver "leering at women" encouraged a lively conversation about how it can be determined whether or not men are mentally undressing women and how many young women seem to be dressing provocatively; an activist female caller presented illuminating remarks regarding both sides of the issue. Talk about tourist-oriented activities Big Cat Habitat and Soloman's Castle made for interesting chatter. And a thanks was granted to the Herald-Tribune newspaper for their intensive examination of the insurance industry in Florida and how it affects homeowner's premiums.

Francis and Gary had a rollicking show which led off with a discussion of 2 for 1 Orioles tickets, talk about Ringling School of Art and Design taking over the Auditorium on the bayfront and conversation related to half marathons as being the longest running events in Sarasota for the near future. Gary talked about the value of his old baseball card collections stressing his woe over selling his now ultra valuable Mickey Mantle card from 1962 for just a few cents many years ago. The concept of a "leadership" mayor was debated along with the controversy about the traffic problems on Longboat Key. Sign wavers and their evolution into "sign spinners" made for amusing chatter. The show ended with a discussion of the best method for dealing with feral cats and some thought given to putting advertising on state license plates to reduce their cost.

The program got underway with Gary commenting on the "snakeathon" man getting nailed for a variety of charges because of his faking a python capture last year. The show was interrupted by a barking dog who escaped from the WSLR office and reportedly grabbed Gary's ankle; this humorous incident prompted a discussion of hot dogs and the doctors who are now condemning them as dangerous for kids. Chatter about the 2nd annual Fringe Film Fest, the rowing regatta being terminated due to the cold, digital projectors being added at a nearby theater, and the tragedy of Mike Ford -- a local football star -- being tossed off the USF team made for interesting conversation. Francis and Gary tackled the topics of more fraudulent activity being revealed with mortgages, the local jails being less full and concern about Health Care Identity Theft prior to closing out with some discussion about gambling and the toll it takes on those least able to afford to spend their money.

Dialogue about films from Ringling being shown in the Sarasota Square Mall (Sur-Reel) free of charge prompted chatter about Dick Morris -- the founder of Burns Court Cinema -- recently passing away. A little thought was given to the continuing forclosure problems in the area. It was noted that the City is authorizing a ridiculous $600,000 for decorative sails to be placed on the new parking garage downtown. Discussion about Orioles Spring Training and ticket pricing at Ed Smith Stadium made for interesting conversation as did talk about a student letter to the Herald-Tribune knocking the quality of school lunches. Gary pointed out that the live oaks do not appear to be losing their leaves as they do annually; he attributed this to the trees "being cold and wanting to keep warm". It was noted that Dick Smothers -- a part time resident -- has filed for bankruptcy despite having almost a half million dollars in annual income. Francis said he had not seen people flying kites in the area but Gary encouraged him to go to Siesta Beach where the art of flying very magnificent kites is being performed almost every day.

Technical problems affected the live broadcast on FM but the guys plowed ahead discussing new solutions to deal with red tide, Valentine's Day vows at Siesta Beach, the effect of imports on our potential purchases and the return of one of the local DeSears stores under a new owner. The Prewitt fraud instigated under the name of Jackson-Hewitt and its affect on investors led to a discussion on changes in credit card legislation and the value of "Mark to Market" for local investors. Benderson Rowing Park improvements and the Governor's Baseball Dinner made for interesting conversation and Gary warned listeners that winning the lottery did not guarantee happiness as he reviewed the Shakespeare tragedy for the audience.

Brightening the day was news that the Sarasota Film Fest has scheduled an April date for its event and also the new Florida House expects to debut the same month. Gary and Francis chatted about passive and active parks established in Sarasota and debated the issue of naming the Rays training stadium in Charlotte County, cheering for the "Power to the People" activity which caused the project to be tabled. Also bantered about were the Craig Adams revelations about fraud in the mortgage market, problems at Selby Gardens, the jail population in decline and its reasons, and tourist spot Cypress Gardens becoming Legoland. Bealls opening up new stores provided a cheery note. The guys talked about avoiding the cutting of cypress trees for mulch to contribute to the environment.

The weather is always a topic for any program and Two: Early In The Morning is no exception. Talk about the wet and cool weather kicked off Super Bowl week and chatter about the new Cat Depot, training guide dogs, and other fish and animal related topics were booted about. A discussion was held regarding the new architectural plans for Ed Smith Stadium. Dialogue was exchanged about how technology is effecting change in the way we obtain media for viewing and the fact we are looking for immediate gratification when we want to be entertained. Francis brought up the topic of overcoming adversity and referred to Martha Stewart's recapturing popularity in the market which prompted Gary to talk about the quick recovery of Marv Alpert but the slow rebuilding of Pee Wee's reputation after he was found doing some inappropriate things in a Sarasota adult theater many years ago. The struggle to renew your driver's license was debated and food "come-ons" made for lively conversation.

Opening the show Gary and Francis batted around information about the progress of the Oriole's lawsuits and chatted about the major outside contribution coming in to support the 2010 Arts Festival. Attention was given to Rod Thomson's editorial in the Observer about the lack of return on investment of the extra tax given to the schools and a phone caller provided some additional information. New College's progress in starting a new academic building was reviewed along with an update on the Honore Avenue extension and Mr. Dessberg's unfortunate garden on the rooftop which is drawing undue attention from the city. Bookstore competition, the absurd divorce involving the DNA of a chimp and problems with political correctness highlighted the second half of the show. The impact of the cold on turtles and manatees was examined while both Radio Dave and Rev. Lumpkin dropped in for quick preview of their upcoming programs.

Francis returned from his "Humpty Dumpty" hiatus and chattered with Gary about the frightening shooting at Walgreens, how women used to wear gurdles, and men used to use Palmade and Vitalis hair dressing. Kudos were given to the Ringling Museum for Art and Design for establishing a cutting edge digital film lab. "Paul From Out East" called in to indicate that some doctors are now writing prescriptions via computers and blackberrys which should result in less errors. The importance of selecting qualified people to supply and install hearing aids was reviewed in detail. Concerns about damage to the citrus crop in Florida and its effect upon the future of the industry in the state were dissected. Other topics included dialogue about about the skating pairs training in Ellenton whom will be at the Winter Olympics and a description of how to properly trim local Crepe Myrtle and Banyan trees without harming them.

Francis has been designated WSLR's "Humpty Dumpty" for taking a nasty fall and was not able to come to the studio so he called in to chat with Gary over the studio telephone line. They had conversation about the possibility of Costco and Fresh retailers coming to the area to fill the vacated stores from Circuit City and Dillards. Francis mentioned lawsuits regarding the Orioles and its impact on Sarasota with references to the importance of the Sunshine laws. The two gabbed about overpayments to CEOs, surfing in the car with a dashboard browser and its potential dangers, K2 being peddled in Sarasota schools, and the difficulty in getting new homeowners insurance with an exposed swimming pool. A debate regarding the high cost of shipping and handling charges took place and it was announced that the County is taking steps to eliminate all duplicate addresses in order to facilitate easy emergency contact.

Francis and Gary roll in the new year with chatter about Circus Sarasota getting a permanent venue courtesy of the Orioles, New College getting more high ratings, webinars as a way of getting educated, and the local food banks needing diapers. Gary mentioned going to the Farmer's Market and missing Francis in the cold. The dangers of Ambien - a sleeping prescription - were highlighted. Overfishing of grouper was discussed. Bartering as a way of transacting business was reviewed and a local caller mentioned "Junk Drawer" as a way of finding much needed objects. Also bantered about were the continuing high unemployment and the fact that condo associations are struggling to collect their assessments.

Francis and Gary celebrate the between the holiday period by talking about scams and devious activity including trying to get your clothes back from Michael the Cleaner, Niles Garden and his corrupt ventures and how entrepreneurs are trying to capitalize on the Madoff scandal by luring people to auctions using his name. A progress report on the Orioles was presented. Newspaper readers analysis' of the Gwen MacKenzie salary increase were reviewed. The excitement of the Perlman choir presentation was highlighted by Francis and Gary talked about neighbors getting together to form the Bee Ridge Association in order to deal with their local problems. Peacocks on Long Boat Key are "for the birds" according to some residents and their destructive behavior made for some lively conversation.

Next Page