FAT ALBERT

Posted on by

Fat Albert was a mainstay over Cudjoe Key for more than 30 years. Fat Albert was a white Air Force blimp. Tethered to Cudjoe. Part of the military radar system.

Once there had been two blimps. One was taken down several years ago. I do not recall the name of the one that went first. My recollection is that Fat Albert had become obsolete and was taken down by the Air Force in 2013.

A reader in this morning’s Key West Citizen Citizens’ Voice asked…..Where is Fat Albert? The person who wrote in said he was driving on US 1 and he discovered Fat Albert was gone. Where is it, he asked.

Sometimes that which we see every day, we stop seeing. It is there, but we see it so often that we fail to see it.

Did the writer fail to note that Fat Albert has been gone some three years? Or, is Louis wrong and Fat Albert did not come down in 2013?

If you know, let me know.

My yesterday started with a visit to my heart doctor. One scheduled in haste. I experienced chest pains during the night. Doctor ran some tests. Found nothing. There is going to be more tests. A stress test among them.

I felt fine yesterday. Feel fine this morning. Pains did cause me concern.  The nitroglycerin made it go away the two times it was experienced.

Such is life at 80.

Nothing was going to stop me from the excitement of the Syracuse/Dayton game. I opted to watch it at Don’s Place. Toni joined me to watch the game. Toni is a die hard Kentucky fan. Toni is into basketball. I enjoyed being with her during the game. Good company.

Met Cecil. The name does not fit him. A tough appearing guy. Cecil a Syracuse fan, also. He graduated from LeMoyne College.

The ‘Cuse distinguished itself yesterday. The second half was not expected. Could not have been imagined. Syracuse blew Dayton out in the second half. Syracuse won 70-51.

If I was going to get a heart attack, it was during the excitement of the second half.

Syracuse plays Mid Tennessee tomorrow at 6:10 pm. Mid Tennessee a #15 seed beat Michigan State a #2 yesterday. Mid Tennessee is not to be taken lightly.

I decided not to push my luck. I was home mid afternoon. Did not go out in the evening.

I did do some research however for this week’s KONK Life column. The title of the article alone will blow you away. I am not sharing it at the moment.

I was under the impression that the US Air Force did not have its combat beginnings till World War I. I was wrong. The first US Air Combat Mission began with the invasion of Mexico in 1916. The US was trying to capture Pancho Villa.

Today is a significant day in history. In 2003, the war with Iraq began. Bush 2’s war. “…..to defend the world from grave danger.” Bush’s words. He told us Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction.

I am one who believes that had Bush not opted to invade Iraq, the Middle East would not be as it is today.

A final observation. Those who comment to this blog do not always agree with each other. Generally, diametrically opposed. Sometimes the exchanges get heated.

Not yesterday when it came to the Syracuse victory. They stood as one in their excitement!

Enjoy your day!

TOURISTS PACK KEY WEST

Posted on by

I will be shocked if at the end of the season, Key West merchants complain. The season appears to be a gigantic success. People, bicycles and cars. Everywhere! Everyone smiling.

As it should be.

Last night was simple. First, Don’s Place. Conversation with Don, Jimmy, John and Keith. Bocce and golf the subject matter. Then Don and I to Tavern ‘n Town for dinner.

I love talking about Harry Truman. He is as important to Key West’s history as Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams.

The Key West Citizen’s History portion this morning had a picture of Truman and Speaker Sam Rayburn taking a walk in Key West. Sometime in November 1948. Truman was dressed Key West style. A colorful sport shirt.

The walk took place on one of Truman’s 11 visits to Key West. He spent a total of 175 days here.

Angus. Angus. Angus. One of the nicest guys in town. No one would dispute me. Angus spends time at Don’s Place, plays bocce and works as bar manager at Schooner Wharf. This morning’s E-Blast carries a couple of pictures of Angus on St. Patrick’s Day taken at Schooner Wharf.

This is amazing! I have been talking for three years about Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro. He’ the guy who ran out of toilet paper, milk and condoms. Plus, all kinds of foodstuffs. The Venezuela people suffered and continue to suffer.

I am surprised the people have not yet revolted. Things are that bad.

Maduro needed a scapegoat so as Venezuelans would not think he was responsible. He found one. The United States. He blames us for everything. His present complaint/warning is the United States is assisting in a coup and planning to invade Venezuela. The guy is a nut!

Over the three years, I have compared Maduro to Castro. Castro blamed all of Cuba’s evils for 50 years on the United States. Cuba and Venezuela are close. Best friends.

Raul Castro spoke out yesterday in defense of  Maduro and Venezuela. Regarding the United States, he said it was “…..impossible to seduce Cuba or intimidate Venezuela.” Said by Castro while Cuba and the U.S. are negotiating a reunion.

Everyone crazy!

On this day in 2003, Bush 2 announced the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The map of the Middle East changed as a result. Wars became commonplace. No weapons of mass destruction were found.

Thank you, Mr. President. Iraq is your legacy. Sad because you did do good in many other areas. Mark Anthony’s words at the time of Caesar’s death come into play. As I recall…..The good men do is interred with his bones, the evil lives on forever.

I have to hustle. Have a haircut appointment this morning. Parking has become a big time problem under the new parking rules. I need extra time to find a proper parking place.

Enjoy your day!