A KEY WEST GHOST STORY…..MARIA VALDEZ DE GUTSENS

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I mentioned the Gray Man ghost yesterday. The reaction amazing. People love ghost stories!

Ergo, I opted to begin today’s blog with a Key West ghost story. The ghost’s name…..Maria Valdez de Gutsens.

Maria was the administrator of the Mercedes Charity Hospital in Key West. Her title Matron. She ran the hospital for 23 years.

The hospital had previously been the Gato home. Gato the famous cigar producer. He built the home originally where Bayview Park stands today. Overlooking the water. The end of Key West. New Town not even a thought in anyone’s mind.

When his wife died, he sold the home. It was bought and moved to what is now 1209 Virginia Street. A couple of doors down from White Street.

The home became the hospital. The hospital closed in 1942.

Maria was loved by all. People referred to her as an Angel of Mercy.

The former hospital today is an apartment house. It is believed Maria still walks the halls, rooms and porches. There have been several reports of having seen her.

One report was by a man in bed sleeping. His wife next to him. He woke feeling someone holding his wrist. He swears it was Maria, with a man standing next to her. She was taking the pulse of the man in bed. He turned to wake his wife. Maria and her companion disappeared.

Last year when I was looking for an apartment to rent, the Gato House had one available. Checked it out. Looked ok. I recalled Maria’s story. Could not rent the apartment. If Maria and I met up, I would not have been able to handle it.

I am a sort of believer in ghosts.

Alley is on her school’s volleyball team. I went to watch her play at 5. I was impressed. By her and her team mates.

Ally was proud to be playing. You could see it in her face.

Her team won both games easily.

Poppa fell! I was seated in the middle half way up the bleachers. I went to leave after the game. Most were staying for a second game that had been scheduled. Maneuvering around those seated, I tripped/lost my balance and went down!

Times when one feels like an asshole.

I was concerned I had broken my left leg or hip. I was bleeding. No way I was going to stay there and get help. I got myself up, down the bleachers and out the building. My sore leg and hip last night are without pain today. The bleeding I took care of when I got home.

The next game, I will sit at the end of a row on an aisle.

Prior to Ally’s game, I spent the afternoon preparing for my podcast show in the evening. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. I spent half the show talking about Michael and how Irma had impacted my feelings for those who will go through hell in northern Florida tonight.

The Sons and Daughters of Italy do not meet over the summer. Monthly meeting begin anew this evening. I look forward to the meeting. The members are fun people. There is a social hour first. Food and drink. Then a business meeting.

So much happened news wise yesterday and in the past few days. All worthy of mention. I have decided to refer to the occurrences as Hot News.

Michael on the way. At the moment a category 4. Hits landfall around 6 this evening. God help those who opted to remain.

Trump’s friend Saudi Arabia misbehaving. Turkey in cahoots. Saudi journalist Jamal Kheshoggi is a U.S. resident and Washington Post contributor. He was a critic of current Saudi policies.

It is believed he was assassinated. His body then dismembered. Trump has yet to make mention of the incident.

Recently, there was a failed attempt to assassinate Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro. One of individuals thought to be involved was  political opponent Fernando Alban.

Alban was in custody. Being held on the 10th floor of the Bolivian Intelligence Service. He went out the 10th floor window. The claim, he was a suicide. His supporters say bullshit. He was thrown out!

Trump has yet to comment on this issue, also.

Trump at an Iowa rally last night. He mentioned Diane Feinstein. The crowd yelled…..Lock her up! Trump smiled. Never said no, not the American way.

The same thing happened when Hillary was mentioned during the campaign.

Trump encourages violence with his silence.

Nikki Haley resigned yesterday as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. She and Trump enjoyed a love relationship when her resignation was announced. Both said all kinds of nice things about each other.

The first Cabinet person to leave and not get condemned by Trump. Why did she get a free ride?

So much for Hot News.

I continue to live and learn.

We all buy ice cream in super markets. A favorite American dessert. Keep it in the freezer and pull it out when the desire hits. Which unfortunately is often.

Brands like Breyer’s, Ben and Jerry’s, Klondike, Good Humor and Popsicle.

Guess what? They are all owned by the same company. Unilever. A British-Dutch transnational consumer goods company.

America’s first robot farm has begun operation this week. The robots replace humans. The robots described as “incredibly intelligent machines.”

The company involved is Iron Ox. A hot entity. Las year, outside money people invested in excess of $10 billion.

It is claimed the robot farm can turn out 30 times more produce than a traditional farm.

The robot farm is a hot item because the farming industry is facing a serious labor shortage and there is a growing pressure to produce more crops.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

LAURIE THIBAUD…..CITIZEN OF THE DAY

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The charming spirited Laurie Thibaud is Key West Citizen of the Day. Much deserved. The woman has a warm personality.

The best of the best as they say.

Laurie was born in France. Somehow found her way to Key West in the late 1990’s. Emcees at the Aqua Night Club and is affiliated with The Rum Bar.

Her comment printed beneath her picture: “I love Key West because the women are strong and the men are pretty.” Now I know why Laurie likes me. The only problem is Laurie is gay.

Terri White sings tonight at Blue Heaven.

Hurricane Michael is racing up the Florida west coast. Two hundred fifty miles off shore. Key West has been hit 2 days in a row with heavy winds and big time rain. Fortunately for us, that is all we will suffer.

Northern Florida is in trouble, however. Michael will hit the Panhandle and Big Bend wednesday evening. As a category 3. No fun!

I am heavy with concern for those in danger. Caused by my Irma experiences last year. The feeling of dread stays with you.

There was a picture on the internet of cars lined up at a gas station to fill up before evacuating. Just as I recall. Not a straight line to the pumps. Cars maneuvering from every angle. Sometimes voices elevated. People scared. Tensions high.

The preceding is when trying to fill up at a station in a town. There was an organized way. The stations on the Florida Turnpike. State Police directing traffic. Lines straight. No one excited.

The evacuation drive itself a wonder. Sometimes you covered all of one mile in an hour. Patience was a virtue.

I recall having to piss. I was in a rest area on the Florida Turnpike. Already spent 1 1/2 hours waiting in line to get gas. Went inside to the men’s room. Good luck! The line was out the door into the parking area about 100 feet. I felt like a woman. Having to wait in line to go.

I could not waste another hour. Also did not know if I could hold it another hour.

Did the practical thing. Walked outside and into the woods. Relieved myself. I was not the only one so doing.

And so it went. As it will for those in north Florida.

My large flat TV is broke. They’re cheap today. $150-175 will buy a new one from Amazon.

Anna was concerned for me. She had a friend who could repair today’s TV’s. Did it in Honduras before he came to the U.S. Works construction now in Key West.

I figured what the hell. Anna went to get him.

I was impressed! He had all the necessary tools. Knew exactly what he was doing. Basically, 2 small boards and some wires operate today’s TV’s. He tested everything. I watched and learned for 2 hours.

He has isolated the problem. A small piece. Less than a half inch in size. The problem now is if he can find one to buy.

A 5:30 appointment with Tammy for a manicure. Place empty when I arrived. By 6, the women were storming through the door. Tammy says it is that way every evening. The women come in after work.

Manicure done, hurried over to Aqua for Dueling Bartenders. Tom Luna and Heather Mae performing. Rick Dery apparently away.

Lovely Liz at th bar with friends Josefina and Mary. Went over to kiss and chat with Liz.

Spent some time chatting also with Heather Mae between songs. I learn every day. She is a school teacher at Sigsbee School.

Jean Thornton had e-mailed earlier in the day she was returning. Hoped the storm would not prevent her from getting out of Atlanta. No problem. She was up and away on time.

The plane was 8 minutes from landing in Key West. The pilot announced the airport had just closed because winds were more than 50 miles an hour. He circled a half hour before the plane was able to land.

Dueling Bartenders was Jean’s first stop last night. She sat with me. After being hugged and kissed by everyone in the place. The woman is well loved!

We ended the evening with dinner a La Trattoria. Following which I went home and Jean headed over to Vino’s.

While at Aqua, I was viewing my e-mails. Came across a tiger laying under a tree. It was sent by Rick Dery. All he said was he saw a tiger sleeping under a tree.

I assumed he was in India or Africa. Asked those around the bar. Some thought so, also. Finally someone piped up Rick was in Miami and the picture was taken at a Miami zoo.

Key West property increases in value. Commercial and residential. Some hotels selling in excess of $100 million.

The newest properties to be sold in package form include the A&B Lobster House, Berlin’s, Alonzo’s, the White Tarpon Bar, a 45 slip marina, several retail spaces, a 70 space parking lot, and the building housing the Commodore and Boathouse.

Buyers include Attorney Barton Smith, Key West Utilities and the Key West Golf Club.

All comprising a good chunk of the Key West Historic Seaport.

Today is tuesday. Means my podcast show. Tonight at 9. Join me. Listen to me rant and rave about issues and happenings. A quick half hour. You will enjoy! www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

A DOUBLE LOSS IN ONE DAY

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Sometimes you just can’t win for losing!

Yesterday, one of those days.

Kavanaugh got the vote and was sworn in. Syracuse lost to Pitt.

The Kavanaugh fight is over. Time will tell who was correct.

Syracuse’s loss depressing. Syracuse started the season 4-0. Then lost to #4 Clemson last week by 3 points. This week Pitt. Should have been an easy win. Was not. Pitt won in overtime 44-37. Syracuse played poorly.

With Syracuse also, time will tell. Six games remaining.

An observation. Roe v. Wade will not survive Kavanaugh. It will be overturned.

Last night spent at Blue Macaw. A clubby atmosphere. Friendly. Love Montana the bartender. Chatted with Joe, Doug, Donna and Terri.

Doug is of Italian extraction, also. His Dad a chef of sorts. Doug learned early on how to cook. We spent much time discussing Christmas Eve’s seven fishes, their preparation, etc.

There is more news than Kavanaugh and Trump. However, their news will continue to be overwhelming. To the result that what is happening otherwise does not come to our attention.

For example, the U.S. Marines coming to the rescue last week in Washington, D.C.

A senior citizen facility was on fire. More than a hundred residents. Two hundred yards away was a small Marine outpost. The Marines saw smoke and rushed over.

Someone yelled there are people inside. The Marines acted as you would expect Marines to act. They rushed in and saved lives.

Newsworthy? You bet. Front page any other time. Not this past week. Sad.

Some things just plain un-American. Trump leading the pact in taking such actions. He forgets we are a republic and not a dictatorship. Authoritarianism has no place in our society.

Trump is down on Facebook. For some time. He is unhappy that Facebook carries comments adverse to Trump. Too bad. That’s the way it is in a republic. People have the right to express themselves about their government.

What have been described as “anti-activists” are a thorn in Trump’s side. Makes him unhappy. Trump had demanded information as to who they were with all pertinent details. Facebook refused. It is now claimed the Trump administration has secured search warrants to enable them to be discovered.

Involved are some 6,000 individuals who “liked” an anti-activist Trump Facebook page.

Wrong! Chilling! The U.S. is not Russia, China, or North Korea.

ACLU attorney Scott Michelman said, “What is particularly chilling about these warrants is that anti-administration political activists are going to have their political associations scrutinized by the very administration they are protesting.”

Welcome to the United States of 2018!

I am 83 years old. Retired from the practice of law 12 years ago. It was time. Should have done it years earlier.

Politicians seem to overstay their time in office. Two examples are Republican Senators Chuck Grassley and Orrin Hatch. Grassley 85, has been in the Senate 38 years. Hatch 84, has been in the Senate 41 years.

Both too old. Should have packed up and left town years ago. Both not today in thinking. Their minds back to a time where women were looked down upon. They do not understand today’s world in many respects.

Grassley is Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He was asked this past week why there were not more women on the Committee. He suggested too much work. They might not be able to handle it. An example of the keep ’em pregnant and in the kitchen mentality.

Hatch back in another time when he opens his mouth.

Time for new faces in Washington.

Terri sings 10-12 this morning at Hard Rock Cafe. I am going to enjoy brunch and Terri at the same time.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

A MATCH HAS A HEAD BUT NO BRAIN

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I have found something strange re the news the past couple of weeks. Perhaps you have also.

Close to all of the news concerns the U.S. Kavanaugh primarily.

There are things going on elsewhere in the world. We do not hear. We are buried in the Kavanaugh issue.

Not healthy. World events in the final analysis are equally if not more important over the long run than Kavanaugh.

Fire Prevention Week begins in a few days. October 7-October 13.

In 1948, a fire prevention week existed also. I was in the eighth grade. There was a contest. We had to write a composition about fire prevention. The writer of the best composition would get to read it while standing on a fire truck in front of the school. A big deal!

Mine was the best. Thirteen year old Louis got the thrill of a lifetime. Stood on the fire truck, read the composition, and then blew the fire truck horn repeatedly. The last part the best.

I was a reader early in life. Sat in an easy chair in the living room reading something too heavy for me. A large dictionary at my side so I could look up the many words I did not understand.

Somewhere along the way, I came up with a phrase that stuck in my head while writing the composition: A match has a head, but no brain. Brilliant! I incorporated it into my composition. It became the thrust of the writing and probably caused me to win.

At the time, I thought it had to do with fires. I looked it up this morning. It did not. Concerns stress and anger prevention.

Oh well, it worked at the time!

I further discovered this morning that I was sort of correct. Sort of being the operative words. I came across one comment re the match and no brain in a fire prevention ad put out by a Firemen’s Association. One out of hundreds!

Disposable lighters are in vogue today. Matchbooks a rarity. In 1948, matchbooks were used. A practical lighter did not arrive on the scene till 1972. Gillette bought a French patent.

Matchbooks were used for cigarette lighting, birthday cakes, etc. Matchbooks were a small paper board folder carrying 30 matches. Rip a match off and strike the head on a small pad on the outside of the matchbook.

That scenario was why I was able to use a match has a head but no brain. Everyone used matches! Everyone understood!

A pleasant evening last night at Blue Macaw with Andrea and Joe. Good people. I keep repeating myself. However, they are.

Afterwards, I stopped at Sandy’s Cafe for something to eat before returning home.

I have reported re the mosquito danger in North Carolina. Terrible! Mosquitoes three times normal size. Millions more than normal being bred.

North Carolina’s Governor recognizes the danger. Yesterday, he authorized $4 million to attack the problem. Probably more will be required in time.

One of Florida’s greatest benefactors was Henry Flagler. The railroad, St. Augustine, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Miami, and Key West.

Two interesting things about the man. He never graduated from high school. He also actually created Miami. From nothing to something. People were thrilled. They wanted to name the city Flagler. He said, no. There was a river in the area. The Miami River. The city Flagler created was named after the river.

Tuesday night I was supposed to watch Ally play volleyball. She is on the school team. Never saw her play before. To my sorrow, the game was cancelled at the last minute.

One of my TV’s has been down for 2 days. Repair man due this afternoon. Comcast is wonderful!

Tonight, I don’t know. Probably the Chart Room. Several days since my last visit. Time to visit with John again.

Enjoy your day!

STOCKING SHELVES IN SUPER MARKET

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It was October 3, 1951. I was 16 years old, a junior in high school. My after school job was working in a super market. That day, stocking shelves.

Professional baseball was big back then. The fan base equivalent or better than pro football and basketball combined. Truly at that time, the All-American sport.

The National League had ended in a tie. The New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers. Both teams long gone from New York City today having moved west.

The supermarket owner permitted the game to be broadcast over the loudspeaker system.

The Dodgers were favored. They had led the League. New York was 13.5 games behind in August. Then won 16 straight.

The bottom of the 9th. Dodgers winning 4-2. One out. Giants batting. Bobby Thomson at the plate. A respected hitter. Ralph Branca had come in as relief pitcher for the Dodgers. A respected pitcher.

Willie Mays was in the batter’s circle. A rookie. It was thought Branca would walk Thomson to get at the still inexperienced Mays.

He did not. He pitched to Thomson. There were 2 men on base. Thomson hit a home run.

Everyone went crazy! All over the U.S. In the super market. I went crazy. The sports announcer went crazy.

Thomson’s home run is described as “the shot heard round the world.” The event one of the most memorable in sports history.

New York went on to be defeated by the New York Yankees in the World Series.

My podcast last night. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Love doing the show! Began with my concern for the U.S. I believe we are disintegrating as a nation.

Tonight, the Blue Macaw. Terri sings!

My girl! Love her! Admire her!

It dawned on me this morning that October means Goombay and Fantasy Fest. The end of the month. Something to look forward to. Both different flavors. Both enjoyable.

I wrote the other day about the mosquito danger in North Carolina. Too much water. Mosquitoes coming out big time. Could be illness causing. An epidemic possible.

Someone commented and asked what about Big Pine and surrounding areas following Irma last year. Good question! Never gave it a thought.

I tried to get a hold of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District for first hand information. They apparently operate like Comcast. I am still waiting for a response.

I am assuming both areas suffered a different impact.

Note that mosquitoes are a major south Florida concern. Especially in the Keys. We have a Florida Keys Mosquito Control District headed by an elected Board. Many employees. Planes to spray. Vehicles to spray.

Standing water for many days was not a major concern following Irma. Our flooding was different from North Carolina’s. The Keys’ concern was debris standing on the side of roads for miles and miles. The wet debris and humidity that followed made the debris a breeding place.

Mosquito District personnel were out immediately searching for new breeding pockets. They dealt with the problem immediately.

I am not aware of any significant mosquito problem as a result.

A job well done.

North Carolina on the other hand was hot with floods. Big time. Ten to 20 feet in height. Some lasting 10 days or more.

As the water receded, most of North Carolina became a major breeding ground for mosquitoes.

I assume the State is involved with the problem and dealing with it at this point.

Whether North Carolina was as prepared as the Keys is another story.

“If it don’t fit, you must acquit.” Famous words from the O. J. Simpson murder trial.

A glove was a key piece of evidence. The prosecution had Simpson try the glove on during the trial He could not get it on. Too small. Too tight.

What no one seem to have picked up on at the time was that the glove had become wet and shrunk. Whatever, it was one of Simpson’s passages to an acquittal. The jury acquitted him this day in 1995.

Saturday coming up. Syracuse/Pitt. Syracuse a 5 point favorite.

Enjoy your day!

EARLY KEY WEST SPEAKEASIES

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Brad Bertelli is curator of the Keys History and Discovery Center. He wrote an interesting article re prohibition and Key West speakeasies in the Key West Weekly 9/27/18.

It was 1928. Prohibition was upon the U.S. Bootleggers were running booze in from larger boats sitting beyond U.S. territorial limits. Some of the illicit alcohol passed through Key West on its way to other parts of the country. Some remained in Key West.

A new type drinking establishment arose. The speakeasy.

Key West had 2 speakeasies early on. Club Florence and the Blind Pig.

Club Florence was located at 1117 Duval St. Today, the Speakeasy Inn. Owner Raul Vasquez named the place Florence because a number of his customers had wives named Florence.

The Blind Pig operated at 428 Greene St. Today, the infamous Captain Tony’s.

The structure was built in 1851. Over the years, served as an ice house and city morgue, wireless telegraph station, cigar factory, and bordello.

The building was owned by Isaac Wolkowsky. David Wolkowsky’s father.

Issac rented the building to Joe Russell during Prohibition for $3 a week. When Prohibition ended, Russell changed the name to Sloppy Joe’s. He would later move the bar to its present location.

Dueling Bartenders first last night. The wonderful Terri Smith guest performer. Joining regulars Tom Luna and Rick Dery. A good crowd. Donna, Andrea and Joe, John and Fiona, the wonderful Liz, Josefina, and Mary among others.

Stopped at Sandy’s Cafe on the way home for a bite. My usual. Cuban cheese toast with tomato and a diet coke. Love the meal! Think it is the cost. $4.39. Can’t beat it.

Shades of Tom Cruise and Ancient Japan last week in Key West. Samurai!

A homeless man threatened 2 different persons early friday morning. With a samurai sword. Ended up being arrested.

I am excited. Tonight, I watch Ally play volley ball for the first time. She is on the Montessori team.

Afterwards, I have to hurry home. My podcast at 9. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Interesting. An eye opener on occasion. Join me for a half hour. Listen to me rant and rave. Guaranteed you will not be disappointed. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

On this day in 1950, Tennessee Williams purchased what was to be his home for some 30 yeas on Duncan St. Only $13,000 back then.

The home remains lovely. Present owners keep it in tip top shape.

Lisa and family live 1 1/2 blocks down the street on Duncan.

One of the most thriving and happiest Key West businesses is on Union just below White. Dairy Queen. On this day in 1951, the Zoning Board approved a zoning change so the Dairy Queen could be built.

For over 60 years, Dairy Queen has successfully operated in the same place. Primarily patronized by locals. School kids and families. Many the time Lisa, Robert, Ally and I would stop and enjoy. Sometimes Louis alone with the grandkids. Small tables outside to sit on. One of the few Key West businesses with more than adequate parking.

We wait for the FBI report. Now expanded. Going to be interesting.

I suspect another governmental investigation is ongoing at the same time. One by the Judicial Conference of the United States. Composed of Federal Judges. Oversees the operation of Federal Courts.

The Judicial Conference at the moment would be operating in secrecy. It has the power to recommend impeachment among other things for criminal malfeasance. It can initiate its investigation on its own based merely on media reports.

Does Kavanaugh qualify for such an investigation? I think so. However, I am not a member of the Judicial Conference.

Got to give the Devil his do. I refer to Trump.

NAFTA was replaced by USMCA yesterday. A better trade agreement.

Trump delivered.

Enjoy your day!

FLOODWATER MOSQUITOES

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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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

WORLD LEADERS LAUGH AT TRUMP

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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!

COMCAST DOES IT AGAIN

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Comcast down again this morning. From 7 am to 12 noon. No internet-e-mail and TV. For the doubter last week when I complained re Comcast, Comcast does provide e-mail service with the internet.

Today, tuesday. Great day for Comcast to be down. I have my podcast show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou this evening. Normally, I would do the blog in the morning and then prepare for the evening show in the afternoon. The internet required to do both!

Ergo, I am behind. I started researching for tonight’s show at noon. Skipped over and did Key West Lou Live on Facebook. Now the blog which I normally do first in the morning. When the blog is finished, I will return to working on tonight’s show.

A crowded day. All because Comcast screwed up again.

I am not upset. Pissed, yes!

Last night, Dueling Bartenders. Good crowd for this time of the year. Tom and Rick their usual terrific selves. Lovely Laura Richardson guest entertainer. What a voice!

It was good to see Joseph. The last time I saw him 3-4 weeks ago, his face was swollen. He was aware. Did not know the cause. Last night, his face back to normal. What did you do? Nothing. It went down on its own.

Laura’s parents are Rob and Maria. Both retired lawyers. Now live full time in Key West. Entrepreneurs. The family owns the great new bar Roost, the art gallery SALT, and half of Mary Ellen’s.

I mentioned to Rob and Maria how much I enjoyed Mary Ellen’s. Especially the grilled cheese sandwiches. Added, I had seen the dildo races once. Yes, just what you think.

Rob advised the dildo races were run one night a week and the money raised went to charity. So far the race has raised in excess of $60,000. In less than a year.

Sally spotted me. Came over and sat next to me. A friend from Hot Dog Church and the Rum Bar. Good company.

Hustled over to Macaw’s afterwards. Small crowd. I was surprised.

Mary joined me at the bar. A tour guide at The Little White House. I enjoy talking with her.

The blog is short. I need to work on tonight’s show. Topics will include Kavanaugh/Ford, Florence, baseball great Sandy Koufax, and the new Presidential Alert System.

The preceding topics when completed will take all of 15 minutes. Need to add another 15 minutes.

Join me for Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. A fast moving half hour. Guaranteed you will enjoy. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

I FELL ASLEEP

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Tuesday night at 9 is my podcast show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. I spend all day tuesday preparing for the show. Never leave the house.

Everything was ready to go at 8. Everything hooked up, notes on the desk, etc. Needed only 30 seconds to make everything operational.

I laid on my bed to watch TV till show time. Fell asleep!!! A no no!!!

Woke and Rachel Maddow was on. Her show starts at 9. It was 9:02. Rushed to my office, did the necessary, and was on the air 3 minutes late.

I was still half asleep. The first few minutes were a disaster. Even got a coughing jag.

I have not looked at the finished product. Some will write me today and tell me how it came out, ask what was wrong, etc.

Florence is bothering me mentally. I attribute the problem to Irma. Amazing!

Spent 60 percent of the show discussing hurricanes. Florence, Maria and the Labor Day 1935 Hurricane.

Trump had the audacity to speak of Puerto Rico yesterday. Trump said Puerto Rico was the “best” job the U.S. did. Described the help provided as fantastic. Closed with the assistance provided as “an incredible unsung success.”

What does he smoke?

Trump deludes himself. Puerto Rico a failure if there ever was one. Almost 3,000 dead as a result.

I buy the President is not mentally stable.

Re Florence, he says we’re ready. FEMA ready. A good job will be done. I hope so. However, I am willing to bet he will blow it here also. No one at Trump or FEMA’s level seems to understand what is coming. The devastation Florence will wrought.

Florence is a monster racing to the coast. The Carolinas in danger. Perhaps even Georgia. Hurricanes are fickle. All wind is fickle. Some experts believe Florence could turn left, move south, and not make landfall till it hits Georgia.

Whatever, rain will be torrential. Twenty inches or more. Surges 18-20 feet. Flood waters estimated at 4 feet.

The Carolinas have not been subjected to such a storm since some time in the 1950’s. I read somewhere that Eisenhower was President and Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe were newlyweds at the time.

My car is sick. Does not start immediately. At the garage. Not the battery or starter. Mechanic thinks it is the ignition.

The car a Volkswagen Beetle. Ten years old. Only 40,000 miles. Should be good for another 10. However, the past two years it has been costing me money. One thing after another.

Terri sings tonight at Blue Macaw. Larry and Terri. A big event. First time she will be paid by Blue Macaw. Beginning this evening, every wednesday a paid performance.

My working lady!

The Southwest Point. A very popular tourist stop. Purportedly the most southernmost point in the U.S. Not really, but accepted as such.

Tourists line up a hundred at a time by day to stand in front of the red, yellow and blue monument. They wait in line so their pictures can be taken standing in front of the monument.

When I finish my night at Blue Macaw, my way home takes me past the monument. Ten at night, there are still people waiting in line to take a picture. Not many. Ten to twenty. Interesting. Definitely a popular tourist attraction.

Pythons a non-resolvable problem for Florida. The State waited too long to deal with them. Now estimated to be more than 1 million. Present goal is to contain the pythons, not eradicate them.

The State periodically runs eradication programs. Hunt down pythons and kill them! Not very successful.

The Irula tribe are born and raised in India. Their specialty is killing poisonous snakes. Male children are taught how to do so beginning at age 3.

They are in Florida now at the invitation of the State. To hunt and kill pythons. I am unaware as to what they are being paid.

The federal government was severely criticized in 1935 following the Labor Day hurricane in the mid Keys. A category 5. Close to 700 World War I veterans were sent to work on U.S. 1. Lived in tents, etc. The hurricane killed 485, most of whom were veteran workers.

The criticism levied against the government was for sending workers into the Keys during hurricane season. Turned out Washington was not cognizant of hurricanes or their season.

A somewhat similar situation occurred recently.

This is hurricane season. Florence on the way. Unquestionably a biggie! This summer Homeland Security took $10 million from its hurricane budget and transferred the money to ICE. ICE was in need of additional funding for immigrant detention and deportation.

Another Trump administration screw up! After Florence departs, Trump will be crying how much money the government needs to help Florence victims and how it does not have enough.

Washington values are misplaced.

Enjoy your day!