ANOTHER TOUR DAY

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I wanted to visit the National Archive. Home of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. I arrived. The line waiting to be admitted wrapped around the block. I joined it. Fifteen minutes later, I was still standing in the same place as when I arrived. That was it! I would not be visiting the National Archive.

Across the street was the Smithsonian – Natural History Museum. It was not on my itinerary. My second stop was to have been the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. However, it was several blocks away and Natural History was more convenient.

If it has escaped you, I was getting tired. The Memorial tour the day before had been a killer.

The first thing that hit me when I entered Natural History was a huge prehistoric elephant. Daunting!

My grandchildren Robert and Ally would have enjoyed the dinosaurs. Many of them. Big. Their bones reconstructed.

There was also a Bone Lab. Old bones probably found in some dig were being cleaned up. Reminded me of Key West’s Mel Fisher Museum. Workers sitting around in a huge sealed enclosure wearing white coats and pants. Many with ear phones and dentist like drills. Drilling away in the process of cleaning million year old bones.

I saw two I MAX films. Actually, I was tired. This gave me the opportunity to sit and rest. First time I had seen an I MAX. Impressive! In 3D. One had to do with butterflies and the other the ocean. I had butterflies all around me during the first film. I was underwater with fish in the second.

There was a mummy on display. Royalty from the distant past.

The big deal at Natural History is the Hope Diamond. There it was. Gleaming and sparkling. Everyone stretching their necks to get a view.

Time to go. I walked outside. There is a huge stone overhang between the door and steps leading to the sidewalk. I was on it. The door had  closed behind me. Then I saw it. Rain. Monsoon like, just as in Key West.

The weather report for the day predicted rain. When I was ready to leave the hotel earlier in the morning, the sun was shining and there were no clouds. So I left my rain jacket and cap in the room.

Stupid me.

I stood around 15 minutes. I could not go back into the museum. I would have had to go through security again. The line was long and people were standing in the rain waiting to get in.

All of a sudden, a young man appeared with a box of umbrellas. $10. I bought the first one. Small collapsible type.

Off I went. In shorts, a short sleeved sport shirt and sandals.

I had about twelve blocks to walk. Washington blocks are long.

Two blocks into the walk, my collapsible umbrella collapsed. Water streaming onto me from the seams.

What to do? I am completely wet. No stores or bars to duck into. Could not enter the hallway of one of the public buildings. Not permitted. There was no alternative. I continued on my trip back to the hotel.

Never in my life have I been so wet. I became chilled. In spite of all this, I was saying to myself…..Louis, you are in great shape at 77 to be able to do this!

I woke in the middle of the night. Did not feel good. Stomach and chills. Think I have a fever. I am exhausted. My Washington experience today will be staying in bed in my hotel room.

When I returned wet to the skin, I immediately took a hot shower. Then down to the hotel bar. Two Grand Marniers and a hot cup of coffee. I thought that would keep the evil spirits away. Apparently it did not.

Dinner was at the Willard Hotel. Directly across the street from the Marriott.

The Willard is an old historical Washington hotel. Magnificent.

The waiter shared a bit of Willard history with me.

He told me President Grant enjoyed smoking cigars. His wife would not let him smoke them in the White House. He used to visit the Willard each day, sit in the lobby and light up. Persons who wanted favors from him, hit on him. Thus the term lobbyist was born.

A story I wanted to share with you. First however, I checked it out on the internet. The story was not completely true. It is commonly accepted as true. However, it is a myth. Nevertheless interesting. Grant did smoke there, his wife would not let him smoke in the White House, and people talked to him in the lobby seeking favors. The untrue portion is the birth of the term lobbyists. The term correctly comes to us from the English Parliament of the 1840s.

Interesting local lore, nevertheless.

One of the things I have observed is that Washington is a city of two type peoples. Suits and tourists. The suits are governmental people and business persons. I used to see them on my business trips to Washington. The tourist group are in shorts and tee shirts. Many with families. Visiting from all over the world.

The two are not together. They are truly separate. I have seen few suits while playing tourist this week.

Tonight is my blog talk radio show. I will be doing it from my Washington hotel room. I will probably spend most of the show discussing my Washington impressions. Perhaps a few news items. Which, if any, I have yet to decide upon.

Join me. I guarantee the show will not be boring. A fast moving half hour beginning at 9. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day! I am going to rest and get better.

THE TOUR

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Yesterday’s adventure was a tour of the Washington monuments. Six hours. Arduous. Comparable to climbing steps in Italy and the volcano. However, I made it! I am in better shape this year than I was last year at this time.

I took a formal tour. Included were 5 hours of monument viewing and a one hour luncheon cruise on the Potomac. The whole thing fantastic! I wish I had done it earlier in life. I wished I had taken my children when they were young. I cannot wait to take Robert and Ally.

It was a uplifting experience. Emotionally moving. I was proud to be an American.

Following are the Memorials visited. The Capitol Building, Washington Monument, World War II Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Korean Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, White House, and Arlington Cemetery.

The ones that affected me the most were the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Korean Memorial, and the Vietnam Memorial.

I want to share some bits of information I learned.

The Washington Monument is 551 feet high. Two years ago an earthquake damaged the Monument. A 4 foot 1 inch crack resulted. Roughly 1 inch wide.

The Monument is being repaired. It is almost totally covered in scaffolding. $9 million worth. Must be more involved than merely fixing the crack.

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is the largest land wise. Several acres. Created this large in recognition of his 16 years as President. There are four separate memorial buildings. To recognize his four terms as President.

I learned about Concepcion “Connie” Picciotto. I met her and spoke with her.

Connie is a 77 year old woman. Short. Less than five feet. Weather scarred and browned skin. Very few teeth. A wig peeking out from beneath her cap.

Connie is a protestor. A long term one. The longest public political protestor in United States history. In 1981, she was concerned about nuclear weapons. She wanted universal disarmament. She pitched a small tent across from the White House on the Pennsylvania Avenue side. The tent and Connie are still there thirty two  years later. Her protests have grown. She expresses her concerns verbally and with signs every day.

Such is Connie’s life.

Think of it. She has been there through the Presidencies of Reagan, the two Bushes, Clinton and now Obama.

Arlington Cemetery stood in a class alone. Extremely moving. We did not stop. We drove by and around.

Arlington contains the bodies of over 400,000 persons. The white crosses covering each grave in perfect lines on neatly trimmed green grass.

Steps big time at some of the Memorials. I did not know if I would physically be able to handle them. Shades of Italy and Greece last year.

I did them all. With no difficulty, except sore legs on occasion from the knees down. My European trip this year should be no problem.

I did take pictures. Many. The trick now is for me to show them to you once I have separated, selected, etc. Later today or tomorrow. It will be a first for me!

Last Friday, I visited the Holocaust Museum. I was so moved by it that I wrote this week’s KONK Life column immediately upon returning to my room. The article obviously covered the Holocaust. I went a step further, however. The theme was man did not learn. He still kills. I spelled out all the genocides since World War II.

Yesterday Washington was the beginning of One Million Bones. A three day event. Paper machete, wood, and plastic bones have been created by adults and school children for three years. They were spread out yesterday on the Washington Mall. The purpose: To raise the awareness of people to genocide in today’s world.

John from Jersey will be happy. I made it to the Old Ebbitt Grill last night! Though you described it well John, the place defies description. I loved the ambiance! A piece of old Washington. I read it remains a virtual saloon Smithsonian. It is.

Washington is a lovely city. Majestic buildings, wide streets, clean. It does have a negative, however. The homeless.

I saw them everywhere. Especially yesterday morning when I left early to catch the tour bus. They were sleeping everywhere. On benches, in doorways, where ever. Most were women.

A disgrace.

Key West has homeless. They come to Key West in droves for the warm weather. We take care of our homeless. We took them off the streets. They sleep at night in a large tent on a cot with clean sheets. And get a shower. One every evening or no cot and sheets. Food is provided at a rescue mission.

Key West did not do this out of the goodness of its heart. Federal case law required it. Where is that same federal case law in our nation’s capital?

Tomorrow night my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine in the evening. A fast moving half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

What will I discuss tomorrow night? Probably my Washington trip. A lot to talk about.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

SMITHSONIAN

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Five in the morning. I am doing today’s blog.

I had to get up early. I have a six hour tour beginning just after dawn. I will see it all. Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, White House, Washington Memorial, etc. I will be dead when it is over!

Yesterday was the Smithsonian! The American History portion. Spent five hours. And I did not see it all.

I was surprised to learn that the Smithsonian is five separate buildings. I visited only one.

The correct name of that building is the National Museum of American History – Smithsonian Institute. Massive. Five stories.

My hotel selection continues to have been a wise one. I was only three blocks from the Smithsonian and could walk there.

I did many of the exhibits. Not all. Impossible.

The two exhibits seeming to garner the most interest were the ones dealing with the American Revolution and World War II.

I must admit that several times I became emotional and had to wipe my eyes. That was the effect of certain of the exhibits.

Everything on exhibit. Movie stars of the 1950s and 1960s, transportation, cooking, typewriters, the civil rights battles of the 1960s, the original Star Spangled Banner, and even Archie Bunker’s chair.

I am becoming increasingly aware of my age. 77. Yesterday it kept hitting me in the face. Here I was viewing exhibits covering things that occurred during my life time. I remember World War II, the sit down counter civil rights activity, President Kennedy, President Johnson, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and more. I was a part of the history I was viewing.

There was a docent explaining things about Revolutionary soldiers. Listening in were four young girls. Maybe seventh or eighth grade. No more than high school freshmen. I joined the group.

The docent explained that 25 per cent of Revolutionary soldiers were illiterate. When wounded and hospitalized, they wanted to communicate with their loved ones back home. They could not write. A nurse would help them. She would listen and write the wounded soldier’s words on a piece of paper. She used a pencil. The docent explained the pencil became popular as a writing instrument during those times.

Pens were normally used to write. But the pens of that day required ink. The pen was dipped in a small bottle of ink. Ink was not available at hospital sites.

One of the young ladies spoke up…..Why didn’t they use ball point pens?

A gem.

I found interesting that most if not all of the Washington museums are free. No admission charge. They are owned and operated by the United States. Thousands of people visit each one every day. Old and young. From all walks of life. Many families. I felt our tax dollars were well spent. First time I have felt that way about anything involving government spending in years.

I stopped at Macy’s on the way back. Only one and a half blocks from the hotel. A huge building. A whole block long. As big if not bigger than New York’s.

I bought a pair of new boat shoes.

Stopped for lunch at what appeared to be an attractive sandwich shop. It was. The food good.

The bed was my next attraction. I was beat and it was only 5 o’clock. Watched the Belmont from the comfort of the bed. Palace Malice was impressive in winning. Just as Orb and Oxbow had been in the races they won.

John from Jersey is a loyal blog reader. We have never met. But  through blogging we have become friends. John comments frequently.

John suggested I dine at the Old Ebbett Grill. Recommended it highly. The Old Ebbett is touted as Washington’s oldest dining salon. Began business in 1856.

The Old Ebbett was conveniently located. One and a half blocks from my hotel and steps from the White House.

I called too late for a reservation. I could not be seated till 10. I intended to be in bed asleep by that time.

Instead, I opted to visit the Marriott Bar once again. I ate at the bar just as I do in Key West. Crab cakes and calamari. As I was finishing and enjoying one drink too many, two young ladies sat next to me. I was honored. There were other empty seats available. Both no more than 25.

We chatted. One thought I was a grouch. I probably was. I was tired and ready for bed. Her comments were made pleasantly and appeared not intended to insult.

I gave the ladies my best smile and talked with them a while.

They both work in conjunction with Georgetown University in arranging medical conferences. All over the world. Yesterday afternoon a week long conference at the Marriott had concluded. Surgical Abdominal Reconstruction. They were partying after a long week’s work. I begged off when they asked me to join them. Thirty years ago…..perhaps.

Enough. I have to shower and be on my way.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

EERIE…..

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Washington weather has been limiting thus far. Big time rain. The result of tropical storm Andrea, although it was reported that Andrea itself missed Washington.

Whatever, the only tourist thing I did was the Holocaust Museum. A four hour exploration.

Eerie best describes what I experienced.

I did the three floors of the permanent exhibition. It starts with Hitler’s rise to power. It ends with a post World War II film of some who survived. In between, sick living hell.

Part of the exhibit included a railroad car used to transport Jews to Auschwitz. You are required to walk through it. The most eerie of the eerie. I felt like I was a part of what occurred in that railroad car. I had to get out!

Yesterday was the day I normally write next week’s KONK Life column. I did it after visiting the Holocaust Museum. The title: Dark Moments In Human History. Inspired by the Museum trip.

The thrust was man did not learn from the Holocaust that genocide is a no no. There have been many genocides since.  Some ongoing at the present time. The killing never ends. It is inherent in man’s nature to kill.

Still limited by the weather, I enjoyed a late lunch in the hotel. A grilled cheese sandwich. Tasted like the ones my mother used to make for me.

The weather dictated my choice of a restaurant last night. I had not been in Washington long enough to know where to go. I opted to do Morton’s Steakhouse. The last time I was in one was 15 years ago in Cleveland. It was good then and I hoped still good today. It was also near the hotel.

I was not disappointed. Fifteen years later and the same quality and ambiance. It was a filet mignon with hash browns and creamed spinach. To die for!

It was still early when I finished. I stopped in the Marriott’s bar. Glad I did. A terrific place. A big long bar. Full of happy tourists and conventioneers. I had a couple of drinks and enjoyed the company of those around me.

Today the Smithsonian.

I looked out the window. I am in heaven. The fifteenth floor. The bad weather seems to have passed. The sun is breaking through.

I note this morning another shooting. In Santa Monica, California. Five killed and more wounded. When will enough be enough? When will we learn?

Enjoy your Saturday!

 

 

I BEAT ANDREA

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I flew to Washington, DC yesterday. Key West to Atlanta to Washington. Tropical storm Anderea had no effect on the trip. The ride was smooth throughout.

Just as I was getting into the car at Washington-Reagan, it got dark and started to rain big drops. I thought it might be Andrea. It was not. Merely a precursor. Andrea not due till later this afternoon.

The plane trip was different. It was announced several times as we entered that the plane was carrying the body of a deceased Airman. There was an Air Force Major on the plane who was upgraded to first class. He was accompanying the body. He did not want to move. The attendant insisted. She also quietly thanked him for his service to our country.

A strange feeling permeated the plane. There was an unusual silence throughout the flight.

When we landed in Washington, we were asked to remain in our seats till the body was removed. We did and thereafter walked off as if leaving a friend’s wake.

The solemnity of the moment was apparent as we entered the terminal. It seemed as if everyone in the terminal was at our gate. Noses pressed to the window. All quietly watching a group of Airmen lifting their brother into the hearse. Each move a precise measured one.

On the drive to the hotel, I passed by the Holocaust Museum, the Washington Monument, and many federal buildings. I even got a quick look at the White House.

I am staying at the JW Marriott. Not the usual Marriott. This place is first class all the way! The first floor lobby space reminded me of the Waldorf Astoria.

I am on the concierge floor. My first stop. I needed a drink. I stayed and had a couple more. Free. Including some goodies to pick on.

It was late. I was tired. I knew Washington not at all. I decided to stay in and eat in the hotel’s dining room.

I was not really hungry. Ended up ordering a burger, a couple of drinks and a brandy after dinner.

The JW Marriott is a new hotel. It is in the middle of everything. The White House is just around the corner.

This Marriott has amenities I have never before seen.

The refreshment center. We all know what it is. Booze, soda, water, peanuts, etc. Convenient. Extremely expensive. I learned years ago to stay away from them.

This hotel has gone a step further in grabbing you. There is a tray of peanuts, soda and water sitting on the corner of the desk. The bell boy warned me. Move an item and it is automatically billed to your account. Even if you put it back. Same for the items in the refrigerator.

The elevators impressed me. You punch your room number on a large key pad where the elevator bank sits. Same as you did when you wanted an elevator. You pressed the button. Instead here you enter your room number. When you get on the elevator, you press nothing. The elevator automatically takes you to your floor.

The wonders of modern science!

This morning’s news announces that Russia’s Putin and his wife have divorced. After 32 years of marriage. Speculation is there is another lady in Putin’s life and she is pregnant. A wedding is imminent.

Turns out Russia has a high rate of divorce.

I thought how terrible that the head of a nation divorces while in office. Then I discovered it was not uncommon. My friend Silvio Berlusconi did it. So too did France’s Nicolas Sarkozy.

I do not like divorce. I was divorced after 52 years of marriage. I have always and still do consider divorce a blight on our society. There are too many. Even in the United States.

This trip is a trial run for my European one which I will soon undertake.

I was all excited. I was going to use my tablet. First time. I could read the New York Times and Key West Citizen on the plane. I could not. No wi-fi for me. I had a data port. However, I did not know how to get into the tablet’s settings. Sloan will teach me when I return.

I am doing this blog on my laptop which I fortunately also brought. It is already set for the data port.

Show time this morning. The Key West Lou Legal hour. A recording of a past show will be aired. Comcast Channel 87, U-Verse Channel 19, and www.weyw19.com. Watch the show. You may not have seen it before. I am going to watch. I rarely get an opportunity to view the show.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

SQUARE ONE RESTAURANT

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I had a special experience last night. Dinner at the new Square One Restaurant. Run. Don’t walk. The place is spectacular. The food exceptional.

Carmelo is one of the owners. A brilliant restaurateur. Experienced. He and his brothers started La Trattoria. Then they opened Virgilio’s. Then the Bottle Cap. La Trattoria and Virgilio’s have been sold.

It is the same Square One Restaurant. Except the colors are a warm subdued brown. The pictures  new. The menu expanded.

The food to die for! I had the seafood lasagna. I could taste every piece of fish. The pasta was light. The sauce just right.

Carmelo stopped by to chat a few times. I congratulated him on what is a winner without question.

One other observation. The place was three quarters occupied. Inside and out. This is off season. Mid week. No restaurant has that kind of occupancy. Carmelo has been open about two months. The large number of customers is a credit to the quality of the operation.

Ran errands yesterday morning. The dermatologist, Walgreen and optician.

Sloan and I worked three hours in the late afternoon. We are into me taking pictures on my cell phone and somehow getting them to my blog. Probably easy for most of you. Hard for me. A generational thing. I do not have it down yet.

I leave today for a few days of play in Washington, DC. I have never really seen the capitol. Though I have been to Washington before. It was always for business. Fly in in the morning, fly out in the evening. The few times I stayed overnight, it was dinner with clients or business associates.

I am going to play tourist. See the Lincoln Memorial, the White House and as many historical places as I can.

I will be writing my blog daily from Washington. At some point hopefully with some pics. www.keywestlou.com.

I will also be doing my tuesday evening blog talk radio show from Washington. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. My computer via Skype. I have it down. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

My friday tv/internet show is a problem. I cannot do it simply and effectively. Ergo, a rerun will be available for viewing. View, if you can. It may be one you missed. If so, I believe you will enjoy. Via television on Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19 from Key West through Miami-Dade County. Via the internet world wide. www.weyw19.com.

I have picked a good time to fly to Washington. I will be traveling with Tropical Storm Andrea all the way. I question whether I will be able to fly out of the Key West Airport. Andrea should not be a problem for Key West. It will be for northern Florida and all the way up the eastern coast.

Have to hustle once again. Must finish packing.

Enjoy your day!

 

GRADUATION TIME

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A proud week in the Malcom household!

Robert graduated yesterday from the third grade at Montessori. He had a big grin on his face. So did Lisa and I. And as predicted yesterday, Lisa hit me in the ribs a couple of times with a …..isn’t he beautiful!

Cameron graduates from Key West High School friday. He did well academically and will be attending Florida State. Yesterday’s Key West Citizen front page had a picture of Cameron. He was dressed in his graduation attire and standing on a stage in front of a podium. The photo was taken monday at Take Stock in Children’s separate graduation ceremony for those the organization has worked with in their mentoring program. The same organization that sent Cameron to Mongolia and has been guiding him during his high school years.

The rain ain’t going away! Two more days of it. This time up from the south. Predicted for today are winds of 20 mph and gusts up to 50 mph. The rains will be torrential. Key West streets will flood, as usual.

Yesterday afternoon, I treated myself to peace and tranquility. A manicure and pedicure with Tammy.

Dinner at Hogfish. Me and the newspapers.

Last night was my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. I did the show for the first time using Skype. A success! Finally! The audio clear and distinct.

I start my summer travels this week. The first step is Washington, DC. I will be doing my blog talk radio show from there next tuesday.

In  due course, I will be in Italy, Greece and France. Skype makes it possible for me to do the show from these far away places. You do not need Skype to receive me. Nothing changes at your end.

I wanted to do my TV/internet show from far away places. Looks like it will not be possible. Tried hard to put it together. It does not work.

Last night’s show was hard hitting as well as informative. I talked about Darrell Issa’s shortcomings, the Catholic Church’s hypocrisy, the Catholic Church and artificial insemination, Father Andrew Greeley, thong bathing suits for women being banned in Myrtle Beach, and Mc Cain, Syria and Turkey combined.

The show is archived immediately and is available for listening anytime at your convenience. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Have to hustle this morning. Seems I hustle every morning. I have an early morning appointment with the dermatologist.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

CRAIG WORTHING

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I decided to stop at Louie’s Backyard for a drink last night. It had been quite a while since I was last there.

Louie’s has the best view of the ocean in Key West. What a spot!

The bartender was Terry. We had never met before. A nice guy. We chatted a while.

His father is Craig Worthing. A radio talk show host extraordinaire!

Craig started his career in Maine. At some point, he ended up in my hometown of Utica, NY. I never met him. I am sorry I did not. He concluded his career in Miami.

Craig was well known. He was controversial. He did his show his way. Which on occasion caused  consternation.

He was his own man.

I met the son. I hope some day to meet the father.

The evening continued to be one of visiting places I had not been to in a long time. I have been thinking of weinerschnitzel lately. Where else! Martin’s! I was not disappointed. As always, excellent!

Lunch time yesterday was disaster time. I heated a container of soup in the micro. It was hot as I took it out. Too hot! My hand was burning. I threw the container towards the sink. Missed the sink. The top flew off and covered a whole section of kitchen with chicken soup. The window, the blinds, the walls on either side of the sink, the sink itself, the ice cube maker and cabinets beneath the sink.

What a mess. I spent some time cleaning it up. After first having buried my burnt hand in ice.

Tonight is blog talk radio time. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine o’clock. A quick half hour of interesting chit chat. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

One of tonight’s topics is Darrell Issa. He is the Chairman of the House Oversight Committee.

I feared Issa as far back as several months ago. I did a piece on him on my TV show. I thought he was a loose cannon back then. He definitely is now.

Fast trains another topic. Big in Europe and China. Nothing here in the U.S. Prague is magnifying its profit factor with Love Trains. Interesting.

Myrtle Beach has become ultra conservative. To be expected. A solid Republican state. Thong bathing suits have been banned on it beaches. A 22 year old female vacationer has already been arrested.

I guarantee you will enjoy the show. Join me.

Early yesterday was spent running errands. Publix for groceries, the cleaners to pick up clothes, Walgreen for a prescription.

This morning big! Robert is graduating! From the third grade at Montessori.

Montessori groups the classes into three. He moves on to a new group for the fourth grade.

Graduations are always fun. Exciting especially for the young. Robert is proud. It will be a happy event.

I usually sit next to Lisa. She pokes me in the ribs several times during these events and says…..isn’t he beautiful!

Enjoy your day!

 

CHANGE

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Change is inevitable. Especially when a property such as the Pier House changes hands.

Something new last night. As I entered the parking area, the attendant stopped me. A new one. The old ones were not rehired.

I told him where I was going. He told me they were in the process of beginning a valet parking system. He gave me something to put on my visor. He also gave me a printed stub. I was instructed to have it stamped by whoever was working in the Chart Room.

Petty!

Friends Sheila, Sean, Katherine and Peter were at the bar. Tourists came in and out.

I wanted light fare for dinner. Stopped into the Hot Tin Roof. Greeted by Joseph, the  manager. A charming personality. Warm.

My meal was light. One dozen oysters and a tomato salad. Outstanding!

I spent a couple of hours mid day continuing to work on my blog talk radio hook up. I will be traveling soon. I want to be able to broadcast from where ever I am. As close as Washington, DC, as far as Armogos, Greece. On my laptop via Skype. Think I have it worked out. I will be trying it when I do tomorrow night’s show.

Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou will be broadcast at 9 tomorrow night. One half hour. Topics to be discussed are always in the developing stage. I chat about most recent happenings. I suspect I will also be discussing Mc Cain’s recent Syria visit, Catholic Church hypocrisy, and Father Andrew Greeley.

Join me for a fast moving interesting half hour. You will enjoy. I guarantee it. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Father Andrew Greeley died. A Catholic priest. He was 85.

From the 1960s forward, he was a voice for change in the Catholic Church. Unfortunately, his words fell on deaf ears. The Church turned its back on him. The Bishops gave him a hard time.

He was in the forefront of two important issues. Pedophilia and birth control. The Catholic Church shunned his advice. He was considered a maverick.

As a result, Father Greeley was never more than a parish priest. No elevation to Bishop or Cardinal for him.

Eventually, he started writing. About everything. Even some interesting fiction. He published over 100 books. Ten of his novels were on the New York Times Best Seller List.

If I recall correctly, any book of his published had a guaranteed 250,000 first printing.

Father Greeley made some money. He donated most of it to charitable causes. He once wanted to donate $1 million to a particular Chicago charity. Cardinal Cody was in charge of the Chicago Archdiocese. He refused Greeley’s gift.

A good man sits with his God today. A receptive ear, I am sure.

The weather continues to suck. Rain, rain, and more rain. It is going to rain today. The weather report advises heavy rain through wednesday. If it continues as it has, I will soon be able to kayak into Key West!

Enjoy your day!

KEY WEST / EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION

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My son in law Corey Malcom is an archeologist. He has been the Director of Archeology at the Mel Fisher Museum for more than 25 years. Corey loves the old. He searches for it.

I was at Lisa’s yesterday for Ally’s birthday party. Dinner and cake. Corey had received a special piece of mail. It was an original New York Herald newspaper dated February 11, 1863. The pages were tanned and gave off an odor. Both indications of age. The print was very small. There is no publication today with print that small.

Corey said he had been searching for that particular date of the New York Herald for years. Finally found one. Cost him $15.

Corey is the recognized world expert on Caribbean slave ships. Part of the expertise involves Africans and Bahamians who reached Key West shores. Some were slaves. Most here because the slave ships they were being transported on sank.

Some continued to be slaves. Others feared they would become slaves. None wished to be slaves.

Corey was interested in an article in the February 11, 1863 New York Herald that had to do with black Key West at the time of the Emancipation Proclamation.

He let me read the article. With the admonition to be careful. The pages were brittle. He did not want any to break.

Permit me to share some observations regarding the article.

Blacks were obviously involved. They were the thrust of the article. However, they were not referred to as blacks, Africans or Bahamians. The disgusting word n—-r was used. Obviously no political correctness in 1863. The term appeared frequently in the article.

The Emancipation Proclamation freed the slaves. Abraham Lincoln signed it on January 1, 1863.

News traveled slowly in those days. It took roughly five weeks for the news of the signing to reach Key West. The black community went crazy with joy! They celebrated their officially recognized freedom with a big parade. The parade was followed by a dinner for 250 persons. Primarily black. All in attendance dressed in their best attire.

Sandy Cornish was mentioned prominently. He was an African who had arrived in Key West thirty some odd years earlier. He had become a free man. He owned and operated a huge farm where the corner of Truman and Whitehead exists today. He became the wealthiest black in Key West and one of the wealthiest men in the Keys generally.

He led the parade and was a key figure at the dinner.

There is more to Cornish’s story. Much more. I save it for another day.

I spent a considerable part of yesterday working on my blog talk radio show and how to post cell phone pictures on the internet. Tiring for this old man!

I also wrote next week’s column for KONK Life. Hypocrisy. The recently revealed story of the Catholic Church having provided certain of its unionized employees with a health care insurance policy covering contraception and abortions. This coverage became part of an employee package in the 1990s and continues even to today.

The article also goes into free  conscience and my view that the Catholic Church should not be involved in such a public/political fashion with regard to matters.

Jean Stapleton died yesterday. Those who viewed All In The Family from 1971-1979 will recall her. She played Edith Bunker. A great television series. Edith was a bit of a dim wit and naive. Her husband, the bigoted Archie, was played by Carroll O’Connor. Stapleton’s performance helped to make the show the success it was.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention the musical tune associated with the show. Each show began with Edith and Archie sitting at a piano and singing…..Those Were The Days!

They were.

Enjoy your Sunday!