Dogs have been man’s best friend for thousands of years. Technically stated, dogs have been domesticated some 23,000 years. Wow! A steady friend obviously a portion of their being.

The National Guard now carrying guns in D.C. Wrong decision! They should not be carrying weapons. In fact, the Guard should not even be in D.C. 

Wait till another Kent State occurs. Americans will not accept blood on their hands. All will look to Trump with cries of responsibility. Properly so.

No way Trump a Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Trump’s most recent threat is he will be sending the military to Baltimore, also.

Erin has brought massive flooding to the East Coast.

Vance and Hegseth not without scorn. Both were heckled at Washington’s Union Station.

Egg prices continue to spike.

Trump pushing for D.C. to adopt “cashless bail.” Why? Does he fear he might have to face a “bail” situation some day?

Word is Trump will sign an Executive Order today establishing “cashless bail.”

Trump wants “cashless bail” nationwide. However, neither Trump nor Congress has authority to do so. The issue a State one.

Trump making D.C. his own personal Epcot – a political theme pert. Trump enjoys have the military around him in D.C. Shades of European dictators of yesteryear.

Big day for Parisians today! On this day in 1941, after 4 years of Nazi occupation, Paris was liberated.

The “liberal lion of the Senate.” Ted Kennedy died this day in 2009 at the age of 77.

“The Wizard of Oz” opened this day in 1939 in U.S. theaters. It will happen again soon this year.

Brit Tommy Fleetwood won his first PGA Tour Title, the Tour Championship. It took his 164th try before winning a PGA title, though having come close many times in the past. The victory had value. Fleetwood won the Fed Ex Cup and $10 million.

John McCain: “In the end, it matters less that you can fight. What you fight for is the real test.”

New dating term: “Shrekking.” A new dating trend. Basically involves intentionally dating someone you’re not “attracted to” in hopes that they will treat you better than the more “attractive” suitor out there.

Today the moon is entering a new lunar cycle The moon will be at Opencast illumination. Ergo, called the “black moon.”

Word is Trump and RFK, Jr. plan to ban COVID-19 vaccine within months.

Trump calls for ABC and NBC to be “terminated.” He wants them punished for their alleged unfair coverage of Republicans.

An interesting form of honesty. The Book Market of Iraq. Books remain in the street at night because Iraqi’s believe: “The reader does not steal and the thief does not read.”

Toothpaste composition to be improved. Hair is being added. It has been discovered hair naturally repairs tooth enamel. Stops it completely.

Maya Angelou: “The ache for home living in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”

Man and pet. In Brazil, a drunk was lost and his own bull went to look for him, found him, and took him home.

College football has arrived! Syracuse’s first game is saturday August 30th at noon. Syracuse opens against #24 ranked Tennessee in Atlanta.

Enjoy your day!

Tidbits of information.

One billion rotisserie chickens are sold in the U.S. each year.

Henry Ford built a plastic car from soybeans in 1941. His intention was to blend metal with agriculture. He created a plastic vehicle which weighed 2,000 pounds. At that weight the car was much lighter than an all steel one. However, World War II caused production to cease.

The world’s first billionaire was John D. Rockefeller. He first worked as a book keeper. Then a candy maker. Finally got into oil. Standard Oil. Made him the man he became.

Few are aware Rockefeller’s father was a “con artist.” Known as “Devil Bill.” Made a living passing as a traveling doctor, selling fake herbal cures and telling lies.

There was a time watermelons were neither red nor sweet. Were white and bitter. 

Today, 100 million are produced yearly. The largest “vegetable crop” in the world. Yes, a vegetable, not a fruit.

It was the War of 1812. On this day in 1814, the British set fire to the White House.

On this day in 79, Mount Vesuvius erupted destroying Pompeii and other nearby cites. Twenty thousand persons were killed.

America’s first great leader was George Washington. His talent revealed itself beginning in 1775 when he took command of the Continental Army as the British were occupying Boston.

Trump’s approval rating is dramatically going down. A study released friday revealed 40 percent “strongly or somewhat” approved of Trump. However 56 percent said they “strongly or somewhat” disapproved of the President’s job. Four percent were not sure.

Trump going to  Chicago militarily. He apparently is satisfied with what he thinks he has accomplished in Washington, D.C. A couple of days ago, he said Chicago was next. Yesterday, soon. Today, Trump announced Chicago will receive a few thousand National Guard members and some active duty troops.

The man is destroying America. Planting seeds of destruction everywhere.

Trump screwed up today re Ukraine. First he was going to end the war in 24 hours. Then promised to bring Russia and Ukraine together.

Thus far Trump has failed in every respect.

Yesterday, he said  a “solution,” his “solution,” in 2 weeks. Today he announced a pause in his peace effort. Doesn’t know what to do.

I think all this Ghislaine Maxwell testimony is bullshit. She is saying and doing whatever is necessary to get her out of jail.

I recall as a lawyer in Utica returning an overdue book to the library about 3 months late. On a monday evening when the place was packed.

An elderly woman was working the desk. She was less than polite. Reamed me big time! Loudly! Embarrassed me. I may have deserved it. She did not have to do it, however.

The San Antonio Public Library received an overdue book with a letter through the mail. The letter: “I hope there is no late fee for it because Grandma won’t be able to pay it anymore.

The book was late. Eighty two years late!

The library said it was the latest a book had ever been received. The book: “Your Child, His Family and Friends.” A guide for parents to help them investigate relationships. 

The book had been borrowed in 1943.

Perhaps I should have waited till dead and had someone mail it back for me with a similar letter. It would have saved me the embarrassment. Appreciate I never was late with a book again!

Enjoy your sunday!

There is a word moving about that Trump always wanted to be a big city mayor. If so, he is getting his opportunity now by militarizing Washington, D.C. and the cities he claims will follow. Trump has announced Chicago is next. Followed by New York City.

Our President is going to screw up the U.S. further as he “takes over” U.S. cities willy nilly.

Trump continues to get his nose into the Ukraine War. He has now given Russia and Ukraine 2 weeks to hold talks ending the war, If no progress, he will decide on next steps, which could include heavy sanctions or tariffs.

An example of Trump’s retributive nature. The F.B.I.’s friday morning raid targeting former Trump aid turned critic John Bolton.

Getting even part of Trump’s psyche.

A Croatian free diver held his breath underwater 29 minutes 3 seconds. A world record! Hard to believe!

Fred Klein spoke of “tricestenarian.” Big word! Did not know my friend could spell such a big word!

Actually, he was speaking of his granddaughter Maggie. A lovely young lady born in 2000.

Rodney Dangerfield. An acquaintance from years ago. Spent two of my La Costa visits partying with him evenings. What you see is what you get. Dangerfield dressed and talked as you saw him on TV and in the movies. He made millions being himself. Absolutely amazing!

One of his famous lines: “When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them.”

One of the great volcanic destructions experienced by man was Pompeii. Pompeii was totally destroyed in 79 A.D. by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

The last Roman Emperor was a teenager. Romulus Augustulus resigned only 10 months before being deposed on in 476.

Julius Caesar vacationed in Baiae. A coastal retreat nestled along the Bay of Naples. Long gone now. While Caesar was alive and active, Baiae was the playground for the elite. Today lies beneath the sea. Submerged over centuries by volcanic activity and bradyseism – the gradual slide and fall of the Earth’s surface.

Rudolph Valentino died this day in 1926.

I do not buy Ghislaine Maxwell’s testimony that she never saw Trump inappropriately.

This is her chance to escape the balance of her 20 year sentence. Speaking well of Trump one way.

A pleasant afternoon ahead. A pedicure and manicure with Tammy. My first pedicure since my hospitalizations some 5 months ago.

I will find both procedures pleasant.

Enjoy your day!

One sentence in the Constitution is causing the U.S. huge problems. The sentence: “The executive power shall be vested in a president of the United States of America.”

No President exercised its potential full power till Trump in his second term. He continues to exercise “the power” at every opportunity. Which is most. He recognizes no limits.

No President ever before tried.

Either under Trump or some future President, court tests will come. Then we will know for sure. Till then…..Chaos!

A New York Times Editorial Board Opinion Piece: “Trump’s Gerrymandering Push Is A Form Of Cheating.”

Could we expect any less from Donald?

The Trump Administration has been highlighting material dealing with topics such as sexuality, slavery and immigration it finds objectionable at Smithsonians. 

Why don’t Trump and his people leave well enough alone? Whether good, bad or indifferent, what was is. History cannot be changed or altered. Especially by a leader who has a questionable background.

More Trump. However, I want to write a different and personal piece at the moment. I will return to Trump thereafter.

Two of my dearest friends are Fran and Tom Dixon from Buffalo. I have known them as snowbirds for 15-20 years. They visit Key West 3-4 times a year. Always stay at the Ocean Key. Tom was and may still be the owner of a small piece. He was a Board Member for years. Their next visit will be during Fantasy Fest in October.

We are very close. Both are gift giving. Material and baked goods delivered personally or mailed. I do good by them.

A couple of years ago on one of their visits, they gave me a large blender. What the hell was I going to do with a blender? A cook I am not.

I impolitely expressed myself as such at the time. They both laughed. Rightfully so. The blender has become one of the finest gifts I have received from anyone at any time.

It turned me into a smoothie freak. I make a smoothie every morning for breakfast. Sometimes twice a day when I enjoy a smoothie at dinner time rather than a full meal.

My smoothie is simple. Two ice cubes, a small container of fruit cocktail, a banana and a Dr. Atkin’s Dark Chocolate Drink. Fills the blender. Delicious.

Occasionally overflows the blender a bit. Can be messy. Mentioned it to the Dixons in a phone call yesterday. I suspect my next gift will be a new larger blender.

Back to Trump.

Trump believes he is doing an excellent job in policing Washington.  A policing job not required. Comments of how bad Washington was when it is not. A visit this past week to National Guard and other policing units he brought into Washington. He brought them pizza and burgers.

Trump believes he has been “successful” in Washington. So much so that he announced he is going to other Democratic cities. Query: Are only Democratic cities criminal?

Trump is trying to selectively prosecute. Military at site just one example. Wrong and he should be ashamed. He insults the fabric of our Capitol and its people. In addition to which he wastes significant tax dollars.

Trump came out a partial winner in his civil suit in New York where the civil penalty against Trump and his sons was somewhere around $500,000. A New York appeals court said yesterday the fine was excessive and discharged it. The guilty verdicts, etc. will remain. There will need to be a new verdict.

Trump is lucky. He always seems to step in shit. Shit being a lucky result.

A terrible wrong survives. Since becoming President, Trump has ben “prosecuting” Letita James who brought the civil suit against him and his family members in New York.

Trump is expanding the power of the “police” he has brought to Washington. ICE is being joined with certain of the patrols.

Trump’s war against rainbow cross walks continue. Without local permission, The Trump adminstration removed such a cross walk in Orlando. The LGBTQ considers it an insult. A high one. Key West may soon face the problem big time. Our intersection of Duval and Petronia Streets has such a cross walk. Key Westers will fight big time!

Putin has no desire for a ceasefire, etc. He bombs Ukraine while talks are ongoing. Now he questions Zelensky’s legitimacy to sign ay type peace agreement should one be arrived at. He doubts Zelensky is legally leader of Ukraine.

A former Key Biscayne gym coach has been sentenced to jail for 12 years. The claim against him he was sexually assaulting girls he was teaching.

The Cadillac Motor Company was started this day in 1902.

Althea Gibson was the first African American to compete in a U.S. national tennis tournament. This day in 1950. I remember it well. My Dad and I watched it together on TV.

I shaved my new beard for the third time yesterday. An effort. I lack the proper experience yet to do it swiftly and well. 

Later a haircut with Lori. She does not do beards. She quickly noticed I had screwed up the neck and side burns. Asked if she could correct them. I was delighted! Beard looks terrific now!

My car broke down just before I went into the hospital with the abdominal blood leak. Such close to 5 months ago. I have not driven since. Car has been in dealer’s shop for repair. I purchased the Volkswagen new some 10-12 year go. The model not made anymore. The part needed not available. Repair man says he believes he finally got one that will work and I will have my car today. Hope so! Hard to live without a car! Bumming rides all the time.

A measles outbreak can occur soon. Don’t say no! Too many going without vaccinations. Gambling with death. Because of Trump and RFK, Jr. Stupidity.

Putin making a fool not only of Zelensky. Also “his good friend” Trump. Trump does not recognize it.

Spike in Florida condo supply is creating a buyers’ market.

Interesting. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is America’s most stolen car. Its theft rate is 39 times that of the average vehicle.

Enjoy your day!

Cambridge Dictionary added 6,000 new words. Many if not most oddball terms like “skibidi” and “tradwife.” Most of the 6,000 needed?

You look up the meaning of the two new words reported. Doubt they will ever be part of most person’s vocabularies.

TV’s longest running TV game show is The Price Is Right. The show is coming to Hollywood, Florida, August 29 for 3 hours to audition prospective show persons. Over a period of 3 hours, 2 viewers will be selected to appear at a later date live in Los Angeles.

Bill Clinton was born this day in 1946.

Although Erin will not reach U.S. shores, part of the surf and rip currents will. Dangerous conditions in and of themselves.

The tallest structure in the world for 3,800 years? The great Pyramid of Giza. Completed in 2650 BCE. Originally stood 481 feet tall.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: “If Trump fires people who bring the public accurate information, how will we ever know the truth?”

KONK Life referred to Key West’s Code of Ordinances Sections 10-11 (b) that make it a violation of law to feed wandering chickens.

The law has been on the books for years. Locals follow it. Visitors do not. They think it cute to feed the chickens. Terrible! Filthy and dirty. Germ ridden.

Trump’s Republican allies are pressing him not to entail the U.S. military in Ukraine. Trump on Tuesday spelled out U.S. involvement would not involve boots on the ground. Floated the idea he might provide air support using U.S. pilots and airplanes.

“Security” re the Ukraine should involve miliary commitment all the way. Yes, boots on the ground. Trump is trying to have it both ways: Air yes, boots no. In the end, he would probably not even provide air support..

Trump basically is all talk and no action. He talks big time. Yet when he must put up, backs away. Tariffs the perfect example. Impose big ones and then extend them for a long period as their due dates get close. He is “more mouth,” perhaps “all mouth,” than anything else. He lacks the balls to really engage.

Hungary accuses Ukraine of attacking its oil pipes with Russia. So what? War is war. Attack your adversary wherever it hurts.

Note Hungarian leaders have repeatedly criticized the West’s support for Ukraine in its fight with Russia.

Trump to soon make a State Visit to England. Will King Charles find him an oaf as his Mother did?

The American Academy of Pediatrics defies CDC. Tells parents to get all children between 6 and 23 months of age to receive Covid-19 vaccinations.

Glad such coming up. A real issue. The Academy is speaking truth to RFK, Jr. and Trump propaganda.

Trump has “declared another war.” This one on mail-in voting. Wants it done ahead of midterms.

Trump intends to use an Executive Order to accomplish it. Adding to the situation is that it is reported Putin agrees. Wow! Terrific! The U.S. needs Putin’s  support for its internal affairs.

A major question arises as to whether Trump can cancel any type elections. States traditionally set their own election rules. The federal government only monitors the accuracy of the results.

Trump however has come up with a way. He always does. He claims States are “merely an agent for the Federal Government in counting and tabulating the votes.”

Is there any issue Trump can keep his nose out of? Being President does not make him Lord and Master of all things!

Washington, D.C. is becoming a “secret arrest capitol.” On Trump’s order, dozens are being arrested daily. The details remain secret as to who is being arrested and who is doing the arresting.

There have been 450 such arrests since August 7. Charges involve murder, assault and driving while drunk.

What is our national capitol becoming? Secret type police enforcement! Many arresting “officers” are masked and refuse to answer reporter questions.

There is a growing sense that America is becoming owned by Putin. If it feels that way, it must be tending that way. Such must be STOPPED! Our Nation is owned lock, stock and barrel by its citizens and no one else!

Enjoy your day!

History repeats itself. Repetitive activities break through every few generations.

Shades of Europe in the 1930s and early 1940s. Hitler was on the march. Then other nations followed his campaign one by one either via invasion or voluntary capitulation.

Hitler’s victories moved easily across the European continent till his end. An inevitable one.

The same thing is happening again. Appears history does repeat itself. Putin playing the Hitler game. Not sure who Trump is. Most other European nations hesitant. Cloaked in the fear of war.

Zelensky the Winston Churchill of our times.

Questions remain. Will the European nations stand and fight? Oppose the villainous Putin? Two have committed to do so thus far.

A major difference exists with the U.S. President, however. Trump is not Roosevelt. Trump is actually on the side of Putin. Trump is Putin’s friend. Will forever be, no matter what his dialogue may be on a day to day basis. At the moment, Trump is doing whatever he considers necessary to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

A whore!

Disgusting!

Putin will continue to succeed. Slowly as he has for three years. His impetus growing, however. Trump his lacky. Most European nations talking a good game, but fearing actual war.

How will a satisfactory resolution come about? I don’t know. Questionable. Trump no help. The European nations that remain fearful no help either.

I fear Putin will first get his Hitler type reward before ending up buried in a hole as Hitler was.

Everything and anything possible. Trump may surprise everyone and remain forever on Ukraine’s side in total opposition to Putin. I seriously doubt it, however.

Enjoy your day!

Putin continues bombing Ukraine with missiles and 140 attack drones while preparing the Washington attitude for today. Today when Ukraine, U.S., and European Nations meet to work out a cease fire and/or end of war. The Alaska Summit was a failure. Washington could be, probably will be similar.

Trust Putin not. Trust Trump not. Putin wants to come out the winner. Will not budge till he does. Trump wants to look good….The peacemaker. Actually the phony. He will do and say whatever is necessary to drive a cease fire to end the war. The Noble Peace Prize more attractive than a sincere result.

Trump spoils and destroys everything he touches. Once again, cares only for himself. His reputation. Not that of the U.S., Ukraine or other European Nations. He hungers for a “false Nobel Peace Prize.”

Better the war continues rather than end for a few months to satisfy Trump’s ego. A joint group of European nations can defeat Russia. Time for everyone to stop screwing around and do the necessary to resolve the situation FOR REAL. Russia cannot stand alone against Ukraine and the European Nations joined together.

I hope today does not result in a mistake in Washington. Trump has been involved in too much lately. This is the largest of the large events he has gotten into. His success rate sucks.

Note also that Putin’s word is useless. Both he and Trump would be giving guarantees: Toilet paper in an out house.

Erin keeps moving out into the Atlantic. Good as it keeps the storm away from American shores. It will keep playing between a a 3-5 Category.

Impossible but possible. It is being suggested Erin could result in 100 foot waves. Does not make sense. On the other hand, who knows?

Bikinis lower! Ho, ho, ho! Shorter this year. Best described as “where the cheeks get cheekier and the number of thongs crept up.” Described also as “more revealing.”

Five years ago, bikinis had 70 percent full coverage. Today, 70 percent cheeky. Not suggesting either good, bad or indifferent. Merely spelling out the line bikinis have taken.

I have become a cane freak in my old age. Even further, a walker advocate. Use both at the moment.

Require better. Otherwise, I continue to fall, etc.

A new cane has hit the market. I have ordered one. Sounds to have more protections than others.

The cane is called the “Ready Walker Cane.” Sales price around $50. Suggested to be more than a cane. It is described as a “smart mobility system” that supports the whole body

Many features. A light. Necessary. I have been carrying a flash light in my pocket evenings. It also has a touch panic alarm. Important also. Several times I have fallen in the dark of night and no one around.

A second handle. Almost mid way down. Never know when one can he handy. Especially in getting up. The older one is harder to stand with following a fall.

Quad footed. A major assist to non-slipping.

Referred to also as a “confidence builder.” I shall see.

Men wore wigs in colonial times and earlier. They were considered an upper class fashion accessory. Men had begun losing hair at 17. Prematurely gray and tending bald by 30.Both problems caused by syphilis and its treatments.

Leave it to Donald’s team. The Trump team is claimed to have left sensitive documents in the Printer at an Alaska hotel. The documents left the names and phone numbers of 3 U.S. staff members as well as the names of 13 U.S. and Russian state leaders.

Incomitance?

The word is the U.S. is ready to give Ukraine security guarantees. I do not trust any guarantees given by Trump to the Ukraine to resolve the war problem.

Fantastic golf! Scottie Scheffler chipped in from 82 feet on the 17th hole for a birdie in winning the BMW Championship.

Outstanding Letter to the Editor in KONK Life 8/18 by Roger C. Kostmayer. One of the best: Putin’s “Bitch.”

Discusses Trump’s submissiveness to Putin. A MUST read!

Enjoy your day!

Military presence in Washington,  D.C. not warranted. Needless. Another wasteful Trump ploy. 

First, the word was no weapons. Now soon they will be permitted. Will make our Nation’s Capitol take on the appearance of a third world country.

There is no stopping Trump. It is expected Ohio, West Virginia and South Carolina will soon send their Guard troops. Who will be permitted to carry arms.

Critics are uniform in believing these military moves are an abuse of power. Doesn’t seem to bother Trump. Apparently make him feel big and powerful.

Consensus seems to be the Trump-Putin Summit was not a disaster. However unquestionably a U.S. defeat. Putin “played” Trump again.

Putin wants land. Good luck, Vladimir!

Erin has rapidly intensified into a major hurricane. Hit as such Friday. Became a Category 5 on Saturday, before slipping back into a 4. Erin will not affect the U.S. Expected to pass well north of the U.S.

The White House claims U.S. born workers are increasing in the job market. Economists disagree. Say the trend does not exist. Just more Trump bullshit.

RFK, Jr. rules out a 2028 Presidential bid. Vows “loyalty” to Trump. Whatever that means since Trump is legally barred from further running in 2028.

Whatever, the U.S. will never elect RFK, Jr. President. He is lacking in every respect for the job.

ICE documents reveal plans to double immigrant detention space this year.

A “quiet issue.” The increase of child sex trafficking in the U.S. Time to move with more diligence on the issue.

China is fighting a mosquito-borne chikungunya outbreak by releasing millions of male lab modified mosquitoes into cities. Could it backfire? Virologists are concerned.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Trump failed again. The Alaska Summit was a decided victory for Putin. 

The Ukraine war continues. In fact while Trump and Putin were meeting, Russia was bombing Ukraine. Reflects the extent of Putin’s respect for Trump.

Trump a spoiler and loser in most things he attempts, whether on U.S. soil or internationally.

Air Canada canceled numerous flights. Air attendants went on strike. Involved 10,000 air attendants.

Social Security celebrated its 90t anniversary thursday with Trump signing a proclamation that its safety was “more resilient than ever before” thanks to him.

Two failures involved in the statement. Social Security not more resilient at the moment. The other true in a sense. Whatever Social Security is today is because of Donald Trump. He screws up whatever he touches. Social Security is presently barreling downhill faster than ever before because of Trump’s tax bill and immigration policies.

Toothpaste facing a potential upgrade because of sheep’s wool and human hair. Keratin is in hair and prevents tooth decay while promoting better dental care.

Ergo, soon toothpaste and mouthwash will contain keratin.

“J” was the last letter added to the alphabet. Italian writer and scholar Gian Giorgio Trussino (1478-1550) did so in 1524.

Today 1, 414 English words begin with the letter “J.” Imagine how many “J’s” are used when all are incorporated in words containing the letter “J.”

Gold was discovered this day in 1896 in the Yukon. The discovery sparked the last great gold rush in the American West.

Babe Ruth died this day in 1948.One of his most famous sayings: “I swing big, with everything I’ve got. I hit big or I miss big. I love to live as big as I can.”

He did!

David Wolkowsky’s first big real estate venture in Key West opened for business August 11, 1968. It was the Pier House Motel. Located at the end of Duval on the Gulf. A 50 room motel…..exceptional in appearance. The beginning of what was to ultimately become the gigantic Pier House. A typical Wolkowsky work!

U.S. Navy personnel, civilian sailors and tourists made prostitution a major Key West event in 1941. One of the most popular such establishments was Mom’s Tea Room. It was raided this day in 1941. Three women were arrested for doing the dirty deed.

One of Key West’s most important discoveries occurred July 20, 1985. Mel Fisher and his team found the “mother lode” of the 1622 Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha after having searched for more than 15 years.

A popular movie. Showed a hero’s portion of a President’s early life. The movie was filmed in 1962. On Munson Island in the Keys. Starred Cliff Robertson.

Enjoy your day!

One of Key West’s greatest citizens was David Wolkowsky. 

In 1978, he purchased the Kress Building at 500 Duval Street for $210,000. The building became for many years the home of Fast Buck Freddie’s on the first floor, Jimmy Buffett’s offices on the second and David’s personal penthouse residence on the roof. Spectacular occupancies containing top shelf occupants.

The building since sold. Some residents have changed. Fast Buck’s gone. Relaced by a CVS. Not sure what is on second floor. A new occupant in the penthouse.

My good friend Cindy Thompson spent many years working for Jimmy Buffett in his second floor operation. She still handles some Buffett matters for his operation in Key West.

Today National Relaxation Day.

At dinner at The Grand wednesday night, Steve and I discussed turtle meat and soup as a spectacular delicacy some 30 years ago in Key West. When we were first in Key West. It was here and prominently ordered everywhere. A delicacy. Key West even had a turtle factory. Turtle as a consumable meal and the factory now long gone. Sad. A delicious food to order till it disappeared.

Turtle was an 18th to mid 20th century delicacy in American and European cuisine. Then became obsolete. Overfished, over eaten.

A status symbol disappeared in the mid 1980’s. Turtle soup considered “exotic.” Meat wise tasted like veal, and had a rich gelatinous texture.

Too bad long gone.

Ancient Romans enjoyed their wines. Huge consumers. Made them sick, however. Beyond a mere hangover.

Reason: Wine was made with a sweet syrupy substance called defrutum. Prepared by boiling unfermented grape juice. The syrup was boiled in a lead lined pot. Absorbed the lead. Romans were not aware. Everyone got sick as a result.

Ice became popular to cool drinks 4,000 years ago. It has grown into a $5 billion a year commodity. In the U.S. alone, the average person consumes nearly 400 pounds of ice per year.

Some of baseball’s most memorable moments: Chicago Black Sox throwing the World Series, Babe Ruth calling “his shot” in the 1932 World Series, Lou Gehrig’s retirement speech, Joe Di Maggio’s 56th home run, Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier, Willie Mays’ 1954 World Series catch, Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s career home run record, and Ted Williams as a special pilot. A highly skilled war pilot in World War II and the Korean War.

The most famous telegram message in history: Samuel Morse’s “What God hath wrought.”

The Alaska Summit will test Trump’s peacemaking credentials.

Read “Zoom.” This friday’s Fred C. Klein blog. Always good!

On this day in 1969, the Woodstock Festival opened in Bethel, N.Y. Two popular Key West people there: Larry Smith and Christine Cordone. Many others I know also.

Big day! On this day in 1899, Henry Ford left Edison to start his own automobile company.

What a day this was in 1914! The Panama Canal opened to traffic.

Napoleon Bonaparte was born this day in 1769.

A Jimmy Buffett holiday soon to be in Key West. Crazy Sista and Musical Friends to lead the Key West Events beginning August 31.

Enjoy your day!