One Fish Two Fish, Sticks & Stones, Under Pressure:
One Fish, two fish, small fish, medium fish, large fish. Those are the three size classifications for anyone doing the Great Goliath Grouper Count. It takes place annually the first two weeks of June throughout the state and divers are the force that gets ‘er done! I’m looking forward to meeting Mike Sippos, who in communicating with him, seems as cool as his job title is long.
Preparation’D’, Media Schmeedia, Anomalies Becoming Normality's
Implementing Preparation ’D’ is far better than having to apply Preparation ‘H’! According to the dictionary ‘prepare’ means: to get (something) ready for use or consideration. Of course the D means diving! We generally make a push this time of the year to motivate you guys to get your gear serviced now as opposed to just a few days before you plan on using it.
I have been contemplating that sentence hard for a couple of weeks now. It certainly applies in small little ways: You’re short on time and you pull into the drive thru because you’re starving and there’s nobody in line. By the time you pull away with your food there are six cars in line now. Or you’re at the buffet (remember those?) contemplating whether you want to try the dry, crusty looking chicken and the attendant walks up and replaces that tray with a fresh tray of delicious juicy chicken.
‘Election baby’ not in the sense of -- ‘damn I can’t wait for that election, baby.’ No, I’m an election baby. I was born November 3, 1964, the same day that London B Johnson destroyed Barry Goldwater to win the presidency. I guess it didn’t really matter who won since John F Kennedy was assassinated almost a year prior. I’m not a political historian but it seems to me that he was possibly the best president we ever had in that, JFK was a progressive thinker, a people uniter and beloved by a large majority.
Why Cant We Be Friends? Masters of Rationalization, Fish-anasia
‘War’ asks that riveting question way back in 1975 (when sex was still safe and diving was dangerous). Why Can’t We Be Friends?? My favorite lyricist-philospher Neil Peart answers that rhetorical question in Rushs’ 1981 song ‘Witch Hunt’: Quick to judge, Quick to Anger, But Slow to Understand… Ignorance and Prejudice and Fear Walk Hand In Hand.
The division bell clanging across this planet is ringing soooo loudly right now, not only can l hear it, but I can see it and feel it reverberating throughout my being. It’s too loud, it’s making my head ache, I can almost hear it ringing underwater. Well, JK there, nothing steals my mojo while I’m underwater! As for seeing the divide, look no farther than the cars you’re passing on the road.
As I wrote a recent newsletter in late February I was contemplating the concept of halves and how us humans are basically divided on most everything. I referenced how the half of us on our little island that are year-round residents can’t wait for the other half (part-time snowbirds) to go back up north… divers excluded (because your cool and can still dive). Here’s what I wrote: The other half of us can’t wait for that half to go back up north! We want our roads, stores, and restaurants back to normal... but until then we are dreaming of May.
In light of the recent Governor's decree we wanted to give you a brief update on how the dive shop will be affected. Our primary concern is to do what's right, minimize contact, and NOT be an instrument to spread the virus. The shop will remain 'partially' open with abbreviated hours and additional restrictions to conform with CDC guidelines.
Last month when I sat down to write my captains Chronicles I stared at the blank screen feeling like there was nothing fresh to write about. How fast and drastically things have changed! This pandemic totally sucks without a doubt. Negativity, fear, and anxiety abound us right now, however I’m trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Now that you are out diving, you will find that most of your dives will be from a boat, especially here in Florida. So, diving is diving, you say? True, but I am going to share a few little tidbits about how to enjoy your diving the most.
