KEY WEST BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN COORDINATOR RESIGNS…..GREAT!

I am rarely excited about the decisions of the Key West City Commission. They make decisions, pass rules and regulations, and then sit in the corner like Little Jack Horner. Each sticking his thumb in the pie and coming up with a plum. Saying simultaneously…..What a good boy am I!

Decisions off the wall. They throw money at everything. Frequently not the solution.

Last year, the Commission hired a Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator. Chris Hamilton. Never met Hamilton. Began to think he was crazy as he got into the job.

The man moved. Earned his salary by making changes. Changes I considered not always good.

Bikes his job. He removed parking spaces and replaced them with bike lanes. He added bike lanes in dangerous places.

The man was pro-bike and anti-car. He forgot we who drive cars worry constantly about hitting a bike rider who with his 5 member family are rolling down a Key West Street. Some of the kids 4-5 years old. Then there is the 60ish woman who probably has not been on a bike in 40 years. She has trouble keeping her ass on the seat and wobbles uncontrollably.

I could go on.

I hope the position remains unfilled. Traffic congestion and parking problems have to be decided at one time by a group. Not piece meal. The City may be moving in that direction.

Got to the Chart Room early. Before 5. Wanted to see John about something. My self phone lost his number.

My game plan was to go from there to bocce. Never made bocce. The Chart Room was too interesting and fun to leave.

Met George. Nice guy. 47. From New Jersey. A software engineer. Could have been an Arts major. Reads everything. Big on Hemingway.

George visits once a year with a group of friends. One a police officer from Red Bank. The officer’s police patch hangs on the Chart Room wall. He proudly pointed it out to everyone.

George told me about Pompous Hemingway. A book of sorts by Hemingway. I tried to find it this morning. Could not. George, if you are reading this blog this morning, e-mail me how to find the book in the Comments section. Forget the long number you gave me. Turned out I did not know how to use it.

The new amphitheater is constantly discussed these days. Who to name it after? That person or company pays a fee for the privilege. Normally, very generous.

Several names have been mentioned. Jimmy Buffett one of them.

The anti-Buffett talk is amazing. Many do not want the facility named after him. Hard to understand. Jimmy Buffet is a part of Key West as much as Hemingway and Tennessee Williams.

A local I had never seen before was sitting at the other end of the Chart Room bar. Attractive. Her feet up on the bar stool next to hear. In her slightly inebriated high pitched voice she was berating Buffett as a choice.

In the very room where Buffett got his start!

Key West has bright stars in many areas of accomplishment. Dr. Cori Convertino is one.

Cori is affiliated with the Key West Art and Historical Society. She is the Curator at the Custom House.

She is a recognized maritime history expert.

Cori recently completed a two year project. The Flagler Railroad section of the Custom House. Fantastic!

She has been invited to speak at the U.S. Naval Academy September 14-15 at a maritime symposium. Her topic to be involves Commodore David Porter and his anti-piracy efforts in 1823 which effectively eliminated piracy from Key West waters.

Sally Rand was a famous fan dancer for many years. Even into her 60’s. She lived in Key West in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s.

I met her in 1965. At a convention at Grossinger’s in New York’s Catskill mountains. I was attorney for the group holding the conference.

Sally was retained to perform one evening.

I met her the night before at a small cocktail party at the Grossinger residence. At 60, Sally was still beautiful. We hit it off and I spent much time the next two days when not working in her company.

I was unaware she was the lady friend of one of my client’s officer staff. A secret friend. They had had a tiff.

Three days following the convention, I received a letter advising my services were no longer required and I was terminated.

A learning experience.

Harvey has displaced one million persons. Forty four dead. The number will increase as more bodies are found. Beaumont is a community of 120,000 persons. They have no drinking water.

The sadness of it all.

Irma is on the way. Similar in power to Harvey. Still two thousand miles away. A hurricane already. Expected to be a 4 when it hits in a week. Winds will be 140 miles per hour plus.

Whether it will reach land or turn north up into the Atlantic not yet certain. At this time heading for the Bahamas. Too soon to determine its impact, if any, with the United states.

After Harvey, I am concerned. I have a feeling in the pit of my stomach.

Enjoy your day!

 

CONCERNS

Two matters are at the forefront of my mind. One has to do with Harvey. The other Trump and the military.

Without question, Harvey is the worst of the worst. Nature’s force/violence not within my recollection.

From my perspective, assistance has been outstanding. Whether governmental or voluntary. It has been several days however and the natives are getting restless. Understandable taking into consideration the conditions under which they are living.

At first, everyone was grateful to be alive and thankful for the assistance being provided. The kumbaya could not last.

Yesterday, the rumbles began. Slowly. Food not that good, for example. Today, the chemical plant. Questions re whether firefighters are doing enough or the right thing.

Several days into Harvey, rescuing people still a primary concern,. Properly so. However, attention has to be paid also to those saved and sleeping in overcrowded shelters. They are getting restless and must know what is being done/planned to help them.

Let them know. Otherwise, the rumblings will turn into trouble.

My other concern is Trump and the military.

Trump is incompetent and incapable. Should never have been elected President. He is commander-in-chief. However, the military seem to override certain of his decisions and go their own way. Mathis and transgenders the most recnet example.

I have always feared an overthrow of the government by the military. More so since we went to an all volunteer military.

We are nowhere near any type military takeover at this time. However recent happenings could be the seeds for one.

Great Chart Room last night! John and Kevin. Then two visitors from Columbus, Ohio. Megan and Ryan. Their first time in Key West. A relative told them to stop in the Chart Room for a drink.

Proud parents of three year old Knox Dallas.

Megan is a stylist and has her own business. Ryan is District Manager for a liquor company. Jack Daniel’s.

I wrote about Jack Daniel’s a couple of days ago. Hope they go back and find that blog. The venue was the Jack Daniel’s distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The new political correctness re Confederate statues and monument the subject.

The conversation got into the new book I am trying to write. Believe I will finish this one. Key West and Whore Houses. Or, Whore Houses of Key West. Or, something like that. Houses of ill repute and ladies of the night.

Whore houses do not hold a special place in my heart. My concern was to write a novel Key West book. One that would sell. There are a ton of Key West books out there. About houses, streets, outstanding citizens, etc. None about whore houses.

Megan and Ryan participated. Suggestion wise.

When they left, John, Kevin and I agreed they would have a lot to talk about re the Chart Room when they return to Columbus…..Those wild Key West people!

Stopped at Tavern ‘n Town for a bite to eat. George bartending. Rob entertaining.

Harpoon Harry’s. One of my favorite places. A block off the waterfront on Caroline. The feeling of an old time diner. Food that sticks to your ribs.

Every couple of weeks, I stop in. Generally for a late breakfast. Their eggs the best in town! Taste fresh. Unique.

In September, Harpoon Harry’s will be 25 years old. Opened in September 1992 by Ron Heck and Robert Cobb. In celebration thereof and thanks to their many customers over the years, Harpoon Harry’s will sell the blue plate special at the same price as when they opened. $4.99. And a special breakfast. $1.99.

The special prices will be available September 25-29.

There are 67 counties in Florida. Suicide has become an increasing problem over the years. Monroe County has had the highest number of suicides for many years. A dubious distinction. Last year, an improvement. Monroe County dropped to sixth.

Credit in large measure is due to Mary Lou Hoover and her group who have done much to help those considering suicide.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day. I am sure we will all be hearing about the subject matter and activities soon from Mary Lou.

9/11 will never be forgotten. Each year, anywhere in the United States.

Key West is recalling the occasion on 9/11. The Key West Fire Department and the Key West Fire Museum. The event will take place at 8:30 am on 9/11 at the Fire Museum on Grinnell.

Bocce tonight. First game of the season rained out last week. I will be there supporting Don’s Place.

I miss playing.

Enjoy your day!

 

I DANCED!

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!

 

I FELL ASLEEP

My blog talk radio show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou was scheduled for 9 last night. I was set to go at 8:30. I cannot connect with the internet radio station via computer and telephone till 8:45. Fifteen minutes to kill.

I sat down to watch a few minutes of an old movie.

The next thing I recall is the telephone ringing. It was Anna from Novara, Italy. Three in the morning her time. She could not sleep. Decided to listen to the show live.

Her call woke me. Where are you?….. what happened?…..she asked. I looked at the clock. It was 9:03. Holy shit! I moved fast. Did in two minutes what normally takes ten minutes to connect with blog talk radio. I went on air 5-6 minutes late.

At the end of the show, I explained why I was late. I fell asleep! I figured why not share. I am human. Falling asleep at the wrong time a human experience.

Do not think it strange that Anna telephoned me from Italy. Her cell phone has international usage.

The show, though perhaps hurried, went well. I discussed the McKinney, Texas situation. Added another Texas police problem that got buried because of McKinney. Austin, Texas.

A bystander was across the street from a demonstration watching. He started videoing the demonstration and how the police were handling it. A mounted police officer saw him. Mounted on horse, the police officer rode across the street, bumped the bystander, caused him to drop his cell phone. When the bystander went to pick it up, the officer maced him and the phone.

Not surprising. We have to remember that police officers today consider citizens the enemy. How far we have come!

This morning’s Key West Citizen History Section makes mention of Sally Rand. A popular fan dancer for many years. A controversial figure.

I met her once in 1964 at a cocktail party at Grossinger’s in the Catskills. We engaged in a 10 minute uninterrupted conversation.

The History Section mentioned the IRS grabbing Rand’s Key West properties for back taxes. I recalled she once owned a Key West home. Located at 916 Eisenhower Drive.

I googled Rand to update my knowledge concerning her. The fourth item on the first page was SALLY RAND – KEY WEST LOU. I forgot I had mentioned her in a blog I did January 14, 2015.

The two New York escapees, Dannemora Prison. The media have been hyping the escape, telling us how afraid the residents in upstate New York are. I thought it was just that. Hype. I telephoned some of my Utica and upstate New York friends. Not hype. Everyone genuinely concerned.

Dannemora is a town of about 5,000. Located 25 miles from the Canadian border. You do not know cold till you have wintered there. Dannemora sits in the Adirondack Mountains.

It is 135 miles as the crow flies from Utica to Dannemora. Note, as the crow flies. Actual driving takes 200 miles on winding two lane State and County roads. I know. Several major clients had problems in the Dannemora/Plattsburg area. A difficult drive, especially in winter.

Though I have not a specific recollection, I am sure some of my firm attorneys had depositions inside Dannemora Prison itself.

The prison is 170 years old. First time for an escape. One of the jail’s prominent guests for a time was Lucky Luciano.

I have to move fast. I do the anti-gravity treadmill this morning. I promise not to fall asleep between now and then.

Enjoy your day!

FRIDAY NIGHT WITH JENNA

A very pleasant evening with Jenna last night. Dinner and the movies.

Dinner at Outback. It was a stretch to stay on my diet. However, I made it.

The movie was American Sniper starring Bradley Cooper. Excellent! Received six Academy Award nominations. I can understand why.

The movie was first shown for a full weekend last week. Grossed over $100 million. This being the second week, I assumed the theater would not be crowded. I was wrong. Not a seat left in the house. Jenna and I had to sit in the fourth row. The spread of the screen was wider than my eyes could encompass.

Jenna has a new Audi. Big and sleek. Black. With Jenna behind the wheel, it looks like the car was made for her.

The history portion of the Key West Citizen mentions Sally Rand. A fan dancer in days of old. Made 26 movies from 1925-1938. Danced at the World’s Fair in 1933. Danced for the astronauts and their wives at a Right Stuff party in the late 1960s.

More importantly, she was a part time resident of Key West.

I met Sally Rand. Enjoyed 10 private minutes with her. It was 1964. I was at a Police Conference PBA convention at Grossinger’s in the Catskills. I was counsel to the organization at the time. Rand did her famous fan dance for the conventioneers.

Afterwards, there was a private cocktail party. I was there. She was there. I got roughly 10 minutes alone with her. Which meant we were so engrossed in whatever we were talking about that no one interrupted.

She was on in her years. Still the perfect body. The face showing a bit of aging. The aging was not apparent while she was performing. Whether the distance of the stage or make up, I do not know.

I was 29 years old at the time. I found her exciting. I wish I could remember what we talked about.

The Key West Craft Show this weekend. On Whitehead in the area of Caroline. One of Key West’s top events. About 150 white tents with various hand made items for sale. I bought my first Jack Baron years ago at the Show. A black Madonna and Child.

Syracuse/Miami at 4. Syracuse a 3 1/2 point favorite. I don’t know. I have no opinion. I will be watching the game. I am not sure from where.

About six weeks ago, I wrote a column for KONK Life concerning Theodore Roosevelt. Somehow, I lost it in the computer’s never never land. Somehow, it reappeared this week. The article is Theodore Roosevelt the Phrase Maker. It publishes next Wednesday in KONK Life. It has already been posted on Facebook.

I have concluded that the battle against GMOs has been lost. The only fight left is labeling. While the world slept, the international food corporations snuck genetically modified seed grown foods into our diets.

Seventy countries presently grow, import and/or use genetically modified foods. All of north and central America. Only two countries in south America forbid it. France, Germany, Russia, Hungary, Greece and Poland oppose. The tide is obvious however.

Certain central American and south American countries have fought and continue to fight the use of GMOs legislatively and in the courtrooms. With a degree of success. However, giants such as Monsanto fight back in appellate courts. In the meantime, GMOs move ahead in those countries.

We were not vigilant. Some may have been. Others did not pay attention.

My concern and opposition was based on the fact that no one knows the long term consequences of eating such foods. In the next 10-20 years, we will find out.

Enjoy your Sunday!