http://www.marconews.com/staff/brent-batten/Brent Batten is a columnist for the Naples Daily News. His irreverent views of Southwest Florida have earned him awards from the Florida Press Club, the Society of Professional Journalists, the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors and "Best of Southwest Florida" recognition from Gulfshore Life Magazine. "In my column I attempt to mix wry, some might say sarcastic, humor with the news of the day. Topics I've written about recently include the high cost of solar power and the paltry savings to be realized through President Barack Obama's plan to cut $100 million from the federal budget. I am also a member of the paper's editorial board, which formulates editorial positions on national state and local issues." E-mail Brent Batten at bebatten@naplesnews.com. Follow him at twitter.com/ndn_bbatten and on Facebook at facebook.com/brent.batten. Read his blog at http://www.naplesnews.com/blogs/brentbatten/) His book, "Batten 100" is available for $9.95 at the Naples Daily News lobby. en-ushttp://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/sep/05/414360/Susan MacManus, a University of South Florida political science professor, left, talks to Kyra JenniWed, 05 Sep 2012 19:05:19 -0000http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/sep/05/414360/http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/sep/04/414273/Lavon Bracy of Orlando sports an Obama hat that drew the attention of delegates, the media and even Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:33:00 -0000http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/sep/04/414273/http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/sep/04/414272/President Obama sculpted from sand from Myrtle Beach, S.C. Photo by Brent Batten / Naples Daily NeWed, 05 Sep 2012 00:21:00 -0000http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/sep/04/414272/http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/aug/30/413663/Gary Aubuchon and Congressional candidate Trey Radel at Florida's delegation breakfast Thursday.Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:25:25 -0000http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/aug/30/413663/http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/aug/30/413662/Congressional candidate Trey Radel, right, talks to former rival Gary Aubuchon at Florida's delegatiThu, 30 Aug 2012 17:25:23 -0000http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/aug/30/413662/http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/aug/30/413661/U.S rep. Connie Mack talks to reporters Thursday at the Republican National Convention in Tampa.Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:25:21 -0000http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/aug/30/413661/http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/aug/30/413660/Connie Mack addresses Florida delegation Thursday at the Republican National Convention.Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:25:19 -0000http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/aug/30/413660/http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/aug/27/413101/John Nelson of Tampa, salutes during the National Anthem Monday at The Greatest Generation Tour sponTue, 28 Aug 2012 02:15:30 -0000http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/aug/27/413101/http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/aug/27/413100/Brian Homan, 41, in the uniform of a World War II paratrooper. Homan is one of the founders of the CTue, 28 Aug 2012 02:15:28 -0000http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/aug/27/413100/http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/aug/27/413099/Gov. Rick Scott and Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, center, join the states delegates and alternates for Tue, 28 Aug 2012 02:15:26 -0000http://www.marconews.com/photos/2012/aug/27/413099/