I HEARD FROM CRETE

Posted on by

This blog has moved into its 11th year. I have made many friends via the blog over the years. World wide. A few I have been fortunate to meet. Others, not. However the level of communication has been sufficient that I feel I know them personally. Like we get together for a drink together now and then.

One “close friend” is Crete’s Jim Brown. Crete is one of the Greek isles.

Jim is a transplant from Great Britain to Crete. A resident of Crete for many years. Married with family. Earns a living by entertaining. A band. His band.

We occasionally chat via Facebook re politics.

I wrote Jim last week concerning Obama’s poor reception while visiting Greece. Seven thousand protested against him, the American flag burned, etc. The media suggested the Communists responsible.

I did not understand. The Communist Party in Greece is negligible. The powerful out of office party is the Nazi Party. Know as the New Dawn.

I wrote Jim re my concerns. He responded.

He does not believe the protests were anti-American. The Greek people are pissed. They like to vent. Need to vent. They are generally upset with the powers to be internationally. They do not believe the rest of the world gave them support in their “war” against Merkel and the Euro Union.

He said I should not be concerned about the American flag being burned. The protesters burned a Greek flag also.

Brown believes Tsipras sold them down the river, that austerity is crippling the Greek people.

The suicide rate has tripled. He writes these are “sad times my friend.”

He mentioned the Nazi Party hates all foreigners. He did not believe they were involved in the protests.

An absence in his e-mail was he never mentioned the Communist Party or Communism or a Communist part in the protests.

Does his silence re the Communist aspect say anything?

Worked with Sloan yesterday afternoon. Soon, I will be streaming on You Tube. In addition to everything else I am doing.

Bocce playoffs later in the day. Fun. Don’s Place got beat by monday’s #4 team.

Florida State beat Syracuse 45-14. Only one game left. Pitt. Then the season will be behind us.

Dinner tonight with Liz and her house guest. Another law school dean. Should be an interesting evening.

Typical Key West result. The new City Hall was to be dedicated tomorrow. The ribbon cutting. Announced in this morning’s Key West Citizen that there will be no ribbon cutting. The building not ready yet.

The Mosquito Control Board announced that it will be going ahead with genetically modified mosquito testing. Not in Key Haven, however. Key Haven residents voted it down in the recent election. The Board is looking for another key to run the test.

Weather has changed. We are going into winter. Cool this past week. No air conditioning required evenings. Sleep with the windows open. Rarely need air by day.

The temperature level is good. High 70s by day and low 70s by night.

Key West Rotary minutes 1935 reflect the influence of the federal government in resurrecting Key West from the depression, the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, and the demise of Flagler’s railroad. The three had kicked Key West in its ass.

A board meeting was held on December 16, 1935 at Strunk.s new home on Flagler. Federal support was discussed. Favorably.

Responsible was the Works Progress Administration (WPA).

La Semana Alegre was scheduled for the week of February 2, 1936. Also known as the Week of Joy Festival.

Ninety thirty five found the WPA successful in many ways in assisting a Key West recovery.

One the performance of Pirates of Penzance scheduled during La Semana Alegre.

A side note. Snowbird Diana Millikan is writing what she hopes will be a novel regarding WPA’s showing of the Pirates of Penzance in Key West. Her research deep. Her writing skills excellent.

Some background concerning the WPA and Key West. One of FDR’s programs to get America on its feet again.

As a result of the hurricane, demise of the railroad and the depression, Key West had become one of America’s poorest cities. Eleven thousand residents were receiving some form of federal assistance.

The WPA saw the possibility of a metamorphosis. To turn Key West into a tourist mecca. The purpose to make Key West a destination for people with money to spend.

WPA viewed Key West as a cultural destination. Artists, writers, etc. The WPA spent money beautifying Key West’s streets, homes and landscapes. A one year make over basically.

A no screwing around plan. Get in and get it done. Which the WPA did.

By the end of 1935, thousands had visited Key West for the first time. Ordinary people looking for an out of ordinary vacation spot.

The Key West Rotary planned to take advantage of the new Key West by scheduling a several city Rotary meeting for Key West during the February Week of Joy.

The thought occurs how differently things were in the 1930s when contrasted with today. Roosevelt’s government moved its ass to get things done. Key west an example. Nothing gets done that quickly today.

Enjoy your Sunday!

NO MONEY NO CHEMO

Posted on by

Life or death depending on money. On ability to pay.

That is where we are at with many in our country.

Donna and Terri have had some hard times the past two years. Some things had to give. One was health insurance.

Terri is sick. She has been diagnosed with a rare blood disease Little Chain Deposition. In addition, multiple myeloma.

Neither good.

The lower Keys Medical Center was terrific. Terri was there a week. Underwent all kinds of tests. Diagnosed. The hospital and doctors were advised up front that Terri had neither insurance nor sufficient monies to pay.

It made to difference to the hospital. They provided Terri with excellent care. The same hospital that has been severely criticized recently.

Terri now needs chemotherapy. The hospital does not provide chemo. She has to go to a physician’s office. One that specializes in illness such as Terri has.

The cost of the chemotherapy is $750 per visit. She needs chemo twice a week. Totals $1,500 a week. Additionally, $1,000 a month for drugs.

The chemotherapy physician’s office told her no money, no chemo. It was a for profit operation.

Terri is without choice. She will die. Obviously sooner than later.

I can understand the doctor’s office turning Terri away. He has a ton of overhead, an expensive staff of professionals, etc. If not paid, he would not be in business long. Not able to provide to any one the life saving treatment he does.

That philosophy does not help Terri, however.

Terri is too young for Medicare.

The system cries out for true universal health care. One with one payor. Like Medicare.

A fund has been established to help Terri with her initial expenses. One to get her started. The goal is $9,000. Over $5,000 has already been raised.

Please do what you can.

A Go Fund Me fund has been established: go fund me.com/terri-white-medical-fund/donate.

Help Terri today.

The City Commission voted last night to return the Tiger to the corner of White and United. The Tiger’s original site.

The original site won out by one vote. The issue has been before the Commission for months. Absolutely amazing how Key West politicos can spend so much time on a simple issue. Whereas, they have been known to authorize millions in little time and with insufficient information. Priorities misplaced.

My blog is short this morning. Between Terri and an early appointment, I am unable to get into Installment 15 of my Key West Rotary history banter. I am disappointed. It is interesting. Covers the Rotary and the Edward Strunk Jr. story. Strunk’s history in and of itself inspiring.

Strunk tomorrow!

Enjoy your day!

LOST ITS SOUL TO GREED

Posted on by

This morning’s Citizens’ Voice in the Key West Citizen carried an interesting comment: “The island has lost its soul to greed.”

Food for thought!

Spent time yesterday working on installment 3 of highlights from Wright Langley’s Key West Rotary History. The installment can be read further down.

Did some research for tonight’s podcast. Not enough. I have another 3-4 hours before the show itself. I have a medical test at 11:30. Will complete the research thereafter.

The lead topic will involve Comey’s letter to certain Congressional Committees.

The show is at 9 my time. A quick interesting half hour. Whether you agree with my comments, guaranteed you will enjoy. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Visited Terri at the hospital. She is looking good. Returns home today. Donna has been the perfect spouse. Slept on a couch in Terri’s room the whole week.

Following the visit, headed to Aqua for Dueling Bartenders. Special last night. Tracey from days gone by belting out one song after another. Tracey is a for real woman who looks like a woman. Tom Luna and Goddess Galore singing along with Tracey.

A good crowd. Liz there. Sat with her.

Last night, Halloween. Key Haven always crowded with costumed kids. Key Haven is the best place for trick or treat goodies. Plentiful. The residents place tables on the lawn spread with candy, apples, etc. They sit around the tables greeting the ghosts and goblins.

Historically, a big deal! Going to Key Haven on Halloween. Costumed children are driven on the back of pick up trucks to get there. Key West children travel to Key Haven for the evening.

Not last night.

I drove home at 7:30. Very few young ones. Fifty at the most. Normally in the hundreds. Where were they? I have no idea.

Bayview reopened yesterday. New equipment for the kids. Paid for by the City.

Construction of Bayview began in 1922. The Key West Rotary was a big help in getting the park started. There is more in today’s installment re Rotary’s contribution.

A comedy opens tonight at the Red Barn. The Return. Runs 11/1 to 11/19. A line in the play suggests the comedic effect: “No need for brutality. Just call me Jesus.”

The Key West City Commission continues to have their heads up their derrieres. This time re the location of the tiger at the new City Hall. We have a multitude of problems that need addressing. The tiger should have been an easy one.

The issue is which corner should the tiger be set on. It was always on the corner of White and United. Some Commission members and others believe the corner of White and Varsela would now be better.

Time being spent deciding the location.

Would you believe!

Hackley on another hunting trip. Another overnighter. Must be the time of the year for getting game.

He and his companions killed 23 Coots and 3 ducks.

Now for today’s highlights of Key West Rotary’s history. Installment 3 covers the years 1919-1923.

Nineteen nineteen and 1920 apparently not significant. No mention in Langley’s history.

An issue arose in early December 1921 that would be a call to war today. The Rotary decided to perform a minstrel show.

Minstrel shows were common back then. Social correctness not even a spoken term. Men painted their faces black and performed. Comedy and singing. The shows fundraisers.

Put yourself back in the time. Our country was German, Welsh, English based. Everyone else considered immigrants. African-Americans and other persons of color not taken into account.

The Rotary was presenting the minstrel show to raise monies for Boy Scout Troop 2.

Rotary President at the time was Dr. J. Y. Porter, Sr. He was Florida’s first public health officer. Porter raised hell. Called “raised the mischief” in  those days. He was “angered.” Claimed he was not informed of the minstrel show. He needed to first see it to make sure no part required censorship.

He saw it. Gave his approval.

It was thought Porter’s cries were a ruse. To give attention to the minstrel show and assure a larger attendance.

The minstrel show opened on schedule on December 10 at the Garden Theater.

I researched the Garden Theater to add some background. I found nothing.

The day after the show, the newspaper reported the show was enjoyed by all. Even “Boss Rote.” I researched Boss Rote and came up with nothing. I suspect it was a nick name for Dr. Porter.

Rotarians have always supported the Boy Scouts. In 1937, the Key West Rotary organized and sponsored Boy Scout Troop 50.

Nineteen twenty two was a busy year. One of the Rotary’s first major projects was to clear the area that was to become Bayview Park. Rotarians spent two days in overalls and blue chambray shirts chopping down heavy underground growth and grass.

Walter S. Crosley was a Rotarian. He also was A U.S. Navy Captain. He rounded up a detachment of Bluejackets and Marines to assist the Rotarians.

The Key West Electric Company participated. Its President was Rotarian Bascom Grooms. He contributed 30 employees to help.

Two days later at the end of the work, the Rotarians posed for a photo in front of Rotarian Benjamin D. Trevor’s home. Trevor’s house was across the street from the future Bayview Park on Division Street. Division Street today Truman Avenue.

Two of Trevor’s sons went on to become Presidents of the Key West Rotary. Jerry and Edwin Trevor.

I suspect the Rotarians of those days either were younger or had a number of young members. In 1923, the Rotary had a softball team. Members only.

The Rotary played a game against Army and Navy officers.  The softball diamond was the Old Army Barracks. Now, Peary Court.

Rotary won 19-10.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

HERMINE FICKLE

Posted on by

I learned from sailing that wind is fickle. It blows every which way. Even at different levels at the same time.

Hermine is fickle. It has been blowing every which way for the past two weeks. Started out in the Atlantic as a 99L tropical wave. Then turned into a tropical storm. Followed by a class 1 hurricane. Back to a tropical storm. Today, perhaps back to a hurricane.

Initially, Hermine was to hit Key West as a tropical storm. Maybe even a hurricane. That was 9-10 days ago. I stocked up on hurricane food and water.

Missed Key West completely. Went out into the Gulf.

Turned around in the Gulf and headed back to Florida. Hit north Florida as a tropical storm. Did a number on the area. Turned into a hurricane as it moved up the Atlantic coast.

Veered out into the ocean around New Jersey. Supposedly to continue going east into the Atlantic. Diminishing in speed.

All of a sudden yesterday, it reversed course and headed back to shore. It is now a tropical storm. May become a hurricane again.

It is anticipated Hermine will sit in the Atlantic off the U.S. northeastern coast. New Jersey, New York and points north will suffer. Wind and rain. Rip tides. While Hermine rests for a few days.

If that ain’t fickle, I do not know what is!

Spent more time than I normally do yesterday writing this week’s KONK Life column. A lot of facts.

The title is Star Spangled Banner…..Birth To Today. I was motivated to write the article as a result of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s actions.

An interesting tale.

The column hits the stands wednesday.

I was tired afterwards. Unusual. Decided not to go out for a few drinks and dinner. However, I did have to leave the house for a short while. A prescription pickup at Walgreens and a few items of groceries at Publix.

The Key West City Commission continues to screw up. The group a disgrace.

The carport solar panels at the new City Hall. Bite the bullet and correct the situation. The City is in violation of its own carport law. If the City in this instance were a private property owner, the owner would be required to tear down and relocate the solar panels. Regardless of cost!

The sadness here will be the taxpayers dollars required to pay for the corrective work. Justice would be to have the Commissioners and City officials involved pay out of their own pockets.

Another City Commission screw up on the horizon. The GM mosquito problem. The Commission will discuss the issue at its wednesday meeting.

My suggestion is they keep their noses out or back the Key West residents who are opposed. Better, they stay out of it completely!

Citizens’ Voice in this morning’s Key West Citizen had an interesting comment/observation. The City had closed off a block of Duval for drinking and partying as part of Brewfest saturday night. At the same time, a drunk driving check point was located on Northern Boulevard at the intersection with Bertha and Palm.

Does not make sense to have had both events the same evening.

The great English actress and Academy award winner Helen Mirren will be in Key West, Big Pine and Marathon September 13-16. She is filming a new movie The Leisure Seeker. Production people are already in the area seeking locals to perform as extras.

Pasternak’s Dr. Zhivago was published this date in 1958 in the United States. An immediate best seller. Soon made into a movie.

Pasternak was awarded that same year the Nobel Prize for Literature. The Soviet government would not permit him to leave Russia to accept.

The movie continues to be well received to this date. I cannot recall how many times I have watched the film. It is frequently shown on television.

Tolstoy’s War and Peace is another great historical Russian novel. Written in 1869. Movie starring Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda and Mel Ferrer released in 1956. One of my all time favorite movies!

The problem is I have only seen the movie two times. When originally released in 1956 and several years ago on television. For some reason, War and Peace is not rerun as frequently as Dr. Zhivago. Why, I cannot understand. Both outstanding films based on outstanding novels by outstanding writers.

War and Peace, where are you?

Enjoy your Labor Day!

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Posted on by

Happy Thanksgiving one and all! May God’s blessings fall upon each of you.

Love thanksgiving! Love the meal! Love the family time!

Last year, I was dieting. Did not partake of much that covered the table. This year, not dieting. I plan on pigging out.

What I am about to share will blow your mind.

The Pilgrims and Indians did get together for three days in 1621. Did they dine or fight? Historians not sure.

What is sure is that following the first years of Plymouth settlement, the settlers and Indians were at each other’s throats. More the settlers than the Indians. They did not get along. Money initially the problem. Who owned the land? The settlers thought it was theirs. The Indians disagreed.

Massacres became common place. The settlers massacring the Indians. In large numbers. In 1637 near Groton, Connecticut, the settlers massacred 700 Pequot tribe members. Men, women and children. In one morning. Clubbed and shot them to death. Few Pequots escaped.

As a side note, the Pequot tribe today owns Foxland Casino and Hotel in Connecticut. Larger than the Pentagon, the facility generates from gambling alone billions a year.

Settlers/colonists continued raiding Indian villages and killing the occupants for well over a hundred years. Slavery was in vogue. Women and children over 14 were herded into slave boats carrying 500 and transported to the West Indies where they were sold.

At one time, Indians were captured and beheaded. Shades of ISIS. Our predecessors did it! In a Stamford massacre, the heads were kicked up and down streets as if soccer balls.

In 1779, George Washington as head of the Colonial forces ordered a General Sullivan to eradicate the Iroquois Nation. The Iroquois had supported the British. They were a thorn in Washington’s side. Eradicate meant kill. Thousands were. The Colonial troops scalped the dead bodies. The scalps were later sold for profit.

Following every Indian massacre, the settlers/colonists would party. The party was one of Thanksgiving because they had won. Such Thanksgivings were common  place.

When Washington became President, he thought there were too many Thanksgivings. Such did not reflect well on the new country. Ergo, Washington declared there would be one Thanksgiving Day a year. The excuse given was to celebrate the new Constitution. In reality, to cut back dramatically on the number of Thanksgivings being celebrated because of the Indian genocide.

Syracuse playing basketball in the Bahamas tournament. Beat Charlotte yesterday 83-70. Syracuse looked good most of the game. They faltered on occasion in the second half which made the game closer than it actuality was.

Today, Syracuse plays Connecticut. A former Big East opponent. Syracuse’s first test of the new season. Game at 3:30 this afternoon on ESPN.

Key West pisses money away. The City Commission authorizes all kinds of mucho expensive studies and generally pays more than expected for everything they do.

This morning’s Key West Citizen reports the City will be spending $754,000 on furniture. New furniture for the new City Hall. A disgrace! A waste! None of the old furniture to be used, Regardless of condition. The $754,000 figure excessive. The sellers have to be making big commissions and profit.

When will the City Commission begin spending taxpayer dollars as if such were their own money?

Eat much! Enjoy the day!