In 1964, a comedy movie hit the screens. Sex and the Single Girl. Starred Natalie Wood and Tony Curtis.

Funny!

In 1993, a humorous event (at least I think so) occurred in Key West. Involving 2 dogs.

The male Rocky was a 7 pound chihuahua. The female Carmella an 80 pound rottweiler.

Rocky and Carmella got together sexually. Apparently little Rocky had a hell of a time. He impregnated big Carmella.

Carmella’s owners were infuriated. So much so that they sued Rocky’s owners. The trial judge found Rocky responsible for the impregnation. Rocky’s owners were required to pay $2,567.50 in damages.

A noon appointment with Lori yesterday to get my hair cut. Merely a #1 rubbed over my head.

Lori was not there. She will be out a while. Under the weather.

One of the other ladies was kind enough to offer to do my hair. I explained to her specifically what I wanted done. I was especially concerned where my beard meets the bald head. Generally in the middle of my ears.

She cut an inch below where I wanted and at an angle. Does not look normal. It will take at least 4 weeks to get the area to grow again.

Lori, come back to me! She has been cutting my hair for 20 years.

Needed a good meal. Went to Harpoon Harry’s for lunch.

Guy deBoer there. He was waiting for Radio Station 107.9 FM’s owner Michael. Michael’s station was the one I did a talk show for a few months on thursday afternoons with Laurie earlier in this year.

Chatted a bit. They had business to discuss. I moved to the bar.

Enjoyed a hot turkey sandwich. Sooooo good!

Planned going out last night.

Around 3 in the afternoon, I returned to Growing Up Italian. Rewriting it for the fourth time. Was into it. Before I realized, it was 9.

So much for going out.

Another school shooting. Santa Clara, California. Saugus High School. Two students dead.

When will it stop? When we get proper gun laws! That will not be till both Houses of Congress and the Presidency are Democratic. The NRA and gun manufacturers “own” the Republicans.

I hope those who voted for Trump are paying attention. Here is another story that shows the “slime” running Washington.

Stephen Miller is a West Wing power. He seems to have Trump in his back pocket. He is an expert at propaganda and evil ways. Reminds me of Hitler’s Propaganda Minister Goebbels. In fact, looks like him.

Miller has been running Trump’s immigration policies. Ripping babies and the young from the arms of their mothers his brain child.

It was discovered yesterday that he was engaged in another unsavory act this past summer. Fortunately, it did not work because of strong opposition by others in the White House who were against it.

He was supported in developing the plan with Jared Kushner and U.S. Ambassador to the Euro Union Gordon Sondland.

Involved was a “fast track” proposal to boost immigration of skilled and wealthy Europeans. At a time when Trump and his cohorts were doing everything to keep Latinos from crossing our southern borders.

The plan died because it soon became obvious it was “politically motivated.” Trump was denying people of color admission to the U.S. It would not look good if all of a sudden he was willing to take whites from Europe. For any reason.

A few days ago, I reported Putin had invited Trump to some parade event in Moscow and Trump was considering going. The media is blasting the airwaves this morning with the specifics. Putin has invited Trump to Moscow to watch the Russian May Day Parade/Event. Trump appeared excited with the invitation. He would. A “wanna be” dictator standing next to a real one.

Trump says he might not be able to go. The Parade is in the middle of the U.S. election season.

Amazing! Trump wants to pay honor to Putin and Russia by attending and standing next to Putin on the viewing stand. When is Trump going to understand Putin is the U.S.’s #1 enemy?

I was up researching at 5 this morning. I am hurrying. I want to watch former Ukraine Ambassador Maria Yovanovitch appear before a House Committee this morning in a public hearing.

Supposedly a dynamite witness. It appears she was canned because she was not cooperating with Giuliani and Trump in wanting Ukraine to begin a Biden investigation. She believes Giuliani was operating a shadow rogue policy in pushing for the investigation.

Her firing came swiftly!

She was told by whoever in Washington to come home on the next plane…..for her own safety. What ever “for her own safety” means.

Trump’s head is not only screwed on wrong, it is up his ass! He acts blindly.

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un is upset with the U.S. and South Korea. It is claimed he is “enraged.” The reason being the U.S. and South Korea have been conducting joint military exercises.

Trump says he and Kim Jong Un are “in love.” Friends, get along well. In the meantime, Kim Jong Un has conducted in excess of 40 missile tests.

Trump had to do something to sooth the North Korean leader.

It was announced yesterday that the cost to South Korea for U.S. troops being stationed in South Korea would increase nearly 500 percent in 2020. Estimated at $4.7 billion.

Typical Trump. Suck up to an enemy while turning his back on a friend.

Viper Norag is an Associate Professor at MIT. His area of specialty is the Korean peninsula. He said yesterday, “Nothing says I love you like a shakedown.”

Two weeks ago, Joe Biden issued a statement attacking Trump’s North Korea policy and referring to Kim Jong Un as a “murderous dictator.”

Biden correct. Kim Jong Un has concentration camps that some consider put Hitler’s to shame.

North Korea responded to Biden yesterday. Referred to him as a “rabid dog” who is greedy for power and deserves to be beaten to death. The Korean Central News agency said, “A crow is never whiter for often washing.”

There may be a proper comparison to the Ukraine here. Trump wanted the Ukraine President to announce an investigation of Biden and his son before he would release to he Ukraine some $400 million.

Biden’s negative words re Kim Jong Un were 2 weeks ago. Yesterday, Trump announces the 500 percent increase for military aid to South Korea. Immediately thereafter, North Korea comes out with the name calling re Biden.

The Republicans have been having a field day appointing rock hard conservative federal judges. Most to the extreme far right. In excess of 150.

Competency and experience not necessarily important.

The Senate approved Stephen Menashe to the Second Circuit yesterday. The most important federal appellate court after the Supreme Court.

Menashi is 40 years old. With no court experience. He has never tried a case or conducted a deposition. He is presently a White House lawyer.

His past writings include offensive remarks about women, Muslims, LGBTQ people, and racial minorities. He has spent much of his time in the White House assisting Stephen Miller in crafting Trump’s immigration policies.

This inexperienced attorney has a lifetime appointment. Ends when he retires. Could be 40-50 years.

Is our Washington leadership screwed up? Please don’t tell me no.

Enjoy your day!

Herman Melville wrote Moby-Dick. A great novel! Published on this day 1n 1851.

The opening line in the book is “Call me Ishmael.” A line in the recollections of most Americans today. The reason being Moby-Dick has been a popular staple of high school reading lists since the 1920’s.

All recall Captain Ahab and his quest to catch the giant whale.

One would assume Melville became wealthy because of Moby-Dick. Such was not the case. The book published in 1851 never sold till the 1920’s when it was rediscovered.

In the meantime, Melville had to go to work in a job outside of writing. He was broke. He became a New York City custom inspector in 1865 and remained so for 20 years. Melville died in 1891 never knowing he would be recognized some 35 years later as one of the world’s greatest writers.

Melville also authored Billy Budd in his later years. Billy Budd a recognized famous work today. Did not become a work of importance till after Moby-Dick gained notoriety in the 1920’s.

A shame Melville was broke, that his writings could not gain fame till long after his death. A man should be able to enjoy the fruits of his labor in a more timely fashion.

Still cold up north. Key West weather remains steady. Today the temperature will be 83 by day and 76 by night.

Strange how weather forecasters do not always agree.

Forget being accurate.

Weathermen on TV today predict heavy rain in the Keys. Yet the Key West Citizen says only a 20 percent chance of rain.

A 20 percent chance of rain generally means no rain. It is the weather forecaster covering his ass.

An annual bicycle ride to raise money for a charity is scheduled for tomorrow and saturday. Five hundred participants. The bike ride a 165 mile one. Begins in Miami, ends in Key West. Purpose is to raise money for HIV/AIDS service organizations in Florida. It is anticipated more than $1 million will be raised.

Lori who does my hair has participated in the ride on occasion. I have an appointment with her today. Looking forward to seeing if this will be another year when she pedals away.

Key West has been recognized once again. Key West has been nominated as GayCities.com’s Best “Chill Getaway.”

No question about it. Key West has the best gay guest houses and a community that encourages gays to come to Key West and have fun.

My day was full yesterday. The first day of the public phase of the Impeachment Inquiry hearings. Last night, Syracuse/Colgate in basketball.

What a day!

My impeachment hearing impressions simple.

The Democrats did well. However not good enough. The Dems cannot merely show the “bad things” done. They must also show how the President’s conduct affected lives, the Russian influence, the threat to U.S. security, etc. Then and only then will the American people understand the harm that Trump perpetrated.

The Republicans looked like ignorant bullies. I say this not because I am anti-Trump. Rather because that in reality is how they came across.

Concededly, the Republicans have little to say to show an ‘injustice” being foisted upon the President. You can’t make something out of nothing.

Syracuse beat Colgate last night 70-54. I was concerned. Syracuse was ahead by only 6 points at half time. I feared a Virginia type defeat in the making. However, Syracuse “played ball” in the second half.

The score would have been even higher for Syracuse had Boeheim not played his subs a long time in the second half.

An interesting season ahead. Boeheim has 5 freshmen on the team.

The world’s children are getting the dirty end of the stick as far as air pollution is concerned. A new report in the medical journal The Lancet suggested the threat to children is world wide.

The Lancet article claims the “child” begins having problems in the mother’s womb. It all has to do with inhalation/absorption of polluted air.

The New England Journal of Medicine said a child’s lung tissues are affected by today’s air. The negative impact greater on children rather than adults.

The article further indicated air pollution killed 7 million world wide in 2016.

Something to be concerned about.

One of the articles said forest wildfires are primarily due to hotter temperatures. The temperatures dry the vegetation making it easier to ignite.

Keep in mind Trump does not believe there is such a thing as “global warming/air pollution.”

Turkey’s President Erdogan visited the White House yesterday. An inappropriate time. I assume Trump planned it to coincide with the public impeachment hearings.

Interestingly, the media generally failed to give coverage to Erdogan’s visit as it normally does to a visiting head of state.

Good for the media! It is wising up to Trump. He manipulates the media by planning something good for him on a day when the news of something bad is going to hit.

Erdogan and Trump are birds of a feather. Nationalists, authoritarians, etc.

Recall Trump two weeks ago gave Endrogan the open door to invade  Syria.  As a result, Turkey has begun an ethnic cleansing, 180,000 Syrians have fled the country. Syria has become a zone of death and the U.S. is compliant.

Trump compliant!

He has got to go!

Enjoy your day!

Flooding is occurring in many places world wide. Some natural and common place. Others new and/or aggravated by global warming.

One such flooding is known as Acqua Alta, the other King Tides.

Acqua Alta is Italian for high water. Occurs in the Venice, Italy area between autumn and spring. They are exceptionally high tides.

King Tides are common in many places in the world. My concern is for those that are annual occurrences in the south Florida area which would include Key West. King Tides are “high tides” or “highest tides.”

King Tides can cause sunny day tidal flooding.

Key West experienced King Tidal flooding in the past month. My recollection is it happens twice a year. I am not certain when next it will occur.

The Venice and Key West floodings are higher in recent years because of global warming. The floodings in both communities will probably result in terrible happenings in both places.

Experts believe Venice will wash away. Venice is presently sinking at the rate of one fifth an inch each year. Another contributing factor to Venice’s problem is that its underwater barriers are incomplete.

As to Key West, it is believed ocean front homes will be gone. The waters will come inland and make other areas inhabitable. Solares Hill may be the only land point remaining.

Venice is experiencing its highest tides in 50 years. Each year Key West flooding is a bit more.

I write about the two differently named tides and increasing water levels because of what is occurring in Venice at the moment. Flooding 5-6 feet. Damage significant. Hotel lobbies swimming pools. Century old relics being destroyed.

Nature has a way of expressing itself, regardless of the cause.

“Baby, it’s cold outside!” No question about it. Most of the U.S. experiencing record lows and snow storms.

Key West fortunately not affected. Its sufficiently south location and warm Gulf waters and breezes preclude what northern U.S. is experiencing.

Maine is the northern extreme of the U.S. The southern extreme is Florida. Specifically, Key West. Maine today undergoing record lows. Today’s Key West high 83.

An arctic blowout!

When I practiced law in upstate New York, major automobile accidents were commonplace on days being discussed. Generally on a state highway.

Ohio yesterday experienced 2 major accidents in separate parts of the state. One involving 75 cars, the other 50. The cause typical. Reduced visibility and heavy snow.

Frequently heard is nothing is certain except for death and taxes. Whence its source? Ben Franklin. On this day in 1789, Franklin in a letter to a friend wrote, “In the world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

One blog reader is Sue from Cape Cod. She came upon the blog a couple of months ago and wrote me. Sue worked for me in my law firm in the early 1980’s.

It is nice to hear from old friends.

Sue is now retired. Lives on Cape Cod. She has been following my infrequent comments re great white sharks. In one written a few days ago, I said great whites are like humans. They summer in Cape Cod and winter off the Florida Keys.

Several have been observed off Key West since September. Off Smathers Beach and the Gulf side of the island.

As we have a Key West Citizen, the Cape has the Cape Cod Times.

In the Times 11/11/19 edition there appeared a front page article re great whites. Sue sent me a copy.

Great whites get tagged. Specific data is kept re their travels. Researchers have spent the past 5 years tagging the sharks. The tags provide the information.

This past summer a record tagging season. Fifty great whites tagged.

We know now how such precise information in recent years has been provided re great whites.

Jimmy Buffett was scheduled to do a major concert at Orlando Amway Center on 12/7. His performance has been cancelled. He will be having shoulder surgery. His concert rescheduled for next year on 12/5/20.

Harry Truman part of Key West history on this date in 1948. A few days after he won the 1948 Presidential election.

Bess and Margaret followed him to Key West a few days after the election. Truman came down for a much needed vacation the day after the election.

On this day in November 1948, the President, wife Bess and daughter Margaret took a trip on the yacht USS Williamsburg to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas.

Today is one of America’s most important days. The public portion of the Presidential Inquiry began at 10 this morning.

I am writing this blog in one room while listening to the TV in another on the other side of the house.

Trump must go! Either by impeachment or at the polls next year. Think of the damage he has done in less than 3 years in office. We can’t afford him another 1 1/2 years. Hopefully impeachment will succeed.

The U.S. car maker Tesla is opening in second plant outside U.S. borders. Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced yesterday that a trial factory in China began operation. He further announced a new factory was being opened in Berlin.

The Berlin plant will definitely make Germany the winner in the “great electric car race.”

I don’t understand. Trump told us in the 2016 election that he was going to bring industry/jobs back to the U.S. Doesn’t seem to be working as he told us. In addition to Tesla planning to manufacture in China and Germany, many U.S. auto plants have moved to Mexico since Trump’s election.

The President is a man of his word. He also delivers on what he promised. Does anyone believe him other than himself?

Syracuse/Colgate tonight.

Early season many big time teams play smaller schools. A stipend is paid the smaller college to take the beating. The bigger school gets its team some experience.

Generally, the smaller school gets killed. Sometimes however the smaller school beats the bigger one.

Kentucky early season is ranked #1. Evansville beat Kentucky last night 67-64.

I recall several years ago, Syracuse played Le Moyne early season. Le Moyne did a number on Syracuse.

So it goes.

Enjoy your day!

Some exceptionally interesting topics this morning. Any of which could be the lead topic. Not able to choose, I have opted to do a Morning Stew.

Enjoy!

Yesterday was Veterans Day in the U.S. Day of Remembrance in England.

The Brits took an exceptional beating in World War I. Lost a whole generation of young men. One if its greatest battles occurred in Belgium. Memorialized by the Canadian surgeon and soldier John McCrae: “In Flanders field the poppys blow / Between the crosses row on row.”

In 1921, England decided the day required some thing by which it would forever be known. McCrae’s In Flanders field makes mention of poppies. Properly so. The battlefield was covered with red poppies. So the artificial small red poppy flower came to represent England’s Day of Remembrance. Eventually, world wide.

Poppies are a flowing plant. Grow in different colors. One species is the red one. It is famous not only for its war recollections, it is also a reminder of the opium plant. The red poppy is a powerful alkaloid. Some morphine producing. It has been used since ancient times as an analgesic, medical narcotic, and recreational drug.

Better you wear the man made one on Veterans/Remembrance Day than ingest in some fashion the narcotic based one.

Nikki Haley. She has bothered me since coming into prominence. Gave me the feeling she was not a straight arrow. More of an opportunist. More of one who would do most anything to get ahead politically.

She is Donald Trump in a skirt.

Her new book takes major shots at John Kelly and Rex Tillerson. You are aware of the background. She refers their seeking help from her as “a very dangerous thing…..goes against the Constitution…..goes against what the American people want…..offensive.”

Such is her view. Probably the same as those in the far right who blindly support the President.

I view Kelly and Tillerson coming to her as recruiting help to keep Trump from doing anything that would endanger the country.

Think about it.

Haley’s position as reflected in the book terrifying. Rabble rousing. Poison spreading.

What follows is difficult to believe. We have an internal immigration problem in the U.S. A serious one.

Boise, Idaho and California. Californians are moving to Boise and other parts of Idaho. In large numbers. Most have money. Boise a regular American city. Not everyone affluent.

A good share of the Boise citizens live on minimum wage or close to it. The Californians wealthy in comparison.

Real estate prices have zoomed. Since February 2018, 19.3 percent. Rents have gone sky high. Purchase and rental beyond Boise means.

The Californians bring an “attitude” with them. Sort of we are better than you. Not appreciated by the people of Boise.

Seventy percent believe Boise is growing too fast because of the California invasion.

Boise’s recent mayoral election reflects such attitude. One mayoral candidate ran on “Go Back to California!” Another accused the California immigrants as “trashing Boise.” One candidate was asked what he would do if he were King for a Day. He responded, “Build a $26 million wall.”

U.S. burger chains have recently come out with  vegetarian burger. All claim the burgers taste like meat. I tried 3 different ones. They did!

A London eatery has gone one step further. It is serving “worm burgers.” Referred to not as “Big Macs.” Rather, “Bug Macs.”

Made from live worms. Purported to be tastier than beef burgers. Also, it is claimed the “worm Burgers” will help save the planet. Requires only 10 percent of the land space that beef herds do and produce far less carbon dioxide.

A chef involved says, “Let them crawl into your menu once, and you’ll be hooked! Once you get passed the ‘yuck effect’, you’ll find they actually taste really good.”

Crickets are being considered for a side dish.

I am the child of an immigrant. My mother was born in Italy. My grandparents on both sides were born in Italy. My whole family is Italo-American.

Those that immigrated, came through Ellis Island.

On this day in 1954, Ellis Island was closed. The famous “Gateway to America” was no more. Twelve million people processed before the need ended.

A degree of discrimination was involved in the immigration process. Based on money.

Only third class passengers were required to go through Ellis Island. The poor. Those who acquired passage by buying the cheapest ticket.

Many were sickly and perhaps criminal. Ellis Island was opened to search for those who might be a risk to accept on U.S. shores. The government did not want such persons to become a U.S. burden.

My grandfather Louis came through Ellis Island. Twelve years old. He had bugs in his hair and either diphtheria or scarlet fever. Ellis Island was equipped with hospitals. My grandfather was kept in one for 3 months, cared for, cured, and released.

The first person to go through Ellis Island was 15 year old Anne Moore from Ireland.

First and second class passengers were treated better. Money apparently meant they were without illness or a criminal record.

In any event, they were submitted to a brief on board inspection following which they disembarked in New York City or New Jersey at which points they passed through Customs with no difficulty.

No Ellis Island for them.

Now for a little Key West.

Yesterday was Veterans Day. Key West always has a spectacular parade. I thought it was at 5. Went down to Duval to watch. Missed the whole thing. The parade was at 4.

Stopped into Dueling Bartenders. All locals. Spent a pleasant hour chatting.

Mary was there. We went to La Trattoria afterwards for dinner.

La Trattoria was packed as if it were season. Carrie took care of us. We were seated at the bar immediately without a wait.

I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turned and it was Elena Spottswood. I have not seen her in 15 years. One of the loveliest and kindest women in Key West.

Husband Robert with her. Robert I see each other about once a year. Ironically, always at the same place. The bar at La Trattoria.

The Spottswoods are one of Key West’s leading families. They are into everything. Robert’s father was at different times Sheriff and State Senator. He was friend to the Trumans and Kennedys. The Trumans stayed at his home when visiting Key West after Truman was out of office.

Robert and Elena are modest people. You would never know their position in the community and that of the family in general.

I hope it will not take another 15 years for me to run into Elena. I might not be here.

Stopped at Publix on the way home. Late night shopping easy. Very few shopping.

Tomorrow an important day. The public hearings begin in the Impeachment Inquiry. I will be glued to the TV set all day.

Tomorrow night, Syracuse basketball. I will still be at the TV set.

Tonight, Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Join me. So much going on in the world. I love ranting and raving and giving the news my twist as I view events. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

Time moves fast. Fifty days to the end of the year.

Today is Veterans Day. A national holiday.

Originally known as Armistice Day, it is observed annually on November 11 to honor all persons who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In other countries, it is celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day.

The purpose of the day is to formally recognize the end of World War I. The War ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

Woodrow Wilson did not particularly distinguish himself as President. He was neither bad nor good. Sort of run of the mill.

The first Armistice Day was celebrated one year after the War ended on November 11, 1919. In a message to the American people, Wilson expressed his thoughts as to what the day meant to them: “Out of this victory there arose new possibilities of political freedom and economic concert. The War showed us the strength of great nations acting together for higher purposes…..”

Wilson was politically inept. His ineptness precluded the U.S. from becoming a member of the League of Nations. Wilson had his head on straight however that there was a need for world order and economic dependence on one another.

What Wilson perceived became fact following World War II. Unfortunately, Trump is negating and destroying that world order and economic dependence.

Great Britain celebrates this important day as Remembrance Day. Remembering those who died in service to their country.

Great Britain took a terrible beating during World War I. It lost a whole generation of its young men.

In a National Service of Remembrance held earlier today in London to commemorate and honor the men and women who lost their lives in the conflict, certain words were repeated which clearly set forth the sacrifice of Britain’s young men: “When you go home, tell them of us, and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”

Words from the grave.

Sixty years since last I was in college. Things have changed. Some dramatically.

Harvard is considered one of the finest, if not the finest, universities in the United States. Harvard had a one week on campus workshop the likes of I never saw in my college days. Harvard Sex Workshops. Most of the agenda items I never experienced during my college days. Some not since even to this day.

Thirteen topics were shared, discussed, analyzed, etc. Including Self Love, Sex Toys 101, Anal Sex 101, Tantric Sex 101, Oral Sex 101, Period Sex, BDSM in the Dorm Room, and Sexual Fetishes A-Z.

The week long event was organized by the student organization Sexual Health Education and Advocacy Throughout Harvard (SHEATH).

Even more shocking, I find Harvard has hosted Sex Week every year since 2012.

The Harvard Crimson published an op-ed: “Recovering the Beauty of Sex.” An anti-sex week article.

The renowned author and cultural critic Mary Eberstadt in an e-mail to College Fix wrote, “Harvard Sex Week is corporate exploitation at its sleaziest.”

The “corporate exploitation” comes into play because 20 different companies involved in sex pleasure sponsored the event. Provided all kinds of sex toys free and some for sale. Vibrators, anal plugs, specialized condoms, testicle stretchers, strap ons, and ankle restraints.

I must be old fashioned. My age certainly qualifies me. I do not approve of such a sex week workshop on a college campus, especially one of Harvard’s distinction.

I mentioned yesterday that the temperature was going to drop to 76. Advised that at 74, it is cold. I was wrong. I was cold last night when the temperature was 76. My evening at home spent wearing a sweat shirt.

The famous, infamous, respected, well loved Captain Tony Tarracino was elected Mayor of Key West this day in 1989.

Captain Tony’s famous saloon on Greene Street still bears his name. Captain Tony’s Saloon.

The Captain left us years ago. However his life and reputation remain. His life though checkered admired more than frowned upon.

Captain Tony was a saloon keeper, boat captain, politician, gambler, story teller, bootlegger and gun runner.

He ran several times before being elected Mayor. He was “arguably the city’s most beloved resident.” Recalled as “the conscience of Key West.”

The Captain had certain priorities concerning Key West. He always “sought to limit Key West’s growth and to keep its reputation as a refuge for eccentrics and renegades who had found their way to the southernmost part of the continental United States.”

Married 4 times. The last marriage the longest. Thirty eight years. Fathered 13 children.

I know only one. His daughter Toni. A lovely lady who is proud of her father and does much to keep his memory alive.

Jimmy Buffett and Captain Tony were friends. Jimmy Buffett managed one of the Captain’s losing campaigns for Mayor. Buffett wrote Last Tango in Paris following the election. The tale of Captain Tony.

The song begins, “I went down to Captain Tony’s / To get out of the heat / I heard a voice call out to me / ‘Son come have a seat’.”

Lura Gorman died November 4, 2019 in West Palm Beach. She lived many years in Key West and contributed much to the community.

I met Lura when I first came to Key West. She was always at La Te Da. She and her husband Mickey had purchased the property in 1992 and had spectacularly remodeled it.

I would run into her occasionally at La Te Da. She was always pleasant. Charming best describes her. I enjoyed our conversations.

May she rest in peace.

I mentioned several days ago that a great white shark was hovering off Smathers Beach.

Great whites are like many humans who frequent Key West. They summer on Cape Cod and winter in the Keys.

OCSearch, a research group, says more are coming. Seeking the warmer waters off Florida and the Carolinas.

OCSearch advises there were 2 great whites off the west side of Key west in September. Still there. One is Unama’ki who was tagged off the coast of Nova Scotia early in September. By late September, Unama’ki was off Key West.

Unama’ki has been described as a “big girl.” She is 15 feet 5 inches long, weighs 2,076 pounds.

Not a lady to meet while swimming.

Enjoy your day!

There is an outstanding article published in the November 4, 2019 edition of The New Yorker: Why We Can’t Tell The Truth About Aging. Authored by Arthur Krystal.

Since my doctor told me this past week I have the mind of a 40 year old in the body of an 84 year old, I read the article. Ever the desire to learn more.

I came upon the article via a short Letter to the Editor in this morning’s KONK E-Blast: About Aging. Authored by local icon Roger C. Kratmayer. A man on in his years, also.

As one ages, the mind can keep pace with the body or remain behind as mine has. A problem nevertheless are those things an aging body (regardless of the mind) loses. My age deprivations are alcohol, smoking, sex, golf and bocce.

I hate it! Nothing I can do about it, however.

Krystal’s article is a bit lengthy. Every line worthy of reading. So much wisdom. Many age related experiences.

Quotes and references to comments by philosophers and writers from the ages. Back even to Aristotle.

One quote by a person who relatively recently died. A man I got to know well over a 10 day period.

Rodney Dangerfield.

He died just short of his 83rd birthday.

We met for the only time in the mid 1970’s at La Costa outside San Diego. La Costa a “fat farm” at the time. We were both there to lose weight. Permitted 800 calories a day. Exercised big time all day.

Obviously, no alcohol.

I met Rodney on my first day in a hot tub. We immediately hit it off. I was there to tone up. He to lose significant weight.

We would meet in the bar after dinner each evening. Drank Perrier water and smoked cigars.

A smart man in his own fashion. What you saw on the screen and TV was the man. He made a living being what he was! Except that regardless how he expressed himself, his words were gems. His thoughts right on.

In Krystal’s article and repeated in Kostmayer’s Letter to the Editor is Rodney’s aging advice: “With aging, food takes the place of sex…..install a large mirror above the dinner table.”

I strongly suggest those 70 and over read Krystal’s article. Definitely, if over 80.

Thinking about the aging factor this morning, it came to me if I were to write a book about the plus and minus’ of aging, it would begin “As I stand in the twilight of my years…..”

It is “twilight” time for me and many others.

Watched the LSV/Alabama game yesterday afternoon. It finished around 7:30 so I never went out.

LSU beat Alabama 46-41. LSU remains undefeated. Alabama now with 1 loss.

The college football season still has 3-4 weeks more. Only 5 teams remain undefeated. All could lose 1 game. Only 1 or 2 could remain undefeated. Which means that if Alabama wins the rest of its games, it could be in the final four in rankings and get to play once again for the major championship.

Trump was at the game. He was cheered. No booing. I expected such. Alabama a deep red state. Trump won it by 30 points in 2016.

A cold wave moving across the north. Freezing temperatures. Key West’s temperature will drop today. By 10 degrees. From 91 to 81.

Don’t laugh. We will feel the chill.

Tonight, the temperature will drop to 76. Colder! We can handle it till it hits 74. Then we feel the cold big time.

The reason I have been told is because our blood is thinner.

Again, don’t laugh. Seventy four in Key West is similar to 44 up north.

The State of New York has been investigating the Donald J. Trump Foundation. A not for profit. It was discovered that $2 million of Foundation funds had been misused. By Trump and members of his family.

The money is to be repaid. Charitable funds cannot be used for personal purposes. Called “self dealing.”

Since the Trump Foundation no longer is in business, the court has allocated to what charities the monies are to be paid.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Australia has a problem about which Trump claims to have expertise. Wildfires.

The North Wales portion of Australia is experiencing more than 100 wildfires at the moment. Dozens are “out of control.”

The causes are extreme heat, dry and windy conditions. Drought a contributing factor. Rainfall unusually low.

Trump should contact Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison    and advise him to “sweep” and “rake” the forest lands.

College football. Alabama is ranked #3 and LSU #2. They meet today in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Trump is flying in for the game.

Trump probably attending because he wants to carry Alabama by 30 points as he did in 2016. He is not known to be a sports fan per se.

Trump appeared at a Washington Nationals baseball game last week. He was booed. An organized effort has been made in Tuscaloosa asking the fans not to boo.

Booing is not my concern at the moment. The cost of Trump’s trip is.

Who pays for the President’s plane, crew, extra Secret Service, extra local police, etc.

His attendance at the game is either for personal pleasure or political in nature. Perhaps both. He or one of his political PACS should pick up the tab.

Trump is doing 1-2 rallies a week. I asked the same question recently. Who pays the expenses?

No one talks about it.

I have lived through 2 “impeachments.” Nixon and Clinton. Both as an adult and practising lawyer.

Nixon’s did not reach the impeachment trial stage. He resigned. Clinton went through it all.

The country was somewhat split. Republicans and Democrats went at it. None however as the parties are waging war re impeachment activities directed at Trump.

I worry. The statesman of today are not those of yesterday. Today’s Congress has many “thugs” in its ranks. Especially the Republican Party.

The walls are closing in on Trump. The noose gets tighter each day.

How will matters end? How will Trump’s “supporters” react as matters proceed?

The American people are split. On one side the anti blacks, Klu Klux Klanners, white supremacists, authoritarians, etc. On the other, those who still believe in the values upon which America was established.

Confrontations have been few. Some involving actual fighting, fires, and on one occasion a death.

Will matters get worse? Especially in view of what is unquestionably coming down on Trump.

Will Trump encourage his supporters to take to the streets and fight to keep him in office? A possibility. Maybe a probability.

Today is the anniversary of the Night of the Broken Glass. This day in 1938. Though directed by Hitler against the Jews, a similar situation could arise involving Trump’s people and the rest of America.

Night of the Broken Glass is also referred to as Kristallnacht. In Germany and Austria, Hitler’s dislike of the Jews resulted in an escalation of his purge against Jews.

During the Night and days that followed, 100 Jews died, 7,500 Jewish businesses were damaged, synagogues, homes and graveyards vandalized, 30,000 Jews arrested.

Hitler’s Gestapo and Hitler engaged followers received a free hand. Police were told not to interfere. Some Jewish families committed suicide.

Trump could bring us to that point. ICE is his Gestapo. Perhaps even local police. His followers in the thousands. Their actions directed against those who do not support Trump.

Sound crazy? You may think I am. However, a good possibility. Our country is strained. Consider the damage Trump has done nationally and worldwide in less than 3 years.

All I can say is what I have in the past. Beware.

I have no sports weekend. Syracuse has a bye in football and the basketball team does not play till wednesday. I will be aggravation free!

Blog short today. I want to “comment” on 2 recent Comments to my blog. Concerning Da Vinci’s Last Supper and the Berlin Wall. My comments will be found in the Comment section.

Enjoy your day!

Certain government officials have taken to testifying against Trump. More will probably do so. One may come forth with more information than that of all the others put together.

Politico Magazine this date has run an article asking who next will stand up to Trump. Who with great significance? More information than any other.

The cover of Politico is a picture of what purports to be the Last Supper. Trump, Jesus. The apostles surrounding him. An error or two. The “disciples” number 10 rather than 12. Also, there is no Mary Magdalene.

The purpose of the cover immediately obvious. Who of the men surrounding Trump would be his Judas?

There will be a Judas. Inevitable.

How Trump handles the attacks upon him I do not understand. So many. Daily. Such does not mean I am sympathetic to the man. As the good Book says, “As ye sow, so shall ye reap.”

He deserves what is befalling him.

A new book being released November 19. Copies are already in the hands of the media. The book titled A Warning.

The author strange. Anonymous. Unusual. Yet Anonymous’ book already receiving notice and acclimation.

The work anti-Trump. Its contents spell out reasons against Trump’s re-election. The author believes the re-election would be courting disaster.

The book appears to be directed at the undecideds. Generally independents. The author suggests they supported Trump 3 years ago and have lived in a cave since. Time for them to come out and observe what has been going on.

The author is thought to be a high ranking White House official. Described as a senior administration official. A Republican at heart. He appears happy with conservative judicial appointments, deregulation, and tax cuts. His concern is with Trump’s stability. As reflected by his “unbecoming” behavior and “unseemly antics.”

One example of Trump’s unforgiveable conduct occurred at the time of John McCain’s death. The flag above the White House was at half staff in memorial and recognition of McCain. Trump ordered the flag raised above half mast. Trump was “determined to use his office to limit the nation’s recognition of John McCain’s legacy.”

Out of the blue comes Michael Bloomberg! If he seriously intended to run, he should have joined the other Democratic hopefuls at the beginning. Not now after almost a year of them campaigning.

I respect Bloomberg. Think he would make a great President. Have said it several times over the years. I dislike however his method and timing for entering the race.

What Bloomberg is saying in effect is that he does not consider the present front runners as competent. Horrible! Hurting the candidacy of each!

By his announcement that he was filing for the Alabama primary, Bloomberg comes off as another Trump: I am a rich man and can do what I want.

By his conduct, he has hurt himself, the Democratic Party and the United States. He could very well be what Trump needed to get a second term.

Two thing have impressed me in my life. Man walking on the moon and the Berlin Wall coming down. Both impossible till they happened.

Thirty years ago on November 9, 1989, the people of East and West Berlin began taking the Wall down. At 10 in the evening. The impossible had become possible.

Two great American Presidents spoke at different times in Berlin re the Wall.

John Kennedy in Berlin June 26, 1963 before 450,000. He said, “Ich bin ein Berliner.” “I am a citizen of Berlin.”

Ronald Reagan stood before the Brandenburg Gate on June 12, 1987. His words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

A side thought. What happened to Presidents the quality of Kennedy and Reagan? Trump is certainly no Kennedy or Reagan.

This day in 2016, a sad day for America. Trump defeated Clinton for the Presidency.

Yesterday, my primary care physician. Dr. Norris.

Neither he, my heart physician Dr. McIvor, and the emergency room can tell me why the chest pains. Probably good. I hope.

Next week, 2 more doctors to visit. I am on a “specialist” route.

Workers require unions. Without, management controls. Working people are in danger of getting screwed. They generally do.

Yes, I support unions.

Unions are at a low level today. Management and most workers are happy that is so. A mistake. Non-unionized labor can only survive so long before employers take advantage.

All this a lead up to a labor situation in Key West. Back a few years. It was 1899. A strike had been ongoing at the Gato Cigar Factory. It was settled this day in 1899.

One of the first successful union led strikes in the U.S.

Florida has been part and parcel of Presidential elections in the modern era.  On this day in 2000, the famous Bush/Gore recount began.

Wednesday night, the official college basketball season began for Syracuse. Syracuse lost to Virginia 48-34.

Virginia was ranked #1 last year. The team must be as talented this year as last.

My alma mater may be causing my chest pains. Syracuse’s football season absolutely sucked. Much better is hoped of the basketball team.

Enjoy your day!

College loans are an issue in the 2020 Presidential election. Borrowing easy. Repayment a back breaker.

The system will be recorded as one of history’s major rip offs. It is geared so everyone benefits except the student. Everyone consisting of the government, private lenders, and universities.

One example of the system’s abuse is the way universities handle a facet of the student borrowing experience. The more a student borrows, the more that person’s cost for an education increases.

Cato Institute economist Neal McCluskey spells it out thusly: “The basic problem is simple: Give everyone $100 to pay for higher education and colleges will raise their prices by $100, negating the value of the aid.”

Students are plagued by pay back of the loans.  Some loans in excess of $200,000. Whether $50,000 or $200,000, impossible for most.

Access to huge sums of money is required. Most post college graduation jobs pay insufficient amounts to handle repayment at any level.

Some female college students and graduates believe they have found a better way. Prostitution. By their way of thinking, a more reasonable and sophisticated approach.

On July 14, 2016, I published an article covering the “new” female repayment program. Titled: The New Prostitution. Following it is set forth in its entirety. Draw your own conclusions as to the righteousness of what is occurring.

THE NEW PROSTITUTION

Bernie Sanders argued for a free college education in the recent primaries. College is expensive. Tuition a back breaker. Rent a killer. Borrowing resulting in long term debt.

There is a new phenomenon in the country. It has become increasingly popular in recent years. Considered trendy.

It is referred to as the girlfriend experience. Ladies selling their bodies for a fee. The ladies generally college girls or in their 20s. The men rich.

No pimps or street corners involved. The ladies use the internet to make contact.

The ladies sell their bodies in order to pay tuition, student loans, rent and some to afford designer labels.

The girlfriend experience is the new prostitution economy.

The experience is not a meet, quick bang and thank you m’am. More is involved. The men want the perfect short term girl friend. Well groomed, cultured, classy, able to converse about anything. A lady that never brings her personal problems to the relationship.

The time involved may be an evening, a day, a weekend, a trip.

The men are older. Decidedly so. Generally 40 to 60 years. Affluent. Money no object to them.

The wages of sin are pretty good. All over the place. The price generally set forth in the site ad. Anywhere from $400 an hour to $2,000-$5,000 an evening. Some higher.

One young lady in South Africa offers herself for $42,000 an evening. She will travel anywhere. I cannot conceive what she can do for that kind of money.

The lady friend of today is the sugar baby of yesterday. The men, the sugar daddies of yesterday. Interestingly, both labels still apply.

Most arrangements last 1-3 years. A weekly meeting. A set figure in advance. Many contract for $5,000 a month. That is $60,000 a year. One hundred eighty thousand dollars over three years.

The ladies generally have 2-3 sugar daddies they provide service for during the course of a week.

The money earned astronomical. Described as an allowance.

The men seek a cultured sexual relationship with a much younger lady. The ladies view the relationship as a job. They do it for the money. No emotional entanglement involved.

The men view the women as sex objects. Whores. Beneath them. Though the ladies are treated with respect at all times.

Most of the men involved are married. They receive from the younger ladies that which their wives fail to provide.

In addition to the agreed remuneration, there are perks/incidental gifts. Extra cash, shopping sprees, jewelry, travel. Benefits of a high end easy life.

The ladies kiss. A no no in the prostitution trade. Men do not kiss the ladies and the ladies not the men. The relationship of sugar daddy/sugar baby is closer and different. The relationship more than that found in other prostitution situations. Kissing is expected and welcomed.

The parties meet via the internet. The leading site is SeekingArrangement.com. More female subscribers than men by a 10-1 ratio. The ladies in their ads set forth their asking price. Men, their net worth.

The ladies are listed free. The men pay $44.95 per month. For an additional $1,200 paid by the man, Seeking Arrangement offers a Diamond Club. The Diamond Club verifies incomes and net worth for the ladies.

Other oft mentioned internet sites are SeekingMillionaire.com and SeekingBillionaire.com.

The feminist movement has mixed feelings. To some, it is empowering. The ladies are entering the work force. The sex industry. Others consider it slutty.

Some maintain the ladies involved are oppressed. Many of the sugar babies have a contrary opinion. They believe those working for $7 an hour are the oppressed ones.

The business world has found a new way of not paying new or entry level employees. They call them interns and make them work for nothing. A sugar baby does not have to tolerate such an experience.

2014 found a large spike as regards the ladies. Especially in southern states. The University of Austin had the greatest growth. Two hundred twenty seven percent.

The top four universities in every area reported were Georgia State University, Kent State University, Arizona State University, and New York University. Number one was New York University.

A top ten listing of cities with the highest density of daddies showed Atlanta #1 and Austin #10.

The ladies are sometimes referred to as hidden hos. Websites such as Seeking Arrangement as convenience stores for adulterers. More dignified, a virtual brothel.

I wish to venture a personal opinion.

Prostitution is illegal in the United States, except for Nevada. Whether sexual activity constitutes a crime is dependent on the services provided. If something more than sex is provided, the acts are not viewed as prostitution. The something more such things as house cleaning or companionship. All difficult of proof.

More than 15 nations world wide have legalized prostitution. Included are New Zealand, Austria, Belgium, Columbia, Denmark, Ecuador, Germany, France and the Netherlands.

Sometime in the early 2000s, Germany legalized prostitution. The reason/excuse was to give dignity to the women. Also provide a means by which the ladies had rights, pension plans, and hospitalization coverage.

The real reason was Germany wanted to tax prostitution. They taxed it at every level of government and form of participation. Germany has made a ton of money and continues to do so.

The ladies have not benefited as anticipated. The reason being the influx of immigrants from Europe’s eastern block and North Africa. Too many new prostitutes. Prices for services rendered dropped dramatically. The old story of supply and demand.

The United States has moved swiftly in the past ten years in certain areas. Same sex marriage, transgendered  accepted in the military, marijuana legalized.

Marijuana is not yet legal in every state nor via federal law. It will be in the next 5-10 years.

I see prostitution on the same path as same sex marriage and marijuana approval. Legalization. The government will approve legalization because of the large tax dollars prostitution brings.

Legalization is coming. You can bet on it. In 10 years or less.

Enjoy your day!

For six months I have been advising my thoughts re why everyone was fighting in Syria. The oil!

We never heard “oil” till the past 2 weeks. Trump made us distinctly aware. He pulled all U.S. troops out of Syria. A week later sends them back in. Purpose: To protect the oilfields. The same oil fields that Russia, Iran and Syria want.

Trump follows up by saying he intends “keeping the oil.”

A new low.

Keeping the oil is a war crime. Called “pillaging.” Another word for theft.

Thievery during war constitutes a war crime. Banned by Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention and the 1907 Hague Laws and Customs of War on Land. It is also considered illegal under the U.S. Federal Code.

There is no question exploitation of natural resources such as oil is prohibited.

Trump has a mercenary reason to keep the oil. He said, “We want to keep the oil. $45 million a month? Keep the oil!”

Trump taints the soul of America. Never before in U.S. history has any American President become involved in such thievery.

Election time in some states yesterday. Results interesting. Do not make Trump look good.

Kentucky. Elected a Democratic governor. Close vote. By 5,000. A 4 percent victory. The significance is that Kentucky is a deep red state.

Additionally, Trump flew to Kentucky monday night to push the Republican candidacy. Trump presumed he would help. He carried Kentucky by 30 points in 2016.

He failed.

Pence was even thrown into the race. Last week he participated in a bus tour with the Republican candidate.

Trump considered a Kentucky Republican win would be a win for him. He said, “Vote for me.” Not vote for the Republican candidate. He also said, “If you lose, they’re going to say Trump suffered the greatest defeat in the history of the world. This was the greatest. You can’t let that happen to me.”

They did.

Virginia. The vote for both legislative Houses. The Democrats won both. The Governor a Democrat. The Dems now control Virginia, a previously deep red state. The first time in years. Like winning a trifecta.

Mississippi. Remained Republican.

Trump attended a rally in Mississippi friday night. He intimated a close race. Claimed he was in Mississippi to “move the numbers from a tie to a big win.”

The Republicans won. Congratulations, Donald! A red state remained red.

Leave it to Trump to screw up. Sometimes inadvertently, others intentionally.

Since 1990, all Presidents have recognized the month of November as a time to recognize Native American Heritage. Trump opted to change the purpose of the month. He kept Native Americans on board. However, he added Founders Month. One to celebrate America’s founding fathers.

I thought they already received a ton of recognition during July and other times of the year.

Native Americans are upset. Seriously so.

In the background lurk Jennifer and Jack London. Founders of the National American History and Friends Month Organization headquartered n Virginia. They are Trump supporters and made significant contributions to his candidacy.

Another reason may stand silently in the background. Native Americans are people of color. Trump does not like people of color. He killed 2 birds with one stone by adding Founders to November. Satisfied a couple who support him and give an adverse shot to Native Americans at the same time.

Could we have expected less from our President?

This day in history one of exceptional importance. Two major events occurred.

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected President. In 1917, the Bolsheviks revolted in Russia by bombing the Winter Palace in Petrograd.

Last night Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. I shared with those listening the Harry Truman beard story reported in yesterday’s blog. I felt Truman’s “every day man” should be known to everyone. Not a stiff. A person you would enjoy having a beer with.

Doctor visit at 1. Dr. McIvor. My heart doctor. Follow up to the chest pains I experienced over the weekend.

College basketball officially begins tonight for Syracuse and me. Syracuse plays Virginia at 9 at the Carrier Dome. Virginia was #1 in the country last year. Favored tonight by 4.5 points.

Should be an interesting season. I think this is Boeheim’s last year. This year or next. If this year, I hope it is his finest. A man loved and respected.

Enjoy your day!