JAKE SICK

Pets get sick. When it happens, it is a calamity.

Jake was sick yesterday. Up chucking and diarrhea. Would not eat. His eyes sad.

Lisa rushed him to the vet. Jake had a bug. Sounds human. A shot. Some intravenous fluid. He was dehydrated.

The medical report this morning is that Jake appears on the mend. He is eating a bit.

Jake was not the only one who saw a doctor yesterday. I had a return visit with Dr. Lefferts to get my blood results. Everything ok. Obviously, the steroids had screwed up the previous blood test.

Keith stopped over to do some work on my bedroom. I am in the process of remodeling it. Since I am no longer married, it will be a bachelor’s pad. It is being decorated as such.

Dinner last night at Geiger Key. You cannot beat the place for restfulness! Such is the feeling I get every time I am there. It is the surrounding water and mangroves. Like being held in the palm of someone’s hand.

No Syracuse football this weekend. Fortunately. A week off before the last two games of the season.

Syracuse has had good and bad seasons. I remember when Syracuse was third in the nation when I was in law school. We had some excellent teams in the 1980s. The pendulum swings back and forth. For whatever reason, we have been on the losing side of the pendulum too long. It seems stuck. I hope next season reflects a return to days of glory.

I was surprised last night when the news showed Obama and his administration claiming a major break through with China. From my understanding of the agreement, the United States has to  produce results before the Chinese. Also the wording the agreement is weak. It is “intended” these things be done.

Putin is the one who scored prior to the China meeting. This past week Putin announced a new and additional 30 year agreement with China to build another pipeline to China. The agreement includes a 30 deal whereby China will buy gas from Russia.

That was not all Putin accomplished. It was also announced this past week that Russia and Iran have made a deal. Russia is going to build eight new nuclear units for Iran. The announcement coming while the United States is negotiating a nuclear agreement with Iran.

When it comes to one upmanship, Putin does well.

Enjoy your day!

KEY WEST VIETNAM MEMORIAL

Yesterday was Veterans Day. I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Vietnam Memorial to be constructed in Bayview Park. I am glad I did. It was a proud and happy experience.

I would estimate about 400 in attendance. Of that number, roughly 150 Vietnam veterans. Vietnam veterans are in their 60s and early 70s today. Most were attired Key West style. I am sure most would have worn their uniforms if they still fit. Many had pinned to their tee or sport shirts medals they received for their Vietnam efforts. Their heads covered by their former military cap or a VFW cap.

Vietnam was a bad war from the public’s perspective. No one liked the war. It was extremely unpopular. Protests galore. All ages, all stations in life.

Parents did not want their children dying in a war they could not understand. Many parents took their college children and sent them off to Canada. The U.S. still had the draft at the time. Those that went to Canada preferred to be wanted criminals. Anything not to go to Vietnam.

When the soldiers returned from their Vietnam tours of duty, there were no crowds to welcome and cheer them. Their return consisted of insults and being spit upon. These returning soldiers never were rewarded with glory for their efforts.

In recent years, the Vietnam stigma has been removed. Vietnam warriors are welcomed and respected everywhere. The Key West Vietnam Memorial such a recognition.

The Vietnam vets at Bayview yesterday appeared proud. They carried themselves in a proud fashion. When the Star Spangled Banner was played, their salutes were sharp. They were also a happy group. I was happy for them. I was proud to be with them and share their joy for the Memorial soon to be built.

My blog talk radio show last night. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

My discussion of a new Princeton study drew the most response. The Princeton study concluded American democracy no longer existed. It had slipped away from the people. Replaced by an oligarchy. Rule by the wealthy elite.

The question for you and I becomes…..How do we get back to the American way of life as we knew it?

Enjoy your day!

THE WAR TO END ALL WARS

World War I. Popularly referred to at the time and immediately thereafter as the war to end all wars. Turned out to be poor judgment. Mentally reference all the wars since 1918.

To honor those who fought in World War I, President Woodrow Wilson decreed that November 11 would henceforth be celebrated as Armistice Day.

The name Armistice Day derives from November 11, 1918. On that day, the Allies and Germany signed a document known as the Armistice which as a practical matter ended World War I. Fighting ceased on day.

Subsequent Presidents and Congress decided that Armistice Day should include all veterans. Armistice Day became known as Veterans Day to reflect the change.

A  proper recognition. However, there is some sort of joke involved in the thought that World War I was the war to end all wars. Man will never be war free. It is part of his psyche to seek out/participate in war. War is intrinsic in man’s nature.

Key West will enjoy its Veterans Day Parade this afternoon. The parade route will run opposite to that of Fantasy Fest. The parade will start at the southernmost end of Duval and end at Front Street.

More significant than the parade will be the groundbreaking at Bayview Park for a Vietnam Memorial. Well deserved. Late in coming in most communities.

I remember the Vietnam war. I was practising law. Married and the father of four. The war was not a popular one. Many protests against the war. When those who fought returned home, they were greeted not with cheers but jeers. Some spit upon.

The Vietnam vets never received the glory they had earned. Time heals all wounds, however. In recent years, our country has recognized its wrongs in this regard. The people of the United States now go out of their way to acknowledge and honor these veterans who were dishonored.

The power boat races ended yesterday. It was dark and gloomy. Threatening rain. Actually did rain in Key Haven. Poured. I decided to skip the races and do something else.

The something else turned out to be a late afternoon lunch at No Name Pub. Always a good time. As anticipated, the place was packed. Rain seems to attract a larger than usual crowd to the Pub.

Enjoy your day!

POST ELECTION BLUES

The morning after.

Perhaps blues is not the correct term. I am tired. I am a political junkie. Stayed up most of the night watching the election returns. It is an addiction.

No question, a Republican wave. No question, an Obama rejection.

From my perspective, the Republicans have been the bad guys the past several years. Now that they have control of both Houses, lets see what they can do. I am sure many bills will pass and be sent to the President. Hopefully, some will be so structured that he can sign them.

Progress is not impossible under the circumstances. Look what Clinton and a Republican House and Senate accomplished in Clinton’s last two years.

It was Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou last night. Post show comment indicates that Syria’s hashish was a hit. I am considering joining it with Afghanistan’s opium for my column in next week’s KONK Life.

My yesterday otherwise quiet.

Enjoy your day!

CRAZIES AT IT AGAIN

Every several years, a group comes out clamoring about the evils of Fantasy Fest. It is that time again. This morning’s Key West Citizen front page banner headline announced the story.

I thought the Citizen was wrong in giving the issue the front page attention it did. Report the story, yes. It is news. But the headline?

It is a morality issue. Nudity and lewd behavior denounced. It is more than that, however. It is a small group of persons attempting to impose their moral standards upon everyone else.

The group wants a 3 year hiatus of Fantasy Fest so a proper festival might be developed, a public referendum on the issue, and other non sensical items.

Fantasy Fest has been tested and retested, developed and redeveloped, for the 25 years plus it has been in existence. I worry that the squeaky wheel draws attention. This is a small minority clamoring for attention on an issue that is none of their business since apparently they neither enjoy nor participate in Fantasy Fest. Or, perhaps a few do. I cannot believe that some do not venture to the festival and sneak a peek at the bare breasts or what have you.

Hypocrisy at work.

To the group I say…..Get a life!

My yesterday began with a visit to Dr. Jackie Lefferts. I did fasting blood work recently at the same time I was on doctor prescribed double water pills. Of course my results had to be all screwed up. New blood work has been scheduled.

I read the morning papers and enjoyed a cup of coffee at the Double Tree Hotel. The Hotel is doing a big business. I was surprised as it is out of the way, so to speak.

Yesterday was tuesday. Tuesday means Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. I did my blog talk radio show last night. Loved doing it! Hope people enjoyed listening. They must. A significant number listen weekly.

Post show comment indicates two Middle East items garnered the most interest.

One had to do with ISIS fighters not being necessarily engaged in the conflict because of religion. ISIS leaders are running a new type army. They provide their followers with sex and money.

The other Middle East issue involved Afghanistan and opium. Two wars are/were being fought in Afghanistan. One military, the other drug. The US has spent billions of dollars the past several years trying to kill opium farming in Afghanistan. It was announced recently that last year’s production of opium was at a record high level. $3 billion. The opium eventually finds its way to our streets.

Enjoy your day!

 

HEADDRESS BALL OR TUESDAY TALK

A major event this evening as part of Fantasy Fest is the Headdress Ball. I have attended several times over the years. Under a big tent, always a fun event.

My blog talk radio show is also this evening. I will not be at the Headdress Ball. I will enjoy what I will be doing, however. Hosting Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

Half the show will be dedicated to everyone’s friend, Monsanto. Some items you already know. Some not yet. The discussion will be revealing.

Other topics include the Putin/Berlusconi relationship, why bank systems are being hacked, the Catholic Church’s synod which rejected a more friendly relationship with gays and divorcees, and more.

The show is at 9 my time. Join me for a fast paced one half hour. www.blogtalkradio/key-west-lou.

Fantasy Fest is in full swing. A ton of events this evening. Many risqué. I have already suggested the Headdress Ball, which does not fall into the risque category. There is also Capt. Tony’s Plaid Party. Don’t bring your mother. Also, a relatively new event. I think it started last year. The Men of Labare Whitey Party. It is at Bare Assets. Instead of women stripping, men will be doing it. An evening for the ladies to whoop it up.

My favorite candidate for Queen won. ML was instrumental in helping to raise $235,000 for AIDS Help. ML’s real name is Mary-Lynne Price. Probably only a handful are aware. She is well known in the Key West community as ML.

Last night was dinner at Roostica with Jennifer and Keith. Two great young people. Hard workers.

We all screw up. Whether our fault or some other person’s. President Obama was in New York City last month. He and Michelle were having dinner at a fancy restaurant. When the bill came, Obama attempted to pay with a credit card. His credit card was rejected! The card is seldom used. The President’s residence is Washington and it was being offered in New York City. The company thought a fraud was being perpetrated.

Michelle’s card was good.

Enjoy your day!

 

SQUARE ONE & LA TE DA

Last night was a doubleheader of pleasure. Square One and La Te Da.

Before catching Larry Smith’s show at La Te Da, I stopped at Square One for a bite to eat. Square One has been a part of my Key West life for over 20 years. I became a customer when Michael Stewart first opened the restaurant.

Walking towards Square One, who should appear but Michael Stewart himself. I have not seen him in at least two years. He looked great, as usual. Thin! I hate him. He was with another old friend, John. We enjoyed a fun filled conversation.

As I was walking into Square One, I ran into Carmelo. Carmelo was the second owner of Square One. He bought from Michael Stewart. Operated the restaurant for two years and then sold. It was good to see Carmelo again, also.

Bartender Mandy remembered me. We met last week for the first time. Besides being exceptionally lovely, she is good company. Mandy worked at Sunset Key for five years before coming to Square One. She replaces Patrick behind the bar. She is as good as Patrick was. Patrick having been the bartender supreme!

Mandy is married. Her husband works at Blue Heaven. Mandy has a daughter. Rylee. Rylee opened the door to a long conversation regarding Montessori. Rylee attends Montessori, Robert and Ally’s school. She is one grade behind Ally and two behind Robert. They must know each other.

I am in effect testing the new Square One. Will I like the food? So far, good. A part of my meal last night was cream of tomato soup. Excellent! The best I have ever tasted!

Then it was La Te Da for Larry Smith’s show.

What was a construction site last week, was an open and booming bar/restaurant/hotel last night. The place is beautiful. A new top on the outside bar. Drapes in the inside bar that were absolutely lovely. La Te Da dressed up and stepping out.

Larry’s show once again the best. He is one of Key West’s premier musicians. Christine singing and Alex on the horn.

Christine amazes me. She has improved with age. Her singing spectacular! Her performance outstanding! She had it all.

Christine painted for fun for years. Watercolors. Several years ago, she started selling them. Her work took off! She is a recognized Key West artist today.

By day, Christine teaches school.

Christine has one more distinction. For those of you who may be unaware, she and Larry are husband and wife. I may have stated it incorrectly. Larry may be the one who has the distinction.

Go Christine! Love you!

La Te Da was packed for Larry. Like days of old. A comforting feeling. Many familiar faces. Aaron and Karen, Mary Deasy, Ray, Martha Robinson, Jane, ML, Robbie and Lois, and more.

Tonight my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine o’clock my time. The tempo the same. A quick moving hard hitting half hour of political and social commentary. I call things as I see them. Join me. www.keywestlou.com/key-west-lou.

Topics include ebola, Italian medical marijuana, Jamie Dimon and shadow banking, women permitted to walk on only one side of the street in London, walruses and global warming, corporations benefiting from increased war activity, political bigotry, and more.

I have a problem. The hot water tank blew. I cannot take a shower. Which means I am confined to home till it is fixed. Waiting for Frankie the Plumber.

Enjoy your day!

TAPED A TV SHOW

I taped a TV show yesterday. Jenna interviewed me for her TV show. Good Morning Florida Keys with Jenna Stauffer. I am not sure when it will air.

The show was taped at a lovely private home in the Casa Marine area. Assisting Jenna with the filming, etc. were Iris, Leo Martinez, and Austin Svedjan.

Iris is the Boston University student who interned with Jenna this past summer. She is working on her Masters which she expects to receive early next year.

Leo and Austin are seniors at Key West High School. Impressive young men. They have been getting work time with Jenna. Both enthusiastic media people. Tomorrow’s giants in the industry. Both headed off to name colleges to study various aspects of television and radio.

They functioned as professionals. I was impressed. They obviously had a background in TV. I asked where, how?

Turns out the Key West High School has a TV Production department. Key West teens are exposed to television and radio as part of the curriculum.

There is a significance to the program. It is ranked 4th in the nation. Yes, Key West has an apparently excellent media program which worthy of national recognition. Leo and Austin spoke proudly of the program.

Key Westers should be aware of the program. It is a shining star!

My evening began at the Chart Room. Initially, it was me and Emily. Then Che showed. Che and I went at it for more than an hour. He is argumentative and intelligent. Extremely well read. A good person to have a give and take with.

Che asked that I convey a message to Marty. He says he was born in Philadelphia. However spent most of his life in New York. Even though he lost a $100 bet to Marty at one time as to the location of a New York City hotel.

I was on my way home. It was around 7. Stopped at Don’s Place. Ended up going to dinner with John. John mentioned he wanted a steak. I said let’s go to Michael’s. He agreed.

I do not know why I do not go to Michael’s more often. It is a fine restaurant. The ambiance special. A great outside bar to sit at and have dinner. The food outstanding.

Suzette working the bar as usual. Suzette is reason enough to become more of a regular at Michael’s. A charming person.

Syracuse football at noon. It is like sitting in a war zone and knowing that shortly the bombs will fall. Syracuse plays Florida State. #1 in the nation. The spread is three touchdowns. The actual score could be more.

There is always hope. I can remember sometime in the 1980’s, Syracuse was playing #1 Nebraska. That Syracuse team was not as good as the current one which respectfully is bad. Syracuse beat #1 Nebraska!

I will be watching the game at John Lukas’ Big Ten sports Pub.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SLEEP!

I finally got a good night’s sleep last night. Thank you, Dr. Jackie Lefferts!

My back had been killing me for upwards of two weeks. Prior to last night, the previous two nights had been hell. I got very little sleep each night. I could not lie in any fashion in bed, sit in a chair, stand, walk, etc. I was in constant pain from my back down to my ankle.

Dr. Lefferts says sciatica. I will be taking an x-ray to make sure it is nothing worse.

She put me on steroids. First time ever for me. Will I get muscles?

She said…..Drop your pants! I did. A shot in the butt to start. Now pills for 5 days. She also gave me a painkiller, if I needed it. I did not last night. The steroids are to decrease inflammation.

It worked last night. Not one moment of pain. A great sleep. I had forgotten in a short time how it is good to sleep soundly and peacefully.

Let’s hope the steroids continue to work.

I missed TV last night and the bombings of Iraq and Syria. I was sound asleep early. Caught up on the news this morning.

I am glad five Arab nations joined us. I do not know what will come of this. An air of uncertainty.

I fear heads may role today. Perhaps more.

Visited Tammy at Lee Nails for a manicure and pedicure late morning yesterday. How tired was I from lack of sleep? I fell asleep three times while getting my manicure. Not the pedicure. My head dropped and I would pull up suddenly. Like when you start drowsing at a movie.

Did lunch at a strange place for lunches. Outback started a new program and is providing lunches, also. Glad I did! It was good. And cheap!

Robert was bartending. He wanted to know where I had been. I have not stopped by for dinner in a while. He showed me the new luncheon menu. Simple. Only 3-4 items, but in a mix and match fashion.

I had a cup of onion soup, a huge hamburger, and glass of diet Pepsi. Outback now gives an AARP discount. Robert wanted to know if I qualified. Was he kidding? I am 79 years old.

The entire bill was $10.23. You can’t beat it!

There were very few customers. More should try it. The lights are kept down. There was a peacefulness with the lights subdued.

I spent the afternoon working on tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou and on next week’s KONK Life column. The KONK column will concern itself with bank robbers. With a special twist.

The show will cover a multitude of sins. Like, it is now Constitutional to take a cell phone and shoot up a woman’s skirt IF she is wearing panties. Plus, the bombing, the US now leading developed nations in low wage jobs, a SWAT team used to investigate a barber shop to determine if the barbers were licensed, a shocking revelation re generals who appear on TV talk shows recommending war, and more.

Join me at 9 my time for the show. A quick half hour of dialogue. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

I visited Walgreens at dinner time to get the steroids and painkillers. I spend a ton of money on prescription drugs. It still costs a lot and I have the AARP super dooper drug program. It is the donut. I am in the donut. The steroids and painkillers were cheap. It cost me $128 for my blood thinner. A 30 day supply. Terrible!

Dinner at Hogfish at the bar. Chatted with a couple of local fishermen while enjoying a lobster roll.

It rained big time during the night. Raining now. Will rain all day.

I love rain by the ocean. Ever since I was a kid. It comes in  buckets. Loud. Sometimes so thick a person cannot see very far ahead. There have been times I cannot see the MTV house across the water.

Syracuse plays Notre Dame at the Meadowlands saturday. I am concerned. Prior to last week’s game against Maryland, I thought Syracuse would crush Maryland. I obviously was wrong. I expect the opposite this saturday. I see Notre Dame killing Syracuse. At the moment, Notre Dame is an 11 point favorite.

My friend Bob Marks vacationing at the Cape, what do you think? Bob is a Syracuse fanatic as I am.

I never read the comics. Have not dome so in 60 years. For some reason yesterday, my eyes caught a comic strip called SHOE. It was penned by a Robert MacNally. There were three pictures. An elderly man sitting in a classroom as a student. He was taking a quiz. The question was…..What is Plutonium? His answer…..The name of Mickey Mouse’s dog in Latin.

Mickey Mouse was everyone’s friend in my age bracket. We who attended Catholic high school took three years of Latin. The elderly man taking the quiz could have been me.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

IMPORTANT DAY IN HISTORY

September 22 is a significant day in our country’s history. Two major events occurred.

Lincoln issued a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation on this day in 1862. Note the word “preliminary.” Lincoln did not actually sign the Emancipation Proclamation order till January 1, 1863. When he advised the Nation of his intent on September 22, he said he would sign an order so directing within 100 days. Internal politics prevented him from doing so earlier. Nothing changes.

“I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” So spoke Nathan Hale on September 22, 1776 as the British were about to hang him. Hale was young. Late 20’s. A Yale graduate. Volunteered to spy for the Colonies. Worked the New York City area for several months. It is thought his cousin Samuel Hale turned him in to the British. Samuel was a Loyalist.

My back, my back, my back! I have not gotten more than two hours sleep in each of the last two nights. Cannot lie flat or in any manner. Cannot stand or sit. What do I do? See the doctor. Which I intend to do his morning.

The pain radiates around my back to my groin and then down the leg to my ankle. The worst pain is the top of my upper leg and knee. As I have already advised, gin relieves the pain. I had no gin in the house. Switched from heat to ice. The ice was a big help.

Needed a new hose. Was off to Home Depot yesterday morning. Home Depot is already replete with Halloween paraphernalia. Even real pumpkins. Exciting. I am still a little boy at heart.

Stopped at Don’s Place early afternoon to watch the Buffalo Bills game. Chatted with Don, David, Keith, and Larry. Left at half time. Sitting was difficult for me. I kept squirming to find a comfortable position.

I did have two drinks. They definitely helped.

Sunday dinner with Lisa and family. Lisa cooked a Thai dish. First time for this particular Thai dish. Excellent! Tasty! Don’t ask me what. All I know is that the noodles, chicken and vegetables were delicious in whatever the sauce she cooked them in.

Ally evidences a talent for sketching and painting. She gave me an acrylic several months ago. I was impressed. This week she showed me a parrot she had sketched. Right on!

Poppa decided to encourage her. I gave her my easel and unused canvases to go with the paints and brushes she already had. Bought her an eraser and some other things at Ben Franklin. the only place in Key West to buy paint supplies.

We started yesterday. She has pencil drawn the parrot on a canvas. Today after school, we start painting. We have already selected the colors. I have to show her how to mix white to get different shades. This is going to be fun for the both of us!

Enjoy your day!