On Dec. 15, two days before he pulled the request, internal polling for the library bond showed the downtown garden proposals failing 72% to 28% (outta 756 replies). This, while the poll showed the library passing with 63% and the public safety bond with 56%). And you were wondering why The Duane didn't want to risk an advisory vote?
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*I visited the Ron Rankin Veterans Memorial Plaza this p.m., and I'm certain The Ronfather woulda been pleased. You don't get the impact of the eagle statue, donated by the Rankin family, from photos. It's huge. And the new war mural of the kneeling Marines at Fallujah ... well, you can't visit the plaza without feeling as though you're on holy ground. Hat Tip to Rondaughter, Kerri, for pursuing her Dad's dream to the end.
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*When Blogmeister Ryan returns from his long weekend, HBO will be adding a new link, for Mike Kennedy's who's finally succumbed to the call of the blog.

Clarifying tax rebate confusion

Dear Liz: I'm confused about the upcoming tax rebate. In some articles the rebate is described as an advance on next year's refund. In others, experts say the rebate won't affect my refund. Which is correct?

Answer: Well, both. That may seem contradictory, but remember we're talking about tax law.

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Make this holiday a healthy one

What you can do: You could communicate electronically until then, but she's much nicer in the flesh, and her cute orgy-borgy accent doesn't translate well to SMS. So load up on vitamin C each day. Fresh tomato or orange juice, plus a pile of citrus fruit will help, but back it up with some chewable vitamin C tablets. Drink plenty of water to help your body get rid of oxidants, and eat plenty of apples, which are rich in things that are good for your lungs.

You know about the hazards of sunlight, but �
The cute Danish girl you've met is compensating for years of sun deprivation and seasonal affective disorder (called SAD, appropriately enough) and she happens to look good in a bikini. So, off to Grotto Beach in Hermanus you go. Problem is, it�s 35 degrees in the shade and you hate sunscreen.