DRUG PROGRAM SUCKS

 

The pharmaceutical companies have had a free ride in the United States. Government oversight/control is lacking. The companies are permitted to charge outrageous sums for drugs. The profit factor has to be big time.

When the President was pushing Obamacare, he excluded most if not all drug coverages. I assume the reason why was he did not want the drug industry working against his bill. They did not oppose it. This action left the drug companies free to continue charging outrageously.

Now comes the Louis story. I am leaving tomorrow for two months in Europe. I take tons of pills each day. My heart is not the best and requires all type of medicinal support. I get my prescription drugs in a 90 day supply. Three of them would have run out while I am on the trip.

I need what is termed a “vacation override” to get my pills ahead of time and have the insurance company pay for them.

I have been on the phone two times to the insurance company, three times to Walgreen and two visits two Walgreen.

I started the process monday morning. It is now wednesday morning. I still do not have the pills, though they have been authorized. I pick them up today.

Adding to the aggravation, I am now in the donut. You who have prescription insurance understand. My costs skyrocket at a point during the policy period till I spend close to $5,000 out of my pocket. Note that I have already paid the policy one year in advance.

Walgreen told me the three prescriptions will cost me roughly $870 because I am in the donut.

Screw United Health Care who was recommended to me by AARP. Screw Walgreen.

Last night, I did my blog talk radio show. I was not directly discussing Walgreen. However, I did point out Walgreen does $18.65 billion a quarter. Walgreen was recently required to pay a fine to Florida of $80 million for something having to do with Oxycontin. The $80 million a drop in the bucket.

I have vented. Sorry. I am exasperated!

I spent yesterday afternoon in final preparation for last night’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

Sloan came over at 5 so we could work on my getting ready with my equipment for the European trip. Verizon is another screwed up major corporation. We spent two hours on the phone with them trying to figure out data port coverage areas, costs and needs.

The blog talk radio show went well. I opened with the House’s abortion vote yesterday. The Republican controlled House voted overwhelmingly to limit abortions to 22 weeks. I love the Conservative Right. They are intent on taking women back a thousand years. I wonder how these members treat their wives and how the wives treat them in return.  If they treat their wives as they do American women in general, most will end up sleeping in separate bedrooms.

The Heat/Spurs game last night was one of the best basketball games I have ever seen. Either side could have won. It appeared to me the Spurs lost control at the end of the game and in the overtime. I also thought the officiating was slanted a bit in favor of the Spurs. A lot of too close to call calls.

Cathy’s service was Monday at La Trattoria. Lovely Cathy Hollner. Virgilio’s was packed. Many teary eyed women. The men sad faced. The service was more a celebration of life. Food and drinks were provided. Things were heavy when people arrived and again at the end when some spoke. Good bye, Cathy You were good people. There should be more like you.

The Pier House saga continues. Word is Larry Smith will no longer be at the Wine Galley after the first of the month. Too bad! Larry made the room what it is.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

LOVELY EIMY PREGNANT

 

Eimy is a most beautiful woman!

I last saw her two years ago. Sleek. A lovely figure. A radiant smile.

I saw Eimy again last night. Still so beautiful. Radiant. Beaming is actually a better description. Rounded in the middle. Eimy is pregnant!

Congratulations Eimy! Mike, too!

Her family way has not detracted from her natural beauty. Only enhanced it.

Mike and Eimy live in Las Vegas. Mike is a mortgage broker. Mine, actually. Eimy, a CPA. Not working at the present, however. She is a stay at home while awaiting the birth.

They love Key West. Have visited here before. They will return.

We met at Louie’s Backyard last night for hellos. With them was Pete from New York. Pete is an old friend, also. Pete works on Wall Street. He was here with his girl friend Julie.

Pete is a charming guy. Has a unique sense of humor.

Also with them were Tim and Jenny. Engaged. Live up the road in Hollywood.

Jenny is crazy about Key West. Loves its laid back atmosphere. She wants to be married here. We briefly chatted about her options. She is tuned into L’Attitudes. They will have to work overtime to pay for the reception.

Great people! I could not join them for dinner. I had already enjoyed dinner a couple of hours earlier with the family.

We celebrated Fathers’ Day last night at Benihana. Robert was excited. His first time. Ally was haughty. She was a pro. She had been there two times previously.

Needless to say, the eyes of both were glued to the with cook and cooking process.

Robert surprised me. He was wearing a tie. He proudly told me he made the knot himself. It was not a snap on. Cameron taught him how to do it the day before. The knot was perfect. The ends of the tie met. I played dumb. Robert promised to teach me. He told me…..Don’t worry Poppa, it’s easy.

I have to start packing today. I fly to Milan Thursday. I cannot wait. I am looking forward to the trip.

Show time tonight! My blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time.

A quick half hour. I share my thoughts on current topics and issues.

Three situations I definitely will touch upon are our involvement in Syria, the new Catholic Church program requiring Catholics to act as Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses in going door to door, and a Boston Children’s’ Hospital program offering free hand transplants to children who have no hands.

Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

HAPPY 45TH BIRTHDAY CHART ROOM

 

It was happy birthday time yesterday! The Chart Room’s 45th!

The Pier House may have changed/been remodeled over the years, but never the Chart Room. It is as it was in the beginning. Looks the same as when Jimmy Buffett sat in the corner singing for change.

So many people. I only knew about 20.

Charlotte came in. From North Carolina. She visits Key West 3-4 times a year. The Chart Room is her favorite haunt.

I screwed up. You recall I mentioned the peanuts were gone, but some beauty was lying in the barrel instead. I failed to recognize the lady. It was Charlotte! Sorry.

Charlotte came especially for the birthday celebration.

Marty did not come. I felt bad. Marty introduced me to the Chart Room.

Never saw Che. Everyone wanted to know where he was. I assume he showed after I left.

Met Mike from Liverpool.

I went to the bar to pay my tab. The gent sitting to my left asked if I was Key West Lou. We talked a bit. He is Mike from Liverpool, England. He is in the restaurant and bar business. He reads my blog every day! Thank you Mike. It was a pleasure meeting you and I hope our paths cross again. Keep reading!

JJ was bartending. He greeted me with a gift. A box of frozen hot dogs! Hot dogs were available free last night as they have been for years. However no more under the new management. Last night was a one shot deal. The last shot.

I left around 6:30. Decided to eat at the A & B Lobster House. The last time was a couple of years ago.

A & B is a top shelf operation. I enjoyed the Maine lobster appetizer at the bar. Filling. No dinner required afterwards.

Met some one new at the A & B. Gage. The bartender. He is originally from New Hampshire.

I was home early. Wanted to watch the Heat game. Again fell asleep. I woke with two minutes to play. I was shocked at the score.

I just found out I am having dinner Saturday night at Lake Maggiore in Italy. Hemingway’s Lake Maggiore from A Farewell To Arms. At a restaurant on the very small island of Pescatori. The island sits on Lake Maggiore.

My hometown Utica had  a Pescatori’s restaurant. I have to assume Pescatori the owner back when must have come from Pescatori Island. Most Italian immigrants took as their last names their home town or province.

There is a service at one today for my friend Cathy. At La Trattoria. It will be sad.

Tomorrow is Tuesday. Which means…..Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Blog talk radio. The show a mere four months old. Two thousand people a week follow the show. Amazing!

Join me for a fast paced half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

CATHY HOLLNER

 

“She burned too bright for the world.”

Spoken of another Cathy. Cathy of Wuthering Heights.

The words befitting our Cathy.

Cathy Hollner was my friend. She was everyone’s friend in Key West. A lovely charming person.

I first met Cathy at La Trattoria. Probably where we all met her. Kathy was a bartender and waitress. Always a smile. Always a cheerful greeting. I sometimes went to La Trattoria for no other reason than to enjoy Cathy’s company. We had similar backgrounds. Both from upstate New York. She, Albany. Me, Utica. We agreed we hated northern winters. We agreed Key West was the place to be.

Cathy got sick about three years ago. What, I am not certain. Whatever, it was worthy of several operations, The first in Miami. The surgeries and ailment took their toll. She went from a good figured woman to pathetically thin. Non recognizable. That bad.

During her illness, we spoke a few times on the phone. She telephoned me last about a month ago. Just to talk.

I saw her last about two weeks ago in Publix. I almost did not recognize her. She was even thinner. Drawn. We hugged and kissed. She told me she was getting better. She had gained 10 pounds. I could not see it.

Cathy died a couple of days ago. Sad. Very sad. I hurt.

There is a service scheduled tomorrow at one in the afternoon. At an appropriate place. La Trattoria. I will be there. As will most of Key West.

On a happier note, today is Father’s Day. Happy Father’s Day to all who so qualify. We deserve such a day!

Yesterday was a quiet one for me. I read and watched the PGA. A tough course! Sloan snuck in for an hour. I am still learning how to post photos. Published a few to WordPress and Facebook. Anna stopped by to iron some shirts and shorts for me for Europe. I leave Thursday.

For whatever reason, I thought I was leaving Wednesday. Good thing I checked my itinerary. I can see myself standing at the Delta counter at the airport saying there must be some mistake…..can you get me on anyhow?

Florence and Venice have been added to the trip. Both places will be a first for me.

It was bocce banquet time last night at Turtle Krall. I was not up to it. Too much partying recently. Needed a light meal and sleep. No drinking.

I had dinner at Roostica. A strange sounding name. It is Bobby Mongelli’s new Italian restaurant on Stock Island. Second time I have gone.

Outstanding! Roasted chicken and potatoes. Just like my mother used to make.

The place was packed. Tables turning over. Bobby’s got another winner. He also owns Hogfish.

Today a special time in Key West history. The 45th anniversary of the Chart Room. A celebration party is scheduled from 5-8. I will be there. I would not miss it.

Marty, I hope you come in for the party! I have not seen you in ages.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

YACHT CLUB

 

The Washington, DC trip tired me out. I figured I should go easy last night. I decided on a quiet dinner at the Yacht Club. Good luck! It was like New Years Eve! People and noise. A fun time. I played and am paying this morning. I was too tired last night and feel worse this morning.

Instead of going home from the Yacht Club, I went to Don’s Place. No Don. But everyone else. Mostly from my bocce team. It was good to see everyone again.

Tonight is the bocce banquet. For the whole league. Something like 50-60 teams. At Turtle Krall. I plan on being there.

Yesterday was busy by day, also.

The morning began with the Key West Lou legal Hour. My tv/internet show. Love doing it! Post show comments indicted most enjoyed hearing about theWashington trip.

Yesterday was my last show till August. I leave on my European trip thursday. The show will go on, however. Reruns. If you have not seen all the shows, tune in. You might catch one you have missed. The Key West Lou Legal Hour is also televised saturdays at 4:30 and sundays at 3. In addition to which, it is You Tubed.

I will be doing my blog talk radio show. It is going to be exciting! I will be broadcasting from Italy, Greece and France. Live. Tuesday evenings Florida time at 9.

The show is archived and available all the time for listening. Weekly stats indicate that most of my listeners tune into the archived version.

I will continue to write my KONK Life column from where ever I am. They should be terrific! I most likely will be writing about some of my trip experiences.

Saw my doctor Jackie Lefferts for a pre trip check up. She says I am ok to go.

Spent some time at the opticians. I had three pair of glasses to be repaired. I stepped on one prescription pair. Did a number to it. Lost the lens on another. Fortunately, I found the lens. The third pair needed the frames tightened.

Now I am ready for Europe! I can see!

KONK Life has been on the stands since thurday. It carries my article on the Holocaust and my thought that man is inherently a killer. I did next week’s column yesterday.  The College Loan Program…..A Ripoff. Unfair and corrupt. The article is an eye opener. It comes out next thursday.

A busy day today. Sloan will be here shortly. I took a lot of pictures  in Washington. Want to put them on WordPress and Facebook. I hope I learn well. My plan is to post some pics every day while I am in Europe.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

KEY WEST LOU TV / INTERNET SHOW

 

Good morning!

A beautiful Key West morning. Everything as it should be. God is in His Heaven, all is right with the world.

This morning the Key West Lou Legal Hour. Ten my time. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy the hour with me.

Since I spent a week in Washington, I had only yesterday to prepare. Generally, I spend a bit of time each day.

The show starts with the Snowden surveillance disclosures. Then some Washington stories. You will especially enjoy Connie Picciotto’s tale. Revealing college graduation figures. Some homeless background. Especially two Florida stories I doubt either you or I knew about.  Another unusual Catholic Church announcement. And more.

Join me. On television from Key West through Miami-Dade County. Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19. Via the internet world wide. www.weyw19.com.

Besides working on this morning’s show, I spent yesterday running errands.

I was out on the town later earlier than usual. Well before 5.

I started with my old friend the Chart Room. Jean Thornton, Sheila, and Peter at the bar. Emily bartending.

A Chart Room update. In my one week absence, things happened. Discouraging things. Free hot dogs are no more. The peanut barrel was empty. A different kernel was being used to make pop corn.

The bottom line. When you pay $90 million for something, you are entitled to do what you want. Including eliminating free hot dogs and peanuts and serving a cheaper pop corn. The problem is that eliminating each eats away at the Chart Room’s ambiance and character.

What next?

I was at the Hot Tin Roof before 6 for dinner. I chatted a while with congenial and able manager Joseph. Jean Thornton and a pack of women showed up. They enjoyed a drink at the bar and were off to Marquesa for dinner. An excellent restaurant.

There was  a madness to my early evening. I wanted to watch the Miami/San Antonio game at 9. I was in bed at 8:30 with the television on. The tv was still on when I woke at 3 this morning. I never saw any part of the game. I fell asleep before 9.

Such is life.

Enjoy your day!

 

HOME…..

 

I am back in Key West!

I missed Key West. This is home.

The trip back was uneventful. Delta did its duty by God and country.

Washington, DC was a great place to visit. Probably a good place to live, also. Neat is the term to best describe it. Quiet and clean. Well organized. People and vehicles moved in an orderly unhurried fashion. People welcoming.

An All American City. As it should be!

I would like to return.

As reported, I got rained on big time in Washington. When I landed in Key West last night, I could see it had rained heavy yesterday. Large pools of water on the runway. Streets flooded in certain areas on the drive home from the airport.

No food. I was hungry. No lunch during the day. I headed over to Hogfish. That is when it hit me how much I had missed Key West. Hogfish is Key West. It is my kind of place.

Publix is on the list of things to do today. A necessity.

I have to get ready for tomorrow’s tv/internet show. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. I screwed off while in Washington. The show is nowhere near ready. I will be spending some time today preparing.

I will definitely be commenting on the surveillance issue in the news. The government’s collecting of telephone numbers and e mails. I have opinions to share. Washington’s homeless another issue. The only negative I found with the city. Plus whatever my research today develops.

Join me for the show. Ten my time. Available on television from Key West through Miami-Dade County via Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19. Worldwide on the internet. www.weyw19.com.

Till tomorrow…..enjoy your day!

FORD THEATER

 

This is my last morning in Washington. I return to Key West today.

Though I began yesterday under the weather, by early afternoon I felt fine.

I took a walk. My hotel is within 2-3 blocks of most things. I ended up at the Ford Theater. The place where Abraham Lincoln was shot. The theater is now part of the National Park Service.

I did the tourist thing. I waited in line.

Upon entering, a sadness overcame me. I felt as if I was visiting a friend on view at a funeral parlor.

The theater was much larger than I had anticipated. It seats roughly 800. On the night of the shooting, it held 1,700. There was an upper area where those not financially well off could watch the play. Standing rom was $.25. Seats were $1 each. Box seats $6-$10 each.

Lincoln was seated in a box with his wife and friends. There was no Secret Service protection. It did not start till 1901. Lincoln did have one police officer guarding him. However, his function was to protect the President on his trip to and from the theater. Not while at the theater.

The villain John Wilkes Booth was friend of the theater owner John Ford. He was a familiar face at the theater. Booth was also known to the President. The relationship was described as friendly.

Booth shot the President. One bullet. It entered behind the left ear, traveled through Lincoln’s brain, and lodged behind his right eye.

Lincoln, still alive, was removed to a boarding house across the street. The Petersen House.

Lincoln was a tall man. Six feet four inches. The bed was not large enough. He had to be laid diagonally.

Lincoln wore a great coat to the theater that evening. A three quarter coat. He had purchased it at Brooks Brothers.

Lincoln died the next day, never having regained consciousness.

Someone besides Booth had to be punished. So thought the people who stood in the street between the Ford theater and Petersen House. They decided to tear down the brick theater building. Federal troops were called to protect the building.

I left the Ford Theater more knowledgeable and more sad.

The Petersen House still stands across the street. I could have toured the room Lincoln was taken to. I could have viewed the bed he rested on. It was not in me. I had had enough of Lincoln’s death.

I treated myself to lunch at the Willard House’s outdoor café. A beautiful setting. Sits on 14th Street, just around the corner from Pennsylvania Avenue. The weather was perfect. The huge trees a dark green shading the café. I had a leisurely lunch while enjoying the Washington Post.

Last night was Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. My blog talk radio show. I did the show from my hotel room. A first! I was excited. It worked.

Next week I leave for an extended European trip. Italy, Greece and France. I shall be able to broadcast the blog talk radio show from where ever I am. The shows should be terrific! I am excited.

Last night’s show was a travelogue of my Washington trip. At the beginning however, I felt compelled to comment on the surveillance news of the past few days. I refer to the government having access to our telephone call numbers and e mails, tweets, etc. A big brother scenario of a size never before attempted.

I view this overview as surveillance out of control. Protection against terrorism is important. There must be a balance, however. Our liberties must be protected at the same time. I believe…..To protect our freedom, we must safeguard our freedoms.

I will dwell on the issue further during my Friday tv/internet show, the Key West Lou Legal Hour.

Sunday or Monday night is the Chart Room anniversary party. Forty five years. I will be there!

Enjoy your day!