Florida python linkup…

• Everglades python eats alligator.
• Miami-Gardens python eats cat.
• Miami python eats turkey.

Pythons 3, Prey 0

Do I see a new Florida mascot on the horizon?

Scientists at Disney’s Epcot Center in Florida have taught dolphins to sing a short, high-pitched version of the Batman theme.

Via: Science News

For all of my restaurant comrades, here are some useful French phrases that can come in handy.

“Are you drunk?”
“Est-ce que vous êtes ivre?”

“Do it yourself.”
“Faites-le vous-même”

“I’d help you, but I don’t like you.”
“Je vous aurais bien aide, mais je ne vous aime pas.”

“Would you stop spitting on me while you’re talking!”
“Voulez-vous cesser de me cracher dessus pendant que vous parlez!”

Now, if only they would have translated “Hey, where’s my tip?”

Via: threadwatch

The Biscayne Community and Adult Education Center offers free adult ESOL (English as a Second Language) classes for those who want to learn English. Classes are held Monday - Thursday from 6pm to 9pm. A free child-care program for parents attending the class is also available.

The Parent Academy also offers free computer classes from 6pm to 10pm Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Adult Education Center is located at 800 77th St. in Miami Beach, FL 33141. For more information, call (305) 868-7727.

Also see: MiamiBeachFl.gov

The Marriott Hotel Chain has been spending millions on upgrading their rooms. They found a nifty way to liquidate excess stock by selling hotel furniture and accessories online. Their new website, ShopMarriott.com, sells everything from bedding and shower heads found that are found in Marriott hotels to bathrobes and wide screen TVs.

Related stories: South Beach Marriott

CriticalMiami is critical about the Florida immigration policy, and the United States handling of Cuban and Haitian refugees:

“She pasted her photo into a passport she bought on the black market and escaped to the US, where she’s lived (and raised two sons) for the past 13 years. Now, becasuse of some mistake in a law designed to allow people to stay, she’s being deported.”

Alesh also points out the contradictions with the “wet foot, dry foot” policy, whereby Cubans who make it to shore can stay – becoming eligible for permanent residence under the Cuban Adjustment Act. However, those who do not make it to dry land are sent back repatriated unless they can show a well-founded fear of persecution if returned to Cuba.

It seems schizophrenic that we encourage Cubans to flee their country, but then try to stop them from getting here.

And refugees from Haiti, whose lives may be in real danger, are not allowed to come according to US Immigration Policy on Hatian Migrants.

Above: Cubans sail toward Florida on a modified 1959 Buick boatcar.

Related stories: Passports & Working in the US

Sorry for tooting own horn, but GoogleMapsMania just added our Miami Restaurant map.

It is hard to get recognition from credible sites, and there is no site more credible when it comes tracking ideas and tools being influenced by Google Maps, than GoolgeMapsMania, so the link has got us pretty stoked.

Some have been critical the comments here are somewhat quiet.

Thankfully, Lifehacker has come to our rescue with an excellent guide to blog commenting. If posting comments makes you nervous like it does me, I highly recommend it.

And from now on, please don’t feel nervous to comment. We want to hear from you

Via: Google Blogscoped

Update: Since we are talking about writing, BoingBoing told us about a gude to write sensible email messages that should not be overlooked.

The 2005 FCAT reading and math exams that Florida’s 10th-graders took last year have been posted on the Internet, along with the answers to each test.

State officials are posting the exams in response to criticism that the FCAT is biased, inaccurate or too difficult. Because the tests are being made public, the state will have to pay test designers to draft new questions.

The FCAT is used to determine both school grades and progress under the federal No Child Left Behind Law.

Online versions of the fourth and eighth-grade tests will be released later this year.

Via: nbc6

Cory Doctorow at BoingBoing points us to a photoshop contest; Great Worth1000’s: If Goths Ruled.

Michelle and I just got back from our friend’s wedding in Argentina. We had a great vacation, and learned a travel tip, or two.

We can’t say enough good things about Buenos Aires. The food, the exchange rate, even the Engligh TV is cool. While we were there, we watched an unedited version of “Cat People” on public TV.

What’s your favorite Goth movie, or band?

For Goth movie, I choose “The Hunger”, staring David Bowie, Susan Sarandon, and Catherine Deneuve.

I can’t choose a band.

My vampire friend, FaberX, recommended a great Goth song to me, but I can’t remember the title. Perhaps when he wakes from his slumber, we can ask him to post a link.

I think the band’s name had the word “Romulus” in it.