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/2008-12-05T04:28:25.099850Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/dec/03/guest-commentary-here-comes-sun/?partner=RSSThe year was 1931, not long before his death. Thomas Edison was gathered with two of his friends, fellow industrial titans Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone. Peering into the future, the man who harnessed the power of electricity for everyday use spoke words that are remarkably relevant more than 75 years later. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:11:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/dec/03/guest-commentary-here-comes-sun/?partner=RSSopinion/guest_columns1876842008-12-03T15:11:002008-12-03T15:11:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008The year was 1931, not long before his death. Thomas Edison was gathered with two of his friends, fellow industrial titans Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone. Peering into the future, the man who harnessed the power of electricity for everyday use spoke words that are remarkably relevant more than 75 years later. Bonita Springs, FLGuest commentary: Here comes the sunnaplesnews.comguest-commentary-here-comes-sunhttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/29/guest-commentary-project-innovation-moving-toward-/?partner=RSSIn 1976, recognizing a need to diversify an economy based almost solely on tourism and real estate, a group of community leaders came together to create the Economic Development Council of Collier County. Over 30 years later, real progress has been made in creating clean, high-wage jobs, particularly in the high-tech and health-care sectors. In fact, more than 100 companies and 6,000 jobs have been assisted by the EDC through a vital private-public partnership with Collier County government formed in 1997. Sat, 29 Nov 2008 22:23:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/29/guest-commentary-project-innovation-moving-toward-/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1873952008-11-29T17:23:002008-11-29T17:23:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008In 1976, recognizing a need to diversify an economy based almost solely on tourism and real estate, a group of community leaders came together to create the Economic Development Council of Collier County. Over 30 years later, real progress has been made in creating clean, high-wage jobs, particularly in the high-tech and health-care sectors. In fact, more than 100 companies and 6,000 jobs have been assisted by the EDC through a vital private-public partnership with Collier County government formed in 1997.Bonita Springs, FLGuest Commentary: Project Innovation: Moving toward economic sustainabilitynaplesnews.comguest-commentary-project-innovation-moving-toward-http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/29/guest-commentary-substance-abuse-survey-should-be-/?partner=RSSParents, you may have read the results of the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey for Collier County. The results show juvenile substance abuse trends for alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in the state of Florida. More than 750 Collier County students were surveyed in April by the Florida Department of Children and Families throughout the Collier County school district. The sample is reflective of the approximately 40,000 students in our district. Sat, 29 Nov 2008 22:18:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/29/guest-commentary-substance-abuse-survey-should-be-/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1873942008-11-29T17:18:002008-11-29T17:18:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008Parents, you may have read the results of the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey for Collier County. The results show juvenile substance abuse trends for alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in the state of Florida. More than 750 Collier County students were surveyed in April by the Florida Department of Children and Families throughout the Collier County school district. The sample is reflective of the approximately 40,000 students in our district. Bonita Springs, FLGuest Commentary: Substance-abuse survey should be wake-up call for parentsnaplesnews.comguest-commentary-substance-abuse-survey-should-be-http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/26/celebrating-thanks-and-giving-10-ideas-action/?partner=RSSAs we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s remember that the holiday’s name is a compound word — of thanks and giving. Please take a few moments to consider these ideas for enhancing the celebration during the holiday season ahead. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:00:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/26/celebrating-thanks-and-giving-10-ideas-action/?partner=RSSopinion/guest_columns1872522008-11-26T17:00:002008-11-26T17:00:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s remember that the holiday’s name is a compound word — of thanks and giving. Please take a few moments to consider these ideas for enhancing the celebration during the holiday season ahead.TALLAHASSEECelebrating thanks and giving: 10 ideas for actionnaplesnews.comcelebrating-thanks-and-giving-10-ideas-actionhttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/22/guest-commentary-what-about-tolerance-traditional-/?partner=RSSIn response to Howard Simon, American Civil Liberties Union attorney: The passing of Amendment 2 was by the will of the people. America is still a nation of “we the people,” regardless of those who seek to overturn that notion. You rightly stated what we had already proclaimed prior to the election, “that Amendment 2 does not bar health or other benefits of same sex couples.” Thanks for confirming that information. Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:39:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/22/guest-commentary-what-about-tolerance-traditional-/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1869232008-11-22T17:39:002008-11-22T17:39:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008In response to Howard Simon, American Civil Liberties Union attorney: The passing of Amendment 2 was by the will of the people. America is still a nation of “we the people,” regardless of those who seek to overturn that notion. You rightly stated what we had already proclaimed prior to the election, “that Amendment 2 does not bar health or other benefits of same sex couples.” Thanks for confirming that information. Bonita Springs, FLGuest Commentary: What about tolerance for traditional American values?naplesnews.comguest-commentary-what-about-tolerance-traditional-http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/22/guest-commentary-churchs-organ-recital-grew-origin/?partner=RSSThomas Edison, our former Fort Myers neighbor, called him “the master hustler.” Charlie Schwab was an industrialist who became a multimillionaire in the steel industry. He negotiated the secret buyout of Carnegie Steel to a group of financiers led by J.P. Morgan and became president of U.S. Steel. But, he was notorious for his fast-lane lifestyle of fancy parties, high-stakes gambling and a string of extramarital affairs. He went through his fortune of about $400 million (in modern dollars) during the 1920s, then the 1929 stock market crash wiped out what was left. Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:38:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/22/guest-commentary-churchs-organ-recital-grew-origin/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1869222008-11-22T17:38:002008-11-22T17:38:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008Thomas Edison, our former Fort Myers neighbor, called him “the master hustler.” Charlie Schwab was an industrialist who became a multimillionaire in the steel industry. He negotiated the secret buyout of Carnegie Steel to a group of financiers led by J.P. Morgan and became president of U.S. Steel. But, he was notorious for his fast-lane lifestyle of fancy parties, high-stakes gambling and a string of extramarital affairs. He went through his fortune of about $400 million (in modern dollars) during the 1920s, then the 1929 stock market crash wiped out what was left. Bonita Springs, FLGuest Commentary: Church’s organ recital grew from original ‘pipe dream’ naplesnews.comguest-commentary-churchs-organ-recital-grew-originhttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/22/guest-commentary-new-art-gallery-span-across-gordo/?partner=RSSThe Naples Art Association at the von Liebig Art Center is pleased to take the lead in the development of an underpass-pathway art project involving children, history and education — a project that is a first in Florida! The pathway sits quietly at the edge of the water, under the bridge. Not many locals know it’s there, but hundreds of visitors do as they explore the east end of Naples’ Fifth Avenue South. Dog walkers, joggers and bicyclists use the underpass daily rather than face the busy U.S. 41 pavement above. Boaters have seen it as they travel down the Gordon River. Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:29:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/22/guest-commentary-new-art-gallery-span-across-gordo/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1869202008-11-22T17:29:002008-11-22T17:29:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008The Naples Art Association at the von Liebig Art Center is pleased to take the lead in the development of an underpass-pathway art project involving children, history and education — a project that is a first in Florida! The pathway sits quietly at the edge of the water, under the bridge. Not many locals know it’s there, but hundreds of visitors do as they explore the east end of Naples’ Fifth Avenue South. Dog walkers, joggers and bicyclists use the underpass daily rather than face the busy U.S. 41 pavement above. Boaters have seen it as they travel down the Gordon River. Bonita Springs, FLGuest Commentary: New art gallery to span across the Gordon Rivernaplesnews.comguest-commentary-new-art-gallery-span-across-gordohttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/22/guest-commentary-real-estate-race-over-turtles-win/?partner=RSSIf Wall Street is the villain, is Main Street the victim? Hardly. Think of Wall Street as the fire and Main Street as the fuel source. Ponder this: Where did “The Street” get all those mortgages they sliced and diced into financial sludge, slathered in perfume and peddled worldwide? If you said, “from people,” you’re right. But if you said, “Well, from right here in Southwest Florida” — bingo! Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:27:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/22/guest-commentary-real-estate-race-over-turtles-win/?partner=RSSopinion/perspective1869192008-11-22T17:27:002008-11-22T17:27:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008If Wall Street is the villain, is Main Street the victim? Hardly. Think of Wall Street as the fire and Main Street as the fuel source. Ponder this: Where did “The Street” get all those mortgages they sliced and diced into financial sludge, slathered in perfume and peddled worldwide? If you said, “from people,” you’re right. But if you said, “Well, from right here in Southwest Florida” — bingo!Bonita Springs, FLGuest Commentary: Real-estate race over; turtles winnaplesnews.comguest-commentary-real-estate-race-over-turtles-winhttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/22/essay-noise-when-what-it-isnt-decision/?partner=RSSIt’s ten thirty on a Saturday night in East Naples, not far from Courthouse Shadows; the weather is great, not too warm and no mosquitoes to speak of. The family next door has been having a family get-together since three this afternoon and the barbeque is being made hot again for late night feasting. Sat, 22 Nov 2008 05:00:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/22/essay-noise-when-what-it-isnt-decision/?partner=RSSopinion/guest_columns1866582008-11-22T00:00:002008-11-22T00:00:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008It’s ten thirty on a Saturday night in East Naples, not far from Courthouse Shadows; the weather is great, not too warm and no mosquitoes to speak of. The family next door has been having a family get-together since three this afternoon and the barbeque is being made hot again for late night feasting. Bonita Springs, FLGuest commentary: Noise – When what it is, isn’t by decisionnaplesnews.comessay-noise-when-what-it-isnt-decisionhttp://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/21/gov-crist-announces-major-initiative-support-flori/?partner=RSS Gov . Charlie Crist announced a major initiative to support Florida’s State University System. It was developed with strong support of several business leadership groups – the Council of 100, the Florida Chamber Foundation, Associated Industries of Florida – that recognize that the strength of Florida’s economy is tied to the quality of education our universities provide. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:54:00 -0000http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/nov/21/gov-crist-announces-major-initiative-support-flori/?partner=RSSopinion/guest_columns1868732008-11-21T18:54:002008-11-21T18:54:00Copyright naplesnews.com, 2008 Gov . Charlie Crist announced a major initiative to support Florida’s State University System. It was developed with strong support of several business leadership groups – the Council of 100, the Florida Chamber Foundation, Associated Industries of Florida – that recognize that the strength of Florida’s economy is tied to the quality of education our universities provide. TALLAHASSEEGov . Crist announces a major initiative to support Florida’s State University System naplesnews.comgov-crist-announces-major-initiative-support-florihttp://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-s