A bit out of the norm today. Maybe the Fantasy Fest influence. Perhaps not. I have not participated as yet.

Whatever, enjoy.

I inadvertently came across an interesting article yesterday: “14 Ways to Pee Outdoors for Women.” I hit a wrong key. Up came a series of off beat articles. One was the peeing one.

Curiosity got the better of me. I read it.

Interesting. I recommend it to the ladies. Even the men. There are some bits of information that might prove helpful to a man.

The article was published in Exploring Wild 3/30/19.

The writert a female. An explorer. She was hiking and biking in a remote region of Patagonia. I did not know where it was either. Looked it up. Located in a remote region of Chile. Popularly known as the Southern Highway.

The author’s 2 week trip gave impetus to the pee article.

Remote was remote. Necessity became the mother of invention.

Worth reading. I am not going to delve into the details. Some ways I would never have thought of. Perhaps not all women either.

The article’s beginning spells out the 14 ways. Though graphic, not disgusting.

Various positions involved. Names distinctive. “Squat” seems big. Like squat, assisted squat, half squat, no squat. Even a guy style and a climber style.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness. A special concern of women especially. The how to’s following whatever left the body interesting. Toilet paper obviously. Air/drip dry, squirt bottle, left hand, skier/snowboarder methods, also.

The author (whose name does not appear with the article) claims, “I am now housebroken…..I’ve tried them all.”

Still with the human body.

Fantasy Fest is in bloom. Tonight more activities than last night. As it will be each succeeding evening.

Tonight, the 24th annual Kinky Carnival. At First Flight on Whitehead. Formerly, Kelly’s.

The ad for the party clearly says: No Kinky Costume, No Entry.

Ten years ago, I went to my one and only such party. When the place was Kelly’s.

Blame Donna!

Donna called me that evening. What are you doing tonight? Nothing, staying home. I have a party to go to. You come with me. Ok, I said.

She did not tell me the type of party or what I was to wear.

It was a house party. About 20 people. All dressed BD/SM. I knew about half the people. I noticed that the women were attired as dominatrixs, the men submissives. Everyone was playing the style out. Men being paddled by their wives/girlfriends. Some with collars around their necks and the woman holding the chain attached.

I came in khaki shorts and a dark blue tee shirt. I definitely was out of place. Told Donna I was leaving. She said don’t worry.

Donna was dressed for the night and the week. She had her chest spray painted that afternoon. A black leather like vest. Boobs and nipples obvious of course.

After a while, it was decided to go to the BSD/SM party at Kelly’s. Ok, I thought. When in Rome do as the Romans do. Also, I had never seen a BD/SM party and was curious.

The night began at Kelly’s door. They would not let me in. I was not properly attired. The girl handling the door was a pain in the ass. Finally, I told her Kelly and her husband were my neighbors in Key Haven and I wanted to see the husband. Sorry, his name escapes me at the moment. I knew Kelly was out of town.

My knowing the owners was the key. The young lady said Ok. But, you have to do one thing. Take off your tee shirt and hang it over your belt. Go in bare chested.

No problem. I complied.

A mistake.

The place was packed. Up and down. Very few female breasts covered. Some women walking around totally bare ass. Men generally wearing leather. Some nothing except a 2 inch by 6 inch piece of cloth covering their genitals.

Crosses everywhere. Men and women hanging on various ones. Each being beaten/whipped by the opposite sex. A few by the same sex. Lines in front with people waiting their turn to be hung.

A crazy place!

All of a sudden, I was being attacked. A lovely young lady came up, grabbed my bare nipples, and twisted them. Hard! She smiled and left. Quickly, 2 others did the same thing.

The procedure hurt. I was neither thrilled nor turned on.

As a fourth young lady approached, I saw the glint in her eyes. I said screw this to myself. As her hands went up for my nipples, I grabbed hers and twisted them. Was she upset!

I did this to 2 others and my problem was solved. No one dared touch my nipples the rest of the time I was there.

I stayed only an hour. Lost Donna. Knew few people. Mostly tourists in attendance. Could not get a drink. The bar 5 deep.

My evening over, I went home.

There are many parties tonight in addition to the BD/SM one. One at 24 North, an Awake the Dead Zombie After Party. A Beatles Tribute at the Green Parrot, at Sloppy Joe’s a Comic Capers Party. For the guys, Tops or Bottoms underwear party at the New Orleans House and Pool Bar.

The Zombie Bicycle ride was yesterday. The photo in this morning’s Key West Citizen reflected easily thousands participating. Riding bikes and tricycles. Participants painted and costumed.

It’s a small world! I referred yesterday to Burt Lancaster’s 2 connections to Key West. I was wrong. There are 4.

Charlene Chapman is a blog reader. Thank you, Charlene. She wrote her 2 sons are related to Burt Lancaster. Lancaster is their great uncle. His second wife Norma Anderson was the boys’ grandmother’s sister Dorothy Anderson Hall. Sort of complicated. Read it again slowly.

Though Charlene’s sons never met the star, their father did. He stayed at Lancaster’s home in California.

Charlene’s sons remain in Key West. One works for UPS on Duval. The other, a bartender at The Perry.

The cry of war is a definite impetus to get things done quickly.

It was Cuban Missile time.

On this day in 1962, there was need for a “temporary airport control tower” at the Key West Airport. It was built overnight. Speed!

A photo in this morning’s Citizen shows the building was no small edifice. A lot of people had to work overnight to get the job done.

My first taste of Fantasy Fest tonight. Dueling Bartenders at Aqua, then dinner at La Trattoria. Along the way will be revelers.

Enjoy your day!

Amazing how some statements no matter how brief remain in our memories.

It was on October 20, 1944 that General MacArthur returned to the Philippines. He led the invasion force which landed on Leyte.

MacArthur was a bit of an actor. Which in no way diminishes his capability as a warrior. On the first day of the invasion, MacArthur came onto Leyte beach in a landing barge. The front dropped and there he was! Majestic in appearance. He walked off the barge into knee high water.

A microphone was waiting for him on the beach. He said, “People of the Philippines, I have returned!”

Dramatic. Soul striking. Especially to the Filipinos who had suffered under Japanese occupation for almost 3 years.

President Roosevelt ordered MacArthur out of the Philippines when Japan invaded. He did not want MacArthur captured. He needed him to direct the Pacific war ahead.

MacArthur was reluctant to leave. Before he got on the PT boat to begin his escape journey, he announced via radio to the people of the Philippines, “I shall return.”

A promise made. A promise kept.

Many times people do not remember as I do. Only because I have lived longer and lived through people and experiences they have not.

I will mention names and many will give me a blank look. They know not of whom I speak.

I mentioned Neville Chamberlain recently. He was Prime Minister of England in the late 1930’s. Robert Dennard wrote back that he and I might be the only ones who recall Chamberlain.

I understood.

Now comes Burt Lancaster. Many times sitting on my stool in the Chart Room, I will mention Burt Lancaster and his ties to Key West. Not one person has ever recalled him. One of the greatest actors of all time.

I write about Lancaster today because it was on this day in 1994 he died.

Lancaster has 2 Key West connections.

His first movie was The Killers in 1946. Starred with Ava Gardner. The movie was based on Ernest Hemingway’s short story of the same name.

Years later, Lancaster actually visited Key West to make a movie. The movie of Tennessee Williams’ play The Rose Tattoo.

The venue of the movie was Key West. The house they filmed it in was 2 doors from Williams’ home. Lancaster actually slept in Williams’ home and changed for scenes in the house.

The Williams home is on Duncan Street. My Lisa lives on Duncan. A mere 1 1/2 blocks away.

Anna Magnani starred in The Rose Tattoo with Lancaster. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress as a result of her performance.

Lancaster made 70 movies. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor in Elmer Gantry.

A few of his other movies include Jim Thorpe, From Here To Eternity, The Swimmer, and Sweet Smell of Success.

He starred with Kirk Douglas in Gunfight at OK Corral. Douglas and Lancaster were close friends. Always joking and going off script when appearing on some TV shows.

Lancaster’s later life was not the best. He suffered some illness. May have been a severe stroke. He ended up in a wheelchair for the rest of his life looking straight ahead and knowing no one.

Douglas visited him often. When asked how the visits were going, Douglas would respond not good and he did not want to talk about them.

Goombay last night. The second and last evening of the event. I did not make it last night either.

I was writing and the words were flowing. Does not frequently happen.  Wanted to stay with it. Stopped at 9:30. Too late to shower, dress and go downtown.

I am not unhappy I missed. I have attended at least 20. All fun. All the same.

There is always next year.

Today is the first day of the for real Fantasy Fest. A calm day nudity wise, though there will be some. The events funky and fun.

A big zombie day!

The Zombie Bike Ride. A family event. Hundreds if not thousands participating. Dressed to scare.

La Trattoria Oceanside is having a Zombie Brunch. Smokin’ Tuna a Walking Dead Contest. Official Zombiefest sites following the Bike Parade include Tiki House, Bagatelle, Sloppy Joe’s, Irish Kevin’s, Mangoes, and the Green Parrot.

Key West a wonderful place to live. Doctors good. The hospital fine. However for major problems, it’s Miami. A 4 hour drive. Less than an hour by helicopter.

A very much needed and used service. Lives saved!

Few have the money or insurance to pay. Key West is in Monroe County. It was announced this week that the County had purchased its third helicopter this past week. The volume of the medical needy requiring it.

The plane used. A 2001 Sikorsky S-76C+1. Its former owner in Sweden. The helicopter cost $1.2 million. With necessary configurations came to $2.4 million.

The beauty of it all is that if you are a resident of Monroe County and in need of helicoptering services to Miami, there is no charge.

What a benefit! I have to assume present cost in the thousands. Well over $10,000. I base my assumption on what it cost to fly 2 hour old Robert to Miami Children’s’ Hospital 15 years ago. There was no County program at the time. Ten thousand dollars.

Lisa did not have that kind of money. She payed the $10,000 over a period of time.

We are all aware of the G7 meeting at the Doral which now will not be. The White House announced yesterday it will be held elsewhere. Trump blamed the crazed and irrational media and Democratic Party.

New York Times columnist Frank Bruni wrote yesterday re the Doral issue: The “…..Trump planned convening of the G7 at the National Doral Miami a gesture of such perverse defiance, such profound contempt, that it takes the breath away.” Trump believes “the Presidency…..his to use and abuse as he wants.”

Humpty Dumpty is tottering and beginning to fall off the wall.

I close with hurricanes.

If you live in the Florida keys you wake each day with a quiet feeling of fear and trepidation that this may be the day for news of a new hurricane heading our way. I sometimes believe it is a self inflicted perversion we enjoy. Otherwise, we would move.

Nestor is out there. Still a tropical storm. I mentioned yesterday it probably would hit Georgia first on the U.S. mainland. The meteorologists indicated a remote chance it would make landfall in Florida.

This morning’s news is Nesotor very early this morning made landfall on Florida’s Panhandle. It is being reported that the damage is not so much from Nestor. Rather by tornadoes which apparently were many and forceful.

Nestor next moves on to Georgia and the Carolinas.

Enjoy your Sunday!

For some reason I cannot understand, I am into baby boomers this morning.

Baby boomers are those that were born between 1946 and 1964. Some have already reached retirement age. Those that were 65 in 2011.

Baby boomers make up 29 percent of the population. Seventy six million of them.

There is a blog called “Baby Boomer Bullshit.” A recent interesting post: “How do you frighten this new generation? Put them in a room with a rotary phone, an analog watch, and a TV with no remote (add rabbit ears for fun). Then leave directions for use in cursive.”

I recently read a purported baby boomer comment: “Kids don’t even know how to write cursive.” I thought, so what? Some grandparents can’t even turn on a laptop.

Never made it to Goombay last night. Hopefully tonight.

I discovered around 5 that Syracuse was playing Pitt ;last night and not this afternoon. Obviously, Syracuse football won out.

The team is killing me! Lost 27-20.

I have to get over it and accept this is not going to be a good year. Hard to do. Hope springs eternal.

Syracuse’s problem is the offense. Our sophomore quarterback De Vito needs this year for seasoning. He should be good next year. I hope!

He went into last night’s game wearing extra rib padding. He didn’t last long.

The substitute quarterback was freshman Clayton Welch. Started with a bang! A 94 yard pass for a touchdown. Was I excited! That was it, however. Except for a 40 yard pass later in the game, he did not distinguish himself.

Syracuse’s season reminds me of the Brooklyn Dodger baseball team of old. They could not win a World Series. The comment each year was, “Wait till next year!”

As I shall be doing with Syracuse.

Key West has been home to many writers. Some great.

One was James Leo Herlihy. He was a resident of Key West 1956-1972.

Two of Herlihy’s most famous works were made into movies. Midnight Cowboy and All Fall Down.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of his death. October 20, 1993.

A lot of hurricanes this year. The latest is Nestor. Fortunately, it will not affect Key West in any way.

Nestor is coming out of the Gulf of Mexico. Winds northeasterly. Nestor expected to hit the U.S. somewhere around Georgia. Could even farther south over northern and central Florida.

Turkey’s President Erdogan is a proud man. He wears his feelings on his shirt sleeve.

Two weeks ago, many of the nations of the world conferred for 3 days at the United Nations. Everyone wanted to meet with Trump. Erdogan tried and was rebuffed several times. No meeting took place.

Erdogan considered the snub an insult. At the time, Trump probably gave it no thought.

Erdogan from a might perspective deserves respect. From no other perspective, however. Turkey has the second largest military force in NATO. Second only to the U.S. Additionally, Turkey has sitting at one of its air bases 50 U.S. nuclear bombs aimed at Russia. They have been there for years. Turkey objects not to there being there.

First, the U.N. snub. Then came the sunday night telephone call. Does not appear to have gone well. The bottom line is Trump apparently gave Erdogan permission to invade the Kurds in Syria. Or maybe Erdogan told Trump he was going to invade and he did not care what Trump said..

The next day Trump told the world in effect that he had given permission to Turkey to invade.

The following does not make sense, but appears to be the way it came down.

The following day Trump is firmly telling everyone that Ordogan better do everything correctly or the U.S. would “obliterate Turkey’s economy.”

The next step involves Trump sending a short letter to Erdogan. Trump in effect is telling Erdogan to go easy, back off. Refers to Erdogan, “Don’t be a tough guy…..Don’t be a fool.”

Trump has yet to learn diplomatic jargon. A President does not talk to another President that way.

Erdogan getting madder by the minute.

Trump sends Pence and Pompeo to Turkey to resolve what appears an unanticipated tension between Turkey and the U.S.

The media tells us things were strange at the beginning of the meeting. No one smiling. All stiff faced.

Pence had to suck up to Erdogan. He told him Trump “liked, respected and valued” Erdogan. He also conveyed the U.S.’s condolences to those killed and their families. It has been reported one Turkish general at the meeting was visibly moved.

What a mess! The whole thing! In 2 weeks, Trump has screwed up world power, demeaned the U.S., made an ass out of himself, etc.

The man has to go!

U.S. politics unquestionably a tough game.

This story involves Thomas Jefferson.

It was 1796. Jefferson was running against John Adams for President. Jefferson lost.

Historians believe a significant reason for the loss was Jefferson’s affair with the mulato Sally Hemings.

The Gazette of the United States was a well read newspaper. During the campaign, a writer named “Phocion” began writing essays. Twenty five between October 15 and November 24.

The October 19 essay specifically accused Jefferson of carrying on an affair with one of his indentured servants. Phocion lambasted Jefferson in each of his essays thereafter for what he perceived was Jefferson’s immoral conduct.

In reality, Phocion was Jefferson’s political enemy Alexander Hamilton.

Historians believe Sally Hemings was the half sister of Jefferson’s dead wife.

If I understand this time in U.S. history, Jefferson’s wife was long dead before the Sally affair began.

It should also be noted Jefferson had the reputation throughout his career of being a lady’s man.

Although Jefferson lost the 1796 election, he was elected President 4 years later.

Enjoy your day!

Finally! It’s here. Goombay. The beginning of Fantasy Fest. Two days of Bahamian/Caribbean food, calypso music, dancing and art.

The event celebrates the heritage of Key West’s large Bahamian population. Bahamians are an integral part of the Key West community.

There is a special area of Key West known as Bahama Village. That is where the partying will take place tonight and tomorrow. The length of Petronia Street from Duval southward.

A good place to start is 801. A couple of drinks to prepare you for the several block walk ahead.

Goombay is named after goombay goatskin drums. Played by slapping hands. The drums generate a certain rhythm.

Alcohol consumption part and parcel of Key West. It seems more than anywhere else.

In 1884, there were 22 saloons in Key West. A lot. The population 5,000.

Moving ahead to 1886, Key West was booming economically. There were 18 cigar factories and 614 horses. Horses part of the measure of a successful economy.

By 1889, Key West was the largest and wealthiest city in Florida.

A sad day yesterday for America. Elijah Cummings died. A U.S. Congressman for 23 years. Presently Chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee. One of the committees investigating Trump.

A real American. Always a smile. Unless someone tried to tread on him or an issue he felt strongly about. Then his temper flared.

May he rest in peace.

Trump’s mishandling of Syria will take at least 20 years to correct.

Many issues, many items to be considered. One item the 50 Cold War nuclear bombs sitting at an airfield in Turkey. B-61 gravity bombs.

They are U.S. bombs. Should things get more strained than now with regard to Turkey, can we pull the 50 bombs out?

Not easily. What I am about to share I found in only a few places. If anyone comes up with something different, let me know.

The 50 were placed at the air base oh so many years ago as part of NATO’s deterrence strategy. My understanding is the 50 bombs cannot be removed without the unanimous consent of all 28 NATO members.

I may not know for sure. Trump and his advisers should.

Trump confuses me. First, he told us that the 1,000 American troops had been pulled out of Syria. Within 24 hours. Several days later, we learned it was only 50 and that the remaining U.S. troops were in harm’s way.

Trump had a rally last night. He said not 50, 28.

Does Trump know what is going on? Does anyone close to him know?

Turkey’s President Erdogan has made a fool of Trump. And they were supposed to be buddies!

He has walked all over the U.S. thanks to Trump.

Trump says a “cease fire” has been accomplished. He referred to it “a great day for civilization.”

The cease fire is only for 5 days. To give the remaining Kurds time to get out of the danger zone. After that, nothing is certain.

Turkey says the agreement is not a “cease fire.”

Which means that based on one telephone call with Trump, Erdogan in about 10 days has outfoxed Trump. Erdogan won. With Trump’s help, the Kurds will be out of northern Syria.

All the result of Trump’s superior negotiating talents.

Trump created the problem, made the wrong decision, lost, now claims “victory” based on a “cease fire” that Turkey claims is not.

Keep it up, Donald. You are doing a good job of destroying the credibility of the U.S. worldwide.

I wrote about the village of Fucking in Austria yesterday. Simply because of the village’s unusual name.

A commenter from Pennsylvania brought to my attention that Pennstylvannia had a community named Intecourse. Not as bad as Fucking. Nevertheless, suggestive.

My interest was piqued. I have learned that where there is one of something, there generally is more. I did a little digging.

Lancaster County is located in Pennsylvania. Home of the Amish! Home of Intercourse.

Not Intercourse alone. Also, Bird-In-Hand, Blue Ball, Fertility, Lititz, Mount Joy and Noodle Doosie.

Over the years, I have periodically researched Mennonites. Always intending to write a book about them. Probably never will get to it.

Whatever, the Mennonites are very much a sexually oriented group. Outside what might be considered normal/proper. Don’t know if the Amish are the same.

Let the music from West Side Story dance in your head for a moment. Loving, lovely.

Recall the young Natalie Wood starring.

West Side Story was a modern version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet which inspired the play and then movie.

Suicides ae on the rise in every age bracket. Sad.

A recent study revealed teen suicides on the upswing. Suicides in the 10-24 age bracket rose 56 percent between 2007 and 2017. The fastest rate of growth for any age group.

Enjoy your day!

Strong title! The bad word! Problem is the tale you are about to read would fail to adequately tell the unusual story of Fucking without it.

Fucking is a village in Austria. In the municipality of Tarsdorf in the upper western part of Austria.

Twenty one miles north of Salzburg. The setting for the play and film The Sound of Music.

Not very big. Last population count 2005. One hundred four people and 32 houses.

The community’s road signs (Fucking) a popular visitor attraction. Somewhat like the Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West. People like to have their picture taken standing before one of the signs.

Some couples have their pictures taken while lying beneath a sign doing the real thing.

The Fucking signs created another problem. People stole them. The problem was resolved in 2005 when some adjustment was made to the signs which prevented theft.

Fucking was established in 1070. Named for the sixth century Bavarian nobleman Focko. Over the years, the spelling changed. Sometime in the 18th century to Fucking. Translated, Fucking means “place of Focko’s people.”

Fucking reads like “fucking.” Not in Bavaria, however. The “uc” are pronounced as “oo” as in “books.” Fucking sounds like Fooking.

Local residents are called Fuckingers.

The village’s name a tourist attraction. Tour buses occasionally stop.

A story is repeatedly told concerning the female tourist looking for post cards. She had to be told “there are no Fucking post cards.”

A village resident thought the village’s name might be a money maker. He successfully sold tee shirts with a pic of the town sign on one side and on the other “I like Fucking in Austria.” Sounds like some of the tee shirts sold on Duval. The tee shirt maker even had a website.

The village fathers did not like any part of the tee shirt thing. Somehow, they legally had the tee shirt maker shut down.

In 2009, someone came up with a new beer. To be made in Fucking. Labeled, Fucking Hell. It took an appellate court to agree the name was ok to be used as printed. The beer carried the village’s name. The Hell was deemed legitimate, also. Hell is the German term for “pale lager.”

Tourists having sex in front of the Fucking signs mentioned earlier was also considered not in Fucking’s best interest by the village fathers. They had CCTV cameras installed by the signs to discourage what they considered illicit behavior.

So much for Fucking.

So much for today’s blog. Doctor visit early this morning.

Enjoy your day!

GQ Magazine says there is a new masculinity. Men wearing ear rings, giant sleeping bag dresses, and crying.

Women have tried to be like men in certain respects for many years. Men have not tried to be like women. Has the time arrived?

Ear rings do not shock me. Many men wore them in Key West 30 yeas ago when I began coming here. Gay and straight. It made the straights feel a part of Key West. It also seemed to excite their wives and girl friends.

As to dresses in any fashion, I do not know. They are common in Key West with the drag queens and the occasional visiting cross dresser.

Crying. I believe everyone cries on occasion. Male and female. Sex gender has nothing to do with it.

I never wore ear rings, though some of my friends did. Gay and straight alike. A dress has never been a part of my life style. Crying has. There have been times.

It seems with my preference involving only 1 out of 3, I will not be a new masculine. I can live without it.

Busy last night. Remained in. As I normally do on tuesday evenings. My blog talk radio show.

There was more last night. The Democratic debate. My evening was full.

No one stood out in the debate. All performed well.

This was debate #4. It seems the candidates improve with each debate.

The candidates were also more relaxed. Again, being the 4th time it is understandable.

If I was pressed to select any who might have slightly stood out, it would be Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg. Bernie did well for a man who suffered a heart attack 2 weeks ago. The fire was still there.

Buttigieg was impressive as usual. His age and sexual preference will work against him, however. Many think 37 too young. Strange. The same persons think 70 plus too old, but will nevertheless vote for those older.

The sexual preference thing a problem. As far as we have advanced, I doubt the country would elect a gay man. A gay man married to a gay man.

African-Americans frown on homosexulaity. I doubt Buttigieg could get 10 percent of the black vote. The Democratic candidate needs 70 percent to win.

Certain whites will never vote for a gay person. Just the way it is. The U.S. someday will elect a gay President. Not in 2020, however.

Key West’s love for the strange has slowly been creeping up the keys. Marathon an example.

This past sunday night, the Full Moon Witches Parade took place. Also known as the Fall Moon Witches’ Paddle.

Some 24 persons dressed as witches or warlocks. They paddled off Marathon.There was a full moon. The event was planned to be held under a full moon.

The parade was much like a Duval Crawl. Coven members stopped at various beach bars along the way to party.

I see this event growing. Ten years from now, it will be in the hundreds.

It is Cuban Missile Crisis time. The nuclear missiles were discovered October 16, 1961. Lasted 13 days, ending on October 28.

It was a time for anxiety. The chance of war with Russia was close. Most expected it to occur.

Russian Jupiter missiles were set up like overnight on Cuba. Fidel Castro had no love for the U.S. He was thrilled it was happening.

The U.S. told Cuba and Russia to get the missiles out. Russia refused. A stalemate ensued for 13 days. Russian ships carrying additional missiles were on their way to Cuba. The Russian ships would then remain to guard Cuba from U.S. invasion.

As the Russian vessels got closer to Cuba, we could see them on television. Then a time came when we could also view American war ships. Ships of the most powerful 2 nations in the world were deliberately moving towards a confrontation.

The television showings were live. We were there! Scared as hell! It was going to happen! Nuclear war!

The ships got very close. A matter of several hundred feet. A U. S. vessel sent a shot across the bow of the leading Russian ship.

Would the Russians blink? Would the U.S. blink? Someone had to blink or in minutes the 2 nations would be in the war of all wars.

Unbeknownst to the world, President Kennedy’s brother Robert had been talking with a back door to the Russian hierarchy. Both seeking a way out.

Russia was irritated the U.S. had placed 50 or 54 U.S. Jupiter missiles in Turkey. Facing and intended for Russia, if needed.

A deal was struck. Russia would blink/withdraw. Publically, such was based on the U.S.’s assurance that it would respect Cuba’s territorial sovereignty.

There was a behind the scenes agreement which was not publicly disclosed till years later.

Russia was unhappy with the nuclear missiles facing them in Turkey. They wanted the missiles out. The U.S. agreed to remove them at some subsequent date. The reason for their removal to remain a secret. The Cuba confrontation not involved.

It took about 18 months for the U.S. to announce it was removing the missiles in Turkey. Such was accomplished in April 1963.

Americans were thrilled when the Russian ships turned. We all knew if they did not, it would only be a matter of hours before the Cuban missiles would be fired on the U.S. A war on American soil!

Police/citizen conflicts many. We must return to the time when each side respected the other. Things that occur today did not happen back when.

A San Antonio happening of an event which should never have occurred.

San Antonio police were searching a woman for drugs. In public and in front of other male police officers, the one doing the searching examined the woman’s vagina for drugs. He even pulled out a tampon and held it up for all to see.

The police officer then wanted to inspect the woman anally. She had been protesting and at that moment protested more forcefully. He did not search her anally.

The event was videoed by a squad car camera.

The woman recently settled for $205,000.

The police officer involved was no novice. He was a 32 year veteran. Difficult to explain why he conducted himself in such a fashion. Perhaps not the first time and he thought he was going to get away with it again.

Is there anything left that is sacred in today’s society?

Beside a student’s grades and extra curricular activities, some universities are now tracking an applicant’s browser history. The Washington Post reported 44 public and private universities across the U.S. are so doing. Require the applicant’s web browser history.

It will not stop. Shortly, most universities will require such information also.

A step too far.

I do not recall having to produce my Penthouse magazines when I applied to college.

Today is the birthday of Angela Lansbury. The great American actress. She is 94. And still going!

She has a triple citizenship. American, British, and Irish.

Her movies include Gaslight. The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Manchurian Candidate, and Sweeney Todd.

Her most distinguished Broadway appearance was when she played the lead in Mame on Broadway in 1966.

Her talent spilled over to television, also. She had a 12 year starring role in the television series Murder, She Wants.

Happy birthday, Miss Lansbury!

Enjoy your day!

A unique Key West experience are fire ants. You have not lived till you have been bitten by a few. Nor the extreme itching that accompanies the bites.

Why fire ants this morning? Two reasons. The Citizens Voice and the Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater.

This morning’s Voice carried the comment: “Anyone who wants to sit on the ground down here obviously has never heard of fire ants.”

The relatively new Amphitheater has a large grass area where it has been suggested people can sit on the grass. To their detriment! As your derriere, butt and legs will discover. Not one or two bites. Many!

You don’t feel the effects for several hours. Then the itching, pain and suffering sets in.

Small red hive-like lesions develop. Appear to become puss filled. Not puss. Dead skin. Most times accompanied by a black head on top.

A good 2-3 weeks before total relief is experienced.

I had my first experience some 20 years ago. I was playing golf. My approach shot was just off the green. I took a pitching wedge and putter with me. Laid the putter on the grass as I hit onto the green with the wedge.

Then picked up the putter. Immediately, I was full of red ants. Tons of them. Up my arms, under my tee shirt, up my legs, and into my shorts. Even my privates were under attack.

I had laid the putter on a fire ant hill.

I did not know what had invaded me. Never had heard of a fire ant. Knew I had to get them off my body. Swiftly stripped to nothing. Jumped around and knocked them off.

The guys I was playing with all laughed. Experienced Key Westers. I insisted I had got them all. They laughed. Wait!

That night it started. Red inflammation and pimples. A day or 2 later the red puss followed by the tiny black heads.

I was dying! What to do?

Went to Walgreens. Talked with the pharmacist. A woman with no heart.

She said every 3 days you take a sharp knife and cut the heads off. Then dab the sore with cotton soaked in alcohol. The red pimples and puss will return. However, you keep cutting them off. In about 3 weeks, everything will be fine.

I looked at her and said, “You’re nuts! You want me to take a knife and cut them off!”

She look at me as if I was stupid. She could have cared less. She turned around and walked away.

I went home and tried the knife routine. Could not do it! The mere thought of cutting myself made me squeamish.

There had to be a better way. I came up with it! I took a clean rough bath towel and rubbed them off. A little discomfort. No big deal. A hell of a lot better than cutting them off!

Bring a folding chair if you intend to sit on the grass at the Amphitheater. Be admonished however that your legs will not be protected. Some will crawl up them and do their dirty deed.

Better you go to the movies.

Dueling Bartenders last night. Rick Dery at the bar. Jodie Campbell guest performer.

Jean Thornton at the bar. First time I have seen her in months. She is back till after Fantasy Fest. Sheila and Sally, also. Afterwards, Jean and I had dinner together at La Trattoria.

A special evening. Love the lady!

Donna has been having a string of bad luck. The fall and cut to her head. Another fall and she broke her kneecap badly. Stomach discomfort this past week.

The stomach discomfort turned out to be diverticulitis. In an advanced stage. Her colon had perforated. The hospital did not pick up on the perforation during her first 2 visits. Her nausea overwhelming because of the hospital’s failure to diagnose the perforation. She had shit in her body! She was sick!

She was back in the hospital yesterday. I am sure they are filling her with appropriate antibiotics. Made she get well soon.

Goombay begins friday. The for real Fantasy Fest sunday night. The event is the talk of the town. The local conversation piece. Properly so. It is an exciting event!

Tonight, Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Join me. There is so much to talk about. Trump and Syria at the top of the list. I am going to enjoy ranting and raving. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

I have a bit of a problem tonight. My show is 9-9:30. The Democratic debate 8-11. I will be missing a good half hour of the debate.

Accidents happen. Some can be extremely serious.

A sad occurrence saturday night at the Key West Airport. Husband and wife in a private plane. Just the 2 of them. A Cessena 172.

The husband went to drive the plane onto the runway. It would not move. He went outside to check. Told his wife to remain in the plane.

The tire blocks had not been removed. He was removing them. His wife left the plane to help. She exited the plane and walked around to the front. Directly into the propeller.

She lost an arm and foot.

With all due respect (the lawyer in me), Trump is ignorant, knows not what he does. Causes all kinds of problems. Screws up everything he touches. Destroys people and reputations.

And last but not least, I fear he is going to get us into a worldwide conflict.

A week ago sunday he had the famous telephone call with Turkey’s Erdogan. Following the call, Trump announced the U.S. was pulling out of Syria and Turkey was free to do whatever it wanted. He made it sound like the decision was his. Erdogan had nothing to do with it.

Erdogan moved on the “permission” the next day. Turkish troops rapidly moved into Syria. Their goal the Kurds in the northeast region of Syria. The Kurds our friends. In word only from that moment on.

Trump immediately announced that if Turkey did anything to endanger American troops, he would in effect kill Turkey with economic sanctions. Another tariff war. Note that tariff wars take months if not years to really make an effect that can be felt.

In one week, everything is a mess. The Kurds are being defeated. Turkish soldiers are executing Kurds on the sides of roads. Isis prisoners are escaping jails. Two hundred seventy five thousand persons have been displaced. And as of yesterday, U.S. troops are in a bind. Caught between opposing forces. The word is an airlift will be required to get them out.

Four nations now engaged. The U.S. not one of them. A real danger exists that our soldiers will be hurt. Perhaps a war beyond Syria’s borders will begin. World War III will have its beginnings in the Middle and Far East.

Don’t say no! Trump is playing with fire. I find it amusing that he is the arsonist that began this mess and somehow he wants to be the frieman to put it out.

Trump has let the fox in the hen house.

Word is coming out of Washington that Trump did not take Erdogan seriously when he said sunday night he was going to invade Syria and get the Kurds.

Unquestionably, the U.S. has betrayed the Kurds. A reporter said he was asked by a Kurd who he was. An American journalist, he responded. The Kurd said, “Oh, the chickens!”

Ballsy Trump has demanded an immediate cease fire. No one is listening to him. World leaders have come to know what he is.

It was announced yesterday that Trump directed Pence to lead a delegation to Turkey to bring the bloodshed to an end. The best that can be expected is a Neville Chamberlain peace in our lifetime return message. A peace that will last as long as Chamberlain’s did.

John Bolton got dumped by Trump a couple of months ago. I never liked Bolton. Decidedly a warmonger.

Bolton is turning out to be as if a woman scorned. He is going “to get” Trump.”

Yesterday Bolton commented that Trump was involved in the effort to get the Ukraine to investigate Biden. He called the effort involving Trump, Giuliani, etc. as similar to a “drug deal.” He referred specifically to Giuliani as a “hand grenade.”

Enough for tuesday morning. Again, please join me at 9 tonight for Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

Enjoy your day!

Can the President ever be believed? Can the people of the U.S. believe his word good enough to be taken to a bank?

Were his representations re the 1,000 U.S. troops in Syria being immediately withdrawn based on (1) ignorance or (2) an intentional lie?

About one week ago, Trump announced he had ordered the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from northern Syria. This followed a telephone conference with Turkey’s President Erdogan.

I thought his move stupid. For all the reasons everyone has been talking about. Additionally, I thought it impossible to move 1,000 troops and equipment out “immediately.”

Friday the rumblings began. Troops still there. Only a handful removed. The reality was only 50 had been removed. Two groups that had been serving at 2 small observation posts.

Prior to friday, Trump had made statements on wednesday and thursday that U.S. troops were gone from Syria.

Wednesday: “We have not soldiers in the area, you know. We’re getting out of endless wars. We have to do it.”

Thursday: “We are out of there. We’ve been out of there for a while. No soldiers whatsoever…..We have no soldiers in Syria.”

In the past few days, it has been reported that certain of the remaining soldiers had been fired upon by Turkish artillery forces. So heavy that the American troops came close to shooting back.

The Washington conversation and media reports this past weekend clearly indicate U.S. troops still in Syria.

Another Trump lie? Or merely an indication that Trump lacks the necessary intelligence to lead?

Beware that his ineptness does not get us into a major shooting conflict. One that would be partially fought on our shores. One where many U.S. civilians would be killed.

The amusing facet of the whole mess is that Putin is coming out the winner. Everyone involved, except for the U.S. at the moment, is acknowledging Putin is the one to resolve the issues involved.

Putin not a benevolent benefactor. His interest the crude oil Syria controls.

Trump sitting in the grandstand at the moment taking everything in. Doing nothing. Perhaps nothing the best thing. He could only make things worse.

A local mess evidenced this past weekend. Who is correct, I do not know.

The issue involves the Poker Run. The past weekend was the 4r6th running of the Poker Run. Up to 3 years ago, a Key West event. A charitable fundraiser. Conducted by the Sunrise Rotary. Raised monies for local charities.

Three years ago, some local “biker gangs” from Miami joined the event. Reportedly caused havoc.

Sunrise Rotary threw up their hands. We’re out! They were there as volunteers. Not to control or oversee hoodlums. The big reason they claimed was that the event was too much work for volunteers and was not bringing in enough money.

My recollection is liability insurance became a problem also. Someone decided insurance was required to protect the City. The “gangs” brought a fear factor with them. A $1 million policy or something like that would henceforth be required.

Who would pay? The City or Sunrise Rotary. Neither would. Marked the end of Key West’s involvement in Poker Run.

The Run has been taken over by the Peterson family out of Miami. Motorcycle dealers. They also have a personal connection to the event. The family’s father Phil Peterson was one of the founders of Poker Run 46 years ago.

The event turned into participation by 10,000 to 15,000 bikers each year.

Recall a few days ago, I mentioned that I would be on Duval saturday night to look over the bikes. Very expensive machines. Usually parked along Duval. In special places on many Duval blocks.

I was disappointed saturday night. I saw a total of a dozen bikes from the time I left home til the time I returned. Three coming down U.S. 1. A few in the Pier House parking lot. None parked on Duval. The city had barricaded the parking spots. An obvious sign the bikers were not welcome.

This year and last year the Poker Run has involved 5 restaurants/bars between Big Pine and Key West. Official stopping off places for the bikers.

Such is the biker story involving Key West. Except for Duval merchants, no one seems to care. Many claim the bikes were noisy and disrupted the peace and tranquility of even Duval Street.

The Miami bikers did not help the situation either.

I have much more to cover this morning. Too much more. Would be at least double which I usually write.

I am stopping at this point. The blog would be too long. Also I believe the American troop problem in Syria and Key West’s abandonment of the Poker Run both of unusual significance. Worthy of being set forth alone.

Dueling Bartenders and La Trattoria tonight!

Enjoy your day! Continue Reading →

The Turkish/Kurd war is moving swiftly. Roughly a week old and the worst is becoming apparent.

Stories abound of roadside executions. Kurds tied, made to kneel, and then shot. Not once. Not by one person. Many times by many Turkish soldiers.

The slaughter was predicted even before the war began. Trump did not listen. Or if he did, he did not care. A Kurd military leader is reported to have said to certain U.S. leaders this past week, “You are leaving us to be slaughtered.”

A week and 100,000 persons displaced. How many more as time moves on.Some estimates are 200,000 more for a total of 300,000.

Woe the adjoining countries. Woe Turkey. Woe Trump. There is enough blame to go around and it will go around.

Something difficult to understand here. Trump has the 1,000 U.S. troops pulled out. Knowing full well the disaster that will befall the Kurds.

Last week had another military announcement of consequence. Trump’s administration announced the U.S. was sending more troops and fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Thousands of more troops and 2 squadrons of fighter jets.

There is a strangeness involved. Since May, the U.S. has sent 11,000 troops to Saudi Arabia. Three thousand in the last month alone.

Why?

U.S. warmongers say Iran is “clearly responsible.” Cited in support is a claimed attack last month on oil production facilities in Saudi Arabia. Another reason is that the U.S. wants to have a “robust military capacity” in the region to respond to any crisis.

Something is wrong here. Quickly forgotten the killing of Jamal Khashoggi and the dismembering of his body. Forgotten also that our friends the Saudis gave us $4 a gallon gasoline several years ago. Topped with 15 of the 9/11 perpetrators having been Saudi citizens.

Trump acting in typical fashion. Forgetting the U.S.’s “real friends” and seeking the friendship of nations led by despots.

Some quotes/sayings out there that have application today.

Mark Twain: “It’s easier to fool the people than to convince them that they have been fooled.”

Fact check says Twain may not have said it. However they do not claim that he actually did not or another did. They are just not sure. Whereas most do attribute the statement to Twain.

I set forth the quote to identify one of the reasons that the same percentage continues to support Trump.

Then there is Bill Murray who said, “It’s hard to win an argument with a smart person, but it’s damn near impossible to win an argument with a stupid person.”

Respectfully, Trump is lacking in intelligence.

A saying that has been bouncing around Florida for a few years which I believe has application to the White House and those that work within its walls: “Florida must have the highest rate of kindergarten dropouts.” Delete “Florida” and replace with “The White House.”

Another saying involves “ignorance taken to a whole new level.” Our present leader has turned ignorance into an art form.

The entire world seems to accept that politicians lie. Especially when they fail to deliver on campaign promises. The public seems to accept the situation. Pols are given a free pass.

No more in the City of Las Margaritas in Mexico.

The farm citizens were pissed the Mayor failed to deliver on campaign promises. Like failure to improve roads, and bring drinking water and electricity to their community.

They kidnapped the Mayor, tied him to the back end of a pick-up truck, and dragged him through the streets. Fortunately, he suffered no serious injuries.

A mob followed the pick up truck. Yelling in support of the Mayor’s punishment.

Imagine the outcome if such began happening to some of our politicians who fail to deliver on promises. I am not subscribing to the method. It might work, however.

I did go out last night! Finally! Only for 2 1/2 hours, however.

Joined Tammy for a manicure. We had an interesting chat as she worked on me.

The beginning of Fantasy Fest is friday. Goombay. We agreed that the first 2 days of Fantasy Fest known as Goombay are a family event.

The conversation then turned to business. She told me the same thing that Lori who does my hair has told me over the years. Both have “local businesses.” They do not depend on tourists.

When there is a slow season tourist wise, their customers cannot afford hair and nail treatment. Their incomes are down.

However, as soon as there is a big weekend or week, business booms the following week. The ladies have money! Money to attend to their personal needs.

Tammy and Lori plan accordingly.

Stopped at the Chart Room. In and out. Packed. No room to even stand. Half the crowd appear to be bikers.

Drove down Duval to look at the bikes parked along the curb. No bikes. Actually City had parking area fenced off so no bikes could park. Apparently a City/biker feud.

Intended to have dinner at La Trattoria. Packed, also.

Decided to go home and make a sandwich. Instead stopped at Outback. Last time there 2 years ago. Half empty. Enjoyed a light meal, watched football and baseball, and chatted with a lovely waitress. Tasha from Poland. Here 5 years. Lovely. We talked about diets. She just lost 18 pounds.

Roughly 10 years ago, Donna Barnett took me as her guest to see The Rocky Horror Show at the Waterfront Playhouse. Great show!

The show returns this week for a 7 day run. October 19-25.

I look forward to “seeing” the show again. Perhaps with Donna and Terri.

Today is Sunday. Sloan due at 1. Several things to be worked on.

Enjoy your Sunday!

My favorite food. Stone crabs!

The season opens 10/15 and runs through 5/16.

The red tide affected last year’s catch. I only had stone crabs 3 times. The taste was off. Fishermen blamed the red tide which had devastated the stone crab population.

This year the red tide is dramatically diminished. It is not expected to affect the stone crabs.

One fisherman described last season’s stone crab catch as “bad, bad, bad.”

The recent spiny lobster season was not the best. Supposedly the spiny lobsters still feeling the affects of Irma. Irma killed most off, caused larva to wash away, and destroyed their habitats.

A big event tomorrow night. The Southernmost Slow Ride. Also known as the Full Moon Bike Ride. Begins at 7. Runs to 10. Gather at Truman Waterfront Park to participate.

All ages. Few costumes.

Fantasy Fest a week away. Mosquitos a problem. Key West and Monroe County concerned for Fantasy Fet visitors. The last thing desired is for some to come down with dengue fever or some other mosquito affliction.

The Mosquito Control Board has gotten ready. It has made 2,834 inspections to make sure Key West and the lower keys are safe for visitors and locals alike.

This is Poker Run Weekend. Wrote about it yesterday. A big event. Fun for participants. A money maker for merchants. Things have been dead the past several months.

I mentioned yesterday that 3 years ago there had been a problem. Bad bikers came to town. The Marlon Brando crew. They raised hell. Changed the flavor of the event.

I thought whatever the necessary steps were to make sure such did not occur again had been taken.

I was wrong. The bad bikers expected to make problems this year also.

The Key West City Manager and Monroe County Sheriff advised they have concern.

Prohibition affected all of the U.S. Even back then, Key West had big time drinkers living here.

On this day in 1933, Key West voted 1,299-85 for the repeal of the 18th Amendment which prohibited the sale of alcohol beverages.

Drinkers then and drinkers now.

The Key West Lighthouse is a popular visitors’ venue today. Located at the corner of Truman and Whitehead, always a crowd.

No long used as a lighthouse. Deactivated and removed from operation in 1969.

The lighthouse was constructed in 1825. The Great Havana Hurricane of 1846 destroyed it. Another was built in its place in 1848 and operated till its official closing in 1969.

Cuba has known many revolutions. The first of significance was in 1868. Cubans and Spaniards never got along.

Carlos M. De Cespedes declared Cuba a free state and led the revolution. The war that began in 1868 became a ten year war ending in 1878.

The Spaniards crushed the Cubans. The defeat led to a massive Cuban migration to Key West. With the migration came the Cuban cigar.

Factories were opened to make hand rolled Cuban cigars. The experienced work force was in Key West because of the migration. Clear leaf Cuban tobacco was used.

There were once stilt houses in the waters west of Key West. Out a number of miles. Seventeen at their height. In various places. Three off Ballast Key.

All privately owned and constructed.

There came a time when the 17 were down to 11. I could not determine the precise reason why. I assume because of abandonment and non-use.

No one actually lived in the stilt houses. They were weekend places, party places. Sometimes a place from which to fish for spiny lobsters and stone crabs.

The area where the stilt houses were located at some point became part of the 2,000 square mile Everglades National Park. Whether before or after, I could not ascertain.

The federal government said the stilt houses had to come down. I cannot tell you why. Little is written about the stilt houses.

The federal government took the stilt houses under eminent domain. A major federal case ensued. Long decision. The primary issue just compensation. A federal judge by the name of William O. Mehrtens heard the case.

I write about the stilt houses for 2 reasons.

First, I would not expect stilt houses to be built or survive in ocean waters adjoining Key West. Recall, a number of miles out.

Second, my Chart Room friend of days gone by Marty Leshaw owns a stilt house somewhere in the Atlantic off Fort Lauderdale. His home is in Fort Lauderdale.

I have seen pictures of his stilt house. It is large compared to those in photos of Key West area stilt homes.

Marty has invited me several times to join him in Fort Lauderdale for a few days. I never seem to make it. Some day.

Quote for the day. Attributed to Aldous Huxley: “Men do not learn much from the lessons of history, and that is the most important of all lessons.”

Jane Fonda a woman whose life has been full of multi-faceted experiences. A major movie star in her own right, daughter of Henry Fonda, Barbella, protestor for causes, former wife of Ted Turner, etc.

She has done it all. Still doing.

Jane is soon to be 80. She was arrested friday by Washington police for taking part in a climate change protest on the steps of the U.S. Capital Building. The charge unlawful demonstrating.

She was one of 16 arrested. A photo indicated those demonstrating were small in number. I would not be surprised if only 16 in total.

The story of her arrest stated, “She was protesting mostly with people not yet old enough to vote.”

Jane stated she will be on the Capital steps for the next 16 fridays continuing the protest. Sort of throwing the gauntlet down: Arrest me, if you dare! They probably will.

We live in an era today where people have little trust in their government. Is was the same during the Vietnam War. The U.S. was in turmoil. Most disagreed with the war, no reason to be there, I do not want my children killed in a stupid war, etc.

Jane protested against the Vietnam War, also. She took a bad hit because of it.

Many thought the Vietnamese were correct and the U.S. wrong. Jane went to Vietnam to see for herself. While in Hanoi, she was photographed sitting on an enemy aircraft gun surrounded by Vietnamese soldiers. Everyone smiling.

It was 1972. By that time, almost 60,000 Americans had died in the war. The photo hit newspapers world wide. Millions of Americans were incensed by her conduct. They took it to mean she was pro-Vietnamese.

Such was not the case. A trip encased in good intent became her downfall. She became known as Hanoi Jane.

She was 34 at the time. Her reputation and career took a beating for some time thereafter. Her conduct considered by many to be treasonous.

She recognized her visit was the result of a lapse of judgment. She also believed she had been used by the Vietnamese.

She never really defended herself. Took her beating quietly. Eventually time overcame wounds inflicted.

You have to respect Jane Fonda today. A woman almost 80 demonstrating with teenagers and college students for a worthy cause. Arrested therefore and knowing she will be arrested again and again as she protests in subsequent weeks.

There are not many like her.

I don’t think I have been out an evening since last friday or saturday. Not drinking one reason. Key West a bar/drinking town. Difficult to sit and chat with folks when they are drinking and you are not.

Another reason I have become a recluse this week is that I fell. Again. In the house this time. Climbing the stairs.

Don’t ask me how. I don’t know. I fell against the bannister. My shoulder still hurts. No fracture. My arm bled from the force of the fall. A bit of a mess.

Tonight, I am out! Definitely!

I have a manicure with Tammy at 5:30. Then to the Chart Room for a diet Coke or two. A bit of a walk on Duval to look at the bikes. Finally, dinner at La Trattoria. I crave pasta with garlic sauce. Not a problem. I will be without a woman.

Enjoy your day!