HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERNEST HEMINGWAY

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July 21, 1899. Ernest Hemingway was born in Oak Park, Illinois. A great day for literature, a great day for Key West.

Hemingway is part and parcel of the fabric of Key West. Visible in many ways 365 days a year. At the moment, Hemingway Days. Today, the famous Running With The Bulls. Get down to Sloppy Joe’s around one. Watch the Hemingway Look a Likes assemble and then run with the bulls.

Dinner last night at Donna and Terri’s. Good drink, fantastic meal and their special company as always.

I learned last night I too have to adjust to Terri’s blindness. There are occasions where two persons can communicate merely by looking at each other. Realized I cannot do it any longer with Terri. She can’t see me. I must speak to engage her.

How awful it must be for Terri.

Terri is not permitting the problem to keep her down. She sings tonight at Blue Heaven. From 6:30-9:30. Jean Thornton and I are having dinner tonight at Blue Heaven. Specifically to enjoy Terri.

The present Key West Cemetery has been in existence since 1847. Many of the graves are unmarked. The Cemetery is attempting to identify the occupant of each grave. A tedious almost impossible function.

When identification is complete, the Cemetery will establish a search engine on the City’s website.

Give a helping hand to the Cemetery. If you know someone who is buried in an unmarked grave, contact the Cemetery and let them know.

The Key West Citizen’s weather person continues to amuse me. Today, partly sunny and mild. Described as “…..nice day to hit the beach.” Tomorrow’s verbiage the winner. Partly cloudy and humid. Described as “…..think Saturday with a little sweat.”

Two quotes have caught my attention.

A Mark Twain one in the Comment section to this blog: “It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.”

The other, I cannot recall where I came upon it. Wrote it down to share with you, however: “The House and Senate are ostriches burying their heads in the sand.”

Both quotes related to Trump in some fashion.

I did my Key West Lou Live show on Facebook earlier this morning. Titled: God Is A Republican?” Religion and politics. The harm religion can cause when involved with government. The Evangelical influence today.

Take a look. You might enjoy. You also might not agree with me.

Rome burned this month in 64 AD. Much of Rome destroyed. Nero rebuilt it.

Some claim Nero started the fire because he wanted a new and more modern Rome. Most historians disagree. Though Nero did want a new modern Rome.

A false story also exists that Nero fiddled while Rome burned. He did not. The fiddle had not yet been invented in 64 AD. Nero was 35 miles away at the time of the fire.

Nero did use the fire to his advantage, however. He disliked Christians. Considered them a danger. He used the fire as an excuse to arrest, torture and execute hundreds of Christians. Most were fed to the lions or burned to death.

Nero used as an excuse that the Christians had caused the fire.

BOB still tired. Working, however. Fantasy Fest next.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LYNDA FRECHETTE

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Happy Birthday Lynda Frechette! Twenty nine and still going strong. Key West is never the same when you are gone.

Two other noteworthy items for today.

Mel Fisher found the Atocha mother lode! This day in 1985. Four hundred million dollars. He had a dream. Stuck with it. Bore fruit 15 years later.

Neil Armstrong walked on the moon! First man to do so. This day 1969.

I recall watching the event on TV. It was 11 at night. My children all asleep. All grammar school age. Woke them up and brought them to the family room to watch the event.

I considered Armstrong’s descent onto the moon’s surface to be sufficiently important for them to see. They would remember it for years.

They were tired. Could not understand why I was all excited, etc.

None of them remember.

My day yesterday began with doing the Key West Lou Live video on Facebook. I spent a few minutes chatting about being a senior citizen. A change of pace show. Finished today’s show before I started the blog this morning. Topic: Putin’s White House Invitation. Would you believe!

Visited Tammy at 1 for a manicure. Always good company.

Then to Sandy’s Cafe for a late lunch.

The Chart Room first last night. Had new friend Casey meet me there. He’s the fellow I met three weeks ago at Hogfish. The one with the 77 foot catamaran. Casey lives on the boat. I offered to pick him up. No, he wanted to dingy in.

Neal and Connie at the bar. Met Neal the night before. Connie, last night. Nice people.

My love Jean Thornton arrived. She has been in Key West a week. First time we have seen each other. A big hug and kiss. Jean, Casey and I chatted a while. Jean and I are having dinner together saturday evening at Blue Heaven. Terri is singing.

Speaking of Terri, I am having dinner with Donna and Terri tonight at their new condo. Donna cooking. Always a treat! Enjoying a Donna prepared meal is like listening to Terri sing.

A fireman and his wife from outside Chicago were also at the bar. I failed to get their names. They had an interesting story.

They lived in Homestead in 1998 when Andrew hit. Evacuated. When they returned 3 days after Andrew, pure carnage. It looked like Hiroshima after the atom bomb fell. Everything flat. Nothing left standing. Andrew was a 5.

The destruction was so bad they could not locate their home. Nothing defined. A flat level mess.

Stopped at Blue McCaw for a bite to eat on the way home. Ran into Paul and Ron again. Real nice guys. Enjoyed chicken wings and their company over a couple of drinks.

Blue McCaw a winner! Happy Hour 4-9. A fun place! I recommend it.

The Key West Citizen’s weather person an excellent writer. Comes up with little tidbits to describe the weather.

Today the temperature will be 92. A morning thunder shower predicted. Wrong, thus far. 10:30, sun shining bright. No sign of rain. Means nothing, however. Rain comes to Key West in a split second without prior warning.

The excellent writing has to do with the fine print under the rain warning. It read: “Sun, what sun?”

The weather report may be wrong. The sun reference however reads well with or without the rain.

Key West still into Hemingway Days. The Running of the Bulls tomorrow. Go down to Sloppy Joe’s around 1 to watch the Look a Likes get ready. The race itself probably at 2.

Enjoy your day!

 

NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY

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I just finished Key West Lou Live. My 3-4 minute video on Facebook. Normally, I rant and rave about Trump or some world event. Today,  opted for a change of pace. Talked about what it is like to be a senior citizen. Interesting and amusing. From courting to Christmas Eve. Take a look. You will enjoy.

Yesterday was National Hot Dog Day. The hot dog worthy of such recognition. An American treat.

The Chart Room has hot dogs. Free. Next to the free peanuts and popcorn is a small boiler pot with fresh hot dogs bubbling away each day. As emptied, refilled.

The hot dogs a popular item.

Met Neal at the Chart Room bar early last night. A high school business teacher from Carrolton, Georgia. Back when drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers. Played three years minor league ball.

His wife, Connie. Did not meet her. She was in the room dressing. Connie owns a bridal shop.

Their third visit to Key West. Love it!

Kevin and Holly came in. Chatted with them a while. Good people. Bartender John joining us in conversation as time permitted.

Then to the Blue McCaw.

As expected, found new friends Paul and Ron at the bar. Sat with them. Enjoyed a drink and something to eat.

Paul and I discussed Europe. Especially Greece and Spain.

I was home at 8:30. As I was getting into bed, the phone rang. It was Terri. Come over and join us for dinner. Terri is cooking. Not tonight! I’m in bed!

Terri rescheduled me for friday night.

Donna is an exemplary cook. One of the best!

Terri is singing saturday night at the Blue Heaven. Stop by if you have a chance.

Key West is in the middle of Hemingway Days. Many events every day. My favorite is the Running of the Bulls. Saturday afternoon. Funny and awe inspiring.

Turtles a big deal in the Keys. Everyone concerned for them. The Marathon Turtle Hospital has a world wide reputation. Serious cases are flown to Marathon from all over the world.

Tomorrow Little Monkey and Coco are going home. Returning to the ocean after several months of treatment in Marathon. Nine tomorrow morning at Sombrero Beach in Marathon. Two to three hundred turtle lovers will be watching.

BOB is tired. He will not be writing today.

Trump is either stupid or trying to con us. The issue is Montenegro. A small nation of 300,000 people. NATO’s newest member.

Trump was on FOX news the other night complaining the U.S. should not contribute to Montenegro’s participation in NATO. The sense was the U.S. should not be committed to going to war over such a small country.

The truth of the matter is that Montenegro’s location makes it very important to both the U.S. and Russia.

Russia needs a warm water port. Montenegro would provide one. The U.S. has for years kept Russia at bay in its pursuit of Montenegro.

Either Trump does not understand that just written or he is setting up a scenario whereby Russia will be able to take over Montenegro.

Montenegro is no fool. It is presently playing the U.S. and Russia off against each other.

People of America, you got screwed again yesterday! The very rich, the one percent, won out over the rest of the people.

While Trump and Putin the news of the day and nothing else being discussed, Trump snuck a new change of the law in.

Publicly active non-profits were required till yesterday to identify their large contributors. Persons/groups like the Koch Brothers’ Americans for Prosperity, the NRA, and Planned Parenthood.

Referred to as “dark money donors.” No more.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin announced disclosure of major donors no longer required. In an attempt to bullshit the public, he said it added to transparency.

Am I missing something?

Interestingly, the announcement came the same day a Russian woman was arrested and charged with conspiracy to act as an agent for the Russian Federation. One of her activities was building ties with the NRA and arranging for Russian monies to be filtered through to the NRA and other political organizations.

Jean Thornton, where are you?

Enjoy your day!

 

JUST EXACTLY WHAT IS VELVEETA?

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Almost noon and I am just beginning today’s blog. My day began with an early morning visit to Dr. Norris. Fasting blood work. Then to Sandy’s Cafe for breakfast.

While at Sandy’s, a beautiful elderly woman dressed in white came in. I recognized her. We both would have morning coffee at a coffee house on Duval. The place changed hands 10 years ago and I stopped going. Did not like the service provided by the new owners.

Her name, Jane.

Jane rode a 3 wheel bike in those days. An excellent conversationalist.

There she was again this morning!

She was talking with a woman. Turned out to be her daughter. I interrupted their conversation and introduced myself to Jane. A friend from the past.

At first, she did not recognize me. As I talked about our mornings 10 plus years ago, she recalled me. She did not recognize me because she cannot see well any longer. I was just a blur to her.

Two friends now have difficulty seeing. Terri and Jane.

Jane of course no longer rides the bicycle.

It was nice seeing Jane again. Life goes on in one fashion or another. We survive.

Hemingway Days began yesterday. Run through sunday. Fun days the rest of the week!

A new BOB chapter: Just Exactly What Is Velveeta? BOB wrote about the heavy things in life.

BOB relied on Bob Smith for Velveeta comments. Bob thought Velveeta was “crap…..not cheese.” He described it as “a lobotomy in a box.”

Such is all I can report re BOB’s writing of Velveeta. The paragraph only 5 lines long. Why BOB even wrote about Velveeta, I have no idea.

I continue to write re Trump, Putin and the Russians. The Comment boxes fill with comments involving the items.

Some who respond fail to provide their names. They sign “Anonymous.”

Not a problem from my end.

One of the Anonymous persons wrote re Trump and Russia that Trump forgot certain items of history. He said: Trump forgot “Russia supplied Vietnam with arms and ammunition, including the missile that shot down McCain and the weapons that killed 55,000 Americans, but then he avoided any involvement there. And there was the Korean War where Russia armed North Korea and Russian pilots shot down American planes. And Cuba, Russia has always backed those whom we oppose. Can a leopard change its spots overnight? Trump seems to think so.”

History speaks for itself. Many lessons to be learned from it. Assuming of course a person reads history.

When I hear of a blimp, my mind automatically goes back to the Hindenburg which went down in blazing flames in the late 1930’s.

In spite of the Hindenburg disaster, blimps continued to be used by some nations. The U.S. Navy used them during World War II.

German submarines were constantly roaming off the Keys. Today’s Key West Citizen in its Keys History section makes mention of a German submarine and U.S. blimp.

It was this day in 1943, U.S. Navy blimp K-74 was shot down by German submarine U-134 50 miles southeast of Marathon. Navy ships from Key West were able to rescue all but one of the blimp’s crew.

Enjoy your day!

 

HOWIE MANDEL LEAVES KEY WEST LAUGHING

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Non-stop laughing last night. Howie Mandel performed in Key West. Glad I went. A long time since I laughed that much.

Almost missed the show. I had purchased my ticket last week. Intended to go with Kevin and Holly, Art, and John. Forgot. Was getting ready to go to Dueling Bartenders when Kevin called to say lets meet at La Concha first for a drink.

Glad he called!

I did a little research on Mandel this morning. Apparently born a comedian. He was expelled from high school for impersonating a school official and hiring a construction company to build an addition to the school.

Stephanie Kaple opened for Mandel. I have known Stephanie for years. She is now CEO of a large Key West company dealing with the homeless. Never knew her to be a comedian. In fact, to the contrary. A rather serious individual.

Last night her first time before an audience. I was overwhelmed! Shocked! She was fantastic! Her material outstanding!

Perhaps a new career in the making. I saw her briefly after the show. Pointed to her and said “Martha Raye.” Stephanie exhibited that degree of talent last night.

My group met at La Concha for a drink before the show. Then to the relatively new bar Roost on Fleming after the show. A nice place. Small. Well done. Annette from Ireland the bartender. Brogue and all.

Some Trump comments. To be expected after his disgraceful performance yesterday at the press conference with Putin.

Trump likes to keep people waiting. He is always late. Even kept Queen Elizabeth waiting 12 minutes last week. Guess it makes him feel important.

Yesterday, he waited for Putin. Trump was on time. Putin late. Trump apparently did not mind. Putin his hero.

Trump campaigned that it was time to Stand Up for America. He did not stand up for America yesterday. He bowed.

The meeting was a Putin success and Trump failure. Domestic reactions in their countries reflect the same.

Trump was especially offensive when he described America as having exhibited “foolishness and stupidity” over the years              causing the rift between Russia and the U.S. Would you believe!

“America First!” Trump’s slogan. I would reword it to “Me First!”

Trump was very much off base. His staff had given him 100 pages of material so he could confront Putin in a tough fashion re the election hacking. Trump ignored the material. Instead took the position he believed Putin when he said Russia was not complicit in any way.

Why is Trump always up Putin’s ass? Either Putin has sexually explicit photos of Trump taken on a Moscow trip several years ago or Russia has arranged for billions in loans to Trump over the years after U.S. banks would no longer loan him money. Could be both. Time will tell.

Recall following the NATO meeting last week, Trump said he was a “very stable genius.” He fools himself!

Trump bugged me when he said the U.S. and Russia should be close friends since the two countries are super nuclear powers. What a basis for a marriage!

Trump does not realize Russia is not a first rate nation. In deep trouble economically. If I recall correctly, ranks 30th economically. Its military pre and World War II.

Putin has Trump bullshitted all the way!

Trump has a propensity to label everything stupid. Only he is smart. Forrest Gump was correct when he said…..Stupid is as stupid does.

Some stupids labeled such by Trump include people, laws, other countries, White House staffers, FBI, National Football League, Democrats, filibuster, journalists. I probably missed a few dozen more.

Trump promised to “drain the swamp.” Get rid of all corrupt Washingtonites.

He was not the first to so promise. Many politicians preceding him used the same words. Examples being Ronald Reagan, Pat Buchanan, and Nancy Pelosi.

I am back on Facebook with Key West Lou Live. A 3-4 minute video each day where I talk about whatever motivates me at the moment. Take a look. You may enjoy it.

Today, tuesday. My podcast every tuesday night at 9. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. I rant and rave about everything. Similar to Key West Lou Live, except I have 30 minutes to do so. Enough time to get a lot off my chest.

Join me. Guaranteed you will enjoy. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

 

PIG HUMPS A HARLEY-DAVIDSON

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On this day of international significance, I opt to open with levity.

I am sick of Trump and the worldwide aggravations he has caused. Wake up America. Trump is destroying our country. He and his party must be voted out. Hopefully, it will not be too late.

Levity a BOB story. Involves Chi Chi. A Vietnamese pot bellied pig living in Key West in the mid 1990’s.

Chi Chi became enamored with the next door neighbor’s Harley-Davidson. Began humping the Harley’s front tire. In the process, scratched the Harley’s paint.

The damage more than $100.

The Monroe County Animal Control took Chi Chi to the pen. An animal pen.

In effect, Chi Chi had been arrested. Technically, his owner charged.

Chi Chi could have been turned into bacon. Several weeks elapsed while Chi Chi’s owner, the Harley-Davidson’s owner, judges and attorneys argued over what should be done with Chi Chi.

Consumed the community. A matter of importance. Imagine, an animal sex act with a Harley causing such furor. The judge intended to sentence Chi Chi to death.

A judgment of execution was stayed.

A decision finally arrived at. Chi Chi was to be neutered.

How cruel!

Chi Chi would no longer be looking for love in all the wrong places. He would not be looking for love anywhere!

BOB had one further comment re the summer doldrums discussed yesterday. The end of the summer found Key Westers looking to the horizon. Hurricane conversations consumed the populace.

Later this morning, I return with Key West Lou Live. My 3-4 minute video on Facebook. Ranting and raving. Hope you will join me. As MacArthur said, “I have returned!”

Sunday purportedly a day of rest. I recall when younger, sundays were respected as such. Practically and legally. Blue laws kept stores closed on sundays.

Yesterday was a day of rest for me. Remained in all day and night. Did my blog. researched a bit. Read. Watched TV. Napped.

A very good day! I needed it.

The Helsinki summit/meeting today. Not sure what it is at this point. I probably will comment on its results, if any, tomorrow.

What goes around comes around. Trump generally keeps persons of importance waiting. He did it with the Queen a few days ago. Boosts his ego. Makes him feel important.

TV news just announced Putin will be late.

Ho ho!

Dueling Bartenders tonight. Shopping for groceries earlier. I am out of food again!

Enjoy your day!

DON’T BRING SHEEP IN THE BACK DOOR

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BOB wrote of September in Key West. Remember, BOB is writing as it was in the mid 1990’s. The doldrums. Tourist industry flat. Heat oppressive.

The saying back then was you could throw a bowling ball down Duval and hit no one.

BOB wrote “…..we are thrown on our meager resources, bar tabs rise, hurricanes are tracked, and the mood becomes introspective.” Further, living in Key West under these conditions is “…..not good for a terminally weird population.”

An overheard comment illustrates the point: “You know what’s interesting about this place? / No, what? / Well, if you like to screw sheep, and you bring ’em in your front door, your neighbor could care less and think none the less of you. But if you bring them in the back door, people get really suspicious about what’s going on. / Dead on.”

I intended to take part in Mel Fisher Days last night at Schooner Wharf. Jean Thornton scheduled as a celebrity bartender. Got side tracked, never made it.

Guy de Boer called. Stop over for a drink. I had never seen his home on Flagler. Was curious. It is one of those multi million dollar places just off South Roosevelt Drive.

Magnificent!

We sat in the back by the pool overlooking a wide canal. One drink led to a few more.

Hunger arrived. Guy suggested Moe’s on White Street. I have not been to Moe’s in 15 years. Food good back then. New owners today. The food just as good.

An enjoyable evening.

Tomorrow, I bring Key West Lou Live back to Facebook. Three to four minutes of current commentary. Guaranteed you will enjoy my ranting and raving. Join me. Any time of the day.

Jim Jordan is a bull in a China shop. Worse than Trump. Tasteless, classless.

He may be receiving his comeuppance.

Jordan was an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State University back when. It is now claimed that team Doctor Strauss was perpetrating some sort of sexual abuse on team members. It is further claimed Jordan was aware and did nothing about it.

The issue involves awareness. Jordan denies awareness.

What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Penn State’s revered Joe Paterno died in shame because of a similar situation. His campus statue taken down. If what was true concerning Paterno is true with Jordan, then Jordan deserves public rebuke also.

I have been against the use of mercenary soldiers since day one. Also the privatization of governmental agencies. In due course, no good rears its ugly head.

Blackwater was the first major mercenary providing corporation. Eric Prince its founder. Some questionable conduct resulted in Blackwater ceasing to exist. A new company was formed. Frontier Services Group.

Both organizations headed by Eric Prince.

Prince has been working with the CIA on a plan to withdraw active U.S. troops from Afghanistan and replace them with a force solely comprised of mercenaries. Six thousand of them.

It could sell. Big money involved.

Always follow the money. Money paid for mercenaries significant. Prince’s sister a member of Trump’s cabinet. Contributions to the Trump campaign huge.

Corruption generally follows.

Another concern from my end is that mercenaries could easily become the private army of a despot. A cause for concern with a President who would like to be President for life.

Madeleine Alright’s Fascism continues to intrigue me. Deals obviously with authoritarian figures. I have just completed my review of Mussolini. Next, Hitler.

Re Mussolini, I set forth two significant quotes from the book.

Twentieth century Fascism began “with a magnetic leader exploiting widespread dissatisfaction by promising all things.”

The other, “He sought to govern well, but to do that, he felt the need to rule absolutely. He had full trust in his own judgment, and there was no satiating his hunger for power.”

Familiar? Characteristics of a today person?

Trump failed to impress the English. Two hundred fifty thousand UK’s marched in opposition to his visit.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

TRUMP WILL DISAPPOINT

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Some people cannot win for losing. Donald Trump is one. He started off big. Many believed in him. The second coming. He is beginning to fail in the eyes of some who initially supported him.

I am plodding through Madeleine Albright’s Fascism. In one part she writes of Benito Mussolini. Reminds me to a degree of how some thought/think of Trump.

She wrote: Thomas Edison hailed him as the “genius of the modern age”; Gandhi as a “superman.” Winston Churchill pledged to stand by him in his “struggle against the bestial appetites of Leninism.” Newspapers in Rome, host to the Vatican, referred to him as “the incarnation of God.” In the end, people who had worshiped his every move hung his corpse upside down next to his mistress’s near a gas station in Milan.

Albright wrote elsewhere re Mussolini’s speaking prowess: He knew the value of the popular touch and usually succeeded in eliciting whoops of approval from his audience. Before long, he had come to consider himself a man of destiny…..

Last night, the Blue MacCaw again. Guest of Donna and Terri.

My opinion remains the same. A winner! Food and drink reasonable. People cheerful. Entertainment excellent.

Blue MacCaw has been added to my list of watering holes.

Ran into Paul and Ron again. Second night in a row. We have become instantaneous friends. They knew Donna and Terri when Terri was performing in Washington.

Less I forget, Happy Hour is 4-9. A big one!

From Key West to Paris. Today is Bastille Day. On this day in 1789, the Bastille was stormed. The turning point of the French Revolution. France celebrates its Revolution on this day. A Revolution that lasted 10 years.

Charles Dickens wrote A Tale of Two Cities. A book that reflected conditions leading to the French Revolution and Reign of Terror: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times….. it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

BOB reflects on Bum Farto’s trial and its aftermath.

Farto was convicted. Sentenced to 30 years. Most of the other 29 defendants fared better. After an unbelievable series of delays, mistrials, bribes, jury tampering, and legal chicanery, most walked free.

Farto appealed. He was out on bail pending the appeal. In that interim, Farto worked to get a lesser sentence. His choices two fold. Turn on and testify against those not convicted. Or, the Golden Parachute. Bribe someone.

Neither option worked. A third option presented itself. If he could, disappear. Forever.

He disappeared.

The story at this point a bit murky. He backed out of his driveway one day, only to be surrounded by two black cars and a tractor trailer. Or, he backed out and simply drove away.

Farto’s car was found in Miami two weeks later.

Farto was never found.

Had he gone the way of Jimmy Hoffa? Perhaps buried in the concrete below I-95? Or, had he made it to Bali, the Fiji Islands or somewhere in Europe or Asia?

Farto’s wife waited 2 1/2 weeks before she reported his disappearance to the police. She told them she was so upset that she could not call them earlier. Truth be told, she and Bum had not been getting along and she could have cared less.

T-shirts began coming out with various inscriptions. The first was El Jefe. Then one with a B-25 dropping bombs with writing below: Bum’s Away. The next was Where Is Bum Farto? The final and still available one is Bum Farto, Where Are You?

And so the saga of Bum Farto ends. Tomorrow, another BOB begins.

Obviously, the English people do not like Trump. So many planned to demonstrate in London that the authorities called off the reception initially planned for him.

Trump and Melania were to be driven through London in a horse drawn open carriage. Normally, thousands would have been on the curbs cheering them. However, this time jeering.

That evening a white tie black tail event. Canceled for the same reason as the parade.

Trump experienced a bummer. He was relegated to tea with the Queen at Windsor castle. The event took 17 minutes. Before, he and the Queen inspected a line of troops in front of the castle.

The public not at either event.

If I were one here in America who had been involved in the Russian hacking, I would be concerned. The indictment revealed yesterday which involved 12 Russians was sufficiently detailed to convince the Russians hacked the election.

There will be at least one more set of indictments. Maybe more. Whatever, I would expect the next set to identify those in the United States who were involved in some fashion.

Key West Lou Live returns monday on Facebook. I missed doing it. Loved being able to rant and rave 3-4 minutes on a topic. Take a look.

Enjoy your day!

 

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BOB RETURNS

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BOB is back! Decided to get off his ass and continue the story. Actually, my fault. Without BOB, so much material. Becomes a pick and choose situation every day.

I will try to do better.

We left Bum Farto when he and 29 other Key Westers had been arrested on federal drug charges. Bum ceased his drug activities while awaiting trial. He did continue with his side prostitution business. He had ladies working for him. He would drive them in El Jefe to their Johns and pick them up afterward for transport to the next John.

He continued as Fire Chief. He also continued as a Little League team manager. He would drive El Jefe down the left field line. Lime green. A El Jefe sign on the side. The bright gold eagle on the hood. Reflector glass and two sawed off shot guns.

Bum would light a candle on the hood of El Jefe before every game. He had found religion. The reason for the candle. And other things.

The religion was Santeria. A form of voodoo.

Santeria is an Afro-American religion of Caribbean origin. The slaves brought it with them from Africa. Their descendants continued practicing the faith.

The religion has some weird aspects. Trances, communication with ancestors and deities, animal sacrifice, and more. Santerians sacrifice animals daily.

The authorities thought the religion strange. Persecution and prosecution became the order of the day. As far back as the early 1500’s.

To save themselves from pain and death, practitioners of the faith merged their customs with Roman Catholicism in Cuba in 1515. The term Santeria means worship of saints.

Today, there are 22,000 Santeria followers in the United States.

Such was the religion Bum selected to help him in his hour of woe.

The religion had rituals galore. It is claimed Bum practiced one while awaiting trial. He smashed eggs in the doorway to the court house. He would then step over them. He was to receive good luck by so doing.

We shall see.

Yesterday an easy one. A haircut at noon. Lori in Maine on vacation. One of the other girls cut my hair. Lori had left her a detailed list as to what to do.

I have little hair. Fuzz. Still needs to be kept neat. It is not just a #1 over the top. Hair grows everywhere as one gets old. The nose, ears and eyebrows have to be done. Such is life!

Lori’s associate did well.

Then lunch at Sandy’s Cafe. I have come to love the place and its sandwiches. Quiet. Cool. I read the newspapers, watch a little TV, and enjoy. The staff friendly. I have become a regular.

Devoted a few hours in the afternoon to pleasure reading. I am into Madeleine Albright’s Fascism.

Last night, a new experience. The Blue Macaw.

I was looking for a new bar on Southard. Phone rang. It was Terri. What are you doing? Terri was at the Blue Macaw alone. Join me, she said. Told her I was on my way.

The Blue Macaw a year old. Everyone speaks well of it. I never made it till last night.

In Bahama Village. Corner of Whitehead and Petronia. Open air. Huge space.

Happy Hour 4-9. Food excellent. Prices cheap.

I had a good time. Chatted with Terri at the bar. Chatted with a couple on my other side. They let me taste their food as I kept looking at it. My meal was wings. Theirs ribs and broiled shrimp. Plus, cheese covered fries.

Paul came over to say hello. We had never met before. However, he told me he has been reading this blog daily for years. An instantaneous relationship. I love everyone who reads this blog.

Turns out he is a regular at the Blue MacCaw. I met his partner Ron who reads me also.

The place filled quickly. A gold mine!

Terri was in Key West in the 1970’s. Told me the Blue McCaw reminds her of that time.

The move is on to ban plastic throwaway items like straws.  Some one mentioned in the Citizens’ Voice section of the Key West Citizen this morning that dependence on plastic products is an “environmental death sentence.”

The Citizen weatherman continues to amuse me. Saturday’s prediction is “Morning shower; sleep in.” Sunday’s is “Morning shower; sleep in again.”

Several years ago, I wrote an article for KONK Life titled Hemingway’s First Love. It has been rerun on KONK Life E-Blast this morning. Worth reading.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

MEL FISHER…..THE INDIANA CHICKEN FARMER WHO MADE GOOD

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Some persons become legends in their own time. Key Westers recall their legendary figures. Among others, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Sloppy Joe, Captain Tony, Mel Fisher.

Mel Fisher concerns me today.

Key West annually celebrates Mel Fisher. Mel Fisher Days this year are July 12-14. Party time. All kind of activities befitting Mel Fisher.

Mel Fisher’s claim to fame is that he discovered a part of the Spanish galleon Atocha. Recovered $400 million in gold, emeralds and other jewelry.

His story.

Mel was a chicken farmer from Indiana. Eventually, he,  his wife Doe and family, ended up in Key West. Fisher was convinced there was gold in off shore waters. He spent 16 years looking for it. Lean years. Sacrificing time for the Fisher family.

Fisher would begin each day by telling his crew…..Today’s the day! For 16 years.

Finally, he scored.

The Atocha was ladened with gold, emeralds and other jewels. On their way to Spain. Atocha was one of a convoy of 28 ships. Some had problems. The convoy left 6 weeks late. Five weeks into the tropical storm season.

A hurricane hit the second day out. The Atocha went down.

On August 20, 1985, Fisher discovered a part of the Atocha. He was able to salvage $400 million in gold, emeralds and other jewelry.

Still not his. Spain made claim to the fortune. Fisher fought Spain and others all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Fisher won. The Court ruled in effect…..Finders keepers!

Obviously changed Fisher’s life and that of his family.

The man earned it.

My evening yesterday began with Liz Moody’s birthday party. Eighty four years and going strong!

A beautiful woman. A glowing face and personality.

Many friends in attendance.

Age is taking its toll. A broken hip that never mended properly. A diabetic whose problem frequently gets out of control. She was released two days ago from the hospital where the fight to stabilize her sugar took place for 15 days.

Liz parties well. She had a good time. I had a good time. Everyone had a good time.

Then to the Chart Room. Looking for Kevin. He had purchased tickets for a group of us to see Howie Mandell monday evening at the Key West Theater. Needed to pick up my ticket and pay $59. A bargain from my perspective.

I have always enjoyed Mandell. It will be good to laugh continuously monday evening.

David stopped by for a moment.

New friends Ray and Augusta at the bar. Enjoyed their company.

Stopped at Sandy’s Cafe on the way home for something to eat. Food at Liz’s party. I drank however instead of eating. Read the newspapers and enjoyed a Cuban cheese toast with tomato and a large Cuban coffee. The gin earlier was not enough to give me a bang. Needed the Cuban coffee.

Home early. In bed by 9:30. Slept well. Slept late this morning.

Trump, Brussels and the NATO Conference. Trump embarrassed us. His conduct disgraceful.

He beat the hell out of Germany’s Angela Merkel. Improperly so. He never has his facts right. Referred to Germany as “totally controlled” by and “captive” to Russia.

He deficated upon NATO as a whole for failing to keep up with individual payments to NATO. Implied clearly the U.S. was being forced to pay more than it should. He said the U.S. was paying 90 percent of NATO’s bills. Not correct. Sixty six percent. Note that payments are determined by how much money a nation earns per year.

A press conference this morning. Trump made it sound like everything was now kumbaya. Everyone happy. Claimed he made it so. He forced the others to agree to reach the 2 percent level by 2024.

The 40 minute press conference crowded with additional Trump lies. The English like me. He was headed to England following the press conference. The English hate him! Only 11 percent like him. The 2 percent going to 4 percent soon after 2024. No such promise made. Merely Trump’s idea.

He failed to explain some pertinent facts. Perhaps he did not know. He does not prepare for these meetings.

Trump claimed England buys 70 percent of its gas from Russia. Not true. Only 33 percent. Note most European countries buy gas from Russia. It’s cheap. The U.S. cannot compete with the Russian charges because of the distance and lack of a pipe line.

Trump was not aware that although most NATO nations were behind in the 2 percent contributions, they were far ahead of the United States in humanitarian aid. Eurounion countries provide such aid to the tune of $12 billion a year as opposed to  the U.S.’s $6 billion.

Trump can only see one way. He does not take into account peripheral items.

He forgets also that NATO troops have been fighting along side U.S. troops in Afghanistan for 16 years. Eleven thousand non U.S. NATO troops have died.

A question. The U.S. imports 43 percent of its imported oil from Canada. Does that make the U.S. “totally controlled” by and “captive” of Canada?

Paul Manafort was moved yesterday to another jail. It was discovered his jail time came with unique privileges. He had a larger than normal cell, a private bathroom and shower, a personal telephone (made 300 calls), separate work space to prepare for trial, and was permitted to have a lap top in his cell.

Not normal. Unusual. Reminded me of how Mafia bootleggers were treated when jailed back in the 1920’s.

Have to hustle. Haircut time.

Enjoy your day!