Most speak of today as an historic one. Trump will officially be impeached by the House of Representatives.

After the first of the year, the trial will take place before the Senate. The odds are Trump will be found not guilty. Not because he is not. It will be that the Republicans control the Senate and have the votes to “exonerate” him. A result lacking in truth.

There is some historic value to the day. However, I consider it more a solemn one. Impeachment is heavy stuff. Sufficiently solemn that it is sad. Joy does not attach.

Trump deserves the black mark history will place on him. The U.S. does not deserve what he has done to it.

Strange weather Key West is experiencing. It is raining every day! Not the time of the year for Key West to be getting dumped on. Summer and early Fall is Key West’s rainy season.

These days it rains in the morning, afternoon and evening. Never know which. Sometimes all. I had dinner last night at La Trattoria. When I was ready to leave, it was pouring. I sat at the bar and waited a while. The rain finally stopped.

It was 3 blocks to my car. I made it one block. As I crossed Southard, it began raining again. Just like that poured!

I got soaking wet.

Key West sits in Monroe County. The County has an excellent Sheriff. Rick Ramsey. He has been Sheriff many years. By the book, a straight shooter.

Captain Penny Phelps has been a member of the Sheriff’s Department many years as her rank denotes. She was in charge of the Detective Division.

She screwed up and lost her job. She has been made to turn in her badge and gun. Her years of service could not protect her wrongdoing.

A suspect was being interviewed for a 2017 murder. A black man.  Phelps told a subordinate to interrogate the suspect and act like a racist cop in an attempt to pressure the black man to confess. Her actual words were to act like a “white racist cop.”

Audio picked up her directive.

Tomorrow, a big day at the Key West Airport and for the City of Key West.

American Airlines has added a new direct round trip Key West to Dallas-Fort Worth to its flight list. All year long.

First flight tomorrow. The 124 passengers scheduled to arrive will be met with a water cannon salute, music, and a party of Key West citizens in welcome.

The flight arrives at 3:30. Anyone wishing to participate should arrive at 3:15.

PBS’ Samantha Brown recently visited Key West and certain other lower keys. Brown is in her third year doing a 30 minute travel show for PBS. Samantha Brown’s Places to Love.

The show will be aired on PBS in January. Date and time not certain yet.

The Florida Keys News yesterday reported the film will show Samantha doing a food taste in downtown Key West, spending time learning about Key West’s past and present authors while participating in a literary walking tour, show a sunset and song with Howard Livingston, learning about lionfish, and visiting the Marathon Turtle Hospital where she will participate in the release of a now healthy sea lion back into its ocean home.

A good and a bad sometimes attaches to an event. It has as regards Cuban/American relations.

Five years ago on 12/17/14, Obama and Raul Castro agreed to the reestablishment of diplomatic relations. An historic event. It followed 60 years of open hostility.

The Obama-Castro reconciliation lasted 2 years. Till Trump became President. Trump has destroyed the relationship. Today it is as if the 2 nations had never come back together.

Trump has spent roughly as much time undoing detente as Obama spent constructing it. Relations today are at their lowest ebb since the end of the Cold War. Such has made it difficult once again for visits to take place and economic assistance provided.

One of the reasons for Trump’s actions against Cuba involve Venezuela. Venezuela supported Cuba for many of the 60 years the U.S. and Cuba were not on friendly terms. Though Venezuela has all kinds of dire problems today, Cuba refuses to turn its back on its friend of many years. Trump is anti-Maduro and insists Cuba must abandon its relationship with Venezuela.

Man flew for the first time. December 17, 1903. The place Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

Brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first successful air flight in history. The plane stayed aloft 12 seconds and traveled 120 feet.

Amazing! Even more amazing is how far the world has come with air flight. Man on the moon, outer space in the beginnings of its development.

Justice does move slowly. Especially in southern states where black justice is involved. Even to today.

Black man Curtis Flower was arrested 23 years ago and charged with perpetrating a quadruple murder. He has been tried 6 times since. Each trial resulted in a hung jury or a reversal in his favor on appeal.

Authorities have kept Flowers in jail for 23 years hoping to obtain a conviction against him that would stick.

In each trial, the prosecutor had intentionally excluded persons of color from sitting on the jury.

Excluding black persons under such a situation from jury duty and keeping a man in jail for 23 years without obtaining a conviction both no no’s in the law.

A court finally admonished the prosecution for their wrongdoing. Flowers was released after 23 years on $250,000 bail.

Some form of justice finally done.

It is uncertain whether Flowers will be tried again.

A surprising fact. College enrollments in the past 8 years are down. Dramatically. At the same time college loans have skyrocketed. Even more dramatic! And nonsensical.

More women attending college today more than men. A “stunning” revelation.

In the Fall of 2011, 20.14 million students were enrolled in colleges. Today, 17.97 million. Such represent a 10.8 percent drop, 2.17 million students.

At the same time, student loans surged 74 percent. Does not make sense! Student loans went from $940 billion to $1.64 trillion. A trillion dollars plus! Something stinks.

Profit colleges are taking the biggest hit. The Harvard, Yales. Since 2010, enrollment is down 56 percent. From 1.64 million in 2010 to  750,000 today.

Since 2011, male enrollment has dropped 13 percent while female enrolment has increased 19.4 percent.

Two reasons suggested as to why the declining numbers.

Young people go to college to get a degree which would make it possible to earn more dollars over the course of their lifetime than those who did not attend college. Not true any more. Persons holding bachelor degrees are working in McDonald’s and Popeyes.

Many of the young are reluctant to attend college if they are going to be faced with overwhelming college loans to pay following graduation.

Trump says the economy is good. Wall Street says the same thing.

I disagree.

The economy is good for the rich/wealthy. Not for every day persons.

The proof is in the pudding. Facts speak.

Look at auto loans and home mortgages. Two things the lower economic class are sure to do.

Auto rejection loans (rejection the operative word) are up 8.1 percent this past October from October last year.

Mortgage and mortgage refinancing applications approvals are down dramatically from 2018.

People cannot meet bank “loaning standards.” The standards have not changed in recent years. Peoples’ cash flows have. One reason, earnings have remained static too long.

Moody’s warns the only way banks can get back into the auto and home loan businesses big time is to change “loaning standards.” In other words, loan to those with “spotty credit.”

The banks will do it. They are in business to loan money to make money. They will worry about customer paybacks a couple of years down the road. First things, first.

The problem, and an obvious one, is it could be the 2008 bank financial disaster all over again. Such was the result of banks loaning money to most people regardless of their ability to pay back. The game got its start in 2006 when the banks would loan mortgage money to anyone, bundle loans, and then sell them to investors. A new trading product.

The banks made a ton of money in 2-3 years. Then disaster befell them. People could not repay the mortgage loans. Millions lost their homes in foreclosures. Banks were in trouble. The government had to bail the banks out. No one bailed the people out.

Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou last night. One of my better shows I thought. You can find it archived if you are interested.

Tonight Syracuse/Oakland. I try not to think about the games any longer this season.

Enjoy your day!

The coral reef off Key West is dying. It has been dying. Everyone along the keys is concerned. Groups are working hard to figure out why and remedy the situation.

The coral reef off Key West is part of the Florida Reef. Runs out to the Dry Tortugas and northward along the keys. Consists of 6,000 plus individual reefs The complex is 5,000 to 7,000 years old.

Coral cannot subsist on the Florida Reef.

Coral reefs are dying all over the world. Except for one place. French Polynesia. The coral alive and blooming. Fish life active.

Scientists do not know why French Polynesia is alive, not dying. Scientists are trying to figure it out. Hoping the discovery of any worthwhile information can be used to save the dying coral reefs worldwide.

When I was a little boy, I adored my grandmother for many reasons. Her love one. Her warmth another. Her outstanding cooking.

Old southern Italy preparation she had learned in the south of Italy.

From the time I was 4 or 5, I discovered ceci and fava. My grandmother prepared them often. Taking my age into account, means from the late 1930’s onward I was gouging myself on ceci and fava.

When my grandmother passed on, ceci and fava were no longer part of my life. They followed my grandmother to the grave. My mother never made them. I assume they were just not part of her culinary skills.

Occasionally in my adult years, I would see a bottle of ceci and fava for sale in a grocery store. Always bought a bottle or more. None as good as Grandma’s.

Ceci and fava a mixture of roasted salted ceci beans (generally chickpeas) and favas beans. First soaked, then roasted, followed by a spritz of oil.

The result a morsel to die for. Crispy, crunchy, and light.

Considered healthy. Loaded with protein, fiber, and iron.

Why the ceci and fava dissertation? This past weekend I found a package of them at Publix. Labeled Crispy Favas + Peas. In a blue plastic bag. A product of The Good Bean Company.

I pigged out. Have to return to buy several bags this time.

I recommend ceci and fava. A delight!

Key West is a drinking city. I go out rarely these days because the doctor says no more booze. Due to my pancreatitis attack several months ago. No fun being with a crowd imbibing and you are not.

Did go out last night.

Began with Dueling Bartenders at Aqua. Rick Dery a terrific singer!

Ran into Mary at the bar. I have not seen her for a month. Because I do not go out with the same frequency I did. It was good to see her again.

Rick has a sense of humor. I had mentioned I lost one of my credit cards. Then located it. It had been sitting on the kitchen table. I passed by the card several times over 3 days before seeing it. I ate at the same table 3 days running also.

Old age.

Anyhow, Rick said, “I lost my glasses because I couldn’t see.” Makes sense.

Rick sang an old song. A Marlene Dietrich one. Cannot recall the title. Rick’s professional career has taken him to many countries and caused him to meet many people. One was Marlene Dietrich. They became friends.

Some time after the star’s death, her daughter wrote a book about her mother. Marlene’s life had to be one hell of a ride!

Rick told the story of Dietrich showing up at her daughter’s apartment for dinner. Three ladies. Mother Dietrich, daughter Dietrich and granddaughter Dietrich.

During the course of dinner, Marlene opened her purse and pulled out a pair of a man’s jockey shorts. She asked, “Does anyone want to smell them?” They supposedly were President Kennedy’s.

Dinner with Mary at La Trattoria. Sat next to the lovely Jean Thornton. Returns home to Birmingham tomorrow for Christmas. Returns with husband Joe day after.

Jean introduced me to her friend Pat Benson. Pat from mid California. Has been visiting Key West for years. Looking to buy here.

As usual, enjoyed Carrie. Always personable and knowledgeable.

Homelessness a national problem. Key West part and parcel of the problem.

Many years ago, a federal court dictated that if a municipality did not want the homeless sleeping on the streets, the municipality had to provide some sort of shelter for them to sleep in.

Key West immediately complied. Not necessarily as a do gooder. Rather to keep the homeless from spending their evenings in the best neighborhoods and in tents running on U.S. 1 along side the golf course.

Key West constructed a tent city for the homeless. Large well framed tents, showers, toilet facilities, etc.

Over the years a further controversy has developed. The tents are located on County owned land next to the County Jail. The Sheriff has wanted the land for expansion of his facilities. Court proceedings galore.

A hopefully “final” decision reached. Things finally looking good. The homeless would be moved to new and better facilities.

The “final” decision not so final as it turned out. Problems still exist. The homeless continue to spend their nights in tents on County land.

The City of Key West Fire Department got involved. The Fire Marshall said too many beds. The facility not safe for evacuation purposes in case of fire or other emergency. The Fire Marshall eliminated 20 beds.

The facility is rarely full. The homeless tend to hurry to it on cold or wet evenings. Now all will not be able to be accomodated.

The problem continues.

Today is tuesday. Means my blog talk radio show tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Join me. Trump guarantees the show to be an enjoyable listen. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Trump keeps screwing around and Russia has gotten stronger. Putin a fox, Trump a chicken. Putin always beats Trump at what ever occurs.

The trade wars have pushed China into the arms of Russia. They are “becoming buddies.” Yesterday, Russia and China proposed the U.N. lift some U.N. imposed sanctions off North Korea.

Trump says not the time.

Under U.N. rules, the U.S.’s 1 vote is enough to block such a move.

The past couple of weeks, Kim Jong Un has been threatening  a “Christmas gift” to the United States if the the U.S. fails to come up with certain concessions North Korea seeks. Note that in spite of 2-3 visits between Trump and Kim and a “love affair,” nothing has happened. A situation where talk has turned out to be cheap.

Trump does not appear concerned.  Says he would be “disappointed” if Kim did anything. Trump’s attitude: “We’ll take care of it.”

Since their face to face meetings, Kim has not acted as one seeking friendship. He has engaged in 13-14 missile tests. The last 2 of concern. Each having the capacity to reach the U.S.

Christmas less than 2 weeks away.

Wall Street believes the stock market is on the verge of a “melt up.” Would be good! However, it depends on some sort of resolution of the U.S./China trade war.

An agreement is pending that would only “minimally” solve the many problems involved. Many consider the deal a poor one. A deal arrived at based on political expediency.

The deal sucks. If signed, would it move the stock market further upward? It would be wrong if the motivating factor is the agreement being bantered about at the moment.

Enjoy your day!

Spent several hours yesterday working with Sloan. A lot of catching up to do.

Interestingly, Sloan has been helping me 20 years. Lori cutting my hair 25 years, Tammy doing my nails 15 years, and Anna taking care of the house 22 years.

I should start giving out gold watches.

Stopped at Publix after Sloan left. Noticed something that occurs without question every holiday season. Supermarkets raise their prices. Most specials not anything people would buy. Generally, the non-sellers.

Irritates me.

In a tweet this past week, Trump commented that “…..Nancy’s teeth were falling out of her mouth.”

In retaliation, Pelosi should comment on Trump’s hair. She won’t, of course. Too much class.

Trump’s hair does deserve comment, however. It is unique. Special.

In 2017, Michael Wolff published the book “Fire and Fury: Inside Trump’s White House.” He commented that Trump’s hair was a feat of engineering. What was his secret?

He wrote that Trump’s styling secrets were revealed to him by none other than daughter Ivanka.

The President’s hair was described as an absolutely clean plate – a contained island after scalp – reduction surgery – surrounding a furry circle of hair around the sides and front, from which all ends are drawn up to meet in the center and then swept back and secured by a stiffening spray. Color is from Just for Men. The longer left on, the darker it gets.

Interesting information recently became available. More Americans are dying at home rather than in hospitals. For the first time since the early 1900’s.

The trend reflects more hospice care and progress toward the kind of end that most people say they want.

Death in nursing homes has also declined.

Betsy McNair lived in Belle Haven, Virginia. Her father Robert was 83. He died at home 6 weeks after learning he had lung cancer.

Betsy kept her Dad at home and the family took care of him till the end.

Regarding the experience Betsy said, “I made him exactly what he wanted to eat, whenever he wanted it. He had a scotch every night, he had a very high quality of life. If he woke at 2 o’clock in the morning and wanted to have coffee and pie, that’s what we did.”

Death at home cared for by family I find a strange experience. Families are falling apart. Many dysfunctional. Easier to dump Mom or Dad into a nursing home.

The values of the boomer generation are not reflective of the care Betsy provided her Dad.

A strange situation out there. One requiring explanation at some point. Involves a U.S. Space Force. The proposed budget for 2020 allocates money for a Space Force.

U.S. Air Force Lt. General Steven L. Kwast was in the center of pushing for a U.S. Space Force. He recently retired. Actually, he was “forced out” of the service.

Prior thereto, Kwast was considered to be first in line to command the Pentagon’s budding space force.

Outer Space is the next major battlefield. It is thought the U.S. military and industrial complex may have already developed next generation technologies. Kwast believes such could change the aerospace field and human civilization forever. Science fiction is becoming a reality.

China in the space field with both feet. Way ahead of the U.S.

The military issued a gag order on space related issues. For some reason, Kwast nevertheless spoke out. He was prematurely relieved of his command duties and blacklisted for promotion. Resulted in his retirement 9/1/19.

Several weeks after “retiring,” Kwast spoke at Hillsdale College in Washington, D.C. He said, “The power of space will change world power forever.” He cited China was already involved big time. China already had a “Space Navy.” Space destroyers and battleships.

Kwast was concerned China was getting the “high ground first.” If China gets further ahead, it will be hard to replace them as # 1 in space. Kwast described the situation as “curtains” for the U.S. should such occur.

I have a question. Why was Kwast “fired?”

On this day in 1773, the Boston Tea Party. A significant day in American history.

Colonists were irritated by Great Britain imposing taxes on them without their consent. Things had reached the boiling stage.

Colonists formed the Sons of Liberty. A “don’t screw with us group.” They wanted to send a message to the King: No taxation without representation. They did so by dumping tea from British boats into the ocean.

Several years later, Patrick Henry would say, “Taxation without representation is tyranny.”

Are U.S. investors wearing rose colored glasses? Lis Shalert, Chief Investment Officer of Wealth Management, thinks so.

Generally, strong market performance is based on a vibrant economy and robust corporate profits. The increases in the stock market are not so based.

She claims the “up” stock market is driven by Fed rate cuts and “expectations” for improvement in trade tensions, not strong economic growth.

She also believes manufacturing is in recession and corporate profits in decline..

U.S. stocks today look very expensive relative to earnings.

Investor optimism is misplaced. There is a growing wedge between reality and investor expectations. She basis such conclusion on economic treaties worsening, the U.S. consumer may not be as strong as expected, and the labor market could weaken.

Shalert points out that stock valuations are high at a time when the odds for disappointment are rising.

She believes the U.S. is vulnerable.

Today is monday. Dueling Bartenders tonight. Then a hearty meal at Antonia’s or La Trattoria.

Enjoy your day!

America won the Presidents Cup yesterday. The final round exciting!

America had begun 3 days earlier not looking the best. Scrambled  the next 2. Finally, came through big time in the 12 individual matches the last day. Winning 16-14.

A comeback victory!

I watched it yesterday. From 2:30 till 2 in the morning. Stayed glued to the TV set during the last 2 hours listening to the player interviews.

I am tired! As if I had played the 4 days!

Watched most of the Syracuse/Georgetown game before the start of the Presidents Cup.

Not Syracuse’s year! Lost to Georgetown 89-79.

The Syracuse record now a dismal 5-5. The worst 10 game start in 44 years.

To add salt to the wound, Georgetown only had 7 scholarship players available. Four players had left the team in the previous 2 weeks.

It is going to be a long Syracuse season!

Laura Richardson is the CEO of the Key West edition of the Florida Weekly. She does a magnificent job.

Laura is multi-talented. A law school grad, she packed it in after 1 year. Did not enjoy practicing law.

In addition to her position with the Florida Weekly, she owns the Salt Gallery on Fleming and the Salt Island Provisions on Stock Island. Located in the Perry Hotel.

Laura is also a performer. Can she sing! Frequently appears locally.

Her form of writing spectacular. Her words sing. Her talent unique.

Get a taste of her writing. Read her article “I Love Stock Island Festival” in the 12/3 publication of the Florida Weekly: Key West Edition.

The best thing I can say about Laura is that she represents Key West’s tomorrow. She is reminiscent  of David Wolkowsky in the 1960’s.

Michael Snyder is a Canadian blogger and commentator. The best! I have so said many times. He has that Nicholas Kristol-Tom Friedman approach to writing.

Snyder published a pertinent piece on 12/14 @ THEMOSTIMPORTANTNEWS.COM. Titled “Americans Lonely, Miserable and Depressed – The Legacy of a Society That Has Rejected Family, Faith and Religion.”

He believes loneliness rides a high scale. Depending on the study, anywhere from 46 percent to 72 percent.

Snyder recognizes this is “the happiest time of the year.” He follows up the observation with pop singer Mabel’s newest song released this past friday: “The Loneliest Time of the Year.”

He says “deaths of despair” are on the rise. Suicides. In every age and group.

The economy is good. So we are told. The market the highest ever, unemployment the lowest.

I find it difficult to accept the economy is in great shape. I sense a recession of some magnitude. I have been predicting such for 2 years. It has not happened. May it never happen. However, I cannot help but still believe it will.

The high market basically benefits the already rich. Unemployment may be low. The many jobs pay low hourlies. The middle class oft spoken about no longer exists. It disappeared years ago. Only the rich and poor exist.

The Fed is expected to take certain steps in the next few weeks to “keep the economy strong.” At least keep it from falling.

The Fed is expected to flood the market with gargantuan billions of dollars of liquidity to avoid a year end market crash. “At least” $50 billion on 12/23 and “at least” another $50 billion 12/30.

A “repos” plan is involved. The Fed will put the monies in one night and take it out the next day. Referred to in economic circles as a “turn.”

There is more.

The Fed will also do overnight “repos turns” 9 times more from 12/16-1/14. The first will be for $50 billion. The next 8 $35 billion each. The total a whopping $365 billion in the coming month.

My question a simple one. If the economy is so good, why is the Fed playing these games?

Sex and politics. Every now and then go hand in hand. Always in the game. Rarely mentioned, however.

A California Congressional District an interesting example.

Democratic Representative Katie Hill resigned her seat in October. A scandal had erupted. She slept with a Congressional staffer and a campaign staffer. Additionally, nude photos of the Congresswomen surfaced.

Everyone wants to run for her seat.

One is Cenk Uygur. A popular progressive political commentator. He has his own show: The Young Turks. A popular west coast talk show. He himself is also frequently interviewed.

Recently, he was endorsed by Bernie Sanders. The endorsement lasted one day. Sanders withdrew it the day following the endorsement.

Sexual comments are suddenly rising to the surface which probably will mightally affect Uygur’s candidacy.

He endorses sex with animals. In a 2013 interview he said, “I believe if I were the benevolent dictator of the world, I would legalize bestialiy where you are giving, you’re pleasing the animal.”

At another time, he came up with a scoring scale as to whether a man would permit a woman to “suck your dick.” If she was “hot” and a 9, 99 percent would. If only a 2 or 3, maybe 50 percent.

Another time, the comment “obviously the genes of women are flawed.”

My mid day will be busy. Sloan and I have work to do.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Morning Stew time again!

I have 2 days of notes to share. The reason being I limited yesterday’s blog to the UN Madrid meeting and a climate change solution discussed. Kill people! Too many people on Earth contributing to CO2 emissions.

Someone commented I should have discussed Brexit instead of the environmental issue. The reason I did not is the professional media highlighted Johnson’s victory.

Most are aware of Brexit and Johnson. Very few are aware of murdering a portion of the population to slow down global warming.

I open today with a short bit re Brexit. Technically the United Kingdom withdrawing from the Euro Union. Unintended ramifications may result however.

Johnson supports Brexit.

Johnson concerns me. He is an ultra right conservative. I suspect in the same mold as Trump. I sense England traveling the same path the U.S. has the past 3 years.

Enough re Brexit for the moment.

Not through with Johnson and Trump, however. Both are peroxide blonds. Their hairstyles best described as radical.

The English have compared Johnson to a “potato in a blond wig.” He also has a wayward tongue as Trump does. During the campaign Johnson claimed that voting for his party “will cause your wife to have bigger breasts.”

Trump has had his day(s) for insensitive negative comments about women.

Johnson and Trump are birds of a feather. Yesterday, today, and will be tomorrow.

A New Delhi convicted murderer says he should not be hanged because New Delhi’s air pollution is already killing him. India has some of the world’s most toxic air. Certain regions are referred to as “gas chambers.”

The man’s crime was the torturing and then raping of a woman on a bus.

One of the more extreme Republican Congressmen is Matt Gaetz.

This past week during the House Impeachment hearings, Gaetz raised the issue of Hunter Biden. The issue of Biden’s alleged drug and alcohol abuse.

He was immediately stopped by Georgia Democrat Hank Johnson who said, in effect, beware! Intimating Gaetz might be the pot calling the kettle black.

Gaetz’s father was a powerful State Senator.

Gaetz had his wayward moments. One DUI. Several others whose records could not be found. Re the one recorded DUI, Gaetz refused to take the breathalyzer test. An automatic one year suspension of a person’s driving license. His license was not suspended.

It is also claimed Gaetz had 16 speeding tickets between 1999 and 2014.

Gaetz not an Obama supporter. He was a prominent proponent that Obama was not an American citizen. He also claimed Obama had “homosexual tryists” with Massachusetts Governor Devan Patrick and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.

Interesting since some claim Gaetz is reputed to have an alternate gay lifestyle.

I am not sure what is true and what is false re Gaetz. I have shared that which is out there.

FOX News is not always correct. Re the following, I am in complete accord however. FOX’s representation that “iguanas have turned Florida into Jurassic Park.”

Florida is finally encouraging its homeowners to kill iguanas found on their property.

Current iguana problems include: Battling each other, showing up unannounced in people’s toilets, digging underneath house foundations, chewing up power lines, and destroying sea walls.

Florida has finally recognized that the iguana population is exploding exponentially. Florida fears it may have waited too long to deal with the problem.

Iguanas began showing up in the 1960’s in Miami-Dade County. Native to the Caribbean, Central and South America, they were shipped to south Florida as pets. The pets left their new domiciles and became marauders.

Melania Trump is anti-bullying. One of her pet projects is discouraging bullying. Her campaign is labeled Be Best.

Greta Thunberg is a 16 year old environmentalist from Europe. She has been traveling the world discussing the need for everyone to combat climate change and global warming.

Time Magazine last week recognized Greta as Person of the Year. There she was on the cover of Time Magazine.

The President was apparently unhappy with her selection. So he bullied her. He tweeted: “So ridiculous…..Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend. ‘Chill Greta, Chill!'”

I never cease learning. Today, blue whales.

Described as the largest known “animal.” It is an “animal.” A marine animal.

So big. Bigger than the dinosaur.

Up to 100 feet long, weighs 200 tons, tongue weighs as much as an elephant, heart as much as an automobile.

Why so big interesting. Food availability. Prey. Other fish. So many in the ocean that each time in gulps a mouthful, the intake is huge and adds to its size.

Popeyes finally opened in Key West thursday. I drove by. Traffic in parking lot and in line in road heavy. When things quiet down, I will try Popeyes’ chicken.

The noted poet Robert Frost spent the winter of 1934 in Key West.

It was the heart of the great Depression. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was President. He began the Federal Emergency Relief Administration.

Julius Stone was appointed Administrator of the Southeast Division. Included Key West.

Stone envisioned Key West as a tourist attraction. An astute observation! He worked at making it so.

One of the first things he did was to make Key West an attractive place for actors, authors, artists, etc., to visit. That is how Robert Frost got to Key West the winter of 1934. He was part of Stone’s program.

This morning’s Citizens’ Voice carried another complaint about the price of tickets for performances at the relatively new Key West Amphitheater. The complaint: $99 tickets “robosold” within seconds to “scalpers” who in turn resell them for $400.

Locals are left out in the cold.

Recall, I had this problem when I went to buy Willie Nelson tickets.

The City should look into the problem. I have a developing concern. I worry the City may be getting a pay back (probably legal) from the operators and scalpers. Or, perhaps the operators themselves. Again doubt it is illegal. It is not right, however.

Let’s find out how the system works. And if possible, make it work for the benefit of Key West locals also.

Penis fish. Yes, there is such a breed.

Look like a penis. About 10 inches long. Even has what appear as testicles at one end. Some describe its appearance as that of a “wiggly pink sausage.” Others as a  flotsam from a wrecked bratwurst freighter.

Pink penis fish have been around 300 million years. Live 25 years.

They are found only from south Oregon to Baha.

The penis fish live under the sand in the beach area near shore. The underwater beach area. Called the intertidal zone. A strong storm occurs. It pulls the penis fish up and out and throws them on shore. Thousands at a time.

Syracuse plays Georgetown at 1 today. An old rivalry from Big East days.

The President’s Cup is tiring me out. Being played in Australia. A much different time zone. Kept me up to almost midnight 2 nights ago and last night till after midnight.

Today the final day. Twelve matches. I have no idea when they will finish.

Kim Jong Un keeps testing Trump. Trump keeps doing nothing. Trump claims he and Kim are friends so he is not concerned.

This past week, North Korea tested another super dooper missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and reaching the United states.

Appears to me Kim is saying to Trump: “Up yours!”

Kim has set a deadline of the end of the year for the U.S. and North Korea to work things out.

The “love affair” has obviously ended.

Another of Key West’s exciting attractions tonight. The Christmas Boat Parade. Many dressed up boats participating. Thousands on shore watching. For personal reasons, I will not be participating.

Enjoy your day!

There is a climate emergency. Unquestionably. To deny it is rank insanity.

Man has not done enough thus far to deal with the problem. Many suggest time is running out. It may already be too late. No one certain.

With most problems, there is a radical fringe that has the solution. An extreme one. Its foundation inhumanity and insanity.

A two week UN summit is being concluded. Held in Madrid. Titled: U.N. COP25.

Twenty seven thousand participated. Some on the lunatic fringe.

The contents of this article based on some of what has occurred at the meeting.

The solution to the climate problem by some is a reduction in population. An indication that the “solution” may be getting out of hand.

Extremism and paranoia move this group. They are referred to as “population control advocates.” Their concern is that the more people living on earth cause the release of more CO2 into the atmosphere. In other words, fewer people mean less activity. Therefore less Co2 would be contaminating the atmosphere.

The ultimate way to reduce population is to “kill.” Kill a certain portion of existing society.

First the decision whether to kill. Then, to what extent. Extent a hot issue. Certain peoples and groups should be targeted most heavily.

The white man, for example. Yes, the white man. Especially Swedes and Americans. Begin by limiting to the extreme the number of babies each may have. Another group thinks Africans and Asians should be dealt with first and most heavily. A third group believes both.

The “means”by which “limiting” accomplished another issue. Propaganda, funded contraception, abortion, ubiquitous birth control availability, and even “coercive population reduction.” The latter meaning “killing people.”

One group believes that the population of Europeans and their descendants should be reduced because their nations consume more resources.

Examples are Scandinavia and Sweden. Both have “clean” images.  Both however are destroying the planet. They consume 40 times more than average Tanzanians.

The “fringe” group believes population reduction efforts should begin with people who are the highest per capita emitters. The U.S. and China at the top of the list.

Two suggestions to begin: Mandatory abortions and adding “sterilizing agents” to the water supply.

It is generally agreed that government coercion is required. Those so thinking believe consumption must be drastically reduced. Reduction should be a law.

A speaker said, “There are too many of us.” He was speaking in support of killing. He noted however that religious problems were involved. The Bible tells us to “be fruitful and multiply.”

The discussions boiled down to the fact a reduction of humans was necessary. Killing, again.

Killing has become a common theme at all U.N. meetings. One speaker noted the difficulty in killing whatever number was necessary: “We can’t kill them all.” The reason being too many people would be required to be put to death.

The U.N. apparently has been promoting that schools teach the importance of “educating children” to the problem and its solution. Killing one of the suggested means. The U.N. teaches that “the planet groans every time it registers another birth.”

Those attending the U.N. summit and the U.N. itself, appear to be hoping for “vast new powers” to deal with the “climate emergency.” Of prime importance would be reducing the number of people on the planet “by any means they consider necessary.”

Shudder with concern, my friends. These thoughts rarely mentioned. A problem in itself. The secrecy of it all. Not so much from the U.N.’s perspective. Rather from the media which fails to mention the climate solutions being discussed at the U.N. level.

Enjoy your day!

Trump did it again. Failed Ukraine.

Zelensky had a meeting scheduled for monday last in Paris with Putin. The U.S. has been viewed as Ukraine’s “friend.” No more.

First, Trump held up payment of the almost $400 million to the tiny nation that has been fighting Russia for 5 years. Trump delayed payment. Public attention forced him to finally “pay.” He has not paid all, however.  Thirteen percent remains unpaid.

Zelensky never got the sit down with Trump in the White House. He finally was willing to settle for any kind of message that could be taken as U.S. support.

None came.

Trump’s people had promised a message of support prior to the Paris monday meeting. On sunday, Trump’s people indicated it would come in the form of a tweet.

No tweet was sent.

David faced Goliath without even a sling shot.

To add fuel to the fire, monday afternoon Trump received a “surprise” visit from Russia Foreign Minister Lavrov in the Oval Office.

Trump’s cruelty and support for Putin once again obvious.

I am a liberal. Not as extreme as most of you think. Some governmental assistance can be too much.

It was announced yesterday that the Democratic House had approved a $738 billion defense package.

Many times, Washington slips things in a budget which have nothing to do with the actual purpose of the monies being approved. This defense package did so.

The band is playing, the cannons roaring…..Approved was 12 weeks paid parental leave for federal employees. Husband or wife. Covers 2 million workers.

The Senate is expected to approve the legislation and the President sign it into law.

I can understand paid parental leave. Twelve weeks however is way too much. How much enough? I do not know. What I do know is my gut tells me 12 weeks is too much.

Key West homes reflect the Christmas spirit prevalent on the island. Many many homes decorated. More so than up north.

Not sure why. Could be thoughts of another day when some spent Christmas in the snow. Others seeking a tie to families they are not with to celebrate the holiday.

Blog short this morning. My morning ahead busy. Could not be helped.

Enjoy your day!

Roy Cohn rides again. In the form of Attorney General William Barr. Each Trump’s attorney at different times in Trump’s life.

Cohn now dead. AIDS. Disbarred prior to his death. He was Senator McCarthy’s attorney during McCarthy’s heyday.

Cohn’s philosophy simple. Never pay your bills. Sue everyone. Fight everyone. Attack your adversary in every conceivable manner. Never give in.

Cohn’s approach was tough and rough. Barr ever the soft spoken gentleman.

Barr is the head of the FBI in his capacity as Attorney General. The FBI is in his department. He supports Trump’s claim that the FBI tried to do him in.

Two separate investigations by the Inspector General’s office found no basis for the representation.

Nevertheless, Barr says “his” FBI did wrong and an investigation by another U.S. Attorney which is ongoing will prove it.

Much of this has to do with Russia and Russia’s involvement with the 2016 election.

It is obvious Barr has sold his “soul” to the company store. The company store being Trump.

Two Articles of Impeachment were presented against Trump yesterday morning. Yesterday afternoon, Trump was in the Oval Office having a private meeting with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

An insult to the American public. By Trump. Sitting with the “enemy” the same day the Impeachment Articles were returned. Reflecting Trump’s attitude of spitting on the American people he represents. A screw you attitude. I do what I want. I am the President.

The U.S. is on the road to authoritarianism. The rule of law is being stomped upon.

Trump has half the population supporting him, believing in him. The Republican Party is in his back pocket.

The situation somewhat like Germany under Hitler in the early 1930’s.

My concern sufficiently great that I wonder if there will even be an election in 2020 if Trump is still in office.

Wake up America!

Thomas Friedman in this morning’s New York Times wrote, “Impeach Trump…..the only thing to do if our country’s democracy is to survive.”

Bettie Page was a nude performer and porn star in the 1940’s and 1950’s. She lived a portion of her senior years in Key West. It was while in Key West that she became a born again Christian. Her words, “When I gave my life to the Lord I began to think He disapproved of all those nude pictures of me.”

She subsequently went to work for Billy Graham.

Bettie was a “camera club” member in the 1940’s. It was a way of avoiding laws which prohibited nude photos and pornography. She became a star in the erotic film industry.

From the early 1950’s to 1957, she was a BDSM star. Played both dominatrix and submissive roles. She became known as the Queen of Bondage.

Hugh Hefner made her Playboy’s centerfold nude beauty in the magazine’s January 1955 publication.

Bettie died December 11, 1985.

Some people do not know what they are talking about. In this morning’s Citizens’ Voice, the following comment appeared: “Sea level rise should be welcomed as an opportunity, not a negative; we can become a tropical Venice.”

The writer apparently did not know Venice was under 7 feet of water last week. And it did not look good!

I reported Key West’s Christmas Boat Parade for saturday night. Friday night there will be another. Stock Island. The Stock Island Christmas Boat Parade. Leaving from the Stock Island Marina.

Stock Island finally growing. The past several years. I have been hearing for 25 years how Stock Island was going to be developed. Finally, the time has arrived. New spectacular hotels, restaurants and marinas.

Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou last night. Great show! Loved doing it! Trump provides so much to talk about. Makes doing the show easy.

If you miss the show on a tuesday night, it can be heard anytime. The show is immediately archived. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Last week, Trump announced his son in law Jared Kushner would forthwith have responsibility for the building of the wall. He also advised that by November 2020, 450 miles of new wall would be built.

Forget it!

Yesterday, a federal judge declared Trump’s transfer of $3.6 billion from military construction funds to erect the wall to be illegal. He “permanently” enjoined the transfer.

People can generally see better than the government. The public can put things in proper perspective.

Recall the nativity scene the Claremont United Methodist Church in Los Angeles erected. Different. Jesus, Mary and Joseph portrayed in 3 separate chain link fences with barb wire on top.

A message well sent!

This morning a close up photo of the caged baby Jesus is all over the internet. The baby Jesus a person of color.

Enjoy your day!

Spent yesterday writing. Rewrote 2 chapters of Growing Up Italian. Will I ever be satisfied and complete the book?

My house is being painted. Got a look following the second coat after I left the house on my way downtown. Cleans up good!

My first stop was Aqua for Dueling Bartenders.

Usually crowded with locals. Not last night. Total patrons 3, including me.

The best bargain in town! Rick Dery and a guest singing. The entertainment free. Goes with the price of the drinks.

Rick was especially good last night.

Dinner time. I made my way to Antonia’s.

Nicole bartending. Almost did not recognize her. She has lost 30 pounds in 3 months. KETO diet. A different appearing woman.

Another 30 to go. She will make it. She was gushing with enthusiasm.

The title of today’s blog is Antonia Trifecta. So named because 3 good things occurred while I was at Antonia’s last night. The first seeing the “new” Nicole and sharing her joy.

The second happy occurrence mine.

You recall I lost 62 pounds last year. Not an easy task. As with Nicole last night, I was excited!

The diet was Atkins. I was loyal. It worked.

Five months ago, I got sick. Pancreatitis. Not cancer of the pancreas. Merely a “mad” pancreas as my doctor described it.

Painful! Two months of suffering.

Causes of pancreatitis in order are alcohol, smoking and fatty foods.

Doctor said no more drinking or smoking. I was a 4-6 gin man a night. Smoking bad, too.

I immediately ceased drinking and smoking. The smoking desire has passed. Still miss a drink when out.

The fatty food. The Atkins diet is high protein low carb. High protein means to me fatty foods. Steaks, lamb chops, etc.

My doctor said the Atkins diet probably contributed to the pancreatitis also. He said go on a high carb low fat diet.

I did immediately. As a result, have gained 30 pounds in 5 months. So much for having busted my ass for a year losing 62 pounds.

I cannot keep to the high carb diet. I will be the fattest ever! Ergo, I decided yesterday that I had to add more “fat” to my diet and see what happens.

Last night, I had my first meat meal in 5 months. Lamb chops. To die for! I went to Heaven!

Two down on the trifecta. Nicole’s 30 pounds and my enjoying lamb chops.

The third was meeting the Scarpas. Glenn and Ashley Scarpa. We sat next to each other at the bar. A most enjoyable conversation ensued.

Glenn and Ashley are into 2 businesses. Restaurant and needlepoint design.

Needlepoint is Ashley’s baby. She is an expert in textile arts: needlepoint and quilt making. She and Glenn are in Key West to close on their second needlepoint store. They purchased a needle point design store on Fleming, across from Fausto’s.

The new acquisition has been an established business in Key West for 42 years. Named Needle Point Designs. The recent owner Julie Pischke. Julie will remain as operator of the store. Ashley will oversee from her Boca Grande home.

The Scarpas are also in the restaurant business. Big time! Own 2 Italian restaurants in Florida. Lakeland and Boca Grande. Lakeland is called Scarpa Italian, Boca Grande Scarpa Coastal.

Both restaurants top shelf.

Glenn’s Dad was born in Italy. The family originates from the Salerno area. Cooking first began from his grandmother’s basement in her New York City home. Glenn and Ashley introduced the Italian cooking to Lakeland and Boca Grande.

Both restaurants retain some of the grandmother’s dishes from New York City.

Interesting, enjoyable people.

A great Antonia evening! What more can I say!

My diet problem not sufficiently corrected when I left Antonia’s. One meal fine. Needed some more “fats.” Stopped at Publix on the way home.

What a thrill. Just buying things I have not eaten in several months. Cheeses, cold cuts, rib eye steak, etc. I was like a kid in a candy store!

I hope I can handle the protein. Time will tell. I don’t want to get heavy again. Nor do I want another attack of pancreatitis.

Tonight, Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Another crazy week. I will have a lot to rant and rave about. Especially, Trump.

Join me at 9 for a quick moving and interesting half hour. Guaranteed you will enjoy. www.blog talkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Trump will be on the air tonight, also. TV and radio. He is speaking at a rally in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The House Judiciary committee is scheduled to vote 2 articles of impeachment this morning.

Pennsylvania is critical in the 2020 election. Trump won the State by a small margin in 2016.

Have to give Trump credit! He will be charged with 2 articles of impeachment this morning and come out swinging tonight in Hershey. Guaranteed to be a wild man!

On this day in 1898, the Treaty of Paris was signed formally ending the Spanish-American War. The U.S. acquired the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam as a result.

There is a significant Key West connection to the War. The Battleship Maine was initially docked in Key West when sent to Havana. The trial to determine the cause of the explosion was held in the Custom House in Key West. Many of the U.S. sailors killed in the explosion are buried in the Key West Cemetery.

The Key West Lighted Boat Parade saturday night beginning at 7. An outstanding event each year!

Boats small and large are decorated like the outside of people’s homes. Partying on each boat, of course.

The high today is 80. The weather will be on the warm side saturday night. A light jacket or sweater will be required on the boats.

I have done several Christmas Boat Parades. Not planning on it this year.

I recall one parade when it was sooooo cold! I had pajama bottoms, long pants, shirt, sweatshirt, a heavy winter jacket, gloves and a hat. I was still cold!

Harry Truman loved Key West and Key West loves Harry Truman.

Truman left Key West on this day in 1951 after a one month vacation. His last as President. However, he promised to return the following March when he was no longer President. He actually returned many times.

China is closely monitoring U.S. Air Force activity in the South China Sea.

What does Trump expect. He has defecated on China, embarrassed China, and caused them financial problems. Just as he is responsible for midwest farmers hurting economically and certain manufacturing businesses closing. All because Trump was going to show Xi who was the tougher guy.

I am concerned Trump is pushing too far. Asians are not accustomed to capitulating. It is a “face” thing. And they do not forget. They have memories like elephants.

Japan bombed Pearl Harbor because Roosevelt imposed an embargo which deprived Japan of 90 percent of its oil supply. Is Trump doing any different with China? Only the product(s) sanctioned are different.

Two days ago, a Houston police sergeant was shot and killed. A young lady had called in to say her boyfriend was abusing her and he had 2 guns. One of the guns killed the sergeant.

Texas’ 2 U.S. Senators were saying to the Houston Police Chief how terrible it was, something should be done, etc. Senators Cruz and Cronyn. Condolences apparently were also received from Senator McConnell.

The Police Chief expressed himself in no uncertain terms when speaking to Cronyn. Following his comments.

“I’m burying a sergeant…..because they don’t want to piss off the NRA.”

“I don’t want to hear about how much they support law enforcement…..”

“Do something…..you’re either here for women and children and our daughters and our sisters and our aunts or you’re here for the NRA.”

“Whose side are you on? The gun lobby or children getting gunned down every day? Who are you coming to work for?”

Cronyn responded, “Unfortunately, legislation like this falls casualty to impeachment mania. The Chief, “Don’t tell me…..it’s all about impeachment. Because you brag every day, you and McConnell, about getting judges confirmed.”

Cornyn did not respond. The NRA has not commented.

Enjoy your day!

The border. The southern border where Trump created a diabolical living situation.

There is still God. In this instance, the Claremont United Methodist Church in eastern Los Angeles.

The Chinese have a saying. One picture is worth a thousand words. Claremont United Methodist created a visual that says it all.

A nativity scene. Befitting the Yuletide season upon us.

The Church erected a nativity scene in front of its building. Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Except in a different setting. Jesus, Mary and Joseph each in a separate chain linked cage. Barb wired on top. The baby Jesus in the center cage. Mary and Joseph in cages on either side.

Says it all!

Lunched yesterday at Geiger Key.

Enjoy the setting. Isolated. Peaceful.

Not yet Christmas. However, the place was packed. Not tourists. Geiger Key locals. Mosty live on Geiger Key itself.

Nothing spectacular about Geiger Key. Modest homes, many trailers.

After lunch, put the top down and took a ride on some of the back roads. No grandiose structures. A sense of intimacy permeates the area. You and God.

Some things can only be described as “cute.” This one, for example.

The year 1886. A double wedding took place in Key West. Eighty two year old John Lane married 80 year old Mary Harris. John’s younger brother William 79 married Helen Saunders 70.

Union giant Jimmy Hoffa visited Key West this day in 1961. The purpose of his trip to inspect the Casa Marina and La Concha Hotels. They had been recently acquired by his union.

Kirk Douglas’ birthday today! One hundred three years old!

God bless him!

Still kicking in spite of a stroke several years ago.

His early background interesting. Douglas was born and raised in Amsterdam, New York. Fifty miles from my hometown of Utica.

I drove through Amsterdam many times for court, the Saratoga races, etc. As you cross the main thoroughfare of Amsterdam, the street sign reads Kirk Douglas Highway.

Douglas was born of Jewish Russian immigrant parents. His name till he became an actor, Issur Danielovitch.

As soon as I finish today’s blog, I will be glued to the TV. The House Judiciary Committee Impeachment Inquiry. I am a political junkie. The proceedings interest me greatly.

Tonight, I hope to make Dueling Bartenders.

How many times have I brought The Charge of the Light Brigade to your attention? Can’t help it. Love the story, love the rhyme.

The poem was published this day in 1859. A mere 6 weeks following the battle. By Alfred, Lord Tennyson. At the time, poet laureate of Great Britain.

He did not actually view the battle. He heard and read much about it. The battle was the heroic event of the time.

The poem lives and breathes to this day.

Pertinent stanzas: “Half a league, half a league, / Half a league onward, / All in the valley of Death / Rode the six hundred….. / Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die.”

A love affair is apparently over. Nothing more sad. I refer to the “love affair” between Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Two years now and no “deal” entered into. Trump says do not be concerned. Kim and I have an excellent relationship. We exchange “love letters.”

A couple of days ago, North Korea let go with its strongest missile test yet. His missiles are becoming strong enough to reach the U.S.

Yesterday, North Korea issued a statement: Trump is a “thoughtless and sneaky old man.”

Keep up the good work, Donald!

Trump is doing well with China, also. His trade war with China has crippled the American farm industry. Caused other U.S. businesses to lose money.

China ordered yesterday that all Chinese government offices and public institutions were to remove foreign computer equipment and software within 3 years.

Such will definitely hurt HP, Dell and Microsoft.

The Financial Times reported: “The move is part of a broader campaign to increase China’s reliance on home-made technologies, and is likely to fuel concern of decoupling, with supply chains between the U.S. and China being severed.”

Another “Thank you, Donald” situation. Trump the man who told us during the campaign that he understood trade wars, that trade wars were good, that he loved them, and that he wins them.

He bullshits even himself!

Rudy Giuliani gaining in notoriety daily. Another person who bullshits himself.

He is of no value to Trump. Giuliani has lost it. He has reached the point in life where he has mental problems.

Sad. He was yesterday’s “wonder man.” The greatest Mayor ever!

He will not be remembered for his post 9/11 days. History will report his activities during the Trump years.

The mighty fall!

Enjoy your day!