Key West remembers Captain Tony and celebrates his 103rd birthday party tomorrow night. In memory only. Tony long gone. The party will be at Tony Tarracino’s formerly owned bar Captain Tony’s Saloon on Greene. Still there. Operating under the name Captain Tony’s. The celebration begins at 8.

A legend, an icon. Even before death. His life unique. Four wives, 13 children. Significant in itself. He was  everything from a bootlegger to Mayor of Key West. Jimmy Buffett was his campaign manager when Captain Tony ran and won.

Of his 13 children, I only know one. His daughter Toni. Love her dearly. Her father her hero. The stories she tells of her time with him!

Over the years, I wrote about Captain Tony 3 times. Rather than write pages about the Captain’s exploits, I refer you to the blogs. You will have a good understanding of the man after you have read the 3 blogs.

My blogs are archived. Easy to find from my web page. Even easier if you merely google the article’s date and title.

A History of What Is Now Captain Tony’s 5/29/2019, Toni Tarracino Shares Her Legacy 11/15/2018, and Captain Tony…..I Beat The Mafia 8/9/2018.

Join me at the party. Key West fun time!

Mangrove Mama’s is up the road about 20 miles. Means on Route 1 in Sugarloaf. Can’t miss it. Just south of the Bow Channel Bridge.

A typical Keys bar surrounded by woods. Funky. Most of the place an actual shack. Live music on the weekend.

It has been a while since I had been to Mangrove Mama’s. Twenty miles a long way to drive if you have been drinking. Though not for me any more. For heath reasons, I drink no more. It has been close to 3 months.

I eat the same thing each time I am there. A lobster reuben. Tastes as good as it sounds.

Hurricane people screwing me up. Last week, I reported based on their reports that it was going to be an easy hurricane season. Yesterday, the experts decided otherwise.

It has something to do with El Nino over the Pacific. El Nino winds would push hurricanes heading our way over the Atlantic to turn north when yet far off shore or break up a storm even before it reached hurricane status.

El Nino decided not to cooperate. There has been an unexpected decline in its force.

Prior to El Nino’s change, the experts thought the chance of hitting the Keys with a hurricane was less than 30 percent. The number has increased. Now projected at 45 percent. No less than.

Forty five percent suggests a probable hit. The questions are where and how strong.

One thing we have learned in Key West about hurricanes is that reports are less than reliable till a few days before the hurricane comes ashore. Hurricanes are fickle. Their paths can change dramatically.

Fat Albert. The big white government blimp on Cudjoe Key. Fat Albert got a companion in 2013. A smaller blimp.

Till today, I rarely gave any thought to Fat Albert. Occasionally would see it as I drove up U.S. 1. For 30 years have thought it to be a weather balloon.

I was wrong.

Fat Albert and Jr. belong to Homeland Security’s Custom and Border Patrol. In interdiction. The U.S.’s sky view running south into the Caribbean and north to Tampa. The “eagle eyes” looking for drug smugglers.

Fat Albert began operation in 1980. Last reported to have 21 employees.

My problem is whether Fat Albert and Jr. still exist. Every few years Homeland Security says it is going to close the facility down and then does not. I could not find any information as to whether it is still operative.

I could have looked yesterday when I was driving up to Mangrove Mama’s. The route took me through Cudjoe. All I had t do was look to my left. Fat Albert sat generally at teh end of Blimp Road.

I did not look. Next trip.

A Keys Weekly reporter interviewed Chip Lyons who is/was manager of the Cudjoe Key Aerostat Site. Homeland Security’s fancy name for Fat Albert. Lyons basically non-responsive. Said ninety nine percent of questions would have to be answered by the Custom and Border Agency. Questions like…..two blimps in the sky, why 2 blimps, same or different size, how high can the blimps go ( answered with “as high as they can go”), how long is the tether.

I will let you know if Fat Albert still there the next time I drive up U.S. 1 through Cudjoe.

The goodness of people. The consideration propel have for others. The Biblical do for others more than words.

Matt and Kelli recently married. Keli a school teacher.

They decided on a different type wedding gift. They asked the 70 guests to bring school supplies. Much needed today. Especially in the Roland Park Magnet School.

The guests came through. With more than requested, Besides school supplies, backpacks, uniforms, belts, underwear and socks.

The gifts plentiful. So much so that they were shared with other schools.

Cruelty Knows No Bounds. The title of a newspaper article yesterday. The article referred to Trump’s ordering the arrest of 680 illegal immigrants in Mississippi.

“Arrest” used before the raids. Watered down afterwards to “detained.”

Most Latinos.

Bernie Sanders stated the raids were “terror” and part of Trump’s “racist agenda.” Joe Biden claimed Trump was “morally unfit to lead the country.”

I agree with both.

I have consistently maintained ICE should be disbanded. Started doing so soon after Trump became President. I became uncomfortable as to how Trump was increasing the size and power of ICE.

I wrote and said then that ICE would be Trump’s private army in case of trouble. I compared ICE to Hitler’s Gestapo.

Nothing has changed. Things are worse as far as ICE is concerned.

Beware!

Enjoy your day!

1

As ye sow so shall ye reap. Galatians, 6-7. Stated in today’s vernacular, deeds good or bad shall reward you in kind.

Donald Trump is learning. Unless he is too hard headed to recognize it. He has abused, insulted, bullied, and defecated upon people as he willed. He forgot actions have repercussions. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Make take time, but the inevitable always occurs.

Dayton and El Paso prompt today’s writing. Trump is finally meeting his match. Especially with El Paso. El Paso will cause the tide to turn. Trump’s life will be more difficult. Greater numbers will turn against him. He will be recognized for what he is. A racist, bigot, and white supremacist.

As referred to in a fashion in Galatians, Trump will get what he has coming.

Trump keeps digging a ditch for himself. With him in it. Soon he will have to look up to see bottom.

The Key West High School is about to open. There is a screw up. Security measures were to be upgraded. The work not completed. Total completion a couple of weeks away.

I assume the school board is at fault. Whoever, there is no excuse. The security upgrades should have been a #1 priority. The number of school shootings warning enough. These are our children who attend the high school. My grandchildren Robert and Ally among them.

Two uncompleted items stand out. A gate/barrier is to be constructed in front of the school. No one will be able to gain entrance unless approved by the main office. Another upgrade, all doors are now supposed to be locked by the teacher from the inside. Some completed. Too many remain to be done.

Shame on those who failed to complete the job timely. Our children come first. All the time!

The relatively new Key West Amphitheater seems to be doing well. Located on the Truman Waterfront.

The issue as whom to name the amphitheater after arose. It has been examined and reexamined. The decision made.

The amphitheater will be named after Key West musician Lofton “Coffee” Butler. Ninety years old and still going. Sings and plays the piano. A “headliner” for years.

One of the Committee members to decide who was to be chosen Clayton Lopez.  Lopez best described Butler: “He exemplifies Key West culture. He exudes Key West love. He’s played with the best because he’s one of them.”

The Mall on Duval. Three blocks. Blocked off friday through sunday evenings. For several months now. Street activity and entertainment. Restaurants placing tables and chairs in the street. Etc.

I am not sure it will succeed. Presently in a test run. Some owners say it has not helped business. In fact, business declines when the Mall is open. Others are concerned because it costs the City (taxpayers) too much money to operate.

Key West is not a street mall type community. Duval is narrow. People are accustomed to it being a walking thoroughfare.

I haves been watching the Mall during the time it has operated. Big crowds initially. The numbers have dropped dramatically. Many visitors merely sit at tables placed for sitting alone and chat. Buy nothing. No problem, but if not enough money coming in and too costly it becomes a problem.

I view the Mall as a noble experiment. A great idea that did not work. The sooner it closes the better.

Florida has a habit of doing things too late. Recognizing a problem and dealing with it forthwith is not Florida’s way.

Pythons. A major problem for years. Experts agree too late to eradicate them. Estimated there are in excess of 1 million. Only solution is to constrain. Problem is constraining not working either.

Governor De Santis announced this week the State will deal with the problem anew. Remove the pythons! Good luck! I have watched the python problem develop since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Ain’t nothing going to get rid of the pythons.

Now come the iguanas. A pain in the ass problem for 15 years. They defecate in the pools and eat planted flowers.

What began as a small bunch when first seen in Florida is now whole families. Big ones, small ones, running all over the place.

The State has begun a study as to how to eradicate. Good luck! They’re here to stay! The State waited too long once again.

Names of communities. Generally fit the location. Most Keys communities have “keys” in the name. Other areas of the country have names particular to that area.

I am originally from upstate New York. Oneida County. Saratoga County is a 1 hour 45 minute drive to the east.

I came across 2 Saratoga County names that reflect the area’s history, etc., just as the keys do down here. Coons Crossing and Halfmoon. Coons Crossing in realty a road. Somewhere along the way, there is a small gathering of houses. That community is Coons without the crossing. It is west of Mechanicville.

Coons and Coons Crossing are part of Halfmoon township. Halfmoon fairly big these days. Some 21,000 people.

The 2 names come from a time back in history. Exactly when I could not discern. However, I was able to discover that Halfmoon was first settled in 1680 near the banks of the Mohawk River. Years later, the Erie Canal was built along the southern part of Halfmoon.

Love how Trump operates. While he was visiting Dayton and El Paso  yesterday, ICE entered 7 factories in 6 different cities in Mississippi to arrest illegal immigrants. Six hundred eighty were arrested.

Yesterday also happened to be the start of school. ICE did not take the children into consideration. Who was to take care of them when they got out of school? In many instances if both parents were illegal, both were taken into custody without any thought being given to their children.

A furor developed. School personnel and legitimate community persons were concerned about the children. Finally ICE took over a gymnasium for the night. Reports indicate many of he children were sobbing. Others crying because they had nothing to eat.

Where will the next batch of detention centers be constructed?

Trump had to know of the ICE invasion. The term can be used in many respects. One is that ICE was dealing with the “Hispanic Invasion” of Mississippi.

Trump is maxi talented. He can do more than one thing at a time. Like walking and chewing gum. A wonderful talent for the leader of the free world.

I have to move swiftly. A noon haircut appointment with Lori.

Enjoy your day!

Took a ride last night to Geiger Key for dinner. A pleasant place to sit and contemplate one’s navel.

A ride after on some of the side roads off the main road to Geiger Key. Short 1 or 2 block roads on the Atlantic side. Been around 30 years. First time I took a look.

Surprising! Some very nice houses on the water. Intermingled between some permanently affixed trailers. The water view fantastic.

I mentioned earlier this week that Burger King was coming out with a meatless burger. Will look and taste like beef. In actuality, a plant grown protein.

It is reported today that Subway is coming out with a similar type sandwich. A meatball sub. Not meat. The composition of the meatballs from a plant grown protein.

There are several companies that grow the artificial meats. Impossible and Beyond Meat supposedly the largest and best. Burger King said it went with Impossible over Beyond Meat because Impossible tasted better.

I am anxious for tomorrow to come. Burger King’s Impossible goes on sale nationwide. Subway’s meatball sub not till September.

This is confrontation day. Trump and the citizens of Dayton and El Paso.

I suspect demonstrations. Hundreds of people in each community. Pissed! They have had it! The chant “Do Something!” heard yesterday in Dayton as the Governor was speaking will be heard today as the President speaks.

Assuming he does speak.

I will be surprised if Trump appears before a crowd, all of whom will be upset with him. Especially in El Paso. It takes courage to stand alone and confront a mob. Trump lacks such courage.

Trump will avoid the masses. He will probably meet inside rooms in buildings. Some with first responders. Hospital visits with those who survived. Promise everything. Speak as if he is not a racist, hater and/or white supremacist. Deliver nothing when he returns to Washington.

El Paso is a unique community. Not just another city on the Mexican border. Trump has blasphemed and insulted El Paso since he decided there was an “immigration” problem.

El Paso is actually the star, the shining light, of border communities.

Known as the “Ellis Island” of the border. Many Mexican Americans can trace there roots to El Paso. Before World War II, El Paso was the Port of Entry from Mexico to the U.S.

Trump has dumped on El Paso from day one. He cites El Paso’s crime rate as proof why a border wall is needed. Despite FBI statistics that show El Paso to have a violent crime rate below the national average and crime statistics that show El Paso to be safer than other municipalities the same size in population.

In spite of this knowledge, Trump continues to knock El Paso. He views it as the “Hispanic invasion of Texas.” Remember his words which he repeats when ever the occasion arises: They bring disease, crime and drugs with them…..They rape women.

El Paso has the distinction of being considered the bedrock of American southwest culture. A booming center for Mexican literacy and art.

Our culture is sick. Guns a problem. Assault weapons and magazines everywhere. Not just El Paso and Dayton. Not only Parkland. There are other cities that suffer beneath the problem of too many assault weapons in the hands of those who are wont to use them.

I refer now specifically to communities such as Chicago. This past weekend, 55 persons were shot in Chicago. We do not heard of the Chicago’s. They suffer because of the gun problem also.

I may offend some. However, I believe that our Chicago’s are intentionally stepped over by the national media. Also by national Democrats on their way to 2020.

Why?

Could be because there is no political advantage in thinking about Chicago’s. Perhaps it is solely about colored boys with guns shooting other colored persons. A subtle discrimination involved here.

Trump is not one to let a “good tragedy go to waste.” He will talk gun control. Not push it. His support does not want gun control. It will appear for the next week or two that Trump supports gun control. He will reach a point where he will believe he has fooled the American public. The issue will then be forgotten as far as he is concerned.

Trump continues to tell the American people how good his relationship is with North Korea’s Kim Jung Un. Claims Kim Jung Un’s letters to him are “love letters.”

How easily Trump is bullshitted! Especially by criminal world leaders.

Trump says he will work our differences with North Korea out. The two leaders are good friends. It will take time, however.

He prides himself in boasting that in the more than a year that he and Kim Jung Un have been friends, North Korea has not tested any weapons. Until the past 2 weeks.

North Korea tested 4 intermediate ballistic missiles in the past 2 weeks.

Trump has changed his tune slightly. He says he is not concerned about the missiles. Merely intermediate ones. He lies. To cover his misjudgment. He either does not know or thinks the American people do not know. The first problem is the missiles are capable of carrying nuclear war heads. Additionally, there ability distance wise is sufficient to strike South Korea and Japan. Two places where the U.S. has thousands of troops stationed.

Military experts believe Kim Jung Un has restarted the testing because of U.S. and South Korea’s military exercise. His position simple. If I do not test, you should not play war games.

My day will be spent home watching Trump’s visits to Dayton and El Paso. He presently is in the air to Dayton.

Tonight, I don’t know what.

Enjoy your day!

Many topics this morning. Too many to organize. Therefore Morning Stew Time! You get ’em in the order they appear in my notes.

Two updated hurricane notices. Nothing of consequence to report re the Keys. With one admonition, however. Indications the same as they were in 1992. Merely a few storms. True. However one was Andrew. A category 5. Wiped out Homestead.

Never know!

Trump is going to El Paso wednesday. Dayton not determined yet. Many El Paso residents are advising the President should stay away. Especially Democrats.

Trump did not attend John McCain’s church service. He was not wanted. What will he do re El Paso? I feel he must show up. Even if they throw rotten tomatoes at him.

Ronald Reagan one of our great Presidents. A tough guy. He recognized he was President and exercised his decisions based on that.

It was 1981. Air controllers were federal employees. Thirteen thousand went on strike August 3. Negotiations had failed. The Air Controllers were not happy with the pay raise offer and the response to their request for shorter hours.

Seven thousand flights had to be cancelled. The nation and its airways were in chaos.

Reagan did not screw around. He immediately told the air controllers the strike was illegal, they had 48 hours to get back to work. If not, they would be fired with no opportunity to ever recover their jobs.

On August 5, Reagan carried out his threat. He began firing 11,359 air controllers.

Reagan’s action in firing that huge number was the beginning of the end for labor unions across the country. Everyone began standing up to them. Over the years, labor unions diminished in power and effect.

Reagan was responsible.

Trump and his Republican cohorts are laying the blame on horrific videos among other things re the 2 shootings this past weekend.

Such videos bear no responsibility. Trump and NRA bullshit. Research debunks the theory. One expert said, ” The data on bananas causing suicide is about as conclusive.”

Republicans refuse to give up on the propaganda supplied them by the NRA. Especially at the present time. U.S. Senators cow tow to the NRA. Afraid of the NRA’s power.

The Gun Violence Archive indicates there have been more mass shootings this year to date than any previous one. Mass shootings defined as at least 4 deaths, excluding the shooter.

Mitch McConnell continues his downward trend. He loses respect daily from all corners. Including some of his Republican supporters. He bears responsibility for El Paso and Dayton almost as much as Trump. He has refused to move any House passed bills reforming gun control to the Senate floor for a vote. His right as Majority Leader. Not correct as a human being.

“Moscow Mitch” McConnell pulled another beauty this past weekend.

A photo surfaced on social media. The photo appeared soon after the El Paso shootings. Actually, the same day.

The photo was of Representative Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez. The new young Democratic firebrand. The photo contained a large cut out of Ocasio-Cortez.

The Congresswoman was surrounded by a number of young men. They were wearing tee shirts labeled “Team Mitch Shirts.” The photo showed them choking her. It was also reported there were other photos showing them groping and kissing the cut out. The Congresswoman had criticized McConnell following the El Paso shooting for sitting on the gun reform bill for 5 months. It is suspected the photo was deliberately released because of that.

Neither McConnell nor any of his staff rejected or spoke against the photo.

The choking, etc. of the cut out was not enough. A further campaign item came out the same day. A tweet.

McConnell bears the nick name Grim Reaper also. A self imposed one. He is proud of it.

A Kentucky Catholic fundraising event the Fancy farm Picnic had a replica of a cemetery erected at the site of the fundraiser. A Tombstone like one.

The tombstones were labeled. One for Amy McGrath, his Democratic opponent in the 2020 Senatorial race. Another for Judge Merrick Garland, the Obama Supreme Court nominee who McConnell refused to submit for approval to a Senate Committee for more than a year.  Another was labeled Socialism, another Green New Deal.

Apparently McConnell enjoys running tombstone photos. Over 600 during his career. His favorite is of tombstones labeled Health Care, Campaign Finance Reform, Coal Miners, and Middle Class.

Disgusting! A U.S. Senator. He should be ashamed.

The Philippines are in the midst of a dengue epidemic. Dengue the Mosquito borne disease capable of causing death. In the first 6 months of this year, more than 146,000 new cases. A 98 percent increase from the same period last year. Six hundred twenty two have died.

Key West and the lower Florida Keys would be similarly afflicted each year were it not for the attention paid the problem. The lower Keys have an elected Mosquito Control Board. Helicopters, trucks, etc. Spray frequently. Examine the area around every home looking for pools of water that could breed mosquitoes.

One of the reasons for the increase in the Philippines has to do with the new dengue vaccination. Dengvaxis. Many parents opposed it. Feared their children would die. Their children not vaccinated. Many came down with dengue fever.

Statistics deny the vaccination problem. In 2016-17, 800,000 were vaccinated. Only 14 children died. No proof ever developed that the vaccination caused the 14 deaths.

The market dropped yesterday. Thank you, Donald Trump. Will rise a bit today. Yesterday dropped 767 points. The fall due to Trump’s announcement he was going to increase tariffs on China and China’s response. China’s response was to devalue the yuan. Such negates for China at the impact of the 25 percent tariff increase.

Never forget Trump’s words during the campaign: I like tariff wars!…..I understand tariff wars!…..I win tariff wars!

Trump has a ton of money already for the 2020 campaign. Big business is filling his coiffures.

Trump uses Facebook frequently to post ads. Since January, he has posted ads with the word “invasion” more than 2,000 times. Since March, the word “immigration” to the tune of $1.25 million.

Trump rarely knows what he is doing. He announced he is hitting Venezuela and its government officials with a full embargo.

A joke!

Trump must realize Russia and China are covering Vcnezuela’s ass.

Trump claims he has imposed the embargo to get Maduro out of office. For humanitarian reasons. The humanitarian reasons do not fly. Trump wants Venezuela’s oil, as do Russia and China. That is what it is all about!

It is not only U.S. cities that are having a public toilet problem. Homeless are defecating and urinating big time on the streets of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Now, London. The problem has become an international one. London has posted signs: “Welcome to London. Do not shit in the street.”

National Farmers Market Week is upon us. August 4-10.

Key West has a new Farmers Market at the Truman Waterfront. Every thursday 10-2.

A national celebration will be held this thursday at Key West’s new Farmers Market.

On this day in 1945, an American bomber dropped the first atomic bomb ever. On Hiroshima. It was 8:16 in the morning. Eighty thousand killed immediately or almost immediately. Thirty five thousand injured. Another 60,000 would be dead by the end of the year as a result of fall out.

The U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki 3 days later.

Many have criticized Truman for his decision. I do not. The 2 bombs dropped on Japan were evidence to the world that a bomb of such magnitude was now available and could wipe out cities and nations.

Even though many nations have nuclear capability today, they are reluctant to use such knowing that retaliation of the same sort would be swift. Destruction beyond even that of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Neither side would win.

Electric lights or gas lights? That was the choice facing John Horr in 1892. Horr was the Collector of Customs at the new Custom House erected in Key West.

Horr opted for electric lights. He feared odors from the gas lights could cost loss of life.

An extensive Morning Stew today. Hope you found it informative.

Tonight my blog talk radio show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Join me. Lots of good stuff to talk about this week. Listen to me rant and rave. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

I waited till after Trump’s address to the Nation this morning re the 2 massacre type shootings which occurred over the weekend before writing. His address obviously important.

Reminded me of Shakespeare’s full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. One problem however. In addition to “nothing,” there was no “sound and fury.” Merely the President reading a speech that said most of the right things. Things that never will be followed during Trump’s administration.

Some brief observations.

The speech was to include gun control and immigration reform. Stupid to join the 2 together. Separate issues to be dealt with separately. My recollection is “immigration” was mentioned only once. At the beginning of the address. Trump will never cease attempting by any means to build the wall that Mexico was going to pay for.

Trump denounced racism, hatred and white supremacists. His words hollow. We all know he is a racist and bigot. He hates so many people. White supremacists…..the first time he has spoken negatively of them in any fashion.

All 3 will be gone from his mind within a week. Typical of Trump, what he said today will no longer count tomorrow.

It warmed my heart to hear him say he had “directed” this and that to be done. Generally new things. Most if not all have disappeared already. The man speaks with forked tongue.

I considered most of what Trump said to be typical Trump bullshit. He says one thing and does another.

Dare I be accused of criticizing without recommending, my solution is simple. Many things must be done at one time. No nickel diming. Ban outright certain guns, certain types of ammunition, initiate background checks.

Trump was aware he was treading dangerous ground this morning. Would his words stand up to questioning? Trump and his staff must have thought not. No questions were taken from the press.

Skipping to the shootings themselves, both embodied unusual circumstances.

The Dayton shooting found the culprit Donald Betts shooting and killing his 22 year old sister Megan Betts.

El Paso found a mother protecting her 2 month old baby and the father/husband trying to protect both. The parents died. The 2 month old survived.

The mother Jordan Anchondo was carrying her 2 month old son. She dropped on him to protect him. Being shot and killed in the process. Her son suffered some bone fractures as a result.

The husband Andre Anchondo dropped on both to protect them. He was shot and killed.

Sunday Trump was quoted as having said, “Hate has no place in our country and we’re going to take care of it.” What a joke! The man is deep with hatred.

Now to some Key West happenings.

I have been making smoothies for lunch this past week. Bought a new blender. Generally throw in a 15 gram protein drink, banana, a berry and some other fruit. Makes a couple of glasses. Delicious and satisfying.

What becomes dirty must be washed. I was washing out the blender yesterday noon to make a new smoothie. Filled the blender about 1/3 with water. Tossed in a few drops of some liquid dish washing soap. Turned on the blender.

Disasterville! I forgot to put the top on. Sudsy dishwater all over Louis, the cupboard, floor, toaster, etc. A mess!

I would like to blame it on old age. Not so. Simply a stupid mistake.

The Chart Room first last night. The last time I was at the Chart Room was the same night I was last out. Monday.

John bartending. About a dozen people, including Mary. An hour later, Louis and Mary.

Mary and I went over to La Trattoria for dinner. Tiffany bartending.

The USS Billings was commissioned saturday in Key West. An honor. Second such commissioning. The last the USS Spruance in 2011.

More than 1,500 people attending. Among them the Mayor of Billings, Montana, after whom the ship is named. His speech great and humorous. The Billings Mayor pointed out that 2,637.6 miles separated Billings and Key West. Yet we are one.

The humidity continues to be heavy. Don’t see anyone running. Inhaling while merely walking an effort. And this is only the beginning of August. The worst month September is yet to come.

Key West summers remind me of Utica winters. Exactly opposite, however. Utica located in upstate New York. Cold! Zero, 10, 20 below not uncommon. Inhale and your lungs freeze!

As much as I don’t like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, his wife recently was responsible for a good deed done Key West. His wife is Elaine Chao, Secretary of Transportation.

It was announced this past week that the Key West International Airport would be receiving from the federal government $9.3 million. To be used to rehabilitate a taxiway and taxiway lighting.

Thank you Secretary Chao!

We close with one of Key West’s most famous houses of ill repute. Mom’s Tea House.

Mom was active as a Madam in the 1940’s and 1950’s. The Naval base large. Sailors her primary customers. She operated 3 whore houses, each at a different time. Two in Key West, 1 on Stock Island.

The Navy got her closed down all 3 times. The Navy was anti sexual diseases and considered prostitution not consistent with the laws of God.

Mom’s third and last place of work was her establishment on Stock Island. The government finally closed that one down in 1953.

Wylk’s Bar was located on Maloney. Behind and off to the side of the bar was Mom’s Tea House. A white painted conch cottage. A huge front porch. The ladies sat on the porch dressed appropriately to induce business. As Wylk’s customers left the bar, they saw the ladies and walked over to enjoy what they were offering.

Enjoy your day!

America has become a shooting gallery. Citizens shooting citizens. Who would have believed 50 years ago it could happen.

I am motivated to write re the gun issue this morning because of the El Paso and Dayton shootings which occurred in the past 24 hours.

Why has the U.S. become a maniacal society when it comes to citizens killing each other? The reasons many. Cause and effect unending.

I share my thoughts.

• Gun manufacturers.
• The NRA.
• The Republican Party. Elected and party officials having neither the desire nor guts to stand up to gun manufacturers and the NRA. They have been bought body and soul.
• Lobbyists. Those hired by gun manufacturers and the NRA. Powerful. Loaded with money. Threaten Republican legislators easily with…..If you don’t cooperate/dance to our tune, you will be primaried in the next election.
• A conservative Supreme Court for many years. Even worse in coming years. Two bad decisions. The right to bear arms and corporations having the right to give unlimited amounts of money to political campaigns.
• An NRA that has bought “experts” to tell the American people that the gun problem is primarily caused by persons having mental difficulties. Repeated so much over the years that many believe the lie today.
• The rise of nationalism.
• A President who stands with those who want to bear arms in a manner and degree not before seen in any President.

All contributing to the carnage.

When a person plays with dynamite, such person should be careful. Could blow up in one’s face.

I refer now to the tariff wars being experienced. The brain child of Donald Trump. A game that could quickly end in a world war.

One of China’s largest companies is Huawei. Employs 320,000 people.

Huawei big in i-phones and electronic equipment world wide.

Huawei needs Android updates for its phones. Out of business without. One of the tariff war’s fallouts is that Google is prohibited by the U.S. from doing business with China.

Trump and China President Xi discussed the matter several months ago while negotiating the tariff situation as a whole. To evidence the cooperative spirit of the U.S., Trump granted a temporary ban on the no Google sales to Huawei. A reprieve. The reprieve expires later this month.

Could literally put Huawei out of business. At the very least hurt it dramatically, along with China’s economy.

I read this morning a comment by Trump to the effect he does not care.

What will China’s next step be? Could very well be the start of World War III.

Turn things around. Suppose China took steps to hurt Amazon big time. Place Amazon in a position where it might have to go out of business. Note that Amazon employs 556.000.

The U.S. could not, would not, stand for it. So it may be with China.

Time is of the essence. The end of the month is around the corner.

Going to be interesting how this works out, if it does.

Henry David Thoreau. His time at Walden Pond. Most Americans read Walden in high school or college.

It was on this day in 1854 that Thoreau published Walden.

The book was a recounting of Thoreau’s time at Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. He lived there 2 years and 2 months. Simply. In a home 10′ x 15′ which he built himself. He grew his food in his garden.

The home was located on a 62 acre pond.

Thoreau’s closest neighbor was Ralph Waldo Emerson who lived one mile away.

Thoreau’s intent was to explore mentally his views on nature, politics and philosophy.

The book’s first publishing was 5,000 volumes. Sold only 300 the first year. Took 5 years to sell the whole 5,000.

Today continues as it has for many years as a best seller. One reason being it is required reading in many American class rooms today.

We all know the story of Custer and the Sioux Indians when Custer and his 200 plus men were wiped out by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse led Sioux. The time the Indians won. There was a time 3 years earlier when Custer defeated the Sioux, however. At a time when the Sioux were led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.

It was August 4, 1873. Custer and the 7th Army were protecting a railroad survey party. A relatively easy task. No one bothered anyone. Neither soldiers nor Indians.

Custer was taking an afternoon nap. Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse for whatever reason attacked Custer’s camp. Custer woke and mounted an effective defense. The skirmish was brief. The Indians withdrew. Only 1 soldier and 1 Indian killed.

Three years later, the Battle of Little Big Horn. Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse on one side. Custer on the other.

We have learned several variations as to why Custer lost the battle. The true one little known.

Custer’s greatest fear was the Indians would turn and run before he could attack and defeat them as had occurred 3 years earlier. Custer wanted a victory over the Indians. So he rushed into the battle without proper reconnaissance. One item knowing the size of the Indian force. Thousands.

Custer and his 200 plus men were annihilated.

Key West loves dogs! Seems like every other household has a pet dog. Dogs permitted everywhere in Key West. All bars and most restaurants. Even super markets and retail stores.

There is a national organization called Better Citizens for Pets. Made up of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Marc Pet Care.

Recently, Key West received the group’s “Small City” award. A $10,000 grant. The purpose of the grant “to keep furrys off the streets and out of shelters by offering pet wellness services for free or at a reduced cost for income-qualified pet owners.”

Key West dog owners be proud!

Enjoy your Sunday!

I was doing research re the Copa fire which occurred on August 3, 1995. The research took me back to the Key West Lou blog of the same date. Titled Miss Key West 1940. Interesting what a skip back in time reveals.

Three things I found that are worthy of repetition today. None have anything to do with the Copa fire.

A quote from the Key West Weekly: “You’ve been kicked out of Don’s Place for a dress code violation.” Impossible. Never would happen! Unless you arrived in suit and tie.

Hello Donald, David, Elizabeth and all my friends. I have not seen you in a while.

Another item referred to Miss Key West 1940. A picture of Gloria June Suarez the beauty queen accompanied the article. A lovely young lady!

The article mentioned that Gloria was born and raised in Key West. She was 90 years old on the day the picture and article were run.

Hemingway completed A Farewell to Arms while living in Key West. A good portion of the book takes place on the Italian side of Lake Maggiore. The lake lies between Italy and Switzerland.

I have been fortunate to visit Lake Maggiore several times. Beautiful! Old towns sitting on the water. Unquestionably romantic. The hotels anciently majestic.

Hemingway had a favorite bar. In one of the hotels whose name I cannot recall. I mention in my blog of August 3, 1995 my visit to the bar: “I drank in Hemingway’s favorite hotel/bar. Like going to Church.”

It was like going to Church!

Now for the Copa fire that started the research.

The Copa was a remodeled theater on Duval. It opened in 1912 for the showing of motion pictures and stage productions. In the 1970’s became an x-rated movie house. In the 1980’s, a gay night club. A hit with the gay community. The place to be.

An historical note of interest, Thomas Edison had a reserved seat while he was in Key West. He was here for long intervals during World War I assisting the government in developing naval defense explosives.

On this day in 1995, the fire broke out. The worst Key West fire in 75 years. Totally destroyed the Copa.

The Copa was rebuilt. Reopened as the Copa. Failed to succeed, however. The magic was gone.

The spiny lobster season begins tusday August 6. Runs through March 31, 2020.

The season is not expected to be a good one. Lobster fishermen are concerned.

The reason, the trade war with China. China is the Keys’ biggest customer. It is anticipated the trade war will will significantly hurt their pocket books. The Chinese government is telling its spiny lobster purchasers doing business with the U.S. not to buy.

Ninety percent of the U.S. catch comes from Monroe County. A $35 million a year business.

Once again, thank you Donald Trump. Your words during the 2016 campaign still ring in my ears: I know trade wars!…..I understand trade wars!…..I win trade wars!

This morning’s KONK Life runs an August 3, 1945 photo of the several ladies who operated the National Airlines ticket office in Key West. It was located on Southard Street at the time.

National Airlines was born in 1934. Met its demise in 1980. Its main office was the Miami International Airport.

In 1980, Pan Am bought National Airlines. National became part of Pan Am in every respect. In 1991, Pan Am went bust.

Some time later, National’s “Sun King” logo was sold to Southeast Airlines, a low cost airline at the time.

Must have rained big time thursday night. When I was out and about during the day yesterday, many streets and sidewalks were still flooded.

I never heard the storm.

The weather report indicates a tropical storm over Florida this weekend. Big time rain.

It is well known movie star Robert De Niro is not a fan of Donald Trump. De Niro recently appeared on Stephen Colbert’s show.

De Niro’s comments on the show re Trump are self explanatory: He is a “total loser”……”a disappointed Don”…..”a dumbbell.”

Another De Niro comment: “Even a gangster has morals.”

I have been house bound evenings since monday. Obvious if you were to see me. A heavy beard. The last time I shaved was sunday.

Tonight, a shave and out!

Enjoy your day!

Mitch McConnell is a U.S. Senator from Kentucky and Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate. As Majority Leader, no bill reaches the Senate floor for debate or vote without his blessing. He rarely exercises that blessing. He has refused to present for a vote almost all bills passed by the Democratic House of Representatives.

The issue of Russia playing dirty tricks with U.S. elections became apparent in 2016. Since that time, McConnell has blocked all bills intended to protect U.S. elections from Russian interference. In spite of overwhelming evidence of the same.

McConnell recently was tagged with the name “Moscow Mitch” because of his actions. A name he does not like. Especially since he is running for reelection next year.

Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank in a column published this morning commented on McConnell. He wrote, “…..McConnell has no shame. He is aiding and abetting Putin’s dismantling of Americas’ self-governance. A leader who won’t protect our country from attack is no patriot.”

Milbank’s last sentence says it all.

McDonnell has done quite well in his 37 years as a U.S. Senator.

His wife is Elaine Chao. Born in China. A resident of the U.S. since age 8. They married in 1993. She has had a distinguished career.

She served as Secretary of Labor under Bush 2 and is serving as Secretary of Transportation under Trump.

In her present position, she controls the distribution of significant federal dollars. In the 2 1/2 years she has served as Secretary of Transportation, Kentucky has received $78 million in federal grants.

Some consider the grants “murky.”

Elaine’s parents operate a large shipping business. Their firm has benefited also.

I make no representation nor suggest any wrongdoing. However it is interesting to note that in the last 20 years, the McConnell fortune has increased by the tens of millions of dollars.

My interest in politics kept me in last night. Trump was speaking at a political rally in Cincinnati. I could not find it on any channel. It became an early to bed evening.

The USS Billings is a new U.S. Navy vessel. A 369 foot littoral combat ship.

The Billings will be commissioned tomorrow. Key West has been designated as the port of its commission.

A big day for Key West!

Many American companies have gone out of business or cut back since Trump’s election. More so since the trade wars began.

The most recent major corporation to announce a cut back is Lowe’s. Management describes the number to be let go as “many.” Lowe’s plan is to outsource its maintenance and assembly worker jobs.

Some stores will be closed.

Lowe’s advises the reason for the cutbacks is to reduce costs.

Lowe’s is a major employer. Full time employees number 190,000. Part time, 110,000.

Some Trump observations.

Trump threatened yesterday to increase U.S. imposed tariffs on China by another $300 billion. China says it will retaliate.

Donald, it is no way to do business.

China is rated #2 in the world economically and militarily. They may be #1. Who really knows.

China will retaliate at this point again by imposing tariffs also. Such cannot go on forever. At some point China is going to say enough. Then a shooting war.

During this time of economic belligerency, I recall Trump’s statements during the 2016 campaign: I love tariff wars!….I understand tariff wars!…..I win tariff wars!

China did not want a tariff war. Trump did. He grossly over estimated his ability to win one.

No one wins a tariff war. Both the U.S. and China are being hurt. China has resiliency however. They will not submit in any fashion.

Trump announced yesterday the U.S. was pulling out of its Cold War nuclear treaty with Russia. An intermediate nuclear missile pact. Trump claims Russia has made no effort to comply.

The pact was signed during the Reagan years. Trump leaves me confused. Why did the U.S. wait so long to get out of the agreement? I question the truthfulness of the President’s representation. Difficult to believe anything he says.

What happened to Trump’s relationship with Putin? I thought they were friends.

This past week North Korea tested its third short range missiles again. Trump says he is not concerned. Two years ago, Trump was ready to go to war over the missile testing.

I suspect the real reason is that Trump is gearing up with everything the U.S. has to go to war with Iran. The U.S.cannot handle 2 major wars at one time. Especially when in one fashion or another, it is engaged in so many other conflicts world wide.

Two items Trump spoke about in Cincinnati last night involved the “end of the AIDS epidemic” and a “cure for childhood cancer.” The childhood cancer also referred to in the speech as pediatric cancer.

Trump claimed the “end of the AIDS” epidemic would come shortly. The “cure for childhood cancer” very shortly.

The ending of both would be a blessing. Trump however has under estimated the time yet involved in accomplishing either.

Re AIDS, the U.S. is on the way. Except the end of AIDS transmissions is not expected till 2030 at the earliest. A major AIDS scientist said even 2030 will not be easy. “Doable but daunting.”

I assume Trump mentioned the AIDS item in Cincinnati because Cincinnati has one of the highest number of AIDS victims. An epidemic. One brought on because of needle-drug use. Gay and bisexual men of color between the ages of 25 and 34 at the highest risk.

Re childhood cancers, the “very shortly” sounds encouraging. Does not hold up fact wise, however. Eighty percent of childhood cancers are curable because they involve leukemia. Leukemia is under control. Other childhood cancers are not. There lies the problem. The cure rate for pediatric cancers, except for leukemia,  has not changed in 20 years.

Children’s cancers tough! I recall when Robert was born 15 years ago. He was born with cancer of the liver. Airlifted immediately to Miami Children’s Hospital. Two major surgeries in the first 8 days of his life.

Children’s Hospital was something. Many buildings, many floors. The corridors wide and long. Each for a different cancer. Each had a sign indicating the cancer. Walking up and down the corridors where kids 2-3, 7-8, any age. Most pushing a stand with an intravenous bottle on it. Chatting with each other like nothing was wrong.

We spoke with the operating doctor following the first surgery. How did it go? How will he be? The doctor’s response chilling. We don’t know. This is the first time we’ve seen this type cancer.

Tough.

Robert is 15 today. A high school sophomore, a top student, and #1 on the high school tennis team.

Enjoy your day!

Welcome to August!

The year moving too fast. More than half gone already.

A portion of a James Bond movie was filmed in Key West and the Keys. License to Kill.

On this day in 1988, filming began. The name of the movie at the time License to Revoke. Name changed post production to License to Kill.

It was the 16th James Bond movie.

Key West and Keys locales involved included St. Mary Star of the Sea Church. Bond and the groom parachuted to the Church in time for a wedding. In addition, Route 1, Key West International Airport, the Hemingway House, the then Thai Restaurant at Eisenhower and Palm, and the Garrison Bight Marina.

Gender neutrality existed in Key West in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Women and men treated equally. The Navy  had an ax to grind with B-girls, prostitutes, and gays alike.

I have written many times re bars and clubs closed because of B-girls and prostitutes. Now, one for homosexual men. The Navy was involved as with the ladies. The Navy did not consider it healthy for sailors to hang out with gay men.

The bar was the Duval Club on Greene Street. Also referred to as the Silver Slipper.

The bar was declared “off limits” by the Navy.

The bar in 1958 became Captain Tony’s. As far as I am aware, Tony Tarracino was not part of that related.

Amazing how things change! Today gaiety not even a consideration. Key West has a lesbian Mayor. A homosexual is running for President of the United States.

The new Farmers Market opens today from 10 to 2 at the Truman Waterfront. I hope it is a success. Even I enjoy a farmers market! If it fails, it will be because of the location.

Three important war events occurred on August 1, though in different years.

In 1914, World War I erupted. Twenty million soldiers and civilians died.

In 1943, Lt. John Kennedy’s PT-109 was sunk. Two of the crew killed immediately. Eleven survived. Many with serious injuries. Kennedy was instrumental in saving them.

In 1944, the Warsaw Revolt began.

A new term in the making. Monday, Burger King will introduce its Impossible Whopper. Everywhere in the U.S.

Its significance is that it is plant based. A plant based protein. They grow the “meat.” The patty meatless.

Supposed to taste like a regular Whopper.

The cost of the Impossible Whopper $5.95. One dollar more than the regular Whopper. Both will be available for sale.

The President speaks again tonight at a rally in Cincinnati. His first rally since the “Send her back” cry arose on July 17 in North Carolina.

Media reports Trump does not want to hear the words. If they occur, he supposedly will speak out against them.

Lets see what happens.

I left last night’s Democratic Presidential Debate for last.

Better than the first. The participants probably more comfortable.

Most beat up Obama and Biden. Biden, ok. Obama?

Seemed like everyone was after Biden. Understandable. He was under a must have a good evening. Not quite. He did scrape by, however. A week or two from now, it will make no difference.

One of them will run against Trump. It was forgotten last night. They were after Biden.

Issues involved the splitting of hairs on legislation and activities that occurred years in the past. The best they could do in attacking Biden.

I must be frank. I was all for Biden before the debates. Now, I am not certain. His responses in most instances slow. Must be more volatile. Destroy the enemy! They were all his enemy last night.

I have come to the conclusion I do not consider Kamala Harris Presidential material. She took down Biden in the first debate. Hit him hard last night, but nowhere as she did in the first. She threw a lot of punches. Landed few.

Her attitude leaves much to be desired. She is all over the place. Talks too much. Too emotional. Seems to lose it during her responses. Reminds me of Trump. Not as volatile. Never the less so.

Cory Booker. Needs maturing. His attacks on Biden more than too much, more than a step too far.

Where was racism? It should have been discussed and explored at length after what has arisen in the past 2 weeks.

Again the enemy was Trump, not Biden. They could have hit Biden a bit and then crushed Trump.

The infighting plays into Republican hands. Yet the infighting was that which provoked much of the evening.

I understand it is early to project who will come out on top. However let me stick my head out. Not hard. At this time I see Biden, Sanders and Warren leading the pack. One will be the Democratic candidate..

Enjoy your day!