No blog yesterday. Sorry.

I was so sick I did not even have the ability to send out a No blog notice.

I was out of the house early morning for additional blood work. Then spent a miserable day and night at home.

More tests next week.

I am not concerned. Everything cause and effect. Lets find out the problem and resolve it.

I have a pad full of notes. Rather than plan where each item fits in the blog, I am taking them in the order they appear in my notes. Otherwise it would take an additional hour to do today’s blog. I am not sure how long I will last energy wise.

Grandson Robert. I am pleased for him and proud. He is on the All County Team for high school tennis players. One of the top 5. The only freshman to make the team. Key West High School also designated him Freshman Player of the Year.

He has come a long way. He was born with cancer of the liver. Two major surgeries the first 8 days of his life.

Stay with him Lord!

The Pope. Francis continues to take the bull by the horns. He issued a ground breaking law this week. It forces priests and nuns to report sexual abuse and cover ups.

Helpful? Will depend on enforcement. Time will tell.

Recall the 2016 election. Trump had his followers trained to yell out at rallies that Clinton should be jailed.

He may have discovered a new group to chant something similar. The migrants at the border.

At the recent Panama City rally, Trump asked the crowd how the migrants could be stopped…..How do we stop these people. Someone in the crowd shouted out: “Shoot them!”

I do not have to tell you. The whole border situation is out of hand. So many injustices being imposed on those seeking entry into the U.S.

Someone obtained a document via a Freedom of Information Act of comments made by a member of the Border Militia. He said, ” Why are we just apprehending them and not lining them up and shooting them…..We have to go back to Hitler days and put them all in gas chambers.”

Beware America!

A big week in Key West. The 24th annual Songwriters Festival. Music and singing in the air. Everywhere. From morning through night.

One hundred fifty performers, 30 plus shows, 5 days of solid entertainment.

Performances at bars and restaurants. Songs relatively new.

Exciting!

Wars are over straining the U.S. Actual and tariff. We only have so much to give. The ability to wage war limited.

These engagements weaken the U.S.’s fiber. Leading I fear the U.S. to an outright collapse. Do not say no. We are on a downward slide. The inevitable not tomorrow, but will come. Unless we change our philosophy and basic concept of how government should operate.

We attack other countries constantly. We are engaged in 17 plus shooting wars at the present time in one capacity or another. Sanctions on the rise. Too many countries being sanctioned. Many for bogus reasons.

The question arises as to whether we are doing more wrong than right. Is the U.S. becoming evil? If so, it could cause the U.S. to lose its power among the nations of the world. The U.S. has already lost much of the respect it once had. Among friends and enemies alike. The rate accelerated under Trump in less that 2 years..

The Army, Navy and Coast Guard have facilities in the Key West area. The Marines soon to join them. It was recently announced that the Marines will build a $6.4 million facility at Fleming Key.

Key West’s well known and respected David Sloan wrote an article for the Florida Keys Weekly which published May 10. Concerned key limes.

An informative piece.

Key limes are not native to the Keys .A Dr. Henry Perrine discovered limes in Mexico. Early 1020’s. He brought them to the lower Keys. He believed the weather and other Keys’ conditions were the only place suitable for their growing in the U.S. at the time.

He began growing them on Indian Key. His efforts continued for many years. Till Perrine was killed by Indians in an uprising.

Enjoy your day!

On this day in 1960, the FDA approved the “pill.” The birth control pill.

The pill dramatically changed sex in America. It freed women to enjoy sex without fear of pregnancy.

Married and unmarried women.

Men obviously benefited also.

It was a new world.

I am back into doctors. Tired spells again. Very tired. Began with my primary care physician Dr. Norris yesterday. A lot of blood work. Communicated with my heart doctor’s office. Dr. McIvor has a great staff. I am scheduled for a series of tests next week.

I have additional blood work to do today.

Last night an early dinner with Diana Millikan. A great mind, though we rarely agree. She thinks Trump is great.

We had dinner at the VFW on the Boulevard.

Diana leaves today for her Michigan home. Will return in July.

Busy day ahead. Haircut, the additional blood work, Laurie’s radio show 4-5:30. Then, I know not what.

Listen to Laurie’s Party Time. Station 107.5 FM, WGAY FM. She and I mix it up pretty good. Enjoy working with her.

Tuesday, Key West got hit with a huge unexpected down pour. I reported it as 1.92 inches. Today, there was an article in the Key West Citizen saying 3.14 inches.

A big difference.

Did a little digging. Rainfall is measured at 5 different spots in the Key West area. Three in Key West, 1 on Cudjoe Key, and 1 on Ramrod Key. Ergo, the varying reports.

The 1.92-3.14 difference does not surprise me. As just about every Key Wester will tell you, it can rain on one side of a street and not the other. The way it is.

Trump spoke at a political rally last night in Panama City. Panama City is in the Panhandle area devastated by Hurricane Michael.

Crowd estimates varied. The rally was held at an amphitheater. The facility holds 7,500. There were more on the lawn beyond the amphitheater seating area. Including the overflow, should be more than 7.500. Another report said almost 7,000. Another, 7,500.

They loved the President!

Surprised me. Panama City and the Panhandle have been ignored by Trump since Michael hit. The people feel “forgotten.” Federal assistance has come in at a snail’s pace.

Michael struck 7 months ago on October 7, 2018.

Trump announced he was “allowing” $448 million immediately from recovery funds to Florida communities affected by Michael. He said, “Today, I’m doing the most allowed by law to support the people of Florida…..The money is coming immediately. No games, no gimmicks, no delays, we’re just doing it.”

Good luck! I guarantee it will flow in ever so slowly. Monies that should have been there immediately following Michael.

Additionally, $448 million is a drop in the bucket. The Panhandle is a disaster area similar to Puerto Rico.

The President also spoke of Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in October 2017. Nineteen months ago.

Trump claimed last night “he” had already spent $91 billion on Puerto Rico. Suggesting no more.

He misrepresents. I did some digging again. Fifty billion represents anticipated future disbursements to Puerto Rico. Forty one million has been approved. Of the $41 billion, only $11 billion has actually been given to Puerto Rico.

U.S. and China sitting down today and tomorrow hopefully to resolve the tariff war. If the meeting fails, Trump has said he will immediately move the U.S. tariff on China from 10 percent to 25 percent. This would happen in the next 24-48 hours.

I am concerned. The talks have a better chance of failing than succeeding.

Recall when Trump was campaigning. He understood tariff wars, loved tariff wars, etc.

Typical of most things Trump attempts, he has done it again. Screwed up! He did not understand tariffs then nor does he now.

An example of what will happen if the war continues and Trump’s increase to 25 percent takes effect, U.S. consumers will face an immediate increase in the price of a vehicle of approximately $2,750. Imported cars, $3,700 dollars. Domestics, $1,900.

Good job, Donald!

Re present Washington ongoings, my continued recommendation is to get these matters before a federal judge. Hopefully, a tough one. Similar to John Sirica who was involved with Watergate. The bullshit will cease. There also has to be an accelerated appeals process. Otherwise, it could take 4-5 yeas to resolve all the problems.

Too little, too late, if so.

A key to resolution is public sentiment. The public is not yet aroused either way. The Democrats have to mobilize public sentiment. They know. They are not accomplishing it, however. People are more concerned with medical bills, salaries, etc. than a Constitutional crisis they do not quite understand.

Abraham Lincoln said it best, “Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail, without it nothing can succeed.”

Yesterday, the people of Colorado voted to legalize magic mushrooms.

Too soon. Marijuana has only recently been legalized for medical use. Not sure if approved for recreational use as yet. Whatever, lets see how the present pot legislation works out. None of us want zombies walking down the streets.

Enjoy your day!

Trump forgot Puerto Rico. He has now forgotten Florida’s Panhandle.

The people of the Panhandle shout they have been “forgotten.” Trump hears them not. Or if he does, fails to care. Months following a category 5 hurricane, many are still living as if the hurricane came through a week ago.

Money is the problem. So much money is being spent on the 17 wars the U.S. is engaged in world wide, that not enough is left to accommodate other needs.

Yet Trump keeps talking about the wonderful job he and FEMA are doing in the Panhandle. Panhandle citizens know first hand he lies.

Florida is important to Trump politically. He only won the State by 1.2 percentage points.

Trump is appearing this evening at a political rally in Panama City, Florida. Panama City in the heart of the Panhandle. Panama City still suffering from Michael.

Ballsy on the President’s part. To appear where the people are generally upset with him.

Will the rally be a true reflection of how the people of Panama City feel? I would hope so. Though I doubt it. The facility holding the rally will be packed with Trump supporters. Those who refuse to see what Trump is.

They will be bused and otherwise brought in for the rally. Can’t let the President look bad! Even though he has once again failed Americans following a natural disaster.

Last night my podcast show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Talked of many things. Stressed two.

One the Colorado school shooting yesterday. One student killed, several wounded. The two shooters students themselves.

Columbine is down the road. This year the 20th anniversary of a school shooting where 12 were killed and 1 injured.

Authorities say the shooters were “infatuated” with Columbine and motivated by that deadly shooting 20 years ago.

Will we ever learn? Will we ever correct the gun situation?

The dike is leaking for the NRA.

I hope it gives way. The sooner, the better.

The other topic involved China and the tariff war. Trump threatens to raise U.S. tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent friday if no deal is reached.

I can recall Trump during the campaign. He said…..I love tariff wars…..I know how to win tariff wars.

The tariff war with China is killing us. Ask the mid west farmers how they feel. Those who have soybeans, rice, wheat and corn they cannot sell from last year. Don’t know whether to plant this year. Banks in many instances turning them down for loans, calling in mortgages.

China was the farmers’ best customer.

Take a look at the 25 percent tariff a moment. Trump thought, I am sure, when he first started talking to the American voters that any tariff would punish China. Does not work that way. The U.S. imposes a 25 percent tariff on Chinese goods. China does not pay it. U.S. consumers do. The 25 percent is added to the cost of the goods being sold. The American companies buying the Chinese products get stuck paying it. They then add it on to the cost of the goods being sold to their American customers.

Good job, Donald!

Generally, Key West is aware a storm is on its way before it gets here. Not yesterday. An unexpected rainstorm. Big time. The deluge 1.92 inches.

Jokingly, people were swimming in the flooded intersections! I have seen such activity on occasion following a heavy rain storm.

Today, busy.

A doctor visit at 1. I have been feeling poorly lately. Tired too much. At 4, a manicure and pedicure with Tammy. The pedicure restful.

Then, I don’t know what.

The turtle nesting season is upon us. A happy occasion. The birthing of turtles.

The pregnant turtle comes onto the beach at night. Digs a shallow hole and lays her eggs. Covers them and then returns to the sea. At some point, the hatchlings will break out of their shells and sand. Then follow the moon light into the ocean.

Mama turtle and her babies must be protected during the process. The beaches are closed at 11. Those living near the beaches are asked to keep their  beach side lights off or at a minimum.

The hatchlings follow light to the sea. They sometimes assume a condo light is the moon and travel in the opposite direction. Getting run over by cars in the process.

Street lights along Smathers Beach are not on during hatching season. It was discovered the new babies saw the street lights and reacted as they sometimes do to condo lights.

The turtle nesting season is from 4/15 to 10/31.

The Washington back and forth re the Mueller Report, Russia investigation, etc. is bringing out the worse in our government officials. I direct my reflection directly at the Republicans. They need to stand up for America.

All this back and forth needs a Judge. A tough hard ass Federal one. At some point soon there will be one. I hope he is a John Sirica.

At that point, an accelerated path to the Supreme Court is required. It can be done. Whether the Supreme Court will accept an accelerated procedure remains to be seen.

The Supreme Court presently can be described as a Republican one. Occasionally they forget their political bearings and vote for the Constitution. Hopefully this will be one of those times.

Enjoy your day!

Muggy. How muggy? Very muggy? And as the song goes…..We have only just begun.

We are into the north’s mid summer at the moment. Present humidity similar to New York City in August. Key West’s extreme humidity period August and September.

Not complaining. Merely sharing.

I was walking from my car to Dueling Bartenders around 6 last night. I was feeling the humidity in the middle of a short walk. Passed Side Door. Heard “Louis!” Turned around. It was David. Let me by you a drink, he said.

Never made it to Dueling Bartenders. My Happy Hour was at Side Door.

Big time air conditioning! A relief!

Met another David. David the bartender. Erin and several others, also.

Game plan after Happy Hour was dinner somewhere and then grocery shopping. Opted to skip dinner. Went directly to Publix.

Last night represented another good evening in Key West. Quiet. Pleasant. Enjoyable.

Tonight, tonight…..My podcast show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Join me at 9. I hit hard and fast. Topics many. All interesting. Some you may not agree with me re the positions I take. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Saturday’s Kentucky Derby will be with us forever. Properly so. Sports Illustrated described these post race days as a “Kentucky Derby Hangover!”

Kentucky is not the only place having a Churchill Downs. The Florida Keys does also.

There is a road named after the track. Churchill Downs. Have to look for it. Located at mile marker 104 bay side at a tiny bridge crossing a Key Largo canal.

A measles update.

Not getting better, getting worse.

All because some were not vaccinated. Exemptions permitted legally. Erroneous rumors re autism. Etc. Never again. The result dangerous. To society as a whole.

Measles is highly contagious. Can cause blindness, deafness, or brain damage. I know personally. I have a cousin who is close to my age today. When 4, came down with the measles. Deaf since. Fortunately new and more sophisticated hearing aids have given him some relief in recent years.

The numbers tell it all.

In the first 2 months of this year, 34,000 cases in Europe. Thus far this year in the U.S., 764 cases. The numbers still rising.

In my earlier life, I traveled often to Martinique. Club Meds were popular back then and we vacationed often at the one on Martinique.

Martinique a charming French island. Beautiful beaches. Bananas growing everywhere. Goats on every hill.

In the late 1800’s St. Pierre grew. This Martinique city became known as the Paris of the Caribbean.

On this day in 1902, it was wiped off the face of the earth! Mount Pelee erupted. The boiling ash swiftly buried St. Pierre. All died in that moment, except for 2.

Student loans. A campaign issue. A problem for most  who have graduated from college in the past 40 years. Pay as you go became simple for students. Certain financial institutions happy to provide students with loans. Pay when you graduate!

Too much money into the hands of the students. The drive to educate everyone went overboard. Kids were borrowing for anything and everything. Many loans made to finance foolish events.

Presently, there are 44 million students who owe $1.6 trillion.

The debt pressure is weighing heavily on the graduates. Impacting their health. Recent studies indicate a significant number have or are considering suicide as a result.

I believe we live in an era where the rich pay little or no taxes. The 1 percent.

Came across an item that surprised me. I share it with you. In 2017, the top 1 percent of California earners were responsible for more than 47 percent of the State’s income tax collections.

True or false?

I need a fact checker.

I have not had time to research the California situation. If anyone has knowledge, please share in the COMMENT section.

Enjoy your day!

Some 15 years ago, I wrote my first column for KONK Life. Sharia Law.

Though centuries old, only then had Sharia begun to receive notice in the U.S. Most U.S. citizens were of no concern. It was the religion of the Muslims. Islamic law. Based on precepts of Islam found in the Quran and Hadith. Did not affect us.

I thought differently.

Sharia Law had come up a few times in State cases. In certain instances, the judges applied Sharia Law rather than the law of the U.S. or the State in which the case was being tried.

Sharia Law was tough. Totally inconsistent with our laws. There was another consideration. My belief at the time and even today, if you wanted to live in the U.S., you live by U.S. law. If not, go home from whence you came.

Many at the time thought I was unreasonable. They were blind to the future.

Today, many Muslims reside in the U.S. Most, good citizens. Some still live their lives under Sharia Law. In the dark, a Sharia Law system exists for those who prefer such to U.S. laws.

All this a prelude to what has been happening in Brunei. Brunei is a small Muslim nation in East Asia.

In 2014, the Sharia law was codified and introduced as law at the national level. Many provisions alarming. Scary. Like those who engaged in gay sex and/or adultery were to be stoned to death.

Wow!

They stoned for various reasons back in the days of Christ and before. Recall the story of Jesus who came upon a woman about to be stoned. Christ said, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

A protest cry arose immediately in 2014 in Christian countries and the U.N. Total opposition. Not in this day and age was the cry.

Pressure has been building for 5 years. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah recently announced that the law would not be enforced.

Better than nothing. Still leaves me uncomfortable. Throw it off the books so discretion cannot be claimed as a reason to use it some time in the future.

That is where the stoning punishment remains at the moment. In abeyance, in Purgatory. Not Hell.

To fully appreciate the harshness of Sharia Law, consider what happens to a thief. First offense, his right hand is amputated. Second offense, his left foot.

Brunei’s law applies to children and foreigners. Even if not Muslims.

My admonition: Don’t engage in illicit sex if visiting Brunei. The possible penalty for a few minutes pleasure not worth it.

Two other situations involving those of the Muslim faith in the news.

Today is the beginning of Ramadan. A holy Muslim time. One month long. All Muslims must abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk. The purpose to bring worshipers closer to God.

There is another area of denial. Sex. No sex at all for one month.

Now to China.

Only 2 years ago was it discovered that China has internment camps for Muslims. Can be described as concentration camps.

It is estimated 1-2 million Muslims are so confined and subject to all kinds of abuses.

The world little complains. The media relatively silent. Sounds like what was happening in Germany in the late 1930’s and to the mid 1940’s.

The 3 Muslim stories provided for informational purposes. The world should know. More should be aware.

Yesterday began with Hot Dog Church around 5. Not many were in attendance. About 8 ladies. Included were Donna and Terri. Laurie bartending. Enjoyed a couple of drinks and then went to dinner with my lesbian wives at La Trattoria.

Tiffany bartending. Dink stopped by to say hello. A very nice guy!

Michael showed up. I have not seen him in years. He was already a Key West native when I started coming 30 years ago. I knew him from Atlantic Shores. Now gone. Today a part of the Southernmost Complex.

Atlantic Shores was a motel and beach bar. The deck holding the beach bar easily held 100 people. Most bare assed. Totally nude.

I am a voyeur by nature. Visited almost daily. However, kept my bathing suit or shorts on. A coward!

Michael was there daily in his sunday suit. Always a deep brown tan. Hair always long. An athlete’s body.

Donna knew him at Atlantic Shores back then. Though I did not know Donna at the time. She cavorted with nothing on.

When they speak of old Key West, Atlantic Shores was a part of the flavor.

While dinning at the bar, I saw what might be my future. The bar was full. An elderly couple came in around 7:30. Asked Tiffany how long for seats. She said at least an hour. There were already others waiting.

The man told Tiffany they couldn’t wait. They would take a table. “We have to be back to the nursing home by 9:30.”

Whether you like Karl Marx, agree or disagree with his political views, it cannot be denied he has been an influential figure in world history.

Marx was born May 5, 1818. He wrote the Communist Manifesto, the basis of Marxism. He was the first true Communist.

The last 2 sentences of the Communist Manifesto drove Communism for close to 2 centuries: “Workers of the world, unite. You have nothing to lose but your chains.”

Great Britain rejoices this morning! Most of the world also! Meghan Markle, an American married to Prince Harry, gave birth to a baby boy. He will be seventh in line to the throne.

Meghan delivered at home. By prearrangement. Her desire.

Tonight will find me at Dueling Bartenders. One of Key West’s best events.

Enjoy your day!

Happy Sunday!

My day began in different fashion this morning. Instead of up at 6 and at the computer to do the blog, I showered and went out for breakfast. My body was calling for a change of pace.

Shot down to Harpoon Harry’s. Sat at the bar enjoying eggs benedict when in walked David. Love David! One of Key West’s best people!

Enjoyed breakfast together. Sat drinking coffee afterwards and chatting.

Eggs benedict and David an enjoyable way to start a day.

Decided to watch the Kentucky Derby at the Chart Room. Got there around 5:30. Post time 6:50.

The race’s outcome an example of the inequities of life.

Initially, Maxim Security came in first. Two challenges were presented. Twenty two minutes later, Maximum Security was dropped to 17th. Country House who had come in second, moved up to 1st.

Country House paid $132.40 on a $2 bet. The odds were 65-1.

Maximum Security’s “wrongdoing” was unintentional. Coming around the last quarter post, Maximum Security drifted into the path of 2 other horses. Caused them to pull up slightly to avoid collision. Maximum Security’s jockey corrected the situation. However, the second or two was sufficient to move Maximum Security out of the winner’s spot.

An unintentional error resulting in months of work and money being obliterated. For #2 Country House, a just reward for similar effort.

Interestingly, Maximum Security’s drift in no way affected Country House.

It was a sad day for some/many at Churchill Downs and a glorious one for others.

One of those coming out on top was Tino Gonzales, a frequent visitor to Key West. A golfing and bocce friend for many years. Lives in Chicago. Attended the Derby.

Tino ran a picture of his “winning ticket” on Facebook. His ticket for the 65-1 winner Country House. He thanked the judges.

Watched the Derby with many friends. Some old, some new. Fun time!

After the race, ran into Jim and Debbie Maroney. Visiting from Rhode Island. Jim a loyal blog reader. Thank you, Jim!

We chatted a while.

Jim and Debbie live near Block Island. We talked long about Block Island. One of my favorite places for summer fun. Spent several summers there. Winter a no no. Cold, cold, cold!

Jim and Debbie retired state employees. Enjoying their retirement.

Jim and Debbie were with Kevin and Denise. Kevin and Denise live in Brooklyn or Brooklyn County, Connecticut. Never knew there was a Brooklyn in Connecticut.

Jim an electrician. Denise a special education administrator.

Key West’s Shoe Lady Stephanie Kapel had a great 2 days this week. She drove the Real Housewives of Orange County around town. Stephanie a lucky person! However also the best one for the job. Her personality right on!

A little politics to complete today’s blog.

An old saying. What goes around, comes around. Also, every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

Trump calls everyone names. Always not nice. The man has the tongue of a serpent.

Few if any counter. Joe Biden did this week.

Trump has been referring to Biden with several less than tasteful names. Biden retaliated only one time. Referred to Trump as a “clown.” It fits.

I trust Biden will very infrequently throw a name out in retaliation to Trump’s name calling attacks. Trump enjoys the mud. I am sick of a President who does. Biden should let the name calling slide off him and retaliate with the facts. Like Trump’s lies, wrongdoings, etc. More than enough available.

Enjoy your Sunday!

The world is moving fast. Sometimes too fast for me.

The newest change is using a deceased’s body as compost. Yes, turning the body into dirt and plant shrubbery, flowers, etc. with it.

Even worse, the justification is that decomposition is environmentally sound.

The Governor of Washington State has a bill on his desk awaiting his signature. Once law, it would legalize the composting of deceased humans.

Washington State has reached a point where a high percentage of bodies are cremated. Those supporting the bill point out that cremation results in carbon emissions. Composting cuts down on carbon omissions.

Even in death the option is afforded to save the environment!

Money could be involved. The cost for composition is $5,500. Comes with a guarantee that the composed remains will be used to plant a tree.

The technical name for the procedure is natural organic reduction. Sounds like basting a turkey!

The process takes a few weeks. Finally, the body turns into dirt. Soon to be used as compost.

This one bothers me! Somehow lacking in respect for the dead. Some will say cremation is the same. Never thought about it in any fashion till now.

An example of the world moving on!

Last night, a quiet one for me. Decided at the last minute to stay in. Read and watched some TV. Fell asleep early. Feel great this morning!

Kentucky Derby today! I will watch it either at the Gardens or Don’s Place.

I do not follow the horses. However a gathering to watch the race is always a cheerful event. The ladies’ hats, the mint juleps, etc.

Toppino is a highly respected name in Key West and the Florida Keys in general.

A family business involving several generations.

The business was started back in the 1930’s by Charles P. Toppino. Known to everyone as Charley.

I write about the elder Mr. Toppino because it was on this day in 1958 that he died. His children, grandchildren, great grandchildren run the business today. Actually a conglomeration of businesses. The Toppinos are into most phases of construction.

Mr. Toppino was born in Italy. He brought to the U.S. with him an unparalleled work ethic and desire to succeed. Succeed he did. If I recall correctly, it was the construction of U.S. 1 that brought Mr. Toppino to Key West. He was involved in the project.

He came, saw opportunity, and remained.

His reputation outstanding. Those running the business today the same.

A good man, a good family!

Never underestimate Trump. The man continues to amaze me.

We all know he lied when representing the Mueller Report to the people. It did not exonerate him. A good portion clearly indicates something stinks in Denmark. He will get his come up ins in due course.

Most recently, I am impressed with Trump’s audacity in telephoning Putin yesterday. A whole hour! Friends again. Probably always were.

Trump does not have anyone recording his conversations with Putin. Putin on the other hand does. Putin being a step smarter than Trump.

The two are not on the same wave length regarding what was said to each other re certain major items.

One being Venezuela.

Trump reported Putin said Russia had no interest in Venezuela. If so, why has Putin had planes and troops on the ground in Venezuela?

Russia’s response to Trump’s representation clearly indicated
Trump’s version not accurate. Putin said only the people of Venezuela can determine their future. Should be accomplished politically without outside interference.

Both men probably lying.

As I have been saying for quite a while, the bottom line is oil. Venezuela has the largest oil reserve in the world. Russia wants it. The U.S. wants it. Putin is working to once again out fox Trump.

A George Orwell quote appropriate at this juncture. Orwell wrote, “During time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.”

Enjoy your day!

Big week for celebrities visiting Key West.

Venus Williams and The Real Housewives of Orange County!

Venus’ visit especially noteworthy. Wednesday night, she, her boy friend and our own Laurie Thibaud sat together at Bobby’s Monkey Bar chatting, drinking and singing the evening away.

Lauri reports Venus and her boy friend very friendly to other customers and Venus a noteworthy singer.

Venus and friend are staying at Sunset Key.

Venus’ week began in Miami. She is reported to have danced “all night long” 2 nights in a row. All night means till 5 in the morning. Then shot down to Key West for a few days of sun and fun.

The Real Wives of Orange Country have been in Key West since wednesday. Flew to Miami. Drove Maserati convertibles down U.S. 1 to Key West.

They will be filming while in Key West.

Wednesday night found one of them at Bourbon Street Pub and 801. The “Original Gangsta” Vicki Gurvalson. The others remained in their hotel re-energizing. The ladies are booked into one of the new hotels on North Roosevelt Boulevard.

Bria Ansara was performing at Bourbon Street. Vicki and Bria got along famously. Took some selfies.

At some point early morning, Vicki moved across the street to 801.

Jeeps were rented for the ladies for thursday. Whatever the filming may be, it involves them driving Jeeps round town. They also visited some of Key West’s haunted homes.

The big event for today is attending a key lime pie eating contest. Where, I do not know.

An exciting few days! Venus and The Housewives!

I had my excitement yesterday afternoon when I guested on Lauri Thibaud’s radio show Party Time at 107.5 FM, WGAY FM. Laurie could not wait to share her evening with Venus Williams.

Thn to the Chart Room. Chatted with 4 men from the Portland, Oregon area. Fishermen. Came cross country to fish Key West waters.

Nice guys. We chatted about many things. One into politics as I am. Especially enjoyed his company.

They went out on Keys waters for the first time at 7 this morning.

A short article at page 3 of this morning’s Key West Citizen was titled: Pity The Fools Who Miss This Turtle’s Release.

Turtles loved in the Keys. Great concern for them. The Keys even has a Turtle Hospital in Marathon. A world wide reputation. Sick turtles are flown in from every where.

Mr. T ended up in the Turtle Hospital in early February. Mr. T a 200 pound adult male loggerhead sea turtle. Pretty sick.

He was discovered off  Tavernier. Floating. A fishing hook with trailing logged in his mouth. An endoscopy revealed Mr. T had a tear in one lung.

Mr. T was operated on. The hook removed and a blood patch applied to repair the lung tear.

Mr. T is ready to return wednesday to his home in the sea. He will be released tuesday at 3:30 on Sombrero Beach in Marathon. A couple hundred people will be there to see him off.

John Bolton is one of Trump’s henchmen. A war monger. Always looking to start a war.

Teddy Roosevelt said, “Walk softly and carry a big stick.” Adjusting the verbiage a bit to fit Bolton: “Walk ARROGANTLY and SWING a big stick.”

Kurt Nimmo recently wrote: “Bolton and the neocons now infesting the White House are all about war, mass murder, starvation, and the engineered immiseration of millions.”

Pompeo and Bolton are birds of a feather. They are looking for a war. Any war. Presently attempting to push the U.S. into one with Venezuela.

Trump generally acts in an adverse fashion. He is a bully. Uncaringly hurts people. An evil man.

It bothers me that few Republicans stand up to him. They seem more concerned with politics rather than doing the right thing.

John Kennedy quoted Edmund Burke in a speech: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

So true.

Republicans get off your asses! Do something. Do not permit Trump to continue going unbridled.

We fail to recognize the extent to which robots are taking over. In the very near future, significantly fewer human jobs will exist because robots will have replaced the workers. Government is failing us. There are few, if any, retraining programs as yet.

Robot use has developed even further than most are aware. Certain robots now decide who gets a job, continues working, or gets fired. With no human intervention!

Such robots primarily involved with low paid workers. Software and algorithms deciding who continues working.

Amazon.com already utilizing robots in such a fashion. The robot tracks the productivity of employees and regularly fires those who under perform, with next to no human intervention.

Another example involves industrial laundry services. Robots are used to track seconds in the pressing of a shirt.

Friday. Looking forward to tonight. Have nothing to do as yet.

Enjoy your day!

Strange name!

I was sitting at the end of the bar in the Chart Room at 7 last night. Another fellow at the other end of the bar. Tammy bartending.

In walked 2 couples. One of the guys yells Louis. I tuned and looked. A stranger. Roberto Pasta Pantaleo. We hugged. As we embraced, I recalled Theo had written and said his artist friend from Islamorada would be coming down to meet me. I had forgotten. Thank God I opted to go out last night.

An absolutely fabulous evening! We laughed our way through 2 hours.

Background.

Roberto’s first name is Roberto. His second, Pasta. He goes by Pasta. Born in Italy, grew up in Brooklyn. School not his thing. Quit while in high school. Urban Brooklyn not the happiest place for the Pantaleo family. They moved to Florida.

His friends used to call each other by their last names. Pantaleo was difficult for some. Pasta’s older brother used to call him “Pasta Fazul.” A traditional Italian dish of pasta and beans.

Everyone began calling him Pasta.

Pasta’s younger years found him riding motorcycles and hot rods.

Oh, the life it was!

Pasta was painting a bit. A friend asked if he would customize a new van he had purchased by pin striping it. Van came out terrific!

Pasta began airbrushing. By the late 1970’s, he had become a class airbrush painter.

His break as a painter came in 2001. He did some image branding for a professional fishing tournament. Quality work. His phone began to ring!

Today, Pasta is a recognized world wide artist of sea and sea life. Primarily prints. I viewed some on the internet. Bright! Brilliant!

His gallery is located at mile marker 89.5 in Islamorada. In the very heart of Islamorada. Named the Pasta Pantaleo Signature Gallery.

The gallery a beauty. An historical 1937 Red Cross House. A “must see.”

Man does not succeed alone. He needs a woman. Angela is Pasta’s wife. She helps with the promotion end of the business. A charming woman in her own right. Enjoyed her company immensely.

Pasta and Angela came with Tim and Carla. Carla a woman with a special trait. She found a reason to toast not every other drink, every other sip. Well, almost.

Tim and Carla from Wisconsin. Their Keys home in Marathon. Work together. Business consultants. They help companies settle claims with the U.S. government.

Theo, you did good! Thank you for bringing Pasta and I together.

Tammy was bartending. A wreck. she is moving this weekend. She has some lovely furniture pieces. Rain is predicted.

My recommendation was she hang a set of rosary beads outside her door. An old tradition to ward off anticipated rain on a wedding day.

Tammy is correct in being concerned. We have received a tropical storm warning for the weekend. Apparently storms and hurricanes are unaware that the hurricane season still is not yet to arrive for another month.

The storm may or may not turn into a tropical one. Never the less, rain. If it hits proper numbers and is awarded a tropical storm rating, it will be named Andrea.

My admonition: Rain, rain, go  away, little Tammy wants to MOVE!

This afternoon I guest on Laurie Thibaud’s radio show Party Time. 4 to 5:30. Radio station 107.5 FM, WGAY FM.

We chat about everything. Whatever turns us on at the moment. Join us.

The yellow building that has been under construction on Flagler soon to be occupied by a charter high school. Somerset Island Prep.

Great concept. Two of the 4 years of  charter high school involve college credit courses. When the student moves on to college, only 2 additional years is required to obtain a Bachelor Degree. A great money saver, as well as time saver.

Student enrollment limited. One hundred per year.

College costs today astronomical! Off the wall! A disgrace!

Recall the recent news re a Rick Singer who was able to get children of the wealthy into college. A fraudulent scheme. Big bucks involved. Many already arrested.

The most recent news involves Yusi “Molly” Zhao. From Beijing.

In 2017, her parents paid Singer to get Molly into Stanford for $6.5 million. I would have been happy to home teach her for half!

Anyhow, she was admitted because of her sailing abilities. She was described as a “sailing prodigy.”

Word on the street is the Blue Macaw has been sold. To the Rams Head Group.

A lot of high end commercial properties being sold this year. Corporate America obviously has faith in Key West.

The Rams Head Group recently was awarded the contract to operate the new Truman Amphitheater.

Theo and Dina, my condolences.

Theo and Dina made an artist friend in Key West. Ray Bolton.

I knew Ray only slightly. He occasionally would be at Blue Macaw and we would chat.

Ray was born in British Guyana. Settled in Key West.

Tennessee Williams. Made Key West his home for 40 plus years.

On this day in 1955, Williams received the Pulitzer Prize for Cat On A Hot Tin Roof.

Watched much of William Barr’s appearance before the Senate Committee yesterday.

My observations: He sunk deeper into moral quicksand, left no doubt he was Trump’s man, made Jeff Sessions look good, qualified himself as a liar.

The Democrats on the Committee were ready for him. They had done their homework. Especially, Senator Kamala Harris.

Caught Hillary Clinton on one of the talk shows yesterday.

Recall how Trump went on TV during the campaign asking China to get Clinton’s 30,000 e-mails? Clinton hit back with humor yesterday. She asked, “China, if you’re listening, why don’t you get Trump’s tax returns?”

I finish with Venezuela.

Yesterday’s coup failed. The generals remained with Maduro. I predicted the coup would fail and the generals would remain with Maduro.

Pompeo an ass in this whole thing. He and Bolton have rabble roused Trump. War the cry! War with Venezuela!

Ain’t going to be a war. Russia already in Venezuela with planes and troops.

Trump’s argument is that Venezuela has become a humanitarian cause. Where was he 5 years ago when the people of Venezuela killed their pets for food?

It’s all about oil. Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world. The U.S. and Russia want the oil!

Enjoy your day!

My intent was to do a change of pace blog today. Lift the burden of the world off our shoulders. A historical piece zeroing in on whether Brutus was Caesar’s son. Might have been.

However, too much happening. My good intention waylaid to the extent of 2 additional items. One involving sex in Paradise/Key West. The other, Attorney General Bar’s lying to the Senate and inferentially the American public.

An only Key West happening. Sex in Paradise.

A homeless man and an intoxicated woman were engaged in having sex on the sidewalk in front to the Key West Police Station. The man’s pant’s were down. The woman was without panties or pants.

The man arrested for indecent exposure. The woman not.

Such does not occur  in front of the Police Station even during Fantasy Fest.

I found the Barr memo hard to believe and Barr’s conduct thereafter suspicious. Something not right. Additionally, I have been condemning Rosenstein. Especially recently. Seemed over time to have been in bed with Trump. Appears to have been Trump’s mole within the privacy of the Mueller investigation.

Last night, the Washington Post reported bad shenanigans on Barr’s part. He is turning out to be Trump’s Roy Cohen rather than Attorney for the people of the United States.

Significant is the revelation of a letter from Mueller to Barr and a subsequent telephone call wherein Mueller expressed his displeasure with Barr’s 4 page Memo. Followed up with Barr’s lying to the Senate re any contact with Mueller following his receipt of the Mueller Report.

Barr is in trouble.

Another example of an otherwise good man who joins the Trump team and becomes dirtied.

The unraveling scenario is like a dying dike. A hole appears in the wall. A child’s finger plugs it. Then several more holes. More and bigger fingers required. Now cracks.

The dike has to give. Cannot withstand the pressure being applied to it. Similar to Humpty Dumpty sitting on the wall and falling down. No one could put Humpty Dumpty together again.

Now for what was to be my sole literary contribution to the day. Interesting. Uncertain as to truth. I will lay the facts out for you to decide.

Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March. March 15, 44 B.C. Brutus was one of the conspirators knifing Caesar.

It is claimed Caesar seeing Brutus exclaimed, “Et tu Brute.”

Shakespeare interprets/portrays the words as “And you Brutus.” The words have been misinterpreted since then to “You too, Brutus.”

One hundred fifty years after the slaying, the Roman historian Suet Onius claimed the translation involved incorrect. His position was Caesar said nothing or said, “You too, child.”

Which brings to attention the question of who was Brutus’ father. Many historians believe Caesar fathered Brutus. Initially difficult to accept. Caesar was only 15 years older than Brutus.

On the other hand, plausible.

When Caesar was young, he was enamored with a young woman. Servilia. Servilia was Brutus’ mother.

There is further evidence.

In an early war against Caesar, Brutus fought with the opposition. It is claimed that Caesar gave orders that Brutus was not to be killed or injured. Under any circumstances.

Brutus was neither killed nor wounded. In fact, he escaped capture. Following which he wrote a letter to Caesar begging forgiveness. Caesar forgave him. Even giving him a position of authority within his government.

You may wonder how this interpretation problem arose. Turns out the history of Caesar’s death was first written in Greek. I could not determine if writings were initially made in other languages.

The Greek phrase involved is “Kaiou tekvov.” My Greek spelling may be a bit incorrect. I am not familiar with the Greek language.

“Kaiou tekvov” translated is “You too, child.”

Enjoy your day!