Apologies ~ GBE 51

This weeks topic was Apologies.

Merriam-Webster's OnLine Dictionary defines the word apology as follows:

Main Entry: apol•o•gy

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural apol•o•gies

Etymology: Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French apologie, from Late Latin apologia, from Greek, from apo- + logos speech

Date: 1533

1 a: a formal justification : defense b: excuse
2 : an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of regret [a public apology]
3: a poor substitute : makeshift

Synonyms: apology, apologia, excuse, plea, pretext, alibi mean matter offered in explanation or defense. apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to mitigating or extenuating circumstances [said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could]. apologia implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position [his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy]. excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure [used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting]. plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy [her usual plea that she was nearsighted]. pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation [used any pretext to get out of work]. alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation [his alibi failed to stand scrutiny].

We are human. We all make mistakes, learn from them (hopefully), and go about our lives. And many of us find ourselves saying "I'm sorry" quite a lot. Here are some words of wisdom, humor and pain that have been said over the years regarding "Apologies"








"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths." ~ Lois Wyse




"When you realize you've made a mistake, make amends immediately. It's easier to eat crow while it's still warm." ~ Dan Heist




"Keep your words soft and tender because tomorrow you may have to eat them." ~ Author Unknown









"Never ruin an apology with an excuse." ~ Kimberly Johnson




"In some families, please is described as the magic word. In our house, however, it was sorry." ~ Margaret Laurence




"True remorse is never just a regret over consequence; it is a regret over motive." ~ Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960









"An apology is a good way to have the last word." ~ Author Unknown




"There's one sad truth in life I've found
While journeying east and west -
The only folks we really wound
Are those we love the best.
We flatter those we scarcely know,
We please the fleeting guest,
And deal full many a thoughtless blow
To those who love us best."
~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox




"The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and for deeds left undone." ~ Harriet Beecher Stowe, Little Foxes, 1865









"An apology is the superglue of life. It can repair just about anything." ~ Lynn Johnston




"The only correct actions are those that demand no explanation and no apology." ~ Red Auerbach




"Apology is a lovely perfume; it can transform the clumsiest moment into a gracious gift." ~ Margaret Lee Runbeck









"Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." ~ Mark Twain




"It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend." ~ William Blake




"A stiff apology is a second insult...
The injured party does not want to be compensated
because he has been wronged;
he wants to be healed because he has been hurt." ~ Gilbert K. Chesterton









"Love means never having to say you're sorry." ~ Erich Segal




"An apology for the devil: it must be remembered that we have heard one side of the case. God has written all the books." ~ Samuel Butler




"Apologies only account for that which they do not alter." ~ Benjamin Disraeli









"Friends are God's apology for relations." ~ Hugh Kingsmill




"An apology might help, but you can change your life without one." ~ Robin Quivers




"Apology is only egotism wrong side out." ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes









"I don't ask for an apology because it's only tomorrow's fish-and-chip paper." ~ Tracey Emin




"It takes a great deal of character strength to apologize quickly out of one's heart rather than out of pity. A person must possess himself and have a deep sense of security in fundamental principles and values in order to genuinely apologize." ~ Stephan Covey




"It will never do to plead sin as an excuse for sin, or to attempt to justify sinful acts by pleading that we have an evil heart. This instead of being a valid apology, is the very ground of our condemnation." ~ Archibald Alexander









"Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do so you apologize for truth." Benjamin Disraeli




"Right actions in the future are the best apologies for bad actions in the past." ~ Tryon Edwards




"The only good thing about punctuality is that it usually gets you an apology." ~ Author Unknown









"I'm sorry I'm bad, I'm sorry you're blue
I'm sorry about all the things I said to you
And I know I can't take it back" ~ Sorry ~ Buckcherry




"You say sorry, like the angel heaven let me think was you. But I'm afraid - It's too late, It's too late to apologize." ~ Apologize~ One Republic




"I don't wanna hear, I don't wanna know
Please don't say 'Forgive me'
I've seen it all before
And I can't take it anymore" ~ Sorry ~ Madonna









"What else should I be, all apologies" ~ All Apologies ~ Nirvana




"You want me to beg forgiveness, tender an apology
It's not my fault and you're not getting one from me"
~ Sorry Somehow ~ Husker Du




"I'm sorry, So sorry,
Please accept my apology.
But love is blind, and
I was too blind to see."
~ I'm Sorry ~ Brenda Lee.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



This is my submission to the GBE. This week's topic is Apologies.




The GBE, or Group Blogging Experience is great fun. Each week (usually on Tuesday) we are given a general topic by our fearless leader Alicia and we have until that Saturday to blog about it. Say whatever you want. Silly, serious, true, fiction, debate.... whatever. It's up to you.




If your interested just go to Alicia's Blog and check it out. If you want to participate comment her blog saying "I'm in", that's it. No big sign up or anything. You blog and she'll link to your blog and everyone else's on Saturday.




Make sure you're not private though. So that everyone can read your blog.

The Wisdom of Larry the Cable Guy,….

1. A day without sunshine is like night.

2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.

3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.

4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.

5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.

6. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.

9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.

10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.

12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.

13. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand.

14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?

15. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.

17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?

18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?

20. Why do psychics have to ask you your name?

21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, 'What the heck happened?'

22. Just remember -- if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.

23. Light travels faster than sound.
That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

24. Life isn't like a box of chocolates. It's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your butt tomorrow.

I knew it. The minute I saw this week's topic, I knew I'd have more than enough quotes to choose from. So this week – more quotes my peeps than pictures.



Inner peace ebbs and flows for me. I'll have it and then BOOM! It is gone. But part of the joy of getting back that inner peace is the journey. For most everyone, it is a constant journey. The first quote is my mantra. It is definitely how I live my life.




"Keep quiet. Do your work in the world, but inwardly keep quiet. Then all will come to you." ~ Nisaragada Ha Maharaj







"As human beings we all want to be happy and free from misery… we have learned that the key to happiness is inner peace. The greatest obstacles to inner peace are disturbing emotions such as anger, attachment, fear and suspicion, while love and compassion and a sense of universal responsibility are the sources of peace and happiness." ~ Dalai Lama




"There is a criterion by which you can judge whether the thoughts you are thinking and the things you are doing are right for you. The criterion is: Have they brought you inner peace? If they have not, there is something wrong with them / so keep seeking! If what you do has brought you inner peace, stay with what you believe is right." ~ Peace Pilgrim






"Eternal Inner Peace has to be cultivated daily." ~ Delphine-Gay de Girardin




"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset." ~ St. Francis de Sales









"The life of inner peace, being harmonious and without stress, is the easiest type of existence." ~ Norman Vincent Peale




"There is no such thing as inner peace. There is only nervousness or death. Any attempt to prove otherwise constitutes unacceptable behavior." ~ Fran Lebowitz









"One of the secrets of inner peace is the practice of compassion." ~ Tenzin Gyatso




"Living the truth in your heart without compromise brings kindness into the world. Attempts at kindness that compromise your heart cause only sadness." ~ Anonymous 18th century monk










"People are born for different tasks, but in order to survive every one requires the same nourishment; inner peace." ~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba




"He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe." ~ Marcus Aurelius (2nd century A.D.)









"What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen." ~ Henry David Thoreau




"Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart." ~ Carl Jung (1875-1961)









"First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others." ~ Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471)




"The course of human history is determined, not by what happens in the skies, but by what takes place in our hearts." ~ Sir Arthur Kent









"I am able to close my eyes and generate the feeling of total peace anywhere and anytime." ~ Mary Maddox




"Until you make peace with who you are,
you'll never be content with what you have." ~ Doris Mortman









"If he is to be ultimately at peace with himself, what a man can be, he must be." ~ Abraham Maslow (1908-1970)




"Never continue in a job you don't enjoy. If you're happy in what you're doing, you'll like yourself, you'll have inner peace. And if you have that, along with physical health, you will have had more success than you could possibly have imagined." ~ Johnny Carson









"When you've seen beyond yourself, then you may find, peace of mind is waiting there." ~ George Harrison ~ Within You Without You




"I've been smiling lately, dreaming about the world as one. And I believe it could be someday it's going to come." ~ Cat Stevens ~ Peace Train









~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



This is my submission to the GBE. This week's topic is "Inner Peace."

The GBE, or Group Blogging Experience is great fun. Each week (usually on Tuesday) we are given a general topic by our fearless leader Alicia and we have until that Saturday to blog about it. Say whatever you want. Silly, serious, true, fiction, debate.... whatever. It's up to you.

If your interested just go to Alicia's Blog and check it out. If you want to participate comment her blog saying "I'm in", that's it. No big sign up or anything. You blog and she'll link to your blog and everyone else's on Saturday.

Make sure you're not private though. So that everyone can read your blog.

Tropical Storm Fay Advisory Number 14

Issued at: 10:53 PM EDT 8/18/08 (gateway).


Fay continues heading for the southwest Florida coast,

A hurricane warning is in effect for the southwestern coast of florida from flamingo to anna maria island. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should have been completed.

At 11 pm edt, 0300 utc, the hurricane watch for the Florida west coast north of anna maria island to tarpon springs is discontinued. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for this area.

A tropical storm warning is in effect along the Florida east coast from flagler beach southward, including lake okeechobee.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the Florida keys from ocean reef to key west, including the dry tortugas, and for the florida mainland east of flamingo to card sound bridge.

A tropical storm watch remains in effect for the Florida east coast north of flagler beach to fernandina beach.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for the northwestern bahamas.

Interests elsewhere in Florida and the eastern gulf of mexico should monitor the progress of fay.

For storm information specific to your area, including possible inland watches and warnings, please monitor products issued by your local weather office.

At 1100 pm edt, 0300z, the center of tropical storm fay was located near latitude 25.3 north, longitude 81.9 west or about 60 miles, 95 km, south of naples Florida.

Fay is moving toward the north near 9 mph, 15 km/hr, and a slightly east of north motion is expected over the next day or two. On this track the center will cross the coast of southwest Florida tuesday morning and continue inland over central Florida later on tuesday and Tuesday night.

Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph, 95 km/hr, with higher gusts. Fay could still approach hurricane strength prior to landfall. Weakening is likely while fay moves over the Florida peninsula.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 125 miles, 205 km from the center. A wind gust of 59 mph, 94 km/hr, was recently reported at an elevated national weather service site at flamingo.

An air force hurricane hunter plane reported a minimum central pressure of 995 mb, 29.38 inches.

Storm tides of 3 to 5 feet above normal are possible along the southwestern coast of Florida near the center of fay. Tides of 2 to 4 ft above normal are possible in the Florida keys.

Fay is expected to produce additional rainfall accumulations of 1 to 3 inches over the central portion of cuba, with storm total amounts of 20 inches being possible. These rains could cause life threatening flash-floods and mud slides. Rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, with maximum storm total amounts of 10 inches, are possible for the Florida keys and the central and southern Florida peninsula. Rainfall accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are possible in the northwestern bahamas.

Isolated tornadoes are possible tonight and Tuesday over southern and central Florida.

Repeating the 1100 pm edt position, 25.3 n, 81.9 w. Movement toward, north near 9 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 60 mph. Minimum central pressure, 995 mb.

An intermediate advisory will be issued by the national hurricane center at 200 am edt followed by the next complete advisory at 500 am edt.


National Weather Service

But we have to laugh....... Lessons Learned!

Lesson 1:

A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings.The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbor. Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you $800 to drop that towel. After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob, after a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, 'Who was that?' 'It was Bob the next door neighbor,' she replies. 'Great,' the husband says, 'did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?'

Moral of the story:
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.


Lesson 2:

A priest offered a Nun a lift. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest apologized 'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak. Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.

Moral of the story:
If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.


Lesson 3:

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish. 'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk. 'I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world. Puff! She's gone.

'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life. Puff! He's gone. 'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after lunch.

Moral of the story:
Always let your boss have the first say.


Lesson 4

An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and do nothing?' The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.' So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Moral of the story:
To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.


Lesson 5

A turkey was chatting with a bull. 'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy. 'Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. 'They're packed with nutrients.' The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.

Moral of the story:
Bull Shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there..


Lesson 6

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out!
He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

Moral of the story:
(1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy.
(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.
(3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep you

No avoiding it.

Atlantic Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm Fay Intermediate Advisory Number 13a

Issued at: 7:53 PM EDT 8/18/08 (gateway).


Fay headed northward toward the southwest Florida coast,

A hurricane warning is in effect for the southwestern coast of florida from flamingo to anna maria island. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch are in effect for the florida west coast north of anna maria island to tarpon springs.

A tropical storm warning is in effect along the Florida east coast from flagler beach southward, including lake okeechobee.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the Florida keys from ocean reef to key west, including the dry tortugas, and for the florida mainland east of flamingo to card sound bridge.

A tropical storm watch remains in effect for the Florida east coast north of flagler beach to fernandina beach.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for the northwestern bahamas.

Interests elsewhere in Florida and the eastern gulf of mexico should monitor the progress of fay.

For storm information specific to your area, including possible inland watches and warnings, please monitor products issued by your local weather office.

At 800 pm edt, 0000z, the center of tropical storm fay was located near latitude 25.0 north, longitude 81.9 west or about 105 miles, 170 km, south of naples Florida.

Fay is moving toward the north near 9 mph, 15 km/hr. This general motion is expected to continue tonight and Tuesday. On the forecast track, the center of fay will cross the southwestern coast of Florida on Tuesday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph, 95 km/hr, with higher gusts. Strengthening is expected tonight and Tuesday, and fay is forecast to be at or near hurricane strength as it approaches the southwestern coast of Florida.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 125 miles, 205 km from the center.

The latest minimum central pressure reported by an air force reserve hurricane hunter aircraft is 998 mb, 29.47 inches.

Storm tides of 3 to 5 feet above normal are possible along the southwestern coast of Florida near the center of fay. Tides of 2 to 4 ft above normal are possible in the Florida keys.

Fay is expected to produce additional rainfall accumulations of 3 to 5 inches over the central portion of cuba, with storm total amounts of 20 inches being possible. These rains could cause life threatening flash-floods and mudslides. Rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, with maximum storm total amounts of 10 inches, are possible for the Florida keys and the central and southern Florida peninsula. Rainfall accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are possible in the northwestern bahamas.

Isolated tornadoes are possible tonight and Tuesday over southern and central Florida.

Repeating the 800 pm edt position, 25.0 n, 81.9 w. Movement toward, north near 9 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 60 mph. Minimum central pressure, 998 mb.

The next advisory will be issued by the national hurricane center at 1100 pm edt.


National Weather Service

Tropical Storm Fay Advisory Number 10

Issued at: 10:40 PM EDT 8/17/08 (gateway).


Fay moving northwestward, soon to move over cuba,

A hurricane watch is in effect for the Florida keys from ocean reef to key west, including the dry tortugas and Florida bay, and along the Florida mainland from card sound bridge westward to tarpon springs. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 36 hours.

A hurricane watch remains in effect for cuba from the provinces of la habana and ciudad de la habana eastward to sancti spiritus.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the provinces of cuba from camaguey westward.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for cayman brac and little cayman.

At 11 pm edt, 0300 utc, the tropical storm warning is extended eastward along the Florida keys to ocean reef. A tropical storm warning is now in effect for the Florida keys from ocean reef to key west, including the dry tortugas and Florida bay. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.

A tropical storm watch remains in effect for the southeast coast of florida from north of ocean reef northward to jupiter inlet, and for lake okeechobee. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 36 hours.

A tropical storm watch remains in effect for grand cayman island.

Interests elsewhere in the Florida peninsula, the northwestern bahamas, and the eastern gulf of mexico should monitor the progress of fay.

For storm information specific to your area, including possible inland watches and warnings, please monitor products issued by your local weather office.

At 1100 pm edt, 0300 utc, the center of tropical storm fay was located near latitude 21.4 north, longitude 80.6 west or about 170 miles, 275 km, southeast of havana cuba and about 235 miles, 375 km, south-southeast of key west Florida.

Fay is moving toward the northwest near 10 mph, 17 km/hr, and a turn toward the north is expected during the next 1 to 2 days. On the forecast track, fay is expected to cross western cuba early on monday and move near the Florida keys Monday night.

Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph, 85 km/hr, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is possible before the center crosses cuba, and fay could be approaching hurricane strength when it nears the Florida keys Monday night.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles, 165 km from the center.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 1001 mb, 29.56 inches.

Storm tides of 2 to 4 feet above normal are possible along the south coast of cuba in the tropical storm warning area in areas of onshore winds. Tides of 2 to 4 ft above normal are possible in the florida keys in the warning area.

Isolated tornadoes are possible on Monday over the Florida keys and the southern Florida peninsula.

Fay is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches over much of cuba, with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches. These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides. Rainfall accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are possible over grand cayman and over the central bahamas. Heavy rain may begin to affect the Florida keys and south Florida tonight and into monday. Rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches, with maximum amounts of 10 inches are possible for the Florida keys and south Florida.

Repeating the 1100 pm edt position, 21.4 n, 80.6 w. Movement toward, northwest near 10 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 50 mph. Minimum central pressure, 1001 mb.

An intermediate advisory will be issued by the national hurricane center at 200 am edt followed by the next complete advisory at 500 am edt.


National Weather Service

Still a Tropical Storm - Fay Advisory Number 8

Issued at: 10:41 AM EDT 8/17/08 (gateway).


Fay moving west-northwestward south of cuba, new warnings and watches in Florida,

At 11 am edt, 1500 utc, the hurricane watch on the west coast of florida is extended northward to anna maria island. A hurricane watch is in now effect for the Florida keys from south of ocean reef to key west, including the dry tortugas and Florida bay, and along the Florida mainland from card sound bridge westward to anna maria island. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 36 hours.

A hurricane watch remains in effect for cuba from the provinces of la habana and ciudad de la habana eastward to sancti spiritus.

At 11 am edt, 1500 utc, a tropical storm warning in in effect for the Florida keys from craig key westward to the dry tortugas, including Florida bay. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for cuba from the provinces of la habana and ciudad de la habana eastward to guantanamo, and also for cayman brac and little cayman.

A tropical storm watch remains in effect for the southeast coast of florida from ocean reef northward to jupiter inlet, and for lake okeechobee. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 36 hours.

At 11 am edt, 1500 utc, the tropical storm watch is discontinued for the central bahamas.

A tropical storm watch remains in effect for jamaica and the cayman islands.

Interests elsewhere in the Florida peninsula and the northwestern bahamas should monitor the progress of fay.

For storm information specific to your area, including possible inland watches and warnings, please monitor products issued by your local weather office.

At 1100 am edt, 1500 utc, the center of tropical storm fay was located near latitude 20.5 north, longitude 78.6 west or about 75 miles, 125 km, southwest of camaguey cuba and about 350 miles, 560 km, southeast of key west Florida.

Fay is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 mph, 20 km/hr. A turn toward the northwest is expected later today or tonight, with a turn toward the north expected on Monday. Fay is expected to move near the south coast of cuba today, cross western cuba overnight tonight or Monday morning, and move near the Florida keys Monday night.

Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph, 85 km/hr, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours and fay could be approaching hurricane strength when it reaches western cuba. Although some weakening is likely as fay crosses cuba, fay is expected to be near hurricane strength as it approaches the florida keys.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles, 165 km from the center. Cabo cruz cuba recently reported a wind gust of 66 mph, 107 km/hr.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 1003 mb, 29.62 inches.

Tides of 1 to 3 feet above normal are possible in the tropical storm warning area in areas of onshore flow.

Fay is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches over much of cuba, jamaica, and the northern cayman islands, with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches. These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides. Rainfall accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are possible over grand cayman and over the central and southeastern bahamas. Heavy rain may begin to affect the Florida keys and south Florida later today and into Monday. Rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches, with maximum amounts of 10 inches are possible for the Florida keys and south florida.

Repeating the 1100 am edt position, 20.5 n, 78.6 w. Movement toward, west-northwest near 13 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 50 mph. Minimum central pressure, 1003 mb.

An intermediate advisory will be issued by the national hurricane center at 200 pm edt followed by the next complete advisory at 500 pm edt.

Oh joy....... Tropical Storm Fay Advisory Number 5

Issued at: 4:40 PM EDT 8/16/08 (gateway).


Fay weaker but re-organizing south of eastern cuba,


new warnings and watches for cuba, At 5 pm edt, 2100 utc, the government of cuba has issued a hurricane watch for the provinces of villa clara, cienfuegos, and matanzas. A hurricane watch remains in effect for the cuban provinces of camaguey, ciego de avila, and sancti spiritus. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 36 hours.


At 5 pm edt, 2100 utc, the government of cuba has issued a tropical storm warning for the provinces of ciego de avila and sancti spiritus. A tropical storm warning also remains in effect for the cuban provinces of camaguey, las tunas, holguin, granma, santiago de cuba, and guantanamo. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.


At 5 pm edt, 2100 utc, the government of the bahamas has canceled the tropical storm warning for the turks and caicos islands and the southeastern bahamas. Also at 5 pm edt, the tropical storm warning for haiti is canceled north of port-au-prince. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the southwestern peninsula of haiti.


A tropical storm watch remains in effect for the central bahamas, jamaica, and the cayman islands.


Interests in western cuba, the Florida keys, and the Florida peninsula should monitor the progress of this system.


For storm information specific to your area, including possible inland watches and warnings, please monitor products issued by your local weather office.


At 500 pm edt, 2100 utc, the center of tropical storm fay was located near latitude 19.3 north, longitude 75.2 west or about 225 miles, 365 km, southeast of camaguey cuba and about 60 miles, 100 km, south of guantanamo cuba.


Fay is moving toward the west near 16 mph, 26 km/hr. A gradual turn toward the northwest with a decrease in forward speed is expected during the next couple of days. On this track, the center of fay will be near or over the southern coast of eastern and central cuba tonight and Sunday, and near or over western cuba sunday night or Monday.


Reports from an air force reserve hurricane hunter aircraft indicate that fay has weakened slightly. Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph, 65 km/hr, with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days, and fay could be approaching hurricane strength as it nears western cuba.


Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles, 165 km from the center.


The latest minimum central pressure reported by the hurricane hunter is 1006 mb, 29.71 inches.


Tides of 1 to 3 feet feet above normal can be expected in the warning area in areas of onshore flow.


Fay is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches over hispaniola, eastern and central cuba, jamaica, and the northern cayman islands, with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches. These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides. Rainfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are possible over jamaica and the northern cayman islands, while rainfall accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are possible over the southeastern bahamas.


Repeating the 500 pm edt position, 19.3 n, 75.2 w. Movement toward, west near 16 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 40 mph. Minimum central pressure, 1006 mb.


An intermediate advisory will be issued by the national hurricane center at 800 pm edt followed by the next complete advisory at 1100 pm edt.


National Weather Service

What Has Been Lost - GBE 49

This subject took me away from my norm; out of my comfort zone. In my life, I have not lost much, but I have, like most everyone, lost family, friends, love, money, innocence and inhibitions. I'm frequently at a loss for words and sometimes, on those rare occasions, I'll lose my mind. ;P



As I sit searching for appropriate quotes, I hear a hoot owl out in the trees. *peaceful* This was a challenge, but I hope you enjoy.









"Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live." ~ Norman Cousins









"Loss is nothing else but change, and change is Nature's delight." ~ Marcus Aurelius









"I am responsible. Although I may not be able to prevent the worst from happening, I am responsible for my attitude toward the inevitable misfortunes that darken life. Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have – life itself." ~ Walter Anderson









"Through zeal, knowledge is gotten; through lack of zeal, knowledge is lost; let a man who knows the double path of gain and loss thus place himself that knowledge may grow." ~ Buddha









"Real loss only occurs when you lose something that you love more than yourself" ~ Anonymous









"Riches do not exhilarate us so much with their possession as they torment us with their loss." ~ Epicurus









"Gain and loss, birth and death are in the hands of God." ~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba









"I have learned that some of the nicest people you'll ever meet are those who have suffered a traumatic event or loss. I admire them for their strength, but most especially for their life gratitude - a gift often taken for granted by the average person in society." ~ Sasha Azevedo









Listen to this, and I'll tell you 'bout the heartache...

I'll tell you 'bout the heartache and the loss of God...

I'll tell you 'bout the hopeless night...

The meager food for souls forgot...

I'll tell you 'bout the maiden with raw iron soul.

~ Jim Morrison ~ The WASP (Texas Radio and The Big Beat)









"There's a bit of magic in everything, and some loss to even things out." ~ Lou Reed









"I didn't lose my mind, it was mine to give away." ~ Robbie Williams




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This is my submission to the GBE. This week's topic is What Has Been Lost. The GBE, or Group Blogging Experience is great fun. Each week (usually on Tuesday) we are given a general topic by our fearless leader Alicia and we have until that Saturday to blog about it. Say whatever you want. Silly, serious, true, fiction, debate.... whatever. It's up to you. If your interested just go to Alicia's Blog and check it out. If you want to participate comment her blog saying "I'm in", that's it. No big sign up or anything. You blog and she'll link to your blog and everyone else's on Saturday.



Make sure you're not private though. So that everyone can read your blog.

Random Act of Kindness - GBE 48

A random act of kindness is a purportedly selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual or in some cases even an animal. There will generally be no reason other than to make people smile, or be happier. Either spontaneous or planned in advance, random acts of kindness are encouraged by various communities. An oft-cited example of a random act of kindness is, when paying the toll at a toll booth on a highway, to pay the toll for the vehicle behind you as well. (From Wikipedia)



They are something seen too rare these days. But when they happen to you, they can change your day for the better. I went into this thinking that it would be quite easy to find quotes about kindness. Boy, I was right. So many great quotes, I chose to show more quotes than pictures. Not every quote will have a picture, but I really hope you enjoy these. And I wish could give each and everyone of you reading this a "random act of kindness" ~ Peace

"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." ~ James Matthew Barrie




"Be generous. Give to those you love; give to those who love you, give to the fortunate, give to the unfortunate- yes, give especially to those you don't want to give. You will receive abundance for you giving. The more you give, the more will have!" ~ W Clement Stone




"To do something, however small, to make others happier and better, is the highest ambition, the most elevating hope, which can inspire a human being." ~ Sir John Lubbock







"There are no great things, only small things with great love. Happy are those." ~ Sir John Lubbock




"Life in abundance only comes through great love." ~ Elbert Hubbard.




"Once you begin to acknowledge random acts of kindness - both the ones you have received and the ones you have given - you can no longer believe that what you do does not matter." ~ Dawna Markova







"Wherever there is a human being there is an opportunity for kindness." ~ Seneca




"It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little" ~ Sydney Smith




"See to do good, and you will find that happiness will run after you." ~ Helen Keller







"The flower of kindness will grow. Maybe not now, but it will some day. And in that kindness will flow, for kindness grows in this way." ~ Roberta Alan




"The center of human nature is rooted in ten thousand ordinary acts of kindness that define our days." ~ Stephen Jay Gould









"A kind and compassionate act is often its own reward" ~ William John Bennet




"Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on; 'twas not given for thee alone, pass it on; Let it travel down the years, let it wipe another's tears, till in heaven the deed appears, pass it on" ~ Henry Burton




"The kindness and affection from the public have carried me through some of the most difficult periods, and always your love and affection have eased the journey" ~ Diana Princess of Wales









"When you carry out acts of kindness you get a wonderful feeling inside. It is as though something inside your body responds and says, yes, this is how I ought to feel." ~ Rabbi Harold Kushner




"So many gods, so many creeds, so many paths that wind and wind, while just the art of being kind is all the sad world needs" ~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox




"Little kindness...will broaden your heart, and slowly you will habituate yourself to helping your fellow man in many ways" ~ Unknown




"Be kind — everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle" ~ John Watson









"If you were busy being kind, before you knew it, you would find you'd soon forget to think 'twas true that someone was unkind to you'. If you were busy being glad, and cheering people who are sad, although your heart might ache a bit, you'd soon forget to notice it" ~ R. Foreman




"As perfume to the flower, so is kindness to speech" ~ Katherine Francke




"Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together" ~ Johan Wolfgang Von Goethe




"A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity into smiles" ~ Washington Irving







"Giving is so often thought of in terms of the things we give, but our greatest giving is of our time, and kindness, and even comfort for those who need it. We look on these gifts as unimportant – until we need them." ~ Joyce Sequichie Hifler




"To cultivate kindness is a valuable part of the business of life" ~ Samuel Johnson




"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile" ~ Mother Teresa




"If you have not often felt the joy of doing a kind act, you have neglected much, and most of all yourself" ~ A. Neilen









"If someone were to pay you $.10 for every kind word you ever spoke and collect $.05 for every unkind word, would you be rich or poor?" ~ Nonpareil




"Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much" ~ Blaise Pascal




"I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again"~ William Penn




"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves." ~ James M. Barrie









"One can pay back the loan of gold, but one lies forever in debt to those who are kind" ~ Malayan Proverb




"Kindness is tenderness. Kindness is love, but perhaps greater that love. Kindness is good will, kindness says 'I want you to be happy' " ~ Randolph Ray




"Kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve" ~ Jacqueline Schiff









"One who knows how to show and to accept kindness will be a friend better than any possession" ~ Sophocles




"Kindness is more than deeds. It is an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch. It is anything that lifts another person" ~ C. Neil Strait




"Kindness is an inner desire that makes us want to do good things even if we do not get anything in return. It is the joy of our life to do them. When we do good things from this inner desire, there is kindness in everything we think, say, want and do" ~ Emanuel Swedenborg




"There are times that when truth and kindness conflict one ought to chose kindness, especially when a little honesty is better than a lot" ~ Leroy Jacy Syrop




"You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force" ~ Publilius Syrus









"One kind word can warm three winter months" ~ Japanese proverb




"One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness, for it is usually returned" ~ Mark Ortman




"If your words are soft and sweet, they won't be as hard to swallow if you have to eat them" ~ Unknown




"Kindness has more power than compulsion" ~ Unknown









"Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can" ~ John Wesley




"The level of our success is limited only by our imagination and no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted." ~ Aesop









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This is my submission to the GBE. This week's topic is Random Act of Kindness. The GBE, or Group Blogging Experience is great fun. Each week (usually on Tuesday) we are given a general topic by our fearless leader Alicia and we have until that Saturday to blog about it. Say whatever you want. Silly, serious, true, fiction, debate.... whatever. It's up to you. If your interested just go to Alicia's Blog and check it out. If you want to participate comment her blog saying "I'm in" , that's it. No big sign up or anything. You blog and she'll link to your blog and everyone else's on Saturday. Make sure you're not private though. So that everyone can read your blog.