HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA!

Today is my baby’s birthday. Lisa the youngest of our four children.

I still consider her my baby. She is an adult with her own family. I will never get out of my mind her younger days. Especially those mornings she would come running into my bedroom, jump on the bed, throw her arms around my neck, and exclaim…..I love you Daddy!

Happy birthday darling child!

Today is Sunday. God’s day. A day of rest. Which means no politics today. I need a break and I am sure you do also.

A big sports day yesterday. Watched golf and football.

The Ryder Cup continues to be a disaster for the U.S. Generally so over the years. Why? I cannot figure out how the Europeans rise to the occasion and the U.S. cannot.

Syracuse/Clemson yesterday. Clemson a national great for many years. Syracuse has not known greatness for 20 years. This year’s team different, however.

Both teams 4-0 going into yesterday’s game. Syracuse a 25.5 point underdog. The game a test for Syracuse.

Syracuse lost by 4 points 27-23. Clemson scored its winning touchdown with 41 seconds left on the clock.

The first half belonged to Syracuse. In the second, Syracuse faltered. Offensively and defensively.

It was a hell of a battle. Clemson’s coach said it was one for the books…..a great game…..both teams played well.

Syracuse will continue its winning ways. The season will turn out to be the best in 20 years.

Blue Macaw last night. Love the place! Glad I discovered it! Primarily locals. Everyone chit chatting. Prices reasonable.

A strange experience. A fellow next to me was buying “diamond” earrings from someone. He put them on. The stones a bit large. Looked good, however.

He asked me how they looked. I said….Good! He asked if I were gay. I said no. He asked then how could he trust my judgment and walked away.

Montana and Ina bartending. Two lovelies. Great personalities. Ina from Bulgaria. I was interested in her life there. We chatted a bit. She reminded me of Flora that I met and wrote about on one of my Greek trips.

Paul and Ron at the bar with guests. Donna and Terri arrived. Both sad and wet eyed. A close theatrical friend in North Carolina had died.

Mary came in after work. Sat next to me. A charming lady.

We hear often these days that words count. Actions, too.

Jehovah’s Witnesses just got hit for $35 million. Many years ago, two young girls were sexually abused. The male perpetrator was expelled from the congregation till he repented.

The event occurred in Montana. The national Jehovah Witnesses organization ordered its Montana members not to report the incident to authorities.

Today, a $35 million penalty.

The message clear. Churches/religious groups are duty bound to report child abuse to outside agencies. Children more important than self.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

FLOODWATER MOSQUITOES

Mosquitoes are a problem in the Keys. We protect against them. In certain areas, pay taxes for the purpose.

For us in Key West and nearby, there is a Mosquito Control District. Professionally run. Governed by officials elected directly to the Board.

The Mosquito Control District does a good job. It would be hell living here without the organization’s assistance.

It is constantly drummed into our heads that the smallest accumulation of water can be a breeding place for mosquitoes. Can you imagine if we experienced a flood?

North Carolina has because of Florence. Flood waters for about 10 days.

The mosquitoes have gone crazy!

They are reported to be 3 x’s the size of a normal mosquito. They have reached an epidemic level. Began flying around 3-4 days following initial flooding.

Experts tell us that the eggs being hatched now would normally not have been hatched for a year. Accelerated the process. Sending billions into the air.

Last night, Blue Macaw. Joined up with Andrea and Joe. Lovely Montana and Philadelphia Paul bartending. Doug, Angie, John Fiona, Mary, and Alicia drinking along in the back bar area.

I only had one drink. Still a bit run down from the cold. Left after about an hour.

The diet has shrunk my stomach. I stopped at Five Guys on the way home. One large cheeseburger. Did not eat the buns. Only the meat and cheese. Could not finish it.

Iguanas have been a pain for at least 10 years. Tourists say….Oh, they’re beautiful! I tell them, try living with them.

They eat your flowers and shrubbery. Defecate in the pool.

They should be shot!

Key West has finally formally recognized the problem. The iguana population grows daily. An invasive species. No natural predator. Roam freely as the chickens do. Except, more iguanas than chickens.

The City announced it will begin dealing with the iguanas October 1. One problem. They are not sure how.

Typical Key West.

Today’s weather forecast is for sun, showers or thunderstorms. It is only 10 in the morning and we already have had all three. The weatherman’s humorous byline following the forecast: Be ready for anything!

I look forward to the afternoon. Syracuse/Clemson football beginning at noon. Syracuse a 25.5 point underdog. Yesterday I reported the spread as 13.5 points. Read the wrong line in the newspaper.

This is the best team Syracuse has had in years. I am curious to see how the team fares against a mighty one such as Clemson.

Watched the Ryder Cup yesterday. Up at 3 this morning to watch the 2nd day. The U.S. sucks! Europe whipping our ass.

I do not understand. The U.S. rarely does well in the Ryder Cup. Yet we have the same competent players as the Europeans do.

It has to be embarrassing for our players. Something is lacking.

Big day today. National Coffee Day. Many coffee providers are offering free coffee.

I wrote a major article for KONK Life several years ago re the issue of giving a police officer the finger. Not grounds for an arrest. Extending the middle finger, giving the finger, flipping the finger, is Constitutionally protected free speech.

The issue continues to come up every few years.

A police officer stopped a woman for speeding. Instead of a ticket, he gave her a warning. As she left, she gave the officer the finger. He stopped her again. Gave her the speeding ticket this time. For the same act of speeding for which he had given her a warning.

A federal court said no way. The woman merely expressing herself. Protected free speech. The judge threw the speeding ticket out.

Sheldon Adelson is a prominent American. Extremely wealthy. A casino billionaire. A Zionist and a conservative.

He is recognized as the largest donor in U.S. politics. He was the top donor to Trump’s campaign and the Republican Party in 2016. In recent months, he is reported to have donated $55 million to help keep Republicans in control of both houses of Congress.

Too much money power in the hands of one man!

I close with a few random thoughts re the Kavanaugh/Judiciary Committee hearing.

With the one week delay and FBI investigation, America will now learn the truth. Good, bad or indifferent for those involved. The chips will fall as they may.

If Kavanaugh guilty or misrepresented in any significant way, he could also lose his present Circuit Court judicial seat.

Senator Flake deserves a medal and our thanks. Merely for making the way for the FBI to get involved. It took courage for him to stand against Tump and his Republican colleagues. Don’t bother telling me he was not going to run and so courage does not come into play. There is always another day when he might have wanted to return to politics.

The Committee hearing was additional proof that the wheels of government are breaking down. Citizens should not have to go to Washington and fill the halls fronting on their representatives offices to be heard. To get right things done.

Go Orange!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

TED WILLIAMS

Ted Williams was a spectacular baseball player. One of the best. A Hall Of Famer.

On this day in two different years, he made his mark. Among many other achievements.

It was season end in 1941. Williams’ Boston Red Sox were playing the Philadelphia Athletics. A doubleheader. Williams was close to ending the season batting .400. He needed a good day.

Williams went 6 for 8. Ended the season batting .406. The first player to do so since Bill Terry in 1930.

The last game of the 1960 season. Williams last game. He was retiring. At his last time at bat, he hit a home run.

Williams lost 5 years out of his major league career. A Marine fighter pilot in World War II and the Korean War.

Now the real reason I bring Ted Williams to you this day. Williams lived 18 years of his life in Islamorada. He was a fanatic fisherman. He purchased the home in 1960 the year he retired from baseball. On the bayside. Lived there till 1988.

The story is Williams left Islamorada when he had to wait because of traffic to cross U.S. 1.

Yesterday found me glued to the TV set. The Judiciary Committee hearing involving Judge Kavanaugh and Dr. Ford. I missed about 45 minutes when I had to run off to the dentist.

I will go through all that occurred. Most of you watched. My impression simply was that the hearing wasdisgusting. Shameful. Our government has fallen to a new depth.

I happen to believe Ford. I found her testimony credible. I was unimpressed with Kavanaugh. He lies. He lied as to other issues in his previous hearing. He lied again yesterday.

His belligerency left much to be desired. I would not want him on the bench deciding my client’s fate.

Justice Neil Gorsuch and Kavanaugh attended the same high school. Georgetown Prep. Though not classmates, they were there at the same time for 2 years. Recall and compare Gorsuch’s testimony before the Committee last year. Says it all.

The American Bar Association sent a letter to the Committee last night stating an FBI investigation was required. The letter has been ignored. The Committee votes at 1:30 today.

The American people keep getting pushed around. Government is no longer for them. Most know it. The November elections are the first battleground. If things do not begin correcting themselves in the next few years, it will be the streets.

Last night, Blue Macaw. One drink only. I wanted to get out. Enjoyed the drink and company of Andrea and Joe and Paul and Ron. Then home.

The New York Times paid tribute to David Wolkowsky. A lengthy beautiful obituary.

The ocean surrounds the Keys. Locals try to take care of it and those that live in the waters. Turtles, for example..

The Marathon Turtle Hospital announced 2 more turtles will be returned to the sea tomorrow. Healthy and fit.  Cafecito at 10 am at Sombrero Beach in Marathon. Buddy at 1 at Higgs Beach in Key West.

Both loggerhead sea turtles.

A massive crowd will be at each location to wish them  God speed and bon voyage.

The Key West City Commission knows how to put it to people. The Commission just raised the parking rate from $3 to $4 an hour.

The excuse was it was that or raise property taxes. The budget deficit was $418,000. The parking increase will raise $1.26 million. The $842,000 excess will go to increasing the salaries of the city’s lowest wage earners and to restoring the City’s reserve fund depleted because of Irma.

What about those who live and work in the lower Keys who are not receiving raises. Irma’s impact still being felt. People still trying to catch up. Everyone should eat, or no one.

People’s savings were wiped out by Irma. Where do they get the money to replace the lost savings?

Today and tomorrow, the Ryder Cup. I was up at 5 this morning watching. Tomorrow, at 3. Great golf!

Tomorrow, Syracuse/Clemson. Clemson a 13.5 point favorite. The spread has dropped considerably during the week. Going to be a great game!

Enjoy your day!

60 POUNDS

Important maters to discuss today. One stands out above all else. An item of personal achievement. I have lost 60 pounds!

Unbelievable! Took about a year. Now weigh 197. Still going. I am into the diet. Never would have believed I could do it.

I was constantly tired. Complaining it had to be my heart. I was in Fort Lauderdale for my 4th heart catheterization. The doctor found nothing different from my previous one. Looked me in the eye and said…..Lose 40-50 pounds.

He was the pro. I, not. I listened. Started dieting the next day. Stopped being tired after losing 20 pounds.

I need clothes. Everything way too big. Love it!

I am hurrying this morning. Do not want to miss a minute of the Judiciary Committee hearing beginning at 10. The political junkie in me compels it.

The Committee hearing(s) a mess. A disgrace. Proof our government at every level is failing. F–d up!

A thorough investigation is required. By the FBI. Not merely a vetting. I believe it is not being requested because of a simple point. It is against the law to lie to an FBI agent. I assume Kavanaugh when asked about his sexual escapades, would continue to deny them. So much for the Supreme Court seat, his present Judicial seat, his attorney’s license, his good name, etc.

The ladies are coming out of the woodwork. There will be more. Only because a person guilty of a particular addictive conduct will repeat it endlessly. Never fearing its harm to himself or others.

Last night the first in a week I was out. The Chart Room, of course. John’s first night back after 10 days in Jamaica. Kevin and I were together to hear John’s war stories.

The Jamaica I knew 20 years ago has not changed. I did not like Jamaica. I left the resort to visit the town. Scared the hell out of me! Returned to the resort and remained the whole trip. The armed guards walking the resort made me feel somewhat secure. However, I kept thinking what the hell even made me come to Jamaica.

Jamaica a third world country then, a third world country today.

One drink was enough. My first in a week. Left and stopped at Publix. Cupboard bare again.

My first evening out in a week. Exciting!

Tropical storm Kirk is out there in the Atlantic heading this way. Does not appear it will affect the U.S. Presently moving for the Barbados. Then south of Jamaica and Cuba.

I mention Kirk only because I have learned hurricanes are fickle. The mother could change course a bit and head north towards the Keys.

Key West motels in the 1950’s were at the Atlantic end of town. Many still standing. Others replaced by new beautiful hotels.

Competition keen back in those days. Not enough business. Motels cutting their prices. I recall mentioning a few days ago that one motel advertised rooms for $2.

Things got more competitive. On this day in 1955, 8 motels posted signs offering free rooms to tourists.

Enough. The Judiciary Committee hearing awaits.

Enjoy your day!

WORLD LEADERS LAUGH AT TRUMP

When Trump was running for President, he frequently said the U.S. needed a President who was not a joke in the eyes of the world: “We need a President who isn’t a laughing stock to the entire world. We need a truly great leader, a genius at strategy and winning.”

World leaders laughed at Trump yesterday. Openly and publicly as he addressed them at the United Nations.

Laughter occurred two times.

First, when Trump said, “In less than 2 years, my administration has accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country.”

The laugh from all followed.

The second time involved the German delegation openly laughing when Trump claimed Germany was becoming “totally dependent on Russian energy.”

The man is a buffoon. He makes a mockery not only of our Nation, but each and every one of us. I am sure the thought of other peoples is….. What has happened to the American people?

Nothing like throwing gasoline on a fire. Trump did it with China.

The U.S. and China are in a major trade war. The trade war of all trade wars. To further aggravate China and let them know he was no pussy, Trump authorized a $330 million military sale to Taiwan.

China’s ire obvious. For the time, China merely said that the action jeopardizes Sino-U.S. cooperation.

I fear if the trade war continues tit for tat, what began as a trade war will turn into a military one. You can only push some one or nation around so long.

Our government is degenerating. The Presidency with Trump. Our Congress as it behaves. The Kavanaugh war a perfect example. The Senate is not distinguishing itself.

Civility is a dying art. It is like respect. If you do not give respect, you should not expect it in return.

Most in this country feel they are constantly being defecated upon. By the “elite.” Understandably so. Since the 1980’s, things have gotten decidedly better for important people and worse for everyone else.

Ted Cruz and his wife Heidi were having dinner at the expensive Fiola Restaurant in Washington. A group approached and began heckling the Senator and wanting to know his position on Kavanaugh.

Though I agree with the hecklers, I would not confront the Senator in the fashion they did. Not my way. On the other hand, these people have a right to disturb the Senator as they did. A restaurant interruption is public approbation in a small way. The elite should not be immune from the consequences of their behavior.

The confrontation small. However to be expected by the affluent these days. A people being jerked around will respond in various ways.

I have 2 observations.

First, what was Cruz doing in Washington? He was not required in Washington till thursday for the Kavanaugh hearing. He is in a tight race in Texas for his Senate seat. Democrat Beto O’Rourke is running a neck and neck race against him.

Cruz must be overly confident.

Fiola is one of Washington’s most expensive restaurants. The menu pre-fix. $90-$145. Wine prices off the wall. Not a dinner for two that most can afford.

An Irma update.

Irma occurred more than a year ago. Woeful stories continue to pop up.

A Big Coppitt family lived in a home erected to withstand a category 5 hurricane. Strongest concrete, hurricane proof doors and windows. The family opted to ride out Irma in their home.

The Blue Paper recently revealed a story untold. The category 5 home did not hold up. Irma came into the house.

The family reported the house began to shake. A crash was heard in the children’s bedroom. Two young children were in the bedroom with the door closed.

The door flew open. The young son came out with blood matting his blond hair. His injury required 10-12 stitches. The daughter at first could not be located. Later found unharmed.

The hurricane was in the bedroom. A window and part of a wall gone.

My podcast Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou last night. First talking show I have done in several days. My bronchial condition made it difficult to speak.

I spent half the show talking about David Wolkowsky. My friend, Key West’s friend, who died in his sleep sunday night at 99 years of age. A rare individual.

Enjoy your day!

DAVID WOLKOWSKY IS DEAD

David Wolkowsky is dead. He died in his sleep sunday night.

It was only a few weeks ago, I attended his 99th birthday party.

We met in our later years. Six or seven years ago. Became instantaneous friends. A more kindly, thoughtful, considerate person I had never met. He was pure goodness.

Modern Key West owes its success to David. His vision for his home town. The Key West of today would not have been except for him. As the years went on, he became known as Mr. Key West. He will always be remembered as such.

Whatever I had, knocked me on my ass. Three days in bed. Started feeling better yesterday. Feel good today. By tomorrow, I should be back to normal.

I am behind in my work. Have not done a Key West Lou Live video in several days. Tonight, Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. My podcast. I am totally unprepared. No problem. It may take the day, but I will be a go at showtime.

Join me tonight at 9. A fast moving half hour. Louis ranting and raving about whatever moves him at the moment. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Ally and Robert are enjoying sports. Ally volley ball, Robert tennis.

Can’t wait to see them play.

Syracuse is off to a big start this season. 4-0. Saturday play Clemson 4-0. Clemson ranked #3 nationally. Syracuse unranked. The Vegas line is Clemson by 22 points.

David v. Goliath. Going to be interesting.

Michelle Goldberg is an Opinion Writer for the New York Times. A recent Opinion was titled Pigs All the Way Down. The “pigs” were Kavanaugh and other members of the Washington rotten ruling class.

The woman knows how to call them!

The U.S. and China are engaged in the trade war of all trade wars. Pure unadulterated stupidity! Can only lead to no good.

Many economists are predicting the trade war could last 20-30 years. To the detriment of both the U.S. and China.

Steve Bannon has been a major influence on Trump re China. He boosted early on that Trump was bound to conduct a “sophisticated form of economic warfare” in order to confront China.

Trump, as influenced initially by Bannon, is that if you squeeze the Chinese economy hard enough, Beijing will submit and “play by the rules.”

I do not agree. Trump is blind. He is seeing what he wants to see. Only one side of the coin. He forgets the military.

China has spent the past six years building its Navy, islands where no islands existed, new airfields, missiles with capacity to reach the U.S. The U.S. has yet to build an effective opposition to the missiles.

Before China becomes subjugated, it will resort to war.

Please say a prayer for David.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

SICK, SICK GO AWAY, LITTLE LOUIE WANTS TO PLAY

 

This cold has knocked me on my ass! Sneezing, dripping nose. Cough that hurts. Feel like crap all over.

Sloan stopped by yesterday. A wonderful woman! Brought me tissues, Gator Aid, and one of those 3 way cold tablets. Pills work great. Minimize the cold’s effects.

Spent a quiet several hours watching Tiger Woods win again after five years of drought. Number 80 for him.

The crowd went crazy. Never saw anything like it in golf. They swarmed the field behind him as he walked up the 18th.

Tiger has gone through much. A lot of his problems of his own making. Some not. He fought his way back and has reached the pinnacle of the golf game once again.

God bless!

This is Judge Kavanaugh’s week. Will he be approved for the Supreme Court?

The approval process has laid bare many of the Senate’s wrongs. These old farts must be made aware this is the 21st century. Women are equal and respected. Not by word alone.

I have mentioned several times on all my shows that if Kavanaugh is the kind of fink he is being portrayed to be, others will come out and say…..He did me, too!

It never fails.

Two came out over the weekend. One is Deborah Ramirez. She was at Yale University back in the early 1980’s when Kavanaugh was. She was attending a drunken dorm room party. She claims Kavanaugh came up to her, dropped his pants and waved his penis in front of her face.

Hard hitting attorney Michael Avenatti reports he is representing a woman who has “credible information regarding Judge Kavanaugh and Mark Judge.”  She claims she attended Washington house parties in the early 1980’s where Kavanaugh was present. She said he would target women with alcohol and drugs to prepare them for sex. The goal was to have the woman in a state where a “train of men” would be able to gang rape the ladies.

Avenatti claims he has several witnesses to the events.

And so it goes. Even if you do not believe any of the ladies, there is smoke. And where there is smoke, there is fire.

College sure changed from when I attended. I was in college in the mid 1950’s. Sex. What was that? The girls would not even let us get to first base. The fear of pregnancy prohibited everything.

I never heard the word “train” with a sexual connotation till very early in my legal career. I was representing a black man charged with murder. The claim was he beat up a white man and robbed him.

There was an eye witness. A fragile appearing black woman. She testified she knew him prior to the murder, she had done “trains” with him.

What did I know about a “train?” I leaned over and asked  my client what a “train” was. He told me. I could see the look in his eyes…..You don’t know…..what kind of an ass do I have for a lawyer!

My education had been neglected

The trial lasted 5 1/2 weeks. He was found not guilty of murder. Walked out of the court room with me, a free man.

Enjoy your day!

 

THERE’S A BUG IN TOWN AND I GOT IT

I have not had a cold in 20 years. For real. I got one this week. The mother of all colds. Running nose, sneezing, a sore throat, and generally feeling lousy.

Last Sunday, I began noticing a lot of sneezing and complaining of a sore throat, etc. I smiled. Not me. I was immune.

Finally, got hit Wednesday. Yesterday, the worst.

Slept for the first time last night. Woke this morning. Laying in bed noticed no sore throat, no runny nose. Finally over!

No. Once up and around a few minutes and everything started again. Nowhere as horrible as yesterday, however.

Today and tomorrow and I should be fine.

Sorry I rejoined the world of susceptibility to colds.

While dying, I enjoyed watching Syracuse/Connecticut from my bed. Syracuse won 51-21. As expected. Next week, Clemson! A giant in collegiate football. Undefeated also while playing better teams than Syracuse.

Hope we win! Don’t know!

Enjoyed watching Tiger Woods over the course of the afternoon. He’s back! Hope he wins. Holding a 3 stroke lead going into the final round.

Woods played magnificently. Five straight birdies on the front 9.

If he wins today, it will be Woods 80th PGA Tour victory. More importantly, his first tour victory in more than 5 years.

The world is pulling for him.

Stupidity continues to prevail. A most recent example is what is happening to Tammie Hedges in North Carolina.

Terri has been threatened with arrest for having saved more than 2 dozen animals during hurricane Florence.

Terri runs a non-profit called Crazy’s Claws n Paws. She is in the process of building a shelter. Florence hit. Terri offered space to persons without anywhere to leave their pets. Opened her doors. Pet owners and rescuers brought animals in. Terri did not go out and get any herself.

There was no charge for the sheltering, feeding, etc. Total brought in were 17 cats and 10 dogs.

After Florence had passed, Terri received a call from the head of Wayne County Animal Services. He berated Terri. Terri to get a warrant for return of the animals. Implied Terri could be arrested. She was told she was a “lawbreaker” for operating a shelter without a permit. Note she was only constructing the shelter when Florence hit. Not doing business yet.

Terri turned over the animals. Now concerned she may be arrested.

Some in authority are just assholes. The only way to describe them.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

BATMAN’S PENIS

Batman well hung!

DC Comics publishes Batman comic books. Under its DC Black Label, it recently published a new Batman comic book. A first edition.

I did not see the comic book. I read about it. Batman’s penis covered by his costume. However, easy to discern. Reported as admirable.

The comic book was immediately taken off the market when a furor arose. I suspect the penis exhibit was accidental. The result of an overzealous artist.

The comic book is destined to become a become a collector’s item. Inevitable.

DC Comics reported that it will publish a series of comic books involving comic book heroes aimed at a mature audience. Batman will return in his natural glory. Wonder Woman in hers.

A dinner party again last night at Andrea and Joe’s. I am beginning to like this! Two Julia Childs. Andrea and Donna got up early yesterday morning and grocery shopped. Then spent the day together cooking.

Everything good! Many tastes! I even had a huge pina colada. Joe enjoys them. The last time I had a pina colada was 6 years ago in Aruba. I would start at 10 in the morning. Get a new one every 2 hours while laying under a beach umbrella. Each with a double shot of rum.

David and Marilyn Taylor Key West friends no more. Irma bothered Marilyn. They sold their home and returned to Kentucky. David and I would watch basketball games together. David wrote also. He would share his writings with me.

David and Marilyn are on a trip. Presently, Prague. Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic. Many Key Westers visit. It has become the new playland for gays. David and Marilyn are not of such persuasion.

They are staying at the Prague Hilton. Eight hundred rooms. Every U.S. President since George 1 has stayed there. David’s sole complaint, no Chart Room.

The hotel is built on a river.  The river has a tendency to flood. The builders/architects of the hotel came up with a unique idea for handling flood waters.

When a flood is anticipated, public rooms on the first 2 floors are flooded with fresh water. When the river rises, the water, sewage and debris cannot enter the hotel. The water inside equalizes that of the rising river. The damage resulting less, the clean up easier.

The concept was tested in 2002 when the river rose to its highest level ever. Everything worked as expected.

Washington governmental leaders have ceased to amaze. Nothing surprises me. Stupidity and delay common place.

Two recent examples.

Secretary of State Pompeo has his hands full with Iran, North Korea, Russia, the tariff wars, etc. Trump has never hired enough persons to work at State. Many jobs open. Understaffed.

Pompeo recently issued 2 memos. He is unhappy with how his people write. They use too many commas. He prefers the Oxford comma which uses less. Teaching manuals have been circulated. The command…..Write using the Oxford comma.

I never heard of the Oxford comma. Researched it. Per Pompeo, it does use fewer commas. However fewer lead to confusion.

Google the Oxford method and you will understand.

I cannot recall ever being taught correct comma usage. It is something I suspect we all picked up along the way. I am staying with my old and true.

U.S. Senators, especially Republican ones, are complaining. Russia and some other countries are hacking their personal e-mails.

Deservedly so!

We have known for 2 years Russia hacked us in the 2016 election. Trump keeps denying. No one in Washington has done anything to guard against a repeat. The Senators could easily have lead the battle. They sat on their hands and did nothing. Now the problem has hit home. Hope nothing embarrassing on their e-mails.

On this day in 1776, a 21 year old Captain in the Continental Army was executed for spying. Nathan Hale. We first learned of him in grammar school. His famous words, “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.”

Some historians say not so. No record made of the statement as Hale was being hung. Most disagree. They attribute the words to Hale.

Syracuse/Connecticut at 4 this afternoon. Syracuse a 27.5 point favorite. I will enjoy watching the game.

Next week the test! Syracuse plays Clemson.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

BATTLE OF THE COOKS

Donna and Andrea are excellent cooks. Preparation and service outstanding. Tonight, a cook off. At Andrea’s. The two working together to put out a small dinner party meal.

I can’t wait to sit down and enjoy.

Their culinary efforts impressive. I designated them the Julia Childs of Key West.

Yesterday, busy.

First, a haircut with Lori. A runner. She has decided to do the 26 mile marathon in December in Palm beach. Her second run that long.

Then lunch a few doors down at Sandy’s Cafe. I began experiencing pain each time I bit into my Cuban cheese toast with tomato. Hurt! Something wrong.

Left and hurried to my dentist Dr. George Lindner. Not there. He had taken the afternoon off. His associate and 2 dental hygienists began working on me.

I have implants. Supposedly never have pain again. Any problems, mechanical. This one not mechanical. I had thoughts of a tumor. At my age even a common cold concerns me. I keep thinking…..Finally the big one!

Turns out to be a bullshit problem. I hope! Will not bore you with the details. Will take a couple of weeks to clear up.

Last night began with the Chart Room. John in Jamaica. Mary who normally works the Beach Bar filling in.

The place quiet. Key West quiet. It is September.

One drink and some friendly chatter with Mary.

I was walking in the Pier House parking lot when I saw at the other end Mary. Another Mary. The one I normally run into at Blue Macaw, the one who works at The Little White House. Dressed magnificently. A bright white/reddish long dress.

And a man! Seemed like they were heading to A&B or the Boathouse for dinner.

Blue Macaw half filled. That September thing again.

Met Tom. Last night was the third evening in a row I ran into him at Blue Macaw. A good looking young guy. Just arrived in Key West. Originally from Philadelphia. Bartending at Hogsbreath and Conch Republic.

Looked down the bar and there was Terri. Brought her to my end of the bar to sit. Introduced her to Tom. She knew others sitting around. Terri was waiting for Donna who was at a business meeting.

Got to admire Terri! Her apartment 500 feet away. A busy intersection to cross. She walked over alone.

Political writer Zach Taylor published an interesting Brett Kavanaugh piece 9/19. Titled: Brett Kavanaugh…..Poster Child For American Aristocracy.

He hits Kavanaugh’s special upbringing hard.

Georgetown Prep a high school for children of the elite. He references Kavanaugh as a test case for the bounds of elite domination. Going a step further, he describes conservatism as ” a system of elite domination, imposed at any cost.”

Kavanaugh’s nomination is described as “a referendum on elite aristocracy whose primary goal is the very existence and protection of conservative government.” He claims the group “live above democratic accountability, not constricted by words and deeds in the way mere citizens can be.”

As to Dr. Ford’s sexual assault allegation, if Kavanaugh were to survive and be sworn in as a Supreme Court Justice, it would “demonstrate one more dimension in which the American aristocracy is…..beyond the reach of the rabble.”

Other tidbits gleamed from the article included that Georgetown Prep and other nearby schools were part of an alcohol soaked party culture. Misogyny common place.

Trump’s previous appointment to the Supreme Court bench was Neil Gorsuch. Attended Georgetown Prep at the same time as Kavanaugh. Except Gorsuch was not the party boy Kavanaugh was.

So much happening in the world. Too much for the media. A story runs a very few days and then is gone for a while. Sometimes never to return.

I am zeroing in on Florence. Now gone. Damage done. Devastation exhibited. Little now reported re Florence.

Little reported at a time most important. How are Florence’s survivors/refugees being cared for. Shelter, food, water, power, ice, etc. Don’t tell me how many you have serviced. Tell me how many need to be serviced and what progress is being made.

I worry. Florence may be too big for the federal government to handle. Even Washington has limitations. Trump says don’t worry. You are going to be taken care of. We have the money.

I don’t buy it. The desire may exist. Capability another matter.

Time will tell.

Enjoy your day!