History books forget that which might be considered not socially acceptable.

The first Thanksgiving. In October, not November, 1621. As popularly represented. Though not correct. There had been several Thanksgivings in Virginia before beginning in 1607.

The Pilgrims had arrived in 1619. Things were tough for them the first 3 years. The weather, inadequate housing, lack of food, sickness. Nearby lived the Wampanoag Indians. The Pilgrims and Wampanoags not the best of friends.

The Pilgrims were in desperate need of food. They would sneak into Wampanoag tents, take food, and leave beads behind in payment. This did not rest well with the Wampanoags.

The third year brought fair crops to the Pilgrims. They decided to have a day of Thanksgiving. Their number down to 53. To begin the day, guns and canons were shot by the Pilgrims. The Wampanoags thought the Pilgrim,s were attacking them. They battle geared up and ran towards the Pilgrims.

The problem was readily solved. No attack. A celebration to take place. Why don’t you join us?

The Wampanoags saw the table was next to bare. Little food. They returned to their village and brought their food to share with the Pilgrims. Most of the food eaten that day was provided by the Wampanoags.

Understand that at that moment, things were not kumbaya between the 2 groups.

The menu was not as historically represented. There was no turkey. Perhaps fowl or geese. No cranberries. Sugar a luxury and the Pilgrims were in poor supply.

One thing is true. There was a pumpkin dish. Whether merely a vegetable or pumpkin pie unknown.

More and more settlers arrived in the new world. These followers were primarily Puritans. Religious zealots. To the extreme in most instances.

There were no fences in the new world. The Indian tribes never used them. The Puritans assumed no fences meant the land was free and available to anyone who wanted it. The land was public domain.

The Pilgrims first and then the Puritans had no respect for Indians. The problem existed in 1621 at the time of the purported first Thanksgiving and continued for many many years thereafter.

The 1630’s represent one of the worst times for the Indians.

Note that the cry of the white man in the West in later years was the same, though not precisely as mentioned. “A dead Indian is a good Indian.”

The settlers attacked and continued to attack Indian tribes. Consuming lands which later became known as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Virginia. Generally by force.

The settlers needed the lands for expansion, farming, community development and the like. Agreements were entered into between the government and respective Indian tribes. As in later years in the West, the white man kept none of the agreements. Which led to conflict between the 2 sides. Wars.

The Pequot War an example. The War 1634-1638.

One of the bloodiest battles took place near what is now Groton, Connecticut.

Seven hundred Pequots had gathered for their annual Green Corn Festival.

The settlers had a practice of not only seizing Indian land, but also capturing the young for slaves, and killing the rest.

In the pre-dawn hours while the Indians were sleeping, the camp was surrounded by English, Dutch and their Indian supporters. Most were clubbed to death. The women and children were placed in an Indian longhouse and burned to death.

Governor Bradford was thrilled with the result. He wrote that “for the next 100 years every Thanksgiving Day ordained by a Governor was in honor of this bloody victory, thank God the battle has been won.”

The Governor said in addition, “It was a fearful sight to see those frying and the fire…..horrible was the stink and scent thereof, but the victory seemed a sweet sacrifice, and they gave the prayers thereof to God, who had wrought so wonderfully for them.”

Another sick war involving the Pequots took place near Stamford, Connecticut. The Indians were attacked and man’s worst tendencies exhibited. During the fighting, Indian heads were hacked off. Then kicked around the streets like soccer balls. A chief was beheaded and his head impaled on a pole for 24 hours.

The preceding occurred in less than 20 years following the Pilgrim landing. The Puritans the worse sickies. Motivated by their God given faith.

As the settlers became in subsequent years the United States of America, the atrocities continued for many more years as regards the treatment Indians in the West. In every instance, motivated by greed.

So the story goes.

It seems that things rarely change. Can you sense certain today leaders, countries and groups behaving similarly? Not necessarily precisely, but they’re out there!

Before concluding, permit me to wish each and every one of you a Happy Thanksgiving! May you have the good fortune to celebrate the day with family or friends.

God bless you all!

A busy morning ahead. So much to share. Ergo, a Morning Stew.

Trump had a rally last night in Sunrise, Florida. A typical Trump rally.

Two observations.

Good taste and manners appear to be a thing of the past with Trump supporters. To be expected. Trump is lacking in good taste and manners.

The crowd constantly yelled out “bullshit” as far as the impeachment proceedings were concerned. One can be anti-impeachment and pro-Trump and keep a civil tongue.

“Lock her up” back in business. Crowd chanting it when Trump returned to the 2016 election and talked about Clinton.

Toilet tongue! Toilet tongues!

Cannabis is making many rich since its legalization. There are some unanticipated problems however which negate the previous sentence. One involves California.

The cannabis industry is in trouble. The legal industry can no longer compete with the illegitimate. Personal dealers can sell cheaper. No regulations to follow, no taxes and fees to pay.

Impeachment proceedings have moved to the Judiciary Committee headed by Representative Jerry Nadler. Hearings will be held before the Judiciary Committee beginning 12/4.

Trump has been invited in writing to attend and, if he so desires, question witnesses.

The message simple. You are free to attend and participate. If you opt not, stop complaining about the proceedings.

Syracuse plays Oklahoma State tonight at 7 in the Carrier Dome. Channel ESP2.

There is no joy in Durham, might Duke got beat last night!

Stephen F. Austin beat Duke 85-83 in overtime.

A David and Goliath battle. David won!

Thanksgiving as a holiday has had an up and down career. A little history re Thanksgiving and what it commemorates.

Thanksgiving is the oldest holiday in the U.S. The Pilgrims and Indians in 1621 you say. No. Thanksgiving was celebrated earlier in Virginia in 1607 and 1610.

George Washington proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving. Thomas Jefferson ignored it.

Thereafter the holiday was sporadically celebrated till Abraham Lincoln. It was 1863 and Lincoln was pleased in the Fall of the year with the Union forces’ success in the Civil War. Lincoln introduced a new Thanksgiving and named it a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

Lincoln declared the last day of November would be celebrated as Thanksgiving.

So it went till 1939-1941. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was imposed upon by the Retail Dry Goods Association and the Secretary  of Commerce to move the celebration to an earlier date. They felt Thanksgiving was too close to Christmas and conflicted with Christmas sales.

U.S. citizenry were upset. They wanted the holiday to remain where it had been for many years, to wit: The last thursday in November.

The people won out! To make sure it would so remain, Roosevelt signed a bill into law making it so.

An independent study has been released which indicates the U.S. is paying for the trade war, not China. American consumers are paying for Trump’s tariff war.

Others support the premise. In fact, on monday the New York Federal Reserve supported the premise the U.S.was paying the bill.

Think about what I suggest next. The Republican Party is turning into a cult. A group that needs deprogramming. The cult leader, better described as a “destructive” cult leader, is Donald Trump.

The scenario bridging on Jim Jones and his followers.

A message of warning to Trump’s followers: Don’t drink the Kool-Aid!

Did you ever wonder why Muslims do not like Christians? Simple. The First Crusade. Muslims are like elephants. They do not forget. They have not forgotten.

In 1095, Pope Urban II was having “political” problems within the Catholic Church. He needed the support of the people. He decided on a crusade.

Urban called on all Christians in Europe to war against Muslims to reclaim the Holy Land. The Turks at the time were in control of Jerusalem and were preventing Christians from visiting the Holy City.

Urban used such to rabble rouse and call for the crusade.

While calling Christians to the battle, he denigrated Muslims, exaggerated stories of their anti-Christian conduct, and promised absolution and remission of sins to all who died in Christ’s service.

Enjoy your day!

Left the house a little late last night. On my way to Aqua’s Dueling Bartenders followed by La Trattoria.

Never made either.

As I was walking to Dueling Bartenders, I passed Tutu’s. Tutu’s is a relatively new bar on the side street side of Aqua. Small. Tiny. A half dozen people and the bar is crowded.

There appeared to be a half dozen people inside.

I heard “Louis!” Came from Tutu’s. Went inside.

Ever run into someone you have not seen in awhile and cannot remember their name? My problem last night. Stayed about an hour chatting away with those in the bar. Never learned anyone’s name. Good time, nevertheless.

Came 8 o’clock and I was hungry. Went to Mary Ellen’s. A while since I was last there.

Specialty of the house grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Two grilled cheese sandwiches for me. No tomato soup. Not a fan.

Then home.

Cockfighting. A favored sport for many years in the lower keys. Less and less exhibitions. Outlawed. Last time I heard of one about 5 years ago.

Though a dying sport in the Key West area, cock fighting has continued in popularity in Puerto Rico. Such will end December 20. Congress passed a bill ending the practice in U.S. territories.

Though personally not a fan of cockfighting, many are. Another old time sport comes to an end!

Over the centuries, Key West employment has changed like the weather. In 1890, the two biggest employers were those making  cigars and sponge fishermen. The cigar makers employed 2,000, the sponge fishers 500.

Neither exist today.

President Kennedy visited Key West this day in 1962. He was here to review military installations and troops that had been part of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Do you realize Christmas is less than a month away? One day less. Today, November 26.

Trump on the receiving end of another adverse court decision.

All federal employees who have claimed executive privilege will probably end up testifying.

A federal court ruled late friday that former White House Counsel Don McGahn must testify before the House of Representatives. The court ruled there is no blanket immunity available to those working for the President. The court clearly indicated “Presidents are not kings.” Authority for the position James Madison and Alexander Hamilton.

Trump continues to get himself embroiled in matters that are not  his direct business. Reference the Navy SEAL matter involving Eddie Gallagher.

Trump saved Gallagher’s ass initially by granting him a pardon for a war crime he committed. He had been found guilty of one by a military court.

SEAL’s wear on their arm what is referred to as the Trident Pin. Only Seal’s wear it. The world knows immediately that the person wearing it is a special warrior.

Navy Secretary Richard Spencer prohibited Gallagher from wearing the Trident Pin.

Trump got involved again. Said Gallagher could wear it. He was ordering it.

Though commander in chief, I do not know whether a President is allowed to get into this tiny item involving Naval authority. He claims he is the “power.” He had promised a strong military and his actions re Gallagher represented a partial fulfillment of his word.

Spencer disagreed and resigned. He felt Trump had gone beyond his scope of authority.

The United Nations issued a bleak report re climate change. Warned that drastic action is required. Advised the world is behind in working at the problem and had to play catch up. The solution to drastically cut greenhouse gas admissions.

Otherwise, Armageddon.

Armageddon on the way. Evidenced by recent devastating hurricanes, relentless wildfires, and crippling heat waves.

Another U.N. report came out yesterday. The report indicated globally averaged concentrations of carbon dioxide reached record breaking 407.8 parts per million in 2018. Surpassed 2017 which was the previous hughest year.

To the U.N., such reflected there had been no slow down in greenhouse gases.

Thanksgiving is always the fourth thursday in November. We have Franklin Delano Roosevelt to thank.

Prior to his signing a bill officially establishing the fourth thursday, the holiday was celebrated on different days every year.

Casablanca is considered one of the greatest movies ever made. Some list it as #1, the best.

Casablanca opened in movie theaters across the country this day in 1942. Starred  Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

The movie has some great lines which are still remembered to this day. Recall, “Here’s to you , kid.” Or, “Round up the usual suspects.” And my favorite, “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

We all recall December 7, 1941. The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.

This day in 1941 was important to the Japanese fleet involved in the bombing. Six carriers and other vessels left Japan for Pearl Harbor. The fleet arrived 11 days later on December 7.

Dracula! What historical figure formed the basis for Dracula? From whence did Dracula come?

His name Vlad III. He was the ruler of Wallachia. A part of what became Romania.

A warrior, his excessive cruelty made him famous. He “impaled” his enemies.

Vlad is most famously known for his patronymic name: Dracula. Vlad inspired the name of the vampire Count Dracula in Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel “Dracula.”

Tonight, my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. A fast moving interesting half hour. I rant and rave about this and that. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

No question, a day or two can make a difference in some instances.

I was out and about friday night. A bit of Duval and the Chart Room. Both dead.

Yesterday around 3, I was out again.

Drove down Duval. People falling off the sidewalks.

Drove to Harpoon Harry’s for a late lunch. Could not find a parking place. The streets and the huge parking lot across from Harpoon Harry’s full.

Key West loading up for Thanksgiving week.

No sense driving around to find a place to park and grab a sandwich. Drove to Publix instead.. Picked up a few things I needed and then proceeded home for lunch. One of the breasts from the broiled chicken I bought.

The cashier at Publix said the day had been busy from early morning. Thanksgiving shopping.

Remained in last night. Some reading, TV and then early to sleep.

Tonight will be my usual monday. Dueling Bartenders and La Trattoria. Not hard to take.

Flooding becoming a problem. Water flooding some Key West Streets even when no rain. Attributable I assume to King Tides and rising sea levels caused by climate change. Plus, the full moon where applicable.

Key West flooding at the usual places. Parts of Flagler, intersection of Eaton and White. Also the intersection of Front and Duval.

Front and Duval can get a bit deep. The water there was 5-6 inches friday night. I had to stop for the light. Volkswagens ride low. I was concerned water would get where it should not be in the car.

Key Largo has been experiencing flooding for a long time. One neighborhood for 82 days. Some have stopped driving their cars for fear the salt water will cause corrosion.

The water level is rising. Properly stated, has been rising. A little bit at a time. Which means beaches and oceanfront homes may be in danger sooner than anticipated. No one really seems to be concerned at this time. The problem a tomorrow one. The issue is when. It might be sooner than anyone thinks.

Came across a Hemingway line I believe might have some applicability to Trump: “You can wipe out your opponents. But if you do it unjustly you become eligible for being wiped out yourself.”

Enjoy your day!

This is a follow up to yesterday’s blog wherein I questioned whether ticket sales were a rip off where locals are concerned. A situation not benefiting locals whose tax dollars built the Amphitheater.

Tickets advertised for the Willie Nelson show at $69 and $99 a piece within minutes were only available from $244 for the cheapies and as much as $300 to $400 for reserved.

Comment responses were interesting. I refer you to them.

I believe this is a problem that has to be dealt with. Key West is not New York City or Nashville. Prices should be what locals can bear, not what money hungry scalpers seek.

My suggestions at the moment three fold.

First, on the date and at the time tickets first go on sale, locals may only purchase them during the first 4 hours on sale. Either by standing in line and proving residency or paying via the internet with a credit card having a Key West address.

Second, locals should be permitted to purchase only up to 4 tickets. Don’t want locals to turn into scalpers.

Finally, there has to be an arrangement between the city and whoever holds the contract to operate the Amphitheater to check following the show to determine if those operating the Amphitheater locally are benefitting in any way via a kick back from scalpers. I am not insinuating any wrongdoing by those holding the contract or operating the Amphitheater. However from a business perspective, a system of checks and balances is required.

Key West has had a history of getting stuck on construction jobs re overruns and paying a lot more more money in the end. Such has occurred too often in many other ways also. Elected officials…..It is your responsibility to protect residents and taxpayer dollars.

I was at the Chart Room friday night. John bartending. Steve and Cindy at the bar.

Steve and Cindy go back to the Key West of the 1970’s. Steve successfully ran several businesses. Cindy was Jimmy Buffett’s secretary.

Each knows much about the Key West of yesterday. Interesting people to chat with.

Syracuse sports yesterday!

Won one, lost one.

The basketball team beat Bucknell 97-46. Obviously, a good victory.

The football team as usual did not do well. Lost to Louisville 56-34. Now, 4-7. A lousy season!

I grew up in New York’s Mohawk Valley. Named after the Mohawk Indians. The Mohawks were part of the Iroquois Nation which consisted of six separate tribes.

During the Revolutionary War, the Iroquois generally fought on the side of Britain. They were unhappy with the colonial settlers who they considered to be encroaching on their ancestral lands.

Leading the Iroquois Nation was Mohawk Chief Joseph Brant. Brant was Indian by birth, though a white man in every other respect. Well educated. He studied with Eleazar Wheelock at Moor’s Indian Charity School. The parent institution of Dartmouth College.

Brant successfully led Indian troops against the colonials in many battles.

One battle proved not to be successful. The Battle of Oriskany. One of the bloodiest battles of the Revolution. The colonials were able to delay the Indian and British troops from reaching Saratoga in a timely fashion. As a result, the colonials beat the combined Indian and British forces at the Battle of Saratoga.

Saratoga was significant since it proved to certain European nations the colonials could win. Money poured in. Especially from France.

I mention Brant and the Battle of Oriskany since I grew up with both of them. Our grammar school history books spoke of Brant and the Iroquois Nation. It spoke loudly of the Battle of Oriskany.

Even more significant re the Battle itself, is that Oriskany where the battle was fought is a mere 12 miles from my hometown Utica.

A Washington monument type edifice stands in remembrance of the Battle. Though significantly lower than the Washington one. About 30 feet in height.

A small wrought iron fence surrounds the monument.

It always bothered me that no one stopped at the monument, except on the day commemorating the Battle. A handful that day to pay homage to those who died in assuring the United States would have a chance to be born.

President John Kennedy was killed on November 22, 1963. Lee Harvey Oswald was captured and charged with the shooting.

Oswald was being held in the Dallas jail. Two days after the shooting, Oswald was being moved to another location.

What occurred next, I recall specifically. It has remained in my mind since that day. I was sitting in my mother in law’s living room watching television.

It was announced Oswald was to be moved. A parking garage was beneath the Police Station. A concrete ramp led up from the garage to street level.

Oswald was being led up the concrete ramp on foot. Police surrounding him. Newsmen pressing in. Spectators all over the place.

I thought to myself how stupid! Someone could easily shoot Oswald. As the thought crossed my mind, Jack Ruby walked up to Oswald, put a gun  to his stomach, and killed him.

Ruby was a local nightclub owner. Later established a bit off mentally.

The flu season is upon us. Going to get worse. Anyone above 6 months recommended to get a flu shot.

So recommended by all federal health agencies.

One place flu shots are not being given. The Trump Administration again. No flu shots to those detained by the Border Patrol. Undocumented immigrants.

On any given day, there are 3,500 undocumented immigrants at undocumented immigrant detention facilities. Not a bad number. Down from 20,000 earlier in the year.

Trump’s people apparently don’t care about the health of these immigrants. Strange. Several years ago, the U.S.Supreme Court ruled jailed persons were entitled to the “best medical care.” Why not undocumented detainees?

Another thought crossing my mind is what if certain of these detainees come down with the flu and pass it on to other persons and eventually the flu germ spreads outside detention walls.

Typical Trump judgment re undocumented immigrants. Deny them. Make their lives hard. Cause them all kinds of pain and suffering.

Today, Sunday. Time for a treat. A shower and then to Harpoon Harry’s for eggs benedict.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Rip off? It would appear to be. The Key West Amphitheater aka Truman Waterfront Amphitheater.

The project was financed with Key West tax dollars. Initial cost estimated at $4 million. I do not know if it cost more when finished.

My complaint is with ticket prices. Especially for Key Westers who paid to build the amphitheater.

Willie Nelson is appearing February 17. We are contemporaries. I have enjoyed him my entire life.

Decided to get my tickets promptly. Tickets went on sale yesterday.

Tickets were advertised at $69 and $99. The $99 seats the reserved ones. I opted for the reserved seats. Two.

Good luck finding a reserved seat ticket for $99. The same with General Admission where you can sit on the lawn. I could find neither a reserved seat nor general admission ticket at the $99 and $69 advertised prices.

Instead, the reserved seating tickets ranged from roughly from $300 to $450, depending who was selling them. For 2, $600 to $900.

The sit on the lawn seats $122. $444 for 2.

I refuse to spend that kind of money. Perhaps I have become a tightwad in my old age. On the other hand, I would not have spent that amount of money 40 years ago.

A disgrace! A definite rip off! Why should we of Key West who paid to build the Amphitheater pay that kind of money?

Another consideration. Key West is primarily made up of working class persons. They can’t afford such high amounts.

Key West continues to kill the goose that lays the golden egg.

The Mall on Duval is dying a slow death. An excellent idea initially. It did not work out. Business persons claim they are losing money.

The City Commission voted to extend the pilot plan to 2/17. Two weekends a month. A close vote. 4-3. Then the idea will be dead.

I started coming to Key West 30 years ago. One of the finest businesses at the time was Key West Fragrances and Cosmetics. Popularly known as Key West Aloe.

The store was beautiful. The fragrances moving. The items to buy for the body special and generally not available anywhere else.

I began using the Key West Aloe aftershave 30 years ago. Use it to this day.

Frank Romano and Joe Liszka were the founders and developers of Key West Aloe. At some point in time, they sold the business. Today it only exists in Key West with 2 small sales stores. The large sales store and factory long ago moved to another aea by the new owners.

I never knew Joe. He had died when I met Frank. Met him at WeBeFit. A gym specializing in helping senior citizens.

Frank and I became friends. He lived on Key Haven as I did. I attended parties at his home.

One of the finest people I have met. Frank is now gone also. Our paths are all the same.

I mention Frank and Joe because it was on this day in 1971 that they opened Key West Fragrances and Cosmetics.

Syracuse/Louisville in football at 4 today. Louisville favored.

I can’t wait for the Syracuse football season to come to an end.

Bumble Bee Tuna. A famous American food. Filed for bankruptcy yesterday.

Technical name Bumble Bee Foods. Began business 120 years ago.

It is rumored that a Taiwan based company will purchase Bumble Bee in the bankruptcy proceeding for just under $1 billion. Bumble Bee will continue do business as a result.

A recent Princeton study did not speak well of the U.S. I agree with the study’s conclusions. Negative does not always hurt. It can serve as a wake up call.

The Study is titled: The U.S. Is Not Losing Its Democracy, It’s Already Gone.

The conclusion to the study is that America has become an oligarchy. Made possible by the Congress. The situation described in the Study as the “foxes remain in charge of the hen house.”

Comments re the Study were published in Collective-Evolution on 11/22/19.

I recommend it as a READ! Definitely!

I am setting forth 4 quotes from the Study. They have a way of saying it all.

“You would think that, with the rise of science and technology, we would have been able to bed a far more prosperous nation. Instead, we have seen a vast reduction in our standard of living, and are being forced to work longer and harder in increasingly menial and unfulfilling jobs across the land. We are ever more being subjected to the control-hungry vicissitudes of mega-corps that are swallowing up American entrepreneurship and prosperous self-employment.”

“…..our democracy is currently broken.”

“…..economic elites and organized groups representing business interests have substantial independent impact on U.S. government policy, while average citizens have little or no independent influence.”

“The foxes remain in charge of the hen house.”

Lindsay Graham and Joe Biden have been friends for years. No more. Graham has asked the House Intelligence Committee for all records re Hunter Biden and Joe Biden’s  involvement with the Ukraine government when he was Vice-President.

Something about bribery claimed. The charge has already  been investigated every each way with absolutely nothing coming up.

The charge by Graham is clear indication he has sold his soul to the company store. The company store in this instance being Trump.

Graham has an election next year. He does not want to alienate Trump for fear Trump would arrange for him to have a primary. A primary many believe Graham could lose.

Giuliani back in the news. He has indirectly come out of the hole he has been hiding in the past few weeks.

One of Giuliani’s associates in whatever went on in  the Ukraine is Lev Parnas. Parnas presently under indictment.

Parnas’ attorney said his client was willing to tell Congress that David Nunes met with an ex-Ukrainian official in the Ukraine to get dirt on Biden. There may have been more than one meeting.

Enjoy your day!

It was Camelot! America had a young President and wife. Two very young children. The whole world was excited!

The man, John Kennedy.

Unfortunately on this day in 1963, John Kennedy was assassinated. Shot while in Dallas.

There is a saying to the effect that people remember where they were on a day when something of importance occurred.

I recall where I was the day Kennedy died.

I was a young lawyer. Twenty eight. The building where my office was located had a small cafeteria on the second floor. I stopped in for a cup of coffee.

Bill Goldbas came in at the same time. An elderly respected attorney. Somewhere in his 80’s. We sat together.

All of a sudden the radio announced Kennedy had been shot and was dead. Tears came to my eyes. Bill bawled like a baby.

As I recall the occasion even now, the tears return.

The U.S. lost a lot that day. Many wonder what the future of our country would have been had he lived.

Camelot died that day also. Kennedy was special.

The northeast enjoyed a special event last night. The Northern Lights. Something like 100 meteors flashing through the sky at roughly the same time.

Their path was to take them over Massachusetts. Sue lives on Cape Cod. She was able to watch. From 11 to 11:50.

Sue described the celestial show as “amazing!”

She e-mailed, “I saw 6 meteors in the sky.  At first glows they looked like the line that an airplane would make in the sky. Then they became brighter lines. A few of them seemed to sparkle. One meteor looked like it glowed red light. It was so calm and cold outside it was an amazing sight. I was watching something I had never seen before. I really enjoyed it. It wasn’t anything I could photograph it was too far away but clear at the same time.”

The House Intelligence Committee public hearings re Impeachment have concluded.

I was very impressed by most of the witnesses. The two that stood out without question were women. Don’t know if gender had anything to do with it. It was probably that they were honest, humble, knowledgeable, and did not take any abuse.

The ladies Fiona Hill and Marie Yavanovitch.

I repeat what I wrote yesterday. These 2 ladies as well as most of the other witnesses were civil servants or support staff to persons high in office.

Their honesty alone was compelling. so different from other witness that we have observed for years who generally were top level government officials. They came across as bullshitters. You had the feeling they could not be trusted.

The ladies were to the contrary. People such as they should sit in the highest levels of government rather than the hacks politically appointed.

Netanyahu faces indictment. Good!

He led Israel for 10 years. At the beginning, he was a shining light. A leader to be trusted, to be followed.

The longer he held office however, the more tyrannical he became. A bully, a know it all, pushed everyone around including leaders of other countries, a warmonger. Today, he and Trump are birds of a feather.

I don’t care how much Trump and the bankers tell us the economy is good because the stock market is high. They are not to be believed.

Many continue to suffer economically.

A most recent example is an article concerning “personal loans.”

More people are borrowing on a personal basis than ever before. Especially in the past year. Personal loans are up 10 percent.

Personal loans are in effect “quick cash.” Records indicate people are borrowing for a vacation or to pay off credit card debt.

Economists claim such borrowing is potentially a red flag for the economy.

The average personal debt is $16,259. Comparable to credit card debt. The figure up 10 percent from last year.

There is an old adage in banking…..If it’s growing like a weed, it probably is a weed.

The message to the effect that things may not be as good economically as they appear.

I continue to believe a recession is in the making. There is too much instability in the world. Much initiated/caused by Trump.

Measles were a calamity last year in the U.S. A major calamity this year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Five thousand have died in a recent outbreak. The World Health Organization says the Congo measles problem is the “world’s largest and fastest growing epidemic.”

The Congo has already vaccinated 4 million on an emergency basis. Less than one half the population. One problem is not enough vaccine is available.

When a basketball game results in a very low score, it generally means the game was a defensive one. Especially in pro and college ball.

On this day in 1956, 2 professional teams played. The Fort Wayne Pistons and Minnesota Lakers. Fort Wayne won 19-18. A very low scoring game even for 1956.

The score I believe is the lowest NBA score ever.

The world never changes. A happening/a problem one day can still exist or return many years later.

An example involves the “Jewish State in Palestine.” In 1818, Russia’s Tsar Alexander I petitioned for a Jewish state in Palestine.

In 1906, China prohibited “opium treaties.”

Wars are costly. The U.S. has been in a “Forever War” since 9/11. The U.S. has constantly been involved militarily in several places at one time.

The cost to the U.S. for its forever war involvement has been $6.4 trillion.

A tidy sum.

Money spent on wars is money not spent on other national needs.

Two years ago, China’s President Xi said the U.S. was behind in 2 matters because of its indiscriminate involvement in wars.

One, is in improving its military. True. Trump has been trying to do so. He has accomplished some. However, he doesn’t always leave the money in the military budget. He “borrows” military dollars to pay for his wall.

The other is infrastructure. Even China is aware that our roads, transportation, schools, etc., are in desperate need of updating. Infrastructure has been forgotten in order to finance other items.

What did U.S. dollars “buy” in the Forever War? Eight hundred one thousand killed. Included in that number 335,000 civilians.

Enjoy your day!

On week from today Thanksgiving. The next day the start of Christmas shopping. The stores will be playing Christmas carols.

One of the carols that will be heard is Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Not written as a Christmas carol, however.

It was July 1945. The song writing team of Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn were in California. Styne wrote the music, Cahn the lyrics.

It was an unusually hot summer. I doubt there was air conditioning back then in homes and offices. Californians were sweltering.

Out of frustration, Styne and Cahn wrote a song to make themselves and others feel cool. The song Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Vaughn Monroe recorded it. Let It Snow! became an immediate hit. Its popularity did not die as Christmas approached. People began playing it as part of their Christmas repertoire.

Several years later, Frank Sinatra recorded the song. A while later, Dean Martin.

Let It Snow! is still with us. As a Christmas carol. We are sure to hear it beginning next week.

Lunched at Harpoon Harry’s yesterday. The wednesday special is a turkey dinner. Excellent!

I was seated at the bar. Soon a lovely young lady sat next to me.  We chatted.

From Toronto, she had arrived in Key West only 2 hours earlier. First time here. She was staying at a guest house near Harpoon Harry’s.

She is in Key West for 5 days. She is in the film business. Has a documentary entered in the Film Festival.

Yesterday was the first really cold day in several months. Cold in the day time! It was 74 degrees. With a brisk wind was coming in off the Gulf.

I was cold. Most of the Key Westers in Harpoon Harry’s were dressed for it. Long pants, sweaters.

I have no long pants that fit since I lost all that weight last year. Nor did I think it was that cold when I left the house. I was in a T-shirt and shorts.

Did I feel the cold!!!

The film lady from Toronto mentioned how hot it was. She had left cold and snow. Her blood thick. Mine thin. She laughed when I said how cold I was. She was going to the beach after lunch.

An enjoyable lunch. She well traveled. We spoke of Greece. Cyprus her favorite island. She especially likes Turkey. We covered Italy and France, also. Our discussion primarily about the Alps.

I spent the afternoon watching the House Impeachment Inquiry. Trump buried again. Each day, the hole gets deeper. The Republican Committee members tried to salvage his ass. Only made them look ridiculous and emphasis Trump’s bad day.

I continue to admire the lower echelon bureaucrats who work in government. They are smart, know their jobs, and for most intents speak the truth. Contrary to what those in the higher echelons do.

Last night was the Democratic Debate. A lot of politics for one day. It was getting to me at the end of the evening.

I thought all the candidates did well. No one stood out.

I was especially impressed by the MSNBC moderators. All women. They were gentle, lady like and respectful. Finally! In the 4 previous debates, the moderators were bullies. Much like the Republicans on the House Impeachment Inquiry Committee.

Syracuse played Cornell last night. Syracuse won 72-53. A close game till the final 10 minutes.

Coach Boeheim and his wife have a difficult time in recent years when the 2 teams play. One son plays for Syracuse, the other Cornell.

Syracuse’s Buddy Boeheim scored 16 points. His brother Jim was Cornell’s high scorer with 25 points.

Boeheim says he does not enjoy the game when the 2 are playing against each other. Nor does their mother.

This morning’s Citizens’ Voice carried an interesting comment:  “The only non-breeding iguana is a dead iguana.” I agree. Iguanas are not a joke. They are destructive creatures. Kill them all!

In 3 different years, today had particular significance for Key West.

In 1946, Truman went down 440 feet in a captured German submarine manned by a U.S. crew. Part of Truman’s Key West vacation.

In 1954, the crew filming the “Rose Tattoo” completed the film’s final scenes at the Mardi Gras Club at 92 Duval Street. Then left en masse. The play The Rose Tattoo was written by Tennessee Williams. Filmed at a house 2 doors from his Key West home. Burt Lancaster stayed at Williams’ home during the filming.

In 1978, filming was started on a movie about the life of Captain Tony Tarracino.

Three to 5 years ago, there was a huge dispute re the Keystone Pipeline. Part was to be constructed in North Dakota. Local Indian tribes and environmentalists opposed the pipeline. Claimed it would spill and cause significant damage.

Pipeline developers and owners said no way would the pipeline leak.

Obama opposed the construction and prevented it from being built.

Trump was elected. During the first month of his Presidency, Trump signed an Executive Order permitting the project to go ahead.

The pipeline’s third spill occurred October 29. Not the first, not the second, the third.

Pipeline owners initially reported the spill/leak as a minimum one. Three hundred eighty three gallons, 2,500 square feet affected.

The preceding the result of “visual” testing.

Turns out the spill was much worse that initially reported. Eight thousand thirty seven barrels (not gallons). The leak impacted 23,232 square yards (4.8 acres).

The oil company people claim they were able to clean up most of the spill promptly. By November 9, 8,037 barrels.

The moral: If it can’t spill, it will. Those quick to ok such a construction (Trump) did so without knowing what he was doing. He was accommodating a major corporation and not the people in surrounding the area.

When next will Keystone experience another spill?

An example of negligence/malpractice. Goshen Hospital in Goshen, Indiana.

Staff failed to properly disinfect surgical tools. Used and reused in more than 1,000 operations from April 1 to September 30. Operations performed included hepatitis, HIV, and other infectious diseases.

Hospital has notified the 1,000 plus patients who were operated on with the “dirty” surgical tools. The hospital claims risk of infection low. The hospital willing to test free of charge any patients involved.

One of the patients a nurse. Says she is “scared!”

Ella Fitzgerald’s professional discovery an interesting one.

It was this day in 1934. Ella was a “nobody.” It was Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. Names were put in a hat. A certain number were pulled out. Ella’s was.

She walked on the stage intending to do a dance number. At the last minute, changed her mind and decided to sing.

You know the rest. Her decision was one that not only changed her life, it changed musical history forever.

Enjoy your day!

George Washington died in 1799.

Ten years later, Parson Weems was in need of money. He was a bit of a writer. Actually not that good. He found a publisher to produce a book he had written about George Washington: The Life of Washington.

Many parts were fabrication. One a myth which has lived through the ages.

The years have resulted in many variations. The original by Weems was with reference to a cherry tree purportedly cut down by Washington when he was a 6 year old boy: “I cannot tell a lie…..I did cut it with my hatchet.”

The most popular variation: “I cannot tell a lie…..I cut down the cherry tree.”

An incident learned by all children in their earliest school years. Later in life some remember, others forget.

Two men who testified before the House Intelligence Committee yesterday forgot. They lied their asses off. Ambassador Volker and Tim Morrison.

What men will do to preserve a job. Educated, talented men. Supposedly men of honor.

Trump will give them 24 hours of honor. The nation will remember them for years as deceitful.

Another liar Gordon Sondland is testifying at this moment as I write the blog. Ambassador to the Euro Union. He is back befoe the Committee to recant to some the degree the many lies he told in an earlier performance.

Honor on the other hand knew no bounds during the testimony of Lt.Colonel Vindman.

Vindman came to the U.S. at the age of 3. He and his family had fled Russia.

Vindman served in Iraq, was wounded, and now serves in the White House.

It was a pleasure to watch him testify. Proud to be an American. Spoke only the truth.

The Republicans beat up on him. Insulted his service, insinuated he was seeking a high ranking job in the Ukraine, etc. Vidman was sensitive on occasion. Understandably so. He advised he had been threatened orally and by tweets. He and his family.

The threats may be true. Whatever, the U.S. Army moved Vindman and his family to an Army base last night for protective purposes.

Earlier, Trump tweeted that Vindman and certain others who spoke “against” him should be “dismissed.” Retaliated against.

Such is what our country has become. Those that support the U.S. must be destroyed. Only those who follow the tyrant may remain.

The Republican members of the committee can best be described as “thugs” and “bullies.” Jim Jordan the worst.

Trump claims he and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un have a “love” relationship. Appears one sided. Trump gives, Kim takes, Kim gives nothing in return.

The annual U.S./South Korea military exercise was rescheduled. Kim upset again. Trump called off the military exercise again. Trump has consistently claimed such exercises are a waste of money.

In the past few months, North Korea has been firing missiles in every direction. Forty plus missiles. Trump not concerned. Says the missiles did not have nuclear warheads on them.

Trump thought calling off the military exercise again would placate Kim. They could continue to be friends, hold hands, maybe go to the movies together.

Didn’t work. Kim takes the position the U.S. continues to be “hostile.” He expects more from the U.S. to show the U.S.’s good faith.

Pompeo another with a screwed up mentality.

He graduated #1 in his class at West Point. A cum laude Harvard Law graduate. A former U.S. Congressman. Now, Secretary of State.

He has been Trump’s right hand in destroying the State Department. He refuses to stand up to Trump. He follows his Pied Piper and does everything Trump wants.

New York Times’ columnist Tom Friedman referred to Pompeo in an article over the weekend as a “coward.” Friedman says he “would not want to be in a foxhole with him,” nor depend on Trump to watch his back in a battle.

Pompeo has consistently failed to stand up for and support the members of the State Department he heads. He deserves Friedman’s comments.

Tonight the Democratic Debate. Should be interesting.

Jimmy Buffett first sang in the Chart Room. He needed a place to write during the day. He used the Key West Library. Refers to it as his “first office in Key West.”

Buffet claims the peacefulness of the Library inspired some of the songs he wrote there.

Willie Nelson has to be around my age. Old! Still going at it, however.

It was announced yesterday that Willie Nelson will appear at the Key West Amphitheater on February 17. Tickets go on sale in 2 days.

Got to admire the man. An American legend. Singing his songs for more than 60 years.

St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church stands in all its glory on Truman Ave. The feel inside and out of a tropical church.

It has so stood since 1904. On this date in that year, the Church was dedicated.

I thought Florida’s Governor DeSantis ran a stupid race. He was Trump, Trump, Trump. He won, however.

I believed Florida was going to be poorly led during his time in office.

I was wrong. He has turned out to be a terrific governor so far.

Not in every respect, however. He’s human.

I am upset with one provision in the budget he is proposing.

Pythons are out of control in Florida. Especially in the Everglades. More than 1 million. Experts have determined they cannot be eradicated. Too many. Only controlled.

The State has been trying to reduce their numbers the past several years. Always little, never enough.

DeSantis’ proposed budget provides for an additional $1 million to assist in disposing of pythons. Amounts to $1 per python. Will achieve nothing.

Joe Biden a friend. He would make a good President in my opinion. Today he is 77 years old. Happy birthday, Joe!

Enjoy your day!

An exceptional evening last night. A big day ahead. Followed by Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou this evening.

Joined Dueling Bartenders last night. Terri singing. Joined by Rick Dery.

Both exceptional.

Donna appeared. She looked terrific! Donna has been sick the past 2 months. Broken knee, some serious stomach problems, etc. She apparently has made a full recovery. It showed in her face and personality.

Lynda and Bob Frechette listening to Terri also. A great couple! We have become good friends over the years.

Enjoyed a diet soda with Mary. Stayed about an hour. All I could take. Not drinking still bothers me. It is hard to be in a bar and not drink, though I am doing good. It seems like everyone is having fun, but me.

Left early for dinner at La Trattoria with Mary. Carrie bartending.

Met an interesting young lady. Her name Fanny. She was seated next to Mary.

Fanny lovely. Young. No more than 25, if at all.

Fanny’s home is Marseille. She left France following graduation to take a position in San Francisco. She is involved with robots. A sale engineer with a firm that is in the commercial robot field.

She has to be a smart lady.

In Key West for vacation. From here to Montreal to visit her sister when she leaves. Then back to work in San Francisco. A lot of traveling.

I live and learn. I asked where she was staying. Turned out she is “couchsurfing.” A new term for me.

Couchsurfing is an international organization. Twelve million strong. Puts tourists/travelers together with a couch in someone’s home. No charge. Fanny sleeping on a couch in someone’s home in Key west.

While I was eating, someone tapped my shoulder. John from the Chart Room. He was with a lovely young lady. He always is. She goes by Downtown Julie Brown. Julie has lived in Key West quite a while. Involved in all kinds of business pursuits.

I started working on this blog at 5 this morning. Hopefully will be done or close to done by 9. I want to spend the day sitting leisurely before the TV set watching the Congressional Committee hearings.

I am a political junkie!

The President keeps digging a deeper hole for himself. His tweets are helping to bury him. His problem. He refuses to learn.

The hearings also are burying him. Staff people standing up. Not 2 bit politicians acting with bravado and saying nothing.

Trump’s 2 hour Walter Reed Hospital visit saturday leaves me with questions. An early start on his yearly physical? We are being bullshitted.

I assume he had chest pains. Understandable with the pressure he continues to be under.

A 2 hour hospital visit enough time to run necessary tests. I was in the hospital a couple of weeks ago with chest pains.

Blood work, urine, a chest x-ray and ekg.

He  must have passed and was sent home. Probably aggravation, stress, etc. We have all been there.

It bothers me how the doctors handle Trump. His doctor when he was running wrote a short letter saying the man was in the best of health. The Navy Captain or Admiral who was his White House doctor lied for him. Now, I suspect the Walter Reed people also.

The walls are closing in on  Trump. The noose getting tighter. He is Humpty Dumpty. Falling. Not yet completely down. When he does hit, it will be impossible to put him together. Just like Humpty Dumpty: “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall / Humpty Dumpty had a great fall / All the horses and all the king’s men could not put Humpty together again.”

Trump advised over the weekend he was considering testifying in person or by written answers before the Congressional Committee.

Don’t hold your breath!

Trump continues to change his mind, flip sides, etc. The most recent example is his position on flavored e-cigarettes. He came out opposed.

The New York Times and Washington Post announced over the weekend Trump was back pedaling and backing off from his initial position.

Trump was made aware by some that he could lose the vapor vote in key swing states.

At least Trump is consistent. He always does what is good for Donald, not the people he was elected to protect.

Secretary of State Michael Pompeo has many of Trump’s characteristics. Some even worse.

He is a total failure as far as working with and protecting State Department employees.

Tom Friedman noted it clearly in his New York Time’s column yesterday. Referred to Pompeo as “cowardly” and “self-serving.”

Pompeo was first in his class at West Point. Impressive! Apparently only as to true academic courses. Friedman says Pompeo “must have flunked all his courses on ethics and leadership.” He fails to look out for his “soldiers” in the State Department.

Friedman advises he would not want to be in a trench with Pompeo: “Watch your own backs because Pompeo won’t.”

Tonight Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Join me for a quick moving interesting half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

I love to rant and rave! Tuesday Talk gives me the opportunity.

Enjoy your day!