Some random thoughts this Friday afternoon:

--- For only the second time in it's 35+ year history, the Muscular Dystrophy Association's annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon failed to meet it's goal of breaking the previous year's pledge record. The only other time that had happened was during the recession of the 1980s. Part of that came from the fact that several Florida "Love Network" affiliates either cancelled it's broadcast of the telethon or only aired the national segments in deference to coverage of Hurricane Frances. Also, in many areas of the Sunshine State the firefighters' MDA fundraising efforts were curtailed thanks to the hurricane. In all, MDA's goal fell short nearly two million dollars.

---Looking around Lakeland today heading to and from work, the plywood rush is beginning again. No big lines yet, but I do see homes and businesses that had not previously been boarded up now so done, and occasional trucks with boards coming and going. Ivan is still three days away, unless it makes a turn away, but noone is taking any chances. Smart choice, after hearing the reports I have heard. And the Polk County School Board has already decided to cancel classes and keep district offices closed Monday.

---Read today that the Florida Secretary of State Glenda Hood submitted a ballot to the county Supervisors of Elections with the names of candidates of President/Vice President of the United States which excludes Ralph Nader/Peter Miguel Camejo. It was determined that the Reform Party of Florida is no longer a viable third party, and that it's nominee is not entitled to a spot on the ballot. Here are the candidates and their parties that will appear on the statewide ballot:

-------Michael Badnarik / Richard V. Campagna (Libertarian Party)
-------Walter F. Brown / Mary Alice Herbert (Socialist Party)
-------George W. Bush / Richard B. Cheney (Republican Party)
-------David Cobb / Patricia LaMarche (Green Party)
-------James Harris / Margaret Trowe (Socialist Workers Party)
-------John F. Kerry / John Edwards (Democratic Party)
-------Michael A. Peroutka / Chuck Baldwin (Constitution Party)