BATTLESHIP MAINE’S FATAL ARRIVAL

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In January 1898, the Battleship Maine left Key West for Havana. The Maine arrived on this date in Havana. On February 15, 1898, the Maine was blown up in Havana harbor.

Many American sailors died. Many are buried in Key West Cemetery.

The American people were aroused. The cry…..Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!

The Spanish-American War was inevitable.

I spent most of the day time yesterday writing this week’s KONK Life column. Yankee Doodle Dandy. The column is not merely a recitation of verses, it is an explanation of what the words mean. In addition, a showing of how the tune came to bite the British in the ass.

The column publishes in KONK Life wednesday.

I could not do two things at once. Had to turn off the TV thereby missing the New England/Denver game. I caught the last minute. Exciting!

I felt sorry for the Patriot’s point kicker. His first miss in 524 tries. The point might have made a difference in the ultimate outcome of the game.

Syracuse lost to Virginia last night. 73-65. Oh, my Syracuse!

Syracuse played well against #13 Virginia. Around the middle of the second half, the game was tied.

Virginia definitely the better team in spite of how well Syracuse played. They have it all. Offensively and defensively.

A major Syracuse problem is the lack of a big man. The opposition keeps getting the ball into the post.

Dinner at Roostica. The sunday night special. Spaghetti and meat balls. Just like grandmother made.

The Kelly McGillis Flag Football Classic gets underway tonight. The ladies meet at Aqua. An excellent place to get things going.

Judy Blume is an author extraordinaire. Her books have sold over 85 million copies world wide. Blume is a Key West resident.

Tonight at 6, Blume is speaking as part of the Friends of Key West Library Series. The Key West Theater, 512 Eaton Street.

Divorce made easy.

Modern America now has no fault divorce.

In days of old, Henry VIII came up with his own method. Behead the women!

Islamists make it extremely easy for the man to divorce. He looks at his wife and says three times…..I divorce you. It does not work the same for the ladies. They are required to go through the court process.

The Smiths are in the news. Larry and Christine.

Larry plays tonight at The Little Place Jazz Club. 8:30. Larry is one of Key West’s finest performers.

Christine’s fame initially as a teacher and singer. She is professionally known as Christine Cordone.

In recent years, she added painting to her retinue. Christine has an exhibit scheduled for February 4 at Art @ 830 on Caroline. Great watercolors!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

I DANCED!

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A busy last night.

First stop was Tavern ‘n Town. No room at the inn. There had been an outside wedding scheduled. The cold and wind moved it inside. Took up the entire new dining room.

Headed downtown to Hot Tin Roof. An excellent soup of shrimp and mussels. A light red sauce. Even better, dunking bread in the sauce at the end.

Hot Tin Roof filled up. No room. Tourists galore.

Restaurants and bars cannot complain things are tough. I have never seen so many tourists at any time in the past. It has been non-stop since Christmas week.

Then to La Te Da. First time in the new inside bar. Great music. A full house. Dance floor crowded.

I danced. Three times. The last time I danced was four years ago in Greece at an outdoor restaurant in the Playka. Danced Greek style with the locals. Threw a few plates afterwards.

I spent the afternoon researching this week’s KONK Life column. Yankee Doodle Dandy. The story behind it and what the words actually mean.

I have a bit more research and then the writing today.

Big pro football day! The AFC and NFC championship games. I would have enjoyed watching the New England/Denver game at 2. Column writing at the same time. I will listen to the TV audio while writing. Hopefully, I can still do two things at one time.

Syracuse plays Virginia at 7 tonight. Virginia a 9 point favorite. If Syracuse wins, it will be because of Boeheim. His hands on coaching in the final minutes.

Sounds of the Kelly McGillis flag football Classic can be heard. The ladies began coming in the past few days. Monday begins social activities and practice. The games begin friday. Sixty teams from all over the world.

Today is January 24. This morning’s Key West Citizen History Section makes mention of Sally Rand. The Citizen did the same thing on January 24 last year. I commented then. I comment now.

Sally Rand was a fan dancer. The fans moved erotically. She was before my time. By 1960, she was into semi-retirement.

I met her in 1964 at a cocktail party at Grossinger’s in the Catskills. A lady. We had a pleasant uninterrupted ten minute conversation.

Sally once a part time Key West resident. She owned the large lovely Victorian home at 916 Eisenhower Drive.

Enjoy your Sunday!