TRUTH CAN BE SHOCKING

Wow! Would you believe! The way the Trump/Russia matter is playing out.

Michael Flynn may be given immunity. If so, he will blow 90 percent of the players in. Including Trump. The FBI generally gives immunity where it enables the government to get at some one higher up. Only one person higher up to Flynn as National Security Advisor. Trump.

The public does not understand immunity. The impression I get from comments being made. Later today on my Facebook video show, I plan on giving a short and simple rendition re immunity.

My yesterday began with a haircut with Lori. Good conversation. I always look forward to my visit with her.

Bocce last night. Don’s Place won 1, lost 2. Not a spectacular season in the making.

Date night. Not for me. For couples with child/children who need a babysitter. A night alone for Mom and Dad.

Glad Tidings Tabernacle on United is sponsoring a couples reconnect, reunite and resurrect evening. The Church will take care of the babysitting. A date night. Tonight. Check with the Church for details.

I reported re the syphilis epidemic yesterday. My numbers were wrong. Eleven cases instead of 10 in the last six months. Zero six months ago. Three of the cases women.

Some are calling for a revival and expansion of sex education programs in Key West schools.

There is a bill before the Governor awaiting his signature which sets forth the rules and regulations by which vehicles such as Uber and Lyft can operate.

Key West has been without Uber for 2 years. Key West began arresting drivers at the time.

The sense among Uber and Lyft drivers is that the legislation will be signed and they will be back to work in Key West. Several Lyft vehicles on the road already. Yesterday, the first Uber. In anticipation that the Governor will sign the legislation.

Her name Lelanette Roberts. Described as a Key West beauty. Lelanette disappeared August 2, 1949. Two and one half years later on March 31, 1952, her skeletal remains were found on Saddle Bunch Key.

Ship salvage was big business in Key West in the 1800’s. Those doing the actual salvage work were called wreckers. Well, not all. Some were called wrackers. Note the substitution of the a for the e.

Wrackers were originally from the Bahamas. They moved to Key West to do salvage work. They pronounced wreckers wrackers and spelled it similarly.

Man does not change. History does repeat itself.

ISIS beheads Christians who refuse to become Muslims. In 1492 Spain, Catholics put to death Jews who refused to convert to Catholicism.

Drinks today at 5 at Louie’s Backyard with Callie. The lady I met last week while at Louie’s. I am looking forward to it.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

SYPHILIS IN KEY WEST

Syphilis is a venereal disease of old. A cure available. A quick one. Penicillin. The disease still around, however. Just not in significant numbers.

Six months ago, Key West had no syphilis cases. Recently, 10. An epidemic of sorts.

Nine of the 10 involve 18 and 19 year old males. Recent high school graduates. The final one a much older male.

Investigation revealed the 9 young ones got the disease post-graduation.

Authorities advised the infection not necessarily gay acquired.

The matter remains under investigation. The initial Key West source of the infection and others who may be infected.

Some things just never go away.

I have two pair of horn rimmed glasses. Thirty or more years old. Lens replaced, never the frames. Love the frames! Cost $700 each when purchased. Think I got my money’s worth.

One of the frames broke. Old age probably. I took the glasses to Key West Optical yesterday. Located in the gray shopping center on Kennedy and Flagler.

They were able to fix the frame! No guaranty how long the repair will last. Whatever, I am thrilled. I am wearing the glasses at the moment.

Key West Optical good people. Not the first time I have gone in for a repair. Always happy to help. Always no charge.

Moved on to K-Mart. Need a small table and stool. Did not have the size I needed. I want to move my video show outside. The background would be magnificent.

Then to Don’s Place. No room in the parking lot or street. Did not get to stop. No disappointment. I will see my Don’s Place / bocce friends tonight at bocce.

The Chart Room the next stop. Chatted with John a bit.

Steve Kelly seated next to me at the bar. Mid-50s. From West Chester, Pennsylvania. With his friend Pete. Both staying at the Pier House. Prior Key West visitors.

Steve and I hit it off immediately. A lot in common. An interesting conversation.

Steve is in a family business. His Mom and Dad started it. He runs it now. His son works with him and will take over when Steve walks away.

The business involves sporting goods. Athletic equipment. Called Kelly’s Sports. Sells directly to public and private institutions, as well as the public. University, colleges, and private schools. Sells also to booster clubs, parent organizations and fan clubs.

A big operation. One hundred employees. We laughed about payroll.

Steve and his son have been moving the business into internet sales. The wave of the future that is already here.

Easily observable was that Steve is proud of the business. His third generation family business.

I have been on a diet. Nothing even close to heavy. Yogurt and cottage cheese. Needed a steak last night. A small one. Stopped at Outback for their 6 ounce filet mignon and steamed vegetables. Like I had not eaten in several days. I had not!

Watched McDonald’s All American High School Basketball on TV. Some of the kids are good. They know it. You can see it in their faces.

My grandson John played on a Niki All American Team eight years ago. I traveled to see him. Think it was Charlotte. John was good. Not Division 1 good. He played at Albany State for four years. Captained the team in his senior year.

John is now in his last year of law school.

Moving back to the afternoon for a moment, I did some legal research. An issue I wanted to resolve. I felt like a lawyer again.

Skipper Kripitz is one of the most loved persons in Key West. Also, one of its best musicians. Skipper plays the drums.

He arranges the Tuesday night show at Virgilio’s. Always a sell out. This coming Tuesday the Savage Beets.

I read a write up on the show. Skipper was described as ubiquitous. A big word. Smart as I think I am, I did not know what it meant. Looked it up. Defined as found everywhere. Applies to Skipper. He is all over town playing.

Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway in my life the past 24 hours.

I could not sleep during the night. Watched an old movie on TV. The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone. I have seen the movie at least a dozen times. The story and setting turn me on. Filmed in Rome.

Tennessee William’s in the credits. First time I noted it. Williams wrote the novel from which the movie was made.

The Ernest Hemingway tale disturbs me. Love Ernest Hemingway!

A Nicholas Reynolds wrote a new book: Writer, Sailor, Soldier: Ernest Hemingway’s Secret Adventures, 1935-1961.

The book sacrilegious in part.

Reynolds writes Hemingway was a Russian spy 1940-41. Doing espionage for the Soviet Union. Worked with the NKVD, predecessor to the KGB. His cover name Argo.

Attempted to verify the representation. Hard to do. A prior book written in 2009 suggested the same, but indicated Hemingway probably did it to get background for a novel.

I did not have time to research further. Patrick, if the subject interests you, do a little digging and let me know what you come up with.

Have to hustle. A haircut appointment.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

CHIRPING BIRDS

I do not wish to mislead. I am not a bird watcher. I know next to nothing about birds. However, I know what I hear.

Birds chirping!

This is the time of the year. The spring. Migratory birds are returning. Traveling north. A long trip. Key West a rest area.

The past several mornings, bird singing everywhere. I open my deck doors and the crescendo hits. Lovely! Magnificent!

In another week or two, they will be gone. I enjoy while I can.

My only stop outside the house yesterday was the Cuban Coffee Queen for lunch. And newspaper reading, of course.

The rest of the day spent home fine tuning last night’s podcast. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

The show was primarily an expression of my fears and thoughts as to what is going on in the Trump Administration. Devin Nunes, the House Intelligence Committee, son in law Jared, and coal.

Another item of interest which also took time to explore was middle class white deaths. On the rise. Described as death from despair. Caused by lack of jobs, insufficient funds, and a lack of education.

Tippecanoe and Tyler too. John Tyler became President when William Harrison died. Tyler was Harrison’s Vice-President. Fifteen years later, he became a member of the Confederate Congress.

Tyler’s wife Letita died in 1842. Tyler was a widower President. Two years later, Tyler then 54 fell in love with 24 year old Julia Gardiner. A thirty year difference. They married. Tyler lacked not in virility. They had seven children.

My Facebook Key West Lou video today will concern infrastructure financing under Trump. He proposes privatization. Italy privatized. The video will explore my experiences and knowledge re how things have worked out in Italy.

Enjoy your day!

1950’s MILK MAN

The Keys History section in this morning’s Key West Citizen has several 1943 photos of Adam’s Dairy. One of the photos is that of a milk bottle.

Milk back then was contained in a glass bottle. As was chocolate milk and orange juice. No plastic cartons.

I was a milk man in 1959 while attending law school. I was at the dairy at 3:45 in the morning loading my truck. Left the dairy for my first delivery 4:15. Finished the run in time so I was seated for the start of my first class at the law school at 9.

Two recollections of the job.

I learned how to carry five glass bottles of milk in one hand. Three through the fingers and two in the palm. Impresses me to this day.

The other was that I had to drive the milk truck standing. Not easy. Took me a while to get it down.

The clutch and brake were the same pedal. Down a certain distance, the clutch. Further, the brake. Both close. If I went down too far and inadvertently hit the brake, disaster could occur.

One time the suddenness of the braking caused the cases of milk behind me to rapidly pitch forward pinning me against the front window. Bottles flying out the open doors. The truck stopped on its own in a field down the road. Thank God for the field.

Milk flowing down the street. Broken glass all over.

In addition to the clutch/brake pedal, one had to shift with the right hand.

Those were the days. No school loans. Work. Worked your way through school while going to school.

Prepared for tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Topics include the Washington scene, Russian protestors, James Bond in Key West, March Madness, $10 trillion missing from Pentagon, spinach leaf replacing heart tissue, and more.

Join me at 9 my time for a fast moving and revealing half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

My first stop last night the La Concha bar.

Then on to Books & Books for the Kay Redfield Jamison lecture re her latest work concerning the poet Robert Lowell. A review of his bipolar disorder.

Judy Blume did an excellent job in getting Jamison to come to Key West and putting the talk together. The crowd was huge. Twice the usual size.

After the lecture, hurried over to Donna and Terri’s for dinner. Donna an outstanding cook. Pot roast last night.

Terri’s adopted son and his lady friend with us. They are visiting for a week.

Adopted son threw me off. The adopted son is 35. White.

Terri explained that years ago when he was a small person, he would stand daily outside Radio City Music Hall. Trying to get in. Terri was performing. She was opening for Liza Minnelli.

After seeing him for several days, Terri confronted him and the rest is history. He now lives and works in New Haven.

Diana Millikan has a friend of consequence arriving today for a visit. Business and pleasure. Robert Labrousse is the Haitian Minister of Haitians Living Abroad.

Robert and Diana first met in Paris in 1966. Robert was a U.S. Army MP at the time. They renewed the acquaintance during the years Diana lived in Haiti.

Robert will be in Key West for three days. Socializing with Diana and meeting with local Haitians.

The athletic event of the year takes place saturday. For those in the best of shape. The Cow Key Bridge Zero K Run.

The bridge is 300 feet long. The distance of the run. More than 1,000 will participate. Most will walk. Most will be costume attired. The winner’s time will be around 40 seconds. The winner will have run.

Only in Key West!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

BOOKS & BOOKS…..BIPOLAR DISORDER TONIGHT

Judy Blume has arranged a big one for Books & Books tonight. Kay Redford Jamison discussing her newest book: Robert Lowell, Setting The River On Fire.

A rather unique presentation. The famed poet Robert Lowell was bipolar. Jamison is bipolar. As well as being Professor of Psychiatry at John Hopkins.

Six tonight for a most interesting discussion.

After Jameson, I will be off to Donna and Terri’s. Donna cooking. Her famous pot roast. Juicy and tender.

Yesterday another lazy one. A bug must have recently bitten me.

I did get out of the house. Drove up to No Name Pub for lunch. Love the place!

Later in the afternoon, watched North Carolina/Kentucky. A game! North Carolina won by 3. Great basketball. Kentucky on its way to the Final Four.

Oregon a part this year of the Final Four, also.

March Madness had its birth this day in 1939. The first NCAA Tournament. Oregon beat Ohio State.

It was doubtful Oregon would make the Final Four this year. Congratulations to them.

Russia experienced 99 separate protests over the weekend. In its cities and towns. Unusual. Especially against Putin. Putin does not tolerate opposition. Several opposing political leaders have died under strange circumstances the past two years. Their deaths thought to be Putin ordered.

Now street protests. Will Putin call out the tanks as the Soviet Union did in Hungary in the 1950’s?

Is Russia experiencing an Arab Spring as Egypt did?

My gut tells me Trump has an involvement. I suspect the negative Trump/Russia dialogue in the U.S. is working against Trump in Russia.

Hemingway left his mark on Key West. For which we are all glad.

Many the words he wrote or spoke became memorable quotes. One I especially enjoy involves love: Stop chasing the wrong one, the right one won’t run.

Words of wisdom!

On this day in 1998, the band played and the drums roared. The FDA approved Viagra. The first oral medication to treat erectile dysfunction.

Harry Truman again. Never forget, Truman loved Key West and Key West loves Harry Truman.

Truman spent 175 days over 11 trips enjoying Key West. On this date in 1952, Truman left Key West for Washington following a three week vacation.

Enjoy your day!

ONE LYFT IN TOWN

If ever a community is in need of Uber and Lyft, it is Key West. Taxi service slow, vehicles filthy. Locals and tourists alike do not receive the door to door service they are entitled to. Uber and Lyft would assist in relieving traffic congestion.

Uber tried a couple of years ago. Key West’s Bubba system won out. Taxi owners won. Uber left.

The Florida House of Representatives had a bill filed this week structuring requirements for online car service. Considered the beginning of getting Uber and Lyft on the streets of all Florida communities. The bill still has the State Senate to go through and then must be signed into law by the Governor.

Lyft is testing the waters. The bill is not required. However, municipalities have been using the excuse of waiting for State direction before allowing Uber and Lyft to provide service.

The Key West story.

Lyft is testing the waters. A Lyft vehicle has been operating in Key West since thursday. Only one.

How will Key West react to this solitary Lytle vehicle? Stop the service? Arrest the driver as they did with Uber? Let this sole driver slide into the signing of the new law?

My one day time trip away from home yesterday afternoon was to Publix. Prices continue to edge up. Amazing! We soon will have to raise our own produce and animals for slaughter (said with tongue in cheek).

I question how people can continue to afford groceries. Especially in a stagnant income situation.

Spent most of the day lying around. Being lazy. Read, slept, watched TV.

Wonderful evening! Enjoyed the company of Tim and Linda at the Hot Tin Roof. Both Madison County, New York residents. Visiting Key West. Ted lives in Cazenovia. Linda in a small town outside Canastota.

Ted is a former Court Clerk. Linda worked in the judicial system. Ted here for a month. Staying at the Banyan. Linda visiting for a week. Both good company. Enjoyed Linda, especially.

We started at 7. We were one of the last tables to leave. The sign of a great evening.

Weekends are unusually busy at the Hot Tin Roof. Extra help hired for the weekends. Most, young immigrants. Hard working! Impressive!

I do one Facebook video a day. A Key West Lou one. Number of followers increasing. Dramatically.

Interestingly, most blog readers are not video followers and vice versa.

One of the Sunday morning talk show commentators made what I consider a comically true statement re Trump. Something to the effect…..If Trump wants to find he is #1 in everything, he should buy a mirror.

Those of you who comment do so at your own risk. Some days are brutal. Today, not. An excellent review of healthcare problems. Zeroing in on one party payer, Medicare, and supplemental plans.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

 

 

 

ONION CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Canastota is a little town in central New York. All of 20 miles from my home town of Utica. Canastota has a few of distinctions.

It is the onion capital of the world. Miles and miles of onion growing fields.

Carmen Basilio was born and raised in Canastota. Carmen was once the welterweight and middleweight  champion of the world. Separate occasions, of course.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame is located in Canastota. Probably because everyone liked Basilio and the financial backers for the Hall of Fame were mostly located in the central New York area.

On this day in 1958, Basilio beat Sugar Ray Robinson for the middleweight title. Robinson is considered one the greatest boxers ever. Some consider him the greatest.

Basilio and Robinson fought 5 times. Basilio won only the one time mentioned.

Sport writers referred to Basilio as the Upstate Onion Farmer.

Basilio’s boxing career began in 1948. Boxing was everything back then. The boxing world of the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s different from today. A class sport. Many followers.

Basilio boxed during my grammar, high school and college years. I recall other middle weight boxers of the era. Basilio fought some. Kid Gavilan, Tony DeMarco, Gene Fullmer, and Art Aragon.

Canastota is located between Utica and Syracuse. Due to Basilio’s presence and popularity in the area, several Basilio championship fights were held in Syracuse.

The healthcare battle ended yesterday. The Republicans deserved to lose. They failed to come up with a better law for the people.

The bill hurt the poor and old. It traded affordable health care for millionaire tax breaks. Th bill would ultimately be more expensive and uninsure millions of people.

It was written for the insurance companies and the rich.

I predict the budget battle will be similar. Certain of the same values. Like tax breaks for the rich on the backs of the poor.

The solution my friends is a one payer system. The guide is already there. Medicare. The wheel does not have to be reinvented. Difficult to make the law. The insurance companies would be hurt big time. The whole idea is contrary to basic Republican/Conservative beliefs.

The Prime Steakhouse has been open 9 years. Last night was my third time there. I was unhappy with my first two visits. Decided to give it another shot last night.

I was alone. Sat at the bar. Watched the North Carolina/Butler game.

First the game. I have lacked interest in the tournament because my Syracuse is not part of it. Last night was the first game I watched.

The tournament features the best of the best. Some better than others, however. North Carolina unquestionably superior to Butler. North Carolina the winner 92-80. Could go all the way.

The Steakhouse. A winner! A fantastic filet mignon accompanied by delicious sauteed spinach.

Bartender John a social person.

Be advised. Pricey.

Even the healthy must eat. I refer to organic food consumers. They now have a happy hour.

The Green Pineapple is located in the quiet end of Duval. An organic food store, among other things. Announced a once a month happy hour. To be called Be Happy Hour. Organic champagne, organic wine, beer tasting, various foods. The first wednesday every month.

Respectfully, I believe the Republicans spoke with a forked tongue in the healthcare battle. Obamacare broken! Disaster around the corner! Etc. They were not aware how the people really felt when confronted with Obamacare and the proposed new law.

Yesterday morning, the present Washington State Governor was on Morning Joe. His name, Jay Inslee. Impressive. Possible Presidential timber down the road.

He is happy with Obamacare! Works for Washington State. Yes, there are problems. Nothing that cannot be remedied. Coverage and savings there. Google Inslee and Washington State re the Affordable Care Act.

My gut feeling is it worked for Washington because Inslee and his predecessor Christine Gregiore followed the rules and guidelines how to take advantage of the law. They did not say I’ll do this part and not that, they did not pick and choose, etc.

Smathers Beach in use. Especially this time of the year with the Spring Breakers invasion. The beach crowded. Young beautiful bodies. The young ladies all attractive in their bikinis. Most playing volley ball.

On this day in 1961, the beach was dedicated and named for State Senator George Smathers. Better than a statue. The beach can be used 365 days a year.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

LlCENCE TO KILL / JEFFERSON STARSHIP / CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF

Recollections refreshed.

Key West happenings.

James Bond. A small part of the 1989 movie Licence to Kill was filmed in Key West. The rear area of 707 South Street. A wedding reception. Bond a guest.

The home recently sold for $5 million.

Tennessee Williams again. On this day in 1955, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof opened in New York City. An instantaneous hit. Won Williams his second Pulitzer Prize.

Jefferson Starship. An American rock band. The group has been around since 1974. Not all members the same. As time moved on, older performers dropped out to be replaced by new performers.

Jefferson Starship is performing at the Key West Theater sunday. On the saturday before at 3 pm, a free greet and meet is being held at the Gates Hotel. You must be a ticket holder to attend.

Spent my yesterday researching.

Visited Tammy at 6 for a manicure. Tammy her usual charming self. For a 34 year old, she is wise beyond her years. Has to be her Asian background.

Then to bocce. All of 10 minutes.

It suddenly got dark. A huge black cloud moved over us. Cell phone weather inquiries showed a huge green mass beginning to move over the lower keys.

At the same time, the wind blew up. Not a simple 20 mph. More! Much more! Dirt and sand swirling.

Everyone ran for their cars to get out.

Most of my group headed for Don’s Place. I decided to go straight home. I do not enjoy driving on US 1 when the rain is so heavy it is difficult to see.

Beat the rain home. Beat the rain in its entirety. The wind blew for a while. The rain never came. This morning, I looked outside to see if it had rained during the night. No. Everything dry.

Key West weather strange. Storms hit quickly. People are wise. They get inside quickly. Wind and rain not a pleasant sea shore combination.

Enjoy your day!

 

LOUIE’S BACKYARD

My yesterday included a visit to the dentist. When younger, I went with fear and trepidation.

Now, no sweat. I have implants. A once a year visit to check them out.

I left the dentist’s office at 3:30. Diana Millikan was to meet me at 4:30 at Louie’s Backyard. I decided to spend an hour alone and so went directly to Louie’s.

The restaurant not one of my favorite places. The outside bar in the back is. Sits on open water. The Atlantic to the right, center and left. Sun shining bright. A sailing boat or two in the distance.

God’s world!

Dog’s Beach runs along the side of Louie’s. A small beach. No more than 30 feet wide. Really for dogs. They were on the beach and swimming as I entered.

College students also. They had discovered Dog Beach. They have much to learn. Never would I lie or run around on Dog Beach. Animal excrement everywhere.

Chatted with a fellow seated next to me. Involved with Las Vegas casinos. Comes to Key West twice a year to dive.

He was experiencing a problem. He had gone through four masks yesterday. The first three kept filling with water. Thought it was his mustache. Cut it back three times yesterday till he got a tight fit.

Diana showed up. Diana is an excellent researcher. I would describe her as an investigative researcher. Brought a Key West book with her for my scrutiny. Maureen Ogle’s History of An Island of Dreams.

The little I browsed through interesting. Very.

I frequently mention William Hackley. The Key West Citizen runs daily excerpts from his diary. The year 1856.

Ogle wrote about Hackley some 25 years earlier in the late 1820’s and 1830 when he first arrived in Key West.

Some of Ogle’s observations warrant I begin with her overall view of Key West. Then, Hackley.

Key West was described as the crossroads of the Caribbean. World wanderers found their way to Key West. In the 1820’s and 1830’s, it was a man’s world. More men than women. The men mostly tough.

By day, they crowded the taverns, boarding houses, docks, and shops. Waiting for the next new wreck to be announced. Key West was a ship wrecking town.

Lawyers and agents were a different breed. They lounged on shady verandas in white linen suits and straw hats. Smoking Cuban cigars.

Night time, all type men were drinking and boozing. Everyone woke the next morning with a first class hangover.

Now comes William Hackley. A young lawyer. Late 1820s.

Hackley was a bit naive, socially retarded. Not worldized yet.

In 1830, he attended a 20 person dinner party. Four of the 20 were women. It was the first time Hackley had “eaten in the company of ladies.” He reported several of the ladies “got a bit merry.” Whatever that means.

It was not till the early 1850’s that Hackley married.

Callie Morehouse sat next to me. First time I meeting her. She is the Owner/Private Chef of Provisions of Key West. Does large parties and dinner parties.

An interesting lady.

With her was a younger friend from Paris. A beauty!

My eyes still work.

I dropped Diana off at her hotel and was home by 6. I am dieting once again. Wanted to prepare my own meal.

Today quiet. A manicure. Tonight, bocce.

I was shocked to learn Mike Hopkins is the new basketball coach at Washington. He has hung out 22 years at Syracuse waiting to succeed Boeheim. Next year was supposedly the year. I am not sure what happened.

My Trump comment today simple. Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. So too will Trump.

I read something re healthcare by Kathryn Norris this morning. She described the health care bill as Reverse-Robin-Hood. Take from the poor and give to the rich. She viewed the bill as trading affordable healthcare for millionaire tax breaks.

Patrick Henry. On this day in 1775, he uttered the famous words “…..give me liberty or give me death.”

Heard from Anna this morning. She is in London. She was in London yesterday during the terrorist attack.

She has had similar experiences including the earth quake near her Novara home and an avalanche near Courmayeur where Anna has a chalet half way up Mont Blanc.

Claims she is “lucky.”

Enjoy your day!

 

GEORGE WASHINGTON 2ND RICHEST PRESIDENT

Trump the richest President. No question about it. Who second?

George Washington.

Washington was worth $525 million. He owned land, businesses, a distillery, and slaves. His Presidential salary nothing to be ashamed of. Negotiated I assume by him. His salary annually was 2 percent of the U.S. budget.

Fine tuned my podcast show in the afternoon. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Most of the show was to be Trump and Judge Neil Gorsuch. My show was ready to go at 3. Had to wait. Show time not till 9.

Then everything hit the fan in Washington. More Trump problems. Involving some of his campaign team members. The Judge’s questioning before the Judiciary Committee put on hold.

All hell was breaking loose.

I reworked my show plan to accommodate the news.

Re Trump, he is a man sitting on a sunny beach not aware that a tsunami is approaching. The coming disaster inevitable. He in the middle of it.

Money laundering originating in Russia creeping into the news. Watch for it. The money laundering reached British and American banks.

Judge Neil Gorsuch a winner! I was impressed! A legal mind!

Though he is a conservative, he will vote liberal if the case calls for it. My impression.

Newly appointed Supreme Court Justices sometime change sides. The conservative votes liberal.

Eisenhower’s opponent for the Republican nomination in 1952 was California’s Governor Warren. A black hearted Republican. Nothing in his history to indicate anything else.

Warren was appointed Chief Justice. He immediately turned. Warren was one of the most liberal Justices in our nation’s history. Eisenhower lamented the one mistake of his Presidency was nominating Warren to the bench.

Then came Justice Souter. A small town Republican lawyer who was fortunate to become a New Hampshire Judge. A conservative one. Appointed to the Supreme Court, a metamorphism occurred. He became a dependable liberal vote.

I have been into pythons for five years. The Everglades replete with them. They are now moving into the Keys. One or two made it to Key West.

The State failed to timely pay attention to their growing numbers. Pythons frequently engage in sex. They have overrun the Everglades. The actual number unknown. Cannot be determined.

Experts claim eradication impossible. Too many. The aim to date has been to mange the python problem. Impossible. They reproduce faster than they can be killed.

Now comes Florida State Senator Artiles. He wants the State to pay private contractors to go into the Everglades and kill pythons.

A guaranteed exercise in futility.

Robots. One of my favorite topics for a year. They are here and more coming in increasing numbers. Human jobs will be lost.

Arabs are smart. The Dubai Police Force announced that they will begin using robots for certain police work beginning in May. They expect that by 2030, 25 percent of the force will be robots.

Mark Twain and his friend Thomas B. Reed spent this day in 1902 in Key West. Reed was Speaker of the House of Representatives at the time. They were on their way to Cuba. Party time.

Jimmy Walker was a famous New York City mayor in the roaring 1920’s and into the early 1930 Depression years. He became too friendly with the mob. Under investigation, he ran off to Europe with his wife.

Betty Compton his wife. Somehow she got to Key West in later years. On this day in 1941, Betty Compton divorced Jimmy Walker in a Florida Circuit Court sitting in Key West.

Harry Truman. One of Key West’s favorite persons. Truman loved Key West. Key West loves Truman.

On this day in 1951, Truman completed a three week vacation at the Little White House and returned to Washington.

Enjoy your day!