http://naplesnews.com/news/opinion/guest_columns/?partner=RSSnaplesnews.com Stories: Guest Columnsen-usopinion/guest_columns/news/opinion/guest_columns/?partner=RSShttp://naplesnews.com/feeds/headlines/opinion/guest_columns/2008-11-21T00:25:28.449072Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/16/guest-commentary-naples-government-cant-party-toug/?partner=RSSEveryone knows the old saying, you can’t be too rich or too skinny. But Naples is finding out you can have too many parties. The city’s Community Services Department and its Advisory Board (CSAB) have sent recommendations to the Naples City Council for prioritizing and understanding the impact on the city of the nearly 300 “special events” a year. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:18:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/16/guest-commentary-naples-government-cant-party-toug/?partner=RSSopinion/guest_columns1864212008-11-16T18:18:002008-11-16T18:18:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008Everyone knows the old saying, you can’t be too rich or too skinny. But Naples is finding out you can have too many parties. The city’s Community Services Department and its Advisory Board (CSAB) have sent recommendations to the Naples City Council for prioritizing and understanding the impact on the city of the nearly 300 “special events” a year.Bonita Springs, FLGuest commentary: Naples government can’t ‘party’ in tough economic timesnaplesnews.comguest-commentary-naples-government-cant-party-toughttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/15/writers-add-substance-earth-charter-vision/?partner=RSSThe problem of the 21st century is the problem of our separation from the wider community of life. Our lives are fraught with ecological disintegration, social and economic injustice and the perpetuation of political disenfranchisement, violence and war. Founded on an awareness of the complex interrelationships of the human and non-human communities, the principles outlined in the Earth Charter encourage a new vision for the age to come. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/15/writers-add-substance-earth-charter-vision/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1863532008-11-15T19:00:002008-11-15T19:00:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008The problem of the 21st century is the problem of our separation from the wider community of life. Our lives are fraught with ecological disintegration, social and economic injustice and the perpetuation of political disenfranchisement, violence and war. Founded on an awareness of the complex interrelationships of the human and non-human communities, the principles outlined in the Earth Charter encourage a new vision for the age to come.Bonita Springs, FLWriters add substance to Earth Charter visionnaplesnews.comwriters-add-substance-earth-charter-visionhttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/15/guest-commentary-volunteers-funding-needed-expand-/?partner=RSSLast Sunday’s Daily News had a wonderful article about this year’s Junior Achievement Hall of Fame banquet and this year’s honorees, Paul J. Martinelli Sr. and Todd Gates. Hopefully everyone who lives in this area read this article. Since only those people with personal involvement with Junior Achievement know about this organization, this article is to let people know why it is important to support this wonderful group. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:17:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/15/guest-commentary-volunteers-funding-needed-expand-/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1863642008-11-15T18:17:002008-11-15T18:17:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008Last Sunday’s Daily News had a wonderful article about this year’s Junior Achievement Hall of Fame banquet and this year’s honorees, Paul J. Martinelli Sr. and Todd Gates. Hopefully everyone who lives in this area read this article. Since only those people with personal involvement with Junior Achievement know about this organization, this article is to let people know why it is important to support this wonderful group.Bonita Springs, FLGuest Commentary: Volunteers, funding needed to expand Junior Achievementnaplesnews.comguest-commentary-volunteers-funding-needed-expand-http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/15/guest-commentary-lee-school-board-must-act-quickly/?partner=RSSBy now we all know that our country is in an unparalleled financial crisis. Our local economy is among the worst in the country, a fact that will have a devastating impact on the future education of our children. The largest budget line items, which should be considered for reduction, are the costly transportation program, construction program and the top-heavy administration, reflected in an administrator-to-teacher ratio significantly higher than the state average. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:15:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/15/guest-commentary-lee-school-board-must-act-quickly/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1863632008-11-15T18:15:002008-11-15T18:15:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008By now we all know that our country is in an unparalleled financial crisis. Our local economy is among the worst in the country, a fact that will have a devastating impact on the future education of our children. The largest budget line items, which should be considered for reduction, are the costly transportation program, construction program and the top-heavy administration, reflected in an administrator-to-teacher ratio significantly higher than the state average.Bonita Springs, FLGuest Commentary: Lee School board must act quickly to cut costsnaplesnews.comguest-commentary-lee-school-board-must-act-quicklyhttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/15/guest-commentary-sleep-apnea-could-be-preventing-y/?partner=RSSSleep apnea affects over 12 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. But what is sleep apnea, who is affected and what are the symptoms and signs? And finally, what can be done about this under-diagnosed, under-treated disorder? Sleep apnea causes a temporary cessation in breathing while asleep, which can last from a few seconds to minutes, and can occur five to 30 times an hour. When the breathing starts, there is sometimes a loud snort or choking sound. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:07:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/15/guest-commentary-sleep-apnea-could-be-preventing-y/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1863612008-11-15T18:07:002008-11-15T18:07:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008Sleep apnea affects over 12 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. But what is sleep apnea, who is affected and what are the symptoms and signs? And finally, what can be done about this under-diagnosed, under-treated disorder? Sleep apnea causes a temporary cessation in breathing while asleep, which can last from a few seconds to minutes, and can occur five to 30 times an hour. When the breathing starts, there is sometimes a loud snort or choking sound. Bonita Springs, FLGuest Commentary: Sleep apnea could be preventing you from getting a good night’s restnaplesnews.comguest-commentary-sleep-apnea-could-be-preventing-yhttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/15/guest-commentary-arlyne-goodwin-leaves-legacy-soci/?partner=RSSOn Arlyne Goodwin’s 81st birthday a few weeks ago, a celebration of her life was held at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation in Fort Myers. Arlyne passed away Sept. 20 after a silent battle with cancer. A former president of the Democratic Women’s Club of Collier County and the Broward Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Goodwin founded Citizens for Peace and Justice Groups in Naples and Broward County. She and her husband, Archie Goodwin, a decorated World War II veteran, published the peace groups’ newsletters for several years. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:47:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/15/guest-commentary-arlyne-goodwin-leaves-legacy-soci/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1863592008-11-15T17:47:002008-11-15T17:47:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008On Arlyne Goodwin’s 81st birthday a few weeks ago, a celebration of her life was held at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation in Fort Myers. Arlyne passed away Sept. 20 after a silent battle with cancer. A former president of the Democratic Women’s Club of Collier County and the Broward Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Goodwin founded Citizens for Peace and Justice Groups in Naples and Broward County. She and her husband, Archie Goodwin, a decorated World War II veteran, published the peace groups’ newsletters for several years. Bonita Springs, FLGuest Commentary: Arlyne Goodwin leaves legacy of social action for peace and justicenaplesnews.comguest-commentary-arlyne-goodwin-leaves-legacy-socihttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/13/guest-commentary-amendment-2-futile-effort-delay-i/?partner=RSSThe vote approving Amendment 2 — along with similar votes in Arizona and California — was a devastating but temporary setback for the cause of equal treatment for all. On Election Day, voters rejected abortion restrictions in South Dakota and, in Colorado, a bizarre measure to declare a fertilized egg a “person.” Michigan voters approved medical marijuana and stem-cell research; in Washington, voters approved “Death with Dignity” legislation. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:48:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/13/guest-commentary-amendment-2-futile-effort-delay-i/?partner=RSSopinion/guest_columns1862392008-11-13T18:48:002008-11-13T18:48:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008The vote approving Amendment 2 — along with similar votes in Arizona and California — was a devastating but temporary setback for the cause of equal treatment for all. On Election Day, voters rejected abortion restrictions in South Dakota and, in Colorado, a bizarre measure to declare a fertilized egg a “person.” Michigan voters approved medical marijuana and stem-cell research; in Washington, voters approved “Death with Dignity” legislation. Bonita Springs, FLGuest Commentary: Amendment 2 is a futile effort to delay the inevitablenaplesnews.comguest-commentary-amendment-2-futile-effort-delay-ihttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/12/guest-commentary-record-contradicts-report-deputie/?partner=RSSA Nov. 6 article in the Daily News pertaining to a closed Collier County Sheriff’s Office internal affairs investigation alluded to a perceived weakness in response by CCSO deputies to aid a requested Florida Highway Patrol traffic crash/DUI investigation of then-Sgt. George “Tray” Radford, a member of the CCSO. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/12/guest-commentary-record-contradicts-report-deputie/?partner=RSSopinion/guest_columns1861232008-11-12T19:00:002008-11-12T19:00:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008A Nov. 6 article in the Daily News pertaining to a closed Collier County Sheriff’s Office internal affairs investigation alluded to a perceived weakness in response by CCSO deputies to aid a requested Florida Highway Patrol traffic crash/DUI investigation of then-Sgt. George “Tray” Radford, a member of the CCSO. NAPLESGuest commentary: Record contradicts report of deputies hindering investigationnaplesnews.comguest-commentary-record-contradicts-report-deputiehttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/10/guest-commentary-we-revere-american-flag-more-symb/?partner=RSSThe recent column by Don Farmer on the pledge of allegiance to the flag and the approach of Veterans Day, being observed today, stirred me to say a few words about the flag itself. Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:48:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/10/guest-commentary-we-revere-american-flag-more-symb/?partner=RSSopinion/guest_columns1859552008-11-10T20:48:002008-11-10T20:48:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008The recent column by Don Farmer on the pledge of allegiance to the flag and the approach of Veterans Day, being observed today, stirred me to say a few words about the flag itself. Bonita Springs, FLGuest Commentary: We revere American flag as more than a symbol of a nation naplesnews.comguest-commentary-we-revere-american-flag-more-symbhttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/09/guest-commentary-its-time-come-together-confront-s/?partner=RSSThe 2008 elections, a painfully long and divisive national nightmare, are thankfully over. It’s now time for Americans to unite behind common goals and behind our new president-elect. Sun, 09 Nov 2008 23:11:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/09/guest-commentary-its-time-come-together-confront-s/?partner=RSSopinion/guest_columns1858822008-11-09T18:11:002008-11-09T18:11:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008The 2008 elections, a painfully long and divisive national nightmare, are thankfully over. It’s now time for Americans to unite behind common goals and behind our new president-elect. Bonita Springs, FLGuest commentary: It’s time to come together to confront serious problemsnaplesnews.comguest-commentary-its-time-come-together-confront-shttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/08/guest-commentary-violence-against-women-act-law-s-/?partner=RSSOn average, every day in this country, three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends and more than 450 women are raped or sexually assaulted. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 2 million domestic-violence injuries to women each year. If those sound like grim statistics, they are. But those of us who work to prevent violence know it used to be a lot worse. Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:16:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/08/guest-commentary-violence-against-women-act-law-s-/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1858332008-11-08T18:16:002008-11-08T18:16:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008On average, every day in this country, three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends and more than 450 women are raped or sexually assaulted. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 2 million domestic-violence injuries to women each year. If those sound like grim statistics, they are. But those of us who work to prevent violence know it used to be a lot worse.Bonita Springs, FLGuest commentary: Violence Against Women Act is a law that’s workingnaplesnews.comguest-commentary-violence-against-women-act-law-s-http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/08/guest-commentary-green-technology-can-spark-econom/?partner=RSSThe economic picture is certainly not a rosy one for Southwest Florida. The Lee County jobless rate hit the 9.2 percent mark last month, which amounts to more than 26,000 people looking for employment. Our neighboring counties to the north and east are not faring any better. Charlotte County’s unemployment rate is 9.5 percent and Hendry County has the state’s highest unemployment rate at 14.1 percent. Obviously, an economic recovery program is desperately needed, not only on the local level but on a state and national level. Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:15:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/08/guest-commentary-green-technology-can-spark-econom/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1858322008-11-08T18:15:002008-11-08T18:15:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008The economic picture is certainly not a rosy one for Southwest Florida. The Lee County jobless rate hit the 9.2 percent mark last month, which amounts to more than 26,000 people looking for employment. Our neighboring counties to the north and east are not faring any better. Charlotte County’s unemployment rate is 9.5 percent and Hendry County has the state’s highest unemployment rate at 14.1 percent. Obviously, an economic recovery program is desperately needed, not only on the local level but on a state and national level.Bonita Springs, FLGuest commentary: Green technology can spark economic recoverynaplesnews.comguest-commentary-green-technology-can-spark-economhttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/08/guest-commentary-my-proposal-diversifying-our-econ/?partner=RSSI have had the pleasure of being a Naples resident for the past 27 years. During that time, I’ve been fortunate to own a business in the construction industry, which has benefitted from the substantial growth of our area. Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:04:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/08/guest-commentary-my-proposal-diversifying-our-econ/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1858282008-11-08T18:04:002008-11-08T18:04:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008I have had the pleasure of being a Naples resident for the past 27 years. During that time, I’ve been fortunate to own a business in the construction industry, which has benefitted from the substantial growth of our area. Bonita Springs, FLGuest commentary: My proposal for diversifying our economynaplesnews.comguest-commentary-my-proposal-diversifying-our-econhttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/08/guest-commentary-open-your-mind-and-heart-hospice-/?partner=RSSA few weeks ago I temporarily sprang myself from the program at Avow Hospice. I checked out because I feel better than I have in years, which I attribute both to ending aggressive treatment for my ovarian cancer and the incredibly wonderful care Avow provided me. I also want to save my insurance coverage for when my future plays itself out and I need to nestle back into the loving embrace of hospice care. Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:03:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/08/guest-commentary-open-your-mind-and-heart-hospice-/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1858272008-11-08T18:03:002008-11-08T18:03:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008A few weeks ago I temporarily sprang myself from the program at Avow Hospice. I checked out because I feel better than I have in years, which I attribute both to ending aggressive treatment for my ovarian cancer and the incredibly wonderful care Avow provided me. I also want to save my insurance coverage for when my future plays itself out and I need to nestle back into the loving embrace of hospice care.Bonita Springs, FLGuest commentary: ‘Open your mind and heart to hospice care’naplesnews.comguest-commentary-open-your-mind-and-heart-hospice-http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/08/guest-commentary-be-smart-stand-fast-post-boom-rea/?partner=RSSOur fireworks went national in about 1995. Talking heads joked endlessly about overpriced Naples property and helped boost values by 1 percent a month! People refinanced to take “tax-free profits” for expensive doodads. Some used liar loans to essentially sell to greedy lenders at over-market. Truly, these were easy money times. Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:02:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/08/guest-commentary-be-smart-stand-fast-post-boom-rea/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1858262008-11-08T18:02:002008-11-08T18:02:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008Our fireworks went national in about 1995. Talking heads joked endlessly about overpriced Naples property and helped boost values by 1 percent a month! People refinanced to take “tax-free profits” for expensive doodads. Some used liar loans to essentially sell to greedy lenders at over-market. Truly, these were easy money times.Bonita Springs, FLGuest commentary: Be smart, stand fast in this post-boom real-estate marketnaplesnews.comguest-commentary-be-smart-stand-fast-post-boom-reahttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/05/helping-victims-domestic-violence-turns-deadly/?partner=RSSTwenty-three-year-old Brittany Ervin and her 22-year-old friend, Shaniqua Williams, were murdered allegedly at the hands of Brittany’s ex-boyfriend in a domestic violence homicide. In the midst of our collective grieving and outrage, the news media reported that Brittany had petitioned for an injunction for protection, which was dismissed because neither she nor the abuser appeared at the hearing. Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:15:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/05/helping-victims-domestic-violence-turns-deadly/?partner=RSSopinion/guest_columns1855662008-11-05T16:15:002008-11-05T16:15:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008Twenty-three-year-old Brittany Ervin and her 22-year-old friend, Shaniqua Williams, were murdered allegedly at the hands of Brittany’s ex-boyfriend in a domestic violence homicide. In the midst of our collective grieving and outrage, the news media reported that Brittany had petitioned for an injunction for protection, which was dismissed because neither she nor the abuser appeared at the hearing. Bonita Springs, FL Helping victims before domestic violence turns deadlynaplesnews.comhelping-victims-domestic-violence-turns-deadlyhttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/03/john-zogby-democratic-reform-coming/?partner=RSSThe numbers of Americans who feel that we as a nation are headed in the wrong direction, or that we're in a very serious crisis, are worse than during Watergate. Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:24:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/03/john-zogby-democratic-reform-coming/?partner=RSSopinion/guest_columns1853122008-11-03T10:24:002008-11-03T10:24:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008The numbers of Americans who feel that we as a nation are headed in the wrong direction, or that we're in a very serious crisis, are worse than during Watergate. Bonita Springs, FLJohn Zogby: Democratic reform comingnaplesnews.comjohn-zogby-democratic-reform-cominghttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/oct/25/guest-commentary-together-we-can-move-fgcu-forward/?partner=RSSOver the past 11 years, Southwest Florida has had the unique opportunity to contribute to and nurture the growth of Florida Gulf Coast University, the state’s newest regional public university. We literally have seen an institution of higher education rise up out of the ground. Much of what has been accomplished speaks for itself — the expansion of academic degree programs; a burgeoning student population; establishing ourselves as an environmentally conscious university; national recognition of academic quality; the development of student clubs and organizations; creation of a successful athletics program, and construction of student housing on our campus. Sat, 25 Oct 2008 22:00:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/oct/25/guest-commentary-together-we-can-move-fgcu-forward/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1846432008-10-25T18:00:002008-10-25T18:00:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008Over the past 11 years, Southwest Florida has had the unique opportunity to contribute to and nurture the growth of Florida Gulf Coast University, the state’s newest regional public university. We literally have seen an institution of higher education rise up out of the ground. Much of what has been accomplished speaks for itself — the expansion of academic degree programs; a burgeoning student population; establishing ourselves as an environmentally conscious university; national recognition of academic quality; the development of student clubs and organizations; creation of a successful athletics program, and construction of student housing on our campus. Bonita Springs, FLGuest commentary: Together, we can move FGCU forwardnaplesnews.comguest-commentary-together-we-can-move-fgcu-forwardhttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/oct/25/guest-commentary-communitys-special-people-need-yo/?partner=RSSAllow me to tell a story for a special person. They call me Ian and I am alone. If I could read, I’d quote Coleridge to you and describe myself as alone, alone, all, all alone, alone on a wide, wide sea! But I can’t read and I can’t write. Sat, 25 Oct 2008 21:51:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/oct/25/guest-commentary-communitys-special-people-need-yo/?partner=RSSopinion/guest_columns1846412008-10-25T17:51:002008-10-25T17:51:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008Allow me to tell a story for a special person. They call me Ian and I am alone. If I could read, I’d quote Coleridge to you and describe myself as alone, alone, all, all alone, alone on a wide, wide sea! But I can’t read and I can’t write. Bonita Springs, FLGuest commentary: Community’s special people need your help in these trying timesnaplesnews.comguest-commentary-communitys-special-people-need-yohttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/oct/20/commentary-promises-and-realities-our-seniors/?partner=RSSDo you remember the words so often spoken to young people? Respect your elders. You’ll enjoy your golden years. Honor your father and your mother. In our public life, do we remember to turn these promises into realities? Before the tide shifts too many times each of us finds that we have also shifted from being junior to being senior. What makes the community around us a place where one can enjoy golden years with respect and honor? How does county government affect the way seniors are treated? Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:02:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/oct/20/commentary-promises-and-realities-our-seniors/?partner=RSSopinion/guest_columns1842002008-10-20T10:02:002008-10-20T10:02:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008Do you remember the words so often spoken to young people? Respect your elders. You’ll enjoy your golden years. Honor your father and your mother. In our public life, do we remember to turn these promises into realities? Before the tide shifts too many times each of us finds that we have also shifted from being junior to being senior. What makes the community around us a place where one can enjoy golden years with respect and honor? How does county government affect the way seniors are treated?Bonita Springs, FLGuest commentary: Promises and realities for our seniorsnaplesnews.comcommentary-promises-and-realities-our-seniors